Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Marlon Jefferson Fajardo-Paiz (33, Guatemala) has pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien. Fajardo-Paiz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the CSAM offense and 2 years on the immigration charge. Fajardo-Paiz is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.  

According to the plea agreement, Fajardo-Paiz is a citizen and national of Guatemala. He was previously removed from the United States on July 20, 2018, and has never received permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for readmission to the United States. On April 24, 2025, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Fajardo-Paiz during an investigation of a Cybertip relating to the upload of CSAM. Fajardo-Paiz told investigators he had participated in viewing, downloading, and transmitting CSAM. A subsequent search of Fajardo-Paiz’s phone revealed at least 20 items of CSAM.

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Tajmir Wyles (New Jersey, 31) has pleaded guilty to robbery of a postal mail carrier and receipt, possession or concealment of stolen property of the United States. Wyles faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, on May 15, 2023, Wyles robbed a postal letter carrier of his master keys while he was delivering mail at a shopping center. After a physical altercation over the keys, Wyles successfully fled the scene with the keys. In July 2023, Wyles was arrested in Dallas, Texas. Wyles was found with a binder of checks, stolen from the Middle District of Florida, as well as the master keys stolen in May 2023.  

This case was investigated by the Unites States Postal Inspection Service in Tampa, Florida, and Fort Worth, Texas, the Tampa Police Department, and the Dallas Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

This case was investigated by the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kimani Brennen Fletcher (26, Covington, GA) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Fletcher faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, between April 15, 2024, and April 22, 2024, co-conspirators of Fletcher placed telephone calls to victims in which they falsely and fraudulently identified themselves as members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The victims were told they had outstanding warrants and needed to pay money to avoid arrest. Fletcher posed as a bail bondsman and picked up money from these victims in the Middle District of Florida. Once Fletcher received the fraud proceeds, he provided the money to his co-conspirators. In total, Fletcher obtained approximately $40,800 in fraud proceeds.       

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Hillsborough County Sherrif office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Jordan Johnson, 28, of Washington, D.C., today, to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for involuntary manslaughter. Additionally, Judge Xinis ordered Johnson to pay $12,000 of restitution to the family. The sentence is in connection with a fatal car crash on the Clara Barton Park that claimed the life of a 23-year-old man.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Chief Scott Brecht, United States Park Police (USPP).

On March 20, 2022, at about 4:45 a.m., Johnson was driving on the Clara Barton Parkway, in Montgomery County, Maryland, when he struck two vehicles that were in the roadway. Both cars were involved in a separate crash.  Victim 1 was one of the individuals involved in the original car crash, but died on impact when struck by Johnson’s vehicle.  Victim 1 was pronounced dead at the scene.

Immediately following the crash, Johnson and his passenger walked away from the scene towards Washington, D.C., where Johnson resides.  Law enforcement responded to the scene of the collision and broadcasted a description of Johnson and his passenger to local law enforcement agencies.  Then USPP spotted them approximately a half mile away from the crash scene. 

Johnson’s passenger told law enforcement officers that as she and Johnson walked away from the crash site, she saw the victim on the ground bleeding. Johnson later told law enforcement that they left the scene because he knew authorities would identify him from the paperwork associated with the apartment complex that he borrowed the car from.

A USPP crash reconstructionist concluded that Johnson traveled between 95 and 99 miles per hour in the five seconds prior to the crash. The posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour. As result of the speed he was driving, Johnson was unable to observe and perceive the vehicles stopped ahead.  Additionally, Johnson drove recklessly during the entirety of his recorded trip, spanning approximately 40 minutes prior to this crash.  The crash reconstructionist concluded that Johnson’s high rate of speed was a major contributing factor to the crash.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPP for its work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaShanta Harris and Ellen Nazmy who prosecuted this federal case.

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

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby sentenced Jeffrey Boston, 43, of Washington D.C., to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) – Baltimore Field Division, and Chief David Morris, Cheverly Police Department.

According to the plea agreement, on May 22, 2024, a Cheverly police officer responded to a 911 welfare-check call at a Cheverly, Maryland, intersection.  Upon arrival to the scene, the officer approached Boston who was laying on his back on the grass near a bench.  The officer tapped on Boston’s chest a few times, then took Boston’s arm and shook it, before asking him if he could hear him. Boston responded by lightly groaning, so the officer called in an ambulance to police dispatch.

Then the officer asked Boston if his chest hurt and again Boston grumbled in the affirmative.  The officer then reached down and began repositioning Boston on his side to help him with his breathing.  As the officer moved Boston, he discovered a black firearm partially visible in Boston’s waistband on his right hip.  The officer removed the handgun and eight rounds of ammunition.  Additionally, the firearm had a chambered round.  Boston, who has at least one prior felony conviction, is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and Cheverly Police Department for their work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Oki who prosecuted the case.

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

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Demetrius Alpha Omega Murray, 33, has been indicted in federal court in a six-count Indictment for interstate communication of threats to injure children.  John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Murray appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his arraignment in federal court on December 4, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is set for February 2, 2026, before United States District Judge Robert Hinkle.

If convicted, Murray faces a maximum of five years imprisonment on each threat count.

The case was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K Mountin.

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. 

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

BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a registered sex offender to 35 years’ imprisonment after he admitted to distributing child pornography and obscene material to a minor.

Edward J. Bates, 57, most recently of Olney, Illinois, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of distribution of child pornography, two counts of attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, and one count of offense by a registered sex offender. Following imprisonment, Bates will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.

“The only thing worse than child sex offenses is an armed repeat offender,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This 35-year sentence underscores our commitment to seeking the most significant sentences possible for those who endanger kids.”

According to court documents, Bates distributed child pornography in Richland County on January 26, 2022. In April 2023, he transferred sexually explicit material to a 10-year-old minor. On June 4, 2024, Bates was found in possession of two firearms and ammunition as a felon.

Bates was previously convicted of two separate child pornography offenses and was therefore required to register as a sex offender. The Government seized a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition.

The Richland County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri Highway Patrol, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that HUGO RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Juice,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken to 15 years in prison for his role as “Duarte,” or leader, of the violent gang Own Every Dollar (“OED”). 

“Too many New York neighborhoods are plagued by gang violence and drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “New Yorkers deserve better.  The women and men of our Office will continue to target gun violence and drug trafficking.”

As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:

RODRIGUEZ served as the “Duarte” of OED, a subset of the Trinitarios gang based in and around the Washington Heights area of Manhattan.  The prosecution in this case has involved the convictions of 22 members of OED for five murders, more than 10 attempted murders, multiple robberies, and the control and operation of an extensive drug trafficking network that sold large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine.

RODRIGUEZ served time for New York state convictions involving a shooting and the possession of dangerous contraband while in jail.  While on parole after his release, he attempted to murder a gang rival in broad daylight in Washington Heights on August 12, 2021.  He also engaged in a gunpoint robbery on February 14, 2022, in Washington Heights, in which a victim was pistol-whipped, and trafficked narcotics, including heroin, while on parole.

Since his August 1, 2022, arrest in this case, he has been detained pretrial in federal prison.  During that time, he has been sanctioned for fighting, testing positive for methamphetamine, and possessing an 11-inch shiv.  He has also been separately prosecuted and convicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for a jail assault.

For much of his time in OED, RODRIGUEZ held the role of “Duarte,” which is the highest leadership role in the gang.

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In addition to the prison term, RODRIGUEZ, 29, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the New York State Police, and the NYPD Task Force Officers assigned to this Office for their assistance in the investigation.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Kevin Mead, Ashley C. Nicolas, and Alexandra Messiter are in charge of the prosecution.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Matthew Allen Kitchen, 39, of Youngstown, Florida, was sentenced to five years in prison for receipt of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence today.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The distribution of child sexual abuse material has the effect of re-victimizing the exploited children each and every time the image, video, or depiction is shared. I deeply appreciate the dedication of our state and federal law enforcement partners who tirelessly investigate these cases to keep our children safe from predators like this defendant, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these cases with the full force of the law.”

Court documents reflect that while conducting undercover activities law enforcement officers determined that child pornography was being disseminated over the internet via a peer-to-peer network. An internet protocol address assigned to the defendant’s residence in Youngstown, Florida, was identified. On March 13, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed. Law enforcement located the defendant’s laptop, which contained numerous files of child pornography.  

“This sentence reinforces our commitment to protecting our children from predators who exploit children on the internet,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno. “Transmitting child sexual abuse material is abhorrent and a serious crime with lasting consequences for its victims. This outcome reflects the hard work of HSI investigators, our law enforcement partners, and prosecutors, and serves as a clear warning that anyone who targets children online will be held fully accountable.”

The defendant’s imprisonment will be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay restitution to victims, and he will be required to register as a sex offender. 

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice 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 available 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.