Justice – Page 6 – MIL Security Intel Ngin

August 22, 2025

Man Sentenced to Four and a Half Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm in Chicago Residence Full of Children

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to more than four and a half years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun in a Chicago residence full of children.

BRANDON JOHNSON illegally possessed the gun on Jan. 25, 2020, in a residence on Chicago’s Near West Side. Chicago Police officers were called to the residence by an individual who claimed that Johnson had brandished the gun and threatened to shoot the individual. Several children were inside the residence when Johnson illegally possessed the firearm.

Johnson had previously been convicted of multiple felonies and was not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm.

Johnson, 37, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal firearm charge. On Aug. 13, 2025, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed a 55-month prison sentence. Johnson has been in law enforcement custody since December 2020 and will receive credit for time served.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher C. Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department.

“The City of Chicago has been plagued by gun violence for many years,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “The possession of a loaded firearm is a significant contributor to that gun violence.”

August 22, 2025

U.S. Navy Sailor Convicted of Spying for China

Source: United States Attorneys General

Yesterday, on Aug. 20, a federal jury convicted Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, of espionage and export violations. Wei was an active-duty U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Naval Base San Diego when he agreed to sell Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000.

Following a five-day trial and one day of deliberation, the jury convicted Wei of six counts, including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of, and conspiracy to export, technical data related to defense articles in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1.

“The defendant, who took an oath to protect our Nation and was entrusted with a security clearance as a petty officer in the United States Navy, sold out his country for $12,000,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “He violated his oath, betrayed his uniform and fellow sailors, and turned his back on his adopted nation for money. This verdict serves as a warning to those who do not take seriously the solemn obligations of their positions of trust or their duty to this Nation. Do not be tempted by easy money because you will be prosecuted and sent to prison.”

“The defendant’s actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the U.S. military,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “By trading military secrets to the People’s Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies. The jury’s verdict serves as a crucial reminder that the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute traitors.”

“Jinchao Wei swore oaths to become a U.S. Navy sailor and a U.S. citizen. He then committed espionage by sending photographs and videos of U.S. Navy vessels, ship movement information, technical manuals, and weapons capabilities to a Chinese intelligence officer,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “China continues to aggressively target U.S. military members with and without clearances. This guilty verdict shows the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone who threatens U.S. national security. We encourage past and present U.S. government personnel to beware of anyone offering to pay for their information or opinions and to report any suspicious contacts to the FBI.”

According to evidence presented at trial, Wei was a machinist’s mate for the amphibious assault ship U.S.S. Essex. He also held a U.S. security clearance and had access to sensitive national defense information about the ship’s various systems.

The evidence introduced at trial showed that Wei was approached in February 2022 via social media by someone who claimed to be a naval enthusiast. The individual was in reality a Chinese intelligence officer. Between February 2022 and his arrest in August 2023, as their relationship developed, Wei, at the request of the officer, sent extensive information about the Essex, including photographs, videos, and about its weapons. He also sent detailed information about other U.S. Navy ships that he took from restricted U.S. Navy computer systems. In exchange for this information, the intelligence officer paid Wei more than $12,000 over 18 months.

During the trial, the government presented evidence including conversations and other messages that Wei exchanged with his Chinese handler. These communications showed the efforts they made to cover their tracks, the tasks issued by his handler, and how Wei was paid for his work.

In addition to the two espionage charges, Wei was convicted of four counts of conspiring to violate and violating the Arms Export Control Act. That law prohibits individuals from willfully exporting technical data related to a defense article without a license from the Department of State. The government presented evidence that Wei conspired with his Chinese handler to export certain technical information which required a license for export.

The FBI and NCIS investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Department of State and Transportation Security Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parmley for the Southern District of California and Trial Attorney Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

August 21, 2025

11 Individuals in Drug Trafficking Ring Sentenced to Federal Prison

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

INDIANAPOLIS- 11 individuals have been sentenced for their roles in an armed drug trafficking ring responsible for trafficking hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and over 15 kilograms of methamphetamine into Central Indiana. The individuals were sentenced as follows:

Defendant	Charge(s)	Sentence
Christopher Miller, 29, Indianapolis	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; Engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property	26 years’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Jamie Sullivan, 22, Indianapolis	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; Distribution of controlled substances; Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances	24 years’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Tameico Johnson, 22, of Fishers, IN	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Distribution of controlled substance.	20 years, 10 months’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Jayden Bertram, 22, Carmel, IN	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances	20 years, 10 months’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Courtlin Moncrief, 29, Avon, IN	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances	20 years’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Camonte Miller, 21, Indianapolis	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Possession with intent to distribute controlled substance.	20 years’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Jordan Sumner, 22	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime	16 years, 8 months’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Afrika Railynne Williams, 29, Indianapolis	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments	13 years, 4 months’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Monica Sumner, 20, Indianapolis	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances	12.5 years’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Dewell Simpson, 18, Indianapolis	Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Possession of a machine gun	11 years, 8 months’ imprisonment 5 years’ supervised release
Regina Weatherford, 60, Indianapolis	Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.	5 years’, 5 months’ imprisonment 4 years’ supervised release

According to court documents, Jaraughn Bertram led a drug trafficking organization in Central Indiana that trafficked significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Arizona to the Indianapolis, Anderson, and Muncie areas. Bertram and Christopher Miller utilized multiple couriers to obtain the drugs from Joaquin Carranza in Arizona and fly them to Indianapolis, concealed in their checked baggage. Drugs were also shipped to Indiana using U.S. mail. The drugs were then distributed to the other defendants for storage, packaging, and selling to individuals. Multiple members of the organization possessed and used firearms, including weapons than had been converted into fully automatic firearms (a/k/a machineguns), to further their drug trafficking activities, despite previous felony convictions.

Machinegun conversion devices, sometimes called “Glock switches” or “auto-sears,” are devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. Machinegun conversion devices are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, even when not installed, and are illegal to possess or sell without a special license.

In addition to dealing controlled substances, Christopher Miller, Afrika Williams, and Jamie Sullivan also laundered the proceeds of the criminal organization using CashApp transactions, structured bank deposits and currency exchanges, and the purchase of vehicles.

While the case was being investigated, Jaraughn Bertram fled Indianapolis to Mexico. After federal charges were announced in June of 2023, Joaquin Carranza also fled to Mexico and remains a fugitive. Jaraughn Bertram was killed in September of 2024 in Mexico.

This case was part of a long-term investigation which resulted in multiple federal indictments. In total, the investigation recovered the following contraband and proceeds of the criminal activity:

128 firearms
61 machine gun conversion devices (MCDs)
$722,626 currency
22 vehicles
118 pounds of methamphetamine
78 kilograms of fentanyl
501 pounds of marijuana
315 grams of cocaine
216 grams of heroin

“This was not just a drug bust- it was a takedown of a massive, highly organized criminal enterprise flooding Central Indiana with poison on an industrial scale,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Dozens of law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels worked tirelessly together, coordinating for years across jurisdictions to take down this operation. Thanks to their extraordinary partnership, these dangerous traffickers are behind bars, and our communities are safer.”

“This extraordinary investigation, made possible through the collaboration of numerous law enforcement partners, underscores our commitment to justice. We believe the sentences imposed on these violent offenders will have a lasting positive impact on the communities they targeted,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge, John Smerglia.

“The defendants profited by flooding our neighborhoods with deadly drugs, leaving devastation in their wake—shattered families, lost lives, and communities in crisis,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Today’s sentences send a clear message: if you exploit our communities and profit from their pain, we will come for you. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will be unrelenting in hunting down these traffickers and driving them off our streets.”

“Drug traffickers don’t just flood communities with narcotics—they disguise their profits through complex laundering schemes,” said Jason Bushey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “IRS-CI special agents used forensic accounting to expose how this network tried to wash its money clean. By seizing their drugs, firearms, and illegal assets, we’ve cut off both the poison and the profits. IRS-CI will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

“US Postal Inspectors are dedicated to maintaining the sanctity of trust placed in the US Mail. We will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the US Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs which impacts the safety of postal employees and postal customers,” said USPIS Detroit Division Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George. “The Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our law enforcement partners in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these drug tracking organizations which endanger our communities.”

“The Indiana State Police actively collaborates with various law enforcement partners at all levels (local, state, and federal) to combat criminal enterprises involved in illicit narcotics and firearms. This collaborative approach aims to enhance public safety by disrupting the flow of illegal drugs and firearms and bringing those involved in their trafficking to justice,” said Indiana State Police Captain, Ron Galaviz.

The following agencies investigated this case:

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation
Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis
Drug Enforcement Administration
United States Marshals Service
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Homeland Security Investigations
The Indiana Crime Guns Task Force
Indiana State Police
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Fishers Police Department
Carmel Police Department
Boone County Sheriff’s Department
Zionsville Police Department
Anderson Police Department
Lawrence Police Department
Muncie Police Department
Fort Wayne Police Department
Avon Police Department

The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.

U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle P. Brady and Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.

This case was brought in conjunction with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.

This case was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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August 21, 2025

Illinois Doctor Sentenced to 34 Months in Prison for Evading $1.6M in Taxes and Committing Health Care Fraud

Source: United States Attorneys General

An Illinois doctor was sentenced today to 34 months in prison for committing health care fraud and for hiding assets and lying to the IRS about his ability to pay approximately $1.6 million in taxes, penalties, and interest.

The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from approximately 2011 to 2017, Krishnaswami Sriram, of Lake Forest, Illinois, evaded payment of approximately $1.6 million he owed to the IRS. Among other evasive steps, Sriram transferred ownership, in name only, of two rental properties to his children without their knowledge while he continued to receive income from the properties. He also transferred approximately $700,000 from bank accounts he controlled in the United States to accounts in India. To fraudulently reduce the money he owed, Sriram submitted documents to the IRS as part of an offer-in-compromise that omitted an investment account in the United States, bank and investment accounts in India, and ownership of the rental properties. In total, Sriram caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $1.6 million.

Between 2012 and 2022, Sriram also caused false Medicare billings to be submitted for episodes of in-home physician care that did not occur. Specifically, Sriram claimed to provide care for Medicare beneficiaries on dates when those individuals were either deceased or resided at inpatient facilities other than their homes. Sriram’s false statements in medical records relating to these episodes of care resulted in $136,980.36 in false billings to Medicare.

In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered Sriram to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $1.7 million in restitution to the United States.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara E. Henderson for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case with assistance from former Trial Attorney Victor Yanz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

August 21, 2025

Convicted Felon Admits to Illegally Possessing a Firearm

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

PROVIDENCE – A Providence man previously convicted and sentenced on state firearm, robbery, and drug trafficking charges, and a 2013 federal firearm charge, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

According to information presented to the court, on March 30, 2024, a Providence Police patrol officer effected a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Troy L. Antley, 56, for turning at an intersection without signaling. During the subsequent stop, the officer noticed a knife in plain view on the driver’s seat.

As the officer went to seize the knife, he noticed a round of ammunition in the driver’s side cupholder in the center console and a gun handle protruding from the space between the driver’s seat and center console. It was later determined that the firearm, a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol, was previously reported stolen out of Alabama. The magazine in the firearm had a 16 round capacity and 14 rounds in it. One round was chambered in the pistol.

Antley is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2025. The sentence imposed in this matter will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Milind M. Shah.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives and the Providence Police Department

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August 21, 2025

Big Timber man sentenced to 3 years in prison on drug charges

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

BILLINGS – A Big Timber man who possessed methamphetamine was sentenced today to 36 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

James Karl Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that on or about November 26, 2023, law enforcement received a video that showed the garage of Ellis’s residence located in Big Timber, Montana. The video depicted Ellis obtaining something from a large safe in the garage and then providing a bag containing what appeared to be a white powdery substance to a female. Deputies recognized the female as a known narcotics user. A search warrant for Ellis’s residence was obtained.

Ellis’s residence was searched on November 27, 2023. In the safe in the garage as well as in a locked closet in Ellis’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Sweetgrass County Sheriff’s Office and ATF.

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, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

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August 21, 2025

Troy Health, Inc. Enters Non-Prosecution Agreement and Admits to Fraudulently Enrolling Medicare Beneficiaries and Identity Theft

Source: United States Attorneys General 1

Troy Health, Inc. (Troy), a North Carolina-based provider of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, has entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice to resolve a criminal investigation into a health care fraud and identity theft scheme involving the use of artificial intelligence and automation software to illegally obtain Medicare beneficiary information and fraudulently enroll beneficiaries into its Medicare Advantage plans.

“Troy told low-income Medicare beneficiaries that it would use new technologies, including its proprietary artificial intelligence platform, to improve patient health outcomes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Instead, the company misused patient data to enroll beneficiaries in its Medicare Advantage plan without their consent. Today’s resolution reflects the Criminal Division’s emerging focus on corporate enforcement in the health care space and holding both individuals and companies accountable when they defraud our medical system to enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer.”

“Health care providers that fraudulently enroll individuals in Medicare Advantage plans just to boost company profits undermine the integrity of the Medicare program and the well-being of Medicare enrollees,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Alongside our law enforcement partners, HHS OIG will continue to protect the American public and ensure that the personal health information of Medicare beneficiaries remains secured.”

As part of the non-prosecution agreement, Troy admitted that, from approximately October 2020 through the end of 2022, Troy defrauded the Medicare program by enrolling beneficiaries in Troy’s Medicare Advantage plans without their knowledge or consent. Under a Troy executive’s direction, some of Troy’s Territory Managers used proprietary software developed by one of Troy’s executives to unlawfully access pharmacy records and customer lists containing sensitive personal information, including beneficiaries’ names, addresses, dates of birth, Medicare ID numbers, and insurance information. Troy used that information to make unsolicited sales calls to potential beneficiaries. During those sales calls, Troy’s sales personnel provided false and misleading information to Medicare beneficiaries. For example, Troy’s sales personnel told prospective enrollees that they were calling on behalf of the beneficiaries’ pharmacies and representing to beneficiaries that Troy’s Medicare Advantage plan was being offered as a supplement to their existing health care plans rather than as a new plan.

Troy also used an artificial intelligence-based health care management platform it developed and made available to participating pharmacies, known as Troy.ai, as part of the scheme. As described by the company, Troy marketed Troy.ai as a product that would leverage data and machine learning to lower the cost of care and improve health outcomes. As part of its effort to obtain new enrollments, however, Troy misused the platform by offering pharmacies kickbacks for enrollment referrals submitted through Troy.ai.

Troy also admitted that it used information obtained from the customer lists to enroll beneficiaries in Troy’s Medicare Advantage plan without their consent. At the height of the scheme, during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period between Jan. 1, 2022 and March 31, 2022, Troy enrolled over 2,700 new Medicare Advantage members, many through automatic or batch enrollments. For example, on March 2, 2022, Troy enrolled over 300 beneficiaries on one day, with the enrollments occurring approximately one minute apart. In addition, some Troy employees manually entered fraudulent enrollments through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website. This conduct followed a Troy executive’s announcement at a 2021 board meeting of an “aggressive but achievable” plan to triple Troy’s enrollment during the 2022 open enrollment period.

As part of the non-prosecution agreement, Troy admitted to and accepted responsibility for the acts of its officers, directors, employees, and agents in connection with the scheme. Troy has also agreed to continue cooperating with the Department in any ongoing or future criminal investigation relating to this conduct. As part of this agreement, Troy agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $1,430,008. This penalty has been adjusted based on Troy’s ability to pay.

The Department reached this resolution with Troy based on several factors, including Troy’s efforts to provide all relevant facts known to it, acceptance of responsibility for criminal conduct, extensive and timely remedial measures taken, commitment to continuing enhancement of compliance and internal control programs, absence of prior criminal history or regulatory actions, commitment to cooperation with federal agencies in any ongoing investigations, and the nature and seriousness of the offense. Troy did not receive voluntary self-disclosure credit, but did receive credit for its cooperation with the Department’s investigation and affirmative acceptance of responsibility, which included (i) self-reporting its 2022 batch member enrollment issue to CMS before it had come to the attention of the Department; (ii) providing timely updates on facts learned during its internal investigation; (iii) providing all relevant facts known to it, including information about individuals involved in the conduct. However, and particularly during the early phase of the Department’s investigation, Troy failed to preserve and produce certain documents and evidence in a timely manner and, at times, took actions that were inconsistent with full cooperation.

The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Clayton P. Solomon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Armstrong for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting health care fraud (HCF) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s HCF enforcement efforts can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

August 21, 2025

Ohio Resident Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of Minor and Coercion and Enticement of Adult Female for Commercial Sex

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Euclid, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to 150 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of sex trafficking of a minor and coercion and enticement of an adult for the purpose of commercial sex, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Donte Lashawn Cole on August 18, 2025. Cole also is required to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and register as a convicted sex offender.

According to information presented to the Court, Cole transported a female minor from Ohio to a hotel in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, in May of 2023 to engage in commercial sex. Additionally, Cole enticed and coerced an adult female across state lines, also for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex. Cole used online advertisements to market the victims for commercial sex services in Western Pennsylvania and elsewhere from April 2023 to October 2023.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman labeled Cole’s conduct as “evil” and noted that Cole “victimized minor girls, crossed state lines, and treated the girls like property for (his) own gain.”

“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to stand against human trafficking and the exploitation of children and hold sex traffickers such as Donte Cole accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “We will remain vigilant in ensuring that anyone seeking to profit through the exploitation of any child or adult is identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”

“Human traffickers such as Donte Cole prey on the vulnerable, inflicting unimaginable suffering and robbing victims of their dignity and freedom,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “This case spotlights the depravity of those who exploit others for profit. Homeland Security Investigations will never stop working to ensure these predators are held accountable. We remain relentless in our mission to rescue victims, dismantle trafficking operations, and bring justice to those who have endured such horrific abuse.”

“This predatory trafficker was calculated in how he selected his victims, choosing vulnerable individuals who he then manipulated into situations where their livelihood depended on being at his beck and call,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “Human trafficking is dehumanizing—some of the most egregious conduct we encounter in society. I commend our federal partners for collaborating to reach a resolution that ensures Donte Cole will be far away, for many years, from anyone else he can exploit, manipulate, and abuse.”

Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schupansky and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer Carroll (Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General) prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cole.

This case was brought as 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 Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

If you are the victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. To submit a tip to the NHTRC online, please visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.

August 21, 2025

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES RESULTS FROM COORDINATED OPERATIONS AIMED AT REDUCING VIOLENT CRIME

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis, together with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, announced the successful outcomes of recent multi-agency operations aimed at reducing violent crime in Baton Rouge and surrounding communities.

Over the past several months, these coordinated efforts have resulted in 52 federal indictments charging 68 defendants in connection with drug trafficking, illegal firearm and other violent crime offenses, and the seizure of illegal firearms, narcotics, and other contraband that contribute to the cycle of violence.

Agencies announcing the results are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Probation and Parole, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, and East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison Travis stated, “These initiatives underscore the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Enhanced information-sharing and resource allocation among participating agencies are instrumental to effectively combat violent crime. I would like to thank the Department of Justice and Governor Landry for surging federal and state resources to help fight crime in Baton Rouge.”

“From the very beginning, I made a commitment to reduce crime across our state. We started that mission in New Orleans and achieved remarkable success. Now, thanks to the strong collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners, we are taking down violent criminal networks throughout the Capital Region,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Operation Violent Crime Takedown was a huge success, made possible by the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers. This is just the beginning. Together, we are ushering in a new era of safety and opportunity for Baton Rouge and for communities across Louisiana.”

“The FBI was proud to be part of this mission, and we brought Agents and intelligence personnel from our Violent Crime Rapid Deployment Team from offices across the country, to Baton Rouge,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “The FBI is committed to crushing violent crime across Louisiana and looks forward to working with our partners and the public to achieve that goal.”

“This summer surge operation to address violent gun and narcotics crime demonstrates ATF’s expertise and shows ATF’s collaboration with federal, state and local partners to have meaningful impact on combating crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Working in coordination with law enforcement partners to meet the collective objectives of political leaders, community leaders, and citizens to enhance public safety is the priority of ATF.”

“Today isn’t about one agency; it’s about a united front against crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Division. “We fully support Governor Landry’s efforts to ensure those who pose a threat to our communities are held accountable. The DEA will continue to bring its resources to bear in support of this vital mission.”

“The Louisiana State Police is proud to have played a key role in this summer’s crime reduction operations, working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to target gangs and violent offenders in Baton Rouge,” said Colonel Robert P. Hodges, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “Our collaborative efforts have contributed to a measurable reduction in violent crime in targeted areas, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping our communities safe and holding offenders accountable.”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux stated, “The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is proud to continue working hand-in-hand with our local, state, and federal partners in the fight against violent crime. This summer, our deputies worked tirelessly to make our community safer, focusing our efforts on taking high-level violent offenders and drug traffickers off our streets. We are especially grateful for the federal support that provided the financial resources necessary to sustain these operations and maximize our impact. Collaboration and shared commitment are key to protecting our citizens, and we remain steadfast in doing our part to ensure the people of East Baton Rouge Parish can live in a safer, stronger community.”

“A large-scale warrant apprehension operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies has led to numerous arrests, narcotics and firearms being recovered from Baton Rouge streets,” said Gary Westcott, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. “I’m proud of the Department’s 41 Division of Probation and Parole (P&P) officers and Bravo Special Response Team members from five (P&P) district offices and headquarters who participated in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Gun Reduction and Interdiction Program. This strategic partnership was able to yield results that help make communities safer.”

Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse stated, “The Baton Rouge Police Department is grateful for the federal, state, and local partners that all came together to combat violent crime through shared resources, technology, and targeting of serious felon offenders over the last several months. Our department committed countless hours of manpower and professional work to this initiative in the efforts of public safety and strive to make the city of Baton Rouge a safer community. With more than a dozen officers assigned to federal task forces, we look forward to the ongoing partnerships and cooperation in future operations.”

The federal cases stemming from these investigations are being prosecuted by a team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys.

This initiative 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, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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).

An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.

August 21, 2025

Angelina County felon guilty of federal firearms violation

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lufkin felon has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Preston Allen, 58, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on August 19, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on February 3, 2025, Allen was arrested at his Lufkin home after law enforcement officers arrived to execute a warrant. Upon arrival, deputies found Allen standing outside the home with an AR-15 style rifle. Allen was ordered to put the rifle on the ground and was taken into custody. Further investigation revealed Allen is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

Allen was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2025, and faces up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

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).

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.