title: Fundraiser Connected to Assassination of Haitian President Sentenced to 20 Years for Money Laundering Scheme

body_text: MIAMI – A South Florida fundraiser and financier connected to the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief funds that helped finance the plot. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra sentenced Keegan Harricharan, 42, of Coral Springs, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in money laundering. The laundered funds were derived from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) loans issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “This case is a stark reminder that financial crime is often the engine behind far more dangerous conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This defendant did not simply commit fraud. He exploited pandemic relief programs meant to keep small businesses alive during a national crisis and laundered those stolen taxpayer funds to help advance a conspiracy that ended in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. As a career federal prosecutor and former trial judge, I have seen how following the money exposes the true scope of criminal schemes. When fraud proceeds are funneled into political violence and bloodshed, the threat extends beyond financial loss to the stability of democratic institutions themselves. We will continue to follow the money, dismantle these networks, and ensure that those who finance violence face federal justice.” According to court documents, Harricharan worked with Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, James Junior Solages, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, Jacob Israel, and others to launder fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief funds that were used to promote, finance, and support the conspiracy to overthrow the Haitian government and assassinate President Moïse on July 7, 2021, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Ortiz, Intriago, Veintemilla, and Solages were convicted following a nine-week jury trial in May. Sanon is expected to stand trial later this year. Jacob Israel previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced in December. Beginning in June 2020, Harricharan and Israel fraudulently obtained approximately $840,827 in PPP loan proceeds, from which Israel and his associates received approximately $126,124 in kickbacks. In April and May 2021, Harricharan met repeatedly in South Florida with members of the assassination conspiracy, where they discussed plans to remove President Moïse from power and install a new Haitian government. During those meetings, the conspirators also discussed securing funding, weapons, ammunition, personnel, and military equipment needed to carry out the operation. Harricharan agreed to use his South Florida company, TNR Holding Group Inc. (TNR Holding), to receive and distribute fraud proceeds in support of the conspiracy. Between May 18 and May 28, 2021, approximately $175,000 in PPP fraud proceeds and other funds were deposited into his TNR Holding’s bank account. At the direction of his co-conspirators, Harricharan quickly transferred the money to Veintemilla, who redistributed it through a series of transactions to other members of the conspiracy. Between June 9 and June 10, 2021, Harricharan wired an additional $80,000, including EIDL loan proceeds, to Veintemilla for further distribution to members of the conspiracy. Weeks later, in the early morning hours of July 7, 2021, the conspiracy culminated in the assassination of President Moïse. A team of Colombian mercenaries, financed in part through the laundered proceeds described above, entered the president’s residence in Port-au-Prince after exchanging gunfire with security personnel. The attackers fatally shot President Moïse multiple times and seriously wounded First Lady Martine Moïse while the couple’s children hid inside the home. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami made the announcement. FBI Miami and HSI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean T. McLaughlin, Jason Wu, and Altanese Phenelus prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Miami comprises of agents and task force officers from FBI Miami and HSI Miami with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 26-cr-20054. ###


title: Florida Pharmacist Convicted of Massive Oxycodone Distribution Conspiracy

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: Defendant dispensed 300,000+ pills to patients without a legitimate medical purpose at 10x the price MIAMI – A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida convicted a licensed pharmacist and pharmacy owner yesterday for her role in dispensing over 300,000 oxycodone 30mg pills to pharmacy patrons who had no medical need for the drug. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Olushola Yusuf, 60, of Tampa, dispensed oxycodone to nearly all her pharmacy customers. Yusuf charged customers approximately 10 times the typical cost of the drug and required payment from them in cash. In total, Yusuf dispensed at least 326,079 pills of oxycodone 30mg during the conspiracy. Oxycodone 30mg is the maximum strength available of the drug and is both sought after and potentially dangerous due to its potency. It is typically prescribed to seriously ill patients, such as those suffering from chronic cancer pain or traumatic injuries. “The defendant abused the public trust by using her pharmacies to unlawfully distribute deadly opioids,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This conviction sends an unmistakable message: whether you deal drugs on a street corner or from behind a pharmacy counter, the Fraud Division will hold you fully accountable under the law.” “By distributing dangerous and highly addictive narcotics, the defendant demonstrated a clear disregard for their community and endangered countless residents who should have been able to trust their pharmacist,” said FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia. “The opioid epidemic continues to plague our nation, which is why the FBI, along with our partners, will continue to hold the criminals poisoning our communities with these drugs accountable.” “Olushola Yusuf did not simply ignore red flags. She built her business around them,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “She knowingly flooded South Florida communities with more than 335,000 high-dose oxycodone pills, even after her employees and the DEA warned her about the dangers of her conduct. Yusuf charged extraordinary cash prices, served drug dealers and customers who traveled long distances, and put profit ahead of patients, public safety, and her responsibilities as a pharmacist. Yesterday, a federal jury held her accountable.” “Pharmacists occupy a position of public trust and serve as a critical safeguard against the diversion of controlled substances,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Chief of Operations Matthew W. Allen. “By dispensing hundreds of thousands of oxycodone pills to virtually anyone willing to pay inflated cash prices, the defendant abandoned that responsibility, exploited addiction, and endangered lives for personal profit. This conviction reinforces DEA’s commitment to the American people: no one is above the law when they violate the public’s trust and contribute to the unlawful distribution of dangerous drugs.” “It’s a serious issue when people in the medical field use their positions to distribute illicit substances to those with no medical need for such substances,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Bobbitt of the DEA West Palm Beach District Office. “This pharmacist dispensed thousands of oxycodone pills for profit and in the process contributed to opioid addiction in South Florida. Our diversion investigators have brought many of these criminals to justice and will continue to do so to protect our communities.” “By unlawfully dispensing massive quantities of addictive controlled substances to people with no legitimate medical need, the pharmacist in this case brazenly disregarded patient safety and the law,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). “HHS OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those who exploit their professional licenses and endanger the public, and we will ensure they are held fully accountable.” Yusuf owned and operated two pharmacies, Boots LLC d/b/a Striderite (Boots) in Margate, and Chans Pharmacy Plus, Inc. (Chans) in Pembroke Pines. Yusuf distributed oxycodone 30mg pills through these pharmacies. Customers drove long distances to have Yusuf fill prescriptions that they could not get filled at any other pharmacy. Some customers paid as much as $1,300 a month in cash to Yusuf for the drugs. And some customers were drug dealers, who picked up oxycodone pills purportedly on behalf of dozens of patients at a time who were not present. According to witnesses at trial, Yusuf kept the doors to her pharmacies locked during business hours, directing employees only to open the door for certain identified customers. Yusuf continued to dispense the oxycodone in this way even after repeated warnings from her employees and the DEA about the dangers of her pharmacy operations. The jury convicted Yusuf of conspiracy to illegally distribute drugs and five counts of illegal drug distribution. Yusuf’s co-defendant, Saman Gimenez, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally distribute drugs and is scheduled to be sentenced in October of this year. Yusuf faces a maximum penalty of 20 years for each count. Sentencing is scheduled to occur on October 14. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. DEA, HHS-OIG, and FBI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline DerOvanesian for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Angela Benoit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs. The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-cr-60145. ###


title: Fairhope Woman Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison  for Tampering with Evidence in a Drug Investigation

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – Natalia Mitchell of Fairhope, Alabama, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for tampering with evidence in a federal drug conspiracy. According to court documents, on the evening of October 8, 2025, a federal defendant called Mitchell on a recorded telephone line from the Baldwin County Corrections Center. During the call, the defendant instructed Mitchell to remove drugs and a firearm from the defendant's property and deliver them to another individual. Mitchell stated that she had already done so. A few hours later, law enforcement officers contacted Mitchell. Although she initially denied any knowledge of the firearm or drugs, she later admitted that she had retrieved and moved the firearm and directed investigators to its location. Law enforcement subsequently recovered the firearm. Mitchell was indicted for Tampering with Evidence and pled guilty to the charge. United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Mitchell to 48 months in prison followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica S. Terrill and Alex F. Lankford prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Mobile comprises agents and officers from, among others, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.


title: Multi-Agency Team Recognized for Outstanding Overdose Investigative Effort of the Year

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that the multi-agency team involved in the investigation and prosecution of United States v. Curtis Cummings, et al. , has been selected by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) as the Outstanding Overdose Investigative Effort of the Year. The lead prosecutor, Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Dilges, and lead investigator, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Patrick Rose, were presented the award by Dan Neill, Executive Director, Midwest HIDTA, Office of National Drug Control Policy, during a ceremony at the Public Safety Building in Rapid City on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. “This was an incredible investigative effort that delivered justice for the victims of this horrible crime and improved public safety by preventing further deaths that would have resulted from the illegal activities of these defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “I could not be more proud of this law enforcement team and I am so grateful their outstanding efforts have been recognized and honored with this award.” “Midwest HIDTA, in partnership with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), is proud to support our federal, state, local, Tribal, and prosecutorial partners in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling criminal organizations that exploit vulnerable communities. While no investigation can undo the tragic loss of life in this case, we recognize the dedication and professionalism of the investigators, analysts, prosecutors, and support personnel whose tireless efforts helped bring those responsible to justice,” said Executive Director, Midwest HIDTA, Office of Drug Control Policy Dan Neill. In late April 2022, a young man was found deceased in the driver’s seat of his vehicle at a gas station in Rapid City, South Dakota. On the center console of his vehicle were two aluminum foil pieces with remnants of a partially melted blue-green pill. An autopsy indicated the victim died from fentanyl toxicity. The investigation was led by the South Dakota Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), which includes the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Utilizing a variety of investigative techniques – including digital forensics, surveillance video, social media records, GPS information, and witness interviews – UNET identified four individuals – Curtis Cummings, Katey McGruder, Christina Sanchez, and Wyatt Nygaard – who were involved in the distribution of fentanyl to the victim. The investigation revealed that Cummings and his wife, McGruder, obtained large amounts of fentanyl from a source of supply in Colorado on a weekly basis. They would then bring the fentanyl back to their home in Rapid City, where it was further distributed by Sanchez and other co-conspirators. On April 26, 2022, Cummings and McGruder provided fentanyl to Sanchez, who provided the fentanyl to Nygaard. Nygaard then provided the fentanyl to the victim, who overdosed and died within minutes of ingesting the fentanyl. In 2023, Cummings, McGruder, Sanchez, and Nygaard were indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. Sanchez, McGruder, and Nygaard each pleaded guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. On January 24, 2024, Nygaard was sentenced to 23 years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. On August 9, 2024, Sanchez and McGruder were each sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Cummings was convicted following a jury trial of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. On January 24, 2025, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Comprised of 73 designated counties in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Illinois, the Midwest HIDTA is designed to disrupt the market for illegal drugs throughout the “heartland” of America by identifying, targeting, and dismantling the most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations operating in the Midwest. Its goal is to enhance and facilitate the coordination of regional drug-control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies—through information and intelligence sharing, cooperative investigations, and joint operations—to reduce drug trafficking and its deadly consequences across the region. The Midwest HIDTA currently supports 61 different initiatives across seven states, including 44 drug task forces, six domestic highway interdiction programs, and five intelligence initiatives.


title: McLaughlin Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison  for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on July 20, 2026. Ricky Wayne Hettich, Jr., age 26, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Hettich was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 16, 2026. Around Christmas 2024, Hettich picked up a 15-year-old girl by the waist against her will. He laid her down on his bed in his father’s basement in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Hettich took off the minor’s clothes, then his own, and had sexual intercourse with her. Whenever the girl tried to escape, Hettich forced her back down. The intercourse resulted in pregnancy. Investigators learned Hettich also had sexual intercourse with the girl on a prior occasion. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court. This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. Hettich was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.


title: Fort Thompson Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Judge Eric Schulte, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a man from Fort Thompson, South Dakota, convicted of Sexual Assault of a Minor. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026. Elijah Brown Thunder, age 29, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,444.70 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Brown Thunder was indicted in April 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 13, 2026. In November, 2017 Brown Thunder engaged in a sexual act with a young victim between the age of 12 and 16. Brown Thunder committed multiple acts of sexual abuse upon her, over an extended period. The sexual abuse occurred in the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of victims and their families despite the passage of time. This case was investigated by the FBI. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Great Plains Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case. Brown Thunder was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for  Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Eagle Butte, South Dakota, convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026. Trevin Antonio, age 29, was sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Antonio was indicted in October 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026. The conviction stems from Antonio assaulting a woman with a weapon in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, on July 31, 2025. The victim suffered severe lacerations to her face that required hospitalization. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case. Antonio was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for  Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child. The sentencing took place on July 14, 2026. Shane Bruguier, age 47, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bruguier was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He was found guilty following a three-day jury trial in April of 2026. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred sometime between January 2015 and November 2015 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. The evidence presented at trial established that the 8-year-old victim was asleep in her bed and awoke to find that Bruguier had pulled her underwear down and was rubbing her vagina with his hand. The victim pushed Bruguier away and told him to get out of her room. The abuse was disclosed during a forensic interview in 2021. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to state court. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case. Bruguier was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Dupree Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison  for Voluntary Manslaughter

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Dupree, South Dakota, convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026. Gradyn Blue Arm, age 27, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Blue Arm was indicted in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026. The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 3, 2025, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. After being asked to leave a residence in Dupree, South Dakota, Blue Arm returned to the location armed with knives. Blue Arm argued with the victim and others in the front yard before walking away from the residence. The victim and two other individuals followed Blue Arm. Soon thereafter, Blue Arm stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a knife, which resulted in the victim’s death. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to state court. This case was investigated by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case. Blue Arm was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: 75-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Transportation of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 21, 2026, United States District Court Judge Gina Méndez-Miró sentenced Carlos Manuel Collazo-Pérez to 188 months (15 years and 8 months) in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for child exploitation charges. Collazo-Pérez, a 75-year-old man from Toa Baja, PR, was indicted on September 18, 2025, arrested on September 19, 2025, and pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Indictment, transportation of child pornography, on April 21, 2026. According to court documents, from on or about March 8, 2021, through on or about August 6, 2025, defendant Carlos Collazo Pérez, using electronic devices which had internet capabilities and were manufactured outside of Puerto Rico, knowingly transported images of child pornography, as defined by Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(8)(A), that is, sexually explicit images of minors and minors engaging in sexual acts, including images of prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age. On August 14, 2025, an extraction was completed on Collazo Pérez’s work laptop. Within the extraction agents found over 25,500 photos and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Most of the media was downloaded from a browser that provides private web browsing to anonymize your online activity and hide your IP address while browsing. “The exploitation of children is a serious crime that inflicts lasting harm on the most vulnerable members of our community. Each image collected and traded represents a child who was victimized, and the staggering volume of material recovered in this case reflects a level of suffering that is difficult to comprehend,” said Héctor Ramírez Carbó, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our commitment to protect children and to bring those who prey upon them to justice. We will continue to pursue these offenders aggressively and ensure they are held fully accountable for the damage they cause.” “A 188-month prison sentence reflects the gravity of this case and the devastating impact of these crimes. The evidence showed that Carlos Manuel Collazo-Pérez was not just a child predator, but an active collector—amassing more than 25,000 images of child sexual abuse material. This staggering volume underscores the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing threat posed by individuals who exploit the most vulnerable among us. HSI remains resolute in our mission to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who commit these heinous acts. Today’s sentence is a victory for the victims and a warning to anyone who would consider engaging in such reprehensible behavior,” said HSI San Juan Acting Special Agent in Charge Yariel Ramos. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI was in charge of the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Registered Sex Offender Accused of Possessing Obscene Images

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Hillsboro, Oregon man with possessing images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Daniel Bostwick, 69, has been charged with a single count of possession of obscene visual representations of child sex abuse. According to court documents, Bostwick was on state parole following a previous conviction for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree under Oregon law. Bostwick was subject to device monitoring as a condition of his parole. In April, two sexualized images of children were detected on Bostwick’s cellphone. A subsequent search of Bostwick’s phone and a thumb drive resulted in the recovery of dozens of images depicting the sexual abuse of children, which appeared to have been generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Bostwick made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 3-day jury trial scheduled to begin on September 22, 2026. If convicted, Bostwick faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of twenty years in federal prison, a term of supervised release of at least five years up to life, and a fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case was brought in collaboration with 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 www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Nevada Tax Preparers Indicted for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Preparing False Tax Returns for Clients

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging three Las Vegas tax return preparers with conspiracy to defraud the United States and willfully preparing false tax returns for clients. According to the indictment, Jadee Glover owned and operated CashBack Tax Service, a Las Vegas tax preparation business, where Julia Brainerd and Shamoya Perkins worked as tax return preparers. The three allegedly conspired to prepare and file fraudulent income tax returns for clients that in some instances reported completely fictitious businesses and in other instances reported fictitious receipts and expenses for businesses the clients actually owned. Glover, Brainerd, and Perkins allegedly agreed to include false tax credits on client returns based on false assertions that the clients had missed substantial amounts of work at their purported businesses because they had contracted COVID-19 or were providing care to others that had contracted COVID-19. Based on these false claims, the tax returns allegedly generated large tax refunds that clients were not entitled to receive, a portion of which was directed to CashBack Tax Service as tax preparation fees. According to the indictment, Glover, Brainerd and Perkins each willfully prepared and filed a number of false tax returns for clients in this manner. In addition to their work for CashBack Tax Service, Brainerd allegedly prepared false returns for clients of Royalty Tax Services, a Las Vegas tax preparation business she separately owned and operated, and Perkins allegedly prepared false returns for clients of Jewels Tax Services, a Las Vegas tax preparation business she separately owned and operated. If convicted, Glover, Brainerd, and Perkins face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy and three years in prison for each count of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for clients. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Regina Jeon and Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. ###


component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Nashua Man Indicted for Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine CONCORD – Juan Nolasco Batlle, age 42, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date. If convicted, Batlle faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum prison term of life, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, or both. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with valuable assistance provided by the Hillsborough County Street Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.


body_text: Dominican National Sentenced to 7 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Coordinated from Abroad CONCORD – A Dominican man was sentenced today in federal court to 7 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl to New Hampshire residents while operating from abroad, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Starlin Alexander Valdez De Los Santos, 35, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Valdez De Los Santos pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. “This defendant believed that operating from abroad and communicating through encrypted platforms would place him beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement, but this sentence demonstrates otherwise,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This outcome reflects sustained coordination between the DEA, our partners in the Dominican Republic, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, whose work led to this defendant’s extradition and prosecution.” “This case demonstrates that drug traffickers operating beyond our borders are not beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Those who choose to supply fentanyl into the United States, regardless of where they hide, should know that the DEA and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue them and hold them accountable. The fentanyl distributed by this defendant made its way into communities in New Hampshire, putting countless lives at risk. Every kilogram of fentanyl trafficked into our country has the potential to cause devastating loss, and we remain committed to dismantling the international criminal networks responsible for fueling this public safety crisis.” “Fentanyl trafficking is a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Chief David Cayot of the Hudson, New Hampshire Police Department. “This case reflects the effective partnership between the Hudson Police Department and our federal partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration. We remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who distribute dangerous narcotics in Hudson.” According to the charging documents, relevant pleadings, and statements made in court, during an August 2021 fentanyl overdose death investigation conducted by the Hudson Police Department, detectives collected evidence of the overdose victim’s phone communications with a source of narcotics supply that used a Facebook account and an encrypted messaging mobile app with a Dominican Republic-based phone number to advertise drugs for sale and coordinate drug transactions locally. As a result, in July 2022, the DEA initiated an investigation into the user of these accounts. The investigation ultimately showed that the defendant operated a significant drug distribution network that involved coordination of suppliers and local distributors over an extended period and utilized sophisticated communication methods to avoid detection, all while residing outside the United States. The years-long investigation into the defendant’s activities resulted in the total seizure of more than 750 grams of fentanyl during eight undercover purchase operations in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and approximately 220 grams during additional undercover purchase operations in 2025. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Hudson, New Hampshire Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case. This effort 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.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Chinese National Indicted for Role in Gift Card Fraud Conspiracy, in New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force Investigation CONCORD – A Chinese national was indicted for his alleged role in an international conspiracy to defraud victims of millions of dollars’ worth of gift cards, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Jinbin Ren, 38, a Chinese national and resident of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. He will appear in federal court at a later date. According to the indictment and public record, the defendant is originally from China. He and several Chinese nationals working in the United States and abroad acquired gift cards stolen from victims through romance fraud, elder fraud, hacking, and other scams. The conspirators then used the gift cards to purchase Apple products and other high-value electronics and had them shipped to New Hampshire due to the state’s lack of a sales tax. The defendant operated a warehouse in Salem which was used to consolidate and ship the electronics to China and Hong Kong. Law enforcement searched the defendant’s warehouse in 2024 and found iPhones purchased with gift cards stolen from American victims. The conspirators used WeChat, a Chinese messaging app, to coordinate purchases, sales, shipments, and payments through cryptocurrency. The charge of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Concord Police Department are leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Madison Albrecht of the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.


title: Lexington Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Manuel Enrique Corona-Ramirez, 52, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 23, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Corona-Ramirez to a total of 125 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Corona-Ramirez’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. In 2023, Corona-Ramirez was arrested with Joette Romero in Hall County after an individual called in a terroristic threat at their residence. Corona-Ramirez and Romero arrived at the residence with a gun and demanded money from the individual over a drug debt. This arrest prompted further investigation which later revealed that Corona-Ramirez was working with others to distribute methamphetamine around the central Nebraska area. Over the course of his drug dealing, Corona-Ramirez was responsible for more than 3 kilograms of methamphetamine. He also possessed a firearm and threatened others in furtherance of that drug dealing. Joette Romero was indicted separately for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. She was sentenced on September 22, 2025, to 87 months’ imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release to follow. This case was investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes federal partners with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Army National Guard Counter Drug Unit.


title: July 2026 Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 20 unsealed Indictments charging 21 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Steven R. Harper , age 57, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession of child pornography with a prior conviction on or about October 30, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Scott Wellensiek , age 53, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession of child pornography with a prior conviction beginning on or about an unknown date, and continuing until on or about May 8, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Diego J. Vigil , age 45, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender from at least on or about May 26, 2026, continuing to on or about June 26, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Jose Alfredo Sandoval-Huitzil, age 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about May 14, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life of imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Aaron Torres , age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 17, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 4 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Joel Lopez-Franco , age 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about May 6, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life of imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Jermaine Lewis , age 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and two counts of obstruction of justice on or about June 30, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl is 20 years of imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 3 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. The maximum possible penalty if convicted of obstruction of justice is 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Peter Lam , age 31, of Garden Grove, California, and Trong Tran , age 23, of Garden Grove, California, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about November 2025, and continuing to on or about June 15, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life of imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States and were found in the United States, without the Acting Attorney General of the United States or his designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States: Eli Daniel Rascon-Balderas , age 50 Alberto Antonio Ramos , age 45 Yosimar Cortez-Diaz , age 32 Gerson Mejia-Arenibar , age 28 Rafael Lopez-Miranda , age 30 Pascual Lopez-Coc , age 39 Pedro Ornelas-Soto , age 30 Adolfo Garcia-Luna , age 36 Jose Luis Godinez Chepillo , age 31 The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States following a felony conviction and were found in the United States, without the Acting Attorney General of the United States or his designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States: Manuel Zavala-Balderas , age 39 The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States following an aggravated felony conviction and were found in the United States, without the Acting Attorney General of the United States or his designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States: Angel Heredia-Linares , age 60 Osman Naun Meza-Romero , age 36 The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.


title: Illegal Alien Charged with Unlawfully Possessing Firearms

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

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jose Gerardo Ruiz Alonso, 36, of Mexico, was charged in a criminal complaint in federal court in the District of Nebraska for being an alien unlawfully in the United States in possession of firearms. On July 22, 2026, Ruiz Alonso appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson and was detained pending trial. Per the criminal complaint, on July 21, 2026, the FBI executed search warrants on Ruiz Alonso’s Omaha residence and business. As a result of the search warrants, law enforcement seized approximately 71 firearms and several hundred rounds of ammunition from the business. Law enforcement seized two additional firearms and ammunition from his residence. Ruiz Alonso is not a United States citizen and was not legally in the United States. It is illegal under federal law for an alien unlawfully in the United States to possess a firearm. U.S. v. Jose Gerardo Ruiz Alonso , 8:26MJ321 The case is being investigated by the FBI, ATF, DEA, ICE, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Bellevue Police Department, La Vista Police Department, and Council Bluffs, Iowa Police Department. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. U.S. v. Jose Gerardo Ruiz Alonso , 8:26MJ321


title: Northern District of Texas Elevates Airspace Security During FIFA World Cup 2026 – Sets Foundation for Future Events

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: DALLAS—United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, in collaboration with the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Secret Service; Federal Aviation Administration; Texas Department of Public Safety; and other federal, state, and local partners, highlights the strengthened airspace security strategy and operational plan implemented during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North Texas. An active Joint Operations Center, advanced counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones), rigorous enforcement, and a proactive public education campaign contributed to the success of this operation. From the outset, the FAA established Temporary Flight Restrictions over key locations in the Metroplex. One included a 3 nautical mile radius up to 3,000 feet around AT&T Stadium (“Dallas Stadium”) beginning three hours before each match and ending three hours after each match concluded. A second included a 1 nautical mile up to 1,000 feet TFR was enforced during daily Fan Festival activities at Fair Park through the entirety of the World Cup (June 11-July 19). During the operation, law enforcement deployed counter UAS teams equipped to detect and intercept unauthorized drones. Law enforcement seized 65 drones at Dallas Stadium and 29 more at Fair Park, the location of Fan Fest in Dallas. As a result of these seizures, we undertook various enforcement actions, including seizing the drones, issuing fines, documenting the drone incursion, and, in some instances, charging the drone operators with federal crimes. As a result of the 94 drone seizures during the TFRs, various drone investigations remain ongoing. Some of the key enforcement actions include the following: Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, a Honduran national, was charged with violation of national defense airspace for flying a drone near “Dallas Stadium” during the June 14 match; his guilty plea and sentencing hearing are set for Aug. 19. Cristobal Torres Alvarez, a Mexican national, was charged for operating a drone without an airman’s certificate in restricted airspace near “Dallas Stadium” during the June 27 match. Alvarez faces up to three years in federal prison. Servando Piedra Munoz, a Mexican national, was charged for operating a drone without an airman’s certificate in restricted airspace near “Dallas Stadium” during the July 14 semi-final match. Munoz faces up to three years in federal prison. These efforts were supported by the Northern District’s 24/7 Joint Operations Center , facilitating real-time sharing of intelligence and coordination of field responses. The Texas DPS, aided by a $3.2 million FEMA grant , deployed mobile and fixed drone detection and mitigation systems—using radio-frequency monitoring, Remote ID tracking, and non-kinetic countermeasures—with personnel trained by the FBI. A broad Public Service Campaign accompanied these measures, urging drone operators to: Register and label their drones Obtain a Part 107 certification or TRUST certificate Check TFRs via FAA-approved B4UFLY tools Report suspicious drone activity to 911, local law enforcement or the FBI U.S. Attorney Raybould on the operation’s significance: “What we learned is that robust planning, advanced technology, and interagency unity can effectively neutralize airborne threats. Drones are here to stay—and so must our vigilance. As we look to future major events, we will sharpen these systems and partnerships to uphold safety in our skies. We also showed the world that more major sporting events - like the Women’s World Cup - belong in North Texas!” FBI Dallas SAC R. Joseph Rothrock added: “Over the past 5 weeks, the FBI helped to secure one of the largest sporting events in our country’s history. In Dallas, those efforts included protecting the matches at Dallas Stadium and Fan Fest at Fair Park from unauthorized drone activity. These efforts culminated in the seizure of over 90 drones,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We want to thank our state, local, and federal partners for their assistance in drone operations. The success and safety of the tournament would not have been possible without these partnerships.” Lessons Learned Advanced Detection + Skilled Personnel: The integration of real-time UAS technology and trained operators enabled rapid detection and neutralization of airborne threats. Constant Command and Control: The 24/7 Joint Operations Center ensured coordination and swift action across all responding agencies. Enhanced Public Awareness: Clear messaging and outreach reduced inadvertent violations and encouraged active community reporting. Legal Deterrence: Prompt prosecutions signaled the seriousness of violations and reinforced the consequences of non-compliance. Future Preparedness: Drones will remain a persistent presence at public gatherings—our successes here establish a blueprint for proactive, scalable responses at future events. The Northern District of Texas reaffirms its commitment to securing large-scale gatherings and protecting the public. Through coordinated strategy, resource investment, and community engagement, we aim to maintain airspace integrity and public trust. ###


title: Dallas Laboratory, Owners, and Investors Pay $24M to Resolve COVID-19 Testing Fraud Allegations

component: Civil Division

body_text: Magnolia Diagnostics, a clinical laboratory based in Dallas, Texas, and its owners, John Bains and Kelly Bains, have agreed to pay the United States $19.2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for medically unnecessary respiratory pathogen panel testing performed on seniors receiving COVID-19 tests. Magnolia investors will pay an additional $4.8 million to resolve common law claims for unjust enrichment and payment by mistake and claims under the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act, arising from distributions they received from Magnolia. “My office is committed to tackling healthcare fraud through the use of all available tools, both through criminal prosecutions and, as here, civil investigations. Too many of our healthcare dollars are lost to fraud, waste, and abuse, but civil settlements like this one help recover valuable healthcare dollars for the American taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. “Thank you to my attorneys in partnership with Main Justice in focusing our efforts to recover healthcare dollars. We will continue to use all available tools in this important fight.” “The Justice Department is committed to protecting taxpayer-funded programs and holding accountable those who exploit them,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will pursue not only companies that submit false claims and the owners who direct the misconduct, but also investors who receive and retain its financial benefits — especially when vulnerable Americans are exploited for profit.” “Protecting seniors and safeguarding Medicare are core to our mission,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “As alleged, Magnolia Diagnostics showed reckless disregard for medical necessity, beneficiary well-being, and the law — all to boost its profits during a national public health emergency. Today’s resolution reflects our determination to uncover this kind of misconduct and hold accountable those who put greed above patient care.” The United States alleges that, beginning in April 2020, John Bains and Kelly Bains, acting through Magnolia, devised a strategy to generate significant revenue by requiring senior living communities seeking COVID-19 testing to also obtain expensive respiratory pathogen panels (RPPs). To implement this protocol, Magnolia used prepopulated requisition forms that selected RPP testing and associated diagnosis codes before any individualized clinical assessment occurred. Magnolia allegedly treated provider signatures on those forms as blanket or standing orders authorizing RPPs for all seniors across entire communities or chains of communities, and then used those purported authorizations to perform RPPs on specimens collected during community-wide COVID-19 testing. The United States further alleges that Magnolia performed RPPs for some communities without a purported standing order and continued performing RPPs after providers and communities demanded COVID-19-only testing, questioned the panel’s medical necessity or clinical value, or stated that they had not authorized RPPs. At times, John Bains allegedly threatened to withhold COVID-19 testing from communities that asked not to receive RPPs. In at least two instances, John Bains allegedly altered a provider-signed requisition form to expand the apparent scope of the provider’s authorization beyond the facility identified on the original form and then used those altered forms as standing orders to support RPP testing for residents across multiple facilities not covered by the original form. Magnolia also allegedly froze and stored thousands of respiratory specimens, sometimes for weeks or months, before thawing and testing them. Magnolia thereby generated RPP results after they could no longer inform timely treatment, isolation, or infection-control decisions. The United States alleges that, between April 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, Magnolia, John Bains, and Kelly Bains knowingly submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare for thousands of RPPs that lacked medical necessity. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). This year, the Trump Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s False Claims Act enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. False Claims Act matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s False Claims work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The matter was handled by Associate Deputy Attorney General Paul Perkins, Fraud Section Trial Attorney Asha Natarajan, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Stoltz for the Northern District of Texas. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Ohio Babysitter Sentenced to 70 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Toddlers to Produce Child Pornography

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 26-year-old woman was sentenced to prison after admitting to sexually abusing two children in her care while she was employed as their babysitter and producing videos of the abuse to share with other sexually deviant individuals on social media. Molly Elisabeth Duncan, of Beachwood, Ohio, was sentenced to 840 months (70 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after pleading guilty in April to: Sexual Exploitation of Children (two counts) Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct Possession of Child Pornography, or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM) She was also ordered to serve 25 years of supervised release after imprisonment. She was additionally ordered to pay the following: $20,000 toward the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which was established in 2015 to impose additional assessment to offenders who commit certain crimes, including sexual exploitation and other abuse of children. $8,000 toward the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Assistance Act which was established in 2018 to provide monetary assistance for victims of child sexual abuse. Judge Barker imposed the sentence on July 22. According to court documents and evidence, the defendant worked as a nanny in Northeast Ohio for the minor victims’ families from about November 2023 to July 2024. However, court records also indicate that Duncan worked as a nanny in the Northern District of Ohio for approximately 10 years. Duncan sexually abused one victim in Portage County and another in Geauga County—both under the age of two—and recorded the visual depictions on her cellphone. She then shared the videos with others who also had a sexual interest in children through a social media platform. During a forensic analysis of Duncan’s electronic devices, investigators found several CSAM files of each minor victim. This case was investigated by the Cleveland Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. Anyone with additional information about this matter is asked to please call the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 216-698-3151. This prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret A. Kane and Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org , or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


title: Troy Man Indicted for Creation of Destructive Device

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Huber, 39, of Troy, was charged earlier this month in a now unsealed two-count indictment, alleging that he manufactured a destructive device using an explosive and attempted to destroy a vehicle with it. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement. As alleged in the indictment, Huber used smokeless powder to manufacture a destructive device and failed to register it as required under federal law. The indictment further alleges that in March of 2021, Huber attempted to use an explosive to damage and destroy a leased Ford F-150. The first charge filed against Huber carries a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison, to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed. The second charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. The charges carry a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to a three-year term of supervised release may be imposed after any term of imprisonment. “As alleged in the indictment, this defendant conspired to construct a dangerous homemade explosive device intended to destroy property,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone . “The coordinated efforts of the New York State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrate our continued commitment to pursuing justice and protecting our communities.” “The allegations against Mr. Huber are extremely concerning and, if convicted, he faces a significant amount of time in federal prison,” said Craig Tremaroli Special Agent in Charge Albany FBI . “This investigation highlights the strength of our partnerships, specifically with the New York State Police. By working together to leverage our collective resources, we can ensure anyone who is allegedly manufacturing dangerous destructive devices is held accountable for their reckless behavior.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “I commend the steadfast work of our State Police members and law enforcement partners in protecting the communities we serve. This indictment exemplifies the strength of partnerships in safeguarding the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The State Police will continue to work with the United States Attorney’s Office and Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to apprehend those who use illegal or any explosive device in a threatening manner.” Huber was arraigned July 15 th 2026 in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and detained pending a detention hearing before Judge Evangelista and trial before United States District Court Judge Anthony J. Brindisi at dates to be determined. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI and New York State police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case.


title: Saratoga Springs Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Second Possession of Child Pornography Conviction

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Meyer, 42, of Saratoga Springs, New York, was sentenced July 7 th , 2026, to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office Anthony Patrone made the announcement. As part of his plea, Meyer admitted that, in 2016, he was convicted of possessing child pornography in the Southern District of New York. He further admitted that, between September 2024 and January 2025, he uploaded images of child pornography to the internet and later possessed images and videos depicting child pornography on his cell phone and desktop computer. “This defendant clearly failed to correct his reprehensible behavior after his initial conviction, and because of his repeated conduct, he will now serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by strict supervision requirements. I want to thank our partners at Homeland Security Investigations for their work on this case and for their relentless efforts to protect the children of our communities,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. HSI – Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “This defendant’s repeated possession and uploading of child sexual abuse material represent a grave offense against vulnerable children and a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of our communities. This sentence underscores that those who traffic in these images will be held to account and removes a repeat offender from society. HSI Albany is steadfast in our efforts to identify and investigate crimes that exploit children, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue offenders wherever they are found.” In addition to the ten-year imprisonment, United States District Court Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered that Meyer be subject to 15 years of supervision once released. HSI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Gloversville Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Angel Ruiz, age 30, of Gloversville, New York, pled guilty on July 14 th 2026 to drug trafficking and firearms crimes, including a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and to possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. In pleading guilty, Ruiz admitted to his participation in a drug conspiracy from June 2020 to March 2021. He further admitted to selling cocaine out of a co-defendant’s house where the drugs and multiple firearms were stored. The firearms were stored in a safe where the drugs were kept so that the defendant and his co-conspirator could access them to protect their drugs, drug proceeds and themselves, from potential robbers. “Because of the outstanding work of the ATF, the Gloversville community is safer today,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone . “This defendant chose to peddle narcotics on our streets and armed himself to protect that criminal trade, but that operation is over. He has been stopped, and now he faces the possibility of life in prison as a result of his actions.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo stated : “Drug trafficking and firearms are a dangerous combination that fuels violence and threatens the safety of our communities. This guilty plea demonstrates the effectiveness of strong partnerships and ATF’s unwavering commitment to investigating those who use firearms to further criminal activity. We appreciate the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in bringing this case to a successful resolution.” Sentencing is scheduled for September 2 nd , 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Ruiz faces at least 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a supervised release term of at least 3 years and up to life, to begin after he finishes his prison term. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Gloversville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa and Geoffrey J. L. Brown are prosecuting the case.


title: Extradited Canadian American Woman Pleads Guilty for Role as Organizer of Deadly Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – A dual Canadian American citizen who was extradited from Canada pleaded guilty today for her role in a human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the deaths of a family, including two children under the age of three, in the St. Lawrence River. “Alien smuggling preys on vulnerable migrants and undermines the integrity of our nation’s laws,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York . “Since taking office, my team and I have aggressively pursued dozens of defendants for immigration‑related offenses along the northern border. This defendant and their co-conspirators showed a blatant disregard for human life, our laws, and the safety of our communities. We remain unwavering in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to protect and secure our northern border.” “Aliens attempting to enter the United States illegally across the U.S.-Canada border are exposed to a range of dangers at the hands of human smugglers trying to capitalize on the misfortunes and misplaced hopes of others,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division . “Here, in the face of known dangers, the defendant directed her co-conspirators to smuggle a family with young children across the St. Lawrence River on a cold, windy night with limited visibility. The dangers materialized into a preventable and tragic loss of life.” “Human smuggling organizations show a reckless disregard for the safety and well-being of those they transport, often resulting in devastating consequences,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo. “After this smuggling attempt resulted in the death of a family, HSI Massena and our partners conducted a thorough investigation, tracking the conspirators, recovering evidence, and securing extraditions. Protecting vulnerable individuals and dismantling transnational criminal organizations are central to HSI’s mission, and we remain committed to preventing tragedies like this and bringing those responsible to justice.” According to court documents, Stephanie Square, 53, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, was the U.S.-based leader of an alien smuggling organization (ASO), that regularly smuggled aliens across the U.S.-Canada border via the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation. During the week of March 27, 2023, a prolific Canadian smuggler contacted Square to smuggle a Romanian family of four across the St. Lawrence River into the United States. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Square recruited multiple co-conspirators to assist with the smuggling of the family, though one refused to assist due to the high winds on the St. Lawrence River that night. Undeterred by the dangerous weather conditions, Square enlisted one of her regular drivers, Dakota Montour, to transport the family via automobile to Timothy Oakes’ residence on Cornwall Island, a notorious staging area for cross-border smuggling operations. Despite Square’s knowledge of the weather conditions on the St. Lawrence River at that time — including high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility — the defendant insisted the aliens be transported so that she would be paid. The family of four arrived at the Oakes’ residence on March 29, 2023, at approximately 3:35AM, and stayed there until evening. On March 29, 2023, at approximately 9:29PM, Timothy Oakes’ vehicle with a light blue boat in tow, is recorded traveling eastbound away from the Oakes’ residence towards a public boat launch on the tip of Cornwall Island where a different boat pilot, Casey Oakes, picked them up and attempted to take the family across the St. Lawrence River. While in transit, the boat capsized due to severe weather. As a result, the Romanian family and Casy Oakes died. Between March 30 and 31, 2023, AMPS conducted a riverine search and recovered the bodies of the Romanian family of four, including two small children. AMPS also recovered Oakes’ light blue boat. The body of the boat captain, Casey Oakes, was found eight months later. Square pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 25. She faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 32, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 45, both of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve, New York, Janet Terrance, 46, of Hogansburg, New York, and Timothy Oakes, 35, from the Akwesasne Mohwak Indian reserve, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, Oct. 8, 2024, March 6, 2025, and May 11, 2026, respectively. Square and co-conspirator Rahsontanohstha Delormier, also known as Storm, 31, of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, were extradited to the United States from Canada in 2025 at the request of the United States. Delormier pleaded guilty on June 26. HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Delormier and Square. The investigation and indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP USBP and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 465 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 424 U.S. convictions; and more than 368 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Alexandra Skinnion of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.


title: Former Law Enforcement Officer is Sentenced for Extortion

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: Oxford, MS – A former Ruleville police officer was sentenced today to 7 years in prison for extortion under color of law. According to court documents, Antonio Wade, 37, previously pled guilty to extorting money from an illegal alien during a traffic stop. At sentencing it was revealed that Wade engaged in a pattern of such activity. Senior U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Wade to 84 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Wade was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal following sentencing. U.S. Attorney Scott Leary stated, “Open borders resulted in a tsunami of illegal drugs and a human trafficking crisis. While illegal entry is a crime, those that do enter illegally should never be extorted by those in power. Public service is a public trust and maintaining that trust is essential. In this case, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents demonstrated how seriously they take their duty. HSI Special Agents worked tirelessly to address this wrong. I honor their efforts.” “Wade’s conviction and sentencing send a clear message that no one is above the law, especially those sworn to enforce it,” said HSI New Orleans Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright. "HSI stands firm in its commitment to bring to justice anyone who betrays their responsibilities and threatens public trust." This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Mims.


title: Former Kindergarten Assistant Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Exploitation

body_text: OXFORD, Miss. – A Courtland, Mississippi, man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for transporting child sexual abuse materials using social media applications. According to court documents, Benjamin Wilkes, 31, a former kindergarten assistant, sought out images and videos of children as young as four-years old engaging in sexual conduct then stored those images and videos in a social media cloud for ease of access. Wilkes also had a number of “up-skirt” images of children he was entrusted with from his church community. Multiple community members wrote letters of support for Benjamin Wilkes. In announcing the sentence, Senior District Judge Michael P. Mills noted that, “If the community won’t protect its children, the Government has to.” In addition to 20 years imprisonment, Wilkes will serve 10 years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender where he lives, works, or is a student. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations. U.S. Attorney Scott Leary stated, “Child exploitation and pornography are an abomination. No ambiguity, it is evil and a civilized society cannot tolerate its existence. We, as citizens of Mississippi, must continue to work tirelessly to redress and stamp out these crimes. Thankfully, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations (MBI) have taken up this cause and joined forces to push such perversion out of this great State. Keep up the excellent work.” "The sentencing of Benjamin Wilkes demonstrates the commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our partners at the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations to track down those who exploit children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright. “This sentence sends a clear message that those who abuse positions of trust and use technology to harm children will be held fully accountable, and we will continue to use every resource available to protect our communities." Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted 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 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC


title: Seventh Honduran National Sentenced to Prison for His Role in a Bank Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: HAMMOND –On July 23, 2026, Milson Canelas Maradiaga, 29 years old, of Honduras, is the latest Honduran national to be sentenced to prison for his role in an expansive bank fraud conspiracy resulting in significant losses to small businesses and community banks in more than a dozen states, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Canelas Maradiaga was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. The sentence was imposed by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon at a hearing held on July 23, 2026. “Milson Canelas Maradiaga will spend 27 months in prison because he and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three branches of the same bank in the Northern District of Indiana on January 11, 2023. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a company that operates dairy farms in the Northern District of Indiana. Almost six months later, on June 23, 2023, Canelas Maradiaga and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. As he has no legal no legal status within the United States, he will be subject to a separate and immediate removal process upon release from prison. Thanks to the combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office, the case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. “Criminal organizations that use stolen or fraudulent identities to target community banks and local businesses undermine the integrity of our financial system and harm hardworking victims,” said Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “This sentencing demonstrates HSI’s commitment to aggressively investigating financial fraud crimes and ensuring consequences for the perpetrators. We are grateful for the outstanding partnership among the agencies and prosecutors whose coordinated efforts helped dismantle this scheme.” Six co-conspirators were previously sentenced to prison for their roles in this scheme: Luis Banegas Rodriguez (27 months), Ricardo Castro Murillo (37 months), Carlos Aquino Sosa (41 months), Edwin Palacios Sosa (27 months), Delvin Velasquez Romero (time served of approximately 17 months), and Rosalio Pena Sandres (33 months). This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.