Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Saul De La Cruz Admitted to Participating in a Criminal Enterprise That Committed Bribery and Theft

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Defendant possessed more than 50,000 digital files containing child porn

AUGUSTA, GA:  On September 25, 2025, a Columbia County resident was sentenced to federal prison for possessing child pornography. 

Perry Jason Ward, 27, of Evans, Georgia, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possessing images of sexual exploitation of children, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.  U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Ward to register as a sex offender, pay $96,000 in restitution, pay $200 in special assessments, and serve15 years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term.

“Protecting our children means stopping the creation and distribution of any materials that sexually exploits them,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, Defendant Ward is being held responsible for his reprehensible actions.”

As described in court documents and at sentencing, Defendant Ward used the internet to obtain 45,792 images and 4,609 videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).  The CSAM in his possession included images of infants, toddlers, and pre-pubescent children, some of which were subjected to bondage and other horrific acts of abuse. 

The CSAM was discovered after the Columbia County Sherriff’s Office received multiple CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and using that information, obtained and executed a search warrant on Ward’s residence in October of 2023.  Ward faces additional charges for other conduct in Columbia County Superior Court.  

“Crimes that exploit children are among the most disturbing cases we investigate,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “This sentence reflects our commitment to pursuing those who traffic in child sexual abuse material and ensuring they are held accountable. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect children and remove predators from our communities.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. Blanchard.

Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Defendant pretended to be a minor on social media to communicate with a 14-year-old

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MINNEAPOLIS – Anthony John Crowley, 52, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, pled guilty in federal court today to Possession of Child Pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

“Anthony Crowley’s crimes against children are a disgrace,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.  “In the last few months, we have seen a rash of law enforcement officers, public officials, and others in positions of trust abusing children.  I have zero tolerance for this betrayal. This office will not relent in holding powerful predators to account.”

According to court documents, Crowley, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, knowingly possessed one or more images which contained visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  In 2022, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) received a cyber tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).  The tip informed them that someone was using the Kik application to upload child pornography images.  The Kik user ID was linked to Crowley’s phone number and email address.  Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Crowley’s home and seized his electronic devices.  On those devices, law enforcement found numerous child pornography images and what are known as “child erotica” stories.  

Crowley pled guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Lauren M. Provinzino.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date.  Crowley remains detained pending his sentencing.  At the time of his crimes and of his arrest, Crowley was a U.S. Customers and Border Protection Officer.  He is now on indefinite suspension.

“As a Customs and Border Protection Officer, Crowley was in a position of public trust.  To betray that trust by possessing child sexual abuse material is an egregious perversion of the honor, integrity, and lawfulness that should exemplify federal agents,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis.  “Protecting children is our highest calling.  This case, made possible by a courageous public tipster and the excellent work of the FBI, BCA, and Minnetonka PD, should send a clear message to anyone who would abuse or exploit children—no matter your position or power, there is no hiding.  You will be found and brought to justice.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for their investigation and hard work on this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline is prosecuting the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

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

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

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

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

Operation Take Back America

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

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Chicago, Illinois man was convicted of multiple drug charges for leading a drug distribution organization that transported fentanyl from Chicago, Illinois, to Weirton, West Virginia.

Gerald Henry, also known as “Unc,” age 41, was found guilty of two counts involving the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine. The testimony at trial established that Henry transported large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine to Hancock County, West Virginia for sale and distribution.  Investigators seized more than 400 grams of fentanyl from a search of Henry’s Weirton residence.

Henry faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison for each of the charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Jasmine MCullough, 41, of Chicago, Illinois; Stephen Price, 40, of Chicago, Illinois; Daniel Pail Truax, 47, of Weirton, West Virginia; Paula Jean Truax, 44, of Weirton, West Virginia; and William Dean Tredway, 35, of Colliers, West Virginia have each previously entered guilty pleas for their roles in the drug operation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Investigative agencies include the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; the West Virginia State Police; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office; the Steubenville, Ohio, Police Department;  and the Wheeling Police Department.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

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

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

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

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

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

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas P. Allen, Sr., age 44, of Granville, New York, pled guilty on Monday to transportation of child pornography.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

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

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

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

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

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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