title: Portland Metro Area Roundtable Held on Fentanyl and Methamphetamine with HIDTA and HSTF

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford in partnership with the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA) and the Portland Homeland Security Taskforce hosted a roundtable with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on fentanyl and methamphetamine, the two greatest drug threats to our local communities. At this HIDTA and HSTF roundtable, key stakeholders discussed recent successes and ways to build upon them, including increasing the arrests and prosecutions of local fentanyl and methamphetamine dealers, emphasizing overdose investigations and prosecutions, and investigating and prosecuting individuals laundering proceeds for drug traffickers and cartels. These roundtables improve coordination and efforts to combat these dangerous drugs, leading to greater results for the community. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state. This project 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 Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org . Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.


title: Man Posing as San Francisco 49er Charged with Defrauding Over Two Dozen Women Out of More than $1.3 Million

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—Two men have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, have been charged by criminal complaint in Portland, Oregon. According to court documents, beginning in February 2022, Love and Chan created fictitious investments to defraud numerous women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California. Love met most of the women on the Internet through dating apps. Chan falsely posed as Love’s financial adviser to further gain their victims’ trust and demonstrate the validity of the investments. Love and Chan solicited money from the women through lies and misrepresentations. The scheme lasted until the day of Love and Chan’s arrests on August 24, 2026. The scheme relied on Love’s creation of fictitious personas and display of a lavish lifestyle which Love presented to victims both in person and on social media websites. Love falsely portrayed himself as legitimately wealthy, often as an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real estate investor. Love convinced many of the victims they were in sincere romantic relationships with Love, that he was a sophisticated investor, and that Chan was his investment adviser who helped Love grow a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars. Love had romantic relationships with many of the victims and told them he wanted to build wealth and a future together. Love advertised nonexistent investment vehicles and claimed these investments would generate massive returns for both him and his victims. Love also used phone applications to create fictitious bank and investment accounts and balances which Love showed victims to legitimize the scheme. Love and Chan also exchanged investment-related electronic communications in which Chan pretended to be Love’s investment adviser. Chan sent Love messages purportedly encouraging Love to invest in new opportunities. Love then sent screenshots of those messages to numerous victims to further convince them to send money to either Love or Chan. Chan and Love also hosted three-way FaceTime calls in which they showed victims falsified investment gains and encouraged victims to part with their money. Victims sent Love and Chan money due to their belief that their money would be invested in legitimate investment vehicles on the victims’ behalf. Some victims also loaned Love large amounts of money, if victims did not have cash to invest, Love sometimes instructed them to take out personal loans in both scenarios Love assured the victims that they would quickly be repaid. Once victims had no more money to invest, or if they asked too many questions, Love blocked communication with them, but kept their money. Of the victims identified and interviewed, none reported receiving any proceeds, returns on their principle, or investment account information, after sending Love and Chan money. Financial records show Love and Chan received about $1.3 million from victim investors. 26 victims have been identified, the FBI believes there are many more victims. Arrest warrants and a criminal complaint alleging conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud and were issued for both Love and Chan on August 17, 2026, in the District of Oregon. The FBI’s investigation revealed that on August 24, 2026, Chan flew from California to meet Love in Boise, Idaho. The FBI and other law enforcement apprehended both Love and Chan at the Boise Airport. Investigators learned that Love was in Idaho to meet new victims. Investigators learned that from July 15 through August 24, 2026, Love traveled to New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho. Love has used several names including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love to perpetuate the scheme. The FBI encourages anyone having information on Daejon Love or Taylor Chan to contact the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Both Love and Chan are in federal custody in Boise, Idaho, and will have their first court appearance on Thursday, August 27, 2026. This case was investigated by The Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Chris Cardani for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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. complaint.pdf


title: Crownpoint Woman Charged with Stabbing Victim During Altercation

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint woman is facing federal charges after allegedly stabbing a man in the chest while he was already unconscious during an altercation. According to court documents, on July 19, 2026, Louanndra Tymria Wally , 23, was involved in an altercation at a residence in Crownpoint, New Mexico. During the altercation, an individual was allegedly pushed to the ground and assaulted. The victim, John Doe, intervened in the altercation on behalf of the person pushed down. Doe was then allegedly punched in the face, knocking him unconscious. While Doe was lying unconscious on the ground, Wally allegedly approached him with a knife and stabbed him once in the chest. The victim was transported to a hospital in Crownpoint and later flown to a regional hospital for treatment. Witnesses identified Wally as the assailant and provided nine videos showing the altercation, including the stabbing. Investigators reviewed the videos and observed Wally approach John Doe while he was lying on the ground and stab him in the chest. Wally is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. She was released to a halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Wally faces up to 20 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 Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones 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: Algodones Man Charged with Murder in Alleged Retaliatory Shooting

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Algodones man is facing federal charges for allegedly shooting and killing another man in what investigators believe was retaliation for the victim’s prior killing of a San Felipe Pueblo woman. According to court documents, on August 15, 2026, federal law enforcement officers responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in Algodones, New Mexico. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, deceased in the back seat of his vehicle. An autopsy determined the victim died from a shotgun wound to the torso fired at close range. Investigators determined that Elijah Sandoval , 47, an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, was at the residence with the victim and two other men when Sandoval allegedly approached the victim with a shotgun and shot him. Investigators believe the shooting was motivated by the victim’s prior killing of a San Felipe Pueblo woman in 2008. According to court documents, one witness told investigators that Sandoval referenced the woman’s son immediately before shooting the victim. The victim had previously admitted to killing the woman and was convicted and sentenced to federal prison for that offense. Sandoval is charged with second degree murder and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. He will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Sandoval faces up to life 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 with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Burkhead 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: Lincoln Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jeremiah Thurman, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for receipt of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Thurman to a total of 260 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Thurman’s release from prison, he will begin a 20-year term of supervised release. Thurman was additionally ordered to pay $3,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases. This case began in March of 2024 when the Clarinda Police Department in Iowa received a report of a minor female (Victim 1) having inappropriate conversations with adult men online Thurman was identified as having sexually explicit conversations with Victim 1 and receiving sexually explicit photos and videos of her. The initial investigation revealed Thurman was on the Nebraska Sex Offender registry for a prior crime. The FBI executed a search warrant for Thurman’s residence on April 12, 2024. During the search, Thurman admitted to sending money to Victim 1 in exchange for nude pictures. A review of texts between Victim 1 and Thurman revealed phone calls and chat communications. Thurman would request explicit photos and videos from Victim 1. Thurman and Victim 1 also discussed how she was still in high school and living with family. As communications came to an end, Thurman discussed meeting up with Victim 1 and suggested getting a motel room. His plans did not occur due to the messages being discovered and police report being made. “There are an alarming number of child predators online targeting Nebraska’s children, and we will not stop pursuing every single one of them until each is locked up behind bars where they cannot do harm to Nebraska’s children,” said United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced for Attempted Production of Child Pornography Crime Committed while Awaiting Sentencing for Earlier Child Pornography Conviction

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Devon Rice, 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for attempted production of child pornography. District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Rice to 180 months’ imprisonment to be served consecutive to his 2025 conviction for receipt of child pornography. The total time of imprisonment for Rice is 250 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rice’s release from prison, he will begin a 15-year term of supervised release. Rice was pending sentencing in the District Court of Nebraska for a conviction of receipt of child pornography. While out on pre-trial release in that case, Rice began communicating via Kik messenger application with an undercover officer with the Lincoln Police Department. The undercover officer identified himself as a 14-year-old female from Lincoln. The conversation quickly turned sexual. Rice asked on numerous occasions for the purported 14-year-old to send “nudes” and “sexy pics.” In June 2025, the conversation involved requests by Rice to meet the purported 14-year-old for sex. Additional requests were made by Rice to the purported 14-year-old for explicit photos. Eventually, Rice made plans to meet up with the purported 14-year-old at a coffee shop in Lincoln that was within walking distance of the fictitious apartment address the undercover officer had provided to Rice. Investigators with the Lincoln Police Department were waiting at the coffee shop and arrested Rice as he was exiting his vehicle. Rice was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment on August 21, 2025, for receipt of child pornography. “The Lincoln Police Department is to be commended for this incredible undercover investigative work that will provide the community protection from this insatiable sexual predator long into the future,” said United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods. “Nebraska is safer thanks to this judgement and conviction.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Receipt of Child Pornography with Prior Possession Conviction

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Frank Tonini, 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for receipt of child pornography after having been convicted of possession of child pornography previously. District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Tonini to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Tonini’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Tonini was ordered to pay $10,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases. Tonini was on a five-year term of supervised release after being sentenced in 2017 to 56 months’ imprisonment in the District of Nebraska for possession of child pornography. As part of his supervision, he participated in a routine polygraph examination. After multiple exams with significant responses, United States Probation Office did a search of Tonini’s residence. The search yielded three unauthorized cell phones. Law enforcement searched the three phones. On a phone located under Tonini’s mattress, law enforcement located 60 images of child pornography and five videos of child pornography. Included in the illegal files were images and videos of prepubescent and pubescent children, vaginal, digital and object penetration and violence. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Dakota Parrott, 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Parrott to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Parrott’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On March 24, 2025, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle driven by Parrott for a traffic violation by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper in Lincoln. Parrott was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The trooper conducted a K9 sniff of the vehicle and the K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. After the alert, troopers began a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the NSP troopers finding marijuana, a large amount of methamphetamine, and a box of 9mm ammunition. The methamphetamine was sent to the State Patrol Crime Laboratory, where it was confirmed to weigh 898 grams, with at least 820 grams of it being pure. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (LLCNTF).


title: Three Sentenced for Firearms Violations in the Northern District of West Virginia

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three people were sentenced to a combined 11 years in prison for violating federal firearms laws, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Charlie Bret Parker, 45, of Cumberland, Maryland, will serve 78 months in prison after stealing firearms from a pawn shop in Ridgeley, West Virginia. Surveillance footage captured Parker leaning over a display case, opening the door, and taking a firearm before leaving the store. Because of previous felony convictions—including drug offenses, theft, and grand larceny—Parker is prohibited from possessing firearms. Ricardo Xavier Jones, 46, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Jones was already on probation for a felony grand larceny conviction in Virginia. During a probation check at his home, officers found a shotgun hidden inside his mattress, a box of ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and suboxone strips. Jones is barred from having firearms due to his prior convictions. Gary Owen Jones, 55, also of Martinsburg, received a sentence of 37 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm. A West Virginia parole officer found a rifle in Jones’s home during a routine visit. Jones is prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous convictions, including making terroristic threats in Berkeley County and another firearms-related offense. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; and the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole Services. These cases are a part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Deloitte agrees to pay $21.5 million to resolve alleged employment discrimination violations

component: Civil Division

body_text: WASHINGTON – Today, Attorney General Todd Blanche announced another False Claims Act resolution secured under the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which was launched by the Department in May 2025. Deloitte LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, and Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP, (collectively, Deloitte) have agreed to pay the United States $21.5 million to resolve allegations that Deloitte violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with anti-discrimination requirements in its federal contracts and discriminating against employees and applicants on the basis of their race or sex. Most federal contracts contain a provision that requires contractors to provide equal opportunity to employees and applicants for employment. As a condition to being a federal contractor, the company must certify that it will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race or sex and must further certify that it will take steps to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, “without regard to” race or sex. The settlement resolves allegations that from 2017 to the present, Deloitte falsely certified compliance with these conditions, while engaging in discriminatory race and sex-based employment practices. “Government contractors cannot reward or penalize employees based on race or sex—and labeling the practice DEI does not make it lawful,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue government contractors that have used taxpayer dollars to fund unlawful discrimination.” “Merit drives opportunity and promotion. Not someone’s sex or race,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “Today’s settlement is yet another example of this Department’s commitment to eliminating woke, unconstitutional practices from American workplaces.” “As this settlement shows, the government is committed to ensuring that those who receive the benefits of federal contracts or funding must play by the rules,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. “The False Claims Act is a powerful tool for enforcing those obligations, and my office will not hesitate to use it to investigate and uncover any violations and to hold the responsible parties accountable.” “Federal contractors are bound by clear legal obligations: they must certify that they will make employment decisions without regard to race or sex, and they must honor that commitment—not circumvent it through demographic targets or programs that allocate opportunities based on protected characteristics,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When a contractor misrepresents its compliance with federal anti‑discrimination law to secure federal funds, it violates the conditions for receiving those funds and risks liability under the False Claims Act. Today’s resolution makes unmistakably clear that the Department will aggressively enforce these requirements, and companies who take taxpayer funds while engaging in illegal discrimination will be held accountable.” The United States alleged that Deloitte took race or sex into account when making hiring, promotion, and staffing decisions to achieve progress toward non-public race and sex-based workforce composition goals. Business units within Deloitte received monthly summaries tracking the demographic goals within the unit, where representation or advancement toward the goal was highlighted in green, yellow, or red depending on whether the goal was exceeded, met or slightly missed, or significantly below the goal. In addition, the United States alleged that Deloitte’s Partners, Principals and Managing Directors (PPMDs) were evaluated, in part, based on their contributions to helping Deloitte achieve its workforce composition goals, while, for a two-year period, approximately 150 of Deloitte’s most senior PPMDs compensation could be impacted if their business units did not meet demographic goals set by Deloitte. The United States alleged that these goals were also intended to impact Deloitte’s promotion decisions, as business units were assigned goals for racial and sex make up of their yearly PPMD classes. For example, where the class of PPMD candidates initially met Deloitte’s demographic goals, Deloitte identified candidates by race and sex in a spreadsheet when circulating the list of PPMD candidates, and suggested the individuals involved in selecting the PPMD candidates promote specific employees to “equitably maintain the current mix.” The United States further alleged that Deloitte set goals pertaining to the demographics of employees staffed to federal contracts and sought to make statistically equal the percentage of Deloitte identified Underrepresented Minorities (URMs) and non-URMs who were understaffed or “on the bench.” Deloitte identified employees that were available to be staffed on projects by race and sex and provided names of those employees to staffing managers and suggested that the managers consider staffing those employees whose utilization would help Deloitte achieve its goal of achieving parity between the percentage of URMs and non-URMs who were understaffed or “on the bench.” Finally, the United States alleged that Deloitte offered certain training, mentoring, leadership development programs, educational opportunities or resources, and/or similar opportunities only to certain employees, with eligibility limited on the basis of race or sex. For example, Deloitte ran the Springboard and Compass programs, where eligibility to participate was limited on the basis of race and sex. These programs were designed to boost the career prospects of these individuals over others through sponsorship and networking. This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by the American Alliance for Equal Rights. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Deloitte LLP, et al. (No. 4:25-cv-00458). Under the resolution, the Relator will receive $4,300,000. This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Saranac Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Strack II, age 37, of Saranac Lake, New York, pleaded guilty August 4, 2026, to eight counts of sexual exploitation of children. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James; and Saranac Lake Police Chief Darin Perrotte made the announcement. The defendant was arrested on October 14, 2025, by the Saranac Lake Police Department. On November 5, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted the defendant on eight counts of sexual exploitation of children. As part of his guilty plea, Strack admitted that between January 2022 and October 2025, he sexually abused three children and took videos and pictures of that abuse. Another minor child accessed the defendant’s phone and saw the videos and images of the defendant sexually abusing an 11-year-old minor female, a 15-year-old minor female, and another 11-year-old-minor female. The minor child who accessed the defendant’s phone reported the defendant to the Saranac Lake Police Department. The investigation revealed that the defendant had been sexually abusing children over a period of years. “With this guilty plea, Mr. Strack now faces a potential life sentence for the horrific conduct he engaged in. For years, he was able to perpetrate these reprehensible acts, but thanks to the diligent efforts of the Saranac Lake Police Department and our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New York State Police, he will no longer be able to victimize innocent children in our community,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “William Strack II admitted to exploiting and abusing multiple minor victims over several years, creating images and videos that documented those horrific crimes — conduct that reflects a years-long pattern of predatory abuse and exploitation that inflicted profound harm on vulnerable children. HSI Rouses Point, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is committed to identifying predators, bringing them to justice, and protecting children from further harm. This case underscores the critical impact of collaborative investigations in safeguarding our communities and ensuring victims are heard, protected, and supported.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “We are committed to finding justice for victims of child exploitation and making sure those who threaten children in any capacity are put behind bars. The acts performed by Mr. Strack are unconscionable and this type of behavior cannot, and should not, be tolerated in our society. I thank all our partners involved in this case for their unwavering dedication in making sure every child is protected from any source of harm.” This sentence sends a strong message that crimes against children will not be tolerated in our community,” said Chief Darin Perrotte. “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community — our children — remains one of the highest priorities of the Saranac Lake Police Department. These investigations are difficult and deeply disturbing, but our Officers remain committed to pursuing justice for victims and holding offenders fully accountable for their actions. Cases involving the exploitation and abuse of children require strong partnerships and collaboration between agencies. We are grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and expertise provided by all agencies involved in this investigation and prosecution.” When he is sentenced on December 2, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of up to life, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. The defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be responsible for restitution to the victims. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes that the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Strack has been detained since his arrest on October 14, 2025. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the Saranac Lake Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham is prosecuting the case. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Broome County Man Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Failing to  Register as a Sex Offender

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Gerard Reilly, Jr., age 59, of Kirkwood, New York, was sentenced August 5, 2026, to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison and 5 years supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender in the state of New York. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher J. Amoia made the announcement. As part of his prior guilty plea, Reilly admitted that in May 2006 he was convicted in Broome County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and, as a result, was sentenced to five years in state prison. As a result of this conviction, Reilly was required to register as a sex offender under both federal and state law in any state in which he resided after his release from state prison. In April of 2024, Reilly notified authorities in New York that he had relocated to Texas. Shortly thereafter, in August 2024, Reilly relocated from Texas back to New York, where he resided until his arrest in October 2025, the whole time knowingly failing to register as a sex offender in New York as required. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe, also sentenced Reilly to serve a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Reilly is released from federal prison. Reilly will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from incarceration. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “Sex offenders are subject to strict supervision and reporting requirements that keep law enforcement informed of their activities and help protect the community. By failing to register, Mr. Reilly willfully disregarded the conditions of his original sentence and created a public safety risk. Thankfully, our partners at the U.S. Marshals Service identified and apprehended him, and he now faces another term of imprisonment.” Acting U.S. Marshal Amoia stated, “Individuals who are required by law to register as sex offenders must understand that failing to comply with those requirements has serious consequences. The United States Marshals Service will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and apprehend those who disregard the registration obligations. Today’s sentence demonstrates that these violations will be taken seriously and that offenders who fail to comply with the law will be held accountable.” The United States Marshals Service investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Warsaw Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Firearm Offense

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

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Jason Waikel, 47 years old, of Warsaw, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm as an Armed Career Criminal, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Waikel was sentenced to 188 months in prison and 48 months of supervised release. According to documents in the case, Waikel became a person of interest when the Warsaw Police Department investigated an incident where shots were fired from a moving car in July of 2025. Police executed a search warrant on Waikel’s car and found a bullet hole in the driver’s side trunk lid. Police executed a search warrant on a storage unit that Waikel owned and recovered four firearms. Waikel later admitted to police that he had fired shots during the shooting incident. Waikel is an Armed Career Criminal and is thus prohibited from possessing firearms. Waikel’s prior convictions include battery resulting in bodily injury and two different convictions for offenses committed on separate occasions for robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. “The Defendant has a 30-year criminal history of serious violent crimes involving firearms. His continued use of drugs, violent behavior, and bad decisions constitute a flagrant disrespect for the rule of law and create a serious risk to our neighborhoods and communities of Northern Indiana. This stern sentence provides accountability and serves to protect our communities from his future criminal actions. Close collaboration and strong partnerships between the Warsaw Police Department, the Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were instrumental in bringing this man to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. “This case demonstrates the serious consequences for repeat violent offenders that illegally possess firearms. Our partnerships in the region are strong, and I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the US Attorney’s Office, Warsaw Police Department, and the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office. ATF remains steadfast in our commitment to keep firearms out of the hands of violent felons and to continue working alongside our partners to keep our communities safe,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Region 2, Christopher Amon. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Warsaw Police Department, and the Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Barrier and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Firearm Offense

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Louis Hampton, 22 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm as a Felon, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Hampton was sentenced to 27 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, South Bend Police encountered Hampton during a traffic stop. Inside the car that Hampton was driving, police found a firearm with a large capacity magazine. Hampton had previously been convicted of felony criminal recklessness and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. “The Defendant’s reckless actions and blatant disregard for the rule of law make him an ongoing threat to our neighborhoods and our residents’ safety. The successful prosecution of this case was made possible through strong strategic partnerships amongst the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Bend Police Department, the Indiana State Police Laboratory, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office led by Ken Cotter and AUSA Joseph Barrier. Thanks to their efforts, the gun and the violent felon who possessed it are off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney, Adam Mildred. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Bend Police Department, the Indiana State Police Laboratory, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Barrier and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.


title: Felon Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Handgun While on Pre-Trial Release for State Firearm Case

body_text: CHICAGO — A felon has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun while on pre-trial release in a state firearm case. ANTONIO TUCKER, 22, possessed the loaded handgun on June 14, 2025, in a relative’s apartment in Chicago. During an argument with the relative, Tucker threw an object at the relative’s head and then picked up the loaded handgun. Another relative intervened, allowing the victim-relative to safely flee the apartment and call Chicago Police, who arrived on the scene and discovered the gun on a bed in a room where Tucker was staying. Tucker had been residing in the relative’s apartment while he was on pre-trial release for a firearm case pending in state court. While federal authorities were investigating this case, Tucker pressured other relatives from jail to encourage the victim-relative to recant their statements to police and avoid giving truthful testimony before a federal grand jury. Tucker was ultimately indicted in federal court on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, to which he pleaded guilty in May 2026. On Aug. 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah sentenced Tucker to two years in federal prison. The sentence fell in the middle of the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines range. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The investigation was conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago. The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement partnership that focuses exclusively on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders who utilize firearms in commission of their crimes in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois. Every firearm-related case in Chicago is processed through the CGIC on a daily basis. “Defendant is a felon who is not permitted to possess a gun under any circumstances, but the circumstances in which he committed this offense were particularly dangerous,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sushma Raju argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “He kept a loaded gun in his bedroom and brought it out in the midst of a domestic incident. But for the intervention of the family member who urged defendant to back down (and the quick arrival of the police thereafter), defendant’s actions may have caused the fight to escalate even further and led to one or more family members being hurt.”


title: Waterloo Man Sentenced for Making Machineguns

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who turned firearms into fully automatic machineguns in his home was sentenced on August 20, 2026, to more than one year in federal prison. Nicholas Laurence Wilson, age 35, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 30, 2026, guilty plea to one count of possession of machineguns. Information from sentencing showed that Wilson machined three semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) began investigating Wilson’s firearm purchases after several guns that he purchased were recovered in connection with criminal investigations. ATF agents searched Wilson’s house on July 16, 2025. They located the three machineguns and a machinegun conversion device, a drop-in auto sear, in Wilson’s house. Wilson lied to law enforcement agents by indicating that he did not have any National Firearms Act firearms, which would include machineguns, in his house. Wilson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Wilson was sentenced to twelve months and one day of imprisonment and fined $5,000. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. Wilson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on September 21, 2026. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and ATF assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 26-CR-2001. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


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

body_text: A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced August 20, 2026, to more than 7 years in federal prison. Jeffrey Allen Smith, age 41, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 18, 2026, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. In a plea agreement, Smith admitted that between January 2025 to April 1, 2025, in the Northern District of Iowa and elsewhere, he and others reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute methamphetamine. During the course of the conspiracy, Smith participated in the distribution of over 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. In 2025, Smith sold methamphetamine and firearms in the Webster County, Iowa, area to an individual or individuals cooperating with law enforcement on three separate occasions. On April 1, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Smith’s residence and on a vehicle associated with Smith. Inside the residence, law enforcement located indicia of drug use and distribution and three firearms that belonged to Smith. Inside the vehicle, which was being driven by Smith at the time, law enforcement located an AM-15 pistol with a loaded magazine. Smith has previously been convicted of Theft in the Second Degree, in the Iowa District Court for Webster County, on January 14, 2019. Smith was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Smith was sentenced to 94 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Smith is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and investigated by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-03051. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Felon Who Illegally Possessed Gun  Sent to Federal Prison

body_text: A man who illegally possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced on August 24, 2026, to more than two years in federal prison. Jameel Ahmod Lanier, age 25, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 6, 2026, guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence during the case showed Waterloo Police officers stopped a car Lanier was driving. During the traffic stop, officers found a .45 caliber pistol as well as marijuana a short distance from the car. Further analysis of the gun indicated Lanier contributed to a DNA sample located on the gun. Lanier was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of attempted burglary second degree in the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County. Lanier was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Lanier was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. Lanier 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 Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 26-CR-2008. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Dubuque Man Who Stole Thousands of Dollars’ Worth of Brass Sentenced to Federal Prison

body_text: A man who repeatedly stole pallets of valuable brass ingot to sell for scrap was sentenced on August 21, 2026, to two years in federal prison. Dennis Lee Maas, age 54, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 20, 2026, guilty plea to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods. Information from a plea agreement and sentencing showed that Maas worked as a janitor at a manufacturing company in Dubuque. His job did not include handling pallets of brass ingot that the manufacturing company used for its business. From November 2024 through September 2025, Maas repeatedly stole pallets of brass ingot from his employer. He sold the brass to a metals business in East Dubuque, Illinois, for scrap value. The total value of the brass that he stole was more than $64,000. The metals business was able to return one pallet of brass to the manufacturing company after Maas’s thefts were discovered. Maas was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Maas was sentenced to twenty-four months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $43,845.16 in restitution to the employer and an insurance company. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Maas is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 26-CR-1048. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cedar Rapids Felon with Over 700 Fentanyl Pills Sent to Federal Prison

body_text: A man who possessed 773 fentanyl pills he planned to distribute was sentenced today to five years in federal prison. Shewarence Dehassiu Gibbs, age 46, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 30, 2026, guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Information at sentencing and a prior hearing showed that in April 2024, in Cedar Rapids, officers found Gibbs, who had an active arrest warrant. Gibbs fled on foot and discarded a backpack before officers apprehended him. In the backpack and in Gibbs’s pockets were 773 fentanyl pills and $590 in cash. Gibbs has prior drug-related convictions and convictions for armed robbery, assault causing bodily injury, and domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury/mental illness. Gibbs was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Gibbs was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. Gibbs is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-12. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Former Mail Carrier Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing More than $1 Million of Checks from Mail

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Melissa McAfee, a former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, was sentenced to federal prison today for stealing mail containing checks and gift cards worth more than $1 million. “Mail carriers are entrusted with the responsibility of handling citizens’ valuable and personal communications, but McAfee abused that trust by stealing more than 200 checks and gift cards,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office works closely with our federal partners to aggressively prosecute any federal employee who misuses public office for private gain.” “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to anyone who thinks mail theft and check fraud will go unpunished,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “Our special agents, along with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and maintain the public’s trust.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: From August 2022 to September 2024, McAfee worked as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in the Smyrna, Georgia area. The U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) launched an investigation after receiving customer complaints about mail stolen along McAfee’s postal route. During the investigation, USPS-OIG obtained surveillance footage of McAfee stealing mail on her route. Additional investigation determined that she stole mail containing 171 checks, with a total value exceeding $1,035,000. USPS-OIG agents executed a search warrant at McAfee’s home, where they discovered envelopes for stolen mail, 145 stolen checks, and 37 stolen gift cards. When confronted by USPS-OIG agents in September 2024, McAfee resigned from the Postal Service. Melissa McAfee, 44, of Jonesboro, Ga., has been sentenced to two years in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution. McAfee pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail on May 14, 2026. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal prosecuted the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Pensacola Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Charges

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Jesse Allen Hudson, 43, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of unregistered firearm. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our state law enforcement partners, and this aggressive prosecution by my office, this violent felon has been taken off our streets and he’ll be kept locked in federal prison where he belongs.” Court documents reflect that on January 21, 2026, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a disturbance complaint at a residence in Pensacola, Florida. Upon arrival, deputies encountered the defendant and his wife. The deputies learned that firearms were missing from the residence and that the defendant had been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer with Violence, and Fleeing to Elude Police and Destroying or Tampering with Evidence. Based on these felony convictions, the defendant was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. With the wife’s consent, deputies searched the property for the missing firearms and discovered several loaded AR-style magazines and an unregistered multi-caliber short-barreled rifle among the defendant’s belongings. Hudson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon count, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the possession of unregistered firearm count. Hudson’s sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. The plea was the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas S.P. Geeker. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities . 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: Indiana Man Arrested for Travelling to Meet a Minor

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – An Indiana man has been indicted for allegedly travelling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. A one-count indictment charges Joel Duron Esparza, 21, of Middlebury, Indiana, with interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. According to the indictment on May 2, 2026, Esparza travelled from Indiana to Marshall County, Alabama. Esparza was arrested by the FBI at his residence in Indiana on August 10, 2026. “Stop and think about the predatory desperation it takes to drive hours and hours to prey upon an innocent child,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “This is abhorrent criminal behavior. I’m thankful for the FBI and other law enforcement partners who assisted in bringing justice to bear. Criminals who dare to act upon their most deviant, prurient instincts will be dealt with to the utmost that the law allows. Children are a treasure and we will always work for their protection in the Northern District of Alabama.” “Crimes against children are intolerable,” said David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Birmingham Field Office. “This indictment underscores our commitment, alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, to pursuing offenders wherever they may be and ensuring they are held to the highest level of accountability under the law.” The maximum penalty for interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor is 30 years. If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. Reports can be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . FBI investigated the case along with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara M. Judah is prosecuting the case. Assistance was also provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Great Falls man sentenced to over 3 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man who shot up his house near Lincoln Elementary School was found to be in unlawful possession of a firearm and was sentenced Monday to three years and six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Timothy Paul Whittles, 59, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that Whittles, who had six prior felony convictions prohibiting him from owning a firearm, shot up his home with a handgun while high on meth. Whittles called 911 around 8 a.m. on March 22, 2025, saying he heard intruders and gunshots in his home. While on the call, the dispatcher heard Whittles load a gun and fire it. When officers arrived at Whittles’s residence, they heard gunshots from inside. The front door was riddled with multiple bullet holes and its glass was shattered. The home sits near Lincoln Elementary School, and as officers investigated, they found that the bullets were shot from the inside toward the school. Officers directed Whittles to come out of his house and detained him. Surveillance footage from Lincoln Elementary showed Whittles getting home at 5 a.m., repeatedly entering and leaving his house, and walking around his car. The footage showed no other people at the house, and when officers searched inside the home, they found no sign of intruders or a break-in. On the basement staircase, officers found a .45 caliber handgun, an empty magazine, and dozens of spent shell casings throughout the house. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Great Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.


title: Chester man sentenced to 6 years in prison for receiving child pornography

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA – A Chester man who tried to cross the border into Montana with Child Sex Abuse Material on his phone was sentenced today to six years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Brandon Wayne Roos, 34, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to receiving child pornography. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided. The government alleged in court documents that Roos was crossing from Canada into Montana at the Sweetgrass Port of Entry on Sept. 24, 2023, when Border Patrol agents discovered illicit sexual material involving children on Roos’s phone. Border Patrol had received a tip that Roos possibly had illicit material and so when he arrived at the Port of Entry agents searched his phone, where they found 151 images and 49 videos of Child Sex Abuse Material. Roos admitted to law enforcement that he had purchased and downloaded the material, which led to a search warrant for Roos’s home and computer. The search turned up 50 additional images and eight videos. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOs, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Operator of Minnesota-Based Money Transmitter Charged with Laundering Drug Proceeds for Mexican Cartel Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today that a federal grand jury in the District of Minnesota returned an indictment on August 20, 2026, charging Christopher A. Bravo Marin, aka Bravo, 46, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Mexican national, with conspiring to launder at least $750,000 in drug proceeds on behalf of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of the most prolific and dangerous drug cartels in Mexico. Bravo was arrested yesterday by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents. He appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Minneapolis on August 25, 2026. “The indictment alleges that this defendant abused his position at a financial institution to help the CJNG cartel launder money from its drug sales back to Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Cartels rely on financial facilitators to ensure that cartel leadership in Mexico receive the profits from the heinous crimes they perpetrate here in the United States. The Criminal Division is relentless in its mission to take the profit out of crime, including by prosecuting those who help funnel drug proceeds back to cartel management.” “This defendant strengthened a criminal infrastructure by helping transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to cartel leaders,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “My office remains committed to taking down drug trafficking organizations that threaten the public safety of the people of Minnesota.” “These types of cases are exactly why Homeland Security Task Forces are so important in stopping transnational criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard of HSI St. Paul. “They bring a whole-of-government approach to combating serious criminals who commit serious crimes and endanger people in our communities every day. Through coordinated law enforcement partnerships, we are better positioned to disrupt these networks and protect the public.” According to the indictment, from at least February 2023 to at least February 2026, Bravo, an employee of a Minnesota-based money transmitting business, conspired with members of a CJNG drug distribution cell in Minnesota to launder drug proceeds and transfer them to cartel leaders in Mexico through the money transmitter where he worked. Bravo used his position at the money transmitter and his understanding of his employer’s compliance policies and procedures to evade their anti-money laundering controls and conceal the illicit source of the funds he laundered. Cartel members paid Bravo approximately $40-50 for each transfer that he laundered. To transfer the funds, Bravo allegedly structured the amount of money to be sent to Mexico across multiple transfers, ensuring that each transfer was always right below $1,000—the money transmitter’s threshold for collecting and verifying a customer’s identification document. Bravo created fake names of Hispanic origin to serve as the senders and sent the money to straw beneficiaries in Mexico whose names he received from cartel members. After processing the transfers, Bravo forged the signature of the senders on each payment confirmation receipt to make the transfer appear legitimate and texted screenshots of the receipts to his co-conspirators so that the funds could be redeemed in Mexico. Bravo is charged with one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Trial Attorney Javier Urbina of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca E. Kline for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case. HSI St. Paul and the Dakota County Drug Task Force investigated this case. MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Rodolfo Rebollar-Gonzalez, 29, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Rebollar-Gonzalez was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz on August 25, 2026. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2026. According to court documents, on November 21, 2023, police executed a search warrant on the defendant’s apartment in St. Paul, Minnesota. Police forced entry into the apartment and saw Rebollar-Gonzalez holding roughly nine pounds of methamphetamine in his arms. Elsewhere in the apartment, police found roughly two pounds of marijuana and two magazines loaded with 9-millimeter ammunition. The next day, police seized a 9-millimeter pistol and loaded magazine from the defendant’s car. In February and March 2025, Rebollar-Gonzalez distributed methamphetamine on two occasions. On each occasion, the defendant sold roughly one pound of methamphetamine, once to a confidential informant and once to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent. Finally, on March 24, 2025, Rebollar-Gonzalez possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute. When police attempted to arrest him, he ran but was caught and arrested within seconds. Police searched the defendant and found roughly one pound of cocaine in his backpack and a digital scale in his back pocket. Rebollar-Gonzalez was not in the United States legally when he committed these crimes. “My office is committed to getting dangerous drug traffickers off the streets and stopping the flow of illegal narcotics into the state. Today’s sentence is a significant step toward disrupting these pipelines and safeguarding public safety for the people of Minnesota,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “This investigation is a clear example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that are bringing deadly drugs into our communities. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office West Metro Drug Task Force and our federal partners at the DEA first identified Rebollar-Gonzalez as part of a drug trafficking investigation in 2023, resulting in the seizure of nine pounds of methamphetamine and a pistol. Less than two years later, our investigators received information that he was again trafficking drugs, leading to another investigation and the seizure of additional cocaine,” said Dawanna Witt, Sheriff of Hennepin County. “These investigations take time, but the results are clear: getting dangerous drug traffickers and cartel members off our streets saves lives and makes our communities safer. Now we must hold Rebollar-Gonzalez accountable. I remain committed to the strong partnerships that allow us to pursue these cases and dismantle the criminal organizations wreaking havoc in our communities.” “Few things pose a greater threat to public safety than illegal methamphetamine flooding our communities,” said HSI St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for trafficking a highly addictive, destructive drug that fuels crime, devastates families and tears at the fabric of our neighborhoods. HSI and our partners will continue to aggressively target those who profit from addiction and bring them to justice.” “Rodolfo is a repeat offender who squandered an opportunity to turn away from a life of drug trafficking,” DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said. “Instead, he opted to double down, moving large quantities of methamphetamine around the Twin Cities. Today’s sentencing now forces Rodolfo to be accountable for his crimes and respect the rule of law.” This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Hennepin County West Metro Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigation, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and other local law enforcement partners. Assistant United States Attorney Campbell Warner prosecuted the case.


title: California Man Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding Former Employer, Optum, Inc.

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Karan Gupta, 48, of Walnut Creek, California, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, ten counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Gupta was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Kate M. Menendez on August 24, 2026. He had previously been found guilty on February 17, 2026, following a six-day jury trial. According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, between 2015 and 2020, Gupta led a scheme to defraud his employer, Optum, Inc., by creating a no-show job for his lifelong friend, Shangraf Kaul, 45, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, as a data engineering manager and pocketing over half of Kaul’s salary as a kickback. Gupta, who was a senior director at Optum, hired Kaul to work on his team in late 2015, despite Kaul’s lack of qualifications for the position. For over three years, Kaul performed no work at Optum while collecting a six-figure salary. Gupta, as Kaul’s supervisor, facilitated Kaul’s no-show employment and demanded Kaul pay him approximately 60% of his unearned salary in kickbacks. Gupta then devised a plan for him and Kaul to conceal the kickback payments, first through cash deposits into Gupta’s own bank account, then through a designated checking account to which Gupta had access. Gupta’s fraud was ultimately discovered by Optum after his termination from the company in November 2019 for engaging in a similar no-show employee fraud. Optum investigated and referred the case to federal law enforcement. In total, Gupta’s fraud against Optum totaled more than $950,000. Gupta’s co-conspirator, Kaul, pleaded guilty on February 26, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is currently awaiting sentencing. “Defrauding a private company is not a victimless crime. Gupta’s actions ultimately undermine a healthcare provider that millions of Americans depend on, and today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of his crimes,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “The FBI is committed to investigating complex fraud schemes that exploit trust and defraud victims through deliberate deception, including schemes in which the defendant creates a no-show position at the very company that employs him, using that position to victimize his own employer. The jury’s verdict and today’s sentencing demonstrate the seriousness with which our justice system treats fraud,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “The FBI, in strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is sending a clear message that those who use their positions of trust to orchestrate sophisticated schemes, conceal criminal proceeds, and defraud the companies that employ them will be held accountable.” This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew D. Forbes and Rebecca E. Kline prosecuted the case. Note: Previous press release on Gupta’s guilty verdict here .


title: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine Trafficking Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possessing fentanyl and crack cocaine with intent to distribute and conspiracy. According to court records, on September 15, 2025, law enforcement in Woodstock, Maine, observed three men engaging in an apparent drug transaction. When investigators contacted the men, two of the men fled into the woods. One man was apprehended after a foot pursuit, and was found in possession of approximately 27 grams of cocaine. The other man evaded law enforcement that day, but was quickly identified as Raymundo Dejesus , 45, an associate of the Trinitario street gang. During searches of the area where Dejesus was last seen before fleeing into the woods, investigators recovered a bag containing approximately 35 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, a bag containing approximately 17 grams of cocaine base, and two firearms. Dejesus faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case with assistance from the Rumford Police Department, the Norway Police Department, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Border Patrol. 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. The Maine HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; HSI; DEA; IRS-Criminal Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Border Patrol; Coast Guard Investigative Service; and Transportation Security Administration, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. ###


title: Lewiston Man Sentenced for Aggravated Identity Theft and Benefits Fraud

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for aggravated identity theft, false statements relating to health care matters, and unlawful use of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Joseph Dobie , 38, to 36 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Dobie was also ordered to pay $36,373.16 in restitution. Dobie pleaded guilty on February 13, 2026. According to court records, Dobie stole a victim’s identity which he then used to obtain drivers licenses and a social security card. Dobie used the stolen identity to apply for and receive SNAP benefits in Maine and New York. At the same time, Dobie was receiving SNAP benefits in New York using his true identity. Dobie also used the stolen identity to apply for and receive healthcare benefits from MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program). In total, Dobie fraudulently obtained a total of $36,373.16 in benefits from SNAP and MaineCare. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is 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: Honduran Illegal Alien Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the Country

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Honduran man pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegally reentering the country after a prior removal. Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Jonnatan Irias-Lainez , 31, to time served (99 days). According to court records, on May 28, 2025, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Irias-Lainez following a traffic stop in Biddeford. Irias-Lainez had been removed from the United States on January 11, 2019, after entering the country illegally from Mexico. ICE ERO 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). ###


title: Red Lion Resident Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud for Depositing Counterfeit  U.S. Treasury Check

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rashu D. Powell, age 52, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to one count of bank fraud. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in July 2024, Powell deposited a counterfeit U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $421,502.10 in a business account that he controlled at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, in York, PA. Following this deposit, Powell made a series of withdrawals from the account in order to use the money, including a $3,000 cash withdrawal, a $100 ATM withdrawal, and a $1,100 transfer to a personal bank account. In August 2024, Members 1st FCU withdrew the full amount of the fraudulent check deposit from Powell’s business account, which prevented him from using any additional funds derived from the fraudulent deposit. The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service with assistance from the West Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty for bank fraud is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Ohio Man Arrested for Threatening a U.S. Congressman

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Alex Justin Miller (26, Columbus, OH) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with interstate transmission of a threat to injure. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the criminal complaint, on August 18, 2026, Miller sent a true threat to a U.S. Congressman via email. In the email, Miller threatened to murder the congressman and the congressman’s family. A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones. Criminal Complaint


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 24 Months for Illegal Reentry

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Juan Jesus Mendoza (60, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States. Mendoza pleaded guilty on May 19, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Mendoza is a citizen of Mexico and was previously deported from the United States in 2002 and 2015. Mendoza was also previously convicted of two felony offenses. In 1994, Mendoza was convicted of aggravated possession of marijuana in Texas and sentenced to 25 years in prison, for which he was then paroled in 2002. In 2013, after being encountered by law enforcement again in the United States, Mendoza was convicted of illegal reentry in the Orlando division of the Middle District of Florida. He has never obtained permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to apply for readmission to the United States. On March 21, 2026, law enforcement in Putnam County encountered Mendoza during a traffic stop, identified him as an alien unlawfully present in the United States, and contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.


title: Mexican National with Prior Domestic Battery Conviction Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry into the United States After Prior Deportation

body_text: Jacksonville – Reberiano Santana-Ayala (35, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger to the statutory maximum of two years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported. Santana-Ayala pleaded guilty in May 2026. After serving this federal prison sentence, Santana-Ayala will be deported and removed back to Mexico. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Santana-Ayala is a citizen of Mexico. In 2019, Santana-Ayala was charged and pleaded no contest to domestic violence charges, associated with two different women, in Putnam County. He was subsequently removed from the United States by immigration authorities and returned to Mexico. After he was removed, Santana-Ayala illegally reentered the United States. On September 2, 2023, Santana-Ayala was found voluntarily back in the United States during a traffic stop in Putnam County. During that encounter, Santana-Ayala provided a false name to law enforcement and has at least seven known aliases that he has used when in the United States. Santana-Ayala was subsequently convicted in state court in connection with violating the terms of probation issued in connection with his prior domestic battery charges. Record checks confirmed that Santana-Ayala had never applied to U.S. immigration authorities for permission to lawfully reenter the United States after his removal. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Lasseter.