Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BOSTON – A Chicago man has been arrested and charged with allegedly sexually exploiting a 14-year-old minor victim from Massachusetts.

Joshua Rogers, 30, of Chicago, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of sexual exploitation of children. Roger was arrested this morning in Chicago and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the charging documents, in July 2025, local law enforcement in Brookline were notified of an individual purporting to be a 17-year-old boy named ‘John’ – allegedly later identified as Rogers – engaging in sexually explicit communications with a 14-year-old female minor victim via Snapchat. A review of cell phone data allegedly revealed numerous explicit communications from Rogers in which he allegedly coerced the minor to engage in sexually explicit acts – many of which he demanded be documented by photo or video. It is further alleged that, in his communications, Rogers discussed kidnapping the minor or the minor running away.

The charge of sexual exploitation of minors (and attempt and conspiracy) provides for a at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chief Jennifer Paster of the Brookline Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Hammond, In., man has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana in Daviess County, Missouri.

Nickolas J Burch, 36, was charged and had his initial appearance yesterday in a two-count criminal complaint. Burch was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents, on Nov. 15, 2025, a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper was conducting routine patrol on I-35 northbound in Daviess County. He observed a black sport utility vehicle (SUV) overtaking his vehicle from the rear at 103 miles per hour. After the MSHP Trooper attempted to stop the SUV, it attempted to flee at a high rate of speed, ultimately reaching 128 miles per hour before crashing into a field.

Immediately after the crash the driver, later identified as Burch, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, carrying a red duffle bag over his shoulder.  After a foot pursuit and resistance by Burch, law enforcement was ultimately able to take Burch into custody.

A red duffle bag was recovered from the field, which was dropped by Burch during the pursuit. and searched. Law enforcement located $205,950 in United States Currency.

A second duffel bag was in the second row of the SUV which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine and 18 pounds of marijuana.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith. was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Daviess County, Missouri Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NEW BERN, N.C. – On September 30, a federal judge sentenced a Raleigh man to one year and a day for importing and selling thousands of counterfeit car airbags into the Raleigh area over the past two years. The defendant, Mateen Mohammad Alinaghian, 31, sold the counterfeit airbags locally and to online buyers through Facebook Marketplace.  The court also ordered Alinaghian to pay restitution in the amount of $83,405.95 to the victims who unknowingly purchased a counterfeit airbag, and to the car manufacturers, and forfeit $154,693.16.

“Selling fake airbags recklessly puts our citizens in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “This sentence makes clear that we do not tolerate criminals who endanger drivers on our roads. We will keep working with our partners to take these threats off the streets and out of our cars.”

“Unregulated and untested counterfeit airbags threaten the safety of the traveling public and place unsuspecting consumers at significant risk,” said Greg Thompson, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Region. “Today’s sentencing underscores DOT-OIG’s commitment to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to keep these dangerous products out of the nation’s vehicles and off our roads”

“This case spotlights the serious consumer health and safety dangers posed by many counterfeit products like fake vehicle airbags and exemplifies the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting public safety and bringing counterfeiters to justice,” said Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Alinaghian, imported approximately 2,500 counterfeit air bags into Raleigh between May 2022 and April 2024.  Alinaghian imported airbags with counterfeit markings of Honda, Chevrolet, General Motors, and Toyota, from a supplier in the United Kingdom.  Alinaghian then sold the counterfeit airbags to unsuspecting customers using the Facebook Marketplace seller profile of “Matt AutoParts” or “Medo Smith” to advertise and sell the counterfeit airbags.  

According to testing done by Honda, General Motors, and Toyota, the steering wheel airbags obtained and sold by Alinaghian were not manufactured by the car companies and often included materials of lesser quality. In testing, the counterfeit airbags often malfunctioned, either not fully inflating or worse, inflating late – posing a potentially serious risk of injury to the vehicle driver.

The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General.  The investigation included a search of Alinaghian’s house, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 counterfeit airbags, and multiple seizures by Customs and Border Control of in-bound packages from the United Kingdom containing counterfeit airbags en route to Alinaghian. 

After identifying that Alinaghian was importing the counterfeit airbags from a source in the United Kingdom, HSI contacted law enforcement abroad.  As a result, the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PICU) executed a search warrant on September 19, 2024, PICU officers searched two residential and one business address and seized a total of 500 counterfeit airbags and an estimated £140,000 in cash.  Three men were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to distribute counterfeit goods. The UK investigation is still ongoing.   

Although not specifically linked to this case, according to a consumer alert published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), three people in the U.S. were killed and two people suffered injuries from September 2023 to July 2024 as a result of their vehicles being fitted with substandard replacement airbags.

Individuals who suspect they purchased a counterfeit airbag should consult their brand’s dealership or a reputable mechanic to determine if the parts need to be replaced, and report it to their local Homeland Security Investigations office or submit an online complaint to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton prosecuted the case. The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the N.C. Secretary of State Trademark Enforcement Division or Anti-Counterfeit Task Force.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-00013-FL.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Che Rose, 39, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on December 2, 2025.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2024 through in and around June 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rose conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures and substances containing fentanyl and cocaine base in the form commonly known as “crack.”

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2026. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Laurel Highlands Resident Agency’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rose.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MISSOULA – A Belgrade woman accused of harboring illegal individuals admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Eustolia Casarreal-Morales, 56, pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens. Casarreal-Morales faces up to 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release for each illegal alien involved in the offense.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 8, 2026, in Missoula, Montana. Casarreal-Morales was released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in 2023, law enforcement debriefed two sources who described how they were smuggled into the United States from Mexico. Once here, these individuals explained they were eventually smuggled to Montana and provided jobs. They identified individuals in the Bozeman area who were involved in their smuggling. The investigation revealed Casarreal-Morales was in contact with at least one of the key smugglers identified by the sources of information listed above.

Beginning in May 2025 law enforcement identified a residence in Belgrade suspected of housing illegal aliens. Through investigative steps, law enforcement secured a search warrant for the residence and executed it on August 12, 2025. Twelve individuals who were in the United States illegally were discovered inside the residence, as was Casarreal-Morales. Also discovered were payments ledgers, false identification documents, and documents relating to Casarreal-Morales, and other materials. Casarreal-Morales provided a brief statement at the scene, indicating she was aware the individuals in the house were not legally in the United States and that was wrong.

Some of the 12 individuals were interviewed. They explained how, depending on the individual, they initially entered the United States through a proper visa that since expired or were smuggled into the United States. They outlined how they were then smuggled or made their way to the residence in Belgrade for the purpose of securing work. They indicated they paid monthly rent to Casarreal-Morales to live at that house.

Additional interviews outlined how the individuals came to the United States and ended up working in the Belgrade area while paying Casarreal-Morales rent. At least two of those witnesses indicated Casarreal-Morales knew the smuggler referenced above. Critically, three of those witnesses also outlined how she sold them fake identification documents.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.

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.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SAN ANTONIO – A previously convicted felon was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 25 years in prison for possessing nearly 10,000 fentanyl pills intended for distribution along with a firearm.

According to court documents, Tyrell Ezekiel Darden, 25, of San Antonio, had two active felony arrest warrants from other matters. When law enforcement executed those warrants in July 2023, Darden was found attempting to flush dozens of blue pills down a toilet. In addition to the flushed pills, law enforcement officers found Darden in possession of more than 9,800 fentanyl pills that were shaped to look like Oxycodone pills and containing the “M30” stamp commonly associated with Oxycodone pills. Officers also discovered multiple firearms in the residence, including several that had been stolen, as well as $4,703 in U.S. currency and other high value items such as jewelry.

Darden was indicted on Nov. 1, 2023, for one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  He was arrested on Nov. 9, 2023, and pleaded guilty to both charges on June 18, 2025.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Alamo Heights Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury has indicted a Jefferson County woman for setting fire to an apartment unit, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Shun’derrika Kimberly Peoples, 20, of Birmingham, Alabama, with arson. The incident occurred at The Union at Cooper Hill apartment complex on August 25, 2025.

The ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Lee Gilmer is prosecuting the case.

An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the December Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Roy C Adams. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Adams, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-455

Andres Avila Pineda; Anthony Avila. Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy; Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearms. Andres, 48, a Mexican national, and Anthony, 22, of Houston, Texas, are charged with conspiring with others to transport firearms knowing that possession would constitute a felony. Andres is further charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Dowdell and Kenneth Elmore are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-460

Jose Cruz-Cordova. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Cruz-Cordova, 37, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Oct. 2019. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-461

Adrian Parker Gaines. Production of Child Pornography. Gaines, 38, of Grove, is charged with using a minor child to produce a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-454

Nieves Norberto Garcia-Rodriguez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Rodriguez, 44, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2010 and Dec. 2015. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-462

Leonel Longoria-Quirino. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Longoria-Quirino, 32, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Oct. 2017. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-459

Waymer Emeterio Orozco-Orozco. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Orozco-Orozco, 27, a Guatemalan national, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. He is additionally charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed in Jan. 2019. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-453

Sequoyah Blake Tanner.  Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. Tanner, 23, of Tulsa 
and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with driving a motor vehicle after consuming marijuana and alcohol, and killing Zion Joseph Sier. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-452

Rovin Alexail Vasquez-Cinto. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm. Vasquez-Cinto, 27, a Guatemalan national, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-451

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SHERMAN, Texas –An Oklahoma City woman has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Maria Garcia, 59, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 1, 2025.

According to information presented in court, from April 2021 to November 2022, Garcia was involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. These drugs were smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border where they were then stored at various locations in Texas before being distributed elsewhere throughout the United States.  Garcia would coordinate with others in Mexico to receive kilograms of methamphetamine from the drug trafficking organization in Oklahoma.

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.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – William Blas Hernandez, 28, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty to three federal offenses: (1) possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; (2) carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime; and (3) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I commend the excellent work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to stop this serial felon from continuing to peddle deadly drugs in our community. My office has zero tolerance for these types of repeat offenders who endanger our communities with their brazen disregard for the law, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes to ensure criminals like this defendant are kept off our streets.”

Court documents reflect that law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle because he was speeding, and his vehicle matched the description from a 911 caller who reported other criminal conduct. During the traffic stop, officers established probable cause to search the vehicle. There, they found the defendant’s backpack with a loaded pistol, over 50 grams of methamphetamine in a variety of forms, and other drug-distribution paraphernalia. The defendant was recently released from a prison sentence for eight prior felony convictions.

Hernandez now faces a minimum of ten years and up to life in federal prison. Following his release, he will be on supervised release for at least four years.  

The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 10:00 am in Gainesville, Florida, before Chief United States District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.

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.

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.