Court Appoints Scott E. Bradford as U.S. Attorney

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PORTLAND, Ore.— Scott E. Bradford has taken the oath of office to remain as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of Oregon.

Senior U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman administered the oath of office before staff, court personnel, and family. The moment was especially meaningful because Judge Mosman previously served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Bradford also clerked for him.

“Being chosen to lead the District of Oregon is a privilege I do not take lightly. I am deeply humbled by the district court’s vote of confidence in me, and I am committed to serving our community alongside remarkable colleagues and agency partners, who dedicate themselves to the mission every day,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “My focus remains on the Department’s priorities: keeping our country safe, upholding the rule of law, and protecting civil rights.”

Attorney General Pamela Bondi previously appointed Bradford as U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon on July 28, 2025.

Bradford has been a federal prosecutor for more than 18 years and has handled all manner of criminal cases, including violent crime, narcotics trafficking, child exploitation, fraud, cyber, and national security.

Bradford joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and served in a variety of leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

In 2022, Bradford served as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia where he trained justice sector partners within the region to combat cybercrime. Before becoming the U.S. Attorney, Bradford was the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.

Felon who Caused Serious Accident After St. Louis Police Chase Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Tuesday sentenced a felon who caused a serious accident after fleeing from police to 70 months in prison.

Juan Goodrich, 33, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty in August to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On the evening of April 2, 2024, a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer spotted a 2014 Chrysler 200 running a red light at North Kingshighway Boulevard and Natural Bridge Avenue. Goodrich sped away, running another red light and later running a stop sign. A computer inquiry showed that his license plate was invalid. When the officer tried to stop Goodrich by activating the lights and siren, he refused to stop, continuing at speeds exceeding 80 m.p.h. The officer turned off the lights and siren due to safety concerns, but Goodrich continued to speed through the streets. He ran another red light and his vehicle began to wobble before striking a 2009 Nissan Maxima head-on. The Maxima’s 52-year-old driver was trapped in her vehicle with major injuries. Goodrich got out of his vehicle, holding a black AR-15-style rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, and ran. He stumbled and fell, dropping the rifle, and then continued to run. He was arrested and admitted being a felon and possessing a firearm.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Lane prosecuted the case. 

Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor and Child Pornography Crimes

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced today that Jason Foster Frank, age 54, was sentenced for one count each of Attempted Online Enticement, Possession of Child Pornography, and Commission of a Felony Sex Offense by an Individual Required to Register as a Sex Offender. Frank pleaded guilty to the first two crimes on March 25, 2025, and was convicted after a trial on the third crime. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Frank to 35 years in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. Judge Dimke also ordered $10,000 in restitution be paid to one of Frank’s victims.

According to court documents, Frank responded to an advertisement posted by undercover law enforcement in June 2023, in which two young girls were stated to be available for sex. Frank expressed sexual interest in the minors during various communications with an undercover officer posing as the mother of the girls. For a week, Frank engaged with undercover officers, arranged to meet for the purpose of sex with the two minor girls. Frank was ultimately arrested after he arrived at a prearranged meeting location in Stevens County.

In Frank’s vehicle, law enforcement agents found two phones. One phone Frank used to communicate with his probation officer; on the other, law enforcement agents observed child pornography images and videos of very young children.

Frank was previously convicted in 2008 in Virginia of two counts of Carnal Knowledge of a Child Between 13 and 15 Years of Age, one count of Attempted Carnal Knowledge of a Child Between 13 and 15 years of age, and three counts of Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Certain Offenses Involving Children. As a result of these convictions, Frank was required to register as a sex offender under federal and state law.

Mr. Serrano expressed gratitude for the 35-year sentencing, stating, “Today’s sentence of 35 years of a 54-year-old man demonstrates the seriousness of Mr. Frank’s actions. It also shows our office’s efforts to ensure that Mr. Frank will not have a chance harm another child. We’re thankful to our partner agencies for their great investigation and to the Judge for sentencing Mr. Frank in a way that protects the children of our communities.”

“Cases such as this are a perfect example of what cooperation between local, State, and Federal partners can yield,” said Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke. “Coming together as a team, we were able to take a potentially dangerous predator off the streets. The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office values the relationship we have with all our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners.”

“Frank’s 35-year sentence ensures he can no longer act upon his disturbing sickness and harm children,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “This case proves our team of law enforcement professionals and partners will relentlessly pursue anyone who targets the innocent.”

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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

This case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, resulting in charges filed by the Stevens County Prosecutor’s Office as well as federal charges. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.

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Kidnapper Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced Monday in a federal court to 48 months in prison for kidnapping.

According to court documents, on Jan. 20, Leland Alexander Drumheller, 20, sent a text message to his ex-girlfriend asking her to return his sweatshirt. The two agreed to meet and did so inside Drumheller’s vehicle in front of the ex-girlfriend’s apartment. During the interaction, Drumheller became enraged and grabbed his ex-girlfriend, preventing her from exiting the vehicle as he drove away toward Chapparal, New Mexico.

At multiple traffic lights, the kidnapping victim tried to escape, but Drumheller prevented her from doing so by grabbing her hair and sweatshirt. At one point, the victim received a phone call from her current boyfriend. When the victim told her boyfriend to “call the cops,” Drumheller grabbed the phone and threw it outside the vehicle as he continued to drive the victim to a desert area in Chaparral.

In Chaparral, Drumheller ordered the victim to get out of the vehicle and demanded she get on her knees. He placed his cell phone to the back of her head, leading the victim to believe the object was a gun. Drumheller told her, “If you play me again, it’ll get worse.” He threatened to shoot her if she followed him and then got back in his vehicle and drove away, leaving the victim alone in the desert.

Drumheller was charged with one count kidnapping and arrested on Feb. 3. He pleaded guilty on Sept. 2. In addition to the four years in prison, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone sentenced Drumheller to five years of supervised release.

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

The FBI and El Paso Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Valenzuela prosecuted the case.

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White Supremacist Sentenced to 8 ½ Years Imprisonment on Firearms, Ammunition, and Drug-Trafficking Charges

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MINNEAPOLIS – Andrew David Munsinger, 41, of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, has been sentenced to 104 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release following an April jury trial where he was found guilty of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute 5.5 pounds of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.

According to evidence presented at trial, Munsinger was a member of the Aryan Freedom Network, a white supremacist organization.  During a year-long investigation by the FBI, evidence gathered included audio- and video-recordings of Munsinger possessing and shooting firearms, purchasing and using ammunition, possessing over 5 pounds of marijuana in heat-sealed bags, discussing his history of marijuana trafficking and his profits, and admitting on more than one occasion that he knew he could not legally possess a firearm.

On February 7, 2024, the FBI executed simultaneous search warrants at Munsinger’s residence, his vehicles, and a farm where he was surveilled on at least two occasions before traveling to a shooting range.  Law enforcement seized a total of five firearms, including two unserialized personally made semiautomatic rifles (commonly referred to as ghost guns), two shotguns, a nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol, over 500 rounds and casings of ammunition, a bullet-resistant vest, multiple high-capacity magazines, and a rifle scope. They also seized over five pounds of marijuana in heat-sealed packages, hydroponic marijuana grow equipment, growing marijuana plants, and $24,300 cash. Because Munsinger has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition.

Munsinger was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court before United States District Judge John R. Tunheim to 104 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Raphael B. Coburn prosecuted the case.

Austin Emergency Center and Affiliates to Pay $429,231 to Settle Civil False Claims Act Allegations

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Emergency Center, LLC, Austin ER, LLC, AEC ER 4, LLC, Pahala Ventures, LLC, AEC Physicians, PLLC, and AEC Pflugerville, LLC (collectively, “Austin Emergency Center”) have agreed to pay the United States $429,231 to resolve overbilling allegations under the False Claims Act.

The settlement resolves allegations that Austin Emergency Center, which operates and provides medical services at standalone emergency medical facilities in the Austin area, submitted inflated claims for reimbursement to the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). The United States alleged that Austin Emergency Center charged the FEHBP more than it charged cash-paying patients for certain COVID-19 tests during the period from June 18, 2020, through April 2, 2021, and up-coded evaluation and management services for drive-through COVID-19 screening during the period from April 13, 2020, through April 2, 2021.

“Financially capitalizing on crisis and the fear and misfortune of others is at the heart of every unlawful act committed by the worst elements of our society. Doing so under the guise of being a healthcare provider, represents the worst of who we are and further erodes our collective trust in the healthcare system,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Those who have used or plan to use healthcare as a means to unlawfully enrich themselves should take note that the Department of Justice is actively looking for opportunities to recover stolen pandemic-era funds on behalf of the American people.”

“During a public health emergency, providers exploited federal employees’ health benefits for profit at the taxpayers’ expense,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Office of the Inspector General (OIG). “We applaud our investigative staff and our partners at the Department of Justice for continuing to hold these providers accountable.”

OPM OIG led the investigation of this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Parnham negotiated the settlement on behalf of the government.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing Okeechobee Minor

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MIAMI – A Charlotte, North Carolina man has pleaded guilty in Fort Pierce on Oct. 14 to enticing a minor to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to court documents, Kaleb Harrison Childs, 26, began communicating in February 2025 with a minor from Okeechobee through a social media application. The minor told Childs that she was 13 years old, but she was actually 12. During their online exchanges, Childs offered to provide gift cards and video game credits in exchange for sexually explicit images and videos of the minor.

In May 2025, Childs was arrested as he reentered the U.S aboard a cruise ship. Following his arrest, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and discovered hundreds of images of CSAM.

Childs pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor and one count of producing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.  Childs faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the enticement count and up to 30 years in prison for the production count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Noel E. Stephen of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.

HSI Fort Pierce and the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number  25-cr-14034.

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“OPERATION BRIGHTSIDE” – Multi-Agency Warrant Sweep Columbia, MO

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Multi-agency coalition led by USAO of federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat and prosecute violent crime

COLUMBIA, Mo. – In December of 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office established a coalition of Missouri-based federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to form a Violent Crime Abatement Team (VCAT) in response to ongoing violence and gun crimes. The goal of this team is to bring significant, coordinated resources to address violent crime in the mid-Missouri area. In practice, the team works to identify local violent offenders and determine which cases may be appropriate for federal prosecution.

On Nov. 20 and 21, “Operation Brightside” was an enforcement effort to identify, apprehend, and initiate prosecution against some of the most violent offenders in the Columbia metropolitan area. Its mission was straightforward: use existing Missouri law-enforcement resources in a coordinated way to serve warrants across partner agencies, arrest individuals wanted for serious crimes, and identify additional evidence that supports successful prosecution.

Partner agencies in this coordinated effort include:

  • Boone County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO)
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • Columbia Police Department (CPD)
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
  • Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP)
  • United States Marshals Service (USMS)

“Operation Brightside is an example of the extraordinary impact that law enforcement, at all levels of government, can have when we combine our resources and focus collectively on violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. “This approach is not new, but rather a hybrid of proven strategies that have delivered results across the country. When we work together, we can make communities measurably safer.”

Price continued, “Violence in our community is unacceptable, especially when innocent people are harmed. Enough is enough. Every agency in this coalition is committed to using all appropriate tools and resource to confront and reduce violent crime in Columbia.”

The following is a breakdown of the “Operation Brightside” effort:

  • 33 Individuals Arrested (all but 1 are facing felony charges)
  • 19 Federal Indictments
  • 21 Felony State Warrants
  • 6 Residential Search Warrants

The charges contained in any charging document are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Sky Lease I Inc. Agrees to Pay $1,030,000 to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Falsely Reporting Delivery Times of U.S. Mail Carried Internationally

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

The Justice Department announced today that Sky Lease I Inc. (Sky Lease) has paid $1,030,000 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it falsely reported information about the transfer of U.S. mail to foreign posts or other intended recipients under contracts with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Sky Lease is an air cargo delivery company with headquarters in Miami, Florida.

“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that government contractors provide the services they have contracted to provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When contractors knowingly fail to provide services for which they have been paid, the Department of Justice will pursue appropriate remedies to redress the violations and deter future ones.”

“The USPS contracts with commercial airlines for the safeguarding and timely delivery of U.S. mail to foreign posts,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Ken Cleevely of the USPS, Office of Inspector General (OIG). “The OIG supports the Postal Service by aggressively investigating allegations of contractual non-compliance within the mail delivery process, including the falsification of delivery information. Our special agents worked hand-in-hand with the Department of Justice to help ensure a reasonable resolution and we applaud the exceptional work done by the investigative and legal teams.”

USPS contracted with Sky Lease to take possession of receptacles of U.S. mail at locations in the United States or at various Department of Defense and State Department locations abroad and then deliver that mail to numerous international and domestic destinations. To obtain payment under the contracts, Sky Lease was required to submit electronic scans of the mail receptacles to USPS reporting the time the mail was delivered at the identified destinations. The settlement resolves allegations that scans submitted by Sky Lease falsely reported the time that it transferred possession of the mail.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with substantial assistance from the USPS Office of the Inspector General and the USPS Office of General Counsel.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Eleven Defendants Charged with Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Federal Law Enforcement Officers during Memphis Safe Task Force Operation

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Memphis, TN – During the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) operation, the United States Attorney’s Office announces that the following defendants have been charged with violating 18 United States Code Section 111 (18 U.S.C. § 111) which provides, “Whoever forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with any person designated as an officer or employee of the United States while engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties,” commits an offense.  All suspects were charged by federal criminal complaints filed in the United States Magistrate Court in the Western District of Tennessee.

  • Luis Cordova, 26 – On October 1, 2025, Luis Cordova was pulled over for running a red light.   When it was determined that Cordova did not have a valid driver’s license and could not produce documentation that he was in the United States legally, a Deputy U.S. Marshal began to handcuff him when Cordova pulled back and attempted to run away. A criminal complaint for 18 U.S.C. § 111 was filed, and the case has since been indicted on October 30, 2025, for resisting, opposing, impeding, or interfering with a federal officer.
  • Demario Burton, 21 – On October 3, 2025, Demarion Burton was pulled over for driving with no headlights. A Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Officer, sworn in as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force operation, had Burton step out and frisked him, finding suspected drugs on Burton’s person. The trooper began to arrest Burton, but Burton fled. A criminal complaint for 18 U.S.C. § 111 was issued, and the case has since been indicted on October 30, 2025 for resisting, opposing, impeding, or interfering with a federal officer.
  • Montavious Neal, 27 – On October 6, 2025, a Memphis Police Department officer sworn in as a Special Deputy with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force operation saw Montavious Neal driving a car that had window tint below the legal limit of 70%.  Neal pulled into a parking lot, then put his car in reverse, hit the accelerator, and struck the police car in the front bumper three separate times. The officer was either still in his car or attempting to get out of his car at the time Neal was striking the vehicle.  Two firearms were later found in plain view in the car.  Neal was indicted for assault on a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111 and has been detained.
  • Luis Gonzalez, 28 – On October 23, 2025, MSTF officers conducted a traffic stop on Gonzalez for having a fraudulent temporary tag.  Gonzalez pulled over but sped off as officers approached. One officer exited his vehicle and attempted to deploy a stop strip to disable the fleeing vehicle, but Gonzalez swerved to avoid hitting the strip, almost hitting the officer in the process.  A 5-year-old child and a pregnant woman were also passengers in Gonzalez’ car. The defendant is currently in federal detention for assault on a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111.
  • Jesus Escobar-Villalta, 30 – On October 29, 2025, THP stopped a vehicle for traffic violations.  Escobar-Villalta provided a fraudulent Honduras identification and was in the United States illegally. Escobar-Villalta refused to get out of his car and resisted. He grabbed the holstered and loaded firearm of an FBI Special Agent, attempting to pull the firearm out of the holster.  Escobar-Villalta also bit the thigh of a USMS deputy who was assisting.  Escobar-Villalta was charged with assault of a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111 and was detained after a detention hearing.
  • Christopher Vanzant, 53 – On November 2, 2025, a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer saw a truck being driven by Vanzant and believed to be running from Hernando, Mississippi.  After verifying the license plate, THP tried to stop the truck, using blue lights and sirens. Vanzant began driving at a high rate of speed in residential neighborhoods, striking a fence. Vanzant’s speed, failure to signal turns, driving in the opposite lane and swerving endangered other drivers, pedestrians, and federally deputized THP officers.  Vanzant struck a THP car in the process. Vanzant physically resisted the Troopers, while also attempting to use a lighter to smoke what appeared to be methamphetamine through a clear glass pipe. Vanzant struck a THP officer in the temple with a closed fist. Vanzant was charged with assault on a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111.  Vanzant’s detention hearing is pending in the United States Magistrate Court.
  • Sanchon Dillup-Jones, 36 – On November 4, 2025, THP officers observed car driving recklessly at a strip mall where pedestrians were present.  The driver was identified as Sanchon Dillup-Jones. Dillup-Jones refused to exit the car, and when the trooper attempted to open the driver’s door, Dillup-Jones rolled up the window and put the car in drive. The trooper reached in the window to put the car in park. Dillup-Jones drove away with the trooper’s body leaned inside the car, dragging the trooper approximately 50-60 feet before he could dislodge himself. Dillup-Jones is charged with assault on a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111.
  • Nicomedes Jimenez, 37 – On November 4, 2025, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a car driven by Jimenez. Jimenez had two active warrants – one from May 2022 for aggravated assault and one from April 2022 for two counts of domestic assault. Jimenez refused to stop and accelerated, evading law enforcement for approximately 20 miles traveling at high speeds. Jimenez caused a civilian to lose control of their vehicle, continued to drive recklessly, losing control of his car and crashing into a barricade. A task force officer exited his car and Jimenez drove toward it, striking the door and rendering the car inoperable. The officer narrowly escaped being hit by jumping back into his police car just before the crash. A detention hearing is still pending for assault of a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111.
  • Justin Hardaway, 26 – On November 6, 2025, MPD tried to make a traffic stop for a car with no license plate or rear bumper being driven by Hardaway. Hardaway fled at a high rate of speed, intentionally striking a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) vehicle three times.  Hardaway exited his car while it was still in motion and attempted to flee. The driverless vehicle almost struck approximately 20 children who were exiting a school bus and did strike a house before stopping. After a brief foot pursuit, Hardaway was taken into custody. Hardaway has not had an initial appearance yet on the charge of assault of a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111.
  • Khauleel Harrison, 22 – On November 7, 2025, THP and HSI were on Interstate 40 in pursuit of a car driven by Khauleel Harrison who was drag racing on I-40 East. Harrison reached speeds of 90-100 mph during the chase and weaved through traffic. Harrison exited the highway and made several illegal U-turns.  Harrison turned towards the Tennessee Highway Patrol car, accelerated, and struck the patrol car head on. Harrison’s car was disabled after the head-on collision.  Harrison is charged with assault a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111.
  • Shone Pugh, 24 – On November 12, 2025, Shone Pugh assaulted a U.S. Marshal during a traffic stop. Pugh was the passenger of a car stopped for running a red light.  The U.S. Marshal asked Pugh to get out of the car. Pugh shoved the U.S. Marshal and tried to flee, throwing the U.S. Marshal to the ground.  Near the area of the struggle, law enforcement located a pistol engraved with a Kansas City Police Department badge logo that was reported stolen.  Pugh is charged with assault of a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “We take all threats against law enforcement very seriously, and we have zero tolerance for any assault on federal officers. There is no constitutional right to resist arrest, and doing so endangers everyone involved. During the MSTF Operation and every day, we urge anyone who encounters a law enforcement officer to comply first, and, if warranted, complain later. We will enforce Attorney General Pam Bondi’s warning: ‘If you touch any law enforcement officer, we will come after you’.”

The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaints are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.