MIL Security Engine-1

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SAN ANTONIO – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 155 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Cesar Sepulveda Esquivel aka Cesar Sepulveda Jimenez, 47, of Piedras Negras, was identified as a supplier for methamphetamine and cocaine in December 2022. A joint investigation resulted in multiple narcotics transactions between Jan. 11 and April 5, 2023.

Esquivel was arrested at his home on May 24, 2023, and was found to be in possession of a 45-caliber handgun, two ounces of marijuana, several grams of methamphetamine, and 10 grams of cocaine. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 13, 2025, and was sentenced Dec. 8 by U.S. District Judge David Ezra.

In 2008, Esquivel was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He served 48 months in prison before being removed to Mexico. Esquivel illegally returned to the U.S. in 2022, continuing to distribute narcotics.

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

The DEA and Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case.

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

###

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ANNISTON, Ala. – A native of Mexico has been sentenced for illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

United States District Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Maximiliano Pablo-Cinto, 41, a citizen of Guatemala, to 18 months in prison. Pablo-Cinto pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation.

According to the plea agreement, Pablo-Cinto was previously convicted on November 27, 2017, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama for being a felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 45 months in prison. On February 7, 2019, Pablo-Cinto was removed from the United States.  He was then arrested on February 7, 2025, by the Albertville Police Department after he failed to appear in court on charges for fraud and identity theft in Albertville, Alabama.  The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deportation Removal Office (ICE/ERO) was notified of the arrest and Pablo-Cinto was later transferred into federal custody.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Albertville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the 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.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ST. PAUL – Roberto Carlos Munoz-Guatemala, age 40, was found guilty today in U.S. District Court of Assault on a Federal Officer with a Dangerous and Deadly Weapon and Causing Bodily Injury, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. 

On June 17, 2025, law enforcement officers attempted to arrest Munoz-Guatemala, a convicted sex offender, on an immigration order.  Agents made a traffic stop of Munoz-Guatemala.  The defendant was uncooperative and refused to follow directions.  After warning Munoz-Guatemala several times, an agent broke the back window so that he could open the vehicle from the inside.  Munoz-Guatemala then accelerated his car.  As he sped away, the agent’s arm became trapped between the seat and the car frame.  Munoz-Guatemala dragged the federal agent for more than 100 yards, while weaving back and forth in an attempt to shake the agent from the car.  The agent was eventually jarred free from the car but suffered significant injuries to his arms and hand.

Munoz-Guatemala is illegally present in the United States. In December 2022, Munoz-Guatemala was convicted in Hennepin County of repeatedly sexually abusing a minor.

The jury found Munoz-Guatemala guilty on December 10, 2025, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey M. Bryan. The jury found that Munoz-Guatemala assaulted the agent with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and that in doing so Munoz-Guatemala caused the agent bodily injury. 

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bloomington Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raphael B. Coburn and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MIAMI – United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones met this week with Ralph Cutié, Director and CEO of the Miami International Airport (MIA) and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, along with senior members of his leadership team: Andria Muñiz-Amador, Chief of Staff and Senior Strategic Advisor; Mark Hatfield Jr., Director of Security; and Tony Quintero, Associate Aviation Director for Governmental Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination between MIA and federal prosecutors to ensure a secure, efficient, and resilient international gateway for the millions of passengers who travel through Miami each year.

Joining the U.S. Attorney were First Assistant U.S. Attorney Yara Klukas and Border and Immigration Crimes Enforcement (BICE) Section Chief John Grivner. BICE is the new criminal-enforcement section created to prioritize immigration offenses, border-related crime, human smuggling, passport and document fraud, and international narcotics interdictions. The section works closely with DHS, CBP, HSI, and airport law enforcement partners to safeguard the integrity of the border and protect the traveling public.

During the meeting, leadership discussed current trends in international smuggling, airport-based narcotics trafficking, passport fraud, and threats to aviation security. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and MIA committed to expanding information-sharing, improving rapid coordination for interdiction cases, and strengthening joint responses to emerging threats.

U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones stated:

“Miami International Airport is one of the busiest and most important international gateways in the country, and it thrives because of the leadership of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Airport Director Ralph Cutié. Their commitment to safety, efficiency, and public service sets the standard for how a world-class airport should operate. Our Office will continue to work hand in hand with MIA to protect travelers, secure our border, and ensure that anyone who threatens the safety of this airport is held accountable. Today’s meeting reflects a shared mission to keep Miami safe and to protect one of our most important national assets.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and MIA leadership will continue regular coordination to support joint enforcement efforts and airport security initiatives.

For additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, visit justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

###  

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today, charging Mark Travis Brigham, 36, of Mount Airy, Maryland, with seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Sheriff Charles A. Jenkins, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; and J. Charles Smith III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County.

According to the indictment, between September 2023 and December 2024, Brigham persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced two minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Brigham exploited the minors for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the sexually explicit conduct. Further, the indictment alleges that Brigham possessed child sexual abuse material on four digital devices.

If convicted, Brigham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each of the seven counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Additionally, Brigham faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for one count of possessing child sexual abuse material.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

This case is 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 the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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, visit justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County, for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandria A. Bell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting the 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.

# # #

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

RICHMOND, Va. – A Henrico man was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, On Oct. 16, 2024, in Whitcomb Court, a Richmond Police officer observed Barion Quinto Wright, 25, who upon seeing the officer turned in the other direction and fled. As the officer pursued him, Wright removed a firearm from the pocket of his hoodie and tossed it. After the officer detained Wright, he returned to and recovered the firearm, which was loaded with a round in the chamber and equipped with an extended, 24-round magazine. The firearm had been reported lost or missing on Feb. 23, 2024.

At the time of his arrest, Wright had been convicted previously of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (twice), possessing a firearm while possessing a controlled substance, and carrying a concealed weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Wright cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

“Rather than embrace the opportunities afforded him to peacefully return to society, Barion Wright chose once again to acquire and carry a firearm, further endangering our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan. “We will not allow convicted criminals to arm themselves and continue to menace our families and neighborhoods.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richmond Police Department investigated this case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gilliland, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-33.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

DETROIT – United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced today that LaFontaine Management, Inc., which is affiliated with the network of auto dealerships and other related entities in Michigan known as the LaFontaine Automotive Group, has agreed to pay $1,500,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by making false statements to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which LaFontaine Management was ineligible.

Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to American businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. Regulations imposed various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the number of employees and restrictions for certain types of businesses operating as franchises, such as auto dealerships. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their loan applications.

In April 2020, LaFontaine Management obtained a first draw PPP loan for $1,000,000. The United States alleged that LaFontaine Management falsely certified it was eligible for its first draw loan and loan forgiveness, even though, together with its affiliates, it had more than 500 employees and was not operating as a franchise with a franchise identifier code from SBA, in violation of the PPP rules.

“Even though the PPP Program has ended, our mandate to investigate and redress the harm from fraudulent and improper PPP loans continues,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan. “We will continue to vigorously pursue allegations against companies and individuals who obtained COVID-19 relief funds that they didn’t deserve.”

“Investigations like this one reflect collaboration of the Small Business Administration, including SBA’s Office of General Counsel, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as the work of private individuals who uncover fraudulent conduct to recover funds obtained through fraud,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.

This civil settlement resolved a sealed lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The qui tam lawsuit has been unsealed and is captioned U.S. ex rel. Patricia Lesko and Bram Lesko v. Lafontaine Management, Inc., Case No. 2:23-cv-13130. The whistleblowers will receive a combined 15% of the settlement amount.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Gentner from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

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

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

DETROIT – Terrance Markyce Davis, 33, of Detroit, Michigan, was indicted by a federal grand jury for carjacking, assaulting and attempting to murder ATF Special Agents, and weapons offenses, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today.

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, Detroit Field Division, Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Department, and Colonel James F. Grady II, Director, Michigan State Police.

According to court documents, between November 5, 2025, and November 13, 2025, Davis fired shots into several houses and cars in Detroit, seriously injuring one person. On November 14, 2025, ATF Special Agents obtained an arrest warrant, charging Davis in connection with felon in possession of ammunition for one of those shootings. When agents attempted to arrest Davis, he fled in his vehicle. While fleeing from agents, Davis carjacked a person and exchanged gunfire with ATF agents. Michigan State Police Troopers eventually disabled the stolen vehicle that Davis was driving, and Davis fled on foot, armed with a handgun. Davis was shot by Detroit Police Officers and taken into custody. Preliminary ballistics testing shows that the firearm Davis had in his hands while he ran from police was the same firearm used to shoot at ATF Agents, and the same firearm used in the shootings between November 5 and November 13.

“This man is an agent of chaos,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “He tore through our city streets, raising hell. We are thankful for the brave men who put a stop to the defendant’s rampage.”  

“Terrance DAVIS is a poster child for the work being done by ATF across the state of Michigan.  He is a predator armed with an illegal firearm that ATF and its partners identified through NIBIN, said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Carjacking, assaulting, and attempting to murder ATF federal agents strike at the very heart of our community and its public safety. When individuals are alleged to commit violence at this level, we will respond decisively with sound policing techniques and strategies using every lawful tool to bring these urban terrorists to the federal justice system.”       

An indictment is only a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, Detroit, Police Department, and the Michigan State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Picek and John Turrettini.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

WICHITA, KAN. – An Arizona man was sentenced to 272 months in prison for his part in a drug trafficking ring that transported large amounts of fentanyl into Kansas.

According to court documents, Rafael Turner, 35, of Phoenix, Arizona, and formerly of Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

Beginning on a date unknown and continuing through March 2023, Turner conspired with other people to distribute fentanyl. 

“Turner was part of a criminal organization that injected both fentanyl and illegal drug proceeds into our communities,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Special Agent in Charge William Steenson, St. Louis Field Office. “We’re more committed than ever to using our financial expertise to help disrupt these drug trafficking organizations and bring the criminals who run them to justice.”

Forty-five other individuals were prosecuted as part of this overall investigation, which included individuals in Kansas.  Across the country, individuals have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. Included among them are Clifton Ray Weatherspoon, 33, and Antonio Dawayne Knight, 27, both of Wichita, who were each convicted of one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Weatherspoon was sentenced to 300 months in prison. Knight was sentenced to 150 months in prison. 

In February 2023, Weatherspoon and Knight traveled by plane from Wichita to Phoenix, Arizona, to purchase 300,000 fentanyl pills. They packed the pills into two suitcases, checked the luggage under their names, and flew back to Wichita. Pursuant to a federal search warrant, law enforcement officers seized one of the bags before it reached the baggage claim area. They x-rayed and searched the luggage and discovered 15 bags stuffed inside containing 150,000 fentanyl pills. Agents arrested Weatherspoon and Knight, who had by then retrieved the second suitcase from baggage claim. A search of that bag showed it also contained approximately 150,000 fentanyl pills.

“Over the past few years, the federal government has partnered with state and local governments as well as community groups to curtail the fentanyl crisis. The prosecution of this large drug conspiracy was part of that work. However, we are not done in these efforts. While we try to save lives by raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, criminals seek to undermine that hard work” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Fentanyl dealers have little to no regard for human life and are willing to let children get ahold of this poison in efforts to turn a profit. We are grateful to law enforcement agents whose investigations keep this toxic substance off our streets.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Debra Barnett and Ola Odeyemi prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Wichita comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigative Division (IRS-CID) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.
###

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ATLANTA – A former correctional officer, Justin Bethea, has pleaded guilty to depriving a pretrial detainee at the Clayton County Jail of his civil rights by tasing him multiple times without justification. 

“Corrections officers work long hours in challenging circumstances to maintain order in our district’s jails and prisons, but wanton abuse cannot be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.  “This former officer must be held accountable for using excessive force against a detainee who was complying with his orders and was not acting violently.”

“Correctional officers are entrusted with authority, and with that authority comes the responsibility to treat every detainee with basic dignity and respect. This officer chose to abuse that trust and violate the civil rights of someone in his custody,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who uses unlawful force inside our jails and prisons.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and information presented in court:  On May 16, 2024, while employed as a correctional officer at the Clayton County Jail in Jonesboro, Georgia, Justin Bethea was transferring two detainees between housing units.  One of the detainees asked Bethea, “Where am I going?”  In response, Bethea handcuffed that detainee and told him to shut up. The two argued on the way to the second housing unit before Bethea removed the detainee’s handcuffs and dared the detainee “to buck.” 

After the detainee cursed and insulted Bethea, Bethea slammed the detainee’s head into a wall, threw him on the floor, and ordered him to put his hands behind his back.  Video evidence from surveillance and body worn cameras confirms that, even though the detainee remained on the floor and obeyed Bethea’s orders, Bethea tased the detainee at least six times.  The detainee suffered bodily injury during the assault.

Sentencing for Justin Bethea, 29, of Chamblee, Georgia, is scheduled for March 10, 2026 at 11:00, before U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson.  In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray are prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.