title: Cleveland Man Sentenced to 22+ Years in Prison For Conspiracy to Traffic Meth from U.S.-Mexico Border to Ohio

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 43-year-old man was sentenced to prison for his role in a conspiracy that trafficked illegal drugs sourced from Mexico and mailed to Ohio through the U.S. Postal Service. Sherman Thomas, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 275 months (22.9 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese. After a 4-day trial in June 2025, a federal jury convicted Thomas of: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Using or Maintaining a Drug Premises Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; prior convictions include Aggravated Robbery in 2001, Trafficking Offenses, Having Weapons under Disability and Carrying a Concealed Weapon in 2009. Thomas was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release after imprisonment. According to court documents, the conspiracy ran from about July 2022 through April 2023. Thomas, along with several co-conspirators, obtained drugs from Mexico to press into illicit pills for distribution. Co-defendant, Melvin Hodge, 44, of Sagamore Hills, would contact individuals in Mexico and then travel to the U.S.-Mexico border to obtain methamphetamine and send it through the United States mail. When the methamphetamine arrived in the Northern District of Ohio, Hodge met with another co-conspirator—a U.S. postal carrier—who provided addresses to allow for the safe passage of the methamphetamine through his postal route. The postal carrier then informed Hodge of the locations where the parcels could be retrieved. After receiving the package from the postal carrier, Hodge would provide the methamphetamine to Thomas. As part of his role in the conspiracy, Thomas maintained a drug premises on Reyburn Road in Cleveland Heights, where he had an industrial pill press which he used to produce illegal pills. He then stored the narcotics at his residence on Father Caruso Drive, in Cleveland. In September 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Thomas’ residence. During a protective sweep of the home, a bedroom window was found open with the screen laying outside on the ground. While no one was in the apartment at the time of the search, multiple witnesses testified at trial that it appeared that Thomas had dropped from the window, appeared hurt, and ran from the apartment when agents arrived to execute the warrant. Agents seized the following contents from the apartment: 4.1 grams of methamphetamine 22 bags containing multicolored pills that were locked in a safe, containing approximately 4,193.5 grams of methamphetamine Three plastic bags with white powder containing 412 grams of methamphetamine A Glock 23 with an extended magazine loaded with 18 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition A narcotics ledger, several cellphones, a kilogram pill press, and a money counter. Agents also searched Thomas’ stash house on Reyburn Road and seized several large bags of a pill binding agent, a rifle, and another pill press machine. Two co-conspirators were previously sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. Hodge is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence. Carvin Cook, 46, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 41 months (3.41 years) in prison. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration-Detroit Division, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Cleveland Metroparks Police Department, the Cleveland Heights Police Department, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. The USAO would also like acknowledge the support and assistance of the United States Marshals Service in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth M. Crook and James P. Lewis led the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: 15 Charged in Two Conspiracies to Traffic Meth to Ohio

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – Fifteen individuals have been charged in two cases for their alleged roles in a large-scale operation to traffic illegal drugs throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania. The charges are the result of a year-long investigation by federal and local officials. According to court documents, conspiracy members allegedly obtained methamphetamine from drug suppliers in Akron, Ohio, as well as arranged shipments from the U.S. border with Mexico. Methamphetamine was purchased in pound quantities and then re-sold to drug customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere in the region. Four residences in Akron were used as stash houses to store, process and distribute methamphetamine. Investigators seized approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm. The investigation revealed drug transactions totaling more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine. Defendants were apprehended in a series of coordinated arrests from April to May resulting from criminal complaints and a federal 21-count indictment returned in May. The following are charged with: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Clarence Daniels, 44, of Akron, Ohio Larry Finch, 43, of Akron, Ohio Nicholas Helfrick, 44, of Akron, Ohio Ricardo Allison, 44, of Akron, Ohio Sheldon Bell, 45, of Akron, Ohio John Townsend, 41, of Akron, Ohio Bryce Dittman, 27, of St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania Tyler Smith, 28, of East Brady, Pennsylvania Anthony Raunikar, 44, of Akron, Ohio Marcus Nixon, 45, of Akron, Ohio John Koza, 45, of Akron, Ohio Earl Breckenridge, 56, of Oil City, Pennsylvania Jazzmin Thomas, 30, of Akron, Ohio Samantha Lentz, 30, of Doylestown, Ohio Craig Consilio, 62, of Akron, Ohio Additional charges include: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine –Dittman, Smith, Breckenridge, Lentz, Raunikar, Finch, Allison, and Consilio Maintaining Drug Premises – Finch, Helfrick, and Consilio Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate a Drug Offense – Daniels, Finch, Helfrick, Allison, Bell, Townsend, Raunikar, Dixon, Koza, Breckenridge, Lentz, and Consilio Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition – Nixon; previous convictions include Illegal Manufacture of Drugs in 2001, and Illegal Assembly or Possession of Chemicals for the Manufacture of Drugs in 2016. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Akron Police Department and Ohio State Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen Rolph and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthame l are leading the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio. Criminal complaints and indictments are charges only and are not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Former Sunflower County Policeman Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREENVILLE – Marvin Flowers, 60, of Indianola, MS, was sentenced today to over seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty on a previous date to conspiracy to aid and abet, and to attempt to aid and abet, the possession, transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics. According to court documents, the defendant was arrested on October 30, 2025. At the time of the offense, Flowers received multiple bribes while being employed as a law enforcement officer with the Sunflower County Sheriff’s Office. Chief District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Flowers to 88 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Flowers will begin his imprisonment on October 5, 2026. United States Attorney Scott Leary stated, “Law enforcement agents live by a code, to bravely serve the citizens they are charged to protect. When that code is violated, there are consequences. Unless you’re involved in law enforcement, it’s hard to appreciate the time and effort required to investigate these type cases. The citizens of this great State are indebted to the FBI agents who invested time and resources to bring this case to a successful conclusion. I applaud their dedication.” FBI Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff said, "Today’s sentencing serves as a powerful reminder that no one is above the law, especially those who’ve taken an oath to uphold it. The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and hold accountable individuals who abuse positions of public trust, whether by facilitating the distribution of illegal drugs that harm our communities, or by other means. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the public and ensure that those who betray the public’s trust are brought to justice." Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Mims and Sam Stringfellow prosecuted the case.


title: Felon Fugitive from Grenada Has Been Sentenced  For Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

body_text: Greenville, MS – U.S. Attorney Scott Leary announced that a Homeland Security Task Force Operation led to the sentence of Christopher Caffey, a/k/a “Snow”, 49, of Grenada, Mississippi, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Caffey was sentenced today before the Honorable Deborah M. Brown, Chief United States District Court Judge, to 200 months in federal prison. According to court documents, Caffey had previously pleaded guilty to the charges and has an extensive criminal history. He was a fugitive from justice for approx. 1 year and was apprehended by the USMS in California. U.S. Attorney Scott Leary stated: “I prosecuted drug conspiracies for decades and rarely, if ever, saw a recreational meth or fentanyl user. These drugs destroy families and have long fueled violence and instability within our communities. The cartels that supply such drugs take our money and kill our kids. A responsible society must engage. We should never allow violent, repeat offenders to victimize innocent citizens just trying to raise families and live their lives. The DEA and Grenada Police Department, working together, did an excellent job in putting this man behind bars. The United States Marshal’s Service also deserves recognition. They are responsible for apprehending fugitives, among the most dangerous jobs in law enforcement. This defendant was apprehended by the Marshals in California after being on the run for a year. Know that a dedicated Marshal in Louisiana recently lost his life while attempting to arrest a fugitive. He gave his life for us. God bless you guys.” "The Homeland Security Task Force directs the full might of United States law enforcement to protect the American people by eliminating transnational criminal organizations and violent offenders operating across our borders," said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott. "This sentence proves that evading justice is temporary, as our historic interagency collaboration remains steadfast in utilizing every tool to dismantle drug networks and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States." This operation and conviction 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 tin 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 Jackson comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ICE ERO, CBP, CBP OFO, CBP USBP, CBP AMO, CGIS, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS and with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad M. Doleac prosecuted the case.


title: An Expired Tag Turns Into Federal Prison Time for a Georgia Man

body_text: Greenville, MS – U.S. Attorney Scott Leary announced that a Homeland Security Task Force Operation led to the sentence of Dannie Thomas, of Dacula, Georgia. Thomas was sentenced today before the Honorable Deborah M. Brown, Chief United States District Court Judge, to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. This case was initiated by the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office. According to court documents, at the time of his arrest Thomas was in possession of 50 kilograms of cocaine, along with a large amount of currency. The defendant has a lengthy criminal record dating back decades. Scott Leary, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi stated: “For years our communities have been decimated by the trafficking in illegal drugs. Cocaine fosters addiction, and addiction destroys families. Moreover, the illegal drug trade fuels violent crime and subsidizes drug cartels. And the drug cartels not only traffic in drugs but also traffic in human beings. Let’s work together in combatting this scourge. The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative was designed to encourage state and federal law enforcement cooperation, which is what happened in this case. The Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA did a great job putting this case together. Let’s maintain the momentum.” "This case highlights how critical proactive law enforcement is to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge, John P. Scott, New Orleans Field Division. “Thanks to the sharp instincts of the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Deputy and the investigative power of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), fifty kilograms of cocaine and a massive amount of illicit currency were intercepted before they could do further harm. The DEA, alongside our HSTF partners, will continue to relentlessly pursue and prosecute those who think they can transport illegal narcotics through our state." Pontotoc County Sheriff Leo Mask stated, “I am proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA to reduce the flow of illegal narcotics, and this clearly demonstrates what can be accomplished with that partnership.” This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating tin 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 Jackson comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ICE ERO, CBP, CBP OFO, CBP USBP, CBP AMO, CGIS, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS and with the prosecution being led by the United State’s Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad M. Doleac prosecuted the case.


title: Delta Felon Sentenced for the Illegal Possession of Dozens of Firearms, Flying Without a License & Other Aviation Fraud Charges

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

body_text: GREENVILLE, MS – Christopher Douglas Showah, 51, of Indianola, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to three federal felonies. Honorable Deborah M. Brown, Chief United States District Court Judge, sentenced Showah to 96 months in federal prison According to court documents and admissions made at the defendant’s change of plea hearing he pleaded guilty to the following: Possession of firearms by a convicted felon; Flying without a valid airman’s certificate; Fraud relating to maintenance work performed on an aircraft donated to Delta State University for their aviation program. Showah was initially investigated by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General for flying after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order suspending his airman’s certificate. Investigators learned that despite this order from the FAA, Showah continued to fly and do airplane mechanic’s work for M&D Aviation, in violation of federal law and regulation. Investigators also learned that Showah had conducted inspections and performed maintenance on an aircraft which was later donated for use by students at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, despite not possessing a valid certification allowing him to perform work on the aircraft. Federal agents, assisted by agents with the Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau, executed a federal search warrant at Showah’s hanger, residence and shop. During this search, agents observed and seized almost forty (40) firearms. Showah was prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms following several felony convictions in Sunflower and Sharkey Counties in Mississippi. This was investigated by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. United States Attorney Scott Leary stated that “law enforcement responsibilities often involve issues of public safety. The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, the Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau, and the ATF worked hard on this case, and the citizens of the Northern District of Mississippi are safer because of their efforts. Thank you for your hard work.” “The defendant’s disregard for federal aviation safety requirements and decision to continue flying and performing aircraft maintenance without proper certification placed the public at real and unnecessary risk,” said Joseph Harris, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General’s Southern Region. “The sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of these violations and reinforces our commitment to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to protect the safety and integrity of the nation’s airspace and the communities we serve.” “In our effort to disrupt violent gun crime in our community, ATF will continue to focus efforts on prohibited individuals who unlawfully possess firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed today sends a message that ATF will continue to work alongside our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure these convicted felons are removed from our communities and held fully accountable so we can keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.” Assistant U.S. Attorney John Herzog, Jr. prosecuted the case. 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: Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison for Sending Threatening Letters to Two Federal Judges

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for sending threatening letters to federal judges in Texas and Florida. Last year, JAMES LEBUHN mailed letters to U.S. District Court judges in Amarillo, Texas, and Fort Pierce, Fla. The letters stated, “THE CITIZENS DO NOT LIKE WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO OUR DEMOCRACY. THEY KNOW WHO YOU ARE.” This language was followed by photographs of two ammunition rounds and the words, “BE CAREFUL. THE LEVEL OF ANGER IS RISING.” LeBuhn mailed the letters for the purpose of making a true threat and knowing that the letters would be viewed as such. In March 2026, Lebuhn was charged by criminal information with two counts of sending threatening communications to federal judges in Texas and Florida in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 876(c). LeBuhn also mailed similarly threatening letters to employees of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C. LeBuhn, 66, of Libertyville, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to two counts of mailing a threatening communication. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis sentenced LeBuhn to six months in federal prison and fined him $5,000. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Protective Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Rothblatt of the Northern District of Illinois, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht of the Northern District of Texas and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Dobbins of the Southern District of Florida. “Judges are empowered and entrusted to make difficult and controversial decisions on cases and controversies before them,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Rothblatt argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “The public may vehemently disagree with those decisions, and there are myriad ways for individuals to communicate such disagreement under the First Amendment. True threats of violence, and the fear and disruption they cause, have consequences and will not be tolerated.”


title: Felon Sentenced to More Than Two and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Handgun in Chicago After Being Released on Bond in State Court for Prior Violent Offense

body_text: CHICAGO — A felon has been sentenced to more than two and a half years in federal prison for illegally possessing a handgun outside a Chicago fast food restaurant shortly after he was released on bond for a violent crime case pending in state court. JONATHAN SCOTT was arrested on May 25, 2025, after he displayed a handgun during an argument with an employee of a McDonald’s restaurant on the West Side of Chicago. Chicago Police were called to the scene and discovered the handgun in Scott’s vehicle, which was parked outside the restaurant. Scott had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. At the time of his arrest outside of the McDonald’s restaurant, Scott was on pre-trial release for a violent crime case pending in state court. In that case, Scott forced his way into his ex-girlfriend’s car in March 2025 and took her cell phone, causing injury to the ex-girlfriend. Scott was later convicted of unlawful vehicular invasion and sentenced to four years in state prison. Scott, 33, of Oak Park, Ill., pleaded guilty in the federal case in March 2026 to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. On July 24, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis sentenced Scott to 32 months in federal prison, which was a sentence within the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The federal investigation was conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago. The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement partnership that focuses exclusively on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders who utilize firearms in commission of their crimes in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois. Every firearm-related case in Chicago is processed through the CGIC on a daily basis. “The defendant has, between the ages of 19 and 32, racked up eleven felony convictions, including convictions for aggravated battery, violating orders of protection, escaping a penal institution, unlawful vehicular invasion, and aggravated assault and use of a deadly weapon,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Stern argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “It is critical that the defendant’s increasingly escalating criminal conduct be halted.”


title: Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Film Producer for Allegedly Defrauding Clients of More Than $100 Million

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted a film producer for allegedly defrauding clients of more than $100 million by soliciting them to invest in purported film and entertainment projects. JASON CLOTH, 60, of Beverly Hills, Calif., was charged with seven counts of wire fraud in an indictment unsealed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Cloth was arrested on Tuesday in Los Angeles, Calif. He made his initial court appearance on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. According to the indictment, Cloth operated Canadien-based Creative Wealth Media Finance Corp. From 2019 to 2026, Cloth solicited various clients, including an investment advisor in Illinois, to invest in purported film and entertainment projects or to fund a gaming entertainment investment platform. Cloth fraudulently obtained more than $100 million from the Illinois investment advisor, the advisor’s clients, and other investors based on false representations about the performance and value of their investments, the indictment states. Cloth knew at the time of the investments that he would use the money for other purposes, including the development of a real estate project in Canada, the indictment states. Cloth allegedly engaged in a Ponzi scheme by using some investor funds to repay prior investors. The indictment seeks forfeiture from Cloth in the amount of at least $12.25 million for the projects identified in the indictment. The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hasten and Sean Hennessy. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. If you believe you are a victim of defendant Jason Cloth’s alleged fraud scheme whether committed through Creative Wealth Media Finance Corp. or any other entity, please contact the Chicago Field Office of the FBI by completing this short form at fbi.gov/jasonclothvictims . The schemes could involve purported film and entertainment projects, gaming entertainment investment platforms, or other conduct. cloth_indictment.pdf


title: Niceville Retired Army Sergeant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Tax Crimes

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Sidney Marc Wilson, Jr., 48, of Niceville, Florida, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Mail Fraud; Mail Fraud; Wire Fraud; Money Laundering; and Subscribing to Materially False Tax Returns. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution was made possible thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our agents at IRS Criminal Investigation, who traced, tracked, and pieced together every illegal transaction executed by this despicable fraudster to bring him to justice. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute fraudsters in the Northern District of Florida, but it remains my hope that by raising awareness of these scams among the general public we will avoid future would-be victims from falling prey to these fraudsters in the first place.” Court documents reflect that between 2018 – 2022, Wilson operated an online scheme falsely promising victims returns on investments into his purported sales affiliate programs. Victims invested anywhere between $3,000 - $21,000 to be a part of what Wilson claimed would be a way for the victims to make significant amounts of money. However, after the victims mailed or wired Wilson their investments, he simply kept the money or gave some it to his conspirators – the victims did not receive a return on their purported investments. When the victims tried to contact Wilson as to why they were not receiving any returns on their investments, they never heard back from him. Through this scheme, Wilson fraudulently obtained millions of dollars he was not entitled to receive. Some of the ill-gotten money was laundered by Wilson through real property and cryptocurrency transactions. In addition, Wilson filed false federal income tax returns significantly understating his income for multiple years. Once released from federal prison, Wilson will serve a three-year term of supervision under the Court. During that time, he will be required to pay restitution to the victims, as well as more than $500,000 in owed taxes to the United States Treasury. “Wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and false tax returns—this case is a masterclass in what not to do. The only blueprint here is for a federal conviction,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Criminal investigation worked closely with our law enforcement partners to bring justice for those who were misled and financially harmed by this defendant.” “For years, this defendant built his scheme on deception and exploiting the trust of hardworking individuals for his own gain,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate complex financial crimes and protecting the community from those who seek to profit from lies and manipulation.” The case was jointly investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Alleged Helicopter Business Owner Convicted at Trial for Making False Statements to Secure Bank Loan and Credit Card

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Talladega man has been convicted of lying to the FBI and of making false statements to a financial institution to secure a bank loan and credit card for his helicopter business, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. The jury returned a guilty verdict against Bermun D. McGhee, 46, after 3 days of testimony before Chief U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala. McGhee was convicted of making a false statement to a federally insured institution, bank fraud, money laundering, and making a false statement to the FBI. “Loan fraud is one of the many sources of illegal activity that has received new emphasis under the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the newly created National Fraud Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “All of the tools are in place, and have created a whole of government approach to combatting fraud. The conviction of Bermun McGhee is the latest example of the great work of our Assistant U.S. Attorneys and our federal partners. To the fraudsters: we will find you, we will bring you to justice, and we will do all that we can to claw back illicit and fraudulently obtained funds.” “The jury found that not only did the defendant lie to the bank, but he tried to cover it up by lying to the FBI,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rummage. “Prosecuting fraud is a top priority of this office. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who defraud our financial institutions are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.” “This verdict reflects the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence and underscores our continued commitment to protecting the integrity of the financial system. The FBI’s investigation revealed a deliberate scheme designed to deceive financial institutions and misuse federally insured funds, and this outcome demonstrates our dedication to pursuing those who engage in fraud and holding them accountable,” said David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Birmingham Field Office. “Fraud is a high FBI priority, and with our partners, we will aggressively pursue those who threaten our financial institutions. Our commitment will not waver.” According to evidence presented at trial, McGhee applied for a $2.3 million loan to purchase helicopters. In support of his application, McGhee submitted a Personal Financial Statement in which he falsely represented that he owned assets exceeding $7.6 million, including more than $900,000 in specific banks, hundreds of thousands of dollars in stocks, and $1.5 million in an insurance policy’s cash surrender value. McGhee also submitted false tax returns in support of his application. The bank ultimately decided not to offer McGhee a loan to buy helicopters but did offer a purchase credit card for his business, using the same financial information he had previously provided. McGhee signed the purchase credit card application form, agreeing that his representations were accurate, and then ran up a balance exceeding $550,000. McGhee was able to exceed the credit limit by making more than fifty payments on the account that were subsequently reversed due to insufficient funds or because the account used to make the payment was fake. Finally, while McGhee was being interviewed by an FBI agent, he falsely stated that he could pay the bank back because he possessed $1.5 to $2 million in a retirement account at Charles Schwab. Per evidence at trial, when McGhee made this statement, he had a retirement account with Charles Schwab that had less than $1,600 in it. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Ryan S. Rummage and Brett A. Janich are prosecuting the case.


title: Washington man sentenced to 10 years for possessing firearm while intending to distribute fentanyl in Missoula

body_text: MISSOULA – A Spokane, Washington, man who was trafficking fentanyl into Montana while armed with handgun was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Patrick William Allen, 55, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The government alleged in court documents that Allen was a “high-level” supplier of fentanyl in the Missoula area and that he regularly transported illicit drugs into the state from Washington. Investigators learned from an informant on Jan. 23, 2026, that Allen was regularly bringing drugs into the Missoula area and that a week prior the informant had purchased fentanyl from Allen. The following day, investigators learned from a second source that Allen was in Missoula and had checked into the Broadway Inn Hotel. Agents obtained a warrant, went to the room in which Allen was staying, and discovered him there with a woman. Allen told investigators he had a loaded gun in his suitcase, which was sitting open on his bed. More than one-half pound of fentanyl, 39 grams of meth and five grams of crack cocaine, along with $8,200 in cash also was in the room. Allen said it all belonged to him and that the woman was not involved. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. 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: Roundup man sentenced to over 11 years in prison for trafficking meth with firearms

body_text: BILLINGS – A Roundup man who was bringing large amounts of meth from Washington into Montana was sentenced today to 11 years and eight months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. William Thomas Duncan, 45, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided. The government alleged in court documents that Duncan and a partner regularly traveled to Washington to pick up methamphetamine, bringing it back to Montana to sell. Law enforcement first learned of the trafficking activity in October 2025 while agents were investigating Duncan’s partner, Jeffrey Frederic Nelson. Nelson pleaded guilty in March 2026 to distribution charges and will be sentenced in October. An undercover agent bought multiple pounds of methamphetamine from Nelson in January 2026 and, following a search, discovered Duncan’s number on Nelson’s phone. Agents surveilled the two numbers and discovered the pair making regular trips to Washington to resupply their stash of methamphetamine. The undercover agent again arranged to buy methamphetamine from the two men. And then on Jan. 22, 2026, they served a search warrant on Duncan’s residence in Roundup, where they discovered 2 pounds of methamphetamine, several phones and over 30 guns. In an interview with law enforcement, Duncan admitted to trafficking the methamphetamine and said the firearms were for his protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the ATF conducted the investigation. 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: Phoenix man sentenced to 14 years in prison for trafficking significant amounts of drugs to Montana

body_text: BILLINGS – A Phoenix man who was shipping meth and fentanyl to a drug ring in Billings was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Brian Uriel Lopez-Orozco, 27, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that Lopez-Orozco was a major supplier of methamphetamine and fentanyl to the Billings area, running a drug trafficking ring there for two years. Law enforcement discovered Lopez-Orozco was the head of the drug ring while investigating local drug trafficker Cynthia Pruett and her two lieutenants, Aaron Meeks and Shaynee Gibbs. Laurel police pulled over Meeks and Gibbs on Nov. 9, 2022, where they found 360 grams of fentanyl and over $12,000 cash in their car. Gibbs told officers that she and Meeks were awaiting a package in the mail with methamphetamine and fentanyl, a package law enforcement had already intercepted. In it, investigators discovered nearly 4 pounds of meth and 17 capsules of fentanyl. Meeks told investigators that he regularly picked up packages of meth and fentanyl shipped from Arizona for Pruett, whom he described as “one of the biggest drug dealers in Billings.” Gibbs said Pruett kept her drugs in a storage unit on Billings’ West End. On Dec. 1, 2022, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the storage unit and Pruett’s home in Acton, where agents found meth, fentanyl, and over $4,200 in cash. A month later, Pruett was pulled over in Broadview where agents found nearly a half-pound of fentanyl and $2,245 in cash. Pruett, Meeks, and Gibbs eventually pleaded guilty to various drug charges. Meeks had lived in Arizona, where he bought drugs from Lopez-Orozco and eventually became his personal mechanic. When Meeks moved to Billings in 2021, Lopez-Orozco reached out and asked him if he knew of anyone there who would push drugs for him. Meeks gave him Pruett’s name. Lopez-Orozco visited Billings a few times and after Pruett demonstrated she could move his drugs, Lopez-Orozco began shipping her large quantities of meth and fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the DEA conducted the investigation. 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: Mexican citizen sentenced for illegally reentering the U.S.

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: BILLINGS – A Mexican national who was in the country illegally after having been removed in 2019 was sentenced today to 211 days of custody; his next step is deportation, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Fabian Lopez-Barragan, 25, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to one count of illegal reentry into the United States. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that Lopez-Barragan had illegally returned to the U.S. in 2020 after having first been deported in 2019. Lopez-Barragan was pulled over in Sidney on Dec. 30, 2025, for driving a car with plates that didn’t match the vehicle. After questioning the validity of Lopez-Barragan’s driver’s license, law enforcement contacted Havre Border Patrol, whose agents determined Lopez-Barragan was in the country illegally. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey prosecuted the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Chinese national sentenced to over 2 years in prison for scamming 73-year-old Joliet man

body_text: BILLINGS – A Chinese man living in California, who defrauded a Joliet man out of nearly $200,000, was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison and to pay restitution of $181,000, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Wei Jia Luo, 42, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to one count of wire fraud. Following his prison term he will be deported back to China. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that Luo ran an internet scam and stole $182,000 from a 73-year-old Joliet resident. The investigation started when the Joliet man called the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office on May 8, 2024, to report that he had been scammed. The man was on his computer in March when a pop-up window told him to contact Microsoft. Through a series of messages, the man was led to believe that he was “out of compliance” with the Federal Trade Commission and that to get back into compliance he would need to provide large sums of money to a bank courier he would meet at the Edgar Post Office. The man pulled out $76,000 from various bank accounts and headed to Edgar on April 6, 2024. Unable to find the post office, the man was instructed to meet the bank courier, named “Ethan,” at the Edgar Bar. The man arrived at the bar and met Ethan, who he described as an Asian man in his 30s wearing sunglasses and a COVID mask. He handed over the $76,000 and Ethan left. A few days after the Edgar Bar meeting, the scammers contacted the Joliet man again, this time telling him that more money was needed for him to get fully in compliance with the FTC. Returning to the Edgar Bar on April 11, 2024, the man this time paid Ethan $53,000. Still not done, the scammers contacted the man a third time, telling him still more money was needed. The victim liquidated a $50,000 investment and handed it over to the scammers on May 1, 2024. He was also instructed to buy a number of gift cards from Apple and Lowes that added up to $5,000, and hand those over. In all, the man lost $182,000 to the scammers. Using rental car records and then flight data, investigators eventually identified Ethan as Wei Jia Luo, successfully matching an image of him to surveillance footage of Luo getting off a plane. Luo was arrested on July 31, 2025, in Arizona. He was carrying five fake Texas driver’s licenses, a Chinese passport with Luo’s picture but a different name, gift cards, and over $10,000 in cash. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The FBI and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.


title: Portland Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine : A Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for his role in a California-Maine cocaine trafficking conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Chase Kane , 30, to 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Kane pleaded guilty on December 10, 2025. According to court records, Kane and associates repeatedly received large quantities of cocaine via mail, primarily from California, and made trips to California and Mexico to meet with suppliers and co-conspirators. They then distributed the drug to customers and associates in eastern Maine. Kane and his associates possessed multiple firearms during the drug conspiracy. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case, with the assistance of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to one count of possessing child pornography. According to court records, in December 2025, a social media application company reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that one of its users had saved, shared, or uploaded a file containing child sexual abuse materials. Investigators were able to identify a Google account associated with the user and obtained a search warrant for the account. Contained on the Google account were thousands of child sexual abuse files, as well as a selfie-style photo of Clyde Hall , 60. The Google account contained numerous e-mails to Hall, to include package delivery information to his residence, and Hall’s banking information. Hall has a prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography. Hall faces a minimum term of 10 years and maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with the assistance of the Portland Police Department. To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678 . If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741 . Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc . ###


title: New York Resident Sentenced for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A New York resident was sentenced on July 28, 2026 in U.S. District Court in Bangor for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Stacey Neumann sentenced Qu’tessa Johnson , 37, to five years probation. Johnson pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026. According to court records, on September 12, 2024, Johnson accidentally drove her vehicle through the Houlton Port of Entry into Canada while traveling north on I-95 from New York City. When she realized her mistake, she backed up her vehicle in an attempt to return to the United States. She was referred for secondary inspection and, during a search of her vehicle, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers discovered two bags containing more than 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. ###


title: Dominican National Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

body_text: BANGOR, Maine : A Dominican national was sentenced on July 28, 2026 in U.S. District Court in Bangor for his role in a Massachusetts-Maine fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Ramon De Leon , 26, to 48 months in prison. De Leon pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025. According to court records, De Leon and his brother Alexis De Leon worked together to transport kilograms of fentanyl from Massachusetts to Maine for distribution. The investigation initially showed that an individual known locally only as “Leon Leon” was using a Facebook account and other means to contact associates and customers in Maine. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed evidence that De Leon and his brother were responsible for operating that Facebook page and arranged monitored purchases of fentanyl from “Leon Leon.” The DEA ultimately coordinated a traffic stop in June 2024, with the assistance of Maine State Police, during which the De Leon brothers were found in possession of a large quantity of fentanyl en route to Bangor. The conspiracy brought over 20 kilograms of fentanyl into Maine. Ramon De Leon is the fifth defendant to be sentenced in relation to this investigation. Alexis De Leon was sentenced to five years in prison on January 8, 2026; Mandi Ford was sentenced to time served (approximately 19 months) on February 13, 2026; Bradley Bellfleur was sentenced to six years in prison on May 15, 2026; and Andrew Marin was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison on June 10, 2026. The DEA investigated this case, with the assistance of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Maine State Police. Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Schuylkill County Man Indicted For Failure To Register As A Sex Offender

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Craig Hardy, age 66, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender upon relocating to New York. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from November 3, 2025 and continuing to the present, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon relocating to New York, Ney failed to register his address as required by SORNA. This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Valdosta Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm Used in Assault

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – A Valdosta resident with more than a dozen prior felony convictions in Georgia and Florida was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing a firearm after police responded to a victim who was beaten and pistol-whipped by the defendant. “Violent armed repeat offenders who continually ignore the law and disturb the peace will be held accountable at the federal level for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Working alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, our office is identifying and bringing to justice the most egregious offenders.” “ATF is committed to holding repeat offenders accountable and putting an end to their cycle of violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “Our communities are safer when those who consistently break our laws and threaten our safety are brought to justice.” “The removal of violent career criminals from our community is not something that we can do alone. Through our continued partnership with our federal law enforcement partners and through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are sending a clear message that those who repeatedly endanger our community will be held accountable,” said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “These collaborative efforts with our federal partners will continue to make a difference in keeping our neighborhoods safe.” Charvez Thompson, 33, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner on July 29. Thompson previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on April 2. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents and statements made in court, Valdosta Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence on June 22, 2024, in response to an assault. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim with visible injuries, including a head hematoma, after being struck by Thompson with a handgun wrapped in tape. Thompson initially denied assaulting the victim, claiming that the victim struck him first. However, officers observed no visible injuries on Thompson. A small-caliber leather holster was found attached to Thompson’s left boot, and a revolver that was wrapped in electrical tape and loaded with seven rounds was located hidden in his truck. The victim identified the firearm as the one used in the assault, a fact corroborated by a witness. Thompson has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. As a convicted felon, it is illegal for him to possess a firearm. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels is prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Temple Terrace Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Threats to Kill

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Andrew Nikhil Aiyar (28, Temple Terrace) has pleaded guilty to interstate threats to kill. He faces a maximum of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, between September and November 2025, Aiyar became frustrated with an American media company and began sending harassing and threatening messages to individuals associated with the company. One of these individuals was the wife of a prominent political media personality. Aiyar posted public social media threats to kill her and members of her family including, “I will tear your family to pieces before I shut up. Next time I’m in [CITY NAME] I’m finding you,” “I will beat your kids to death in front of you and your husband will do nothing about it,” and “When I get done hacking you to death with a meat cleaver I will turn myself in as a hero.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Temple Terrace Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.


title: West Virginia Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexually Exploiting Minor

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a West Virginia man to more than two decades in prison, today, for child sex abuse crimes. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Donald Robert Wilt Edwards, Sr., 30, to 25 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually exploiting a minor. A federal grand jury indicted Edwards in connection with the charges in April 2025. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and Colonel Jack Chambers, Superintendent, West Virginia State Police. According to court documents, in June 2024, while he still lived in Baltimore, Edwards captured himself sexually abusing and exploiting a three-year-old minor victim. Edwards produced two images and one video of the abuse and distributed the files online using the Kik messaging application. He also possessed other child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his cell phone and within his social media accounts. In December 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Edwards’ Elkins, West Virginia, residence, seizing multiple electronic devices. Throughout the course of the investigation, law enforcement uncovered additional CSAM on Edwards’ devices and in his social media accounts. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . Click the “Resources” tab on the left side of the page to learn about Internet safety education. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI, BPD, West Virginia State Police, and West Virginia Parole and Probation Office for their work in the investigation. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema Sood and Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Baltimore Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Armed Gas Station Carjacking

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to prison after a federal judge sentenced him, today, in connection with an armed carjacking at a local gas station. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Ron Wardlow, 27, to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for carjacking, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. A jury convicted Wardlow of the charges in April 2026. Additionally, Wardlow was previously convicted of a robbery at the same Baltimore gas station where he was later arrested. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD). According to evidence presented at trial, on February 27, 2025, Wardlow approached Victim 1 and Victim 2 at a Fells Point gas station. Wardlow, who was wearing a mask and gloves, approached the victims and asked them for a ride. When Victim 1 refused, Wardlow followed Victim 1 around the car and pulled out a 9mm Glock loaded with an extended magazine that held 31 rounds. Wardlow then pointed the gun at Victim 1 and demanded the car keys. Victim 1 complied and gave Wardlow the keys. Wardlow entered the car and drove off. Then the victims called 911 to report the carjacking. Some of the victims’ digital devices remained in the car, which enabled them to track the devices. Activity stopped in the Liberty Heights neighborhood, so the victims assumed Wardlow tossed them from the car. Later, the victims went to the spot where the devices were. There, they found Victim 1’s car still running, but then the car backed up and drove away. Victim 1 again called the police to alert law enforcement to the car’s location. Then officers from the Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT) located the car at a nearby gas station. When law enforcement arrived at the gas station, Wardlow saw them and fled on foot. Officers pursued Wardlow with the assistance of aerial surveillance. Law enforcement eventually found Wardlow hiding in the cellar entryway of a nearby residence. When officers searched Wardlow, they found the mask and gloves he wore during the carjacking. Additionally, officers found a bag in the car that contained the loaded Glock 9mm Wardlow pointed at Victim 1. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation and RATT for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Levin and John W. Sippel, Jr., who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Pharmacist Charged With Drug Diversion From National Pharmacy Chain

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Pittsfield pharmacist has been charged in federal court in Boston with allegedly diverting Adderall and Dextroamp-amphetamin (generic Adderall) from a national pharmacy chain. Joshua Bradley, 30, of Pittsfield, was charged with five counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, deception and subterfuge. The defendant will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Sept. 9, 2026. According to the charging documents, while working as a licensed pharmacist at a national pharmacy chain, Bradley allegedly diverted various quantities of Dextroamp-amphetamin for his own use on four occasions in August, September and November 2024. Additionally, on Nov. 10, 2024, Bradley is alleged to have also diverted Adderall. These controlled substances originally were intended for customers. The charge of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, deception, and subterfuge provides for a sentence of up to four years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department and the Barnstable, Harwich, Bourne, Brewster, Sandwich, Falmouth, Mashpee, Yarmouth and Dennis Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Cleary of the Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Peabody Man Arrested for Transport of Child Pornography

body_text: BOSTON – A Peabody man has been arrested and charged with allegedly transporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Felix Santos, 34, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of transporting child pornography. Santos was arrested and appeared in federal court in Boston yesterday. According to the charging documents, on May 18, 2026, Santos traveled to Boston Logan International Airport from the Dominican Republic. Upon his arrival at Logan, Santos was referred to secondary inspection by border agents. During a screening of Santos’ phone, multiple files consistent with CSAM were allegedly located in his Telegram chat application. It is further alleged that subsequent analysis revealed at least 20 photos and 952 videos depicting CSAM on the phone. The charge of transporting child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Conroy of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 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 . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Illegal Alien From India Ordered Removed From United States After Being Sentenced for Visa Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – An Indian national unlawfully residing in Worcester, Mass., was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with a conspiracy to conduct staged armed robberies of convenience stores for the purpose of allowing store clerks to falsely claim they were crime victims on immigration applications. Mitul Patel, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to time served (one day) in prison and a $1,000 fine. The defendant was also ordered removed from the United States. The defendant, along with 10 others involved in the scheme, was charged by criminal complaint in March 2026 and pleaded guilty in June 2026. According to the charging documents, beginning in March 2023, Rambhai Patel and his co-conspirators set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least six convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and elsewhere. It is alleged that the purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the clerks present to falsely claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U non-immigration status (U Visa). A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. During the staged robberies, the “robber” would allegedly threaten store clerks with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video. The clerks would then wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime.” The “victims” are alleged to have each paid Rambhai Patel to participate in the scheme. In turn, Rambhai Patel paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery. The organizer Rambhai Patel, the “robber,” and the getaway driver Balwinder Singh were previously charged and later convicted in May 2025. Mitul Patel, sentenced today, paid Rambhai Patel so that he could participate as a “victim” in a staged armed robbery of a store in Worcester, Mass. in October 2023. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York, the Western District of Washington, the Northern District of Ohio, the Eastern District of Missouri and the Eastern District of Kentucky; FBI’s New York, Seattle, Louisville, Cleveland and St. Louis Field Offices; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; and the Boston, Dedham, Hingham, Malden, Marshfield, Randolph, Somerville, Weymouth, Worcester, Upper Darby, (Pa.), West Pittston (Pa.), Louisville, (Ky.) and Bean Station (Tenn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Brockton Man Charged With Lying to Federal Agents About Firearms Recovered at Crime Scenes

body_text: BOSTON – A Brockton man has been charged for allegedly making false statements to law enforcement regarding his transfer of 24 firearms he had purchased. More than half of the firearms allegedly surfaced at various crime scenes across the Northeast including a Boston homicide. Klordenzsky Senecharles, 29, has been charged with making materially false statements. The defendant was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in April 2026 and subsequently released on pretrial conditions. According to the charging documents, between March 2020 and May 2021, Senecharles purchased a total of 28 firearms and later sold four of them. Of the 24 firearms still registered to Senecharles, 13 firearms were allegedly recovered in connection with criminal activity, including a Feb. 26, 2024 homicide in Boston. According to the charging documents, when law enforcement questioned Senecharles about the whereabouts of the 24 firearms, Senecharles claimed that he had sold 21 of the 24 firearms to various Massachusetts registered firearms dealers. The firearms dealers allegedly reported that they had no record of purchasing any of the 21 firearms from Senecharles. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Cleary and Colin T. Missett of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Kansas farmer pleads guilty to fraud

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to illegally selling crops that were collateral for a federal government loan. According to court documents, Steven W. Porubsky, 49, of Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of conversion of mortgaged collateral. Porubsky defrauded the Farm Service Agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Porubsky is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Indian National Sentenced to 48 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to  Commit Money Laundering

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 27, 2026, United States District Judge Brett Ludwig sentenced Roshan Shah, (age 22) to 48 months' imprisonment for conspiring to commit money laundering. According to court records, Shah is a citizen of India who was attending college in Canada on a student visa. He entered the United States on a visitor visa to collect fraud proceeds. Co-conspirators in India called victims and convinced them that their identities had been used to commit crimes. The victims were led to believe they had to surrender cash or gold to a federal agent, impersonated by Shah, for safekeeping. In total, Shah collected more than $3.7 million from 15 victims throughout the United States. He was arrested while attempting to collect what he believed to be fraud proceeds in New Berlin, Wisconsin, using the same fraudulent scheme. At sentencing, Judge Ludwig emphasized the seriousness of Shah's misconduct and the devastating impact his actions had on the largely elderly and vulnerable victims. "This case highlights the danger faced by Americans from fraudsters both here and overseas," said First Assistant Brad Schimel. "This conviction and sentence are the result of the intensive efforts of federal law enforcement working closely with the U.S. Attorney's Office to combat the scourge of fraud targeting our seniors. This case should serve as a reminder that we will continue to devote substantial resources to fighting fraud, holding scammers accountable, and protecting Americans from these schemes." “Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the American public from transnational fraud schemes that target our most vulnerable citizens,” said HSI Wisconsin Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Rice. “This case demonstrates the impact of coordinated law enforcement efforts to disrupt criminal networks that prey on victims across borders. We will continue to work with our partners to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who seek to exploit and defraud members of our communities.” This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New Berlin Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Corey and Peter Smyczek. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero steven.caballero@usdoj.gov Follow us on X


title: South Carolina man sentenced to over a year in prison for online retail theft scheme

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A South Carolina man was sentenced today to a year and one month in prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to court documents, between March 2022 and April 2025, Cody Cavallaro, 31, of Charleston, conspired to steal merchandise from online retailers, submit fraudulent return requests, receive refunds, and then sell the stolen merchandise on third-party online platforms. Cavallaro placed hundreds of orders for merchandise with online retailers. To circumvent retailers’ loss-prevention systems, Cavallaro used hundreds of false names, email addresses, and telephone numbers as well as different versions of his delivery address. For example, Cavallaro added “13th Floor” to his delivery address, which was a two-story single-family home. After receiving the merchandise, Cavallaro and his co-conspirators submitted fraudulent return requests, prompting the retailers to provide digital copies of shipping labels that Cavallaro and his co-conspirators digitally manipulated to alter the printed delivery address. The conspirators applied the manipulated shipping labels to empty envelopes and placed them in the mail. Generally, once an envelope’s barcode was scanned, carriers’ automated systems treated the package as deliverable to the retailer’s return facility, resulting in a refund to Cavallaro without the retailer receiving a return package. Cavallaro would then sell the merchandise on third-party online marketplaces, such as Amazon.com and Mercari.com. Cavallaro took steps to obfuscate his resale activity. For example, in late 2023, a loss prevention investigator for Amazon contacted Cavallaro to request business records indicating Cavallaro’s source for obtaining merchandise. Cavallaro provided the investigator with a fabricated invoice from another retailer for a total of $74,998.50. In September 2022, Amazon uncovered a portion of Cavallaro’s return fraud scheme and issued “charge backs” on Cavallaro’s American Express credit card totaling $117,447.62. Cavallaro then submitted a fraud report to American Express falsely claiming that Amazon’s charge backs were fraudulent. American Express credited Cavallaro’s account with the full $117,447.62, leaving American Express as the victim of Cavallaro’s fraudulent conduct. In total, Cavallaro caused an actual loss to seven different retailers of $768,127. Cavallaro further attempted, but ultimately failed, to order and fraudulently return merchandise worth an additional $586,577.62. Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James Kingsley, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Richmond Field Office; and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Day prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-145.


title: Richmond men sentenced to prison for conspiring to traffic fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – Two Richmond men were sentenced to over 20 years in prison for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents, from the fall of 2024 through June 2025, law enforcement conducted five controlled purchases of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin from Roddell Chappell, 40, and seven controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from Vagas Davis, 38. Investigators searched the residences of Chappell and Davis on June 24, 2025. From Chappell’s residence, investigators recovered multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine as well as 15 firearms, large capacity drum magazines, ammunition, drug packaging materials, scales, presses, and $49,939. From Davis’ residence, investigators recovered 459.6 grams of marijuana, a money counter, and three cellphones. When Davis was arrested the same day, he possessed a loaded handgun, four additional cellphones, and $950. Chappell pled guilty on Sept. 11, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. On May 18, Chappell was sentenced to 20 years and 10 months in prison. Davis pled guilty on Sept. 16, 2025, to distribution and aiding and abetting in the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Davis, who held a leadership role in the drug trafficking organization, was sentenced yesterday to 24 years and four months in prison. Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, made the announcement. The Virginia State Police, Chesterfield County Police Department, and Richmond Police Department assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea 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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-98.


title: Glen Allen man sentenced to over 19 years in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Glen Allen man was sentenced today to 19 years and seven months in prison for distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, in response to a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, on Feb. 14, 2024, pursuant to a search warrant, law enforcement obtained the cellphone of Phillip Michael Taft, 40, at his probation office. During a review of the phone, investigators identified photos and videos depicting CSAM. Investigators also searched Taft’s synchronous account in which they identified approximately 20 videos depicting CSAM. The FBI reviewed text messages on Taft’s phone and identified an exchange from Feb. 12 to 14, 2024, in which Taft discussed various sexual and pornographic topics and exchanged several images and videos, including at least one depicting the sexual abuse of children. Taft has several previous criminal convictions, most recently on May 6, 2025, of eight felony counts for the sexual abuse of animals and eight felony counts for permitting sexual contact with an animal to be conducted on premises under his ownership or control. Taft’s federal sentence will be served consecutively to his state sentence. Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Janet Jin Ah Lee and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 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 . Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-79.


title: Nashville man charged with child exploitation, child pornography violations after traveling to the Eastern District of Texas

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – A Nashville, Tennessee man has been arrested and charged with federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Joseph Dalton Bowman, 32, was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with coercion of a minor; production of child pornography; and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Bowman appeared before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on July 27, 2026, and was ordered to be detained. Investigators have reason to believe that there are additional victims in this case. Bowman may have had contact with minors in the following cities and their surrounding areas: Lakeland, Florida Tampa, Florida North Chesterfield, Virginia Glen Allen, Virginia Covington, Kentucky Myrtle Beach, South Carolina New York City, New York Brooklyn, New York Mulvane, Kansas Caldwell, Kansas Kansas City, Missouri Memphis, Tennessee Nashville, Tennessee Mount Juliet, Tennessee Orlando, Florida Dallas, Texas Frisco, Texas If you suspect your child may have had contact with Joseph Dalton Bowman, either in person or through social media applications using accounts such as “snapwithdalton,” please call the HSI Tipline at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP . Or you can submit a tip online at HSI Online Tip Form or NCMEC Tipline CyberTipline . Law enforcement will take the necessary steps to protect all minors’ identities and confidential information. If convicted, Bowman faces up to life in federal prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . This case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations – Child Exploitation Group and the Frisco Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey. It is important to note that an indictment or arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. ###


title: Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking and Murder in the Course of Sex Trafficking

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Omari Scott, also known as “Prince” and “Sir Prince,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 50 years in prison for murder in the course of sex trafficking, sex trafficking two victims (Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2), and promoting prostitution. Scott was convicted by a federal jury in June 2025 of murder in the course of sex trafficking and sex trafficking Jane Doe 2. Prior to trial, Scott pleaded guilty to sex trafficking Jane Doe 1 and promoting prostitution. The charges relate to Scott’s trafficking of women at an open-air sex market in Brooklyn known as the “Penn Track” and his orchestration of the murder of a rival pimp after a dispute over the control of Jane Doe 2. Restitution to the victims will be determined at a later date. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence. “The defendant earned this lengthy sentence through a pattern of ruthless violence, exploitation of vulnerable women, and abuse,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “His actions caused lasting harm to his victims and demonstrated a complete disregard for the law and for human dignity. Our Office’s prosecutors and law enforcement brought him to justice and their noble work demonstrates a deep commitment to protecting the community from those who commit these heinous crimes.” “Omari Scott carried out a disturbing level of violence and exploitation of innocent victims. The FBI is dedicated to defending the individuals subjected to these crimes and pursuing offenders who threaten innocent civilians,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “The NYPD has no tolerance for anyone who sexually exploits women and profits from these horrific crimes,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Omari Scott was a predator of the worst kind – using violence and financial control to force victims into this work and even orchestrating the murder of a rival for encroaching on his business. Thank you to the NYPD investigators, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their work to get this sex trafficker off our streets for good.” As proven at trial, for years, Scott trafficked women at the Penn Track and other locations in New York City and New Jersey. He lured his victims in with promises of love and money, but once he had manipulated them into working for him, he took all the money they earned. He imposed nightly quotas and used violence and threats of violence to keep his victims earning. For example, Scott told an associate on a recorded call that he was “beating this b--- up tonight” for failing to work quickly enough to locate customers and, on another occasion, Scott warned a victim that he would “knock [her] out for disrespecting me.” In taking the money they earned, Scott rendered these women dependent on him for food, clothing, and shelter for themselves and for their young children. In April 2023, Scott learned that Jane Doe 2 was planning to leave him to work for a rival, Cleveland Clay, in prostitution. Scott found Jane Doe 2 on the Penn Track, grabbed her by the hair, dragged her through the street, and threw her into his car. After Clay refused to back down, the defendant recruited another sex trafficker, Michael Simmons, to murder Clay. The defendant gave Simmons a gun and sent him to kill Clay, which Simmons did on May 1, 2023 in a White Castle parking lot on the Penn Track. Simmons then returned to Scott, who had been waiting for him in a nearby laundromat parking lot, to report that the job was done. Clay succumbed to his wounds several hours later. Simmons pleaded guilty in January 2025 to murder in the course of sex trafficking and sex trafficking of Jane Doe 2 and is awaiting sentencing. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Reid, Anna L. Karamigios, and Miranda Gonzalez are in charge of the prosecution, with additional assistance from Victim Witness Coordinator Huda Abouchaer and Victim Witness Specialist Kristina Marius. The Defendant : OMARI SCOTT (also known as “Prince” and “Sir Prince”) Age: 45 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-158 (KAM)


title: Two New Assistant United States Attorneys Formally Sworn into Office

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: United States Attorney Ellis Boyle administered the oath of office to two Assistant United States Attorneys appointed to serve in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Their work supports the safety and well‑being of their communities, safeguards constitutional rights, and reinforces trust in the justice system.


title: New SAUSA Takes Oath to Serve the Eastern District

body_text: First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the EDNC administers the oath of office to the newest member of the district. The appointment of the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney advances the office's mission of upholding the rule of law and serving the people of our district. We are pleased to welcome him aboard and look forward to his contribution to the office and community in which he serves