title: Albuquerque Man Charged with Threatening FBI Agent Over Seized Firearms

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been charged with threatening an FBI special agent during a phone call in which he allegedly demanded the return of firearms seized during a prior federal search warrant. According to court documents, on July 14, 2026, Alejandro Moya , 36, contacted the FBI Albuquerque Field Office seeking the return of firearms that had been seized during a 2020 federal search warrant. During the call, Moya allegedly stated that he was “tired of playing games” and wanted his firearms returned. Later that day, an FBI special agent contacted Moya by telephone regarding the request. During the call, Moya allegedly threatened the agent, stating, “Give me my fucking shit or I’m gonna kill you,” and “I will fucking cut your head off.” Moya allegedly continued making threats, telling the agent, “You’re fucking dead,” and challenging the agent to meet him at a residence in Albuquerque for a confrontation. Court documents allege that Moya knew he was speaking with an FBI agent when he made the threats. Moya is charged with interstate threatening communications. Post initial appearance, Moya was released on his own recognizance and is expected to appear in court on July 20, 2026, for a combined preliminary and detention hearing. If convicted of the current charges, Moya faces up to five years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Two Essex County Men Charged in Fentanyl and Cocaine Seizure

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Two Essex County men were charged on Tuesday with trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine and firearm offenses in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Ramon Suero, 45, and Franklin Mambru, 39, both of Newark, New Jersey, were charged in a criminal complaint before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais in Newark federal court with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Suero is also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Suero and Mambru trafficked multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics out of a residential building in Newark, New Jersey. Following an investigation, on July 14, 2026, Suero and Mambru were arrested after law enforcement executed a search on the building. Narcotics were found throughout the building. Law enforcement recovered approximately 16 kilograms of fentanyl and 900 grams of cocaine during the search, some of which were in a hidden trap compartment that was operated remotely by key fobs. Law enforcement also recovered a firearm equipped with a large capacity magazine containing approximately 51 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition. The counts charging Suero and Mambru with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine each carry a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The count charging Suero and Mambru with maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500,000. The count charging Suero with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Finally, the count charging Suero with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed, and a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Botwinick of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel for Ramon Suero: Tatiana Nnaji, Esq. Defense counsel for Franklin Mambru: Frederick R. Dunne, III, Esq. sueroetal.complaint.pdf


title: Morris County Man Sentenced to 288 Months in Prison for Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, as well as Narcotics and Firearm Offenses, Including the Possession of Multiple Assault Rifles

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County man was sentenced to 288 months in prison for the attempted murder of a federal officer, as well as narcotics offenses and possession of 18 firearms, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Maloy Amador, 44, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court following his guilty plea to a four-count information charging him with attempted murder of a federal officer, discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. “Attempting to murder a federal law enforcement officer is among the most serious crimes our office prosecutes. The men and women of federal law enforcement put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities, and this case—where the defendant fired a gun at a federal officer—is a stark reminder of just how dangerous and life-threatening that mission can be. Anyone who chooses to meet law enforcement with violence will face the full weight of the federal justice system.” - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer “Mr. Amador pled guilty today to a number of charges, to include the most serious charge of attempted murder of a federal officer. In August 2025, while federal agents were executing a court authorized search warrant, Amador discharged his assault rifle at the officers with a projectile striking at least one of the officers in the vest. The FBI takes any degree of assault on a federal officer with the utmost seriousness and will see that justice is served,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “This guilty plea underscores the grave danger our officers face when they put on the uniform,” said New York Director of Field Operations Frank Russo of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “During this operation, one of our CBP officers later discovered bullet fragments embedded in his protective vest—an alarming reminder of how close we came to a very different outcome. We are grateful he was not physically injured, and I commend his skill, composure, and bravery in going through that door in an extremely dangerous situation. CBP will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that those who target law enforcement are held fully accountable.” “This is a reminder of the dangers that the men and women of law enforcement put themselves in on a daily basis to keep our communities safe,” stated DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “We are very fortunate that no members of law enforcement were injured or killed during this operation. In light of these dangers, we will continue to pursue those seeking to break the law.” “ATF remains steadfast in its commitment to identifying and holding accountable anyone who commits violence against law enforcement officers or engages in criminal activity. This plea demonstrates our shared resolve and unified approach to protecting our communities. We will continue to work alongside our partners at all levels to combat threats to public safety.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On August 13, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Amador’s residence in Parsippany, New Jersey, in connection with a narcotics and firearms investigation. After law enforcement entered Amador’s residence, Amador fired a gun toward law enforcement. Following an extended exchange of gunfire between Amador and law enforcement, Amador eventually surrendered, and law enforcement placed him under arrest. At some point during the exchange of gunfire, Amador was struck in the arm. After Amador’s arrest, one of the officers who entered Amador’s residence discovered that a bullet had struck his agency‑issued electronic control device, leaving a hole in the device, and bullet fragments embedded in his ballistic vest. During a search of Amador’s residence, law enforcement recovered over two kilograms of narcotics and 18 firearms, including multiple assault rifles. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kirsch sentenced Amador to four years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited officers and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, New York Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Israel Colon; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle; the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll; and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard Pantina. This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 26-155 ### Defense Counsel: Laura Sayler, Esq.


title: Essex County Man Convicted of Narcotics Trafficking Offenses Following Trial

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, N.J., man was convicted yesterday by a federal jury for his involvement in a significant drug trafficking organization operating in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Samuel Alectus, a/k/a “Capet,” 37, of Newark, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine following a jury trial that began on July 13, 2026 before United States District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2026. According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: Alectus was a member of a drug trafficking organization that had a significant presence in New Jersey. On January 27, 2022, Alectus met up with Heidy Valdez at his apartment in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the drug trafficking organization was storing more than 100 kilograms of cocaine. Valdez put approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine from that stash into Alectus’ car, which Alectus drove to another apartment in Linden, New Jersey. Valdez then carried the cocaine into the Linden apartment, while Alectus left to purchase narcotics packaging materials. When Alectus returned to the Linden apartment, he and Valdez repackaged the cocaine to make it look similar to fake kilograms of cocaine they had created. When Alectus and Valdez left, they put bags containing approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 9 fake kilograms into their vehicles. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement seized bags containing kilograms of cocaine from Alectus’ car and from Valdez. Law enforcement then searched the Linden apartment, where they found a large hydraulic kilogram press, narcotics packaging materials, a digital scale, and kilogram stamps. For each offense of conviction, Alectus faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a fine of up to $10 million. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, with the investigation leading to the conviction. The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and Jake Nussbaum, of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark. 26-156 ### Defense counsel: Robert J. DeGroot and Oleg Nekritin, Esqs. alectus.supersedingindictment.pdf


title: Career Offender Sentenced to 96 Months for Drug and Firearms Offenses

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Paterson, New Jersey man was sentenced on July 15, 2026 to 96 months of imprisonment for his role in trafficking drugs and firearms, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Rahameen Newkirk, 46, of Paterson, New Jersey, previously plead guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams to an Information charging him with one count of being a felon in possession, one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In 2020 and 2021, and as part of a lengthy investigation into the illegal trafficking of firearms and narcotics in Paterson, New Jersey, undercover law enforcement purchased three AR-style rifles, as well as fentanyl and cocaine base from Newkirk. Newkirk made thousands of dollars from this illegal activity. Newkirk’s prior state convictions for distribution of controlled substances qualified him to be sentenced as a “career offender” under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, significantly increasing his sentencing exposure. In addition to the prison term, Judge Williams sentenced Newkirk to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer thanks special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs in Philadelphia. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Criminal Division. ### Defense counsel: Gary Mizzone, Esq.


component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Three Nashua Residents Arrested for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, in New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force Investigation CONCORD – Three individuals from Nashua have been charged with trafficking controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Rony Guzman-Encarnacion, 31, and Sabrina Cespedes, 27, both of Nashua, were arrested on a complaint yesterday and charged with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Bryan Guzman, 24, also of Nashua, was arrested yesterday and charged with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. According to charging documents and statements, Guzman-Encarnacion and Cespedes sold methamphetamine to law enforcement in a controlled drug purchase. Guzman is alleged to have sold fentanyl pills to law enforcement in a controlled drug purchase. The details in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force is leading the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hudson Police Department, Nashua Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasir Sadat is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.


title: Omaha Woman Sentenced to 18 Months for Wire Fraud

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Tamara Ricceri-Wolf, 60, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 8, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for one count of wire fraud. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ricceri-Wolf to 18 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ricceri-Wolf’s release from prison, she will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Judge Buescher ordered Ricceri-Wolf to pay restitution in the amount of $635,935.05. An investigation conducted by the FBI determined that between 2018 and December 2022, Ricceri-Wolf, as the Financial Manager for an Omaha company, had access to the company’s financial information and bank accounts. Beginning in 2019 and continuing through at least 2022, Ricceri-Wolf devised a scheme to defraud or to obtain money from the Omaha company, which involved opening American Express credit cards in the name of both the company and company’s owner without knowledge or authorization. After opening the American Express credit cards, Ricceri-Wolf made personal purchases using the credit cards for her own benefit and without authorization. Ricceri-Wolf would use her position as a Financial Manager to make payments from the company’s bank accounts on balances associated with the American Express credit cards. Ricceri-Wolf caused to be made approximately 106 unauthorized payments to American Express totaling at least $538,428.26. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Omaha Police Department Dismantles Methamphetamine Conspiracy Located at Airbnb Rental

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Ricardo Gutierrez-Castillo, Eric Luviano-Cabrera and Heleodoro Luviano-Castillo were sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced all three to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After their release from prison, all will begin a five-year term of supervised release. On January 2, 2025, investigators with the Omaha Police Department received a tip from the owner of a South Omaha Airbnb who observed suspicious behavior from the renters, including bringing in large pots and pans, large bags of what looked like salt, and fans. On January 3, investigators observed two individuals loading large totes from the Airbnb into a vehicle. Investigators stopped the vehicle and identified Gutierrez-Castillo, 25, of Elkin, North Carolina, as the driver. Inside the vehicle, 33 kilograms of pure methamphetamine were found in the totes. After Gutierrez-Castillo was arrested, investigators took Eric Luviano-Cabrera, 41, and Heleodoro Luviano-Castillo, 41, both of Mexico and illegally present in the U.S., into custody. A search warrant on the Airbnb found a makeshift laboratory intended to separate methamphetamine concealed within other compounds. They also found an additional 15 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods said, “Methamphetamine is a toxic poison undermining the safety and strength of our communities, and the Omaha Police Department should be commended for tearing down this criminal organization and disrupting the flow of this hazard substance into Nebraska from Mexico.” This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: Nebraska Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years for Methamphetamine Charge

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Leonel DeLeon, 64, of Wahoo, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 10, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced DeLeon to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After DeLeon’s release from prison, he will serve a 10-year term of supervised release. DeLeon was charged as a result of his involvement with a Mexico source of supply of methamphetamine who supplies the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, areas with methamphetamine via a local network of drug couriers. Between February 8, 2024, and June 21, 2024, law enforcement utilized cooperating witnesses who contacted the Mexican source and ordered quantities of methamphetamine. On May 29, 2024, after an order was placed with the source, Deleon delivered more than 50 grams of methamphetamine to a cooperating witness at an Omaha location. The investigation revealed that on four other occasions Deleon delivered additional quantities of methamphetamine to cooperators at Omaha locations. On July 2, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Deleon’s Omaha apartment and seized 60 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, USPIS, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, and assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years for Drug Distribution Conspiracy and Gun Charge

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Peter Jacobsson, 39, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 9, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine with a prior conviction and one count of use or carry of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Jacobsson to a total of 244 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Jacobsson’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Jacobsson was a member of a conspiracy to sell methamphetamine in the Lincoln and Omaha areas between February 2022 and March 2025. In September 2024, an undercover officer (UC) made three controlled purchases from Jacobsson. On September 9, 2024, the UC purchased 47 grams of methamphetamine actual. On September 12, 2024, the same UC purchased 52 grams of methamphetamine actual. Lastly, on September 19, 2024, the UC purchased another 51 grams of methamphetamine actual. On October 16, 2024, Jacobsson was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle. He had 41.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine and a 9mm handgun in his possession. Jacobsson’s cell phone was seized and searched pursuant to a search warrant. The phone contained text messages, owe notes, and other communications with co-defendant Ramon Gaytan and others which were consistent with drug distribution. Co-defendant Gaytan pleaded guilty to similar charges and is currently scheduled for sentencing on October 15, 2026, before United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis. An additional co-defendant is currently scheduled for a status conference on July 24, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca. This case was investigated by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.


title: Iowa Woman Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Vallene Marie Bell, 35, of Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on July 9, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Bell to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Bell is released from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. This case involves a Mexico source of supply of methamphetamine who supplies the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, areas with methamphetamine via a local network of drug couriers. Customers order the drugs from the source who then sends a courier to meet them and complete the transaction. The defendants named in the indictment are local couriers, organizers, and customers operating in Nebraska and Iowa who distribute and buy the source’s drugs. On September 9, 2024, law enforcement, while conducting surveillance, observed the defendant and co-defendant Michelle Renee Horton meet with co-defendant Emerson Reyes-Andrade at an Omaha location and conduct what officers believed was a drug transaction. Following the transaction, Iowa State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle the defendant and Horton were riding in after they traveled into Iowa. A canine unit arrived during the stop and Horton consented to the canine’s deployment which resulted in a positive indication to the odor of narcotics coming from within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of one pound of methamphetamine. Horton was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment on May 19, 2026. Reyes-Andrade was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment on July 2, 2026. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, USPIS, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, and assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.


title: Former Bank CFO Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment for Bank Fraud Scheme Involving a Car Wash and Undisclosed Debts in $4.3 Million Loan Fraud

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Aaron T. Luneke, 44, of Columbus, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after being convicted by a federal jury of committing bank fraud and attempted bank fraud in connection with loans he sought to build and operate a Legacy Express Wash, a car wash in Columbus. United States District Brian C. Buescher sentenced Luneke to 36 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Luneke will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Judge Buescher ordered Luneke to pay a $10,000 fine. The jury found that Luneke attempted to defraud Stearns Bank, located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, by using fraudulent and inflated contractor invoices to artificially inflate the valuation of the car wash property in pursuit of a $3.5 million refinancing loan. Further evidence at trial established that Luneke failed to disclose significant personal debts owed to family members in connection with the Stearns Bank loan application. The jury also found that Luneke defrauded Bank of the Valley by submitting fraudulent and inflated invoices from contractors as the basis for additional construction loan proceeds, obtaining two loans totaling approximately $4,320,000. At the sentencing, Judge Buescher found that Luneke’s abuse of his position as Chief Financial Officer at Bank of the Valley significantly facilitated the commission and concealment of the fraud against the victim bank. The Court further determined that Luneke employed sophisticated means to carry out the scheme; served an aggravating role by organizing, leading, managing, or supervising others in executing aspects of the fraud; obstructed justice by providing false testimony during trial; and caused a victim to suffer substantial financial hardship. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Field Office; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General. The case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sean Lynch and Sarah Hinrichs and tried with the assistance of Special Assistant United States Attorney Alejandro A. Abreu.


title: Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years on Methamphetamine Charges

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Fernando Hernandez, 45, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on July 10, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having been found guilty by a jury trial of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Hernandez to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hernandez’s release from prison, he will serve a ten-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Hernandez forfeited any claim to more than $30,000 and a vehicle seized during the investigation. Hernandez was charged because of his involvement with a Mexican source of supply of methamphetamine who supplies the Omaha and Council Bluffs areas. Hernandez was a local courier who was distributing the methamphetamine in Nebraska and Iowa. On October 2, 2025, law enforcement utilized a cooperating witness who ordered one pound of methamphetamine from the Mexican source who sent the cooperator to an Omaha location where Hernandez delivered one pound of methamphetamine. After the delivery, Hernandez was seen meeting with other parties who were later stopped and found in possession of one pound of methamphetamine and $4,000. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, USPIS, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, and assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.


title: Individual who fired a machinegun at a residence in Amarillo pleads guilty

body_text: AMARILLO, Texas – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, today announced that Azaiah Nathaniel Zuniga-Valle pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun in connection with a March 22 shooting at a house party in Amarillo. Zuniga-Valle, 20, was indicted in April. “Zuniga-Valle showed a wanton disregard for public safety when he recklessly fired an illegally altered fully automatic weapon at a house he knew was filled with folks,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “These types of Glock switches turn ordinary firearms into machine guns. I’m grateful for the swift action of the Amarillo police together with our federal partners in investigating and prosecuting this case. I will continue to increase our federal presence in the Amarillo Division to crush violent crime. More to come, but the criminals in and around Amarillo should be worried. I’m coming for you.” “Illegally possessing a machinegun undermines the safety of our North Texas communities. This plea demonstrates the importance of partnerships in combatting violent crime,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to identify and apprehend violent criminals.” According to plea papers, on March 22, Amarillo Police Department officers were dispatched to the 300 Block of South Mississippi Street in response to a reported shooting. After speaking with victims and witnesses, APD officers learned that an individual, KJ, who hosted a party had observed a male with a rifle and asked the subject to leave. The subject with the rifle left the party, and the house was immediately struck by multiple bullets. Shortly before this, JA, another subject attending the party, videoed the male with the rifle that was asked to leave. The video depicted the rifle with the receiver open and an attachment inside that appeared to be an auto sear device, which would allow the firearm to function as a machinegun. JA provided this video clip to investigators. Surveillance video obtained from the vicinity of where the shooting occurred showed what appeared to be a subject standing behind an SUV. The camera recorded the sound of multiple shots fired in rapid succession. The speed at which the shots were fired was consistent with fully automatic gunfire. Through further investigation, officers identified Azaiah Nathaniel Zuniga-Valle as the person that had the rifle at the party. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Zuniga-Valle. Plea papers further revealed that on March 24, an unnamed male called APD dispatch and stated that the subject that was involved in the shooting on Mississippi Street pointed a gun at him and forced him to give him a ride to the Wal-Mart in Hereford, Texas. This information was passed on to Hereford Police Department, who dispatched officers to the scene and arrested Zuniga-Valle inside of a car that was in the parking lot. They also found a Glock pistol under the driver’s seat. During a post-Miranda statement given to task force officers with the FBI, Zuniga-Valle made several admissions. When was asked about the rifle that was discharged at the party on March 22, he admitted that he bought the rifle approximately one year ago from Gebo’s in Hereford and the rifle should be in his name. He further admitted to trading a disposable vape device for the “drop-in” attachment that makes the firearm function as a machinegun and that he did not obtain a permit from ATF to own a machinegun. Zuniga-Valle said he got into a verbal altercation with a subject at the party on Mississippi Street. After he departed the residence, Zuniga-Valle said he heard gunfire from the front porch area, so he pulled out his rifle and shot at the house. He estimated he fired 30 rounds and his rifle functioned as a machinegun. Zuniga-Valle stated that after the shooting he traded the rifle he had used for the Glock pistol that was found in the car. Zuniga-Valle admitted he placed the Glock pistol under the driver’s seat when he saw officers approaching the car. Zuniga-Valle remains in federal custody pending sentencing before U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk. His sentencing date has not been set. Zuniga-Valle faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The FBI, the Amarillo Police Department, and the Hereford Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey R. Haag is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Career Offender Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Offenses

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

body_text: AKRON, Ohio, – A Summit County man, who has been designated, federally, as a career offender, has been sentenced to prison for drug trafficking after a two-year long investigation. Robert Parham, 55, of Akron, was sentenced to 247 months (20.5 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster after pleading guilty in March to the following charges as outlined in the indictment: Three Counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm; prior convictions include Aggravating Trafficking in Drugs and Trafficking in Cocaine in 2018; Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs and Trafficking in Drugs in 2013; Complicity to Commit Burglary in 2005; and Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs in 1995. Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Four Counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine Possession of a Machine Gun Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises In late 2023, federal agents began investigating suspected drug trafficking occurring throughout the Akron, Ohio, area. On July 2, 2024, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Parham’s apartment in Akron where they seized: 178 grams of methamphetamine 142 grams of cocaine 355 grams of fentanyl Drug trafficking paraphernalia, including plastic baggies, a digital scale, kilo presses, blenders, and cutting agent. 28 firearms, including two stolen firearms. One firearm was outfitted with an attached machine gun conversion device. Marijuana, ecstasy tablets, three cellphones, and $1907.88 in U.S. currency. The investigation leading to the indictment was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the FBI Akron Resident Agency and the Akron Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo for the Northern District Ohio led the prosecution.


title: New Jersey Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for  Role in Multi-State Prescription Fraud Ring

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – On July 8, 2026, Bryan Otero, age 38, of Wood Ridge, New Jersey, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiring to commit health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. Otero’s sentencing followed the creation of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The announcement was made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Otero previously admitted that from April 2023 through October 2024, he worked with Cierra Washington and others to steal the personally identifiable information of Medicaid beneficiaries and use that information to fraudulently obtain prescription medications from pharmacies throughout the Northeastern United States. He further admitted that the conspiracy caused a loss of nearly $4 million to the New York Medicaid program and tens of thousands of dollars to pharmacies. “Healthcare fraud drains critical taxpayer resources and undermines care for the patients who need it most,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone . “Under the leadership of President Trump and the Department of Justice’s Fraud Division, my office, alongside our partners, remains committed to holding accountable individuals like Mr. Otero, who attempt to defraud American taxpayers and prey on patients within our healthcare system.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli said, “Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime. It targets a vulnerable population demographic that relies on the assistance it provides. It also drives the cost of healthcare up for every American. This sentence proves the FBI will not stand by while fraudsters like Mr. Otero take advantage of invaluable government programs designed to help Americans who need it most.” "This conspiracy was built on the theft and misuse of vulnerable beneficiaries’ personal information, and it inflicted significant losses on a program designed to deliver essential care," said Naomi D. Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) . "Identity theft-based prescription fraud not only undermines public trust in Medicaid but also puts patients at risk when their information is exploited for criminal gain. HHS OIG remains committed to working with our partners to protect program funds, safeguard beneficiary information, and ensure that those who engage in schemes like this are held fully accountable." To date, the government has successfully recovered over $1.1 million in assets from Otero, which will be applied to restitution to the victims of Otero’s crimes. Otero was also ordered to pay an additional $3 million in restitution and serve a term of supervised release of 3 years after he is released from prison. Cierra Washington and another co-defendant, Raven White, have pled guilty for their roles in the conspiracy. White is scheduled to be sentenced on August 4, 2026, and Washington is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14, 2026. The FBI, HHS-OIG, and the New York State Comptroller’s Office are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Former Suburban Chicago Police Chief Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Bribery and Obstruction of Justice

body_text: CHICAGO — The former Chief of Police in the village of Summit, Ill., has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for corruptly accepting money from a local businessman to help facilitate the transfer of a liquor license. A jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago in December 2025 convicted JOHN KOSMOWSKI, 58, of Lockport, Ill., of bribery conspiracy, bribery, and obstruction of justice. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger sentenced Kosmowski to three years in federal prison. Evidence at trial revealed that Kosmowski conspired with a Summit building inspector—WILLIAM MUNDY—to accept $10,000 from businessman KRZYSTOF HODUREK in 2017. Kosmowski and Mundy accepted the money intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with the transfer of a liquor license to another person. Kosmowski received a cash payment from Hodurek in 2017 and then gave Mundy a portion of it. Mundy pleaded guilty prior to trial to bribery and tax offenses. He is awaiting sentencing. Hodurek pleaded guilty last year to a federal wire fraud charge in connection with an unrelated scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits from the state of Illinois. As part of his guilty plea, Hodurek admitted to participating in the bribery scheme with Kosmowski and Mundy. Hodurek is awaiting sentencing. The obstruction conviction against Kosmowski stemmed from a meeting he had with Mundy in which Kosmowski informed Mundy of the federal investigation into the bribe. During the meeting, Kosmowski sought to corruptly persuade Mundy to mischaracterize the purpose of the payment by falsely suggesting that it was a loan. Kosmowski’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Marta Grijalva, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. “Defendant was a sworn law enforcement official who put personal profit over the public that he had a duty to protect,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Corruption by law enforcement officials strikes at the heart of government, eroding public confidence in those very officials that the public trusts to ensure their safety.”


title: Media Advisory

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: There will be a press conference held on July 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the offices of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa located at the Ho-Chunk Building in Sioux City, Iowa. United States Attorney Leif Olson will announce the results of the sentencings of Floyd Clifford Coates and Dennis Lawson that will occur earlier that afternoon. Coates and Lawson were linked to the death and disappearance of Sunny Sramek. Coates was convicted of various offenses related to drug trafficking, firearms, and obstruction of justice in federal court in November 2025 following an eleven-day trial. Lawson was convicted of threatening a witness. Mr. Olson will be joined by representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hitchcock County, Nebraska, Sheriff’s Office, the Goodland, Kansas, Police Department, and other agencies who contributed to the investigation and prosecution. Event Details When: Monday, July20, 2026 Where: Ho-Chunk Building, Suite 670, 600 4th Street, Sioux City, Iowa Time: 4:00 p.m. (Note: Start time could be delayed by court proceedings.) A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to  Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Offenses

body_text: A man who trafficked methamphetamine on multiple occasions in the Webster County, Iowa, area was sentenced July 16, 2026, to 13 years in federal prison. Tyler Mattingly, age 31, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 18, 2026, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. At the hearings, Mattingly admitted that in late 2024, he sold methamphetamine in the Webster County, Iowa, area to individuals cooperating with law enforcement on three separate occasions. On December 24, 2024, law enforcement officers attempted to on car driven by Mattingly in Carroll County, Iowa. Mattingly failed to stop and led officers on a pursuit, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour on gravel roads. Mattingly also had a passenger in the car. Officers deployed stop sticks and Mattingly struck them, disabling his car. Law enforcement officers found drug distribution items in the car. Along the route of the pursuit, officers found approximately 145 grams of discarded methamphetamine. As part of their investigation, law enforcement officers obtained evidence of Mattingly receiving methamphetamine from his source of supply and providing it to others. Mattingly was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mattingly was sentenced to 156 months’ imprisonment for each count to run concurrently. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system. Mattingly is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-03056. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Tallahassee Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Federal Prison for Communicating Threats to Injure Children

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Demetrius Alpha Omega Murray, 33, has been sentenced to 64 months in federal prison as a result of his guilty plea to six-counts of interstate communication of threats to injure children. The threats caused the lockdown of three Tallahassee-area public schools, and the closing of the campuses on several other area public and private schools. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the quick investigative work by our local law enforcement partners, this dangerous individual was caught before he could act on the dangerous criminal threats he made, and this successful prosecution by my office ensures he will be kept behind bars where he belongs for several years. Anyone who makes violent criminal threats, especially directed toward innocent children, will face aggressive prosecution by my office.” Court records show that on November 14, 2025, the defendant made contact with representatives of a California law firm that was attempting to collect the defendant’s defaulted business loan. During the contact, which included multiple telephone calls and emails, the defendant threatened to commit a school shooting if the firm continued its collection efforts, directing his threats at students at Kate Sullivan Elementary School. The threats were accompanied by a video that the defendant recorded as he sat in a parked vehicle beside the school playground, during which he directed his threats towards children playing nearby and brandished a 9-millimeter handgun to illustrate his threats were serious. The threats to commit violence were quickly relayed to law enforcement in the Tallahassee area, including the Tallahassee Police Department and Leon County Sheriff’s Office, resulting in the lockdown of Kate Sullivan Elementary School, as well as Cobb Middle School and Leon High School, both of which are located in close proximity. Investigators were quickly able to locate the defendant in Gadsden County, where he was taken into custody by the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. Murray admitted to investigators he had made the telephonic and email threats and directed officers to the location of the handgun he had been pictured with earlier. Investigators recovered the handgun, which matched the weapon pictured during the video he had recorded while parked beside the Kate Sullivan playground. “When someone threatens violence against our schools, we respond immediately and with every available resource,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “These cases create real fear for students, parents, and educators, and we will continue working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to identify those responsible and hold them accountable. I am incredibly grateful for the collaborative efforts that led to this sentence.” As part of the sentence, upon release Murray will be required to serve three years on supervised release and undergo mental health evaluation and treatment. The case was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K Mountin. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Registered Sex Offender Found Guilty of Attempting to Entice a Minor for Sex

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – David A. Girard, 70, of Robertsdale, Alabama, was found guilty by a jury in federal court of attempted enticement of a minor, traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of illicit sexual conduct, and committing a felony involving a minor while being a registered sex offender. The conviction was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This repeat sex offender has clearly shown that the only way to ensure the safety of our kids from his sexual predations is to keep him locked behind bars. The threats our kids face online are growing, but our excellent law enforcement partners are up to the task to stay one step ahead of predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children. For our part, my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes to ensure these sick individuals are removed from our communities for as long as possible.” Evidence at trial demonstrated that in October 2025, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with other law enforcement partners, conducted an undercover operation directed at identifying people who were soliciting minors online for sex. On October 17, 2025, the defendant began talking with someone he believed was a fourteen-year-old child. He told the purported child the sexual acts he wanted to perform on the child and arranged a meeting location in Pensacola, Florida. When the defendant traveled to meet the purported child at the agreed upon location, he was arrested by law enforcement. Electronic evidence seized pursuant to a search warrant confirmed the defendant had, in fact, talked to the person he believed was a child and traveled to meet him. Girard faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on Count 1, and up to 30 years’ imprisonment on Count 2. Girard faces a mandatory 10-year term of imprisonment on Count 3 consecutive to any sentence imposed on Count 1. This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol, and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Pensacola Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug & Gun Crimes

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Marcellous Likely-McWilliams III, 27, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am proud of the many successful prosecutions that my office has delivered under Operation Take Back America , as the Department of Justice devotes its full might toward removing violent, drug trafficking offenders, like this defendant, from our communities. The citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve safe, drug-free streets, and that is exactly what my office will deliver with continued aggressive prosecutions to back up the excellent work of our state and federal law enforcement partners on the front lines in the fight against crime.” Court documents reflect that on February 4, 2026, the defendant, a convicted felon legally prohibited from possessing firearms, was arrested wearing a backpack that contained a Glock 9-millimeter pistol, an additional 50-round drum magazine holding live ammunition, 69.7 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and various identification documents. The defendant initially resisted arrest, requiring one deputy to seek medical treatment. After his initial arrest, the defendant was placed in a patrol vehicle where he covertly slipped his handcuffs to the front of his body. He later kicked a deputy, and attempted to push the deputy away from the patrol car door as he tried to flee from the patrol vehicle before being transported to jail. The defendant faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute count; a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking count; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke A. Lindsay. Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute over 20,000 Carfentanil Pills

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An Arizona man has pleaded guilty to trafficking thousands of pills containing carfentanil into Birmingham, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. Ignacio Miguel Tirado-Castillo, of Arizona, pleaded guilty to conspiracy with intent to distribute and distribution of a fentanyl analogue and attempt to distribute a fentanyl analogue. In May 2025, Tirado-Castillo was charged by a federal grand jury in Birmingham, Alabama. According to court documents, on December 16, 2024, inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) in Denver contacted USPIS inspectors in Birmingham to notify them of a suspicious package sent from Phoenix, Arizona, to Midfield, Alabama. An inspector was at the post office when the package arrived and took custody of it. A K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the package. The inspector obtained a federal search warrant for the package. Inside the package was approximately 20,300 “M-30” pills containing carfentanil. Carfentanil is an analogue of the fentanyl compound and is approximately 100 times more potent that fentanyl. Inspectors subsequently identified the mailer as Tirado-Castillo, and he admitted to mailing the package. Surveillance photo of Tirado-Castillo mailing the package According to filings in the case, a search of Tirado-Castillo’s iCloud account revealed additional evidence of criminal activity, including pictures of various firearms, including stolen firearms, being transported to Mexico. Other iCloud evidence included brutal depictions and discussions of cartel-associated violence, including a video of a decapitation. Tirado-Castillo is also facing charges for similar conduct in the District of Nebraska. Agents arrested Tirado-Castillo in Arizona for the Nebraska case and, at that time, discovered an additional 25 pounds of carfentanil in his apartment. "Thanks to the dedicated work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, thousands of lethal carfentanil pills were intercepted before they made their way onto our streets," said U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. "We will continue to leverage every resource to protect our communities from those who would destroy them through the distribution of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues." “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in its collaboration with law enforcement partners, standing side by side to relentlessly pursue individuals infiltrating our communities with lethal narcotics like carfentanil,” said Shameka Jackson, Inspector in Charge of the USPIS Houston Division. “We remain committed in preventing these illicit substances from entering the U.S. mail system, protecting our postal employees, and safeguarding our community.” Packages destined for Birmingham containing over 20,000 carfentanil pills 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. USPIS investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison J. Garnett prosecuted the case.


title: Red Lake Man Sentenced to Over Five Years’ Imprisonment for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today that Leland Whitefeather, Sr., 77, was sentenced to 66 months for the sexual abuse of a minor. Whitefeather was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Laura M. Provinzino on July 15, 2026. Whitefeather, who was acting as a caretaker to the victims at the time, admitted to knowingly engaging in sexual acts with multiple minors, including at his home, within the boundaries of the Red Lake Indian Reservation between 2009 and 2019. After his release from custody, Whitefeather will be placed on sex offender supervision for a period of five years. “There’s not a higher priority for our office than protecting children. We will continue working closely with the FBI, the Red Lake Police Department, and all of our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who prey on the innocent,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “The FBI has no tolerance for child sexual abuse,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “Leland Whitefeather, Sr. admitted to the sexual abuse of three children on multiple occasions during the span of over nine years. His sentence to federal prison is deserved. The FBI and our partners with the Red Lake Tribal Police work diligently every day to protect the community and the children of the Red Lake Nation. We hope this sentence can be part of the healing process for this defendant’s victims and their families.” This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI and Red Lake Tribal Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Evan Gilead and Mary Riverso prosecuted the case.


title: Illegal Alien from England Sentenced for Entering the US Without Inspection and Lying to Federal Investigators

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A citizen of the United Kingdom was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for entering the United States without inspection and lying to federal investigators. U.S. Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison sentenced Hameed Mohammed Nagi , 21, to time served. Nagi pleaded guilty on June 8, 2026. According to court records, Nagi and three other men walked through the heavily wooded border between Quebec and Somerset County during the pre-dawn hours of April 3, 2026. Their point of entry was within a few hundred yards of the Saint Zacharie, Maine port of entry that was manned by agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (“OFO”). Upon exiting the woods, Nagi and his companions began walking down the Golden Road heading east. Passersby in the area reported to an OFO agent seeing the four men walking east on the Golden Road. The OFO agent reported the sighting to the U.S. Border Patrol (“USBP”) station in Jackman. A USBP agent and an OFO agent responded to the area of the sighting, located the four men and took them into custody without incident. When questioned about their citizenship, Nagi and his three companions stated they were citizens of the United Kingdom. The four were then transported back to the Jackman Border Patrol station. During subsequent questioning by FBI and USBP agents, Nagi maintained that he had not intentionally entered the United States. He falsely claimed that he and his friends were on a hike in Canada and had accidentally crossed into the U.S. Investigators later determined that Nagi had entered the country with the intention of working but was concerned he would not be granted a visa. Neither the FBI nor Homeland Security Investigations uncovered any evidence suggesting that Nagi and his companions intended to engage in any acts of violence. USBP, OFO, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI investigated the case. 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Watertown Pharmaceutical Company to Pay Nearly $4.7 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – EyePoint, Inc., formerly EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (EyePoint), has agreed to pay $4,678,981 to resolve allegations that it paid kickbacks to Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) to induce the ASCs to purchase its drug, DEXYCU. This scheme, the government alleges, violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act. The government contends that EyePoint’s unlawful scheme took two forms between January 2019 and March 2023: illegal payments from EyePoint to ASCs through an “Assurance Program;” and illegal payments from EyePoint to ASCs via the provision of free DEXYCU samples. The company, headquartered in Watertown, Mass., has admitted and accepted responsibility for the following facts. First, through its “Assurance Program,” EyePoint covered ASCs’ costs when federal insurance programs denied coverage of the drug, either by paying the ASCs cash or by providing them with free replacement DEXYCU. Second, EyePoint gave thousands of free samples to ASCs and the ASCs used the no-cost DEXYCU on patients whose commercial health insurance would not pay for the drug. The government alleges that EyePoint’s provision of no-cost samples induced ASCs to purchase and dispense DEXYCU reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE by eliminating the ASCs’ potential financial losses from commercial health insurers denying payment for DEXYCU. “As we have for years, our Office will continue to hold pharmaceutical manufacturers accountable for paying illegal kickbacks,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Through these efforts, we protect patients by removing providers’ financial incentives to prescribe or dispense products that may not be medically necessary for the patient and protect the public from fraud, waste and abuse.” “Kickbacks by pharmaceutical companies increase the cost of drugs used by patients and paid for by federal health care programs,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Civil Division will hold accountable anyone who pays unlawful kickbacks.” “Pharmaceutical companies that attempt to boost profits through unlawful kickbacks undermine the integrity of federal health care programs and betray the patients who rely on them,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). We will aggressively pursue any entity that seeks to corrupt medical decision making and will not hesitate to hold them accountable.” “As alleged, EyePoint’s unlawful scheme compromised safeguards meant to ensure that treatment decisions are made in the best interests of patients, not corporate profits,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs, and we will use every enforcement tool available to address conduct that seeks to undermine those protections.” In connection with the settlement, EyePoint entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Through separate agreements, Eyepoint will pay an additional $25,478 to certain participating states. The claims against EyePoint were brought under the whistleblower or qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the FCA, private parties may sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The relator will receive $791,768.74 from the proceeds of the settlement. The lawsuit is captioned United States, et al. ex rel. AFCE, LLC v. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , No 21-cv-120171. U.S. Attorney Foley, AAG Shumate, Acting Deputy IG Lampert and HHS-OIG SAC Coviello made the announcement today. This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and Trial Attorney Margaret F. Thomas of the Department of Justice’s Fraud Section.


title: Topeka sex offender sentenced for possessing child pornography

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: TOPEKA, KAN. – A convicted sex offender was sentenced to 151 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Joshua Craig Abel was also sentenced to five years in prison for a violation of supervised release. A federal judge ordered the sentences to run consecutive to one another. According to court documents, a federal jury convicted Abel, 44, of Topeka of one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child pornography. In April 2023, a person in the woods on private land found several storage containers covered with camouflage netting. Among the items in the containers were cellphones, computers, external hard drives, and mail addressed to Joshua Abel. Soon after the discovery, the contents were turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Forensic experts found over 28,000 images and 850 videos of CSAM. Abel stood trial in December 2025, and a jury found him guilty. Abel was previously convicted of distribution of child pornography in February of 2011 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. He was found to have distributed approximately 3,900 CSAM images in that case. “After previously being prosecuted for distributing CSAM, Mr. Able tried to hide his stash of perverse material in the woods not caring that it could be stumbled upon by anyone,” said U.S Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Thankfully, a responsible person did the right thing by reporting the discovery to the proper authorities so this illegal activity could be brought to justice. If you see something, please say something to law enforcement.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Walton prosecuted the case. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Criminal illegal alien sentenced for reentry into U.S. after deportation

body_text: TOPEKA, KAN. – An illegal alien from Honduras was sentenced to 24 months in prison for returning to the United States after previously being deported. According to court documents, Jose Alfredo Galiano-Meza, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of reentry of a removed alien. Galiano-Meza will be transferred to federal prison after he completes a sentence he is currently serving in the Kansas Department of Corrections. In November 2022, Galiano-Meza was sentenced in Kansas state court to 68 months of incarceration following a fatal automobile accident in Lawrence. “Mr. Galiano-Meza was deported in 2013 and again in 2018. That was years before his arrest for causing a crash that killed a child,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “If the U.S. government deports someone, that person is committing a federal crime and a felony by returning to our country without permission from the government.” Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case. ###


title: Leader Of Violent Extremist Terror Network “Cultists” Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Kalana Limkin, 20, of Hilo, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison (the statutory maximum) followed by 20 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography. Limkin pled guilty without a plea agreement on February 13, 2025. Limkin, the co-founder and ringleader of an online violent nihilistic extremist (“NVE”) group known as “Cultists,” pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on February 13, 2025. The charge was part of a broader course of depraved conduct in which Limkin and Cultists members engaged. According to information presented to the Court at sentencing, Cultists became a well-known and highly recognizable brand within the larger NVE community in part due to the shock value of the content and activities within its servers and digital spaces. Cultists members collaborated to victimize children in a systematic attempt to trigger social collapse and topple the current world order. Limkin used Cultists to incite children to self-mutilate, broadcast sexual acts, and film their own suicides. By desensitizing them to gore and child sexual abuse material, Cultists groomed these minors for future violent behavior. Limkin showed one minor victim an image of a 5-year-old girl getting raped to desensitize her. He sent naked pictures of her to her friends and attempted to groom her by making her take nude photos of her younger siblings. As Limkin explained to another of his minor victims, he “took advantage of the mentally unstable because they were easy to manipulate.” Limkin extorted a third victim with her own sexual abuse material to convince her to commit suicide. In the recorded video chat, Limkin proclaimed, “We want her to die. Yes, we do. That’s the whole point of this. I threatened to leak everything.” “Limkin represents a growing and depraved group of violent extremists who target vulnerable juveniles online for the sick pleasure they derive from causing their young impressionable victims to commit acts of self-harm, at times even encouraging them to commit suicide,” said United States Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will tirelessly pursue and charge those who weaponize the internet to gain possession of child pornography and the reprehensible pleasure they seek to gain from urging children to commit acts of self-harm and mutilation.” “Limkin—and the predatory, nihilistic extremist group Cultists—utilized heinous, sadistic online exploitation tactics to prey on children, forcing them into a cycle of self-harm, violence, and abuse,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI and our partners will exhaust every resource to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from online predators, and continue our efforts to dismantle these violent extremist networks, pull their members from the shadows of the internet, and bring justice to their doorstep.” FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mohammad Khatib prosecuted the case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.


title: Smithfield man pleads guilty to illegally selling the firearm used in the campus shooting at Old Dominion University

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – Kenya Mcchell Chapman, 32, of Smithfield, pled guilty today to dealing in firearms without a license in connection with the March 12 shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU), and with three counts of making false statements during purchases of firearms. On March 12, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, committed a terrorist shooting at ODU in Norfolk during an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) class, killing one victim and wounding two more. According to court documents, a review of Jalloh’s cellphone revealed that one of the phone numbers most frequently contacted in the week prior to the shooting was Chapman’s, with the most recent call occurring minutes before the shooting. Law enforcement searched Chapman’s residence on March 13 and located ammunition consistent with ammunition used in the firearm recovered from the ODU shooting. The serial number of the firearm was partially altered or obliterated. Chapman stole the firearm from a vehicle in Newport News a year before the ODU shooting and sold it to Jalloh the night before the shooting. USAO EDVA USAO EDVA Jalloh was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2016 of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. As a previously convicted felon, Jalloh could not legally purchase or possess firearms or ammunition. In addition, according to court documents, in 2021, Chapman purchased three firearms that were recovered from crime scenes shortly afterward. Two were recovered from the scene of a homicide and another was recovered from a public intoxication arrest. Chapman is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18 and faces up to 35 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Luke Bresnahan are prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-34.


title: Collin County man charged with child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – An Allen man has been arrested and charged with federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Sanjay Sachithanandham, 44, was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor; transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, conspiracy; and engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. Sachithanandham appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bill Davis on July 16, 2026. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . This case is being investigated by the Allen Police Department and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey. It is important to note that an indictment or arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. ###


title: Knoxville Man Arrested For Transmitting Threats To Kill Public Officals

component: Criminal Investigative Division (FBI)

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Garry Lee Williams, 44, of Knoxville, was arrested on July 16, 2026, in Knoxville by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on a complaint involving the interstate transmission of threats to kill public officials. An initial appearance was held today, Friday, July 17, 2026, in United States District Court in Knoxville, before the Honorable Debra C. Poplin, United States Magistrate Judge. The next scheduled hearing is a preliminary hearing set for August 25, 2026, at 1:30pm, before Judge Poplin. A trial will be scheduled at a later date. The details of the complaint, which include numerous threats to kill public officials, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), are outlined in the arrest warrant and supporting affidavit to the complaint, which are filed as public records in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. In summary, the affidavit alleges that Williams made repeated posts and videos on social media, including TikTok, in which Williams threatened to kill President Donald J. Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, and Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel. United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge, Terence G. Reilly, of the Nashville Field Office of the FBI, made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney David P. Lewen, Jr. will represent the United States in this case. Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. ###


title: Berks County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Dr. Habib Bhatti, 44, of Barto, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; one count of use of an interstate commerce facility to entice a minor, and attempt to entice a minor, to engage in sexual conduct; two counts of production of child pornography; and two counts of possessing child pornography. The defendant was arrested on a criminal complaint and warrant in September 2025 and charged by information this June, arising from his traveling across the country to meet minors to engage in commercial sex acts, secretly recording himself engaging in sex acts with minors, and possession of child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”). With today’s plea, he has waived prosecution by indictment. As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from about July 2024 to November 2024, Bhatti used the internet to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce Minor Victim #1 into engaging in sexual activity that would constitute a criminal offense, specifically, attempted statutory sexual assault. Then, in or about November 2024, Bhatti traveled from Pennsylvania to California intending to engage in illicit sexual conduct with Minor Victim #1 and Minor Victim #2. As further detailed, in December of 2018, in Philadelphia, the defendant sexually exploited Minor Victim #3 and Minor Victim #4, persuading each minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of those acts. Bhatti also possessed multiple devices containing CSAM, with at least one of the minors depicted a prepubescent child under 12 years of age. In addition to the offenses of conviction detailed above, as part of his plea agreement, Bhatti admitted committing offenses involving 24 additional minor girls. Generally, the defendant would meet the minor victims online and subsequently offer them money in exchange for sexually explicit photos and/or for in-person sexual encounters. The minor victims were between 14 and 17 years old at the time of the defendant’s crimes. For the purpose of determining Bhatti’s Sentencing Guidelines range, these additional offenses will be treated as if the defendant had been convicted of 24 additional counts of production of child pornography. Bhatti is scheduled to be sentenced on October 29 and faces a maximum possible term of life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (“CEOS”), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the FBI, with CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Kulik and Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of CEOS.


title: 30th Street Station Contractor and Its Owner Agree to $7.2 Million Resolution of Civil Claims Arising From Kickbacks Paid to Amtrak Official

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced today that Mark 1 Restoration Company (“Mark 1”) and its owner Mark Snedden have agreed to a $7,257,232.12 resolution of civil claims arising from kickbacks that Mark 1 paid to an Amtrak official to obtain favorable changes to a contract to renovate the façade of William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Snedden previously pleaded guilty to criminal charges arising out of the kickback scheme, as did Mark 1 executives Donald Seefeldt , Lee Maniatis, and Khaled Dallo. The criminal cases are United States v. Mark Snedden , No. 25-cr-120 (E.D. Pa.); United States v. Donald Seefeldt , No. 24-cr-419 (E.D. Pa.); United States v. Lee Maniatis , No. 24-cr-260 (E.D. Pa.); and United States v. Khaled Dallo , No. 24-cr-079 (E.D. Pa.). As detailed in the criminal informations and admitted by Snedden during his guilty plea, he and the other Mark 1 executives who pleaded guilty conspired to provide an Amtrak employee overseeing the 30th Street Station renovation project with gifts and other things of value totaling approximately $323,686, including paid vacations, jewelry, cash, dinners, entertainment, a dog, and training for that dog. In return, per the criminal filings and guilty pleas, the Amtrak employee used his position to help obtain a series of change orders or contract modifications that increased the total cost of the renovation project. As admitted by Snedden, those contract modifications falsely inflated the true costs of some of the work to be performed and caused more than $2 million in overbilling to Amtrak. As part of the civil resolution, Mark 1 and Snedden agreed to make a payment of $2,400,000 and to release Amtrak from any claim to $4,857,232.12 in additional funds that Amtrak retained or otherwise did not pay to Mark 1 after learning of the kickback scheme. “Integrity in federal contracting isn’t optional,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “If you try to buy favors or submit false certifications, expect both civil and criminal consequences.” “Bribery strikes at the heart of the rule of law,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “Stealing and misusing federal funds is not only a crime, but it betrays the trust of the communities we serve and erodes confidence in the systems they rely on. Together with our partners, the FBI is committed to investigating corruption, protecting the integrity of our institutions, and holding accountable those who abuse their positions for personal profit.” “When contractors and insiders manipulate the procurement process through bribes and overbilling, taxpayers ultimately pay the price,” said James Harper, Special Agent in Charge of Amtrak OIG’s Eastern Field Office. “This case resolution reflects the close collaboration among our office, the FBI, the Department of Transportation OIG, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our shared commitment to protecting Amtrak’s resources and taxpayer dollars by holding wrongdoers accountable.” “Kickback schemes that erode the integrity of federally funded transportation projects undermine public trust and divert resources from the communities they are meant to serve,” said Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General’s Northeastern Region. “Working alongside our partners at the FBI and the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, we remain committed to exposing fraud, holding accountable those who abuse their positions of trust, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars across our transportation system.” The civil matter was handled in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Carr and Landon Y. Jones. The FBI, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Illegal Alien From Honduras Sentenced To 27 Months In Prison For 2023 Bank Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Carlos Banegas-Contreras, age 47, an illegal alien from Honduras, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Secret Service, the Indiana State Police, the Benton County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau, Oklahoma Police Department, and the Houston, Texas Police Department. On October 6, 2025, Banegas-Contreras pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, in June of 2023, Banegas-Contreras and others conspired to use fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474.00 at three check-cashing businesses and at five branches of a local bank. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable John F. Heil, III, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Banegas-Contreras will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Hugo Resident Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing Firearms And Ammunition

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Calvin Ray Westfield, age 68, of Hugo, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment charged Westfield with knowingly possessing one .22 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, one 12-gauge pump action shotgun, 11 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, and 3 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition on August 28, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hugo Police Department. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Westfield was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.