Category: Office of United States Attorneys

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michael Buchno-Factor, 36, of Sacramento, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to 30 years in prison to be followed by a life-term of supervised release, and ordered to pay $29,000 in restitution, for sexual exploitation of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

According to court documents, Buchno-Factor had a prior conviction relating to abusive sexual contact with a minor. While on parole, parole agents seized cellphones from Buchno-Factor, and he admitted that he used encrypted messaging and social media. A further parole search found child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his cellphones, and images of a minor girl in a foreign country, as well as messages asking for images of the minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Additional investigation established that Buchno-Factor was distributing CSAM, including images of the minor victim.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Yang prosecuted the case.

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, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Jessica Wilson, 39, pleaded guilty to Count One of two separate Superseding Indictments before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on January 14, 2025.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around January 2021 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Wilson conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack, and methamphetamine. Wilson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others. Further, from in and around April 2024 to June 2024, Wilson conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures and substances containing fentanyl and crack cocaine.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for May 8, 2025. At each count, the law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Arnold P. Bernard Jr. are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wilson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ROME, Ga. – Darrlin Vernard Warner, also known as “Juice,” has been arraigned on federal charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

“Warner was allegedly trafficking a substantial amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine, posing an immense threat to the safety of residents of Paulding and Douglas Counties,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to ravage communities throughout northern Georgia.  Our Office is especially proud of the impact that our federal, state, and local law enforcement made in this investigation.”

“Fentanyl poisonings and other dangerous drugs are taking a terrible toll on Georgia,” said FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke. “Disrupting the manufacturers and distributers of this poison remains a high priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners.”

“This indictment highlights the significant threat that fentanyl and methamphetamine pose to our communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The seizure of enough fentanyl to potentially kill 500,000 people underscores the deadly scale of this crisis. The collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement continue to be crucial in protecting our citizens and dismantling drug trafficking networks.”

“We are proud to stand united with our state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in operations like this,” remarked Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson. “This interagency collaboration has enabled us to effectively eliminate a substantial amount of deadly fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from the streets of Paulding County. As the new Sheriff, I will relentlessly work to ensure that these dangerous substances are kept away from our children and residents.”

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the indictment, information provided in court, and other publicly available information: In October and November 2024, law enforcement found during the course of their investigation evidence that Darrlin Warner allegedly conspired to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in the region of Paulding and Douglas Counties. On November 13, 2024, federal, state, and local agencies executed a federal search warrant on Warner’s home and vehicle, recovering approximately one kilogram (2.2. pounds) of fentanyl, approximately one pound of methamphetamine, five firearms, and approximately $177,000 in cash, as well as other suspected controlled substances.

Two milligrams of illicit fentanyl can be a lethal dose, and the approximate one kilogram of fentanyl recovered from Warner is enough to potentially kill as many as 500,000 people.

Darrlin Vernard Warner, aka “Juice,” 39, of Hiram, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson on January 14, 2025. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2024.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges.  The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cartersville Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, with valuable assistance provided by Paulding County Fire/Rescue and Metro Ambulance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold, III and Thomas M. Forsyth, III are prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strategic Initiative focused on combatting the fentanyl crisis in northwest Georgia. 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.

Anyone with information about drug sales/trafficking in their area can report it to the GBI at1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or DEA’s Atlanta Division Office at (404) 893-7000. Online tips can be submitted at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia encourages parents and children to learn about the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs at the following websites: www.justthinktwice.gov, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.operationprevention.com/, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov/onepill.

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.

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

           WASHINGTON – Raymon Edward Dandridge, 40, of Harwood, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 180 months in prison in connection with distributing videos depicting the violent rape of toddlers. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves of the District of Columbia and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean T. Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

           Dandridge pleaded guilty on April 10, 2024, to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the 180-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered Dandridge to serve 25 years of supervised release and pay restitution of $9,000. 

           Dandridge previously was convicted in August 2022 in Anne Arundel County for possessing child pornography, and, as a result, was required to register as a sex offender.

          According to court documents, on April 22, 2023, an undercover FBI Washington Field Office Task Force officer was monitoring a social media platform known to law enforcement as a place that people use to meet others who have an interest in incest, taboo, and child sex abuse material (CSAM). That day, the undercover officer received a private message from Raymon Dandridge using the screen name, “D4ALL.”

           During the chat with the undercover officer, in a private “secret” forum, Dandridge sent a video depicting an adult male forcibly raping a crying toddler. Two days later, on April 24, 2023, they discussed meeting up so that Dandridge could sexually abuse the undercover officer’s purported 8-year-old daughter. Dandridge also sent the undercover officer more than 20 videos depicting toddlers and infants being sexually abused by adult men. Dandridge later sent another 20 videos depicting prepubescent children, some as young as infants, being sexually abused by adults.

           On April 27, 2023, Dandridge agreed via text message to meet the undercover agent and his purported daughter to abuse the girl at a residence in Washington D.C. 

           Dandridge was arrested on April 28, 2023, when he arrived at the agreed-on meeting place. The FBI forensically analyzed Dandridge’s two cellular phones; one of them contained 3,400 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, while the other had an additional 100 images of child pornography.

           This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.

           The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Shinskie and Caroline Burrell and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Larson.

           This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Justin Alan Seymour (37, Tennessee) with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The same grand jury had previously returned an indictment charging Seymour with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  If convicted, Seymour faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery offense, up to life in prison for the first firearm offense, and up to 15 years in federal prison for the second firearm offense.

According to court documents, on October 21, 2024, Seymour robbed a pizza shop on Fowler Avenue in Tampa while brandishing a firearm. Two days later, law enforcement pulled over a vehicle driven by Seymour who had a firearm in his waistband. Seymour has a prior felony conviction for attempted robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.          

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handed by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench.

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.

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SAVANNAH, GA:  The divorced spouse of a deceased U.S. Army veteran awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming her ex-husband’s benefits.

Miranda Rachel Briggs, a/k/a “Miranda Rachel Fisher,”34, of Rincon, Georgia, pled guilty to Wire Fraud, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The guilty plea subjects Briggs to a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and restitution.

“Programs that financially benefit surviving family members of deceased veterans are designed to provide a safety net to those survivors,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “This guilty plea demonstrates the tenacity of investigators and prosecutors in dismantling this scheme.”

The guilty plea outlines key events that began in November 2015 when Briggs married G.B., a U.S. Army veteran, keeping her maiden name “Fisher.” Less than a year later, Briggs filed for divorce. Two weeks after the divorce was final, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs granted G.B.’s request to remove Briggs as a recipient of G.B.’s benefits.

Briggs filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in January 2018, certifying that she and G.B. were divorced. After G.B. died about two weeks later, Briggs filed for VA benefits, falsely claiming to be G.B.’s surviving spouse. In April 2018 she also claimed to be G.B.’s spouse when applying for benefits from the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

As a result of those false claims, Briggs received approximately $49,000 for medical care, and approximately $80,000 in benefits from the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Program.

After the VA’s initial decision to deny her claim to G.B.’s VA survivor benefits, Briggs submitted additional paperwork claiming she and G.B. were married until his death in 2018. Based on this claim, the VA granted her the benefits. She then filed a petition in Chatham County Superior Court, changing her name from Miranda Rachel Fisher to Miranda Rachel Briggs. In April 2021, Briggs was named administrator of G.B.’s estate after claiming in Chatham County Probate Court to be G.B.’s surviving spouse.

In March 2023, the Chatham County Probate Court removed Briggs as administrator after finding she was divorced from G.B. at the time of his death and not eligible to act as an administrator of his estate.

U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood will schedule a sentencing hearing for Briggs after completion of a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.

“This guilty plea holds the defendant accountable for defrauding vital VA programs that provides monetary benefits for survivors of service members and veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the VA OIG Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraudulent activity and seek the prosecution of those who would compromise the integrity of VA’s programs and services.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted for the United States of America by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Z. Spitulnik and Patricia G. Rhodes. 

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LOS ANGELES – The leaders of federal and local law enforcement agencies have joined together to create the Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force to investigate and prosecute fire-related crimes as Los Angeles County recovers from devastating wildfires. The Task Force will focus on investigating and prosecuting criminal actors seeking to exploit the wildfire crisis.

The Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force includes representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office; the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office; the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office; the Los Angeles Police Department; and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Members of the Task Force will meet to discuss case leads, develop and share crime intelligence, and facilitate the efficient prosecution of crimes related to the Los Angeles County wildfires. The Task Force will primarily focus on four areas: looting, burglary and impersonation offenses; crimes related to arson; illegal drone activity; and financial fraud targeting both disaster victims and those wishing to make charitable donations.

“We will not permit victims to be re-victimized,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our community has suffered tremendously, and we are here to support them. The Joint Fire Crimes Task Force is committed to addressing crimes coming out of the fires, including any looting, arson, illegal drone flights and fraud. As the rebuilding process begins and donations and relief funds come in, we must ensure that those seeking to take advantage through criminal activity are held fully accountable.”

“Every crisis generates the best of us – brave first responders and average people who step up financially to support victims – as well as the worst in our society, including those who steal well-intentioned money or defraud victims who are already suffering,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “In addition to our efforts to combat fraud, we will devote resources to the task force to investigate allegations of arson, and we will not tolerate careless and criminal drone operators who put firefighters and residents in harm’s way. The FBI will commit resources to address this new crop of criminals callously taking advantage of the vulnerable during and after these devastating wildfires.”

“ATF possesses unparalleled expertise in determining the origin and cause of fires, even under the most complex and challenging conditions,” said Jose Medina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Los Angeles Field Division. “Our agency offers a comprehensive set of resources for arson investigations, including certified fire investigators, chemists, electrical engineers, accelerant-detection canines, and a state-of-the-art fire research laboratory. Arson destroys lives, businesses, and entire communities. Together with our partners, we are committed to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those responsible.”

“Far too often, during tragic events like the Los Angeles-area wildfires, we have seen greedy individuals seek to line their pockets and divert critical funds from those most in need,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “HSI Los Angeles and partner agencies will do our part to help the region recover and rebuild by ensuring that disaster-related funds will go to individuals and families that lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods – and not unscrupulous fraudsters.”

“The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with local and federal law enforcement agencies, will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those who despicably seek to exploit this tragedy for personal gain,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “We want to send a clear and unequivocal message to criminals: If you seek to commit crime during this crisis, from arson, looting, burglary and theft to price gouging and financial scams, we will arrest you, prosecute you, and seek to punish you to the full extent of the law. As billions of dollars in vital aid relief pour into Los Angeles County, our Task Force, comprised of over a thousand prosecutors and thousands of law enforcement agents, will protect those who have suffered from being victimized again. Justice will be swift, certain and significant. Los Angeles County has been tested before and prevailed; and we will prevail again.”

“I am proud to stand with this powerful collaboration as we work together to ensure that no individual or business gets away with illegal or predatory conduct, including price gouging. People preying on others will face criminal justice,” said Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. “In addition, with so many people now facing uncertainty about their future, my office is also leaning in to bring every legislative, executive and civil resource at our disposal to help us get through this emergency, and to heal, recover and rebuild together. As Angelenos, it’s what we’ve always done.”

“As our community continues to deal with these devastating wildfires, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect our residents from those who would exploit their vulnerability,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “Whether it’s arson, illegal drone activity disrupting first responders, or fraud targeting victims and donors, this joint task force will investigate and hold individuals accountable. These efforts are about protecting our communities and ensuring those affected by this unimaginable disaster recover without fear or further victimization.”

“The Joint Task Force brings together individuals and agencies with the most experience and best resources to ensure that those suspected of breaking the law are identified and held accountable,” said LAPD Chief of Police Jim McDonnell. “The LAPD will not allow criminals to compound the devastation of our residents, and we will devote whatever resources are necessary to protect them.”

The Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force will aggressively pursue offenders in the following categories:

Looting, Burglary, Curfew Violations and Impersonation

The Task Force and partner agencies are investigating any looting, burglary, robbery, grand theft, impersonation of firefighters or law enforcement, curfew violations, and related crimes stemming from the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, and other wildfires. To date more than 50 individuals have been arrested, and nine defendants have been charged and face maximum sentences ranging from six years to life in prison.

Arson

Members of the Task Force and fire authorities are investigating the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the other wildfires that started over the past week. At the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF Los Angeles and the LAPD, ATF deployed its renowned National Response Team to the Palisades fire to investigate. These specialized investigators are working around the clock to determine the origins of these fires.

In addition, as wind events and dry conditions continue to leave the region vulnerable to wildfires, the Task Force will aggressively prosecute anyone who attempts to cause new fires by malice or reckless behavior. The federal arson statute carries a five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Those penalties can increase to life sentence if a death has occurred. Under California law, arson carries a prison sentence of up to nine years.

Illegal Drones

Fire personnel must be able to perform their duties without interference. Illegal drone activity in active fire zones has disrupted operations, including one instance where a drone collided with a fire suppression plane.

The areas around the Palisades and Eaton fires are under temporary flight restrictions through January 25, and it is a crime to fly a drone in these areas. The FBI has deployed equipment to detect drones flying in these restricted areas. The federal offense of flying a drone in ones of these restricted airspaces carries a penalty of up to one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $75,000.

Fraud

The Task Force will not allow fire victims to be re-victimized by fraud and theft. Its efforts focus on ensuring that relief funds reach those in need and working to swiftly prosecutor those engaged in defrauding donors.

Generous people around the world are making donators to assist victims. Unfortunately, this creates opportunities for scams as criminals exploit disasters for their own gain by sending fraudulent solicitations or creating deceiving websites. Potential donors are urged to make donations only to known entities and to avoid giving donations in cash or via wire transfer.

The Task Force will also investigator the misuse of aid programs administered by government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Federal agencies are deploying significant financial resources to support homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses affected by the fires, and any attempt to misuse these funds through fraud or identity theft will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.

There are numerous other potential scams that might victimize victims such as contractor fraud. The Task Force will target any individual seeking to defraud victims of the wildfires.

Price-gouging laws went into effect immediately upon the declaration of a state of emergency. No person and no business can increase pricing on housing, shelter, food, water, clothing, pet care, health care or any other essential goods or services by more than 10% without violating the law. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office is leading Task Force efforts in this area. Violations of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution for up to one year in prison, plus a fine of up to $10,000. They are also subject to civil enforcement actions to include civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief and mandatory restitution.

Members of the Task Force remain committed to seeing that victims of these devastating fires receive justice and that those who exploit or harm them are held accountable.

Members of the public are encouraged to report wrongdoing to authorities at any law enforcement agency. For example, tips may be directed to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or www.tips.fbi.gov. The public may also report examples of financial fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or www.justice.gov/DisasterComplainForm.

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

FORT WAYNE –Alexander J. Short, 26 years old, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Short was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, from 2020 through 2023, Short engaged in a conspiracy to supply fentanyl pills to a distribution group in the Northern District of Indiana. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory, the Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department, the Glendale (Arizona) Police Department, and the Allen County (Indiana) Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 32-year-old Duval County resident has been ordered to serve 30 years in prison after admitting to abusing a child, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Oscar Luis Saenz Jr. pleaded guilty Sept. 26, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Saenz to serve 360 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court also heard additional information including testimony from the mother of the victim detailing the profound impact Saenz’ conduct has had on the family. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the egregiousness of the offense and the age of the victim. Saenz was further ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to a known victim and will serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Saenz will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

The investigation into Saenz began when authorities discovered he was participating in chat rooms involving discussions of child sexual assault material (CSAM). During an online conversation, Saenz claimed he had recently sexually abused a child. On Aug. 28, 2023, Saenz sent a video of himself sexually abusing a young child. Law enforcement quickly acted and arrested him the same day.

After his arrest, Saenz admitted he had produced the video of himself sexually abusing the young child. Saenz was also in possession of a phone. Law enforcement discovered approximately 100 files depicting CSAM on the device.

Saenz will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of the Duval County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CAMDEN, N.J. – A federal inmate serving a ten-year sentence for possessing child pornography was sentenced today to an additional ten years in prison for possessing images and videos of child sexual abuse while incarcerated on his prior conviction, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

Daniel Baldwin, 33, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.  U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams imposed the sentence today.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Baldwin was convicted in 2018 of possessing child pornography and sentenced to ten years imprisonment.  In June 2022, while serving his sentence at a federal correctional institution in New Jersey, corrections officers found a SD card hidden in Daniel Baldwin’s clothing.  A subsequent search of the SD card revealed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, including depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Williams sentenced Baldwin to seven years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Driscoll, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.  He also thanked FCI Fort Dix staff for their assistance in the investigation.

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.