Philadelphia Students Graduate from ATF Gang Resistance Education and Training Program

PHILADELPHIA — Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Philadelphia Field Division announced the graduation of 27 Tacony Charter Academy fifth graders from Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) last week.

“I congratulate Tacony Charter Academy’s G.R.E.A.T. graduates and wish you the best as you apply your newly developed skills,” said DeGree. “This program has strengthened our community for more than three decades, providing our students essential life skills and the opportunity to meet and engage with our law enforcement officers in a learning environment.”

The G.R.E.A.T. youth and community outreach program was launched in 1991 to proactively combat violent crime. It uses community-oriented policing tactics and community outreach to change perceptions about law enforcement, one student at a time. In Philadelphia, G.R.E.A.T. program instructors have focused on helping eliminate delinquency, youth violence and gang membership.

One of the students noted how they learned how to be kind for each other, help others when they need help, and why to be grateful.

Another student said, “This program is GREAT, it lives up to its name!” They added that they learned “how to respect others, calming down when your mad, telling a trusted adult when someone is bullying, using body language and communication, including others when you are playing, making good decisions, not being a bystander, not including yourself in violence, and helping others.”

“Every class you learn something new,” said G.R.E.A.T. instructor and ATF Special Agent Daniel Leskowicz. "This class really asked important questions about everyone’s role in the community.”

“I think the G.R.E.A.T. program is awesome!” said their teacher, Leah Jones. “It teaches students to be good citizens and leaders who can make positive choices and show kindness to others. My students and I really enjoyed the meaningful lessons!”

The G.R.E.A.T. curriculum includes violence prevention, conflict resolution techniques, decision-making, goal setting and problem-solving. The elementary school curriculum is a six-week interactive session for fourth and fifth graders with an emphasis on family involvement. Students are taught how to set goals, resist peer pressure, respect differences, resolve conflicts and understand how gangs can negatively impact their quality of life. They also learn the importance of becoming responsible members of their communities.

Information on the G.R.E.A.T. program, its mission, and impact on communities is online at www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/gang-resistance-education-and-training-great-program.

U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Law Enforcement Partners for Outstanding Investigative Work

 CLEVELAND – Federal, state, and local law enforcement investigations that ultimately led to successful outcomes throughout 2025 were recognized at the U.S. Attorney Office’s (USAO) Law Enforcement Awards ceremony held recently.

“Here in our Northern District of Ohio, we have unique relationship with our partners, and that’s not always the case in other regions,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “It is my honor to recognize these men and women whose diligent investigations allow us to prosecute dangerous criminals to the fullest extent of the law. Criminal investigators can face roadblocks and dead ends. But because of the persistence of these professionals, and their unwavering commitment to protect and help victims, our office can ensure that justice is served.”

The awards recognized outstanding criminal investigations based out of each of the four Northern District’s offices in Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown. These recognitions spanned a range of cases including Department of Justice (DOJ) mission critical areas such as child sexual exploitation, drug trafficking operations, ransomware, and cybercrime.

Akron/Canton Region

Agent of the Year: FBI Special Agent Pete Mauro

The award was given for exceptional performance in several child exploitation cases that resulted in significant sentences for multiple defendants who distributed, received, produced, and possessed child pornography, thus taking dangerous predators off the street.

Task Force Officer (TFO) of the Year: FBI TFO Heather Blohm Stover, of the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency

The award was given to a local law enforcement officer who is a designated member of the FBI Task Force for her exceptional performance in two cases which involved child sex abuse and several cases involving illegal drug trafficking and firearms.

Partnership of the Year: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Operation Double Eagle

The award was given for exceptional performance in the takedown of an Akron drug trafficking operation that resulted in 17 indictments that charged thirty defendants with drug trafficking and firearms violations. Several defendants have already been sentenced to federal prison and other cases are still pending.

Cleveland Region

Agent of the Year: FBI Special Agent Jeff Kassouf

The award was given for exceptional performance in a multinational and extremely complex cybercrime investigation.

Task Force Officer of the Year: FBI TFO Craig Payne, of the Lorain Police Department

The award was given to a local law enforcement officer who is a designated member of the FBI Task Force for his exceptional performance in two drug trafficking investigations. One case resulted in criminal charges against 15 defendants of the Whitaker drug trafficking organization for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances. The second case resulted in a sentence of 21 years in the Freddie Sanchez trial.

Partnership of the Year: FBI Special Agent Milan Kosanovich and FBI Special Agent Matt Richter            

The award was given for exceptional performance in a cryptocurrency fraud investigation where the victim lost approximately $425,000. The investigation resulted in a (civil) forfeiture case in federal district court. In the case, the United States forfeited a total of $947,883 and the victim was able to obtain full recovery.

Toledo Region

Agent of the Year: FBI Special Agent Alexander Hunt

The award was given for exceptional performance in a child exploitation case that resulted in criminal charges for coercion and enticement, and for receipt and distribution of child pornography. The investigation also led to the arrest of at least eight other individuals for child exploitation related offenses across Northwest Ohio.

Task Force Officer of the Year: United States Secret Service (USSS) TFO Justin Craig, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol

The award was given to a local law enforcement officer who is a designated member of the USSS Task Force and was given for his exceptional performance in a child exploitation case that resulted in a receipt and distribution of child pornography criminal charge that carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison up to a maximum of 20.

Partnership of the Year: Northwest Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force

The award was given for exceptional performance in the investigation of a child exploitation case that resulted in the receipt and production of child pornography criminal charges and a sentence of 360 years, as well as a state prosecution for hands-on sex offenses.

Youngstown Region

Agent of the Year: ATF Special Agent Jason Petaccio

and

Task Force Officer of the Year:

DEA TFO Michael Bender, of the Adult Parole Authority

These two awards were given for exceptional performance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred in Warren, Ohio, in August of 2025. SA Petaccio and TFO Bender’s work resulted in the apprehension of multiple suspects and criminal charges that carry up to 15 years in prison.

Partnership of the Year: Homeland Security Investigations/Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force

The award was given for exceptional performance in a drug investigation that resulted in criminal charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance and a sentence of 23 years.

District Agency of the Year

United States Marshals Service (USMS)

Under the Leadership of U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott, the USMS received an award for outstanding collaboration with other law enforcement partners. The USMS leads the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), which is comprised of seven divisions that include Cleveland, Lorain, Painesville, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Richland, and Toledo.  The NOVFTF finds and arrests dangerous fugitives in the Northern District of Ohio. In 2025, NOVFTF arrested 2,709 offenders, seized 106 firearms and over 3,400 rounds of ammunition, approximately $75,000, and over 7 kilograms of narcotics. In addition to apprehending fugitives, the USMS Missing Child Unit dedicates full-time investigators to locating missing and endangered youth. A dedicated team also locates and prosecutes sex offenders who fail to register as required.

Several regional agencies attended the recognition ceremony including:

• Akron Police Department
• University of Akron Police Department
• Adult Parole Authority
• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
• Barberton Police Department
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• FBI – Northweast Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force
• High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-Youngstown
• U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
• Lorain Police Department
• Mahoning County Sheriff Office
• Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force
• Medway Drug Enforcement Agency
• Ohio State Highway Patrol
• Summit County Sheriff Office
• Toledo Police Department
• United States Marshal Service

ATF, FBI, Imperial PD Seek Tips in 2017 Homicide

ATF Contributes $5K to Joint Reward Bringing Total Reward to $15K in Yunique Puckett Murder

IMPERIAL, CA — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Los Angeles Field Division is contributing $5,000 toward a joint reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of those who were involved in the homicide of Yunique Marie Puckett (nee Dorme). In the early morning of Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, an arson investigation uncovered that a residential fire was set to mask the homicide of Yunique Puckett and destroy evidence.

“ATF is unwavering in its resolve to confront and bring to justice the violent criminals who employ firearms and acts of arson to victimize our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper. “Through strong collaboration with our dedicated local and federal law enforcement partners, ATF will continue to thoroughly investigate, positively identify, and vigorously prosecute these dangerous individuals ensuring stronger, safer communities.”

ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Diego Field Office, and Imperial Police Department are offering a $15,000 total reward. Please contact ATF, FBI, or Imperial Police Department to provide tips to investigators.

• ATF: www.reportit.comor call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477)
• FBI: www.fbi.gov/tips
• Imperial Police Department: Detective Reyes at 760-355-4327

ATF is the is the federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the federal laws pertaining to destructive devices, explosives, and arson. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

ATF Offers Reward in Great Northern Pawn Burglary

Bozeman, Mont. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Denver Field Division, in conjunction with the Bozeman Police Department and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the burglary of Great Northern Pawn.

The burglary occurred on March 2 at 5:03 a.m. at Great Northern Pawn, located at 1012 N. 7th Ave. Bozeman, Montana. The suspect entered through a window, cut a cable lock and stole multiple firearms. The suspect shown is wearing a gray hoodie, dark pants, light blue underpants with a face mask. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Bozeman Police Department and the ATF Denver Field Division, Billings Field Office.

Anyone with information about this burglary should contact ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Bozeman Police Department at 406-582-2000. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov or through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

ATF regulates the firearm industry and is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and explosions. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Man Sentenced For Threatening to Murder Federal Agents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Johnathan Trent Thomas, 27, of Linwood, N.C., was sentenced today to 15 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for making threats to murder federal officers to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the performance of their official duties, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Mark Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

“Threatening the lives of law enforcement officers is a serious federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “We take every threat against law enforcement seriously. Today’s case sends a clear message: those who threaten violence against law enforcement will be held accountable in federal court.”

“Ensuring the safety of our law enforcement officers is paramount,” said Special Agent in Charge Zito. “Threats of violence against federal agents and our local partners undermine the rule of law and jeopardize the security of our communities. HSI remains committed to working with our partners to investigate and bring to justice those who seek to intimidate or harm officers in the performance of their duties.”

According to filed court documents and court proceedings, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., a caller, later identified as Thomas, contacted the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and threatened to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and CMPD officers if immigration enforcement actions did not stop. During a second telephone call with a CMPD officer, Thomas warned that he was coming to Charlotte with armor piercing ammunition, night vision devices, and body armor to kill law enforcement officers and threatened to “shoot them all” if he observed anyone making arrests. Thomas was referencing arrests made previously by ICE federal agents on Albemarle Road in Charlotte.

Court documents show that Thomas stated that if a police officer pointed a gun at him, he was just going to open fire. He also said that he would “Swiss cheese” the officers if they were doing the same thing they did before, meaning making arrests.

Thomas additionally threatened that if law enforcement came to arrest him, he had Tannerite (an explosive) all around his house.  He threatened that he “could do a whole lot better than” April 29, 2024, the day four law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in Charlotte.

Thomas’s threats did not deter law enforcement, who not only arrested him, but executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence, seizing three rifles, a handgun, and a variety of ammunition.  

According to court records, Thomas has an extensive history of threatening law enforcement, to include the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and CMPD, and had previously followed CMPD officers in marked patrol cars while they were performing their official duties.

Thomas is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended HSI for the investigation of the case and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of North Carolina, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Kelly and Stephanie Spaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Making Threats Against Law Enforcement and Illegal Gun Possession

TOLEDO, Ohio – A 34-year-old man has been sentenced to prison for making threats to harm law enforcement officers, advocating for a violent revolution against the federal government, and for illegally possessing a firearm.

Jerime Graham-Woods, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was sentenced to 42 months (3.5 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp after pleading guilty last November to the following charges in the indictment:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person; conviction for Domestic Violence in 2012.
• Interstate Communications with a Threat to Injure

He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. 

According to court documents, from about June to September 2023, Graham-Woods made several threatening and hostile comments on a popular social media platform which advocated for violence against law enforcement and government officials. Some of these comments included the following: “I can’t wait to be a part of the violent revolution;” “I can’t wait to start shooting law enforcement;” “lotta bodies in my future;” and “I’m very much for shooting police.” Additionally, he made suggestive comments to others encouraging violent actions such as “start killing politicians,” “start killing federal agents,” “let’s just show the government what all of our guns are for. Stop talking and start loading,” and “start shooting.”

During the investigation into the dangerous threats, law enforcement discovered a video posted on a popular social media platform depicting Graham-Woods shooting a Heckler & Koch model MP5SD 9mm submachine gun at an indoor shooting range, which he was prohibited from possessing due to his prior misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI Toledo Resident Agency.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank H. Spryszak for the Northern District of Ohio.

Tucson Airman and his Spouse Indicted for Defrauding the Department of War of Millions

TUCSON, Ariz. –A federal grand jury has returned an indictment, charging a Tucson couple with a years long scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of War of millions of dollars, while using the illicit proceeds to curate and maintain a luxurious lifestyle, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine.

On Feb. 11, 2026, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a 12-count indictment against U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Richard Stefon Ramroop, 35, and his spouse, Manuel George Madrid, 32, both of Tucson, for Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Property, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Money Laundering. 

“The defendants allegedly stole millions in taxpayer dollars from the U.S. Department of War to bankroll a lavish lifestyle, diverting critical resources away from their intended purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Every dollar taken through fraud is a dollar denied to the mission it was meant to support. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal and local law enforcement partners will hold accountable any individual who profits illegally at the expense of the American people.”

“Military servicemembers hold a unique position in our society, where they are entrusted with large amounts of taxpayer dollars to ensure the defense of our nation,” said IRS-CI Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory. “When a servicemember abuses their position for personal gain, it erodes trust in the tax system and harms the very citizens they have sworn an oath to protect. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to investigate allegations of theft of taxpayer funds and government property, ensuring the integrity of our nation’s tax system.”

“This indictment reflects the outcome of a coordinated effort between AFOSI and our federal counterparts,” said Special Agent Richard Kautz, AFOSI Detachment 217 Commander. “Fraud of this level is not just a financial crime, it undermines public trust, diverts resources, and threatens the integrity of our force. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken away from the security of our nation.”

The indictment alleges that from January 2022 through on or about December 2025, Staff Sgt. Ramroop utilized his position in the pharmacy at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to defraud the U.S. government by purchasing thousands of medical devices using taxpayer funds, and thereafter, stealing and reselling those devices with Madrid for their own personal gain.

According to court records from 2022 through 2025, bank accounts controlled by Ramroop and Madrid received over $11 million in fraud proceeds through wire transfers, Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposits, and other credits from companies engaged in the resale of medical test strips and devices. Meanwhile, the orders of these diverted medical devices cost the U.S. Department of War over $3 million.

The indictment also alleges that Ramroop and Madrid used the fraud proceeds to purchase luxury vehicles and real estate. Further, these purchases were allegedly made directly from the personal bank accounts of Ramroop and Madrid, the same bank accounts that had received fraud proceeds from the medical device sales.

For example, the proceeds were allegedly used to purchase, among other items, a million-dollar home in Tucson in February 2024, a new 2024 Porsche Cayenne Sport Utility Vehicle for $141,443.34 and a new BMW i7 Sport Utility Vehicle for $195,397.59.

According to the indictment, the vehicles, and others, were seized by law enforcement during the execution of a search warrant on Jan. 15, 2026.   

A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Property carries a maximum penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment. Each conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. Each conviction for Money Laundering carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Courchaine commended the investigatory efforts of IRS–Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and members of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), the Counter Narcotics Alliance (CAN), and the Marana, Mesa, and Tucson Police Departments.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and HSI Announce creation of Regional Homeland Security Task Force to Combat Violent Crime and Transnational Organized Crime

New Orleans - Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) New Orleans Field Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, announced the outcome of a major violent crime abatement operation leading up to the Mardi Gras Season, Operation NOLA Safe. Additionally, the FBI and HSI introduced the creation of the new Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). The HSTF, whose reach is both national and regional, is purposed with interrupting the illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs and human beings, eliminating Cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), and stopping firearms trafficking, all of which pose clear and present threats to the homeland.

Operation NOLA Safe is a comprehensive, multi-pronged, and data driven law enforcement initiative designed to reduce violent crime in the Greater New Orleans area. This initiative brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to strategically align efforts and deploy targeted enforcement resources where they are most needed and effective. To date Operation NOLA Safe has resulted in 175 arrests, and the seizure of 114 firearms, 20.367 kg of cocaine, 1.063 kg of fentanyl, 102.006 kg of marijuana, 41,909 tapentadol pills and other quantities of illegal narcotics and prescription medications. We anticipate the operation will result in long-term, follow-on investigations.

The HSTF's mission is to eliminate criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and TCOs throughout the United States; dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks; end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with particular focus on offenses involving children; and ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully enforce the laws of the United States.

HSTF establishes permanent multi-agency teams, comprised of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement resources, that work collectively on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to identify, investigate, and prosecute transnational organizations and individuals engaged in violations of federal law. The specific assignment of the HSTF Districts of Louisiana Group is to identify and target Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) involved in cross border crime including drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, alien smuggling, weapons trafficking, and/or other related violations of federal investigative interest within Louisiana.

“Today’s law enforcement operation announcements are, at their core, about one thing … public safety,” said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. “Safety for all of us, as we work to support and protect our families, as well as to celebrate the uniquely rich culture we enjoy in Southeast Louisiana, of which Mardi Gras is an integral part. The mission of all of us behind this microphone today is the same; to enforce the laws of the land and to protect the public that we are proud to serve.”

“We’re getting the job done with intelligence – surveillance – and leads that we’re getting from the community,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp. “Our agents and task force officers are using their collective knowledge and expertise to stop criminal activity in its tracks. These aren’t just investigations or statistics for us. We eat, sleep, and breathe violent crime. We are committed to making New Orleans one of the safest places in the country.”

“HSI is proud to co-lead the new Homeland Security Task Force and Operation NOLA Safe with the FBI, partnering with our state, local, and federal partners to help ensure public safety. We are committed to combating transnational crime, crimes of exploitation, and other crimes impacting our communities.  As part of our overall commitment, through partnerships and specialized expertise, HSI dismantles criminal networks, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and victims receive the support they deserve”, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright.

“ATF’s core mission and purpose are to have impact in preventing, reducing, and solving violent crime to support public safety,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “This operation represents a new level of coordination, focus, and determination in our collective fight against violent crime.”

“The safety and security of Postal Service employees is core to the mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and we will work aggressively to bring to justice those who commit violent crimes against our employees,” said Shameka Jackson, Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division. “Today’s press conference is the culmination of exceptional teamwork between postal inspectors and all our state, local, and federal partners. We extend our appreciation to all involved in making this initiative a success.”

“It’s no secret that the Kenner Police Department fosters and is enriched by our relationships on the local, state and federal levels”, said Chief Keith Conley. “By working collaboratively, we can cross multiple jurisdictions and truly amplify our ability to reduce and solve violent crime”.

Operation NOLA SAFE Participating Agencies

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives       
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• U.S. Marshals Service
• United States Postal Inspection Service
• USAO, EDLA
• Louisiana National Guard
• Louisiana State Police
• Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
• Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
• Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office
• St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office
• St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office
• New Orleans Police Department
• Kenner Police Department
• Gretna Police Department
• Slidell Police Department

HSTF New Orleans Participating Agencies

• U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection-Office of Field Operations
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection-U.S. Border Patrol
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection-Air and Marine Operations
• U.S. Marshals Service
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Internal Revenue Service
• U.S. Coast Guard
• United States Postal Inspection Service
• United States Secret Service
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order entitled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," which included the creation of the Homeland Security Task Force.  This “Task Force” which is co-led by the FBI and ICE-HSI, consists of intelligence-driven, multi-agency teams that coordinate law enforcement efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute threats to our homeland. These threats include illegal drug and firearm trafficking, sex trafficking, human smuggling, and criminal activity by dangerous Cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations.

Man Who Intentionally Set Fire To San Jose Post Office Pleads Guilty To Arson

SAN JOSE – Richard Tillman, 44, pleaded guilty in federal court today to setting fire to the Almaden Valley U.S. Post Office located on Crown Boulevard in San Jose in the early hours of July 20, 2025.

Tillman, who is originally from San Jose, was initially charged by a criminal complaint in July 2025, and indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 7, 2025, on one count of malicious destruction of government property.

In pleading guilty, Tillman admitted that he intentionally set the fire in order to “make a point to the United States government.” In preparation for the fire, Tillman purchased firelogs and lighter fluid. He then drove to the Post Office with firelogs in the vehicle, backed the vehicle through the building’s front door, exited the vehicle, spread lighter fluid throughout the vehicle, threw a lit match into the vehicle, and exited the Post Office. The fire quickly spread from the vehicle to the Post Office, completely destroying its lobby, as depicted below. Prior to July 20, 2025, the lobby of the Post Office was open to the public during business hours for retail transactions and access to post office boxes. The fire rendered the lobby unusable, and it has not been available to the public since then.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge John Wester, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

Tillman is currently in federal custody. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 27, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila. Tillman faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000 for the charge of malicious destruction of government property by fire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(1). Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the USPIS, ATF, FBI, and the San Jose Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. 

Parolee Who Shot Police Officer While Resisting Arrest Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Andrial Ortiz, 30, from Lansing, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. Attorney VerHey said, “Andrial Ortiz was a felon who was not allowed to possess a gun, and the moment he did he used it to shoot a police officer.  My office was happy to prosecute this case. We accept the 15-year sentence as a just response.  I hope everyone reading this will take a minute to remember and appreciate that we ask law enforcement officers to risk their lives on a regular basis.”

Police pulled Ortiz over while investigating a road rage incident.  Ortiz was on parole for selling drugs, unarmed robbery, and larceny.  Police searched his car and found drugs.  When they attempted to arrest Ortiz, he violently resisted.  During the struggle, he was able to remove guns from two of the officers’ waistbands. He fired one of the guns, striking a patrol officer in the leg.

“Ortiz’s conduct was reckless, violent, and showed a complete disregard for the lives of the officers involved,” said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms, yet this defendant violently resisted arrest, disarmed officers, and fired a weapon, seriously injuring a patrol officer. This sentence reflects the seriousness of that violence and sends the right message to drug trafficking convicted felons in our community who attack law enforcement: if you do this, pack your bags because you’re going to prison for an extended period of time.”

The Michigan State Police, Lansing Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia Ghiselli and Jonathan Roth prosecuted it.

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 Justice.gov/PSN.

Illegal Immigrant from Mexico Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Throwing Molotov Cocktail at LASD Deputies During Anti-ICE Riot

LOS ANGELES – An illegal immigrant from Mexico was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for lighting and throwing a Molotov cocktail at law enforcement during an anti-immigration enforcement riot in Paramount last year.

Emiliano Garduño Gálvez, 23, of Paramount, was sentenced by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. 

Gálvez pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of obstructing, impeding, or interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder. He has been in federal custody since June 2025.

“This defendant’s reckless behavior threatened the lives and safety of law enforcement officers and that of a lawful protester,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “My office remains steadfast in its efforts to prosecute and punish those who commit acts of violence against others.”

On June 7, 2025, in Paramount, Gálvez was present during a civil disorder, a public disturbance involving acts of violence by an assemblage of more than three people that caused immediate danger of and resulted in damage to property or other people. 

Specifically, groups of individuals in Paramount amassed around federal personnel, and later local law enforcement, all of whom were lawfully engaged in the performance of their official duties. The demonstration’s purpose was to protest the federal enforcement of immigration laws in Los Angeles County.

For several hours, the group threw objects, including rocks or chunks of cinder blocks, at federal and local law enforcement, lit objects on fire, and set off fireworks in the direction of law enforcement. Law enforcement declared the protest an unlawful assembly. 

The civil disorder interfered with a federally protected function, namely, the coordination of federal agencies’ personnel and preparation for immigration enforcement activities. Rioters also caused The Home Depot, a local business, to temporarily close, and they stole store products during the disorder.

The streets in this area were blocked by the civil disorder and objects individuals lit on fire, affecting access to The Home Depot and other businesses in the area.

Hiding behind a stone wall, Gálvez lit and threw a Molotov cocktail towards Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies who were on duty in Paramount during the civil disorder. Gálvez admitted he threw the Molotov cocktail intending to obstruct, interfere with, and impede the sheriff’s deputies who were lawfully engaged in their official duties.

The Molotov cocktail Gálvez threw landed in a grassy area near the foot of a protestor in the crowd and approximately 15 feet from LASD deputies. Gálvez had never registered this Molotov cocktail, nor any destructive device, with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. He then fled the area.

“[Gálvez] threw an incendiary device capable of killing someone,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “And his destructive device came far closer to injuring a civilian holding a sign, as opposed to [Gálvez’s] intended target – the sheriff’s deputies.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter with the assistance of the FBI and LASD.

Assistant United States Attorney Jenna W. Long of the National Security Division prosecuted this case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

DEA Operation Meltdown Shuts Down Hundreds of Illegal Online Pharmacies

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with the cooperation of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, announced the seizure of more than 200 website domains tied to an India-based transnational criminal organization (TCO) working within the United States and allegedly responsible for at least six fatal and four non-fatal overdoses. The TCO tied to these illegal online pharmacies has been under investigation by DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division since 2022.

Beginning on January 27, 2026, DEA field offices throughout the United States conducted multiple operations leading to the arrest of four individuals along with the issuance of five Immediate Suspension Orders (ISO) and one Order to Show Cause (OTSC), both of which are administrative actions taken against DEA registrants in order to protect the public from dangers to public health or safety. These actions were in addition to the U.S. Government shutting down more than 200 online pharmacies accused of filling hundreds of thousands of orders of diverted pharmaceuticals and counterfeit pills without valid prescriptions.

Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), DEA regulates the handling, storage, and distribution of controlled substances in the custody of pharmacies. The CSA stipulates that pharmacies are only authorized to dispense controlled substances upon receipt of a valid prescription, issued for a legitimate medical purpose, by an individual practitioner acting in the usual course of his or her professional practice.

Investigators determined the operators of these online pharmacies and their co-conspirators were illegally dispensing and shipping diverted medications, without valid prescriptions, to customers throughout the United States, violating the CSA and dangerously infiltrating a closed system of distribution intended to keep patients safe.

Over the course of this investigation, DEA identified thousands of customers who purchased medication through these online pharmacies. Subsequently, DEA has sent more than 20,000 letters to the public requesting information in support of this ongoing investigation.

“This case demonstrates how foreign-based traffickers exploit our healthcare system, hide behind the internet, and use people inside the United States to move dangerous drugs under the guise of legitimate commerce,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “Illegal online pharmacies put poison in American communities. They sell counterfeit and unapproved pills and do not care who gets hurt or who dies. Actions like this save lives. They protect the American people. If you run these sites, supply them, move the money, ship the product, or help them operate, we will find you, we will dismantle your operations, and we will hold you fully accountable under U.S. law.”

Leveraging its global reach, DEA actively collaborates with our Government of India law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle dangerous criminal organizations that engage in these types of illegal drug trafficking operations. Through joint operations, the DEA will continue to pursue significant enforcement actions against illicit pharmaceutical distributors at the source and remains steadfast in its efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit pharmaceuticals that threaten public health and safety of American citizens.

DEA issued a Public Service Announcement in 2024 warning Americans about an increase in illegal online pharmacies. Many of these online pharmacies sold and shipped counterfeit pills made with fentanyl to unsuspecting customers in the United States who believed they were purchasing legitimate medications from legitimate pharmacies.

Illegal online pharmacies often use U.S.-based website addresses and professional-looking designs to appear legitimate when, in fact, they are not. These companies operate illegally, deliberately deceiving American customers into believing they are legally purchasing safe, regulated medications. Many of the sites taken down as part of Operation Meltdown claimed to be legitimate, based in the U.S., and FDA-approved, but DEA’s investigation determined operators of these sites were often working with drug traffickers to fulfill online orders with counterfeit pills or diverted pharmaceuticals. These counterfeit medications are often made with fentanyl or methamphetamine and taking them can lead to serious health risks, including harmful side effects, ineffective treatment, and even death.

DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign reminds the public that the only safe prescription medications are those prescribed by a licensed medical provider and dispensed by a trusted pharmacy.

As online pharmacies increase in popularity, patients are encouraged to remain vigilant when purchasing medication online. It can be difficult to identify an illegal online pharmacy, so here are some possible red flags that may indicate an online pharmacy is not legitimate:

• Sells prescription drugs without requiring a valid prescription from a healthcare provider
• Offers much cheaper prices than what is typically seen in the market
• Lists prices in a foreign currency
• Does not contain proof of a valid pharmacy state license or DEA registration 
• Medicine arrives in broken or damaged packaging or in a foreign language
• Medicine does not have an expiration date or is expired 
• Medicine looks different from what you have received in the past from your trusted pharmacist

Consumers may visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s BeSafeRx campaign page for information on how to safely buy prescription medication online and how to locate a state-licensed online pharmacy. You can also contact your state board of pharmacy to verify a pharmacy’s license. 

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.