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June 18, 2026

Defense News: U.S., British, French soldiers participate in commemorative Bir Hakeim 10K mud race in Estonia

Source: United States Army

TAPA, Estonia – Soldiers from the U.S., Great Britain and France participated in a commemorative Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Free French defenders at the Battle of Bir Hakeim, a key engagement in the North African campaign of World War II that showcased the determination of Free French forces against a larger enemy force.

The race served as an opportunity for service members from allied nations to honor shared military history while strengthening bonds across the NATO alliance. Participants were required to overcome a series of physical challenges, including waist-deep mud and high obstacles. The race tested their endurance, determination and resilience to honor the defenders at Bir Hakeim.

“I’d say the race was about remembering the physical hardships French service members went through,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Gage Leavitt, a race participant and military police officer assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company. “Back then, they dealt with a lot worse conditions than just mud and going over obstacles. Running the race helped put into perspective the hard work and sacrifices made by those who served before us.”

1 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S., British and French soldiers begin a Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. Hosted by the French Foreign Legion, the obstacle-filled mud race commemorated the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French forces, including Foreign Legion units, conducted a heroic defense against Axis forces in 1942, demonstrating resilience and contributing to the legacy of the Free French movement during World War II. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

2 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A soldier from the British armed forces carries a sandbag as part of an obstacle during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French and French Foreign Legion forces mounted a determined defense for 16 days against Axis troops in 1942, and challenged participants with a series of obstacles designed to test endurance and teamwork. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer) VIEW ORIGINAL

3 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A British Army soldier is assisted over an obstacle by U.S. and British soldiers during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Free French defenders at Bir Hakeim, whose stand against Axis forces helped delay enemy operations during the North African campaign of World War II. Participation in multinational events promotes camaraderie and reinforces the strong partnerships that support NATO’s collective defense mission. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

4 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Personnel from the French and British armed forces help each other climb over an obstacle during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. Hosted by the French Foreign Legion, the annual event commemorates the Battle of Bir Hakeim, a key engagement in the North African campaign of World War II that showcased the determination of Free French forces against a larger enemy force. Events such as this foster cooperation among NATO allies training and serving together in Eastern Europe. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

5 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Personnel from the French and British armed forces help each other climb over an obstacle during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. Hosted by the French Foreign Legion, the obstacle-filled race commemorated the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French forces conducted a determined defense against Axis forces in 1942, demonstrating resilience and courage under difficult conditions. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

6 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A British soldier speaks with a French monitor before the sandbag carry portion of a Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event, hosted by the French Foreign Legion, celebrates the resilience and fighting spirit displayed by Free French forces during the Battle of Bir Hakeim in 1942. Today, allied service members continue that tradition of cooperation through training and events that strengthen interoperability among NATO forces. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

7 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. and British soldiers work together to cross an obstacle during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event brought together service members from multiple NATO nations in a test of endurance, teamwork and physical fitness while honoring the legacy of the Free French forces who fought at the Battle of Bir Hakeim during World War II. Multinational events strengthen relationships among allied forces and contribute to interoperability across the NATO alliance. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

8 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Spc. James Wyman, a combat medic assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company, pushes through a mud obstacle during a Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The race honored the historic Battle of Bir Hakeim and provided an opportunity for allied service members to build teamwork, resilience and interoperability in an informal multinational setting. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

Hosted by the French Foreign Legion, the event brought together soldiers from multiple NATO nations to challenge themselves side-by-side while commemorating the battle’s historical significance. Throughout the course, participants relied on teamwork to navigate difficult obstacles, often helping and encouraging one another while running.

For Leavitt, the event highlighted the importance of cooperation among allied forces and reflected the relationships that support NATO’s collective defense mission.

“We’re all soldiers, and if hard times come, it’s the people to our left and right that we’re going to rely on,” Leavitt said. “Events like this help build those relationships and remind us that we have to support each other and work together.”

1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A soldier from the French armed forces helps other participants climb up an obstacle during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. This event emphasized multinational teamwork, with participants navigating obstacles that required lifting, pulling and supporting one another across national lines, reflecting the cooperation and shared determination that defined the spirit of the Battle of Bir Hakeim. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer) VIEW ORIGINAL

2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Soldiers who are deployed in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve pose for a photograph after completing a Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The physically demanding event challenged participants to overcome a series of obstacles and tested their endurance, resilience and determination. Through shared adversity and teamwork, the race fostered camaraderie among service members while honoring the legacy of the Battle of Bir Hakeim and strengthening bonds among allied forces stationed in Eastern Europe. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Pfc. Gage Leavitt, a military police officer assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company, poses for a photograph during a Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French and French Foreign Legion forces mounted a determined defense for 16 days against Axis troops in 1942, and challenged participants with a series of obstacles designed to test endurance and teamwork. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A French soldier poses for a photo while carrying a sandbag during a Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event commemorates the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French forces mounted a determined defense against Axis troops during World War II. The race brought together service members from NATO nations to build camaraderie and celebrate a shared military heritage. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer) VIEW ORIGINAL

5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the French armed forces help other participants climb up an obstacle during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French and French Foreign Legion forces mounted a determined defense for 16 days against Axis troops in 1942, and challenged participants with a series of obstacles designed to test endurance and teamwork. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer) VIEW ORIGINAL

6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A soldier from the French armed forces poses for a photo during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French and French Foreign Legion forces mounted a determined defense for 16 days against Axis troops in 1942, and challenged participants with a series of obstacles designed to test endurance and teamwork. V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer) VIEW ORIGINAL

V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans.

June 18, 2026

Defense News: Mother, son join Pennsylvania National Guard together

Source: United States Army

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – For the better part of the past 9 years, it was just the three of them. A mother and her two sons navigating life side by side.

Through challenges, loss, and perseverance, they built a bond through resilience. Years later, that bond would lead them to answer a call much bigger than themselves.

At 42 years old, Katherine Zito enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Signals Intelligence Analyst. Standing alongside her was her 20-year-old son, Matthew Zito, who enlisted as a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Repairer.

What began as a joke eventually became a life-changing decision.

Matthew had come across a social media post about the military raising the enlistment age limit and sent it to his mom, half-jokingly. Katherine laughed it off, at first. When the age-waiver policy changed, she suddenly found herself asking whether this was something she should seriously consider.

After her husband lost his battle with cancer eight-and-a-half-years ago, Katherine became a widow and devoted herself to raising her family. She was a dedicated wrestling mom, traveling with her sons’ teams and supporting them every step of the way. After years of putting others first, she found herself asking a simple question: What if this opportunity was for me, too?

“I can’t encourage my kids to take advantage of opportunities like this if I’m not willing to look into them myself.” Katherine said. “The benefits apply no matter your age. This allows me to finish college, serve my community, and opens doors to a new career path if I choose to pursue one. It’s never too late to step into something greater than yourself. I’ve spent years taking care of everyone else. This was my choice to do something for myself.”

Her decision is also deeply connected to her son’s decision to join. She knew if he could do it, so could she.

“I didn’t have a choice in the struggles we went through,” Katherine said. “But I did have a choice to do this. It’s never too late. “Whether you’re 20 or 42, service isn’t defined by age. It’s defined by the decision to show up, commit, and be part of something bigger than yourself. We also want to make my husband and Matthew’s dad proud.”

Matthew’s path to service was inspired by many of the same values. As he prepared for college at Drexel University in Philadelphia, he saw the Guard as an opportunity to gain valuable skills, help pay for his education, and open future career paths. The military offered a way to invest in his future while serving something bigger than himself.

“The military is going to open up so many career opportunities for me. I will get to learn and be paid to learn a skill that I cannot learn anywhere else. I am excited to see what career opportunities this opens for me, and to also be alongside this journey with my mom.” Matthew said.

With his mother by his side, Matthew learned long before enlistment what resilience truly looks like. He watched her overcome adversity, sacrifice for her family, and continue moving forward despite every obstacle life placed in her path.

Matthew is scheduled to leave for Basic Combat Training this July, and his mom is scheduled to leave in January 2027. This allows both of them to be available to support each other and to be there for their family and on their graduation day.

Citrus County Man Indicted for Attempting to Meet a 13-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual Activity and Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Ocala, Florida – Brian James Verka (39, Beverly Hills) has been charged by indictment with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted production of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he faces a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, up to life, on the attempted enticement offense, and a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, for the attempted production offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

June 18, 2026

Jacksonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Officers Conducting Immigration Operation

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Jacksonville, Florida – Jennifer Susan Cruz (41, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to assaulting officers conducting an immigration operation. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

June 18, 2026

New York Man Faces Federal Cyberstalking Charge After Posting AI-Generated Nude Images and Racist Messages from Fake Social Media Profiles

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Anthony Belford was arraigned last week on federal charges of cyberstalking after allegedly using social media accounts to post more than a dozen messages with nude images generated by artificial intelligence and racist comments during a three-month online harassment scheme.

June 18, 2026

Homeland Security Task Force Operation Investigation Leads to Meth Arrest and Prosecution

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Moore had previously pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally distributing an amount in excess of 50 grams of meth. This investigation was part of HSTF which brought together local and federal partners to eliminate criminal gangs in our streets. The investigation of this case was carried out by Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County’s Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the United States Marshals.

June 18, 2026

Defense News: USAG Wiesbaden Local Nationals Spotlight Army Careers at Hessentag

Source: United States Army

WIESBADEN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden participates in the 2026 Hessentag in Fulda, joining the festivities with a recruiting container and information booth.

The Hessentag is Germany’s oldest and largest state festival, first established in 1961 to foster a sense of community in the newly formed state of Hesse.

Each year, a different Hessian city hosts this ten-day event, which features a vibrant mix of culture, business, entertainment, and politics. This year the 63rd Hessentag takes place June 12 to 21 in Fulda.

Visitors can enjoy concerts and shows by well-known national and international artists, exhibitions from ministries, the military, clubs, and local businesses, as well as a wide variety of regional foods and drinks.

Garrison Wiesbaden is represented by ten volunteers who, alongside colleagues from the 2nd Signal Brigade and United States Army Europe and Africa, bring a diverse range of backgrounds — from full-time employees and trainees to dual students — offering visitors a chance to learn more about the U.S. Army as an employer and partner.Together, these German civilian employees are showcasing their training and career paths.

Four of the young professionals attending the event are:

Anouk König– metal worker apprentice building ramps and handrails; plans to become a technician.

Laura Oesterheld– office management apprentice rotating through Human Resources, the Housing Office, and the Public Affairs Office; aims to earn aBusiness Administratorqualification.

Niko Perez– former metal worker now managing locking systems for up to 20,000 doors; values steady hours and training options.

Vanessa Scherf– dual civil engineering student gaining international experience and learning both German and U.S. construction law.

“The U.S. Army in Wiesbaden is also a part of Hesse and we want to show that on the yearly Hessentag,” said Thomas Schulze, Workforce Development Program Manager. “We are very thankful that the Bundeswehr provides that opportunity as it is a great partner.”

This presence highlights the strong connection between the U.S. Forces and the Hessen community. Through interactive displays and engagement,U. S. Army GarrisonWiesbaden aims to foster understanding, showcase opportunities, and demonstrate its role as an integral part of life in Hessen.

“The Hessentag offers us exposure to a wide audience. Many visitors are unaware that Local Nationals work in the Garrison Wiesbaden,” said Schulze.

Currently, the garrison workforce at USAG Wiesbaden is comprised of more than 79%local national hires.

“I decided to apply to the U.S. Army because it was important to me not just to sit in an office, but to interact with people—to provide employee support,” explained Oesterheld.“I also wanted to work for an organization that stood for certain values, and the U.S. Army truly is a very family-oriented employer. And I love the variety the Army offers.”

Working as a Local National at USAG Wiesbaden combines secure, collective-agreement-backed pay and regular bonuses with an exceptional work-life balance featuring 30 vacation days, regular hours, and extra time off on American holidays.

Additionally, employees enjoy unique cultural perks like on-post gym access, American food, and a diverse, international environment that offers excellent career growth, apprenticeships, and dual-study programs.

“There’s also a real sense of appreciation here,” Oesterheld added. ”Once you’ve done your job and built up trust, you’re given the independence to work on your own. It’s a goodatmosphere and simply a different kind of employer—an exceptional one. It bridges two worlds—and it’s simply not a boring job.”

Persons interested in working with the U.S. Army can stop by the recruitment both at during the Hessetage or visit: https://portal.chra.army.mil/mnrs

June 17, 2026

New Jersey Man Sentenced to More Than 29 Years in Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material on the Dark Web

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A New Jersey man was sentenced today to 350 months in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a dark web site dedicated to discussing and trafficking in CSAM.

“The court’s sentence today holds Drew Holzlein accountable for his role in helping run a community on the dark web dedicated to trafficking in visual depictions of minors being subjected to horrific acts of sexual abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Those who engage in this disgusting conduct will be investigated and prosecuted. The clear message in this case and others just like it is that Holzlein and his co-conspirators will not skate by because of the anonymity afforded by the dark web. We will still find you.”

“By serving as a moderator on a dark web forum devoted to the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, the defendant did not merely enable exploitation — he curated and sustained a marketplace of depravity,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “This sentence marks a critical measure of accountability and affirms my Office’s unwavering commitment to vindicating the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable. We will persist in our efforts to expose and dismantle these clandestine networks, wherever they operate.”

“This offender provided access to a platform where multiple perpetrators conspired to create and share CSAM,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The arrest of this moderator led FBI Newark and the FBI Child Exploitation Operational Unit to investigate and disrupt the activities of additional child exploitation offenders and abusers. The FBI will continue to track down these criminals, ensure that they are held accountable for their crimes, and secure justice for their victims.”

According to court documents, Drew Holzlein, 57, of Manchester, New Jersey, was a member and moderator of a website on the dark web that was dedicated to the proliferation of CSAM. From approximately 2019 until his arrest in January 2024, Holzlein was an active participant on this site and shared thousands of sexually explicit images of nude, prepubescent minors with the site’s many users. A search of Holzlein’s home in January 2024 recovered multiple electronic devices containing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of prepubescent children. Holzlein was interviewed during the search and admitted to law enforcement that he was an active member on this dark web site for years and served as a moderator on the site. Holzlein was previously convicted in New Jersey of two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and the FBI Newark Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine for the District of New Jersey 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

June 17, 2026

Honduran Illegal Alien Charged With Illegal Reentry

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARWIN NOE MENDOSA-CRUZ, age 29, a citizen of Honduras, was charged by bill of information on June 8, 20206 with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ‘ 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

June 17, 2026

Cruise Ship Passengers Arrested for Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Jacksonville – Christopher Michael Lawhon (36, South Carolina) has been charged by federal indictment with production and attempted production of child sex abuse material (CSAM). In a separate indictment, Tajareia Lawon Aikee Blackwell (25, North Carolina) was charged with transportation of CSAM. If convicted, Lawhon faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. Blackwell faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison.