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Source: United States Department of Justice

DEL RIO, Texas – A Uvalde man was sentenced in a federal court to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, on Feb. 3, 2021, Gabriel Garcia, 38, used the messaging app known as Kik to upload a video containing prepubescent child sexual abuse material (CSAM). An investigation revealed the account belonged to Garcia, and on Nov. 14, 2022, agents executed a federal search warrant on his home in Uvalde. A forensic analysis of Garcia’s cell phone revealed 67 images and six video files containing prepubescent CSAM that he had received using the Kik messenger app.

Garcia was arrested Nov. 14, 2022, and pleaded guilty June 26, 2023. He was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses.

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

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nallely Duarte 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. 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 www.justice.gov/psc.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Today, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reached an agreement with Northwestern University (Northwestern) to safeguard its students, employees, and faculty from unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin, including race-based admissions practices and a hostile educational environment directed toward Jewish students.

As part of the agreement, Northwestern University will pay $75 million to the United States through 2028. Northwestern agrees to adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws, ensuring that the university does not preference individuals based on race, color, or national origin in admissions, scholarships, hiring, or promotion. Northwestern shall maintain clear policies and procedures relating to demonstrations, protests, displays, and other expressive activities, as well as implement mandatory antisemitism training for all students, faculty, and staff.

Northwestern’s President and Chair of the Board of Trustees shall each certify under penalty of perjury each quarter the university’s full compliance with the agreement. The United States shall close pending investigations and treat Northwestern as eligible for future grants, contracts, and awards.

“Today’s settlement marks another victory in the Trump Administration’s fight to ensure that American educational institutions protect Jewish students and put merit first,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Institutions that accept federal funds are obligated to follow civil rights law — we are grateful to Northwestern for negotiating this historic deal.”

“Universities that receive federal funding have a responsibility to comply with the law, including protecting against racial discrimination and antisemitism,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate the significant improvements Northwestern has made and are gratified to reach an agreement that safeguards of rights of all the university’s applicants, students, and employees.”

“The Northwestern agreement is a huge win for current and future Northwestern students, alumni, faculty, and for the future of American higher education,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “The deal cements policy changes that ‘will protect students and other members of the campus from harassment and discrimination,’ and it recommits the school to merit-based hiring and admissions. The reforms reflect bold leadership at Northwestern, and they are a roadmap for institutional leaders around the country that will help rebuild public trust in our colleges and universities. Congrats to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and all those involved in negotiating this landmark deal!”

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Earlier this week, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to void the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s 2024 air quality standard for particulate matter, because EPA recognizes that it took an unlawful regulatory shortcut in imposing the rule.

The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to conduct a thorough review of the underlying science before revising an air quality standard. Under the previous administration, the EPA decided it could not be bothered to do the science, so it took an illegal regulatory shortcut to adopt a stifling and costly national air quality standard for particulate matter through a truncated reconsideration process.

Under President Donald J. Trump’s Administration, the EPA has renewed its commitment to following the law. ENRD’s filing this week concedes the illegality of the 2024 rule. During the Biden Administration, EPA violated the Clean Air Act by issuing its rule without a thorough review of the science and without considering the costs of its shortcut. Discarding the rule would bring EPA back into compliance with the Clean Air Act and protect Americans from burdensome environmental standards that may ultimately do more harm than good. 

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Micayla L. Blair, 23, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on October 30, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a William Street residence connected to Blair. During the search, investigators recovered a quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a pistol.

Blair made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Russell Sims, 32, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katerina F. Powers and Joshau A. Violanti, who are handling the case, stated that in the early morning hours of July 20, 2025, a Jamestown Police officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the vicinity of East 6th Street. Sims was a passenger in the vehicle. After noticing that Sims was agitated, the officer ordered him and the driver out of the vehicle. Sims and the driver were interviewed separately, giving inconsistent details. A search of the vehicle recovered a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and four cell phones. Fentanyl was also located on Sims’s person.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MIAMI – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida proudly celebrated the retirements of Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary V. “Jena” King and Legal Assistant Niurka “Nikki” Machin during a clap-out ceremony honoring their decades of dedicated federal service.

Jena King has been a steady and respected presence in this Office for more than 36-years. Her career stands as a model of integrity, professionalism, and devotion to justice that has shaped generations of prosecutors and staff. She has served this community faithfully in defense of the rule of law with the grace, judgment, and compassion throughout her time in the Southern District of Florida.

“Jena’s family’s legacy of public service is woven into the very fabric of our community. Every day, we walk through the doors of the King Federal Justice Building—a powerful reminder of her father’s enduring contributions to the bench and to this District. Jena has carried that same spirit forward in her own distinguished service, leaving behind a record of excellence that will continue to inspire those who follow.” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida.

Nikki Machin has served the Office for nearly 20 years, primarily supporting the Narcotics Section. She is known for her discipline, reliability, and her ability to manage complex and demanding casework with calm and care. Prosecutors relied on her judgment and steady presence. Her work strengthened this Office’s mission and contributed to some of the most significant prosecutions in the District.

“Nikki was a constant source of support for our Narcotics Section. She kept demanding cases on track and brought order and professionalism to the most complex cases.  She made our mission stronger, and we are deeply grateful for the service she gave this Office and the people of South Florida.” – U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones

The clap-out ceremony brought together colleagues and leadership to recognize King and Machin as they concluded their federal careers and embarked on the next chapter of their lives. Their legacy of excellence, professionalism, and service will remain an enduring part of the Office’s history. The Office extends its thanks to City of Miami Chief of Police Manny Morales for his continued support and for his officers joining the Office in recognizing the distinguished service of both honorees.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Victor Jose Marino Pullo, 24, a native and citizen of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being an alien in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, late in the morning on November 25, 2025, Custom and Border Protection (CBP) officers encountered Marino Pullo at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry as he operated a U-Haul box truck. Marino Pullo and another individual were moving from Connecticut to Buffalo. Marino Pullo was following a Global positioning system (GPS) and was directed on to the Peace Bridge. Marino Pullo did not enter Canada, however.  Instead, Marino Pullo turned around on the bridge, where he was inspected by CBP officers. Marino Pullo and his companion were sent to secondary inspection for not having proper immigration documents. During secondary inspection, an officer discovered pictures of Marino Pullo holding a pistol on his cell phone. During a search of the U-Haul truck, officers recovered the loaded pistol in a cardboard box filled with clothes. Record checks reveal that Marino Pullo was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol on four previous occasions and was removed from the United States. 

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

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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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jaquez Thomas, 22, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Stacey Jacovetti, and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that between 2020 to 2022, Thomas distributed quantities of fentanyl and cocaine he received from Joseph Zaso. Thomas utilized Facebook and Cash App to conduct his drug trafficking activities. During the conspiracy, he supplied quantities of fentanyl to Justin Yuchnitz and Joseph Thayer.

Thomas also conspired with Jose Maisonet in 2022. In Spring of 2022, Jamestown Police officers conducted three controlled purchases from Jose Maisonet. In July 2022, a search warrant was executed at Thomas’ Allen Street residence. During the search a loaded handgun, and drug paraphernalia were seized. A search warrant was also executed at Maisonet’s Forest Avenue residence, during which quantities of suspected crack cocaine and methamphetamine, digital scales, cell phones, and $2,715.00 in cash was seized.

Joseph Zaso, Joseph Thayer, and Justin Yuchnitz were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Jose Maisonet was previously convicted and sentenced in a separate 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 (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 plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Tacoma – Three residents of the South Sound region face federal charges for their post office burglary scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. Justin Tate, 36, most recently of Tacoma, Gregory Foster, 58, of Port Orchard, Washington, and Paula Gamboa, 37 of Federal Way, Washington, were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 21, 2025. Tate was sentenced for an unrelated crime in Kitsap County yesterday and transferred to federal custody, where he will appear for arraignment in Tacoma at 1:30 PM. His co-defendants were previously arraigned.

According to the indictment, Tate led a burglary crew that targeted post offices in the Puget Sound region. The break-ins spanned Kitsap, Thurston, Pierce, King, and Island Counties. The thieves kept cash and other valuables from the stolen mail. Tate went on to allegedly use identity and financial documents obtained from victims’ mail to commit bank fraud. The specific burglaries are these:

• July 4, 2024, Tate and Foster allegedly break into the Olalla Post Office wearing face masks to obscure their identities.
• July 8, 2024, Tate and Foster allegedly attempt to enter the restricted area of the Littlerock Post Office – they disconnect the security camera but cannot breach a metal shutter into the restricted area.
• July 9, 2024, Tate and Gamboa allegedly enter the Fox Island Post Office and steal mail from various post office boxes.
• July 15, 2024, Foster allegedly breaks a window and enters the Anderson Island Contract Post Office and steal $3,000 in stamps, $100 in cash and about 100 postal money orders.
• July 24, 2024, Tate allegedly enters the Vashon Island Post Office and steals mail from multiple post office boxes.
• July 27, 2024, Tate and Foster allegedly force their way through the back door of the Snoqualmie Post Office and steal mail.
• July 30, 2024, Tate and Gamboa allegedly steal mail from boxes inside the Preston Post Office.
• July 31, 2024, Tate and Gamboa break into the Clinton Post Office on Whidbey Island and steal mail from post boxes and from a mail drop box.

The indictment charges Justin Tate with two counts of bank fraud and lists various transactions that constitute the bank fraud charges. Tate opened a bank account in the name of one of the victims and then transferred or attempted to transfer more than $3,500 for his own use. He attempted to deposit more than $13,000 in fraudulent checks. Tate also ran up $7,200 in point-of-sale charges with a stolen debit card.

Tate is also charged with two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft for his use of the identities of his victims in the bank fraud scheme.

Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison. Bank fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Aggravated Identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum two years in prison to run consecutive to any other prison term imposed in the case.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Victoria Cantore.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas farmer for filing a crop loss insurance claim and receiving payment after allegedly failing to disclose the sale of thousands of bushels of wheat that he reported as ruined. 

According to court documents, David L. Mongeau, 54, of Holcomb was indicted on two counts of making a false statement and 17 counts of bank fraud/attempted bank fraud.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investigating the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Edgar Cuellar-Ortega, 45, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.

Miguel Modesto-Cesario, 26, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.

Lazaro Rodriguez-Hernandez, 35, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.

Jose Guillermo Uribe Perez, 38, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

Enrique Villareal-Varela, 53, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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