component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Eight U.S. Attorneys and the Department of Justice (DOJ) today joined Secretary Sean P. Duffy of the Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — as well as Administrator Derek Barrs of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Vice Chairman Andrew Ferguson of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud — to announce a historic interagency effort to crack down on fraud in the trucking industry. Federal officials were also joined by Marcus Coleman and his daughter Dalilah , who was critically injured in a 2024 crash with an illegal alien behind the wheel. “The safety of American roadways affects everyone across the country,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Foreigners and illegal aliens have exploited America’s trucking industry, often putting unqualified, improperly trained, non-English speaking drivers on our highways. Some may be hauling drugs or weapons for international crimes networks. The drivers and companies that allow for this dangerous activity will no longer get a pass. The Department of Justice is proud to join federal, state, and local partners in Joint Task Force Crossroads for America to dismantle the fraud schemes harming American truckers, drivers and community safety. Together, we will prosecute culprits, and protect America’s roads.” “USDOT has spent the last year-and-a-half strengthening the rules of the road and removing dangerous foreign drivers from our trucking industry,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “To fully root out the scourge of fraud, hold criminals accountable, and restore safety, we need the support of federal law enforcement. I am so grateful for President Trump raising the alarm on this issue, and to Vice President Vance for leading the charge to crack down on fraud nationwide. From states failing to follow the law to shady training schools and illicit companies, together we will tackle every link in the chain.” “Thanks to the recklessness of sanctuary politicians, there is a growing and alarming trend of illegal aliens being granted commercial driver’s licenses. Many of them don’t speak English or understand the rules of the road, and yet they’re driving among us, endangering our loved ones,” said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “As a result, far too many Americans have lost their lives because an illegal alien was behind the wheel. Under the strong leadership of President Trump, DHS and ICE are delivering on our mission to protect Americans by taking these dangerous threats OFF our roadways and getting them OUT of our country. Additionally, our partnership with the Department of Transportation will help root out CDL fraud so that illegal aliens are no longer able to obtain CDLs and put American lives at risk. The Trump Administration will ALWAYS put the American people first.” “Here’s a basic concept: Americans have a right to feel safe on the roads their taxes pay for. Unfortunately, the previous administration disagreed and turned a blind eye to criminal enterprises that allowed drivers who couldn’t pass a basic English test to obtain a commercial driver’s license,” said White House Fraud Task Force Executive Director Scott Brady. “That ends today thanks to the leadership of Vice President Vance, who is focused on protecting American lives on our nation’s roadways.” “Criminals who exploit our nation’s transportation systems through fraud and deception are not only breaking the law–they are putting the safety and security of the American public at risk,” said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “HSI will bring the full weight of our investigative authorities, financial expertise and global law enforcement capabilities to this historic, whole-of-government effort. Alongside our federal partners we will aggressively pursue the individuals and criminal networks that use fraudulent documents, illicit financial schemes and other unlawful means to circumvent our laws and profit at the expense of public safety.” The U.S. Attorneys joining Secretaries Duffy and Mullin and others to make today’s announcement were: U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon for the Eastern District of Michigan; U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred for the Northern District of Indiana; U.S. Attorney Tim Verhey for the Western District of Michigan; U.S. Attorney David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio; U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace for the Southern District of Ohio; U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler for the Southern District of Indiana; U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft for the Southern District of Illinois; and U.S. Attorney Greg Gilmore for the Central District of Illinois. Building on Vice President Vance’s agenda to root out fraud across the country, the coalition announced the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America — a multi-state partnership to secure our highways and strengthen border security. Partnering across federal, state, and local agencies, the Task Force will target criminal networks and fraud to reduce highway fatalities and protect Americans. Actions Include: DOJ Formation of Joint Task Force Crossroads of America to safeguard the nation’s highway system and strengthen the security of our borders. USDOT Emergency removal of 110 commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools associated with more than 5,000 drivers who failed English language proficiency tests Launching a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers and states’ oversight of the testers Results from 40-state investigation of additional training schools DHS Synchronized single-day sweep targeting more than 200 training schools across 23 states Joint coordination with USDOT HSI and ICE updates on ongoing investigations targeting CDL-related businesses and schools This unprecedented interagency campaign represents the Trump Administration's most aggressive effort in history to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in trucking. By aligning USDOT’s regulatory authorities with federal law enforcement operations, the administration is taking aggressive action to safeguard American roads against unqualified and unvetted illegal truckers. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OPERATIONS Today, the Department of Justice is announcing the formation of the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America. This multi-state Task Force is being formed to safeguard the nation’s highway system and strengthen the security of our borders. The Task Force teams up the United States Attorney’s Offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio with our state and local enforcement, prosecutors, and federal partners including the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FBI, DEA, HSI, ICE, and ATF. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS In the past year-and-a-half, USDOT has knocked over 28,000 drivers off our roads for failing to speak English, forced states to cancel over 30,000 licenses illegally issued to foreign drivers, and purged over 8,000 unqualified training schools from our FMCSA registry. In July, the Department announced a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to further crack down on fraudulent and illegal practices in CDL schools. Today, FMCSA announced three enforcement actions to stop fraudulent commercial driver training and testing practices that have allowed drivers not proficient in English to operate commercial vehicles. Action I: The Emergency Removal of Training Providers FMCSA reviewed roadside inspection records for commercial drivers cited for not meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. The agency then compared those drivers with records in the Training Provider Registry (TPR) to identify training providers that repeatedly certified drivers who did not meet federal qualification standards. FMCSA will now execute the emergency removal of more than 110 Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) providers from the TPR. These providers must immediately cease all operations as a training provider, including administering curricula, utilizing facilities for instruction, and conducting behind-the-wheel training. Action II: Performing Targeted Investigations and Proposing Removals In July, FMCSA sent 175 investigators in 40 states to conduct nearly 400 investigations of ELDT providers. The investigations uncovered several serious cases of non-compliance: Inadequate Space: The range did not have adequate space to complete necessary maneuvers. Unlicensed Instructors: The instructor did not have the correct license to conduct the training. Missing Documentation: The facility did not maintain records of any assessments. Fraudulent Classrooms: The training provider claimed their classroom was inside of a school bus in the back of a trailer when asked about where their classroom instruction took place. These targeted efforts resulted in more than 160 notices of proposed removals from FMCSA’s TPR. Drivers certified by these 160+ ELDT providers are linked to 239 commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities. Action III: Conducting a Nationwide Audit of Third-Party Skills Testers CDL skills tests must be given in English, yet more than 28,000 drivers have been placed out of service for ELP violations since June 2025, showing clear compliance failures among third-party testers and a failure by states to conduct effective oversight of the third-party testers. FMCSA can hold states accountable for authorizing testers who fail federal requirements. If a state’s CDL program is non-compliant, the following process applies: Annual Program Review: FMCSA conducts a yearly review of each state's CDL program. Preliminary Finding: If deficiencies are found, FMCSA issues a formal notification of noncompliance to the state's Governor and State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA). State's Response Window: The state has 30 days to create a mutually agreed-upon Corrective Action Plan (CAP) detailing how it will fix the issues. Final Determination & Consequences: If the state fails to correct the problems, FMCSA issues a final determination of substantial noncompliance. This triggers a mandatory withholding of federal highway funds, starting at up to 4% in the first year and increasing to 8% for each subsequent year of noncompliance. Decertification: For serious issues, FMCSA may begin the decertification process. A decertified state cannot issue, renew, transfer, or upgrade any CDLs. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OPERATIONS HSI, in conjunction with U.S. Attorney Office and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is leading a national criminal investigation initiative targeting public safety vulnerabilities and criminal activity in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and commercial trucking sector. The initiative focuses on CDL fraud, unauthorized employment, identity-document fraud, financial crime, money laundering, labor exploitation, and potential links to human smuggling, drug trafficking, and cartel activity. HSI activity includes: On August 31, 2026, HSI will conduct a synchronized surge at more than 200 driving schools across 23 Special Agent in Charge offices, targeting CDL-related businesses, schools, carriers, and employers. This surge will consist in the service of Notice of Inspections across 23 states. HSI, in coordination with USDOT FMCSA and USDOT OIG, disseminated over 1,000 CDL-related business leads stemming from known or suspect business engaged in unsafe practices on the roadways and transportation-sector exploitation. Field offices have issued more than 80 Notices of Inspection, opened multiple investigations, and identified indicators of fraudulent CDL issuance, unauthorized employment, identity fraud, shell companies, and broader transportation-sector exploitation. Ongoing HSI Investigations include: Unauthorized Employment : HSI is investigating a trucking company suspected of using B1/B2 visa holders for domestic cargo transport. To date, three drivers have been arrested and several firearms seized. DMV Employee CDL Fraud : HSI is investigating state motor vehicle employees suspected of accepting payments to help illegal aliens bypass driver’s license and CDL requirements. Investigators have arrested numerous subjects for official misconduct and misappropriation of state identification documents. Fatality-Linked I-9 Enforcement : HSI investigated a freight company linked to the fatality of a state law enforcement officer. CDL Medical Certification Fraud : HSI and USDOT-OIG are investigating medical practitioners suspected of improperly certifying medical exams required for illegal aliens to obtain CDLs. Labor Exploitation : HSI is investigating companies exploiting visa holders, engaging in visa fraud, labor exploitation, financial crimes, and drug trafficking associated with CDL businesses. Planned and ongoing Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field activity includes: Miami Field Office: Coordinating a joint operation during the week of August 24 with Florida DOT, FMCSA, and the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. Chicago Field Office: Coordinating a joint operation with Indiana State Police from August 25-27 focused on weigh stations and including ERO/DOT officers. National Surge Operation: ERO anticipates conducting a nationwide surge operation on August 31, focusing on Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin by coordinating a joint enforcement and inspection response with USDOT, leveraging both ERO officers and FMCSA-certified inspectors to conduct commercial vehicle enforcement activity and inspection checkpoints at separate locations. ERO is also conducting national and field-level enforcement efforts related to CDL holders and commercial transportation activity, including: Operation ICE Wall: A multi-stage enforcement operation targeting trucking companies and drivers with final orders, prior removals, or reinstatements of prior removal orders. Operation Guardrail: An initiative focused on illegal aliens holding commercial driver’s licenses. Operation Freightliner: An ERO Public Safety and Partnership Division-led operation across ERO areas of responsibility with active 287(g) partners. This operation uses an intergovernmental approach, coordinating with federal and 287(g) partners to locate, interdict, and identify aliens operating commercial vehicles in violation of the law. The Task Force seeks to enhance roadway safety; reduce fatalities, serious injuries, and criminal activity; deter illegal trucking practices; promote consistent, data‑driven enforcement strategies across jurisdictions; and hold accountable those who would harm the United States and its citizens.


title: Ohio State University Agrees to $2.1M Settlement to Resolve Allegations that it Failed to Disclose Employees’ Ties to the People’s Republic of China in Applications for Federal Research Funding

component: Civil Division

body_text: Ohio State University (OSU), a public university in Columbus, Ohio, has agreed to pay a total of $2,100,000 to resolve civil allegations that it failed to disclose OSU employees’ affiliations with and support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in connection with federal research funding. “American universities that benefit from the federal government’s support for scientific research and advancement must fully disclose all foreign funding in their grant applications,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable any university that fails to comply with disclosure requirements designed to protect research security and federally-funded scientific achievements.” “Together with the Department of Justice and NASA, we have secured a major financial recovery on behalf of the American public,” said Robert Steinau, Senior Official at the NASA Office of Inspector General. “The settlement and accompanying compliance agreement send a clear message: We will not tolerate institutions that conceal foreign ties and compromise national security. Our cutting-edge research must not fall into the hands of our adversaries.” “The National Science Foundation invests billions of taxpayer dollars each year in research that advances American innovation and national security, providing a substantial portion to support America’s colleges and universities,” said Acting Inspector General Megan E. Wallace of the National Science Foundation. “Federal agencies rely on grant recipients, including colleges and universities, to fully disclose their funding sources and personnel commitments, including foreign support. When recipients fail to make those disclosures, they undermine the integrity of the federal grant process and can put taxpayer dollars and U.S. research interests at risk. The NSF Office of Inspector General is committed to protecting the nation’s investment in science and technology by detecting and preventing fraud and holding recipients accountable for meeting their obligations. We thank the Justice Department’s Civil Division and our investigative partners for their work in protecting federally funded research.” This settlement relates to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Science Foundation (NSF) grants that provided funding to OSU from November 2012 to August 2023. In the funding application process, NASA and NSF required OSU to disclose, among other things, foreign government support received by any principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on the grant application. Further, since 2011, federal law prohibits the use of grant funds for collaborations with the PRC, PRC Universities, or any PRC-owned companies. The settlement resolves allegations that OSU failed to disclose the collaboration and affiliation with, or funding received from, the PRC by certain OSU employees working on NASA and NSF grants. Specifically, the settlement resolves allegations that since 2014, annual Faculty Activity Reports submitted to OSU identified affiliations with PRC universities and state-run research organizations, but OSU did not disclose this information to NASA or NSF. In addition, OSU learned in 2019 that a PI on NASA grants was a participant in a Thousand Talents Program, a program established by the PRC to recruit individuals with knowledge or access to foreign technology intellectual property, but OSU did not notify NASA or NSF until four years later in 2023. The United States identified additional OSU employees who worked on those grants and were affiliated with, or collaborated with, or received funding from, the PRC. 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 the 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, NASA OIG, NSF OIG, and the FBI. The matter was handled by Fraud Section Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Reimer. Investigative support was provided by NASA OIG, NSF OIG, and the FBI. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: New York Judge Blocks State of New York’s Unconstitutional Climate Superfund Act

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Note, the press release has been updated to include a quote from the Associate Attorney General. Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York ruled that the State of New York may not impose strict liability on energy companies for their alleged contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, New York enacted the “Climate Change Superfund Act,” which purported to impose billions of dollars on domestic and foreign energy companies that extract fossil fuels or refine crude oil. A coalition of states and trade organizations sued, alleging that the Act is preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and that the Act violates the Constitution. After the case was consolidated with a suit filed by a different coalition of trade organizations, the Justice Department filed a statement of interest and presented oral argument in support of the plaintiffs. The court agreed that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act is preempted by the Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and the court held that the Climate Act is invalid. “The court held that federal law preempts New York’s attempt to regulate global environmental concerns, marking a significant step in advancing President Trump’s energy agenda and lowering energy prices for Americans,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “We will continue to fight to uphold the rule of law, unleash American energy, and protect our national security.” “The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s order to protect American energy from state overreach,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “New York’s law would have expropriated $75 billion from energy companies around the world during an energy emergency and in direct defiance of American foreign policy and federal law. We will continue to fight for affordable, reliable energy for all Americans.” President Trump directed the Attorney General to take action to stop the enforcement of state laws that unreasonably burden domestic energy development so that energy will once again be reliable and affordable for all Americans. The Justice Department’s support in this case advances President Trump’s directive in Executive Order 14260, Protecting American Energy from State Overreach . The government has also filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York challenging the same expropriative Climate Change Superfund Act. And the government has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont challenging Vermont’s Climate Superfund Act, which seeks to recover an unspecified amount from the same energy companies targeted by the New York Act. In those suits, the government alleges that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act and the Vermont Climate Superfund Act are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and that they violate the U.S. Constitution. The Justice Department seeks a declaration that these state laws are unconstitutional and an injunction against their enforcement.


title: Maryland Union Leader Convicted of Defrauding Union To Enrich Herself

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury in Greenbelt, Maryland, convicted the former president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) local 2419 union, Kimberly Goodwin, 54, of Bowie, Maryland, of participating in a wire fraud conspiracy and eight counts of money laundering. “Kimberly Goodwin was a union leader entrusted to safeguard finances and represent the interests of dues-paying members, but instead led a scheme to steal from them and convert the money for personal use. This was a substantial betrayal of the trust of hard-working Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is proud to partner with the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General to uncover this fraud and prosecute those involved, including Goodwin, who led the conspiracy and held a union leadership position.” “Kimberly Goodwin abused her position of trust as a union president to steal nearly $1 million from the very members she was elected to represent, funneling their money to a sham consulting company for services that were never rendered,” said Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. “This conviction, along with the earlier conviction of her co-conspirator, sends a clear message that those who exploit their fiduciary responsibility to union members for personal enrichment will be held accountable.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Goodwin served as the president of the AFGE local 2419 union from January 2017 to August 2019. At the time of her service, the union represented approximately 500 federal employees of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As part of the fraud scheme, under Goodwin’s authority, the union transferred approximately $1 million received from NIH from multiple employee grievance lawsuits into the local 2419 bank account. She then used her power as signatory of the union bank account – which she retained as part of her scheme to defraud the union even after her tenure as president had expired in 2019 – to transfer the money to a sham consulting company that she owned. Through a series of bank and wire transfers and cash withdrawals, she transferred approximately $1 million to her own account between 2019 and 2022 for services that were never provided by her consulting firm, or whose invoiced value far exceeded the true value of the service rendered. As shown at trial, Goodwin also secretly instituted new rules to the local 2419 bylaws that allowed her sham consulting firm to receive illegitimate payment for claimed work on union issues such as training, contract negotiations and collective bargaining. Indeed, evidence presented at trial established that there had not even been a meeting of local 2419 since 2020, and that local 2419 ran out of money and went into receivership in 2022. Evidence also showed that, while she controlled the union’s bank account, Goodwin spent union money for personal shopping including a $7,400 massage chair and other personal expenditures. Goodwin is the second defendant convicted in this case. Goodwin’s co-conspirator, the Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE Local 2419, Kelleigh Williams, was convicted in 2025 of wire fraud conspiracy for her part in the fraud scheme. The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General National Capital Region Office of Investigations and the Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Vincent J. Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Convicted Rapist from India

body_text: The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York entered judgment revoking the naturalization of convicted rapist Gurmeet Singh. “American citizenship is not a shield for criminals,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Gurmeet Singh, a convicted rapist from India, is no longer a U.S. citizen. He concealed a rape and kidnapping during the naturalization process, and a federal court has now revoked his citizenship. This Department took this case across the finish line, and we will continue to move expeditiously on denaturalization referrals. Fraudulently obtained citizenship will not protect criminals from justice.” “Singh unlawfully obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship by concealing horrible criminal acts,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will continue to protect the integrity of the citizenship process and hold accountable those who defraud our immigration system.” “The Court’s judgment, which requires the defendant to surrender his wrongfully obtained citizenship, sends a strong message to those who obtain citizenship through deceit, and demonstrates the Administration’s resolve to pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr for the Eastern District of New York. A native of India, Singh entered the United States in February 1992 as a visitor for a temporary period not to exceed six months. He then remained in the United States without authorization for years until a family-based immigrant visa petition allowed him to become a permanent resident in June 2000. In May 2011 — mere weeks before he filed his application to naturalize as a U.S. citizen — Singh, a taxicab driver at the time, drove a female passenger who fell asleep during her ride home to a location with no witnesses. When his passenger awoke, she found Singh on top of her with a knife against her throat. He threatened her, bound and gagged her, blindfolded her, removed her clothes, and raped her. Afterwards, the victim escaped from the cab and ran to someone in the streets at dawn for help. Singh concealed these acts throughout his naturalization proceedings, leading to his becoming a U.S. citizen on Oct. 19, 2011. After naturalizing, Singh was convicted in New York of Rape in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The Aug. 26 order revoking Singh’s naturalization follows a complaint the Justice Department filed on Feb. 2. This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla of the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Layaliza Soloveichik for the Eastern District of New York.


title: Five men indicted for laundering fraud proceeds tied to ‘tech support,’ government, and financial institution imposter scams

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – Five men have been indicted in the Western District of Washington in connection with a nationwide fraud scheme taking funds from elderly victims, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Four of the five men have appeared on the indictment and three remain detained. The indictment alleges the men were part of a conspiracy to launder the fraud proceeds, whereby the defendants sent the fraudulently obtained funds to bank accounts in China and Hong Kong. Trial is scheduled for November 9, 2026. “These scam groups operate like a business – some people convince the victims they must send money to “protect” their money or repair their computer. Other schemers willingly take that money and launder it through bank accounts to the benefit of the entire conspiracy,” said First U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “These five are the men who allegedly laundered those victim funds through some 21 different shell companies and 44 bank accounts. Charging them disrupts the network and, is the first step in uncovering the rest of the conspiracy.” “In 2025 alone elder fraud cost more than a million older Americans about $2 billion,” said Acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “In this case alone, we estimate about $11 million may have been lost by our vulnerable seniors, and the associated money laundering impacts our country’s financial institutions. HSI will continue to investigate cases like these and work to keep our seniors and country safe from financial predators.” According to the indictment, between October 2024 and March 2026, the men registered 21 different shell companies in Washington State and used fake identities to open some 44 different bank accounts tied to the shell companies. They also rented mailboxes at commercial entities tied to the shell companies. Using tech support scams, or by impersonating government or bank officials, the scammers convinced victims to send cashiers’ checks, money orders, or other monetary instruments to the rented mailboxes. The five men indicted in Western Washington then deposited the funds in the 44 different bank accounts and then rapidly moved the money through wire transfers to accounts held in the names of business entities based in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China. In all, the defendants collectively received and laundered more than $7.4 million in fraud proceeds from at least 77 victims. The five defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, ten counts of money laundering by concealment, and ten counts of money laundering by spending. Those indicted include: Hung Chieh Kuo, 27, of Bellevue, WA, detained pending a hearing 8/31/26 Tung Wei Yeh, 31, of Bellevue, WA, detained pending trial Hsin Chien, 31, of Bothell, WA, released pending trial You Wei Liew, 26, of Seattle, being sought by law enforcement Chengpeng Zhang, 40, of Seattle, detained pending a hearing 9/2/26 Conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering concealment are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of the property involved. Money laundering by spending is punishable by up to ten years in prison and $250,000 fine or twice the value of the criminally derived property. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yunah Chung. kuo_et_al_indictment.pdf


title: Pair Plead Guilty in CARES Act Fraud

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – A pair of Virginia residents pled guilty recently to filing false claims for pandemic unemployment benefits authorized by the CARES Act. The CARES Act is a federal law, enacted in March of 2020, that was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Martha Sue Buffy Davis, 50, of Glade Spring, Va., and Robert Walter Neely, 47, both pled guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud the United States and commit an offense against the United States by filing fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits as authorized by federal law. Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2026. According to court documents, from July 2020 through May 2021, Davis, Neely, and others, conspired to file false and fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits. It was part of the conspiracy that Neely provided personal identifying information (PII) to Davis, who filed and recertified the false claims with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). To perpetuate the scheme, Davis listed a non-existent business, “Buff-N-Shine Cleaning,” that she invented for the purpose of filing the fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits with the VEC. In addition, Davis obtained PII and assisted other co-conspirators in filing and recertifying fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission investigated the case. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Office of the Attorney General Senior Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Man Sentenced for Role in Conspiracy with Annandale-Based Doctor to Illegally Distribute Promethazine-Codeine

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – An Alabama man, who conspired with Dr. Rotimi Adegoke Illuyomade and others to illegally distribute promethazine-codeine solution, was sentenced today to one year of probation. Cameron Zackery Brown pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a Schedule V controlled substance, promethazine-codeine solution, also known as “lean” and “purple drank.” “Doctors who violate their professional duty and betray the public trust to illegally distribute controlled substances will be held accountable in the Western District of Virginia,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I with to thank The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury, Maryland Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Police, HHS-OIG, and the Food and Drug Administration for their assistance on this case.” According to court documents, between 2023 and 2024, Brown, Dr. Illuyomade, Raymono Russell, Yared Tesfaye, Kenechukwu Okwara, Cameron Lewis, Zion Adeduwon, and others, conspired to acquire and distribute promethazine-codeine solution by fraud. Specifically, Brown served as a driver for co-conspirators Okwara and Lewis, whom he knew from high school. Brown drove Okwara and Lewis to Dr. Illuyomade’s office, Crossover Medical Center in Annandale, Virginia, and to pharmacies in multiple states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, for the purpose of filling illegal promethazine-codeine solution prescriptions. In exchange for driving, Brown received cash payments and/or CashApp, Apple Pay, or Zelle money transfers. The investigation began on September 2, 2023, when co-conspirator Raymono Russell attempted to pick up a fraudulent promethazine-codeine solution prescription transmitted by Dr. Illuyomade at a pharmacy in Honaker, Virginia. Russell was arrested and a search of his vehicle revealed multiple controlled substance prescription bottles in various ‘patient’ names, all from Dr. Iluyomade, filled at pharmacies in Roanoke, Radford, Tazewell, and Floyd, Virginia. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury, Maryland Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Police, HHS-OIG, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena Busscher and Randy Ramseyer are prosecuting the case. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci, Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge DEA Washington Division, and Darren B. Cox, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement.


title: Honduran Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Violating the Travel Act

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Honduran national, Wilson Garcia Hernandez, 29, who overstayed his visa and has lived illegally in the United States since October 2024, pled guilty today to violating the Travel Act. The Travel Act prohibits, among other things, using facilities in interstate commerce, such as cellphones and computers, to carry on unlawful activities, including prostitution. According to court documents, in April 2026, an agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), acting in an undercover capacity began exchanging emails with Hernandez, after the defendant responded to an advertisement for commercial sex dates. The undercover officer was posing as a “female escort” online. As the two began messaging each other, the undercover officer quickly told Hernandez that she was in fact 16 years old. Hernadez acknowledged her age and indicated that was not a problem for him and continued messaging with her. Eventually, Hernandez arranged to meet the undercover officer, whom he believed was a 16-year-old girl, at a public park in the Harrisonburg, Virginia area and to pay $170 to have sex with for one-hour. When Hernandez arrived, officers arrested him and found he was in possession of approximately $200 in cash and a condom. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement today. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.


title: Illegal Alien Found Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry into the United States After a Two-Day Jury Trial

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A federal jury in Del Rio convicted an illegal alien from Nicaragua for illegal re-entry on Wednesday, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Darwing Alberto Varela, was arrested in December 2025 after being rescued out of the water on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande River. During an immigration inspection with U.S. Border Patrol agents, Varela admitted that he swam across the river from Mexico to enter the U.S., that he was a citizen of Nicaragua, and that he had been previously deported from the U.S. Concluding a two-day trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez, the federal jury returned a guilty verdict in just four minutes. “The Western District of Texas has the largest caseload in the nation, and, as here, we handle those cases with excellence,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “I am proud of our entire prosecution team for their work on this open-and-shut case and coming to work every day committed to doing the next right thing.” The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carli Tuttle and Steven Shilling are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Federal Jury Finds Jefferson County Business Owner Guilty of Large-Scale Pandemic Relief Loan Fraud

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After four hours of deliberation, on August 26, 2026, a federal jury in Pittsburgh found Jason Youngdahl guilty of two counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering, and one count of theft of government money, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Youngdahl, 44, of Brockway, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. The evidence presented during the two-day trial established that Youngdahl fraudulently obtained more than $540,000 from the United States Small Business Administration in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which were funds intended to provide small businesses with relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. Youngdahl fraudulently obtained loan funds on five different occasions, each time representing that he would use the money for the small business he operated when, in fact, he planned to and did use the funds for personal purchases, including a personal vehicle and residence. “Jason Youngdahl’s conduct demonstrates a complete disregard for the law and is exactly the type of fraud that the Department of Justice is committed to combating through its national efforts,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “This verdict recognizes and holds Youngdahl accountable for his greed and egregious criminal activity. Our office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute opportunistic fraudsters who seek to enrich themselves through taxpayer-funded programs.” Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2027. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain from the offense, or both for each of the wire fraud counts, and up to 10 years in prison and a fine on each of the money laundering and theft of government money counts. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer L. Peresie and Morgan A. Camerlo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Youngdahl. 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: Drug Distributor Caught with Nearly 600 Counterfeit Pills Containing Fentanyl Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Ricketta Ann Twitty, 35, of Bostic, N.C. was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl after she was caught with nearly 600 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Twitty was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after completing her prison sentence. “I have spent the last week going around the district educating people that a single counterfeit pill can contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Such education is important, but we also are aggressively prosecuting people like Ms. Twitty who peddle such pills in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Ms. Twitty unnecessarily put a lot of lives at risk, at times distributing 2,000 pills per day .” According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, officers with the Forest City Police Department responded to a call for service at a Walmart involving Twitty. Officers located Twitty, near a vehicle where she was arrested. The officers then searched Twitty’s vehicle and seized $7,297 in cash and more than 590 counterfeit pills in a prescription bottle. The counterfeit pills were imprinted with “T/189,” a marker for the prescription drug Oxycodone Hydrochloride. The seized counterfeit pills were determined to contain fentanyl. During the investigation, Twitty told the investigators that she received the counterfeit pills from suppliers based in Charlotte, and that she distributed approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills a day during a two to three-week period. Twitty is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility. In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Forest City Police Department for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Federal Jury Finds Convicted Felon with Two Firearms Guilty of Illegal Gun Possession

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Marcus Jamal Shankle, 36, of Charlotte, for illegally possessing a firearm, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Matthew E. Orso presided over the two-day trial. According to trial evidence, in October 2024, officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) were investigating Shankle for illegal firearm possession. Shankle had prior federal convictions for distribution of cocaine base and for violating the terms of his supervised release. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. On October 3, 2024, CMPD officers approached Shankle as he was exiting a restaurant in Charlotte. Shankle was walking to his vehicle when he saw the officers approaching. He walked toward his front passenger side door, then attempted to draw a handgun from his waistband. The officers were able to disarm Shankle, but then Shankle grabbed a second firearm hidden in his waistband. The officers attempted to remove this second firearm from Shankle’s grip. Shankle was shot in the course of Shankle’s armed struggle with the officers. Shankle had been in possession of a Ruger, Model P94, 40 caliber semiautomatic pistol and a stolen Keltec, Model P3AT, .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol. The jury found Shankle guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces a statutory sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Romanian Illegal Alien Charged with Wire Fraud in Scheme to Defraud Walmart

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An illegal alien from Romania has been charged by a federal grand jury with one count of wire fraud involving a scheme to defraud Walmart of thousands of dollars. Hozu Rostas, 25, of Romania, was charged in an indictment filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on Aug. 28, 2026. The federal indictment charges Rostas with one count of wire fraud. According to the indictment, between February 2025 and June 2026, Rostas would carry out a confidence scheme at Walmart stores throughout the United States, including a Walmart in Columbia, Mo. Rostas would use a sleight of hand technique to shortchange Walmart cashiers of money. Specifically, Rostas would select merchandise and then count out the money in separate piles. After the cashier counted the money, Rostas would take it back, quietly remove a portion, and then return the reduced amount without being detected. After the cashier put the money into the teller, Rostas would leave with the merchandise. Rostas would then go to another Walmart store and return the merchandise for the full amount. According to the indictment, Rostas obtained more than $150,000 during this scheme. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Maness. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.


title: Registered Sex Offender/Parolee Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A registered sex offender has been charged in federal court for child pornography charges committed while he was on state parole for similar crimes. Michael D. Shimon, 43 of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a criminal complaint on Aug. 28, 2026. Shimon had his initial appearance this afternoon. The federal complaint charges Shimon with one count each of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography, both charged as a prior sex offender. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Dropbox, Inc. submitted a cyber tip report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a video uploaded to the Dropbox application by Shimon’s account. Weeks later, an acquaintance of Shimon reported to authorities that he had observed images of possible child pornography in Shimon’s home on one of Shimon’s electronic devices. Based on this information, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigations served a federal search warrant upon Shimon’s residence on Aug. 27, 2026. During their contact with Shimon at his home, investigators seized multiple electronic devices from his person. An analysis of Shimon’s electronic devices located thousands of images of child pornography. Shimon was previously convicted in Phelps County, Missouri with one count of promoting child pornography in the first degree and two counts of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced on all three counts to 12 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections in February 2017. Shimon was released from incarceration and placed on parole in 2021 and is currently a registered sex offender in the State of Missouri. The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Luna and Mitchell Widener. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Law Enforcement Officers Honored for Investigations Related to Foreign Acts of Violence and Deadly Fentanyl Distribution

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, recognized the recipients of the 2026 Guardian of Justice Award, which honored several local and federal law enforcement officers for their work on significant investigations within the district. The award recipients were honored during the 24th Annual Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Training Seminar in Springfield, Mo. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented annually by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee. “I commend the agents and law enforcement officers whose dedication and investigative efforts helped bring many dangerous individuals to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Price. “Their work has made our communities safer and serves as an important reminder that collaboration and cooperation are critical to our shared mission of protecting the communities we serve.” Material Support to Cameroon Separatists Case Special Agent Jake Green with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kansas City Field Office, received this year’s Guardian of Justice Award for his exemplary work in helping the Western District of Missouri obtain its first ever trial conviction for providing material support to commit various acts of violence abroad. Green’s work resulted in the successful conviction of three men who provided material support to separatists in Cameroon. Francis Chenyi, Sr., 52, of Saint Paul, Minn. and Lah Nestor Langmi, 49, of Buffalo, N.Y., both citizens of Cameroon, were sentenced to 180 months each in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Claude Ngenevu Chi, 43, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 63 months, followed by three years of supervised release. All three men were involved in a conspiracy to provide material support or resources to kill, kidnap, and maim persons and use weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in a foreign country. The defendants conspired to provide funds and equipment to separatist fighters in Cameroon to allow them to construct and use IEDs against various targets in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. SA Green provided countless hours of diligent, professional, and useful collaboration with the trial team. For example, SA Green worked with the Assistant U.S. Attorneys on the case by traveling out of state to speak with the victims prior to trial about the possibility of testifying. SA Green also worked with the AUSAs for months to identify useful electronic evidence, which was both voluminous and difficult to sift through due to the older document management system in which it was previously uploaded. Tiger Draggoo Fentanyl Distribution Case The second Guardian of Justice Award was presented to the law enforcement and legal team responsible for the successful conviction of drug distributor Tiger Draggoo, who was responsible for three fentanyl overdose deaths in the district. The recipients were: Detective Jennifer Maynard, Jackson County Drug Task Force/Lee’s Summit Police Department; Detective Mike Murphy, Grandview, Missouri Police Department/formerly Jackson County Drug Task Force; Detective Jeff Richardson, Belton, Missouri Police Department; Corporal Tony Sterner, Cass County Sheriff’s Office; Special Agent Tim Phipps, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Special Agent Tim Flohrschutz, Federal Bureau of Investigation Kansas City Field Office; and Scott Hamann, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri, Financial Investigator. Tiger Draggoo, 26, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 40 years in prison, followed by 30 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and three counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. The victims were ages 17, 18, and 21. In addition, the Court ordered the forfeiture of $146,066 that was seized at the time of his arrest, imposition of a money judgment in the amount of $611,698, and restitution to the victims’ families in the total amount of $65,937.20. At his guilty plea, Draggoo admitted to distributing or possessing with intent to distribute at least 22,364 fentanyl pills. Law enforcement seized 23 firearms from Draggoo, which included two machineguns and one short-barreled shotgun. In addition to Draggoo, seven other defendants pleaded guilty to this conspiracy. 2026 Enoch B. Morelock Award Detective Steve Cook of the Independence, Missouri Police Department was the recipient of the 2026 Enoch B. Morelock Award, which celebrates outstanding moral character as well as service to law enforcement and the community. Detective Cook has been employed with the Independence Missouri Police Department since 1993 and has more than 30 years of criminal investigations experience to include assignments at the Jackson County Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration’s Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Gang Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force. In these capacities, Detective Cook has been a leading force in the prosecution of over 1000 defendants at the state and federal level. In 1999, Detective Cook’s initiation into federal prosecution requiring jury determination was in the matter of United States v. Mark P. Clayton, a clandestine laboratory methamphetamine manufacturing case which resulted in the defendant receiving a 241-month sentence. Detective Cook also prepared and presented more than 40 of the approximately 180 cases for federal prosecution involving the illegal use/possession of firearms, the distribution of controlled substances and the victimization of women and children during the Western District of Missouri’s, Operation Red Card, which commenced just before the FIFA World Cup Soccer Games in Kansas City, Mo. Additionally, Detective Cook is considered a subject matter expert in the area of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG) and provides OMG training to law enforcement around the world. Guardian of Justice Award The annual Guardian of Justice Award recognizes a state or local officer as well as a federal agent for investigative excellence, selfless collaboration, tireless trial support, commendable diligence and professionalism, and noteworthy assistance to prosecution. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee each year during the law enforcement training seminar.


title: Monroe Duck Hunter Convicted by Federal Jury of Assaulting Federal Fish and Wildlife Agents

body_text: MONROE – On August 26, 2026, following a three-day trial before Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty, a federal jury found Carson McKoin , 23, of Monroe, guilty of assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal wildlife agents. McKoin faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2026. “Louisiana, long known as ‘Sportsman’s Paradise,’ is blessed with one of the richest outdoor traditions in the country,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “But that tradition only succeeds when hunters exercise due care and responsibility with firearms. Reckless actions put lives at risk and are taken very seriously.” According to evidence presented at trial, McKoin was hunting with a group of young men on January 19, 2024, when he believed other hunters were encroaching on the duck hole his group claimed. Hearing a boat approaching, McKoin fired a shot toward what he thought were incoming hunters. The individuals approaching were actually federal fish and wildlife agents performing their official duties. When confronted, McKoin admitted firing the shot but claimed it was simply a “signal shot,” a statement at odds with the agents’ belief that he had intentionally fired at them. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Division of Refuge Law Enforcement (USFWS-DRLE), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Vermaelen, William Gaskins, and Robert Moody, with assistance from Legal Assistant Stephanie Stewart. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 25-cr-00025. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs: USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla X: @USAO_WDLA Facebook: USAO_WDLA (337) 262-6704


title: Outlaw hunting guide guilty of illegally baiting pond

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 55-year-old Conroe resident has admitted to operating an illegal waterfowl guiding operation. Richard Lee Bowers admitted he invited members of the public to duck hunt on his property in Walker County, known as the Pull Two Ranch, where he illegally baited a pond with corn. Bowers had his paying clients hunt over the bait where they harvested various species of ducks. Ducks are covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and may not be legally hunted with the aid of bait. On Nov. 18, 2023, authorities conducted surveillance at Pull Two Ranch and observed duck blinds near the pond which had freshly spread corn clearly visible in the water. The next morning, they confronted Bowers and a group who was hunting over the corn. Bowers falsely claimed the corn was for hogs, even though all the corn was underwater. The investigation revealed several hunters who had paid to hunt at Pull Two Ranch reported that baiting the pond with corn was standard procedure. One had questioned Bowers about the illegal baiting, and Bowers responded with “that’s how we get all the ducks.” Bowers is a taxidermist by trade with a long history of state fish and game violations. Judge George C. Hanks Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 9. At that time, Bowers faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson is prosecuting the case.


title: Former police officer pleads guilty to federal charges in relation to raid that killed two and injured others

body_text: HOUSTON – Former Houston Police Department officer Gerald M. Goines, 62, admitted he made materially false statements in an affidavit to obtain a search warrant that led to the botched Harding Street raid in 2019, resulting in a shootout that killed two and injured four HPD officers. To obtain the warrant, Goines falsely claimed a confidential informant had purchased heroin from a resident at the home and provided it to him. Goines later admitted he knew the information was false. He also made other false statements in the affidavit, including claims that others had purchased drugs from residents of the home in the approximately three weeks leading up to the warrant. “Good policing is hard, and good cops always want to accomplish their mission to keep our communities safe and bring justice to bad guys,” said U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz. “But ends don't justify the means. Here, Goines broke public trust, repeatedly lied, and his deceit bore evil fruit: people got hurt and killed. I support our local, state, and federal law enforcement, but none of us get to commit crooked acts and avoid accountability.” “Gerald Goines was a senior narcotics police officer who knowingly violated departmental policy and the law. He held a position of trust within this community, and he violated that trust by abusing his authority and lying to evade accountability for his actions. In this case, Goines’ actions cost the lives of two innocent people,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Color of law violations are some of the hardest to prove, but they are crucial to maintaining public trust in law enforcement. We hope today’s outcome serves as justice for his victims and a reminder that law enforcement officers are not above the law.” U.S. District Court Judge George Hanks accepted the plea and will impose sentencing Nov. 9. At that time, Goines faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum possible fine. Goines has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. He was previously convicted in Harris County on first degree murder charges and is serving a 60-year prison sentence. Former HPD officer Steven O. Bryant, 53, and Patricia Ann Garcia, 60, both of Houston, previously pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and providing false information, respectively. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case.


title: Felons, illegal aliens, smugglers, and more charged in 245 SDTX cases as part of recent border enforcement efforts

body_text: HOUSTON – Another 248 people have been charged, including 227 illegal aliens, in 245 cases involving immigration and border security-related crimes from Aug. 21-27. A total of 172 criminal complaints were filed for felony reentry after prior removal, while another 43 people face charges of illegal entry. Most of those illegal aliens have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration offenses, and more. In addition, 26 people have been charged with human smuggling which includes 12 illegal aliens themselves. The remaining seven cases relate to other immigration crimes. One of the charged illegal aliens is a Guatemalan male with a prior conviction for sexual assault of a child, according to the allegations. Law enforcement allegedly discovered Cesar Augusto Sanchez-Cristales near Roma, despite the fact he had been removed from the country in 2017. Four others, all Mexican nationals, were also allegedly found in the McAllen area. Eduardo Hernandez-Sanchez, Wilber Torres-Herrera, Agustin Yanez-Reynaga, and Francisco Giovanni Garcia-Hernandez had also been previously removed and have prior convictions for conspiracy to distribute cocaine or other controlled substances, multiple driving while intoxicated convictions, or burglary, according to the new criminal complaints against them. If convicted of the new felony illegal reentry into the United States, each faces up to 20 years in federal prison. In addition to the new cases, a Laredo woman was sentenced in a failed attempt to smuggler a toddler into the United States. Anahi Rosas tried to use her own child’s Texas birth certificate and falsely claimed the unknown three-year-old boy was her son. At secondary inspection, the boy told authorities Rosas was not his mother and that he did not know where his parents were. At the sentencing hearing, the court heard that Rosas planned to leave the toddler with an unknown smuggler without knowing where the child would be taken. She was ordered to serve 36 months in federal prison. In Brownsville, a 36-year-old illegal alien from Matamoros, Mexico, received a 63-month sentence for unlawfully being in the United States after prior deportation. Omar Navarro-Hinojosa had been the passenger in a vehicle that was traveling at a high rate of speed. He attempted to flee on foot after the driver stopped the vehicle when law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. Authorities quickly took him into custody. Navarro-Hinojosa admitted he paid $3,000 to be smuggled into the United States. While awaiting sentencing, he was also involved in physical altercation with another inmate which resulted in medical treatment for both men. Because of this incident, he did not receive credit for acceptance of responsibility for the illegal reentry conviction at the time of sentencing, which resulted in the over five-year prison sentence. The cases are referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault, and violence against children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than 10 million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Former Hammond, Louisiana Police Officer Pleads Guilty to  Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim, or Informant

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Gulfport, MS – An Amite City, Louisiana man plead guilty today to one count of retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant. According to court documents, Denver Keith Golmon, age 37, was found to be a participant in an illegal animal fighting venture in Mississippi. Golmon’s uncle, Bert Lester, was charged during the execution of a search warrant and indicted for a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Search warrants into Lester’s phone and Golmon’s iCloud account revealed that Bert Lester had provided portions of the Government’s discovery to Golmon who then used the information to reveal the identity of a confidential informant in the case. Golmon sent or attempted to send videos of the Government’s discovery to multiple individuals, encouraging broad distribution of the footage. In April of 2026, he encouraged two other Hammond Police officers to detain the confidential source at his work place, interfering with the confidential source’s employment. Golmon pleaded guilty to a violation of 18 United States Code 1513(e). He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2027, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Matthew Wright, made the announcement. The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: State of Illinois Must Answer United States’ Complaint Seeking to Invalidate Sanctuary State Policies Enacted to Regulate Federal Law Enforcement Officers

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – United States Attorney Weinhoeft announced today that the United States’ lawsuit against the State of Illinois, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul for the State’s sanctuary policies regulating federal law enforcement officers will continue. “The Court rightfully denied the Governor’s motion to dismiss our lawsuit,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Illinois continues to advance unconstitutional policies designed to undermine federal law. The state should work with us to target criminals rather than spend tax dollars targeting law enforcement officers.” In December 2025 , the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois filed a complaint in federal court against the State of Illinois to invalidate Illinois Public Act 104-0440 (formerly HB 1312) which enacted the Illinois Bivens Act and Illinois Courts Access, Safety, and Participation Act (“CASPA”). The Illinois Bivens Act purports to subject federal immigration officers to civil liability and punitive damages for discharging their federal duties. CASPA implements a ban on “civil arrest” on Illinois state courthouse grounds and within 1,000 feet of a state courthouse. Together, these policies prevent federal law enforcement officers from carrying out their duties in public spaces and expose federal law enforcement officials to liability and punitive damages for doing their jobs. The State of Illinois filed a motion to dismiss the federal complaint in February 2026. The Court heard oral arguments on June 23, 2026. On August 19, the Court entered its order denying the State’s motion. The order further directed Defendants to answer the United States’ complaint within 14 days of the order. The case was brought by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.


title: St. Clair County tax preparer sentenced to 37-month imprisonment and ordered to pay over $700,000 in restitution for filing hundreds of false tax returns

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A federal district judge sentenced a St. Clair County tax preparer to 37 months’ imprisonment after she admitted to filing false tax returns and falsifying her personal income and clients’ business expenses. Dormeshia A. Haire, 38, pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of false statements on tax return, one count of wire fraud, and three counts of aiding and abetting in submitting false and fraudulent returns. Haire was indicted in April 2024 but continued filing hundreds of false tax returns while on bond. Haire took actions to conceal her conduct by filing tax returns under other individuals’ names. Since 2019, Haire profited more than one million dollars in tax return fees from clients. “Combating violent crime and stopping fraud against taxpayer funds are the two highest criminal priorities for the Department of Justice,” said United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Dormeshia Haire filed hundreds of false tax returns, kept filing them after she was charged, and hid the scheme under other people’s names. That conduct demands prison time and full restitution for the losses she caused.” In April 2026, a federal district judge revoked Haire’s bond and ordered Haire detained for bond violations. According to court documents, Haire admitted to filing hundreds of false returns for hundreds of clients. In the tax returns, Haire falsely represented that her clients had businesses they did not own and inflated clients’ business losses. Due to these false records, Haire’s clients received tax refunds to which they were not entitled. Haire’s under reporting of income for her and her clients resulted in an outstanding tax obligation owed to the Internal Revenue Service of more than $600,000 with an additional $48,000 owed to the State of Illinois. “The sentence reflects the seriousness of this case. Dormeshia Haire profited by filing hundreds of fraudulent tax returns for clients for a fee," said IRS Criminal Investigation Kansas City Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “She is directly responsible for more than $600,000 stolen from the U.S. Treasury through her fraud. Now through the investigative expertise of IRS-CI’s special agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Haire is out of business.” Following imprisonment, Haire will serve 3 years of supervised release. The judge also ordered Haire to pay $716,406 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and Illinois Department of Revenue. Haire agreed to pay interest on her restitution. IRS Criminal Investigation led this investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard prosecuted the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Lawrence County meth dealer sentenced to federal prison

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A district court judge sentenced a Lawrence County man to a total of 210 months of federal imprisonment for possessing and distributing methamphetamine in Lawrence and Richland Counties and unlawfully possessing several firearms. David Royse, 47, of Sumner, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Royse’s federal sentence will run concurrent with any term of imprisonment ordered in Royse’s pending state cases in Lawrence County and Richland County. Following imprisonment, he will serve ten years of supervised release. “Armed drug dealers face a certain future in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “FBI data show 2025 produced the largest year-to-year drop in the violent crime rate since national estimates began in 1936. That is no coincidence. Aggressive enforcement works.” According to court documents, Royse possessed at least 50 grams of meth in February 2023 and sold meth on three occasions in March, May, and October 2025. During this time, Royse possessed multiple firearms despite having a prior felony conviction for methamphetamine production. Royse consented to the forfeiture of the firearms. Royse was arrested in November 2025 and will remain in custody. The judge also ordered Royse to pay a $500 fine. Bridgeport Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Olney Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.


title: Russian National Living in Florida Convicted for Scheme to Illegally Export Aircraft Parts from the US to Russia

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Florida resident and Russian national, Alexander Mamonov, 62, was convicted on all charges yesterday following a jury trial related to a scheme to illegally export aircraft parts from the U.S. to Russia and the state-owned Russian airline, PJSC Aeroflot. “This guilty verdict – on all counts – shows the United States government’s resolute commitment to upholding our export-control laws and to prosecuting those who violate them,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The National Security Division and our U.S. Attorney’s Offices and law enforcement partners will continue to safeguard U.S.-controlled items from being exported unlawfully.” “Russia cannot evade American sanctions and export controls by routing its purchases through South Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “You cannot put a fake destination on a shipping label and make American export laws disappear. This defendant conspired to secretly funnel nearly $1 million in American aircraft parts to Russia and Aeroflot, then used false destinations and financial transactions to conceal what he was doing. Yesterday, a federal jury held him accountable on every count. We will continue to aggressively pursue those who use our district, our financial system, or American businesses to undermine U.S. national security.” “Mamonov illegally exported nearly one million dollars of aviation parts to Russia by lying to U.S. suppliers about their destination, and this conviction on all counts holds him accountable,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “The FBI and its partners will continue to prioritize the enforcement of export laws and sanctions to defend the homeland. Let this verdict serve as a warning to anyone considering smuggling U.S. technology to our adversaries.” Mamonov was convicted of 12 counts related to that scheme, including conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), illegal export of items subject to ECRA, conspiracy to commit smuggling, smuggling of goods, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen M. Williams for the Southern District of Florida scheduled sentencing for Nov. 20. The defendant was charged by indictment in April 2025, alongside Ignat Vakorin of Russia. Vakorin remains a fugitive in wanted status. Following Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce increased restrictions on exports to Russia and issued a temporary denial order barring Aeroflot from receiving U.S.-origin goods. According to court documents and testimony, Mamonov is a former Aeroflot employee who relocated from Russia to South Florida. After the U.S. Department of Commerce increased restrictions on Russian exports, Mamonov conspired with Vakorin to acquire and illegally ship over $900,000 in aircraft parts to Russia and to Aeroflot. Mamonov and Vakorin misled U.S. suppliers into believing the parts were being sent to other destinations, such as the United Arab Emirates and China. This case was investigated by the FBI Miami Field Office with assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Cronin for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Brett Ruff of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case numbers 25-cr-20174. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 71 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 71 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city). In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here . A sample of border-related arrests this week: On August 22, Adan Alejandro Cardenas, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 251 pounds of cocaine concealed in the bed of the 2014 GMC Sierra truck he was driving as he applied for entry to the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. On August 24, Christopher Jaymes Boegeman, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Boegeman presented a U.S. passport card belonging to another person on behalf of his passenger as he applied for admission in the vehicle lanes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The complaint said the passenger was a woman from India who had paid the defendant a smuggling fee. On August 26, Nancy Beatriz Ortega Olazagasti, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 153 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a non-factory compartment under the floor of the driver side and passenger side seats of the 2020 Nissan Rogue she was driving as she applied for entry to the U.S. at the Tecate Port of Entry. The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mobile County Man Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – Horatio Tremaine Washington was sentenced on August 18, 2026, by United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer to 60 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl. Court documents show that on September 9, 2022, Mobile Police Department officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Mobile. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of items to include a large quantity of Marijuana, Fentanyl pills, Oxycodone pills, THC gummies, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, two digital scales, packaging for drugs, $7,493 in US currency, a money counter, three firearms and a pill press. Following his term of incarceration, Washington will be subject to five years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Mobile Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George F. May and Justin D. Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Mobile comprises agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and other federal and local agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.


title: Midlands Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Role in a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. - William Larry Javis, Jr., 46, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Evidence gathered during the investigation showed that, beginning in 2023, members of the organization distributed kilograms of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana throughout the Columbia and Lexington County areas. Investigators identified Javis as one of the organization’s leaders. He managed two stash houses, as well as hotel rooms on occasion, to store and distribute narcotics. The investigation further revealed that Javis, despite being a convicted felon, possessed multiple firearms and facilitated their sale. At sentencing, he was held responsible for distributing more than 19,000 grams of methamphetamine, 8,000 grams of cocaine, 172 grams of marijuana, and 34 grams of fentanyl between September 2023 and January 2025. Javis has a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base. He also has previous convictions for failure to stop for blue lights, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. At the time of the conspiracy, Javis was on probation for a prior drug conviction. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Javis to 240 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 10-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal 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 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. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the City of Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case. ###


title: F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison Encourages Schools, Youth Organizations to Partner with DOJ on Online Child Exploitation Prevention

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE - First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison is encouraging New Mexico schools, youth-serving organizations, athletic programs and other community groups to take advantage of free training and prevention resources available through the Department of Justice to help protect children from online sexual exploitation and abuse. The call comes as the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) launches an expanded effort to engage schools and other organizations in preventing online exploitation of children. In an open letter issued this week, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva encouraged organizations that work with children to partner with the Department on prevention and education efforts and highlighted resources available to help communities address emerging threats, including online grooming, sextortion, sadistic online exploitation and the misuse of artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit deepfake images of children. The initiative builds on prevention efforts already underway in New Mexico. In June, the New Mexico Collaborative Human Trafficking Task Force hosted a free virtual Online Grooming & Child Sex Trafficking Awareness Training for parents and caregivers. The two-hour training featured federal prosecutors, law enforcement agents and community experts who discussed online grooming and exploitation, practical prevention strategies, and how adults can recognize and respond to the victimization of children. “We cannot expect children to navigate these threats on their own,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “The adults who teach, coach, mentor and care for them need to understand how online exploitation happens, what warning signs to look for and what to do when a child is at risk. We want to put the experience of our prosecutors and investigators to work for New Mexico communities before a child becomes a victim.” Training can be arranged virtually or in person, depending on the needs of the organization. The Department of Justice’s CEOS provides free prevention programming to schools and other organizations through in-person presentations and webinars and can help connect organizations with prevention experts. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico can also help connect New Mexico organizations with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and federal agents with experience investigating and prosecuting online child exploitation and related offenses who can provide education and outreach in their areas of expertise. Organizations interested in arranging prevention programming or learning more about available resources can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico at usanm.usattorney@usdoj.gov or CEOS at CEOS.Prevention@usdoj.gov. CEOS's prevention resources are available through the Department of Justice's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section Prevention webpage .


title: Albuquerque Woman Pleads Guilty to Arson of Hotel Storage Warehouse

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

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque woman pleaded guilty to maliciously setting multiple fires that damaged and nearly destroyed a storage warehouse used by two Albuquerque hotels. According to court documents, on October 14, 2024, Samantha Lee , 41, maliciously started several fires inside a storage warehouse on Menaul Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that was used by the Crowne Plaza Hotel and The Querque Hotel to store furniture, carpeting, kitchen appliances, air conditioning units, linens, and other materials. The fires spread throughout the warehouse, causing significant structural damage and nearly destroying everything inside. Image shows AFR's response Image showing damage to structure Fire investigators identified five areas where fires originated and, after reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traced a woman seen approaching and placing items near the areas where the fires started to Lee . Circle K surveillance footage of Lee Lee pleaded guilty to arson. At sentencing, she faces five years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.