Source: United States Navy
The U.S. Navy proudly announces the return of Richmond Navy Week, taking place May 12-18, 2025. As part of a nationwide outreach effort, Richmond Navy Week will bring 70-85 Sailors to engage directly with the community through a week-long series of performances, educational events, and service projects.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
MACON, Ga. – A resident of Macon pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge this week for illegally possessing a firearm when he was taken into custody for violating his probation.
Terico Jaques Balkcom, 46, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell on March 31. Balkcom faces a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office is collaborating with our law enforcement partners to hold repeat convicted felons accountable when they are found violating federal law.”
“Ensuring public safety is our top priority, the GBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable who violate the law, especially those with a history of criminal behavior,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Balkcom was stopped by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) for having an obscured tag on May 20, 2024. Balkcom was known to have an active warrant for violating state probation for a felony conviction out of Bibb County, Georgia, Superior Court. The GSP trooper could smell the odor of alcohol and performed a field sobriety test. Balkcom presented a false ID, claiming to be “Benjamin Brown.” When the officer asked for his date of birth, Balkcom answered that it was a different date from what was on the fake identification. A GBI agent familiar with Balkcom arrived and confirmed it was Balkcom. Balkcom was taken into custody based on the active probation warrant. Agents found a 9mm pistol inside a Crown Royal bag that also contained Balkcom’s prescription medication. Balkcom was recorded on a jail phone call discussing the gun and also three ounces of marijuana that officers found inside the vehicle. Balkcom has several prior convictions and probation violations in Bibb County Superior Court. He was on probation for a 2018 conviction in Bibb County for crossing state or county guard lines with weapons, intoxicants, or drugs without consent. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
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 case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) with assistance from Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BEMIDJI, Minn. – Jerami Cody Leno, a North Dakota man, has been indicted for multiple criminal charges, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
According to court documents, from February 2024 through July 24, 2024, Jerami Cody Leno, 48, intentionally conspired with others to possess and distribute methamphetamine in and around Minnesota. On February 7, 2024, Leno was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Because Leno has a prior felony conviction in Yellowstone County, Montana, for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
The indictment charges Leno with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Jon T. Huseby on March 4, 2025.
“Methamphetamine is flooding Minnesota. This includes our small towns in greater Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “I appreciate the partnership of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves every corner of this state. We will continue to rely on our state and local partners so that together, we can identify those who peddle deadly poison to our communities and bring them to federal justice.”
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Harbour Breton RCMP responded to a residential disturbance that happened on a property in Belleoram on March 30, 2025. A firearm was discharged. The investigation led to the arrest of 27-year-old Trent Poole.
Shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Harbour Breton RCMP received the report of a disturbance where one man reported being threatened by another. While police were responding, further information was received stating that a firearm was discharged outside on a residential property.
Poole was arrested without further incident and a firearm was seized. No one was injured.
Poole attended court on Monday, charged with the following criminal offences:
He was released by the court on a number of conditions and is set to appear in court at a later date.
The investigation is continuing.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
OKLAHOMA CITY – BREANNA PARADA and MONICA MONTES of Woodward, Oklahoma, have agreed to resolutions to resolve civil claims stemming from allegations that Parada submitted a false claim for COVID funded Emergency Rental Assistance to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Housing Authority, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
In a Consent Judgment entered by the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma (United States v. Parada, Case No. CIV-25-00136-JD), Parada admitted that she submitted an application for COVID funded Emergency Rental Assistance to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Housing Authority in which she falsely represented she was renting a home when she in fact owned it. In support of her application, she submitted a fraudulent lease agreement signed by her and Montes, fraudulent eviction notices related to the same home, and delinquent utility payment notices for the same home. Based on the submission of the false claim, Parada received $5,564.84, and Montes received $200.00, in Emergency Rental Assistance funds to which they were not entitled. To resolve the claims, Parada agreed to the entry of a Consent Judgment against her in the amount of $19,025.00, and Montes settled the claims against her by paying the United States $1,000.00. By entering into a Settlement Agreement, Montes did not admit liability, and the United States did not make any concessions about the legitimacy of the claims.
The Consent Judgment and Settlement Agreement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case.
Investigative assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General, and Office of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gallegos prosecuted the case.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man and a woman in Thamesmead.
Police were called shortly before 15:00hrs on Tuesday, 11 March after concerns were raised for the welfare of the occupants of an address in Holstein Way, Thamesmead.
Emergency services attended and gained entry to the property.
Once inside they located a man and woman with serious injuries. They were sadly declared dead at the scene.
Both of their next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
Formal identification has taken place. The woman who died was 51-year-old Michelle Mileham and the man who died was 53-year-old Gordon Mileham – they were siblings.
A post-mortem examination gave cause of death for both parties as stab injuries. Michelle’s death is being treated as murder; Gordon’s death is not being treated as suspicious and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
An inquest will open on 10 April at Croydon Coroner’s Court.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
HOUSTON – Two Venezuelan nationals and alleged members of the recently designated foreign terrorist organization known as the Tren de Aragua (TdA) have been arrested on charges filed in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jesus Miguel Barreto Lezama, 29, who was residing in Houston, has now appeared in federal court in Houston.
Also in custody is Briley Jesus Ballera Farias aka Derek, 32, who was arrested March 30 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he made his initial appearance.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment Jan. 29.
According to the allegations in the indictment, both men participated in a conspiracy, along with others, to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Venezuela and Colombia. Barreto Lezama is also charged with importing nearly five kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Colombia between June 26, 2024, and July 3, 2024.
If convicted, they face a up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Colombian National Police. FBI-Houston’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force made the Houston arrest with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney David C. Smith from the Department of Justice’s Joint Task Force Vulcan.
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 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.
This case is also part of JTFV, which was created in 2019 to destroy MS-13 and now expanded to target TdA. It is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including SDTX; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Districts of New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, Nevada, Alaska; Northern District of Ohio; Eastern District of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Virginia; Southern District of California; and the District of Columbia; as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; and Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners and spearheaded JTFV’s investigations.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP NL encourages the public to protect themselves and vulnerable family or friends in the community against fraud and scams. A number of various online and telephone scams remain in circulation, as well as local scams on buy and sell sites and reports of fraudulent credit card use.
What to watch out for:
Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it is. If you are unsure whether who you are speaking with on the phone, online, or even in person is legitimate or not, don’t be afraid to say no, leave the conversation, or get a second opinion.
RCMP NL encourages the public to discuss financial and digital safety with elders and vulnerable adults in their family or community. For more information, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
Source: United States Attorneys General 5
Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transitional criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from 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).
Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Central California, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas charged more than 960 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.
The Southern District of Texas filed 257 cases in relation to immigration and border security. Of those, 98 face allegations of illegally re-entering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses, among others. A total of 132 face charges of illegally entering the country, 23 cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to firearms and other immigration matters. Among those charged as part of these new cases include two illegal alien human smugglers who engaged in a dangerous pursuit and crash.
The Western District of Texas announced that federal prosecutors in the district filed 261 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases.
The District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 260 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 96 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 155 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed nine cases against nine individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
The Central District of California filed criminal charges against 20 defendants who allegedly were found in the U.S. following removal. Many of the defendants charged previously were convicted of felony offenses before they were removed from the United States, offenses that include vandalism and firearms crimes.
The Southern District of California filed 90 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances. In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecuted a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.
The District of New Mexico brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 37 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326), six individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), and 32 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325). In a significant case, a criminal complaint was filed against David Serrano-Dominguez, a Mexican national illegally present in the U.S., charging him with being an alien in possession of firearms, possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, and reentry of a deported alien. HSI agents arrested Serrano-Dominguez at an apartment complex in Deming, NM, where he had been residing. Agents had identified social media posts showing Serrano-Dominguez in possession of and discharging handguns and rifles. Following his arrest, agents discovered 10 firearms and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition in the apartment. Among the firearms was an unregistered short-barreled rifle.
We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
EL PASO, Texas – A Cuban national was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 111 months in prison for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, conspiracy to harbor aliens, and sexual assault of an alien.
According to court documents, Humberto Yosvany Arriola-Rivero, 30, assisted in the harboring of illegal aliens and managed a stash house in El Paso. He also was an occupant in a vehicle that fled law enforcement that was transporting more than a dozen illegal aliens in April 2023. An investigation revealed that Arriola-Rivero sexually assaulted one of the illegal aliens at the El Paso stash house. Arriola-Rivero was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 17, 2023 and was arrested Sept. 7, 2023. He pleaded guilty Aug. 27, 2024.
“It’s important to note that Arriola-Rivero is being held responsible not only for the significant role he played in human smuggling operations, but also for his abhorrent decision to further dehumanize and sexually violate one of his victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman. “This sentence makes it clear to smugglers in El Paso and across the southern border, that if you engage in alien smuggling in our district, you will be held accountable.”
“Justice was served today for a stash house operator who organized the smuggling of hundreds of illegal aliens and sexually assaulted one of them, all while cramming individuals into tractor-trailers in the sweltering Texas heat,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge for El Paso, Jason T. Stevens. “HSI is committed to aggressively targeting human smugglers and smuggling organizations that continuously exploit individuals for profit. We will relentlessly pursue these criminals who prey on vulnerable people, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.”
HSI investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol.
###
Source: United States Department of Justice 2
Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transitional criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from 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).
Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Central California, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas charged more than 960 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.
The Southern District of Texas filed 257 cases in relation to immigration and border security. Of those, 98 face allegations of illegally re-entering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses, among others. A total of 132 face charges of illegally entering the country, 23 cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to firearms and other immigration matters. Among those charged as part of these new cases include two illegal alien human smugglers who engaged in a dangerous pursuit and crash.
The Western District of Texas announced that federal prosecutors in the district filed 261 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases.
The District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 260 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 96 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 155 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed nine cases against nine individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
The Central District of California filed criminal charges against 20 defendants who allegedly were found in the U.S. following removal. Many of the defendants charged previously were convicted of felony offenses before they were removed from the United States, offenses that include vandalism and firearms crimes.
The Southern District of California filed 90 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances. In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecuted a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.
The District of New Mexico brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 37 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326), six individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), and 32 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325). In a significant case, a criminal complaint was filed against David Serrano-Dominguez, a Mexican national illegally present in the U.S., charging him with being an alien in possession of firearms, possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, and reentry of a deported alien. HSI agents arrested Serrano-Dominguez at an apartment complex in Deming, NM, where he had been residing. Agents had identified social media posts showing Serrano-Dominguez in possession of and discharging handguns and rifles. Following his arrest, agents discovered 10 firearms and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition in the apartment. Among the firearms was an unregistered short-barreled rifle.
We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
The FBI Philadelphia Field Office is warning the public of fraud schemes in which scammers impersonate law enforcement or government officials in attempts to extort money or steal personally identifiable information.
Government and law enforcement impersonation scams can come in various forms, most commonly email or phone calls.
On the phone, scammers often spoof caller ID information, so fraudulent calls appear to be coming from an agency’s legitimate phone number. Recipients should hang up immediately and report the call to law enforcement.
Fraudulent emails may give the appearance of legitimacy by using pictures of the FBI Director and/or the FBI seal and letterhead. Common hallmarks of a scam email include misspellings, missing words, and incorrect grammar.
Be advised, law enforcement does not call or email individuals threatening arrest or demanding money.
To avoid becoming a victim of this scam:
The FBI will never:
If you believe you are a victim of a law enforcement or government impersonation scam:
If you think you are a victim of this, or any other online scam please file a report with your local law enforcement agency and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
PHILADELPHIA—April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the FBI Philadelphia Field Office is taking that opportunity to alert the public about a serious federal crime: sexual assault aboard aircraft.
Sexual assault aboard aircraft—which usually takes the form of unwanted touching—is a felony that can land offenders in prison.
To respond to incidents at airports or on airplanes, each of the FBI’s 55 field offices have airport liaison agents (ALA). These agents are assigned to the nearly 450 U.S. aviation facilities that have passenger screening operations regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and respond to crime aboard an aircraft, a violation which falls within the FBI’s special investigative jurisdiction.
“Everyone has the right to fly without being subjected to abusive or sexual misconduct,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Alongside our airport and law enforcement partners, the FBI is committed to supporting victims and holding offenders fully accountable for their actions.”
To support and assist victims of federal crimes, the FBI has Victim Specialists in field offices across the country.
We encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings while onboard an airplane. If you have been a victim of sexual assault aboard an aircraft, or have witnessed one take place, report it your flight crew, airport authority police, and the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.
You can reach out to FBI Philadelphia at (215) 418-4000.
For victim services resources on sexual assault, visit: Navigating the Impact of Sexual Assault — FBI
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Video has been released of the moment Met Police officers caught two prolific shoplifters as they targeted a Co-Op in Hackney.
Donavan Soloman and Lee Moise were wearing balaclavas when they attempted to target the store in Homerton High Street on 22 December 2024.
Neighbourhood officers, who were carrying out a proactive operation at the store in response to concerns about shoplifting, saw the incident unfold on CCTV and detained the men.
They were arrested and taken into custody where they were later charged.
Soloman, 37 (28.12.87), of Avenue Road, Beckenham, pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage at Wood Green Crown Court. He was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. He had four previous convictions for theft.
Moise, 38 (12.04.86), of Croyland Road, Edmonton, pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. He had 10 previous convictions for theft.
Inspector Mohammed Uddin, from the neighbourhood policing team in Homerton, said: “Across the Met we’re focused on tackling the most prolific shoplifters as we know the fear they cause retail workers and the negative impact their offending has on communities.
“We’re working with local business owners to understand their concerns and we’ll continue our crackdown with operations such as this one as well as our regular patrols.”
Neighbourhood officers in Homerton have secured prison sentences for six prolific shoplifters over the past seven months and their work continues.
Enquiries to identify a third man involved in the incident are ongoing.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Mary, who is also known to her friends and family as Ellen, was last seen leaving her home in Petherton Road, Islington at around 10:30hrs on Monday, 31 March.
She is also known to have links with the Camden area.
Ellen is slim with brown hair. She was last seen wearing a brown jumper, a long dark green skirt and a black hat.
If you have seen Ellen or have any information about her whereabouts, please call 101 and quote the reference 2696/31MAR.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Saipan – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Zhongli Pang, age 36, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands to three months imprisonment with credit for time served. Pang pled guilty for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and (v)(ii); 18 U.S.C. § 371. The court also ordered one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $200 special assessment fee.
In June 2024, Zhongli Pang and several co-conspirators paid $33,000 for a boat, which Pang registered. As part of the scheme, Pang agreed to transport a group of twelve other individuals, all Chinese nationals living without lawful status, from the island of Saipan to Guam. Pang and his co-conspirators knew they were not authorized to do so. Pang’s only experience operating a boat was two short excursions he had taken a few days before attempting the crossing to Guam. The overloaded boat ran out of fuel short of Guam, necessitating a sea rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard. During his sentencing hearing, Pang acknowledged that his actions put many lives at risk and expressed his deep regret.
“We will continue to target illegal aliens unlawfully traveling between the CNMI and Guam,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “The risk to personal safety is substantial. Those interdicted also face imprisonment and immigration penalties. We urge PRC nationals to fully comply with the CNMI’s parole program and return to China as agreed upon entry to Saipan. Enhanced enforcement efforts by DHS will result in the apprehension of those attempting to evade detection.”
“The arrest of Mr. Pang is a testament to HSI’s continued efforts to deter the extremely dangerous and unlawful movement of illegal aliens within the CNMI,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “By holding criminals accountable, HSI works with state and local authorities to thwart future violations, ensuring the safety of our communities through continuing partnerships.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Department of Public Safety.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. O’Malley prosecuted the case in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Detectives investigating an assault in Balham have issued images of a man they want to identify.
Shortly after midnight on Sunday, 9 March a man was punched while on the dancefloor of a club in Balham High Road, SW17.
He fell and suffered a broken ankle which required surgery.
The suspect is described as a white man, tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark green jacket, a white chequered shirt with black trousers and black shoes. He spoke Polish.
Detectives have released two images taken on that night of the man they want to identify and speak with. If you can help, please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote ref: 01/7246845/25. You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines — Soldiers of the Philippines Army 5th and 7th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division participated in a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) on bundle drop and sling load operations training during Salaknib 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, March 25, 2025.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
THAILAND — The U.S. Air Force 77th Fighter Squadron ‘Gamblers’ have flown countless missions supporting numerous conflicts and exercises around the world for 107 years, making them one of the most storied flying units still operating. Today, they’re bringing that knowledge and lethality to the Pacific theater for Cope Tiger 25—a rare first in the unit’s long history.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
SINGAPORE — The 27th iteration of Exercise Valiant Mark came to a close on March 26, 2025, as U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Singapore Guardsmen with 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards, 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade, culminated the exercise with a field-expedient closing ceremony at SAFTI City training facility, Singapore. The U.S. force included Marines from 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, attached to MRF-SEA and integrated with the Singapore Guardsmen during the 10 days of training.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rodney Johnson, 48, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison for his leadership of a drug trafficking organization that sold large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in North Central West Virginia.
According to court documents, Johnson recruited others to distribute in Morgantown, West Virginia, paying the distributors a salary to transport and sell the drugs. He supplied significant quantities of illicit drugs to be sold.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines — Soldiers from the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment and the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, conducted joint artillery training on the “Big Three” verification method and the M2A2 aiming circle in preparation for Salaknib 2025 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, March 21, 2025.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SAN FRANCISCO – Kari Marie Russo was sentenced today to 33 months and one day in federal prison for submitting numerous fraudulent unemployment insurance claims using stolen identities. U.S. District Judge James Donato handed down the sentence.
Russo, 46, and her co-defendant Steven Dunsmore, 35, both of Oakland, were indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 3, 2023. A federal grand jury also indicted Russo on Sept. 17, 2024, on a single count of failure to appear. On Dec. 10, 2024, Russo pleaded guilty to two counts of fraudulent use of unauthorized access device, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of failure to appear.
According to court documents, beginning in June 2020, Russo and Dunsmore engaged in an elaborate scheme to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) using other people’s personally identifying information, such as their names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, without their authorization.
As a result of the fraudulent applications, Dunsmore and Russo received approximately $336,545 in EDD funds.
Additionally, while Russo was on pretrial release so that she could participate in a residential drug treatment program, Russo left the program without permission and failed to appear in court on Jan. 8, 2024, as ordered. She was captured by the U.S. Marshals Service on June 11, 2024.
Dunsmore previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 26, 2024, to two counts of fraudulent use of unauthorized access device and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Judge Donato sentenced Dunsmore on June 17, 2024, to 24 months and one day in federal prison and ordered him to pay $336,545 in restitution.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Donato also ordered Russo to pay $336,545 in restitution, jointly and severally with Dunsmore.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Garbers is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DOL-OIG, FBI, DHS-OIG, and California’s Employment Development Department.
Source: United States Coast Guard
|
News Release |
U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska |
03/31/2025 08:35 PM EDT
KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a commissioning ceremony for Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158), the service’s newest Fast Response Cutter (FRC), Thursday. WHO: Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District; Lt. Cmdr. Adam Young, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon, Lt. j.g. Katelynn Lane, executive officer of Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon; cutter crew members. WHAT: Commissioning ceremony for Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon, the service’s newest FRC and first of three FRC’s to be homeported at Coast Guard Base Kodiak WHEN: Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. WHERE: Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak aviation hangar Members of the media are requested to RSVP to the Coast Guard District 17 Public Affairs office by emailing uscgalaska@uscg.mil or calling (907) 723-5367 no later than Wednesday, April at 2:00 p.m. to receive instructions for attendance and base access.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After a five–day trial, a federal jury found Darren Tramaine Tony Mitchell, 35, of Vallejo, guilty on Friday of one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. The trial was held before Senior United States District Judge William B. Shubb.
According to evidence presented at trial, including recordings of his telephone conversations, Mitchell negotiated a transaction for 1,000 methamphetamine pills with a buyer who testified at trial. Federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Mitchell’s Vallejo residence a few days following these recorded calls. Inside Mitchell’s residence, agents recovered methamphetamine-laced pills and an industrial pill pressing machine. Hidden inside the residence’s dishwasher, agents recovered a loaded AR-15 assault-style rifle and a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol with an obliterated serial number:
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron Desmond and Sam Stefanki are prosecuting the case.
Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Shubb on July 7, 2025. Mitchell faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Timothy Charles Wilson, 76, of Pioneer, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to five years in prison and ordered him to pay $24,778 in restitution for manufacturing marijuana, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, Wilson illegally manufactured 238 marijuana plants inside and around his residence in Pioneer. He grew these plants as part of a larger conspiracy with his three co-defendants to grow marijuana in the Tomhead Mountain area in Shasta-Trinity National Forest that consisted of 1,054 marijuana plants. In furtherance of this conspiracy, co-defendant Filemon Padilla Martinez recruited, trained, and supplied Oscar Francisco-Diego and Francisco Gomez Sanchez, the other two co-defendants in this case, whom he left to live and work on the site while he stayed either at a nearby stash house or at his residence in Ione. Wilson paid Padilla Martinez and funded the supplies.
According to court documents, surveillance captured Wilson and Padilla Martinez visiting the marijuana grow on Tomhead Mountain on Aug. 2, 2019. A subsequent search of Wilson’s residence in Pioneer resulted in the discovery of a multiple receipts for marijuana supplies, carbon copies of checks to Padilla Martinez, marijuana cultivation supplies, 238 marijuana plants, and other evidence of illegal marijuana cultivation.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the Tehama County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with assistance from the Amador County Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
Padilla Martinez, Francisco-Diego and Gomez Sanchez have been previously sentenced for their roles in the offense. There were each sentenced to 10 years, 19 months, and 22 months of incarceration, respectively.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
FRESNO, Calif. — Miguel Obed Romero Reyes, 25, of Sinaloa, Mexico, pleaded guilty today to trafficking large amounts of fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, Romero Reyes was pulled over by law enforcement officers while driving north on Interstate 5 in Fresno County. Deputies searched his vehicle and discovered a large duffel bag containing 48 pounds (21.8 kilograms) of blue counterfeit M-30 pills in 20 separate 1-gallon Ziploc bags. In total, Romero Reyes was transporting more than 200,000 fentanyl pills in his car. Romero Reyes had picked up the pills in Arizona and was transporting them to Washington state for distribution.
21.8 Kilograms of Fentanyl Pills Seized from Romero Reyes’s Vehicle
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.
Romero Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on June 30, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
DENVER – Abraham Gonzalez Romero, 23, a citizen of Venezuela, was charged with forcibly assaulting a federal officer with physical contact and made his initial appearance in federal court today.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Gonzalez Romero last entered the United States unlawfully at or near Eagle Pass, Texas, on or about September 20, 2023.
On February 28, 2025, ICE Denver Fugitive Operations Unit and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Denver encountered Gonzalez Romero upon his release from the Denver County jail. The officers present had ICE badges and placards clearly visible as they approached Gonzalez Romero. As one of the officers attempted to contact Gonzalez Romero, he jumped over a nearby handrail and began to run. Officers pursued him, and one officer positioned himself to block his exit. Gonzalez Romero continued running and ran straight at the officer rather than swerve to avoid him. The two collided, the officer was knocked backwards from the impact, and both fell to the ground. The officers subsequently subdued and arrested Gonzalez.
The prosecution is being handled by the Violent Crimes and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office.
The charges in the complaint and indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case Number: 25-cr-00106-REB
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Tyson Dyer had previously been convicted of drug trafficking, illegally possessing a firearm
PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Tyson Dyer, 38, to 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court records, in January 2023, officers from the Portland Police Department responded to a 911 call about two people smoking something inside a vehicle and something lit on fire inside the vehicle. When the officers arrived, Dyer was alone in the vehicle, which was registered to him. The officers observed an empty black gun holster on the front seat and after searching the vehicle, located five loaded magazines beneath some items on the seat. In all, officers recovered 103 rounds. Dyer was precluded from possessing ammunition due to previous convictions, including for drug trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm.
ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Portland Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.
###
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Jahmir Jacobi Riley, 19, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on March 31, 2025.
According to court documents, an investigation determined Riley was responsible for convenience store robberies in Jefferson County in the fall of 2024. On September 24, 2024, the Checkpoint gas station on Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur was robbed and the clerk was pistol-whipped. On September 29, 2024, the Exxpress Mart gas station on Interstate-10 South in Beaumont was robbed and on October 3, 2024, the Hamshire Quick Mart gas station on Hwy 73 was also robbed. Riley was identified through witnesses and surveillance video as the suspect. Riley can be seen on one surveillance video brandishing a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device, also known as a glock switch. Riley was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 4, 2024.
This case was sentenced as 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).
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Beaumont Police Department; the Port Arthur Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.
###