title: Charleston Man Sentenced for Straw Purchase Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Isaiah Levi Creasey, 23, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, for making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 25, 2025, Creasey purchased a Glock model 19X 9mm pistol from a licensed firearms dealer in South Charleston. As part of his guilty plea, Creasey admitted that he purchased the firearm for a juvenile and falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that he was the purchaser of the firearm when he knew he was buying it for the juvenile. Creasey further admitted that he intended to deceive the firearms dealer into believing he was the actual buyer of the pistol, and that following the purchase he gave the pistol to the juvenile who was waiting in his vehicle outside of the business. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-9. ###


title: Mexican national convicted in Homeland Security Task Force investigation involving $157M smuggling operation that included drug shipments in produce, charcoal, and fruit puree

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 30-year-old citizen of Mexico who had resided in Atlanta, Georgia, has been found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and cocaine into the United States. The jury deliberated for approximately six hours before convicting Wblester Villanueva Echeverria on July 27 following a five-day trial. From June 7, 2019, until at least Aug. 8, 2023, Echeverria and others conspired to import meth and cocaine from Mexico through Laredo and distributed it in the Atlanta area and throughout the east coast. In total, the drug trafficking organization was responsible for importing approximately 10,460 kilograms of meth, valued at approximately $157 million. Evidence showed Echeverria’s ties to approximately a dozen shipments of narcotics concealed in produce, charcoal, and frozen strawberry puree, while he had been residing in the Atlanta area. The investigation began in November 2021 when law enforcement seized 1,184 kilograms of meth and 51.4 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a cauliflower shipment that entered through the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo. Authorities then identified numerous other shipments tied to Echeverria and his co-conspirators which included nearly 800 kilograms of meth hidden within a shipment of strawberry puree and over 460 kilograms of meth within a load of charcoal, all of which entered through Laredo. The jury also heard about the vast conspiracy linking Mexican drug importers, a Dallas cell, as well as Echeverria and his Georgia-based co-conspirators. The evidence showed that Echeverria created a Facebook account under a fake name of Alexis Maldonado and that he used that account to communicate with co-conspirators. It also showed he had cycled through numerous cell phone numbers, and was very careful to delete his communications, and tell co-conspirators to erase or delete messages as well. Sentencing will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen. At that time, Echeverria faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Day, Leslie Cortez, and Thomas Sekula prosecuted the case. This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF South Texas comprises agents and officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; FBI; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Transportation/IRS; Interpol/Department of State; and Naval Criminal Investigative Service with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas leading the prosecution.


title: Laredo man receives federal prison sentence for trying to meet minor for sex

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 41-year-old man has been sent to federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor. Robert Steven Lanier pleaded guilty March 6. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced Lanier to 151 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court noted Lanier expressed a proclivity for children and commented on how he left his home twice—while caring for his own minor children—to go engage in sexual acts with a 12-year-old child. Lanier was further ordered to serve 15 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Lanier will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Authorities identified Lanier in 2025 when conducting investigations into a Kik chatroom. Kik is a messaging app that, like many similar apps, is often exploited by predators to get access to children. Lanier had been communicating with someone he believed to be the father of a 12-year-old minor female. In those conversations, he expressed interest in engaging in sexual activities with the child. He had also mentioned how he preferred children under the age of 16, considered child pornography to be “window shopping,” and wanted to be the child’s “sugar daddy.” He expressed the desire to meet the minor and described all the sexual acts he wanted to conduct with her. On March 18, Lanier arrived at a gas station where he intended to have sexual relations with the minor in his car. Law enforcement took him into custody upon his arrival. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Inmate receives additional sentence for punching law enforcement officer

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 27-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for forcibly assaulting a federal correctional officer. Melvin Jones pleaded guilty April 16. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Jones to serve two years in federal prison, consecutive to his existing sentence, to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Jones had been in three additional altercations with other inmates since entering his plea of guilty. In 2025, Jones was an inmate at Three Rivers Federal Correctional Institution. On Sept. 25, 2025, a federal correctional officer attempted to search Jones after suspecting he possessed a contraband cell phone. When the officer attempted to retrieve it, Jones resisted and repeatedly punched the officer in the head and neck. Other officers intervened, restrained Jones, and separated him from the officer. The victim sustained abrasions and soreness to his head and neck. Jones has been and will remain in custody. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin and Patrick Overman prosecuted the case.


title: New York man pleads guilty to transporting Colerain teenager with intent to engage in sexual activity

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Kyle D. Lawrence, 43, of Buffalo, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court in Cincinnati today to transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Lawrence was arrested in late February after investigation into a missing Colerain teenager revealed he was previously involved with the minor. Transporting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity is punishable by at least 10 years in prison. According to court documents, on Feb. 16, Colerain Township police began investigating the circumstances surrounding a missing teenager. Officers reviewed video surveillance from the minor’s home and discovered that in January, the teenager entered a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with New York license plates. License plate readers and receipts confirm that Lawrence rented the vehicle and that he and the minor stayed at a Cincinnati hotel together on Jan. 31. It was discovered that Lawrence was the subject of a report to the FBI in May 2024. Lawrence was confronted by a citizen vigilante group while in Canada for traveling to Canada to have sexual contact with a purported 15-year-old girl. Agents in Buffalo had previously been in contact with Lawrence in response to the report. Further investigation by the FBI revealed two cyber tip reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding Lawrence’s Snapchat account and child exploitation activity. On Feb. 26, FBI agents in Buffalo executed a federal search warrant at Lawrence’s residence and seized several electronic devices, which contained child sexual abuse material. Court documents detail that Lawrence told agents he communicated with the minor from Colerain on Snapchat and traveled to the Cincinnati area twice in January to meet up. He used the location services on Snapchat to locate the minor when he picked her up. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Colerain Township Police Chief Edwin C. Cordie III and Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. This was a joint investigation being conducted by the FBI divisions in Cincinnati and Buffalo, Colerain Township Police Department, New York State Police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case. This case is being 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . # # #


title: Ghanaian National Sentenced To 85 Months In Prison For Stealing More Than $10 Million Via Romance Scams

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that DERRICK VAN YEBOAH, a/k/a “Van,” was sentenced to 85 months in prison for his role in an international criminal organization that stole more than $100 million from victims via romance scams and business email compromises. On March 5, 2026, VAN YEBOAH pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who imposed today’s sentence. “Romance scammers do not simply steal money—they weaponize trust,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Van Yeboah and his co-conspirators exploited trust, loneliness, and legitimate business relationships to steal more than $100 million. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these calculated frauds and our commitment to pursuing international criminal organizations that target Americans.” According to the charging documents and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: VAN YEBOAH was a member of a criminal organization primarily based in Ghana that committed romance scams and business email compromises against individuals and businesses located across the United States. Many of the conspiracy’s victims were vulnerable older men and women who were tricked into believing that they were in online romantic relationships with persons who were, in fact, fake identities assumed by members of the conspiracy. Once members of the conspiracy had gained the trust of their victims, they deceived those victims into sending their money to the enterprise or into helping them launder funds from other victims. The conspirators also committed business email compromises to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds to the enterprise. In total, the conspiracy stole and laundered more than $100 million from dozens of victims. After stealing the money, the fraud proceeds were then laundered to West Africa. VAN YEBOAH personally perpetrated many of the romance scams by impersonating fake romantic partners in communications with victims. For example, in 2019 and 2020, VAN YEBOAH assumed fake identities to engage in romance scams with an Ohio woman and a Delaware woman and induced them into transferring approximately $4.2 million to accounts belonging to members of the conspiracy. Similarly, in 2024, VAN YEBOAH assumed a fake identity to engage in a romance scam with a North Carolina man and induced him into transferring approximately $123,000 to accounts belonging to members of the conspiracy by claiming that he needed funds for both a parent’s funeral and to recover gold and diamonds from Italy. VAN YEBOAH is being held responsible for more than $10 million he stole from victims via his romance scams. * * * In addition to the prison term, VAN YEBOAH, 41, of Ghana, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $10,149,429.17 in forfeiture. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the International Cooperation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana to secure VAN YEOBAH’s August 7, 2025, extradition to the United States. Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, and Ghana’s National Intelligence Bureau all provided significant assistance to ensure VAN YEOBAH’s extradition. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former Senior Bank Executive, Edward Gene Smith, Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Sexual Assault, Child Pornography, And Obstruction Of Justice Offenses

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that EDWARD GENE SMITH was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to 30 years in prison for drugging a female victim (“Victim-1”) with the intent to rape her, enticing another female victim (“Victim-2”) to travel to New York where SMITH drugged and sexually assaulted her, receipt of child pornography, and obstruction of justice. SMITH also admitted to additional conduct relating to other victims. “Edward Gene Smith is a sexual predator and a serial rapist,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “He spent years hiding behind wealth, education, and status while he committed egregious sexual crimes. He drugged and raped women, documenting his crimes with extensive notes planning how he would torture and punish his victims, and surreptitiously photographing them, while they were nude and unconscious. The defendant also obtained and maintained a trove of thousands of files of child sexual abuse material. The defendant took steps to hide his crimes, and, when he was caught, obstructed the investigation by compelling a victim he had drugged and raped to sign a false letter of support. He is now where he belongs, in prison. Every New York family is safer with the defendant off the streets.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in public court proceedings: Between approximately 2015 and June 2024, SMITH, who was during that approximate time period a senior executive of major financial institutions, planned to drug, attempted to drug, and/or drugged numerous women with the intent to incapacitate them and/or render them unable to consent to sexual activity. SMITH did, in fact, engage in sexual activity with multiple of these women, and, in at least some cases, surreptitiously took videos or photographs of his criminal sexual activity. At least on or about April 23, 2023, SMITH drugged and raped Victim-1 in his Central Park South residence. Specifically, unbeknownst to Victim-1, SMITH gave Victim-1 one or more alcoholic beverages that he had laced with Klonopin, a controlled substance. After Victim-1 consumed the drugged drink, SMITH physically restrained Victim-1, and raped her while she was unconscious. While Victim-1 was still unconscious, SMITH also took a video of himself sexually assaulting Victim-1, and then shared that video with others via an encrypted messaging platform, on a channel that was dedicated to sharing depictions of incapacitated or unconscious women in sexually exploitative positions. Previously, between in or about 2019 and in or about 2020, SMITH repeatedly drugged and sexually assaulted Victim-2. SMITH met Victim-2 in 2019 when Victim-2 was a college student and persuaded Victim-2 to relocate to New York City, which she did. SMITH thereafter controlled Victim-2’s finances, social life, and activities, and repeatedly drugged and sexually assaulted Victim-2 over the course of several months. During this time period, SMITH caused Victim-2 to engage in sexual activity through coercion and force, including threatened and physical assault and physical restraint. Additionally, SMITH informed Victim-2 of one or more firearms that he possessed and showed Victim-2 at least one such firearm. In or about the Fall of 2021, SMITH communicated with another victim (“Victim-3”), who was then 17 years old. SMITH followed a similar pattern with Victim-3. While Victim-3 was still 17 years old, SMITH solicited explicit photographs from Victim-3. Shortly after Victim-3 turned 18 years old, SMITH caused Victim-3 to travel to New York City, attempted to drug Victim-3, and then physically and sexually assaulted her. In or about October 2023, SMITH caused Victim-3 to travel to New York City again, which she did, and drugged and sexually assaulted her. Around this time, SMITH also posted Victim-3’s photographs and personal contact information to a website advertising prostitution services, without Victim-3’s knowledge. Between approximately 2012 and June 2024, SMITH also received via the internet and possessed a large volume of images and videos on his personal devices that depicted children, including prepubescent children, being sexually abused. In or about August 2024, after a search warrant was executed at SMITH’s residence, revealing that SMITH possessed child pornography on his electronic devices, SMITH paid Victim-1 thousands of dollars to sign a false document in an attempt to obstruct the investigation. Also in or about August 2024, SMITH solicited other individuals to sign false documents in an attempt to obstruct the investigation. If you have been victimized by SMITH in any way or have any additional information about his illegal behavior, please call the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) at 1-800-CALL-FBI. * * * In addition to the prison term, SMITH, 50, of New York, New York, was sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Remy Grosbard, Rita Maxwell, Daniel Richenthal, and Joe Zabel are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Olivia Sebade.


title: Mobile Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and  Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, Ala. – Marvell Jawawn Williams, 41, of Mobile, was sentenced on July 28, 2026, to 84 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Illegal Possession of a Machinegun. According to court documents, Williams has multiple prior felony convictions, including Possession of Controlled Substances, Possession of Marijuana in the First Degree, and Attempting to Elude. On October 15, 2024, after receiving information that Williams was distributing fentanyl, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at his residence. During the search of Williams's bedroom, deputies recovered six firearms, fentanyl pills, two Glock switches, and ammunition. After being advised of his rights, Williams stated that he had recently come off his ankle monitor and was nearing completion of drug court. He also admitted that he was a convicted felon and knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Following his term of imprisonment, Williams will serve three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office along with the Department of Homeland Security Investigation, and The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Hutchins III prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 23, 2026. Courtney Richmond, 49, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Richmond was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November of 2024. He was found guilty following a 4-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls. The verdict was returned on April 10, 2026. Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations started investigating Richmond late in 2022 and the DEA started looking into him in the Fall of 2023. Investigators discovered that Richmond was sourcing methamphetamine to at least one other person who was then reselling it to others. They observed text and Facebook messages between the two that confirmed their drug-related dealings. Eventually, investigators obtained warrants for Richmond’s person, residences, and vehicles. On December 14, 2023, investigators stopped Richmond in a vehicle that had his company’s BBQ food truck logo on the side. They searched the vehicle and found approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol. They then searched his home and found an additional 216 grams of methamphetamine and another loaded firearm. Richmond is not allowed to possess firearms due to four prior felony convictions from the state of Minnesota. The investigation into Richmond and his associates resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brookings Police Department, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Richmond was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Federal Prison  for Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on July 24, 2026. Parker Behrns, 27, was sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $6,095 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered. Behrns was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on February 9, 2026. Between September 2022 and July 2024, Behrns used his cellular phone and the internet-based application Discord, to search for and receive images and video files containing sexually explicit visual depictions of minors. In some instances, Behrns posed as a minor female to request child pornography from other Discord users. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Peterman prosecuted the case. Behrns was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison  for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on July 24, 2026. Kyle Beck, age 23, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Beck was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He was convicted following a court trial on May 12, 2026. At his trial, the evidence established that on May 28, 2023, Beck messaged a 15-year-old girl via Instagram and requested sexually explicit photographs of her. Beck was subsequently interviewed and admitted to his conduct. This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. Beck was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Pine Ridge Couple Indicted for Fraud, Larceny, and Embezzlement From the Oglala Sioux Tribe

body_text: Rapid City - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pine Ridge married couple on one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, 14 counts of Wire Fraud, one count of Larceny, and one count of Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. Patrick Fire Thunder and Tracie Renay Gallego, both 51, were indicted in July 2026. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Haigh and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 assessment on each count to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture and restitution may also be ordered. Between November 2022 and November 2024, at Pine Ridge, Fire Thunder and Gallego, both enrolled members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST), acted together to obtain and embezzle checks from OST intended to be paid to Emergency Youth Shelter (EYS) vendors or reimbursement checks from the State of South Dakota to OST for social services provided to youth at the EYS. Gallego was the Administrative Assistant for the EYS and responsible for submitting vouchers to OST for payment to the EYS vendors. After submitting the vouchers and obtaining OST checks for payment to the EYS vendors, Fire Thunder and Gallego deposited the checks into Fire Thunder’s personal bank account and then transferred the money to various other accounts and used the money for their own personal benefit. “Our office is committed to uncovering government fraud at every level and prosecuting those who commit it,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “It’s outrageous that enrolled members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe would be stealing government funds meant to fund essential services for tribal youth. The people deserve better. Our prosecutors look forward to proving these charges in federal court and holding these defendants responsible for their shameless theft.” “As alleged in this case, this scheme to divert scarce funds for the schemers’ personal use instead of for the intended use -- to support vulnerable youth in the Pine Ridge Indian reservation -- represents a serious breach of trust and an abuse of safety net programs designed to serve individuals in genuine need,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Protecting federally funded social service programs — including those supporting tribal communities — and the people served by them is central to HHS‑OIG’s mission. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate allegations of fraud to ensure that those who attempt to exploit public resources for personal gain are held accountable.” The charges are merely accusations and Fire Thunder and Gallego are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case. Fire Thunder and Gallego were released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.


title: Former Columbia Teacher Indicted for Attempted Production, Distribution, and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a nine-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Jonathan Andrew Monk, 44, of Columbia, for attempted production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Monk faces a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If you have any information to report to law enforcement, please contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or (803) 551-4200. ### * The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island Announces Appointment of Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor J. Griffin

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda today announced that Trevor J. Griffin has been appointed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division of the District of Rhode Island. “Trevor Griffin’s civil litigation experience, commitment to public service, and dedication to serving the people of Rhode Island make him an outstanding addition to our Civil Division,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “We are pleased to welcome him back to the office.” Griffin joins the office from Morrissey, Hawkins & Lynch in Boston, where he represented clients in complex civil litigation in state and federal court. His practice included drafting complaints, motions, discovery, and other litigation filings. Prior to entering private practice, Griffin served as a 3L Legal Intern with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, where he drafted motions, briefs, and legal memoranda in civil and criminal matters and represented the United States under attorney supervision during court appearances and legal proceedings. He also served as a 2L Legal Intern with the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means, researching state and federal law and preparing legal memoranda and bill summaries on legislative matters. Earlier legal experience included an internship with Fidelity Management & Research, where he conducted legal research on tax matters and prepared memoranda for senior counsel. Before attending law school, Griffin worked as a Senior Associate in the Tax Group at CBIZ & MHM in Providence, where he advised private equity and venture capital clients on complex tax compliance matters. Griffin earned his Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law, where he participated in the Community Business Clinic, providing legal services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.


title: Venezuelan National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Pleads Guilty to Damaging Government Vehicle

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— Yesterday, Luis Nino-Moncada, 33, a Venezuelan national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty to felony Depredation of Government Property, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. According to court documents, on January 8, 2026, Nino-Moncada drove into the parking lot of Adventist Health Portland in a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Nino-Moncada had a female passenger in the truck. After Nino-Moncada parked, a Border Patrol agent parked his government black Hyundai Sonata behind the Toyota Tacoma. Six Border Patrol agents exited their vehicles and surrounded the Toyota Tacoma in an effort to arrest defendant and the female passenger because they were unlawfully in the country. Nino-Moncada believed they were “ICE” agents. Then, Nino-Moncada began forcefully ramming his pickup truck, by backing up and striking the black Hyundai several times. Nino-Moncada’s conduct placed others at risk of serious bodily injury, and Nino-Moncada was conscious of or recklessly disregarded that risk. When Nino-Moncada was ramming into the Hyundai Sonata, a federal officer fired his service weapon at him. The Hyundai Sonata was declared a total loss. Nino-Moncada faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. As part of the plea agreement, Nino-Moncada has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $24,413.00. He also admitted he is not a U.S. citizen, is present in the United States illegally, and is subject to an order of removal entered by an Immigration Judge in November 2024. He will be sentenced September 16, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (H.S.I.). The United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.


title: Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Interfering with Federal Law Enforcement

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— Today Katherine Vogel, 39, pleaded guilty to Interfering with Federal Law Enforcement. According to court documents, on or about September 30, 2025, Vogel was on the federal property grounds of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Building applying red paint to the ICE facility. Federal law enforcement agents then attempted to arrest Vogel. She failed to comply and forcibly interfered with the lawful direction of the federal officers during the arrest. On June 22, 2026, Vogel was charged by superseding information with interfering with federal law enforcement and failing to obey a lawful order. Vogel faces a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and 1 year of probation. She will be sentenced on October 21, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge. The FBI and Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U. S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.


title: Superseding Indictment Charges Two Men for Their Alleged Roles in the Murder of a Woman

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Delshay Astor with the alleged murder of a woman in February 2022, and Joel Christy for assisting Astor to avoid apprehension. Astor was initially indicted in May 2026 on one count of murder in the second-degree within Indian Country. The superseding indictment charges Astor with one count of murder in the first degree within Indian Country, and a second defendant, Joel Christy, is charged with one count of accessory after the fact. “While these new charges reflect the expanding scope and strength of our ongoing investigation, our primary focus today remains exactly where it belongs, on Anna Marie Scott, her family, and everyone who loved her,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Our office, alongside our partners in law enforcement, will continue to work tirelessly as this case moves toward trial until justice is fully served.” “We hope the arrest of a second subject on charges of aiding and abetting brings some measure of relief to the family of Anna Scott after many years of awaiting justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas office. “The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, specifically the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, the Reno Sparks Tribal Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service, remain committed to combating violent crime in all its forms on tribal lands and throughout the state of Nevada.” According to allegations in the superseding indictment, on or about February 2, 2022, Delshay Astor, with premeditation and malice, murdered Anna Scott on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. As alleged, Scott, who was a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, was shot and killed, and her body was put into her car and set on fire. As charged in the superseding indictment, on or about February 2, 2022, Joel Christy assisted Astor and another individual to hinder and prevent the apprehension of Astor and the individual. If convicted, Astor faces a statutory minimum penalty of life imprisonment. If convicted, Christy faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A jury trial has been scheduled for September 29, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service also assisted with operational support. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Brister is prosecuting the case. A superseding indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Reno Woman Indicted for Embezzling Nearly $400,000 in Federal Grant Funds

body_text: RENO – A Reno resident made her initial appearance in court yesterday for allegedly stealing federal grant award money intended for the improvement and maintenance of tribal lands. "The Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that anyone who attempts to enrich themselves through theft and deceit is held fully accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Financial fraud of this magnitude compromises the integrity of our economic systems and directly threatens the security of hardworking people who trust and rely on those systems.” "Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar taken away from critical public services, infrastructure, and the communities that rely on them," said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "Taxpayers deserve full transparency and absolute accountability. We are drawing a hard line: if you attempt to defraud public programs, we will find you, we will stop you, and you will face the full force of the law." “Our Agency is steadfast in its commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Nevada State Director Alida Ceballos for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. “This indictment marks an important step toward ensuring that resources meant to support rural Nevadans are used for their intended purposes, not stolen by bad actors. We are thankful for the strong partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah, Assistant AG Colin McDonald of the Fraud Division, the USDA Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI, whose cross‑agency collaboration made this multi‑year investigation possible.” According to court documents and statements made in court, from April 2024 to May 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded the Yomba Shoshone Tribe grant money for an ongoing project to bring clean water to the members of the tribe and residents living on tribal lands. As alleged in the indictment, Blair Smith embezzled about $392,582 of funds awarded by the federal grant for the project. Smith was charged with one count of federal program theft. If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is 10 years in prison. A jury trial has been scheduled for September 29, 2026. The USDA Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson is 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 . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Shiprock Man Sentenced for Assault and Kidnapping

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for carrying out a series of violent assaults and a kidnapping that resulted in serious injuries to the victim. According to court documents, on or about June 30, 2025, Darrin Begay , 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted the victim by punching, kicking, and strangling them, causing visible injuries to the victim’s face, neck, and arms. Then, on July 2, 2025, Begay went to the victim’s home, threatened to harm the victim’s family members, and forced the victim into a vehicle. Begay then drove the victim away from their residence. He reportedly assaulted the victim again before pushing them out of the vehicle and leaving them on the roadside. Begay pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation and kidnapping. On July 28, 2026, he was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Nicholas Marshall are prosecuting the case.


title: Albuquerque Man Charged in Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man is accused of recruiting drivers and using his residence as a stash house to facilitate the movement of undocumented noncitizens through New Mexico, including an unaccompanied 17-year-old juvenile. According to court documents, on May 7, 2026, Border Patrol agents responded to a sensor activation near the Interstate 25 checkpoint north of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and encountered two Mexican nationals, including an unaccompanied 17-year-old juvenile, attempting to circumvent the checkpoint. The individuals told agents they were waiting for a man in a red truck who was supposed to transport them to Albuquerque. Agents located the driver nearby in a red truck. After waiving his Miranda rights, the driver admitted he had picked up the aliens in El Paso, Texas, dropped them off south of the checkpoint, instructed them to walk around the checkpoint to avoid detection, and planned to pick them up afterward and continue transporting them to Albuquerque. The driver further identified Brian Ramirez , 25, as a coordinator of the smuggling operation and identified stash houses in Albuquerque and the El Paso area used to harbor undocumented noncitizens. Through subsequent enforcement actions, cellular telephone evidence, and WhatsApp communications showing Ramirez coordinating smuggling loads, directing pickup locations, and communicating with the driver shortly before his arrest, agents confirmed the use of an apartment in southwest Albuquerque as a stash house connected to alien-smuggling activity. On July 9, 2026, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at the Albuquerque residence and located Ramirez . After waiving his Miranda rights, Ramirez admitted he worked for an alien-smuggling organization by recruiting drivers and using his residence to harbor undocumented noncitizens for payment. Ramirez further acknowledged housing approximately 20 undocumented noncitizens at the residence and stated he had been expecting to receive one or two aliens on May 7, 2026, the same day the driver was apprehended while attempting to transport two undocumented noncitizens, including a juvenile, to Albuquerque. Ramirez is charged with conspiracy to violate 8 U.S.C. § 1324, bringing in and harboring certain aliens, and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charge, Ramirez faces up to 10 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Chief Patrol Agent Jesse D. Muñoz of the U.S. Border Patrol's El Paso Sector made the announcement today. The U.S. Border Patrol's El Paso Sector investigated this case with assistance from HSI Las Cruces, ICE ERO, USBP Las Cruces Station Disrupt Unit, El Paso Sector Targeting Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha V. Henson is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Concord Man Sentenced to More than Three Years for Trafficking Methamphetamine

body_text: CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces that a Concord man was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking, Zachary Albert, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 37 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In July 2025, Albert pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine. “The defendant conspired with others to distribute dangerous drugs in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who deal in dangerous drugs like methamphetamine. Our office will continue to pursue individuals and organizations who profit from drug trafficking in our communities.” “Zachary Albert profited from selling methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug that’s plagued communities here in New Hampshire,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Putting him out of business and behind bars can’t make up for the damage he and his drugs have done, but it does make our communities safer.” According to the court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2022, the FBI Major Offender Task Force and the New Hampshire State Police began investigating a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in New Hampshire. Phone calls and text messages intercepted during the investigation revealed that the defendant worked as a methamphetamine distributer, obtaining methamphetamine from one of his co-conspirators then selling the drugs to others. On March 16, 2023, the defendant arranged to purchase methamphetamine to sell to two of his customers. Thereafter, law enforcement stopped and searched the defendant’s vehicle, where they found 9.4 grams of fentanyl and 26.9 grams of methamphetamine. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force in partnership with the New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. The Concord Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and New Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske 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. 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: Maryland Man Admits to Role in Kidnapping and Multiple Murders

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — A Carroll County, Maryland man has admitted to his role in a multi-state violent crime spree involving kidnapping, murder, and witness tampering causing death following a lengthy investigation, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Monroe Merrell, 29, of Westminster, Maryland, pled guilty today to three charges, admitting he worked with others to kidnap and murder J.R. in an apartment in Westminster, Maryland in March 2020. J.R. was severely beaten and stabbed multiple times before Merrell and others transported him across state lines into West Virginia. During J.R.’s transport Merrell stabbed him multiple times, killing him. Merrell and others attempted to dispose of his body in the woods of a rural, isolated section of Rippon in Jefferson County by dousing him with gasoline and burning his body. The following morning, a nearby resident driving by called in a report for emergency services after seeing a body burning in the woods near the roadway, prompting a multi-state investigation involving collaboration between state and federal agencies. In April 2020, Merrell became concerned that two witnesses to J.R.’s beating and kidnapping, D.T. and H.G., would communicate what they knew to law enforcement. Merrell and others brought the pair from Maryland to the Falling Waters area of Berkeley County, West Virginia, where they drugged and partially incapacitated them. D.T., 18, of Taneytown, Maryland, and H.G., 33, of Westminster, Maryland, were then both killed, their bodies burned, and their remains disposed of in the Potomac River. By entering his plea of guilty, Merrell is the last defendant in the multi-defendant case to accept responsibility for the kidnapping and murders. Merrell’s acceptance of responsibility encompasses a fourth victim, E.D. (previously identified in Counts Eight and Nine of the Indictment as “Jane Doe”), who Merrell targeted in a solicitation of murder plot in his continued effort to conceal the crimes. Merrell is facing a life sentence on each of the counts to which he has pled guilty after a United States motion to re-seek the death penalty was denied in October 2025. Three other co-defendants named in the Indictment, all Maryland residents, David Sanford, Jr.; John Black, III; and Jeffrey Smith, Jr.; previously pled guilty for their roles in the kidnapping and murders. Additionally, April Braner, 43, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, and Norman Bradford, 55, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, also entered guilty pleas by Information for their roles in the crimes. All sentencing hearings are scheduled for January 25, 2027. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett and Kyle R. Kane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Berkeley and Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorneys’ Offices investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.


title: Federal, state, and local law enforcement shut down Dallas sex trafficking conspiracy operated out of the Paris Adult Bookstore

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, today announced the July 22 indictment of eight individuals for their alleged roles in a sex trafficking and money laundering conspiracy operated out of the Paris Adult Bookstore on Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas. The indictment charges each of the defendants with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Some defendants were additionally charged with sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of a minor, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and/or felon in possession of firearm. Six of the eight defendants were arrested on July 24. They are currently in federal custody. Law enforcement also recovered 21 firearms from the defendants throughout the investigation. “The eight individuals charged in this indictment preyed on their victims and sex trafficked several women and juveniles for their own financial gain under threat of violence, fraud and coercion,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “These arrests send a clear message that this U.S. Attorney’s Office will work with our federal partners to investigate and aggressively prosecute anyone involved in the depraved and dehumanizing crime of sex trafficking. We will ensure these perpetrators are held accountable so the victims can receive the justice they are owed.” Those charged in the federal indictment include: Aaron Tyrone Betford , 43, charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and felon in possession of a firearm Montre Lamont Mason , 51, charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of a minor, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and felon in possession of a firearm Eileen Mason , 52, charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments Trelynn Love Mason , 24, charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments Larry Jones , 51, charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, sex trafficking of a minor, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments Krishenda Doss , 37, charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments Reginald Rose , 38, charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, and sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion Antonio Dario Osorio-Avelar , 23, charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of a minor “This indictment represents a major step forward in dismantling an organization that, according to the allegations, profited from the exploitation of vulnerable people for years,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “Human traffickers view victims as commodities, and Homeland Security Investigations is committed to identifying those responsible, holding them accountable, and ensuring victims receive the support they need. This case reflects the unwavering commitment of the North Texas Trafficking Task Force, an HSI-led initiative under the North Texas Homeland Security Task Force and the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking area, along with our federal, state, and local partners to protect our communities and pursue justice for those who exploit others for profit.” “These individuals allegedly participated in a criminal enterprise to traffic and exploit vulnerable victims; IRS-CI’s financial expertise is built to expose such activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., IRS Criminal Investigation, Texas Field Office. “This indictment demonstrates what’s possible when federal, state, and local partners combine their expertise and resources to protect our communities. Together, we will continue dismantling criminal networks and cutting off the illicit profits that fuel them.” “This investigation reflects what is possible when investigators, prosecutors, and our law enforcement partners work together toward a common goal,” said Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux. “We are committed to protecting our neighborhoods, enforcing the law fairly, and pursuing those who engage in organized criminal activity. While today’s indictment marks an important milestone, the judicial process will now take its course, and we remain committed to seeing this case through.” According to the indictment, the eight defendants allegedly engaged in a year’s long sex trafficking and money laundering criminal conspiracy out of the Paris Adult Bookstore and used the sexually oriented retail business to hide the illicit activity. The bookstore is located on Harry Hines Boulevard in an area of Dallas commonly referred to as “the blade” or “the track,” where commercial sex workers solicit customers by walking along the street, often wearing limited clothing to signal availability. For years, the store has operated as a sexually oriented business, selling sex toys and other novelty items in a retail area and offering 40 “arcade” rooms behind locked doors where customers could pay to watch pornographic movies. These alleged conspirators rented out the arcade rooms on a short-term basis to sex workers and their customers, known as “johns,” for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts that the business profited from. The women would be required to pay a cash fee to a cashier in exchange for a condom, personal wipes, and use of an arcade room. Sometimes the same women would come in multiple times per shift per day with different commercial sex customers. Employees were permitted to take home leftover cash paid in the form of a fee by the commercial sex workers as “tips.” In addition to the six employees of the Paris Adult Bookstore, two sex traffickers, or “pimps,” were indicted for allegedly causing women and minors to engage in commercial sex using the store’s arcade rooms. At various times, commercial sex workers entered the store and interacted with the employees. Some of these women had visible bruising on their bodies, black eye(s), road rash, stab wounds, and other visible injuries, which would be obvious to the employees. Some of the commercial sex workers recounted incidents of their pimps assaulting them to employees. On occasion, conspirators personally interacted with the pimps when they bought merchandise from the retail section, searched for their commercial sex workers, and discussed their workers’ access and continued use of the store to complete commercial sex transactions. The indictment alleges conspirators working for the Paris Adult Book Store financially benefited from allowing and facilitating this conduct. They made monetary transactions with the fees they charged pimps and commercial sex workers—fraudulently obtained proceeds—that were designed to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds, and to promote and encourage the continued participation of others in the fraudulent enterprise. For example, conspirators acting as “security” for the store were allegedly hired with these fraudulent proceeds. Security personnel were responsible for controlling the johns and commercial sex workers by ensuring they only solicited in certain areas of the property, that the pimps did not linger in the parking lot, by escorting johns and commercial sex workers to the arcade rooms, and by reporting to conspirators any disturbances involving law enforcement or any altercations between johns, employees, commercial sex workers, and pimps. In August 2024, a commercial sex worker, who had solicited johns in the Paris Adult Bookstore parking lot over the course of several nights, was taken from the store’s parking lot, kidnapped, and murdered by Naasson Haazzard . If convicted, several defendants face a sentence of up to life in federal prison. Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation through the HSI’s North Texas Trafficking Task Force, a cross-agency task force that partners with federal, state, and local law enforcement and nonprofit organizations to combat human trafficking in the North Texas region. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandie Wade from the Violent Crimes Section and Myria Boehm from the Major Crimes section are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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. An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Inmate Sentenced for Leading Drug Conspiracy from Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – An inmate in federal prison was sentenced today for Drug Conspiracy after coordinating the delivery of nearly five kilograms of cocaine to the Tulsa area, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Rafael Gonzalez, 33, to 180 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation into individuals bringing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into Tulsa, Oklahoma. The investigation revealed that Gonzalez coordinated with other inmates and people outside of prison to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Court documents show that he coordinated the delivery of nearly five kilograms of cocaine to the Tulsa area and drug proceeds to various locations in Texas. Gonzalez will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. This sentence is to run consecutively to Gonzalez's previous federal case where he was conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from the Department of Corrections. 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 Tulsa comprises agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the FBI, the Bureau of Prisons, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Department. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma


title: Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offenses

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 50-year-old Niles man was sentenced to prison after he admitted to downloading and sharing thousands of child pornography files. The defendant had a pattern of related criminal activity and was previously convicted at the state level for engaging in the same exact conduct in 2019. Daniel Scharmer was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson after pleading guilty in April to: Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct Possession of Child Pornography, or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM) He was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after imprisonment. In addition, Scharmer was ordered to pay $71,500 in restitution to victims and $10,000 toward the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which was established in 2015 to impose additional assessment to offenders who commit certain crimes, including sexual exploitation and other abuse of children. According to court documents and evidence, in June 2024, Scharmer was identified as an active participant in criminal activities involving CSAM. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Scharmer’s residence and seized his electronic devices including two desktop computers, several hard disk drives, two portable hard drives, and five laptops. Investigators found that between Oct. 13, 2022, and Jan. 9, 2025, he received or distributed more than 32,000 files containing CSAM, including more than 11,000 involving sadism and masochism and videos of children engaged in sex acts as well as being abused by adults. Investigators identified Scharmer as one of the top three CSAM downloaders in the state of Ohio in October 2024. In 2019, Scharmer was convicted in Trumbull County for Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor and Illegal Use of a Minor in a Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance. This case was investigated by the FBI Youngstown Resident Agency, the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Niles Police Department. This prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Margaret A. Kane for the Northern District of Ohio. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org , or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


title: Ohio Man with Prior Felony Convictions Sentenced to 7+ Years in Prison for Lurking Outside a Cleveland Home with a Loaded Gun

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

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 46-year-old man was sentenced to prison after he was found with a loaded gun while lurking outside a Cleveland home. Adam Hall, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 87 months (7.25 years) in prison by U.S. District Chief Judge Sara Lioi. After a three-day trial in April, a federal jury convicted Hall of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Hall was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. According to court documents, on Oct. 3, 2025, Cleveland Police officers responded to a 911 call about an unknown man lurking around a home. The caller reported that the man was repeatedly ringing the doorbell and knocking on windows, and that he refused to leave the property. The caller also reported to 911 dispatchers that the man was dressed in all black and was carrying a backpack. Once on scene, the officers quickly located the man, who was later identified as Hall, in the home’s backyard. Hall was instructed to raise his hands, but he refused and engaged in a physical struggle with several officers. During that struggle, officers recovered a loaded firearm from Hall’s pants. A subsequent search of Hall revealed that he was also carrying ammunition, knives, narcotics, and a condom. At the time he possessed the loaded gun, Hall was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of several prior felonies, including drug trafficking, burglary, and domestic violence against women. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Cleveland Division of Police. This prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph H. Walsh and Margaret A. Kane for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Maple Heights Man with History of Violent Crimes Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 38-year-old, previously convicted felon, was sentenced to prison after he was found illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. Brandon Blackman, of Maple Heights, was sentenced to 137 months (11.41 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Gaughan after a federal jury convicted him in January of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition. His prior convictions include Domestic Violence in 2023, Kidnapping and Felonious Assault in 2010, Drug Trafficking in 2019, and Drug Possession in 2008. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. According to court documents and evidence, Blackman was sought by local law enforcement after he was suspected of being involved in several criminal incidents in July 2024, including fleeing from police during an attempted traffic stop. A short time later, Blackman entered a police station lobby where he was arrested. Police later located the BMW that he was observed driving. While searching the vehicle, officers located a 9mm loaded pistol, a shoebox containing $56,000 in cash, two cellphones, and several designer apparel items. Evidence presented at trial established that Blackman had $6,165 in cash on his person at the time of arrest, and $3,000 in cash inside his apartment, along with a scale, a Pyrex container with cocaine residue, and other evidence of drug trafficking. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Fairview Park Police Department. This prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen Rolph and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Syracuse Man Sentenced to 75 Months for Gun and Drug Trafficking Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Lomere Holliman, 23, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced July 8 th 2026, to 75 months in prison for possessing and distributing fentanyl and carrying a firearm during those crimes. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Bryan DiGirolamo and Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin made the announcement. As part of his earlier plea, Holliman admitted that, from March to September 2025, the defendant repeatedly sold firearms, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and fentanyl in Syracuse. He further admitted that he used his firearm sales to foster his drug trafficking business. “This defendant’s blatant disregard for public safety is evident in his trafficking of both dangerous firearms and fentanyl,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone . “Working in partnership with our federal and local law enforcement colleagues, we are aggressively targeting violent offenders whose actions endanger our communities. My office remains firmly committed to working with our law enforcement partners in pursuing justice and removing these violent criminals from our streets.” ATF - New York Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said, “When firearms are used to support drug trafficking, the threat to public safety is amplified. This sentence sends a clear message to those who profit from illegally trafficking guns and fentanyl will be held accountable. ATF is proud to stand alongside the Syracuse Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in our shared commitment to reducing violent crime and protecting our communities.” “The sentencing of Lomere Holliman sends a clear message that those who traffic deadly narcotics and illegally sell firearms will be held accountable,” said Chief Mark Rusin. “This case highlights the strong partnership between the Syracuse Police Department, ATF, and the United States Attorney's Office. Together, we remain committed to reducing gun violence, disrupting illegal drug trafficking, and making our neighborhoods safer.” In imposing sentence, United States District Court Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe also ordered that, once released from federal prison, Holliman be supervised by the office of United States Probation and Pretrial Services for a term of four years. ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department’s Intelligence Division. Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Liverpool Man Indicted for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Decade Long Social Security Scheme

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Zvonko Klapan, age 68, of Liverpool NY was arraigned Friday in Binghamton, NY before Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric on multiple counts of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and theft of government property. A grand jury indicted Klapan on June 18, 2026. This action is part of an ongoing effort of the Trump Administration’s Fraud Task Force aimed at eliminating fraud across the country. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge, Boston/New York Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) made the announcement. The indictment alleges that Klapan’s mother-in-law passed away in 2016, that the Social Security Administration was not informed of the death, and that Klapan converted her social security benefits checks to his own use for nearly ten years. Between August 2016 and September 2025, Klapan forged his mother-in-law’s signature on monthly SSA benefits checks and deposited them into his own bank account. According to the indictment, Social Security switched from paper checks to direct deposit only in September 2025. Klapan then continued his scheme by posing online as his dead mother-in-law to apply for and arrange direct wire transfer deposits of social security benefits checks to his personal bank account from September 2025 until April 2026. The indictment alleges that Klapan defrauded the program of more than $142,400. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. “This defendant is finally facing justice after ten years of fraud, during which he stole, and forged Social Security benefits checks intended for his deceased mother‑in‑law,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone . “He then brazenly expanded the scheme by using her name to apply online for direct deposit payments from the Social Security Administration into his own bank account. My office remains committed to uncovering and prosecuting fraudulent schemes like this that callously divert resources from legitimate surviving beneficiaries.” “Allegedly exploiting a deceased beneficiary’s identity for personal gain over a decade is a deliberate theft from a program that millions of vulnerable Americans rely on,” said A my Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge , Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG), Boston–New York Field-Philadelphia Division. “Together with our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners, SSA OIG will continue pursuing those who steal taxpayer dollars through fraud and identity theft, regardless of how long they attempt to evade detection.” The charges filed against Klapan include a maximum term of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud counts, up to 10 years for theft of government property, and a mandatory 2 years for Aggravated Identity Theft. Klapan may also be ordered to pay restitution to the government. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. A jury trial is currently scheduled for September 21, 2026 before Chief Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Syracuse. SSA-OIG is investigating the case, and it is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Arne F. Soldwedel. 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: Baldwinsville Man Charged with Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Travis Corley, age 46, of Baldwinsville, New York, has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo made the announcement. The complaint, which was filed July 16 th , 2026, alleges that Corley used a Peer-to-Peer network to share child pornography with other users over the internet. Corley had an initial appearance July 16 th , 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell J. Katz. At a detention hearing July 17, 2026, Corley was released pending trial. The charge in the complaint carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. “Our partners at Homeland Security Investigations work tirelessly to protect children from online predators,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone . “Their dedication has ensured that countless offenders are brought to justice. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative that empowers law enforcement to use advanced investigative tools to identify and stop those who exploit children, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable.” “The defendant’s alleged use of online platforms to distribute child pornography represents a depraved assault on safety, dignity, and innocence,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone . “HSI Syracuse is fully committed to aggressively identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice those who prey on children and victimized communities, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect them.” The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. HSI is investigating the case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Greenwood Bank Robber Sentenced

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: Aberdeen, MS – Earl Blue, 48, from Greenwood, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Court Judge Sharion Aycock today. In addition to prison time, he was ordered five years of supervision and was ordered to pay restitution to the victim bank in the amount of $5,300. Blue had previously pled guilty to robbing a branch of Regions Bank in Greenwood, Mississippi. According to court documents, on May 15, 2025, Blue walked into Regions Bank and stated that he wished to open an account. After waiting for a period, Blue approached the teller and pointed a handgun at her and demanded that she provide him with money. The teller complied with Blue’s demands and Blue fled the bank taking U.S. currency with him. The Greenwood Police Department responded to the robbery and along with the FBI, quickly developed Blue as the suspect. Blue was apprehended the following day by the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in St. Louis, Missouri. A significant amount of stolen currency was recovered from his possession at the time of his arrest. U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary stated, “Success is not measured by one’s wealth, but by one’s worth. Honorable people are honest, dedicated hard workers, dishonorable people take what does not belong to them. We’ve been dealing with bank robbers for awhile now, and it takes honorable people to bring them to justice, which is what happened in this case. I commend the Greenwood Police Department and the FBI for their investigation of this case. By working together, law enforcement can accomplish so much more in protecting the public from dangerous criminals. I also credit AUSA Herzog for his professionalism in prosecuting this case.” Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff said, "Armed robbery is a bold, brazen act that Blue believed he could commit with impunity, but today’s sentencing sends a clear message: Bank robbery is not an easy payday—it’s a serious federal crime and perpetrators will be held accountable. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice offenders like Blue. Our resolve to protect public safety is unwavering." Greenwood Police Department Chief of Police, Serafin Simon, Jr., said, "Today's sentence of Earl Blue in the armed bank robbery that occurred in Greenwood represents the successful conclusion of a thorough investigation and the unwavering commitment of our officers, investigators, and our law enforcement partners to bring violent offenders to justice. Armed robberies threaten not only financial institutions but also the safety and security of our entire community. Blue’s sentence sends a clear message that those who commit violent crimes in Greenwood will be identified, apprehended, and held fully accountable under the law. We are grateful to our partnership with the federal prosecutors and investigators for their dedication throughout this process. Most importantly, we remain committed to protecting the citizens of Greenwood and ensuring that justice is served." Assistant U.S. Attorney John Herzog Jr. prosecuted the case.


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison For Possession of a Machinegun

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Jakari K. Lawson, 20 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty to a term of 24 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. “The Defendant chose to possess a machine gun while driving around South Bend and will have two years to think through those choices, thanks to the coalition of local, state, and federal law enforcement through Project Safe Neighborhoods and Operation Take Back America. South Bend Police pulled over a car driven by the Defendant and found two guns, one sitting in his lap and the other placed next to his right leg and the center console of the car. The gun in his lap had a “switch” attached, which enabled the gun to fire in a fully automatic fashion, firing multiple rounds with one function of the trigger. The gun was loaded with an extended magazine holding 19 rounds of ammunition with one round loaded in the chamber. Thanks to the intervention of the South Bend Police Department, investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and assistance from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office led by Ken Cotter, the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander. Our community and streets are safer due to their collaborative efforts,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 228 Months in Prison For Controlled Substance and Firearm Offenses

body_text: SOUTH BEND - DeCarlos Christopher Smallwood, 29 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Smallwood was sentenced to 228 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. “An armed drug dealer possessed nearly a pound and a half of pure methamphetamine intending to profit from unleashing that poison in our community. He will spend the next nineteen years in prison and will be supervised for five years once he is released. He is no stranger to the system as he has convictions for perjury and a prior federal felony conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, which prohibited him from lawfully possessing firearms. On November 6, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants on Smallwood’s home and a vehicle on the property. Officers found approximately 669 grams of pure methamphetamine and a loaded Ruger firearm. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, including the DEA Merrillville District Office, DEA Chicago Special Response Team, DEA Detroit Special Response Team, DEA St. Louis Special Response Team, and DEA North Central Laboratory; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Indiana State Police; the South Bend Police Department; the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office; the Mishawaka Police Department; and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office led by Ken Cotter, the case was brought and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius. Our community and nation are safer because of their partnership as part of the Homeland Security Task Force and Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. “There is no room in north central Indiana for violent drug dealers, let alone for those with prior felony convictions. Mr. Smallwood will soon depart our community for a long, 19 year stay at a federal correctional institution. While there, he can contemplate the pain and suffering he brought to fellow Hoosiers; and hopefully he will work towards being a productive member of society upon his return. In the meantime, the Drug Enforcement Administration, its law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who traffic drugs and bring violence to our cherished northern Indiana,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, including the DEA Merrillville District Office, DEA Chicago Special Response Team, DEA Detroit Special Response Team, DEA St. Louis Special Response Team, and DEA North Central Laboratory, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Indiana State Police, South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, Mishawaka Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius. 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 Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.