U.S. Attorneys
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Wyoming Citizen and Load Coordinator for Sinaloa Cartel Sentenced for Drug Trafficking
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming posted the following news release on Nov. 10, 2025:
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Wyoming citizen and load coordinator for Sinaloa Cartel sentenced for drug trafficking
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith announced that Gabriel Seth Rodgers, 26, who had been residing in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment with 10 years of supervised release to follow for charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. The court ordered Rodgers to pay $5,000 in community restitution. U.S. District
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming posted the following news release on Nov. 10, 2025:
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Wyoming citizen and load coordinator for Sinaloa Cartel sentenced for drug trafficking
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith announced that Gabriel Seth Rodgers, 26, who had been residing in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment with 10 years of supervised release to follow for charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. The court ordered Rodgers to pay $5,000 in community restitution. U.S. DistrictCourt Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Nov. 3, in Cheyenne.
According to court records, Rodgers was coordinating shipments of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to multiple regions in the United States, including Wyoming. Rodgers was identified as a "load coordinator" for the Sinaloa Cartel. Rodgers was previously convicted for stealing firearms. Upon being released from custody after a revocation of his supervised release on that conviction, he absconded and began dealing significant amounts of controlled substances. In May of 2023, Rodgers fled to Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico where he continued to be a "load coordinator" for the Sinaloa Cartel until his arrest.
Through the use of undercover agents, confidential informants, and other investigative means, agents were able to prove Rodgers coordinated shipments of controlled substances to the United States totaling approximately 200 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 40 pounds of fentanyl, and approximately 11 pounds of cocaine. Rodgers would regularly coordinate the shipment of 20-50 pounds of methamphetamine and 10,000 fentanyl pills at a time. The investigation resulted in the federal prosecution of five of Rodgers's co-conspirators in Wyoming and others in Montana.
A complaint was filed in Wyoming on May 20, 2024, charging Rodgers with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and four counts of distribution of fentanyl. On March 20, 2025, in the District of Montana, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Rodgers with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. In a coordinated effort with Mexican authorities, Rodgers was arrested on March 27 in Mexico and deported to the United States.
The Montana indictment was subsequently transferred to Wyoming. On August 18, Rodgers waived indictment in the Wyoming case and pleaded guilty to all counts charged in both the Wyoming and Montana cases. The Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Z. Seth Griswold and Cameron J. Cook of Wyoming and Julie Patten and Bryan Dake of Montana prosecuted the crime.
"The defendant brought large amounts of dangerous drugs into Montana and Wyoming--and then hid behind the cloak of the Sinaloa Cartel," said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. "Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this office and our law enforcement partners. This lengthy sentence demonstrates that our Criminal Division remains relentless in its pursuit of drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people."
"Montana is hundreds of miles from the southern border. When cartel members and other drug traffickers travel here to peddle their poison into our communities, they can expect to be caught and to go to prison for a long time. I want to thank the prosecutors and staff in our office, our strong partners at these investigative agencies, and our colleagues in the Wyoming U.S. Attorney's Office for their good work investigating and prosecuting this case," Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
"The sentencing properly reflects the significant role Rodgers had in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl into Montana and Wyoming via his contacts with the Sinaloa Cartel. The combination of the great work and relentless efforts of investigators and prosecutors ensured that Rodgers was held accountable for his criminal conduct," said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge David Olesky.
"Through our joint enforcement efforts, we've dismantled a criminal organization that posed a direct threat to the safety and stability of various communities," said Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. "This sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to keep fentanyl and other drugs out of our communities."
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Case No. 25-CR-00098
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wy/pr/wyoming-citizen-and-load-coordinator-sinaloa-cartel-sentenced-drug-trafficking
Violent Felon Convicted of Running Drug Distribution and Money Laundering Operation From State Prison
ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia posted the following news release:
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Violent felon convicted of running drug distribution and money laundering operation from state prison
After a five-day trial, Jarvis Matthews was convicted for his role in leading a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking and money laundering operation from the confines of Calhoun State Prison. A jury found Matthews guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, five counts of possession with intent to distribute
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia posted the following news release:
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Violent felon convicted of running drug distribution and money laundering operation from state prison
After a five-day trial, Jarvis Matthews was convicted for his role in leading a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking and money laundering operation from the confines of Calhoun State Prison. A jury found Matthews guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, five counts of possession with intent to distributecontrolled substances, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. At the time of his federal crimes, Matthews was serving sentences of life without parole for murder and felony murder.
"Matthews audaciously used contraband cell phones to run a drug trafficking operation from his state prison cell," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "Now, as a result of a diligent federal investigation and close coordination with state and local partners, this convicted murderer faces a substantial sentence in federal prison on top of his state sentence."
"Jarvis Matthews used the confines of a prison cell to orchestrate a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking and money laundering operation, exploiting his family and the prison system to further his criminal enterprise," said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "This case underscores the FBI's commitment to dismantling transnational criminal organizations and holding accountable those who think they can operate beyond the reach of the law."
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: While imprisoned at Georgia Department of Corrections facilities, Jarvis Matthews used contraband cellphones to direct the distribution of drugs in and around Atlanta. Matthews used his fiancee, girlfriends, nephew, and his own two adult sons to distribute drugs and collect and launder money.
In early 2022, FBI agents identified a social media account that Matthews used to conduct dozens of drug deals. Agents made a controlled purchase of two kilograms of methamphetamine from Matthews in April 2022, through his adult son, Charvis Harris, who previously pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. Ultimately, the FBI obtained a court-authorized wiretap on Matthews's phone and installed a camera at one of his drug trap houses. With these tools, the FBI was able to apprehend Matthews's drug customers after they received drugs from Matthews's sons. Testimony at trial showed that Matthews masterminded the distribution of multiple kilograms of internationally-sourced drugs in the metro-Atlanta area and laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars of drug proceeds.
Jarvis Matthews, 46, of Morgan, Georgia, faces a mandatory minimum 25 years in federal prison, to run consecutively to the state prison sentence he is already serving. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders. The sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia State Patrol, Coweta County Sheriff's Office, Dooly County Sheriff's Office, Etowah County (Alabama) Sheriff's Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Newton County Sheriff's Office, Marshall County (Alabama) Drug Task Force, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and John DeGenova are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF comprises agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/violent-felon-convicted-running-drug-distribution-and-money-laundering-operation-state
Three Honduran Nationals Arrested Transporting Two Kilograms of Fentanyl and a Firearm Hidden in a Manufactured Compartment
PORTLAND, Oregon, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon posted the following news release:
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Three Honduran Nationals Arrested Transporting Two Kilograms of Fentanyl and a Firearm Hidden in a Manufactured Compartment
EUGENE, Ore.-- Three Honduran nationals have been charged with trafficking two kilograms of fentanyl.
Oscar Bonilla-Sandoval, 24, Jonathan David Matamoros-Carcamo, 22, and Jorge Adalberto Escoto-Andrade, 34, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute
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PORTLAND, Oregon, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon posted the following news release:
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Three Honduran Nationals Arrested Transporting Two Kilograms of Fentanyl and a Firearm Hidden in a Manufactured Compartment
EUGENE, Ore.-- Three Honduran nationals have been charged with trafficking two kilograms of fentanyl.
Oscar Bonilla-Sandoval, 24, Jonathan David Matamoros-Carcamo, 22, and Jorge Adalberto Escoto-Andrade, 34, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distributeover 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl.
According to court documents, on October 30, 2025, an Oregon State Police K9 trooper stopped a Toyota Camry driving on Interstate 5 in Linn County after observing suspicious behavior and for a traffic violation. Bonilla-Sandoval was the driver of the vehicle, Matamoros-Carcamo was the front passenger, and Escoto-Andrade was in the back seat. The trooper deployed his drug detecting K-9 to the exterior of the vehicle who alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor on the lower passenger door seam. A search of the vehicle revealed a manufactured compartment or "trap" within the front passenger seat.
Law enforcement accessed the compartment and located a Smith and Wesson revolver sitting on top of approximately two kilograms of suspected fentanyl with a street value of approximately $85,000. The fentanyl was wrapped in tape in two brick forms and sitting on tin foil covered in cinnamon, which is a method used by drug traffickers to avoid detection by drug detection canines.
Law enforcement also seized approximately $10,000 in bundled cash with pink bands wrapped around it from Matamoros-Carcamo and approximately $3,000 in cash from Escoto-Andrade.
Defendants made their first appearances in federal court on October 31, 2025, before a Magistrate Judge and were ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, and Springfield Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl--a few grains of the substance--is potentially enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/three-honduran-nationals-arrested-transporting-two-kilograms-fentanyl-and-firearm-hidden
Illegal Alien Indicted Following Seizure of 325 Pounds of Methamphetamine From Norcross Storage Facility
ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia posted the following news release:
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Illegal alien indicted following seizure of 325 pounds of methamphetamine from Norcross storage facility
Marco Cueto-Rosales, an illegal alien from Mexico, has been arraigned in connection with the seizure of 325 pounds of methamphetamine from a Norcross storage unit on October 10, 2025.
"Cueto-Rosales, who was illegally in the United States, allegedly hid a large amount of methamphetamine in a public storage unit," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia posted the following news release:
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Illegal alien indicted following seizure of 325 pounds of methamphetamine from Norcross storage facility
Marco Cueto-Rosales, an illegal alien from Mexico, has been arraigned in connection with the seizure of 325 pounds of methamphetamine from a Norcross storage unit on October 10, 2025.
"Cueto-Rosales, who was illegally in the United States, allegedly hid a large amount of methamphetamine in a public storage unit," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg."Although the Mexican cartels stockpile and peddle their poison in our community, the quick actions of law enforcement thankfully took these deadly drugs off the streets."
"This operation is about more than drugs - it's about protecting families and giving our communities a chance to live free from the violence and addiction that meth brings," said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On October 10, 2025, agents from the DEA observed Cueto-Rosales enter an outdoor storage unit in Norcross and move items around in plastic tote bins and trash bags. Later that same day, a Gwinnett County Police Department K9 alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the storage unit. Agents then obtained a federal search warrant for the unit.
Upon execution of the search warrant, agents found nearly 1,500 rectangular packages of methamphetamine located in trash bags and plastic tote bins. The methamphetamine weighed a total of 325 pounds.
Prior to the search, agents detained Cueto-Rosales, who they determined was an illegal alien unlawfully in the United States.
Marco Cueto-Rosales, 47, of Malinalco, Mexico, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon, on federal charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Cueto-Rosales was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 28, 2025.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Gwinnett County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. LaGrone is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/illegal-alien-indicted-following-seizure-325-pounds-methamphetamine-norcross-storage
Former Credit Union Manager Sentenced to Prison for Decade-plus Embezzlement Scheme
WICHITA, Kansas, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas posted the following news release:
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Former credit union manager sentenced to prison for decade-plus embezzlement scheme
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A federal judge sentenced a former Kansas credit union manager to 63 months in prison for stealing more than $750,000 from her long-time employer and substantially jeopardizing the safety and soundness of the financial institution.
According to court documents, Rita Hartman, 71, of Atchison pleaded guilty to one count of false entries in federal credit union records.
For
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WICHITA, Kansas, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas posted the following news release:
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Former credit union manager sentenced to prison for decade-plus embezzlement scheme
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A federal judge sentenced a former Kansas credit union manager to 63 months in prison for stealing more than $750,000 from her long-time employer and substantially jeopardizing the safety and soundness of the financial institution.
According to court documents, Rita Hartman, 71, of Atchison pleaded guilty to one count of false entries in federal credit union records.
For30 years, Hartman was the manager of Muddy River Credit Union (formerly Atchison Casting Credit Union and Bradken Federal Credit Union), which served the employees of a foundry located in Atchison, Kansas. Hartman's position gave her control over all aspects of Muddy River's finances. Between 2007 and 2021, she abused the trust that Muddy River granted her to steal approximately $346,000 in customer cash deposits. Hartman also fraudulently credited approximately $430,000 in deposits and loan payments to her or her relatives' accounts when no payments or deposits had been made. Hartman concealed her conduct by altering ledgers and records and by falsifying information submitted to Muddy River's regulators. She obstructed efforts to uncover her fraud by submitting fraudulent documents to regulators and delaying a mandated audit.
The defendant's embezzlement wiped out Muddy River's capital and rendered it insolvent, ultimately forcing a merger into another credit union to continue operations.
In 2013, the then-Governor of the State of Kansas appointed Hartman to the Kansas Credit Union Council, which advises the Kansas Department of Credit Unions on issues and needs of credit unions. Hartman is also a former mayor and city commissioner in Atchison. A federal judge ordered that during her imprisonment, all of Hartman's state pension payments be directed towards the $778,361 in restitution she was ordered to pay as part of her sentence.
"For decades, Rita Hartman was a prominent, well-respected figure in Atchison, Kansas," said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. "Instead of living up to the high regard that people in the community had for her, she exploited their trust and used it to perpetuate her embezzlement scheme and line her pockets with stolen funds."
"The defendant was entrusted with the fiscal responsibility of the credit union's members. In using the money for her personal benefit, the defendant's actions were a betrayal of that trust," said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. "This sentencing demonstrates the FBI's longstanding commitment to working financial fraud investigations and to hold individuals accountable for their actions."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and Michelle McFarlane prosecuted the case.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/former-credit-union-manager-sentenced-prison-decade-plus-embezzlement-scheme
Fargo Man Arrested for Threating The President of the United States and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
FARGO, North Dakota, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota posted the following news release:
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Fargo Man Arrested for Threating The President of the United States and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that Andrew Walter Sandvik, Age 47 from West Fargo, ND, made an initial appearance today in federal court to face federal threat charges. A Federal Complaint charges Sandvik with Influencing a Federal Official by Threat, 18 USC 115(a)(1)(B). The complaint alleges that Andrew Sandvik made
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FARGO, North Dakota, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota posted the following news release:
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Fargo Man Arrested for Threating The President of the United States and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that Andrew Walter Sandvik, Age 47 from West Fargo, ND, made an initial appearance today in federal court to face federal threat charges. A Federal Complaint charges Sandvik with Influencing a Federal Official by Threat, 18 USC 115(a)(1)(B). The complaint alleges that Andrew Sandvik madeseveral on-line social media posts containing threats towards the President of the United States. Sandvik also made several concerning posts directed toward the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.
"This investigation is an incredible federal, state, and local law enforcement partnership, working together to investigate and safely arrest someone who allegedly expressed a willingness to commit extreme violence," said United States Attorney Chase. "I appreciate greatly that we have skilled and professional law enforcement working with us on this case and the many others in the District of North Dakota."
"Thursday morning, the FBI, along with our Federal, State and Local partners, arrested Andrew Walter Sandvik on charges related to threats made against Federal Officials," said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr. "As alleged in the complaint, Sandvik made threats against President Donald J. Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, local law enforcement officers and the U.S. military. Death threats and violent, inflammatory rhetoric have no place in our society. Threats against Federal Officials, whether they are made online or in person, will result in a swift response by the FBI."
"The Fargo Police Department also recognizes the inherent dangers associated with the conduct alleged in the complaint and worked in partnership with the FBI to ensure public safety during this operation," said Police Chief David Zibolski, Fargo Police Department.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, North Dakota Bureau of Investigations, and the Fargo Police Department and being prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office, District of North Dakota, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/fargo-man-arrested-threating-president-united-states-and-director-federal-bureau
38 Defendants Charged Following Investigations by the Nashville Homeland Security Task Force
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee posted the following news release:
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Thirty-Eight Defendants Charged Following Investigations by the Nashville Homeland Security Task Force
Thirty-eight defendants - including eight members and associates of MS-13 - have been charged on a variety of charges involving trafficking in fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, carjacking, assault on law enforcement, use of firearms during the commission of a violent crime, unlawful possession of firearms, and immigration offenses, announced Acting
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Nov. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee posted the following news release:
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Thirty-Eight Defendants Charged Following Investigations by the Nashville Homeland Security Task Force
Thirty-eight defendants - including eight members and associates of MS-13 - have been charged on a variety of charges involving trafficking in fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, carjacking, assault on law enforcement, use of firearms during the commission of a violent crime, unlawful possession of firearms, and immigration offenses, announced ActingUnited States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
The Nashville HSTF comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshals Service (USMS), United States Secret Service (USSS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other federal agencies, working in collaboration with our state and local partners, with the prosecutions being led by the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.
"These efforts illustrate law enforcement's commitment to stop gang violence, combat the scourge of fentanyl overdoses here in Middle Tennessee, and hold offenders accountable for the havoc they have wreaked on our community," said Acting U.S. Attorney McGuire. "Working together as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, these agencies have made our communities throughout Middle Tennessee safer and stronger."
In United States vs. Rodriguez and United States v. Mendoza, Victor Alfonso Paez Rodriguez and Jesus Mendoza Viera, both of whom are illegally present in the United States, are alleged to have trafficked large quantities of fentanyl from Mexico into middle Tennessee. HSI was the lead investigative agency with assistance from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD).
In United States v. Copeland, Trenell Copeland, Tabria Bowens, Cassandra Lawson, Alicia Barman, and Ashanti Williams are charged with offenses related to the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the Trousdale County Correctional Facility where Trenell Copeland was serving a state sentence. The lead investigative agency was the FBI with assistance from the Tennessee Department of Corrections Office of Investigations and Conduct (TDOC-OIC).
In United States v. Bangeas, Debyi Bangeas - an MS-13 member who is illegally present in the United States- was charged with carjacking, use of a firearm during that carjacking, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The lead federal agencies were ATF and HSI in collaboration with MNPD.
In United States v. Contreras Arita, two MS-13 members, Kevin Jasir Contreras Arita, Jose Pena, and MS-13 associate David Dubon-Enamarado, were charged with drug trafficking, assault on a federal law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, and illegal re-entry into the United States. The lead federal agencies were HSI and ATF in collaboration with MNPD.
In United States v. Leonel Vargas, MS-13 member Leonel Vargas, who is illegally present in the United States, was charged with drug trafficking cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug-trafficking, and being an illegal alien unlawfully in possession of a firearm. The lead federal agencies were ATF and HSI in collaboration with MNPD.
In United States v. Anthony Vargas, MS-13 associate Anthony Vargas, who is illegally present in the United States, was charged with being an illegal alien unlawfully in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Vargas was caught with a stolen firearm which has ballistic associations to the homicide of a fourteen-year-old girl. The lead federal agencies were ATF and HSI in collaboration with MNPD.
In United States v. Sandoval, thirteen defendants, including one MS-13 member and one MS-13 associate, were charged as part of a methamphetamine and cocaine distribution conspiracy resulting from a months'-long investigation. The lead agencies were the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID) and DEA with assistance from ATF, HSI, FBI, USMS, USSS, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), MNPD, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
In United States v. Toliver, twelve defendants were charged with trafficking in fentanyl sourced from outside the United States as well as multiple federal firearms charges. Crossville has experienced a spike in the number of overdose deaths linked to fentanyl. Some of those overdoses are alleged to be connected to the trafficking activities of these defendants. The lead agencies were the FBI, TBI, and the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office with assistance from HSI, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and THP.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katy Risinger, Joshua Kurtzman and Emily Petro. AUSA Risinger is the Lead HSTF Attorney for the Nashville Homeland Security Task Force.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdtn/pr/thirty-eight-defendants-charged-following-investigations-nashville-homeland-security
