Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was sentenced on Sept. 25, 2025, for illegally reentering the United States.

Juan Hernandez-Sandoval, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 12 months and a day in federal prison. Hernandez-Sandoval pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2025, to illegal reentry after a felony conviction.

Hernandez-Sandoval had been deported or returned to Mexico on four prior occasions. He was convicted in 2017 of being an alien present without admission or parole and was subsequently deported to Mexico that same year.   

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Cooper.  It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MIAMI – U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones was presented with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal today in a ceremony held at MacDill Air Force Base.

The medal was awarded in recognition of his exceptional performance as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, assigned to Headquarters U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). The presentation was made by Major General Richard A. Harrison, Chief of Staff, Headquarters USCENTCOM, accompanied by Colonel Joseph M. Fairfield, Staff Judge Advocate, Headquarters USCENTCOM.

The award acknowledges U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones’s distinguished service as a lawyer and military officer while assigned to USCENTCOM, supporting OPERATION MIDNIGHT HAMMER, OPERATION ROUGH RIDER, and other critical national security missions. In that role, he provided senior legal counsel on national security and counterterrorism matters to the Commander, USCENTCOM, ensuring mission success in one of the most complex operational theaters in the world.

“Serving in uniform remains one of the greatest honors of my life,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones. “I am humbled to receive this medal, but the true credit belongs to the extraordinary men and women of CENTCOM, whose dedication and sacrifice protect our nation every day. As both a U.S. Attorney and a military officer, I will continue to defend the rule of law, safeguard our freedoms, and serve the American people.”

The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third highest award bestowed in the War Department for non-combat service, recognizing exceptionally meritorious service while assigned to a joint activity.

As U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Reding Quiñones leads one of the nation’s largest and most active federal prosecutorial offices, overseeing the prosecution of violent crime, narcotics trafficking, corruption, immigration offenses, and other matters of national importance.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Monica Kindt has been appointed by Attorney General Pamela Bondi as the Acting U.S. Trustee for Indiana and the Central and Southern Districts of Illinois (Region 10). Kindt replaces Nancy J. Gargula, who is retiring after 23 years of distinguished service to the U.S. Trustee Program (USTP).

Kindt joined the USTP in 2009 as the Assistant U.S. Trustee in charge of the Cincinnati office, and she will remain in that position while overseeing Region 10. Kindt has also been serving as the USTP’s Acting Associate General Counsel for Consumer Practice since 2022. Additionally, Kindt has been a special assistant to the Deputy Director for Management, and she serves on a number of working groups addressing legal matters of nationwide concern or USTP operations. Before joining the USTP, Kindt was a partner at a Cincinnati law firm and served as a chapter 7 panel trustee.

Kindt received a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College and a law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law.

The Executive Office for U.S. Trustees made the announcement.

The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors, and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 88 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kaylee Ann Widmer, age 25, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 23, 2025, to 21 years’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and 40 grams and more of fentanyl resulting in death.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between January 2022 and February 2023, Widmer and her boyfriend, Christopher Potter, and others conspired to distribute controlled substances throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. Widmer supplied fentanyl to her co-conspirator Santino Bellucci, who on December 18, 2022, sold a person fentanyl which caused the individual’s death. At the time of the incident, Widmer was receiving large amounts of fentanyl from individuals residing in the Hazleton, PA area throughout the conspiracy.    

Senior Judge Mariani previously sentenced both co-conspirators Santino Bellucci, age 28, of Dickson City, PA, and Christopher Potter, age 30, of Scranton, PA, to 21 years’ imprisonment.   

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dunmore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).   

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Quintron Dixon, age 22, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to distribution of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

Dixon admitted that on September 13, 2023, he sold approximately 52 grams of pure methamphetamine to a customer in Syracuse. On July 24, 2025, during an arrest, Syracuse police officers found in Dixon’s pocket a plastic bag, which Dixon admitted as part of his plea contained approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to others.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Methamphetamine is a particularly dangerous and addictive drug, and those who peddle this deadly poison are a scourge on our communities. Together with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to rooting out drug traffickers and putting them behind bars, where they belong.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “This guilty plea reflects the strength of ongoing collaboration with ATF NY Syracuse Field Office, Syracuse PD Intel Unit and the US Attorney’s Office NDNY. Those who think they can disregard laws and push dangerous drugs into our communities – fueling addiction and death – will be held accountable. ATF NY remains committed to protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring the safety of those we serve.”

Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Dixon faces a prison term on each count of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5 million, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt McCrobie is prosecuting the case.
 

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Osei, a/k/a/ “Kyngjo,” age 30, a Canadian citizen formerly of Albany, was sentenced on Tuesday to 54 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division; Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), made the announcement.

The trial evidence showed that from August 2020 through November 2020, Osei fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor worth more than $200,000.  Additional evidence also included Osei’s schemes to defraud the state workforce agencies of California, Rhode Island, and Arizona using stolen identities to apply for and obtain pandemic unemployment insurance benefits. In May, jurors deliberated for less than two hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts, including four counts of mail fraud, one count of access device fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. 

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered a 3-year term of supervised release to follow Osei’s release from prison, as well as restitution to the State of New York and State of Arizona in the total amount of $211,360, and forfeiture of a money judgment.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Joseph Osei’s brazen exploitation of critical relief programs during a national crisis was an affront to every individual who genuinely relied on these resources to survive. By stealing the identities of other people, Osei not only violated the law but also undermined the very purpose of programs designed to help those in need. His actions were callous and calculated, and justice was served when he was found guilty on all counts and then sentenced yesterday to 54 months in prison. I thank each law enforcement agency involved in this task force for their hard work in prosecuting this case.”  

USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated: “The relief programs that Osei stole from were created as lifelines during the COVID pandemic and Osei took funds away from those in need and victimized unsuspecting people by stealing their personal identifying information.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will relentlessly pursue those who misuse the mail for fraud and bring them to justice.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “HSI Albany is proud to have played a role in ensuring Joseph Osei faced the consequences of his fraud and identity theft. The prosecution of Osei will serve as a deterrent to anyone else who thinks about trying to steal from New Yorkers and government programs.”

Jonathan R. Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, USDOL-OIG stated, “Joseph Osei used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain critical taxpayer funds intended for American workers in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safeguarding the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains a top priority for the Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to ensure the protection of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations.”

This case was investigated by USDOL-OIG, USPIS, and HSI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal prosecuted the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas P. Allen, Sr., age 44, of Granville, New York, pled guilty on Monday to transportation of child pornography.  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.

Allen admitted that from about February 2016 through November 2018, and in December 2019, he used the internet to upload images of child pornography to his Google Drive account.  Additionally, he received images of child pornography on his cellular phone.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thomas P. Allen’s deliberate and calculated use of the internet to transport and possess child pornography is a violation of the law and the innocence of children. My office will not allow anyone who engages in such sickening conduct to evade justice. This case should serve as a warning to all who would exploit children: we will pursue you relentlessly, and we will ensure you face the full force of the law.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “This plea ensures Mr. Allen will spend time in federal prison for his despicable actions. The FBI will continue to aggressively seek out and investigate those who prey on our most vulnerable, especially predators who possess child pornography.”

Sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Allen faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  Allen also will have to pay restitution to victims, forfeit property he used to commit the offense, and will be required to register as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting 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.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brien Fredendall, age 46, of Port Byron, New York, was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison for his convictions on two counts of possession of child pornography. 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.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Fredendall, who has a previous New York State conviction for possession of child pornography, admitted that he possessed videos and images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) he received from a minor on his Snapchat account. He also admitted to possessing additional CSAM on his cellular phone.

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release to begin after Fredendall’s release from imprisonment. Fredendall will also be required to continue to register as a sex offender upon his release.

Acting United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone who seeks to exploit and harm children. There is no room in our society for predators like Fredendall, other than in prison. His decade-long federal prison term is a clear message: those who prey on our most vulnerable will face the full force of the law. We are unwavering in our mission to protect children and hold offenders accountable.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli said, “Mr. Fredendall, who was already a convicted predator, continued to prey on our most vulnerable. Now, he’s headed to federal prison for a decade. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to leverage our partnerships at every level of law enforcement to stop children from being exploited and bring to justice those responsible for these despicable acts.” 

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force with the assistance of the Cayuga County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle 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.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PORTLAND, Ore.— Michael John Peters, 42, of Portland, Oregon, has been charged with stealing mail from condominium and apartment complexes in Northwest and Southwest Portland.

According to court documents and information shared in court, from May to September 2025, Peters used counterfeit or modified postal keys to access mailboxes on at least 12 occasions. On September 23, 2025, U.S. Postal Inspectors executed a federal search warrant at an apartment in the Pearl District that Peters rented using a stolen identity. In the apartment, investigators found evidence of identity theft including approximately 300 pieces of U.S. mail that were not addressed to Peters, false identification documents, stolen identity documents, and counterfeit checks.

Peters made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Dayton, Oregon, woman was sentenced today for defrauding the Department of Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Cheryl Elizabeth Campos, 62, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, between January 2022 and June 2024, Campos misused her position as Quartermaster of the VFW to access the VFW’s bank accounts and embezzled large sums of money to her personal accounts. To conceal the embezzlement, Campos falsified financial documents, bank statements, and accounting records.

In total, Campos embezzled more than $1.7 million from the VFW’s accounts to her personal accounts. Campos used the funds to buy hundreds of crystals, semi-precious rocks, marbles, stones, and statues. She also used the funds for personal expenses, including making credit card payments and purchasing a vehicle for a family member.

On March 24, 2025, Campos was charged by criminal information with wire fraud.

On April 15, 2025, Campos pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.