Orange County Man Charged with Enticing Multiple Minors to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity and Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Material Offenses

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Orlando, FL – Aaron Starbird (44, Orlando) has been charged by indictment with two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), four counts of receipt of CSAM, and one count of possession of CSAM. If convicted, Starbird faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. 

Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Conspiring to Create and Distribute Animal Crush Videos Showing Violent Torture of Monkeys

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Amanda Leigh Fourez, of Catlin, Illinois, pleaded guilty today to charges of distributing and conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos through online chat groups.

According to court documents and statements made in court during the change of plea hearing, Fourez paid thousands of dollars to commission bespoke sexual torture videos of monkeys, and later she distributed the obscene crush videos over the Internet. Fourez archived and controlled the distribution of animal crush videos. She was a member of several online chat groups and private payment groups dedicated to the creation, distribution, and discussion of sexual and violent videos depicting monkeys being tortured, including baby and adult monkeys being burned and their genitals mutilated.

Fourez is the second individual to be charged in this animal crush conspiracy ring. Another member of these groups, Joseph Garrett Buckland, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos earlier this month.

Fourez faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of seven years in prison for the distribution charge and a fine of up to $500,000. A judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, and Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement.

HSI New Orleans’ Cyber and Human Exploitation Investigations and the FBI investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Emily R. Stone of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Locher for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

Orlando Man Sentenced to Over Six Years for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Involving COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Benefits

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Orlando, Florida – Dexter Ray King (36, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. to six years and three months in federal prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Court also ordered King to forfeit $549,375.50 in proceeds from his bank fraud scheme. A restitution hearing is scheduled for June 29, 2026. 

Brockton Man Charged with Making False Statements to Law Enforcement About Firearms Recovered at Crime Scenes

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BOSTON – A Brockton man was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston for allegedly making false statements to law enforcement regarding his disposal of more than 20 firearms he purchased more than a dozen of which later surfaced at various crime scenes across the Northeast, including a Boston homicide.  

Defense News: USAG Rheinland-Pfalz “Crowns & Capes” event brings magic to military children

Source: United States Army

SEMBACH, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’ Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation welcomed 70 military-connected children at the former Sembach Elementary School theater April 14 for “Crowns & Capes” – an interactive event featuring Disney characters come to life.

In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, Armed Forces Entertainment actors treated audiences to an immersive themed showing of Moana. The experience brought the story to life, allowing young attendees to engage with the film in a way that blended imagination, music and storytelling.

“Crowns & Capes” also visited Baumholder, offering “superhero training” at the Hall of Champions along with the immersive Moana movie experience at the Rheinlander Community Club on Smith Barracks.

The Sembach event transformed the historic theater into a vibrant, kid-friendly environment filled with popcorn, laughter and excitement, highlighting the importance of community and connection.

Leaders emphasized that events like these go beyond entertainment.

“It’s about taking care of our most important assets—our children,” one organizer noted. “Behind every mission is a family and today was about them.”

Armed Forces Entertainment tours like “Crowns & Capes” are aimed at supporting military families by delivering high-quality entertainment experiences to overseas communities. The program focuses on creating memorable moments for children, emphasizing creativity, resilience and the unique role military youth play in supporting the mission.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.

Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp

Editor’s note: This courtesy article was drafted with the assistance of generative AI. It was subsequently reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by USAG Rheinland-Pfalz public affairs to ensure accuracy, compliance with DoW security guidelines, and to reflect the appropriate tone.

Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on April 13, 2026.

SantaCon Organizer Charged In Wire Fraud Scheme Targeting Attendees And Host Venues

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Jennifer L. Piovesan, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging STEFAN PILDES with wire fraud. 

Defense News: Arkansas National Guard honors America's 250th Birthday by enlisting 250 recruits

Source: United States Army

“This ceremony recognizes America’s 250th birthday in Arkansas while honoring the military service that helped secure our independence,” said Army Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “The colonial militias — the predecessors of today’s National Guard — stood against the British Army at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, and the Continental Congress established the Army two months later on June 14, 1775. Arkansas also has a direct Revolutionary War connection through the 1783 battle at Arkansas Post, recognized as the only Revolutionary War battle fought in present-day Arkansas.”

The 250 recruits represent the nearly 1,300 guardsmen that both the Arkansas Army and Air National Guard recruit annually into their respective brigades and wings.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’s adjutant general, spoke about military service and what it means to serve the state and nation at an enlistment ceremony on April 11, 2026, to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The 250 recruits are representative of the nearly 1,300 Guardsmen the Arkansas Army National Guard and Arkansas Air National Guard recruit annually into their respective brigades and wings. Throughout its history, the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call in times of war, natural disasters, and other domestic emergencies. Its legacy reflects the service of Arkansans who have balanced civilian lives with military duty, exemplifying the Citizen-Soldier ethos that has defined the nation since its founding. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Bryce Colvert) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Arkansas National Guard ceremonially enlisted 250 recruits on April 11, 2026, at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The 250 recruits are representative of the nearly 1,300 Guardsmen the Arkansas Army National Guard and Arkansas Air National Guard recruit annually into their respective brigades and wings. Throughout its history, the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call in times of war, natural disasters, and other domestic emergencies. Its legacy reflects the service of Arkansans who have balanced civilian lives with military duty, exemplifying the Citizen-Soldier ethos that has defined the nation since its founding. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by 1st Sgt. Jim Heuston) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Arkansas National Guard traces its roots to 1804, one year after the Louisiana Purchase.

The legislative body governing the Indiana Territory, of which Arkansas was a part, enacted a law making most males liable for military service, according to the Arkansas National Guard Museum website.

Throughout its history, the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call in times of war, natural disasters and other domestic emergencies. Its legacy reflects the service of Arkansans who have balanced civilian lives with military duty, exemplifying the citizen-soldier ethos that has defined the nation since its founding.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard