Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BOSTON – A Fall River man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and distributing cocaine.

Carlos Perez, 40, has been charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of distributing a controlled substance. Perez was arrested on Nov. 13, 2025 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for Nov. 19, 2025.

According to charging documents, on May 5, 2025, Perez sold cocaine as well as a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition to a cooperating witness. It is further alleged that, Perez sold a Sig Sauer, P230 SL, .380 caliber pistol and ammunition on June 2, 2025 as well as a Ruger, Max 9, 9mm pistol and ammunition on June 30, 2025.

Perez is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due multiple prior convictions. According to the charging documents, Perez has 61 adult charges on his record and over 15 criminal convictions, including a 2015 state conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Substance, for which he served two years in the house of corrections, as well as two separate convictions for Assault and Battery Dangerous Weapon in 2008, for which he received a two-year suspended sentence and six months in the house of corrections.

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distributing a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Fall River and New Bedford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Erik Gammons, 42, of Marianna, Florida was sentenced to eight years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This substantial drug seizure by our state law enforcement partners, with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration, ensured these deadly narcotics were kept off our streets, and the successful prosecution by my office should send a firm message that federal prison time awaits anyone who tries to peddle this poison in the Northern District of Florida. This is yet another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers who have flooded our communities with deadly drugs for far too long.”

According to court records, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on May 5, 2025. After the vehicle stopped, the defendant exited from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle and told law enforcement to arrest him. Later, as law enforcement was obtaining gloves to search the vehicle, the defendant stated to go ahead and take him to jail and that there were drugs in the vehicle.

Law enforcement searched the vehicle and located a garbage bag, which was found to contain two other bags with large amounts of crystal methamphetamine, a bag containing a large amount of suspected powder cocaine, three digital scales, one of which contained suspected cocaine residue, a box of opened clear plastic bags used to package drugs for resale, documents addressed to the defendant including pay stubs, and an opened vacuum sealed bag identical to the ones that contained crystal methamphetamine. The defendant was also found to be in possession of two cellular telephones and approximately $2,761.00 in numerous denominations.

The narcotics were later tested, weighed, and confirmed to be 899.1 grams of methamphetamine with 98% purity, equal to 881.1 grams of pure methamphetamine, per bag. The seized cocaine weighed 568.8 grams.

“I’m proud of the great work our agents and law enforcement partners did in bringing this investigation to a close,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Removing methamphetamine—especially this purity level—will go a long way in making Panhandle communities safer.”

“We are working every day to keep drugs out of our community,” said Sheriff Edenfield. “When people choose to profit off poison, there are consequences. We’ll continue standing up for what’s right and working to protect the citizens of Jackson County.”

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Eric Welch.

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).

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Austin Keith Hibbert, 25, of Tallahassee, FL, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempting to travel for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct, and transferring obscene material to a person less than 16 years of age. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case was the result of incredible collaboration between our local, federal and international law enforcement partners to identify this sexual predator and stop him before he could victimize the minor child he was seeking to exploit. I am proud of the work of my office to build this successful prosecution and hold this offender accountable for his disgusting crimes.”

Court documents reflect that between May 2023, and August 2024, the defendant communicated almost daily through multiple social media platforms with a 13-year-old child from Estonia, a country in Northern Europe. The defendant met the child through a popular Internet game. The communications between the defendant and the child quickly became sexual in nature. The defendant told the child that he intended to travel to Estonia to meet and to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, the defendant sent the child more than twelve explicit videos. In August 2024, law enforcement officials learned that the defendant had applied for a U.S. passport and had booked an international flight from Tallahassee to Estonia. On August 12, 2024, law enforcement officials intercepted the defendant as he attempted to board his flight at the Tallahassee International Airport. A search of the defendant’s person and carry-on bags revealed items indicative of his intent to travel to meet with the child, including his U.S. passport, a bracelet, and a box of condoms. A later search of the defendant’s electronic devices confirmed the defendant’s communications with the child, his travel plans, and showed that he reserved lodging near where the child lived.

“This case demonstrates the FBI’s global reach and unwavering commitment to protecting children everywhere,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Through partnerships with our domestic and international counterparts, we were able to identify and stop Hibbert from crossing borders to sexually exploit a young child.”

“Estonian Police and Border Guard Board is grateful to the FBI and the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office for great cooperation in this grave case,” said Rait Pikaro, Head of Crime Bureau, North Prefecture for the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. “We strive to act as preventively as possible in Estonia and thanks to our U.S. colleagues, no [hands on] crime was committed in Estonia. This great example of cooperation shows that the fight against child sexual exploitation is truly global. We believe strongly that this is the way we can succeed in tackling this phenomenon.”

The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tallahassee Police Department, with assistance from the Estonian Police and Border Guard Agency. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jarrel Daniel Rivaz, 35, of Panama City, Florida was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison after a federal jury verdict convicted him for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Outstanding work by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to dismantle this drug trafficking operation and get this repeat felon off our streets and back in prison where he belongs. My office stands ready to aggressively prosecute these drug traffickers to the fullest extent of the law, and we will not rest until the Northern District of Florida is drug-free and safe.”

Trial evidence established that on December 21, 2023, during a search warrant executed at the defendant’s house in Panama City, law enforcement found and seized over 900 grams of cocaine, over 10 kilograms of marijuana, two firearms, and ammunition. One of the firearms was found loaded in a locked shed in the same bag as some of the marijuana. The defendant had previously been convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense in New York under the name “Gerald Walker.”

The verdict was the result of a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Walter Narramore and Alicia Forbes.

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).

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Jason Daniel Freiberg, 47, of Defiance, Ohio, was sentenced to 37 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor.

In 2023, Freiberg met an 11-year-old from western Michigan online. The minor victim repeatedly told Freiberg that she was 11, but nevertheless he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her, talked about meeting up with her for sex, and solicited and received sexually explicit images and videos of her. Freiberg pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting the minor victim and was sentenced to 324 months for that offense.

Freiberg had a previous conviction for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity; he pleaded guilty to that offense in 2000 and was required to register as a sex offender. Consequently, Freiberg will also serve a ten-year consecutive sentence for committing this offense while a registered sex offender.

“Despite his previous conviction, Freiberg once again set out to sexually exploit a little girl,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Today’s significant sentence of 37 years in prison sends a clear message that my office will vigorously prosecute those that seek to sexually exploit children, especially those who have previously been convicted of sexual exploitation and remain undeterred. Freiberg’s actions, like those of any sexual offender that fails to learn his or her lesson, have earned him a lengthy but justified prison sentence.”

“This conviction closes out a two-year investigation and reflects the strong partnership between local and federal agencies to protect children and hold predators accountable,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen. “This is also a reminder for parents and guardians to stay alert to their kids’ online activities; predators can often hide behind screens and vigilance is the first line of defense.”

“The 37 year long sentencing of Jason Freiberg is a crucial success toward protecting the children of Michigan from the heinous acts of those who target and exploit them,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I commend the tireless work of the FBI Kalamazoo Resident Agency, along with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, in bringing this offender to justice. FBI Detroit will always safeguard our Michigan communities from predators through our strong and ongoing law enforcement partnerships, relentless investigative rigor, and outstanding support from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigated this 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, including resources for parents and children about staying safe online, please visit justice.gov/PSC.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Alexandra M. Christensen, 31, Lindsay N. McCray (also known as Lindsay Rogers), 42, Heather T. Bradley (also known as Heather Thomas), 37, and Jennifer E. Purves, 39, all of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges in connection with the unlawful diversion of controlled substances. The pleas were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Christensen and McCray were charged with and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and dispense oxycodone and hydrocodone. McCray, Bradley, and Purves were charged with and pleaded guilty to distribution of amphetamine. McCray was further charged with and pleaded guilty to identity theft in connection with a scheme to unlawfully divert controlled substances.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The opioid epidemic has plagued our communities with addiction and death for years as criminal offenders like these defendants flooded our streets with drugs.  Now, thanks to the close collaboration between our state and federal law enforcement partners, this illegal drug diversion scheme has been dismantled and these offenders will be held accountable.”

According to court records, between 2015 and 2024, McCray, while employed by a medical practice, forged controlled substance prescriptions using the names, signatures, and Drug Enforcement Administration registration numbers of the practice’s two physicians without their knowledge or authorization. McCray issued these fraudulent prescriptions using the names and identifiers of people who were not actual patients of the clinic, had never seen either of the physicians, and in many instances were fictitious. The controlled substance pills were dispensed by area pharmacies, picked up by Christensen and others, and unlawfully sold for shared profit. As a result of the conspiracy, McCray, Christensen, and others caused to be unlawfully distributed and dispensed over 300,000 hydrocodone pills and over 30,000 oxycodone pills. McCray further coordinated with Bradley and Purves to distribute amphetamine in the form of Adderall pills or its generic equivalent. On multiple occasions each, Bradley and Purves obtained and filled prescriptions in their own and others’ names to unlawfully distribute for profit to a third party, payments for which passed through McCray.

Sentencing hearings are scheduled before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II on December 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. for Purves; on December 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. for McCray and at 2:00 p.m. for Christensen; and on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for Bradley.

The pleas were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division, with assistance from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.

The charges in this case were part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. All the cases were part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in intended loss and over 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Jackson, TN – Dallas Jay Stewart, 43, was sentenced to 10 more years in federal prison on possession of child pornography. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, a targeted inmate cell search was conducted on Stewart’s cell. The search revealed an electronic storage device. A forensic examination revealed images of child sexual abuse material. Stewart was charged with one count of possession of child pornography.

On November 5, 2025, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Stewart to 130 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Stewart is currently serving a 50-year sentence for rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery. This sentence will run consecutive to the 50-year sentence.

Additionally, Stewart must comply with the conditions of the Sexual Offender Registry upon his release.  

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “With persistent recidivism and technology, criminals are finding new and increasingly disturbing ways to victimize and exploit child victims, even while behind prison walls. This case demonstrates that no matter where offenders are located, our FBI partners in the Child Exploitation Task Force will find them and we will hold them accountable for internet crimes against children.”

This case was investigated by Agent Eric McCraw, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Nashville-Jackson Resident Agency Child Exploitation Task Force, and the State of Tennessee Department of Corrections Office of Investigations and Conduct.

Assistant United States Attorney Caroline Parish prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Oscar Cruz-Baldo, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the combined efforts of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this violent criminal alien has been removed from our community and will spend years in prison before being deported out of our country. This is yet another successful prosecution to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent criminal aliens who have threatened our communities for too long.”

Court documents reflect that Cruz-Baldo, a Mexican national, unlawfully entered the United States without inspection or authorization by an immigration officer. On February 12, 2025, Cruz-Baldo was involved in a physical and verbal altercation incident in Williston, Florida. According to the victim, Cruz-Baldo threatened to shoot her and her dog with a loaded shotgun. Levy County deputies responded and located the loaded shotgun on the property.

The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted this 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).

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced today that 46 individuals were indicted across three divisions of the Northern District of Florida during the lapse in appropriations.

The following indictments were filed in the Gainesville division:

• Peter Daniel Ring, of Bell, Florida, indicted for three counts of threatening communications.
• Deshawn Russ, of Jacksonville, Florida, indicted for a prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition.
• Khalil Keari Barnett, of Gainesville, Florida, indicted for one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possessing a firearm in connections with drug trafficking and one count of a prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition.

The following indictments were filed in the Pensacola division:

• Pedro Lopez Calderon, Jonathan Callejas-Callejas, Mateo Linares-Aparicio, Jose Del Carmen Perez-Gomez, and Eduardo Ramierez-Francisco, all citizens of Mexico, indicted separately for illegal reentry after deportation or removal.
• Nicholas Mencho-Lucas and Augustin Bello Rodriguez, both citizens of Mexico, indicted separately for illegal reentry after deportation or removal (with a prior aggravated felony conviction).
• Joel Nahum Sanchez Montoya and Selvin Ramos Vasquez, both citizens of Honduras, indicted for illegal reentry after deportation or removal.
• Abel Dejesus Ronquillo-Martinez, a citizen of El Salvador, indicted for illegal reentry after deportation or removal (with a prior aggravated felony conviction).
• Juan De La Cruz Mejia-Castro, a citizen of El Salvador, indicted for illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
• Belarmino Basilio Godinez, Miguel Angel Gomez-Ical, Luis Maldonado, Carlos Eulogio Mortero-Sipac, and Jose Julian Maldonado-Ramas, all citizens of Guatemala, indicted separately for one count of use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of use of fraudulent social security number.
• Treivorn McLeod, 24, living in Mary Esther, Florida, indicted for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, four counts of mail fraud, and four counts of wire fraud.
• Christopher Gene Summers, an inmate in a Florida State Prison, indicted for mailing threatening communications.
• Gustavo Ramirez-Guillen, a citizen of Honduras, indicted for one count of use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of use of fraudulent social security number.
• Tamal Jenkins, of Pensacola, Florida, indicted for one count of interstate threatening communication with intent to extort and one count of interstate threatening communication.
• Damian Pressley, of Pensacola, Florida, indicted for three counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and one count of possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
• Logan Schoonmaker, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, indicted for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
• Matthew Murillo and Tiffani Harris, both of Pensacola, Florida, indicted for one count of conspiracy to distribute/possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Murillo was also indicted on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• Marquis Dy’Monte Bethea, of Pensacola, Florida, indicted for distribution/possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm during a drug tracking crime.
• Terrance Goodman, of Panama City, Florida, indicted for one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (armed career criminal).
• Daniel Bookout, of Milton, Florida, indicted for mailing threatening communications.

The following indictments were filed in the Tallahassee division:

• Paul Hart, of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.
• Michael Duane Dyson, of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for theft of government funds in the form of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.
• Edward Cromartie, Timeka Griffin, and Robert Rundles, all of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Justin Luis Ruiz, Jr., of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for two counts of transferring obscene materials to a minor, enticement of a minor, attempted enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
• Dalvert Encarnacion Francisco, of Dubuque, Iowa, indicted for distribution of child pornography.
• Theodore Robinson, of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• Johnny Robinson, of Orlando, Florida, indicted for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
• Michael McDonald, of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for attempted enticement of a minor.
• Dani Cordoba Munoz, of Geneva, Alabama, indicted for one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
• Howard Martin, of Sopchoppy, Florida, indicted for one count of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• Jose Vasquez-Martinez, a citizen of Mexico, indicted for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
• Cordelle Collier, a federal inmate in the Bureau of Prisons, indicted for assault with a deadly weapon.
• Miguel Hatcher, of Albany, Georgia, indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
• Jose Neftali Monge-Guevara, a citizen of El Salvador, charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

Law enforcement agencies conducting the investigations included the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Rapid City (Iowa) Police Department.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brooke A. DiSalvo, Christopher C. Patterson, Ward Narramore, James A. McCain, Eric K. Mountin, Harley W. Ferguson, Joseph Ravelo, Jeffrey M. Tharp, Meredith L. Steer, Christie S. Utt, Alicia Forbes, Jessica Etherton, Jason Coody, David L. Goldberg, Justin M. Keen, and Eric W. Welch.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

Thirty-four cases are 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).

Four cases are 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PLANO, Texas – During the recent federal government shutdown, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas continued its mission to protect public safety and hold criminals accountable, prosecuting cases involving immigration violations, firearms violations, fraud, drug trafficking, and other federal offenses.

“Over the past 43 days, our mission remained the same, the pursuit of justice for the citizens of the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “During the shutdown our prosecutors never stopped. They were in court and on the job every day pursuing justice and protecting our communities as a part of Operation Take Back America.”

Operation Take Back America is 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.

The following is just a glimpse of some of the many cases handled during the shutdown:

Corey Buchea Grant, 31, and Calvin Autae Thompson, 36, both of Dallas, were convicted by a jury of conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine following a six-day trial in Plano.   

William Caleb Elliott, 26, a former Celina ISD coach and teacher, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging him with seven counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.  A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, of Jacksonville, was charged with firearms violations related to the shooting of a Jacksonville police officer.  A complaint or indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

John Prentice Robertson, 65, of Aubrey, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for paying women in the Philippines to sexually abuse their children and make custom ordered child pornography for him.

David Valdez, 45, and his son, Abel Valdez, 28, both Mexican naturalized citizens living in Dallas, were each to sentenced to 324 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

Juan Manuel Navarette Robles, 49, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, was sentenced to 315 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

Rolando Alberto Vindas Abarca, 45, a Costa Rican national, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison after being extradited to the United States for conspiring to manufacture and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine for importation into the United States.

Trevorris Rashomique Woodard, 37, of Longview, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess fentanyl.

Ashley Blaine Brooks, 57, of Plano, a convicted sex offender, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for child pornography violations.

Desmond Denard Brown, 39, of Longview, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Frank James Collins, 45, of Port Arthur, was sentenced to 175 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Trinity Snow Cassels, also known as Dustin Joseph McDuffie, 34, of Denton, was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for posing as a teen boy online to communicate with minors and distribute child pornography to them.

Charleston Jamal Washington, 39, of Lafayette, LA, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for robbing a Vidor bank.

Kahkashan Haider Khan, 54, of Frisco, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for making false statements to federal agents in relation to international terrorism.

Dominique Keyrel Carr, 37, of Grapeland, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine.

Daniel Nichols Corbin, 36, of Beaumont, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for carjacking.

Eric Andrew Wara, 29, of Beaumont, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Bradley Morgan Holts, 54, of Orange, a former financial advisor and stockbroker, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $186,381.64 in restitution for using interstate wire communications to defraud three of his investors.

Juan Colorado-Jimenez, 30, a Mexican national illegally living in Nacogdoches, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

Linda Burrell, 51, of Farmers Branch, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, for a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) fraud scheme.

Antonio Hernandez-Perez, 48, a Mexican national illegally living in Nacogdoches, pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

Joshua Deshon Scott, 18, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen firearms following the burglary of a Beaumont pawn shop.

James Christopher Moffett, 55, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Carlton Hollins, 55, a Longview tax preparer, pleaded guilty to making false statements on federal tax returns.

Bradley Broussard, 38, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm while robbing a tobacco store.

A federal grand jury returned a 19-count indictment charging five Beaumont men with drug trafficking and firearms violations related to a marijuana conspiracy. A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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