Press Release

Sex offender sentenced to prison after found in possession of child pornography

Friday, March 13, 2026

TOPEKA, KAN. – A previously convicted sex offender was sentenced to 137 months in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while he was on supervised release for similar offences.

According to court documents, Michael Pinkerton, 48, of Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child pornography.

In September 2010, a U.S. District Court judge in the Western District of Missouri sentenced Pinkerton to 120 months in prison followed by 60 months of supervised release after convictions for attempted receipt of child pornography and attempted possession of child of pornography. 

In April 2024, while Pinkerton was living in Kansas on supervised release, two U.S Probation Office officers went to his home in Topeka. They observed Pinkerton attempting to hide something and asked him what it was. Pinkerton admitted to having an unauthorized smartphone that contained saved images of CSAM. Investigators later confirmed the phone contained CSAM.

“After child sex offenders complete their prison sentences, tools like supervised release and registries are used to monitor them and try to keep our communities safe from deviant behavior.  These mechanisms worked in this case thanks to the proactive work of our probation officers.” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Probation Office, and Topeka Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Walton prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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 Press Release

Former Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang Member Sentenced to 80 Months for Assault Against Rival

Thursday, March 12, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club was sentenced in federal court today for his involvement in an assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.

Mark A. Crump, also known as “Navajo,” 55, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 80 months in federal prison without parole for assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.

On July 20, 2023, Crump, Jarrid A. Hammer, and Mark A. Cottman assaulted a lone rival motorcycle gang member at a bar & grill in North Kansas City, Mo.  Hammer told the victim that they were there to shut the victim’s club down, then flipped a table over knocking the victim to the ground.  Once on the ground, Hammer, Crump and Cottman began stomping, kicking and punching the victim.  The victim later told law enforcement that those who assaulted him were wearing steel-toed boots.  Crump, Hammer and Cottman fled the bar & grill before any law enforcement arrived. The victim was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital, suffering from a head contusion (bruise on the brain), rib fracture, hemothorax (accumulation of blood in the area between the chest wall and lungs), a left pulmonary contusion (bruising of the lung), pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and a traumatic brain injury.

Hammer pleaded guilty to the assault on June 18, 2025, and Cottman pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2025.  Both are awaiting sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Homeland Security Task Force

This prosecution is 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. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.

 

Former U.S. Marine Corps Intelligence Analyst Charged With Willful Transmission of National Defense Information

Friday, March 13, 2026

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Texas County, Mo., man has been indicted with two counts of willful transmission of national defense information.  The indictment was returned by a Springfield grand jury under seal and was made public today after the arrest and initial appearance of the defendant.

Seth Chambers, 35, a former United States Marine Corps. Intelligence Analyst, was employed as a civilian contractor and stationed in Iraq during the time frame alleged in the indictment. The indictment goes on state that, as part of his duties, he held a security clearance that authorized him to view classified material up to a TOP SECRET level and therefore had access to national defense and classified information.

According to court documents, on two separate occasions, the defendant willfully transmitted SECRET level documents to two separate individuals who were not entitled or authorized to receive it.  The first transmission occurred on Dec. 10, 2022, when the defendant transmitted a white paper containing verbatim and near verbatim excerpts from classified U.S. government documents and was sent to an individual in Maryland.  The second transmission of a document containing verbatim and near verbatim excerpts from classified U.S. government documents occurred on April 20, 2023, and was sent to an individual believed to be in the People’s Republic of China.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

If convicted, under federal statutes, Chambers is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole on each count. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Kelleher and Trial Attorneys Nicolas Hunter and Sean O’Dowd of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. It was investigated by FBI Kansas City Field Office. 

 Press Release

Former Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang Member Pleaded Guilty for Armed Assaults Against Rivals

Thursday, March 12, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his involvement in a series of armed assaults against rival motorcycle club members.

James W. Prettyman, also known as “Rugby,” 44, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty today to one count of attempt to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On Sept. 3, 2022, Prettyman and other members of the Pagan’s and their support club travelled to Topeka, Ks., to carry out a revenge attack against another rival motorcycle gang.  The plan was to “catch a stray” and “smash on sight” any rival member they saw. The Pagan’s were aware that the rival motorcycle gang was having an event in Topeka that day, and the plan was to use either an axe handle or a gun on one of the rival gang members.  After arriving in Topeka, a rival member was spotted in a hotel parking lot.  As a member of the Pagan’s prepared to shoot the rival, a disagreement occurred among members, and the group returned to the Kansas City area.

On Sept.17, 2022, Prettyman and other members of the Pagan’s and their support club chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.  Various members of the Pagan’s and the support club were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.  Prettyman and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg.

Under federal statutes, Prettyman is subject to a sentence of not less than five years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Homeland Security Task Force

This prosecution is 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. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.

 Press Release

Independence Man Charged After 24 Kilograms of Methamphetamine and Multiple Firearms Seized from Residence

Thursday, March 12, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man has been charged by criminal complaint for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Marceil Wortham, 38, appeared in federal court on the two-count complaint earlier today.

According to court documents, on March 10, 2026, law enforcement served a federal search warrant at Wortham’s residence and seized 24 kilograms of methamphetamine.  Investigators also seized seven firearms, four of them with no make, model, or serial number listed on the weapons.

The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Jackson County Drug Task Force, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Police Department, and Kansas City Mo Police Department.

Homeland Security Task Force

This prosecution is 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. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.

 Press Release

Kansas City Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

Friday, February 27, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for possession of child pornography, also referred to as Child Sexual Abuse Material or CSAM.

Andrew Charles Doyal, 52, was sentenced yesterday by Chief United States District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 180 months in federal prison without parole. Following his release, he will be placed on supervised release for life.

On Oct. 27, 2025, Doyal pleaded guilty to possessing CSAM. According to court documents, Doyal possessed thousands of CSAM files on multiple electronic devices, including files that depicted children as young as infants and toddlers. At the time, Doyal was required to register as a sex offender due to a prior conviction.

Doyal will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Project Safe Childhood

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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

U.S. Coast Guard Announces New Training Center in Alabama

 News Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Coast Guard Announces New Training Center in Alabama The next generation of Coast Guard heroes deserve training centers and support facilities worthy of their mission WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the United States Coast Guard announced that its newest training center that will be opening in the state of Alabama. The Coast Guard announced the selection of Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) in Birmingham, Alabama as the location of its newest training center. “Today's announcement is further proof that this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Thanks to President Trump's visionary leadership and historic investment in the Coast Guard, the Service is shattering records across the board—including in recruitment. Last year’s recruitment exceeded 110% of active-duty enlisted goals, and the Coast Guard is on track to add 15,000 new members by 2028. This next generation of heroes deserves training centers and support facilities worthy of their mission, and that is exactly what they are going to have in Alabama.” “We must invest in our most valuable treasure—our people—to meet the increasingly complex maritime security challenges facing the Nation,” said Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard. “The acquisition of the historic Birmingham-Southern College as our new training center is a critical step in our Force Design 2028 strategy, providing the right facilities necessary to grow our service and ensure the Coast Guard stands always ready.” In November, the Coast Guard issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking potential locations for the new center based on a list of requirements, including lodging for 1,200 recruits, a medical facility to support 1,000 personnel, a land area of 150-250 acres, and 14 classrooms sized to accommodate 30-60 students, among other criteria. Birmingham-Southern best satisfied Coast Guard training mission requirements, offering turn-key ready facilities critical to supporting immediate commencement of training missions, while meeting all the service’s eligibility criteria with nominal investment compared to new construction. “I'm thrilled that President Trump and Secretary Noem have selected Birmingham Southern as the new land-based training facility for the United States Coast Guard. This move will save the American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville. “Alabama and the Coast Guard are a natural partnership. Alabama is already home to every branch of the military and we have the infrastructure, resources, and personnel ready to make sure our United States Coast Guard continues to be elite.” “This is a huge day for Birmingham, our great state, and the U.S. Coast Guard. I have long been dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s military installations and the warfighters they serve,” said Senator Katie Britt. “This exciting announcement further positions Alabama as a national leader in supporting our incredible U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel. I am deeply proud to have advocated directly to Secretary Noem for a new training center in Birmingham to support our outstanding Coast Guard personnel, especially as the USCG continues to recruit servicemembers to combat 21st century threats. Alabama stands as a proud leader in military excellence, and we’re honored to host this new training center that will help mold the next generation of Coast Guard members. As chair of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue fighting to give the Coast Guard the resources and tools needed to fulfill its critical mission and keep Americans safe. Thank you to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and Admiral Lunday for making a tremendous decision that will strengthen our homeland security long into the future.” Training missions at Birmingham-Southern are expected to begin later in 2026. This new training center is part of the broader blueprint that is Force Design 2028, which will transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force. Force Design 2028 has already been a tremendous success, from record-setting recruitment to a historic 6-to-1 return on investment.

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