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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN BAKER, 48, of Scott City, Kansas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking firearms into Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted three controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms, and one controlled purchase of cocaine, from Luis Perez in Waterbury.  An expanded investigation revealed that Perez was acquiring numerous firearms, most of which were purchased, at Baker’s direction, by individuals from licensed gun dealers in Kansas and then shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location maintained by Perez’s associate, Algelly Diaz, in Hartford.  Perez then sold the firearms, which included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to others throughout Connecticut.

Perez coordinated the purchase of the firearms through Baker in Kansas and Fernando Soto, Jr. in California.  Baker, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, used straw purchasers to purchase the firearms and then shipped them to Connecticut, or to Soto, who then shipped them to Connecticut and elsewhere.

Between August 2020 and May 2023, one of Baker’s straw purchasers, Ramon Pichardo, purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas.

Baker and others involved in the conspiracy were arrested on May 19, 2023.  On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California.  A search of Perez’s residence and vehicle revealed nine firearms; more than 200 rounds of ammunition; distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl/heroin; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale; and more than $7,000 in cash.  In addition, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition, and a search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.

To date, approximately 34 of the trafficked firearms have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut and elsewhere, including one that recovered on August 27, 2022, in San Bernardino, California, at the scene of the homicide of a juvenile.

Baker has been detained since his arrest.  On March 26, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, two counts of firearms trafficking, and two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms.

On March 19, 2025, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, three counts of firearms trafficking, two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.  On April 4, 2025, a jury found him guilty of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  He awaits sentencing.

Diaz pleaded guilty and, on February 4, 2025, was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.

Soto and Pichardo have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Connecticut State Police; and the Waterbury, Meriden, Hartford, Manchester, East Hartford, West Hartford, and Chino (Calif.) Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Christopher J. Lembo through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court today for possessing more than 56 pounds of methamphetamine and for entering the United States illegally after deportation.

Apolinar Gocovachi Pacheco, 25, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of unlawful reentry after removal.

On Sept. 3, 2024, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a gray 2011 Acura MDX on Interstate 29, near the N.W. 112^th Street exit in Kansas City, Mo.  An adult male, who did not have a valid driver’s license, was driving the Acura, with a female juvenile in the front passenger seat and Pacheco and another adult male in the back seat.

When the trooper searched the vehicle, he found a large duffle bag in the third-row seating area that contained approximately 55.6 pounds of methamphetamine. He also found a grocery bag that contained approximately one pound of methamphetamine on the floorboard where the female juvenile had been sitting, and a loaded firearm in the driver’s door pouch.

When the four occupants got out of the vehicle for the search, two of the adult males fled on foot. A manhunt ensued and both were apprehended a short time later.

Pacheco told investigators that he arrived in the United States approximately two weeks earlier from Nogales Sonora, Mexico.  Pacheco said he entered the United States illegally and paid $6,000 to cross the border.  Pacheco said he was asked to travel from Kansas City, Ks., to Omaha to pick up drugs by one of the adult males that was traveling with him in the Acura. Pacheco said he was promised to receive a significant amount of U.S. currency by the adult male for assisting with the transportation of the drugs from Omaha to the Kansas City area.

Officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Pacheco had previously been found illegally in the United States by Border Patrol Agents near Nogalez, Arizona on Aug. 22, 2024.  Pacheco was removed from the United States to Mexico that same day.

Under federal statutes, Pacheco is subject to a sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the FBI, DEA, Jackson County Drug Task Force, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

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

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.

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

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Editor’s Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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.

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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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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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. 

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.