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Federal jury convicts Gloucester man of sexually abusing a foreign exchange student and receiving child pornography

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Gloucester man yesterday on charges of coercion and enticement of a child and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Anthony George Ruggiero, 42, and his family hosted a foreign exchange student who arrived at their home in Gloucester in 2021. After returning to her home country in 2022, the student disclosed to medical professionals that she had been sexually abused and exploited by Ruggiero in 2021 through 2022.

Ruggiero also engaged in sexually explicit messages with the student through social media accounts that indicated that Ruggiero was sexually abusing the student while she was 15 and 16 years old. The sexually graphic conversations continued after she returned to her home country. Ruggiero asked her for sexually explicit photos, offered her sexually explicit photos, and engaged in sexually explicit conversations both reminiscent of past sexual encounters and fantasies of future encounters.

Ruggiero was also found guilty of receiving five videos of CSAM of an identified victim in Texas.

Ruggiero faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on March 18, 2026. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young accepted the verdict.

The Family and Women Assistance Unit of the Spanish National Police, Spanish Embassy, and Grand Prairie (Texas) Police Department provided substantial assistance in the investigation of this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon E.A. Heath and Peter G. Osyf are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-29.

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Texas Man Arrested for Allegedly Trafficking More than 20 Pounds of Fentanyl-Cocaine Mixture

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

WACO, Texas – A Brownsville man was arrested in Waco on criminal charges related to his alleged possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing fentanyl.

According to court documents, Jaime Vanegas, 28, was the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle that was pulled over in a traffic stop by a Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) trooper on Nov. 11. After a canine alerted to the presence of narcotics and during a probable cause search of the vehicle, the TX DPS trooper allegedly located a trap door under the center console of the vehicle and recovered 10 plastic wrapped brick-shaped packages containing a white powdery substance. A criminal complaint alleges that the total weight of the substance and packaging was approximately 24 pounds, and that the substance tested positive for a mixture for fentanyl and cocaine. An additional search of Vanegas’s electronic devices allegedly revealed images of bundled bulk cash, the interior and exterior of the hidden trap door discovered by the DPS trooper, narcotics, and packages consistent with the plastic wrapped packages the trooper found inside the compartment.

Vanegas made his initial appearance in federal court on Nov. 19 and is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing fentanyl. If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas the announcement.

TX DPS is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Blanton is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Austin Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Federal Prison for Third Federal Drug Offense

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man previously convicted of two federal drug offenses was sentenced Wednesday to 324 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, plus 24 months in prison for violating the requirements of a previously imposed term of supervised release by U.S. District Judge David Ezra.

According to court documents, Trinity Duke Smith, 50, was released from prison in December 2020. He was still on supervised release on March 26, 2024, when the FBI and Austin Police Department executed a search warrant on his residence.

The search revealed a plastic grocery bag in a kitchen cabinet that contained approximately 197 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, sandwich bags, latex gloves, and pieces of white insulation. Two large garbage bags containing 9.2 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine were also found underneath insulation in Smith’s attic.

A Drug Enforcement Administration lab test in May 2024 determined the substance found in the kitchen to be 188.3 grams of 91% pure methamphetamine and determined the substance found in the attic to be 8.899 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine.

Smith was indicted June 18, 2024, for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty in August 2025.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The FBI, Austin Police Department, and Texas Rangers investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Castillo prosecuted the case.

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Eight Georgians Sentenced to Prison in Fraudulent Check Cashing Scheme

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Defendants Ran Counterfeit Check Cashing Fraud with Stolen Information from USPS Employee

ALBANY, Ga. – Eight South Georgia residents, including a bank branch employee, were sentenced to prison for a check cashing and kickback scheme in Valdosta utilizing stolen check information from a former United States Postal Service employee.

“Individuals who participate in check-cashing and kickback schemes will face imprisonment and other penalties,” stated U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Investigators from the Secret Service and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office worked to unravel this criminal network, ultimately preventing further theft and helping us ensure accountability for the defendants.”

“The involvement of the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office was crucial in helping Lowndes County investigators solve this complex fraud case and ensure that the defendants are held accountable for their actions,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk.

Frederick Pernell Green, 27, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 122 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $390,475.84 in restitution to Truist Bank on Oct. 10, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Thomas Christopher Mitchell, 31, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 92 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $390,475.84 in restitution to Truist Bank on X, after he previously pleaded guilty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Calvin Dewayne McKeithen, aka “Supa,” 26, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $390,475.84 in restitution to Truist Bank on March 27, after he previously pleaded guilty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Dewayne Rasheen Butler, aka “Guwapo,” 26, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $390,475.84 in restitution to Truist Bank on Aug. 28, after he previously pleaded guilty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Tyler Khershad Jones, aka “LA Clippers,” 24, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $390,475.84 in restitution to Truist Bank on Sept. 25, after he previously pleaded guilty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Mariarlene Brown, aka “Mati Mom,” 44, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $390,475.84 in restitution to Truist Bank on Oct. 9, after she previously pleaded guilty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

William Allen Roberts, 27, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve six months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $390,475.84 in restitution to Truist Bank on Oct. 30, after he previously pleaded guilty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Davontay Wiseman, aka “Vonn,” 28, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $390,475.84 in restitution to Truist Bank on Sept. 8, after he previously pleaded guilty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presided over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, beginning at least as early as November 2021, and continuing until December 2022, Roberts conspired with his codefendants to commit bank fraud. At the time of this conspiracy, Brown was an employee at a Truist Bank branch in Valdosta. Roberts unlawfully obtained check information from Vincent Galliard, 41, of Sumter, South Carolina, a former U.S. Post Office employee in South Carolina, who sold checks he stole from the mail. Galliard pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Case No. 3:23-CR-799-1 in the District of South Carolina and was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $149,692.14 in restitution for his crime. Roberts used the check information provided by Galliard to produce fraudulent checks.

Green, Mitchell, McKeithen, Jones, Butler and Wiseman recruited people to open bank accounts at Truist and to provide their new Truist debit card and account information to them, with the understanding that they would be paid for doing so. Green, Mitchell, McKeithen, Jones, Butler and Wiseman passed the account information to Roberts, who would write the fraudulent checks in various sums of money to those individuals. Roberts, with Brown’s help, deposited the checks into the accounts, and Brown would ensure that Roberts would be able to withdraw the cash from these accounts. Brown was paid for her services, and Roberts also paid out a portion to the other codefendants and the solicited accountholders. Green, Roberts, Mitchell, McKeithen, Jones, Butler and Wiseman retained most of each check deposited. Investigators found text messages between the co-defendants that described the conspiracy, as well as photos of debit cards, account numbers, fraudulent checks, cash obtained from the check deposits and a custom-made diamond ring in the shape of the Truist logo worn by Green.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service (USSS) and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch Hostetler prosecuted the case for the Government. 

This press release about a case that occurred during the 43-day government shutdown is now available after the return to normal operations.

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Repeat Child Molester and Rapist Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of 10-Year-Old While Required to Register As Sex Offender

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Charles Wager, age 57, of Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison after a jury convicted him in February 2023 of attempting to entice a minor into engaging in unlawful sexual activities while he was required to register as a sex offender for his prior rape of a minor.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The trial evidence established that in January and February 2021, Wager exchanged thousands of sexually explicit text messages with people he believed to be a 10-year-old girl and her mother.  In these text messages, Wager, among other things, shared pornography with the presumed child to groom her into sexual activity with him, educated her on different sexual acts he would perform with the child, sent nude pictures of himself, and arranged for a reward system whereby he would provide the child with toys and treats for engaging in sexual acts with him.  Wager arranged to meet with the presumed mother and 10-year-old in person and purchased a car to do so.  On February 5, 2021, he traveled from Castleton-on-Hudson to Binghamton, New York, for the purpose of having sex with the presumed 10-year-old.  He brought with him numerous toys that he intended to give the child as rewards for performing sexual acts with him.  The defendant was arrested shortly after his arrival and has been detained ever since.

As further established at trial, in 2002, Wager pled guilty in Rensselaer County Court to rape in the third degree, after admitting to the rape of a then-15-year-old girl.   He has been required to register as a sex offender ever since.  Evidence at trial also established that Wager previously sexually molested two other minor victims several decades ago.  In his prior crimes, he engaged in virtually identical grooming of his victims to the conduct he attempted on his intended 10-year-old victim in this case.

“Charles Wager is one of the most dangerous child predators our office has ever prosecuted, and that speaks volumes,” said Acting United States Attorney Sarcone.  “We will continue to unleash the full powers of the federal government to hold these twisted and evil people accountable for their vile and despicable crimes.  I commend the FBI for its flawless operation to bring this repeat, remorseless child predator to justice.”

Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Today’s significant sentence put an end to Mr. Wager’s horrific history of sexual abuse and vile behavior. This dangerous individual will now spend decades in federal prison where he can no longer harm any of our children. The FBI remains as dedicated as ever to ensuring any individual seeking to harm our most vulnerable is swiftly identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Thomas R. Sutcliffe 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.

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Amite Man Sentenced to Consecutive Life Sentences After Pleading Guilty to Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Transporting a Minor in Interstate Commerce to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that DANIEL WAYNE CALLIHAN (“CALLIHAN”), age 38, a resident of Amite, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to life in prison for each count of conviction after previously pleading guilty in federal court to a two-count superseding indictment charging him with kidnapping resulting in death, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1201(a) (Count One), and transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a) (Count Two). As part of the sentence, Judge Africk also ordered CALLIHAN to pay restitution to the family of the victims in the amount of $260,000 and a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.00 CALLIHAN was also previously charged, pleaded guilty, and sentenced in matters prosecuted by law enforcement authorities in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, and Hinds County, Mississippi. Judge Africk ordered CALLIHAN’s life sentences to be served consecutively with each other and consecutive to the sentences imposed in Hinds County, Mississippi, and the 21st Judicial District (Louisiana).

According to court documents, on or about June 12, 2024, CALLIHAN was present inside the Loranger, Louisiana residence of Adult Victim 1, who lived with her two daughters, Minor Victim 1 (a four-year-old female) and Minor Victim 2 (a six-year-old female). While present in the residence, CALLIHAN stabbed Adult Victim 1 more than fifty times, resulting in her death. After killing Adult Victim 1, CALLIHAN kidnapped Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 using Adult Victim 1’s 2012 Chrysler 200 automobile, bearing a Louisiana license plate, and drove to McComb, Mississippi.

CALLIHAN, with Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 still in the car, then returned to Amite Louisiana, where he picked up Co-Conspirator 1. CALLIHAN then drove Adult Victim 1’s car to a residence in Jackson, Mississippi located in the 3900 block of Boozier Drive.

On either the evening of June 12, 2023, or early on June 13, 2024, CALLIHAN and Co-Conspirator 1 engaged in sexual battery with Minor Victim 2. CALLIHAN intended that Minor Victim 2 would engage in criminal sexual activity, namely violations of criminal laws of the State of Louisiana, including La. Rev. Stat. 14.81 and La Rev. Stat. 43.1, and the State of Mississippi, including Miss. Code § 97-3-95 and Miss. Code § 97-5-23, at the time he transported Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 from Louisiana to Mississippi.

Thereafter, on June 13, 2024, while at the Boozier Drive property, CALLIHAN purposely suffocated Minor Victim 1 to death by holding Minor Victim 1 closely against his chest.

Later on June 13, 2024, after Adult Victim 1’s body was discovered, federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities began an investigation. The investigation determined the location of both CALLIHAN and Adult Victim 1’s car. A search of the Boozier Drive property led to the discovery of a pit on the property. Law enforcement officers discovered Minor Victim 1’s body and Minor Victim 2 together in the pit.

After being taken into custody and waiving his Miranda rights, CALLIHAN admitted to stabbing Adult Victim 1 to death and kidnapping Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 in Adult Victim 1’s vehicle. CALLIHAN further admitted that he and Co-Conspirator 1 transported Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 to Mississippi, where he and Co-Conspirator 1 committed sexual battery on Minor Victim 2 and he smothered Minor Victim 1 to death. CALLIHAN’s admission that he and Co-Conspirator 1 committed sexual battery on Minor Victim 2 was corroborated in a voluntary, post-Miranda statement Co-Conspirator 1 made to law enforcement authorities.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and expressed appreciation for the great support provided by the United States Marshals Service, the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office, the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and the Jackson (Mississippi) Police Department. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson also commended the exceptional work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana Victim/Witness Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, and Sarah Dawkins, of the Violent Crime Unit, were in charge of the prosecution.

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 United States 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Arson at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Building

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland man pleaded guilty today to arson at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Trenten Edward Barker, 34, pleaded guilty to Arson of a Federal Building.

According to court documents, on June 11, 2025, a group of individuals began constructing a barricade of large objects and debris against the vehicle gate of the ICE building to prevent law enforcement officers from exiting through the gate. Barker lit a flare from his backpack and threw it onto the pile of debris. The flare ignited the debris, causing a fire to start.

On October 22, 2025, Barker was charged by information with Arson of a Federal Building.

Barker faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a 250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on March 4, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Portland Police Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Former Employee of South Lake Tahoe Construction Company Convicted of Fraud and Identity Theft

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Dena M. Coggins, Kami Elois Power, 54, of Gardnerville, Nevada, was found guilty today of 11 counts of wire fraud, three counts of bank fraud, and three counts of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between November 2019 and May 2023, Power worked as an office manager and controller at a family-owned construction company in South Lake Tahoe. During her employment, Power embezzled more than $1.4 million from the company. She disguised more than $700,000 of these fraudulent transfers as payments made to vendors that the company worked with—under fake profiles she created in the names of real companies, as well as fake companies that reflected her own initials, such as “KEP Inc. Sale” and “KPI.” She disguised additional fraudulent transfers as payments for payroll or reimbursements. Power also used the company’s credit card to make unauthorized personal purchases and paid down the balance of her own personal credit cards. Power used the money she stole to purchase two houses, several new cars and ATVs, and a horse. She also spent the money on field-level seats at football games and a $29,000 Hawaii vacation.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Wong and Dhruv Sharma are prosecuting the case.

Power is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Coggins on Feb. 27, 2026. Power faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud, 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each count of bank fraud, and a mandatory two-year sentence on each count of aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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Martin City man sentenced to 40 years in prison for producing and distributing child pornography

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MISSOULA – A Martin City man who produced and distributed child pornography was sentenced today to 480 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Raymond Owen Bonner, 40, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2024, an FBI undercover agent was operating in online applications known for trafficking in child sexual abuse material. The agent found that a user had posted messages to a chat room in one such application in June 2024 and July 2024 stating that user had access to a six-year-old girl (Jane Doe) and was sexually abusing that child. The user, later identified as Bonner, posted images and videos of his abuse that verified his hands-on access to Doe. Bonner told other users in the chat room he was Doe’s babysitter.

Investigators responded to Bonner’s address in Martin City on September 5, 2024. Bonner fled his residence prior to law enforcement’s arrival. In a home near Bonner’s residence, FBI agents located Jane Doe. Doe and others verified that Bonner was her babysitter and later identified Bonner as the person abusing her in the images and videos he had distributed. The FBI also seized several devices from Bonner’s home, including a cell phone.

The FBI searched the phone and found images and videos of Doe that were the same as the images and videos of Doe posted by Bonner to the chat room. Bonner was located by law enforcement and arrested on September 19, 2024.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.

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.

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