Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Five aliens have been sentenced for illegally entering the United States after being previously deported from the country. Upon completion of their sentences, they will be subject to a detainer from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and will be taken into administrative immigration custody for removal from the U.S.These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and to protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 9, 2026, U.S. District Court Judge Aida Delgado-Colón sentenced Félix Ebdiel Muñiz-Rivera to 240 months (20 years) in prison and 15 years of supervised release for sexual exploitation of two five-year-old female minors, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Muñiz-Rivera was indicted on August 28, 2025, arrested on August 29, 2025, and plead guilty on December 18, 2025.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury returned an indictment here today against a Dayton man who had been a fugitive in Missouri for approximately five years. The defendant fired shots at fugitive apprehension officers when they arrived at his Dayton home to take him into custody.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALFRED HUMBLES (“HUMBLES”), age 55, a former resident of Gretna, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 8, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to Stalking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261A(2)(B), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man received a federal-prison sentence for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Reginald Dargan, 34, to three years in federal prison for possessing a loaded firearm after a prior felony conviction and for violating the terms of his federal supervised release.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
The coordinated effort was executed over three days by law enforcement officials with the U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of Illinois Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. The operation resulted in 21 arrests and seized 4 firearms and 12 grams of narcotics.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
CHARLESTON, S.C. — According to a criminal complaint and arrest warrant unsealed today, Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, 48, City of Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem and member of City Council, has been charged with possession and production of child sexual abuse material.*
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Charlottesville, Virginia man, who posted hundreds of online advertisements for commercial sex, booked hotel rooms and transported women for the purpose of engaging in prostitution, was sentenced yesterday to 8 years in federal prison.Brian Lamont Turner, 45, pled guilty in November 2025 to one count of promoting, managing, establishing and facilitating prostitution and one count of transporting for purpose of prostitution.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Tallahassee, Florida – Justin Luis Ruiz, 21, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
VICENZA, Italy — Paola Del Din, one of Italy’s most storied World War II partisans and a pioneering figure in airborne history, received the prestigious Order of Saint Michael Award during a ceremony at her residence, April 9, 2026.
Command Sgt. Maj. Chad B. Harness, senior enlisted advisor, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), presented the award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the airborne community and her enduring legacy of courage.
“Recognizing Ms. Del Din here, traveling from the base that bears her family’s name, is a privilege for all of us,” said Harness. “Her service, her bravery, and her life-long dedication to the ideals we defend continue to inspire generations of paratroopers on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Del Din, at 102 years old, remains a symbol of resistance, sacrifice and the shared history between Italian and American airborne forces. She became the fourteenth civilian to receive the Order of Saint Michael Award.
“It is an honor to receive this award,” said Del Din. “I fondly remember the great kindness of the American aviators when I flew with them and I’m grateful to still be involved with the greater airborne community.”
1 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad B. Harness, senior enlisted advisor for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), presents Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, the Order of Saint Michael Award during a ceremony at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. The Order of Saint Michael Award, presented on behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Army Aviation community and those whose actions have profoundly shaped airborne operations, heritage and esprit de corps. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –The Order of Saint Michael Award, presented on behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Army Aviation community and those whose actions have profoundly shaped airborne operations, heritage and esprit de corps. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) presented the award to Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, for her pioneering contributions to the airborne community during a ceremony at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, stands to receive the Order of Saint Michael Award presented by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) during a ceremony at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. The Order of Saint Michael Award, presented on behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Army Aviation community and those whose actions have profoundly shaped airborne operations, heritage and esprit de corps. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad B. Harness, senior enlisted advisor for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), presents Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, the Order of Saint Michael Award during a ceremony at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. The Order of Saint Michael Award, presented on behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Army Aviation community and those whose actions have profoundly shaped airborne operations, heritage and esprit de corps. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL
Del Din’s wartime service remains singular in military history. As a young member of the Italian resistance, she volunteered for some of the most dangerous missions of the conflict, crossing lines in Florence, traveling in makeshift vehicles to transport information across the regions. In September of 1944, she attended a four-day paratrooper course in San Vito dei Normanni, southern Italy, with the aim of being able to return to the north more quickly in the fight for freedom.
On April 9, 1945, she became the first woman to conduct a combat parachute jump to deliver important documents to advancing Allied units, landing in Friuli, northeast Italy, a territory still occupied by Germans, Cossacks, and Fascists.
Her actions 81 years ago contributed to the liberation of northeast Italy and cemented her place among the most decorated female veterans of the era. Over the decades, she has remained an advocate for airborne heritage, democratic values, and the memory of those who fought for Italy’s freedom.
“My hope is that, even in some small way, others are inspired to do something positive for their country,” said Del Din. “It takes regular people to stand up and fight for what they believe in. That’s what my family did back then, and that’s what we need to ensure a brighter future.”
1 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, tells stories of her experiences in 1944 during World War II at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. Del Din was presented the Order of Saint Michael Award by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) for her pioneering contributions to the airborne community. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, stands to receive the Order of Saint Michael Award presented by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) during a ceremony at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. The Order of Saint Michael Award, presented on behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Army Aviation community and those whose actions have profoundly shaped airborne operations, heritage and esprit de corps. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, stands to receive the Order of Saint Michael Award presented by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) during a ceremony at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. The Order of Saint Michael Award, presented on behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Army Aviation community and those whose actions have profoundly shaped airborne operations, heritage and esprit de corps. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL
The Order of Saint Michael Award, presented by the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Army Aviation community. While traditionally associated with aviators and aviation supporters, the award also recognizes those whose actions have profoundly shaped airborne operations, heritage and esprit de corps. Recipients are selected for their leadership, service and lasting impact on the broader aviation and airborne profession.
“Ms. Del Din embodies the spirit of the Order of Saint Michael,” said Harness. “Her courage under fire, the commitment to her fellow comrades in arms and her lifelong dedication to preserving airborne history reflect the highest ideals of our profession.”
The ceremony also highlighted the longstanding partnership between U.S. and Italian forces stationed in Vicenza at Caserma Ederle and Del Din.
1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, tells stories of her experiences in 1944 during World War II at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. Del Din was presented the Order of Saint Michael Award by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) for her pioneering contributions to the airborne community. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad B. Harness, senior enlisted advisor for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), presents Paola Del Din, the first Italian female parachutist to jump into combat, the Order of Saint Michael Award during a ceremony at her home in Italy, April 9, 2026. The Order of Saint Michael Award, presented on behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Association of America, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Army Aviation community and those whose actions have profoundly shaped airborne operations, heritage and esprit de corps. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone)VIEW ORIGINAL
Caserma Del Din, the installation named in honor of her brother, Renato Del Din, an officer in the Alpine troops deployed in the mountains, who was killed in action in 1944, stands as a daily reminder of the Del Din family’s commitment to freedom. His valor and sacrifice inspired Paola to take the nom de guerre “Renata” as she carried out more than eleven combat fights in support of partisan operations.
“Her story is part of our story,” Harness said. “Honoring her today strengthens the bond between our nations and reinforces the values we defend together.”
Following the presentation, Del Din expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for freedom.
“It was nothing I did alone, it was my country and my brotherhood that liberated us… I am free, that is the point.”
SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, headquartered at Caserma Del Din, routinely train alongside Italian paratroopers, continuing a legacy of cooperation that stretches back to World War II. Del Din’s presence serves as a living bridge between past and present, reminding Soldiers of the human stories behind the institutions they serve.
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.