Category: MIL-OSI

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Farmington Marijuana Conspirators Convicted at Trial

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Lucas Sirois and Robert Sirois were convicted of conspiring to distribute marijuana; Lucas Sirois was also convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, as well as bank and tax fraud

BANGOR, Maine: Lucas Sirois, 45, and his father, Robert Sirois, 71, both of Farmington, were found guilty on November 18 in U.S. District Court in Bangor of multiple charges arising from their participation in a lengthy conspiracy to cultivate and distribute vast quantities of marijuana. The verdicts followed a five-day jury trial.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least 2016 through July 2020, Lucas Sirois was the leader of a conspiracy that involved the cultivation and distribution of well in excess of 8,000 kilograms of marijuana from just one of several industrial grow locations he operated through corporate shell companies Lakemont LLC, Sandy River Properties LLC, and Spruce Valley LLC. Each corporation was found guilty of operating a drug premises.

Robert Sirois was also found guilty of participating in the conspiracy, based on his involvement at the grow facility located at 374 High Street in Farmington, referred to by the conspiracy members as the Shoe Shop. The Shoe Shop was divided into multiple rooms, and cooperating witnesses estimated that it produced upwards of 50 pounds a week of marijuana throughout the conspiracy period.

Five of the defendants’ drug coconspirators, including four cooperating defendants and one immunized witness, testified over the five-day trial. One cooperating defendant testified that for a three-year period, he purchased more than 30 pounds a week of marijuana for between $900 and $1500 per pound from Lucas Sirois, which he supplied to mid-level drug dealers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Lucas Sirois was also convicted of two counts of tax fraud, and one count of bank fraud at trial. Lucas Sirois’s tax preparer, Kenneth Allen, who had previously pleaded guilty to tax fraud himself for his role in the conspiracy, testified that at Sirois’s direction, he created false transactions among Sirois’s companies in order to zero-out more than $400,000 in federal taxes Lucas Sirois owed for 2017 and 2018. Multiple witnesses testified that Lucas Sirois had lied to a local credit union when he opened accounts there in order to hide that he was in the marijuana business. Millions of dollars in marijuana proceeds flowed through those accounts during the conspiracy period.

Robert Sirois was acquitted of one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Lucas Sirois faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, and up to a $10 million fine. Robert Sirois faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Both men will be sentenced after the completion of presentence investigative reports by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine their sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Trial proceeded in this case only after a lengthy evidentiary hearing on the defendants’ motion to enjoin the prosecution and subsequent litigation, including interlocutory review by the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. In the context of that litigation, the district court found, and the court of appeals affirmed, that the Sirois defendants had been unable to establish that they complied with Maine’s medical marijuana regime in force during the conspiracy period.

In addition to Lucas and Robert Sirois, the following individuals have been convicted of federal crimes for their roles in this case: Randal Cousineau, Alisa Sirois, Brandon Dagnese, Kenneth Allen, former Rangeley Assemblyman David Burgess, former sheriff’s deputies Derreck Doucette and Bradley Scovil, and former prosecutor Kayla Alves, who was convicted of destroying evidence related to the investigation in 2022.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI, and local and state partners investigated the case.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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Hamden Woman Charged with Child Sex Trafficking Offenses

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that JAMIRA DENISE MYERS, also known as “Chocolate,” 42, of Hamden, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of minors, forced labor and attempted forced labor of minors, and obstruction and attempted obstruction of sex trafficking enforcement.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in July 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) reported to the New Haven Police Department that images of a 16-year-old girl had been seen on skipthegames.com, a website that advertises commercial sex services.  An HSI Task Force investigation revealed that Myers used the website to post advertisements for sexual services involving the 16-year-old girl and at least four other minor girls between the ages of 14 and 17.  Myers arranged meetings between clients and the minors and transported the minors to the meetings, including hotel rooms she rented.  Myers initially instructed the minors to rob clients upon meeting them, splitting the stolen money with the minors.  She later directed at least one minor girl to engage in sexual acts with clients.

Myers was arrested on October 10, 2025, and is currently detained.  If convicted of the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the New Haven Police Department and the Watertown Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Daniel P. Gordon.

To report information that may be helpful to the investigation and prosecution of this matter, please call the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.  To report cases of child exploitation, please visit https://report.cybertip.org.

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Final Defendant Sentenced in Major Wiregrass Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer, with the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Division, announced the final sentencing in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that spanned Alabama’s Wiregrass region. On November 4, 2025, 45-year-old Terrell Edwards, of Ozark, Alabama, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Following his prison term, Edwards will serve three years of supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.

According to court records, in the spring of 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with multiple local law enforcement partners, launched an investigation into suspected drug trafficking by 46-year-old Terrance Edwards — Terrell Edwards’s brother — in Dale and Houston counties. Investigators determined that fifteen individuals, including the Edwards brothers, were involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for bringing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into the Wiregrass for distribution. Twelve members of the organization were indicted in June 2024, and three additional members were indicted in August 2024.

During the investigation, agents identified Terrance Edwards, also of Ozark, as a major participant who played a significant leadership role within the conspiracy. On March 13, 2025, Terrance Edwards was sentenced to 408 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Other members of the conspiracy and their sentences include:

  • Deondre Ferebee, 43, of Ozark, Alabama – 210 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Carlos Olivo Ynirio-Sanchez, 24, of the Dominican Republic – 168 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Anthony Williams, 46, of Ozark, Alabama – 156 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Michael Sanford, 54, of Brundidge, Alabama – 150 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Corey Jones, 39, of Midland City, Alabama – 144 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Frazier Franklin, 47, of Dothan, Alabama – 120 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Kevin McLeod, 48, of Enterprise, Alabama – 120 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Aaron Jiles, 46, of Ozark, Alabama – 84 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Cornelius Kilow, 48, of Ariton, Alabama – 84 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Kevon Green, 37, of Ozark, Alabama – 67 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Dontavia Barrow, 46, of Brundidge, Alabama – 60 months in prison; four years of supervised release
  • Palmere Ritter, 39, of Dothan, Alabama – 44 months in prison; five years of supervised release
  • Willie C. Matthews, 55, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida – 30 months in prison; three years of supervised release

“The Edwards brothers and their co-conspirators flooded the Wiregrass with illegal narcotics,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Their sentences reflect our commitment to protecting the people of this district from those who endanger our communities through drug trafficking.”

“This sentencing marks the successful conclusion of a significant investigation that has dismantled a major drug trafficking organization,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Hofer. “For too long, these individuals poisoned our communities with large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The substantial sentences handed down send a clear message: the DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to aggressively pursuing and bringing to justice those who profit from drug distribution. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and health of the citizens in Alabama and across the New Orleans Division.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Eufaula Police Department, Dothan Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Dale County Sheriff’s Office, and Ozark Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson and Mark Andreu.

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Four men arrested and charged with illegal re-entry

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BUFFALO, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that four defendants were charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaints are:

  • Salvador Vargas Nava, 43, a native and citizen of Mexico. On October 20, 2025, Vargas Nava was pulled over by law enforcement for running two stop signs in Concord, NY. When questioned, Vargas Nava did not possess valid immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. Vargas Nava was physically removed from the United States in July 2009.
  • Juver Vidal Quex Tocora, 29, a native and citizen of Guatemala. On October 20, 2025, law enforcement encountered Quex Tocora in Amherst, NY. When questioned, he did not possess valid immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. Quex Tocora was physically removed from the United States in May 2013.
  • Jose de Jesus Rodiguez Esparza, 32, and Mauricio Rangel Rangel, 48, both natives and citizens of Mexico. On October 16, 2025, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop of two vehicles in West Seneca, NY, associated with a company that transported and hired illegal aliens. The vehicle Rangel Rangel was riding in pulled over and when asked by law enforcement, he stated that he did not have any valid immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. Rangel Rangel was physically removed from the United States in October 2014. The vehicle Rodiguez Esparza was riding in pulled over, but the occupants attempted to flee. Law enforcement caught up to Rodiguez Esparza, who did not possess any valid immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. He was physically removed from the United States in September 2016.

The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and were detained.

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 complaints are the culmination of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

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Baltimore Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cocaine Possession

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Linnard Wortham, 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 140 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Judge Bredar also sentenced Wortham to an additional 16 months for violating the terms of a previous supervised release agreement. Wortham’s previous supervised release stemmed from 2015 racketeering conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances convictions. He received a total sentence of 156 months today.  

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office; Chief Robert O. McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Secretary Carolyn Scruggs, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), and Chief Richard Worley, Baltimore City Police Department (BPD).

According to the guilty plea, in 2023, multiple federal agencies partnered to investigate a Baltimore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that was distributing large quantities of cocaine.  During the investigation, agents monitored one of the DTO’s stash locations, an apartment in Baltimore, Maryland.  Agents installed a covert camera in the public common hallway area, positioning it to capture people entering and exiting from the stash location’s front door.

As agents monitored the camera, they observed activity consistent with drug trafficking. This included a constant flow of people entering the apartment for a short duration and then leaving with bags of suspected drugs or concealed objects inside their clothing consistent with the shape and size of kilogram packages of drugs.

On October 11, 2023, agents surveilled the stash location via the convert camera. The DTO’s leader opened the door, and another individual exited the stash location with a large duffle bag.  Agents followed the individual as he placed the duffle bag into a sedan. The individual then drove to Dolfield Avenue and parked next to a SUV driven by Wortham.  Then the individual placed a duffle bag in Wortham’s trunk.

Wortham left the area as agents followed behind. Prior to agents attempting to conduct a traffic stop, Wortham abruptly stopped, bolted out of the vehicle, and then fled on foot.  After a brief pursuit, agents apprehended Wortham. 

As agents pursued Wortham, a different group of investigators approached the vehicle Wortham abandoned in the middle of the street.  Law enforcement opened the trunk and discovered the duffle bag contained 19-kilogram packages of cocaine.  Additionally, law enforcement recovered four cell phones from the vehicle.

Agents obtained a search warrant for Wortham’s phones and discovered a text message exchange with the DTO’s leader.  Their text exchange, which occurred the morning of October 11, corroborated the drug deal that agents observed.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, HSI, IRS-CI, BCPD, DPSCS, and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin C. Miner who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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Alamo woman admits to international drug trafficking

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 48-year-old U.S. citizen has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

On June 11, authorities stopped Marina Saenz for speeding as she drove a white BMW SUV in Live Oak County. A K-9 alerted to the vehicle, and law enforcement discovered a hidden aftermarket compartment in the rear hatch containing 29 bricks of cocaine weighing 35.5 kilograms.

Saenz admitted she picked up the cocaine in Mexico and brought it across the border through the Progreso Port of Entry. She also said she planned to deliver the drugs to North Carolina for $10,000. 

Saenz also admitted making previous trips that involved similar large amounts of cocaine.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing Feb. 24, 2026. At that time, Saenz faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

She has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.

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BAKER MAN INDICTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced that a federal grand jury recently returned a three-count indictment charging Kevontae Kendell Joseph Reed, age 30, of Baker, Louisiana, with production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Reed appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges.

According to the Indictment, on two different occasions in January and February of 2024, Reed employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. Additionally, he possessed a black iPhone containing images of child pornography on the relevant dates.

If convicted of the production of child pornography charges, Reed faces a minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, and up to thirty years, a $250,000 fine, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. If convicted of the possession of child pornography charge, he faces a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, a $250,000 fine, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. In addition to supervised release, Reed will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations and Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Vick and Edward H. Warner, who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief.

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, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea. 

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Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Mailing Drug-laced Books to Inmates

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

CLEVELAND – A Lucas County man has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison for his role in soaking the pages of books in illegal drugs to ship to inmates at local a prison.

Austin Siebert, 30, of Maumee, Ohio, was sentenced to 140 months (approximately 11 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent after pleading guilty in August to the following charges as outlined in the indictment:

  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; prior convictions include Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs in 2018 and Robbery in 2021.
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Siebert was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release after imprisonment. Judge Nugent imposed the sentence Nov. 18.

According to court documents, prison officials at the Grafton Correctional Institution in Lorain County discovered that Siebert was in regular communication with several inmates and mailing books to them. Prison investigators seized suspicious book packages which were then sent to a forensic lab for analysis. The seized contraband tested positive for the presence of synthetic cannabinoids such as 5-Fluoro-ADB and MDMB-4en-PINACA. Subsequently, a federal search warrant was executed at Siebert’s residence in Maumee where agents seized a paperback book suspected of being soaked with narcotics; a loaded Bersa Thunder, .380 semiautomatic pistol; several bags containing suspected drugs in pill and powder forms; a book binding machine; and package mailing labels.

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Grafton Correctional Institution.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Segev Phillips for the Northern District of Ohio.

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KC Man Sentenced to 115 Months for Illegally Possessing Firearm

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

Shannon J. Price, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 115 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Price has multiple prior felony convictions.

On July 28, 2023, Price was a convicted felon who was on probation for aggravated assault for unlawfully and knowingly placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm with a deadly weapon.

On that day, law enforcement officers were investigating a stolen automobile ring. They saw that Price was driving a stolen vehicle, so they surveilled him. Price drove this stolen vehicle to a convenience store in the afternoon. He then entered the store with a loaded firearm when other customers were present. When he spotted law enforcement officers, he hid this loaded firearm on a low shelf in the store, where anyone could have retrieved it. Law enforcement officers took Price into custody and found the firearm before anyone else did. Surveillance video captured the incident.

This case is being prosecuted by Department of Justice Trial Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam. It was investigated by the FBI.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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Sioux City Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possession With Intent to Distribute Meth

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Jon Waugh, 55, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced November 17, 2025, to 188 months’ imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location.  Waugh pled guilty June 12, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

On August 14, 2024, police arrested Waugh outside his apartment, when Waugh was searched, police found approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine and $854 in cash.  Police also searched Waugh’s residence and seized over a kilogram of pure methamphetamine, a scale with meth residue, drug paraphernalia, and four firearms, one of which was stolen.  At the plea hearing, Waugh admitted he planned to distribute the methamphetamine to other individuals in Sioux City.  Waugh’s residence was within 1,000 feet of a protected location, specifically a local elementary school in Sioux City. 

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Waugh was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a term of ten years of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Waugh remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

The case file number is 24-4058.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.