Press Release

Member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club Pleads Guilty for Assault Against a Rival Motorcycle Club Member

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays 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., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.

On July 20, 2023, Crump, Jarrid A. Hammer, and another member of the Pagan’s 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 the other Pagan’s member 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 the other Pagan’s member 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 is awaiting sentencing.

Under federal statutes, Crump is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in 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.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Charlie Kirk shooting investigation prompts security questions

 Press Release

Kansas City Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud Using a Stolen and Altered Check

Thursday, September 4, 2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to taking part in a bank fraud scheme. 

Aviance Shepard, 34, admitted that in March 2023, she obtained a $881,324 check belonging to another person which was stolen from the United Parcel Service mail stream. Shepard opened a business account at a local financial institution in the name of the check payee. On March 27, 2023, Shepard deposited the stolen and altered check into the newly opened account.

The next day, on March 28, 2023, Shepard obtained five cashier’s checks in the total amount of $320,000 for herself and others. Shepard also withdrew $20,000 in cash from the account.

On March 27, 2023, the check payor discovered that the check had been lost or stolen from the UPS package and stopped payment on the check. The bank did not receive the stop payment until Shepard had withdrawn $340,000 in cashier’s checks and cash.

Under federal statutes, Shepard is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole for bank fraud. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of Shepard 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. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service. 

DHS Observes the 24th Anniversary of September 11, 2001

 News Release:

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

DHS Observes the 24th Anniversary of September 11, 2001     On the 24th anniversary of September 11, DHS pays tribute to those who lost their lives and the families they left behind during this unimaginable tragedy

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) joins the nation in remembering the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. The history of our nation was altered forever. Twenty-four years later, the Department honors the courage and bravery of the 9/11 first responders, the resilience of the survivors, and the steadfast support of the everyday Americans who continue to inspire our work.    DHS was founded in the wake of 9/11 to strengthen our nation’s defenses against those who would seek to harm the United States. Our mission today remains the same: protect the homeland and keep Americans safe.    Across the country, DHS personnel are participating in observances to mark this solemn anniversary. From law enforcement officers and first responders to intelligence analysts and cybersecurity experts, the DHS workforce continues to safeguard the American people every single day.  "Today, we solemnly observe the 24th anniversary of the horrendous terrorist attacks that changed the trajectory of our country forever. On that terrible day, 2,977 people lost their lives: 2,753 in New York, New York, 184 in Arlington, Virginia, and 40 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania," said Secretary Kristi Noem. "The impact of the attacks that rippled throughout the nation in the days, weeks, months, and years that followed is still with us today and so is our resolve to never forget and never again let something like this happen. We honor the sacrifices that our firefighters, law enforcement, and medical workers made 24 years ago. We continue to pray for and support the families of all those impacted and those who suffered losses - they will never be forgotten. Never again." On this day, DHS reaffirms its promise: Never forget. Never again.

# # #

Pedophiles, Abusers, Rapists, and Other Violent Thugs Arrested in Operation Midway Blitz

 News Release:

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

Pedophiles, Abusers, Rapists, and Other Violent Thugs Arrested in Operation Midway Blitz

These criminal illegal aliens flocked to Illinois because sanctuary policies allow them to roam free and terrorize innocent Americans WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested several dangerous criminal illegal aliens in the sanctuary city of Chicago, for heinous crimes such as sexually assaulting a child family member, rape, armed robbery, and domestic battery. As part of Operation Midway Blitz, these arrests honor Katie Abraham who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run car wreck caused by criminal illegal alien Julio Cucul-Bol in Illinois. “In just the last few days in Chicago, ICE has arrested pedophiles, rapists, abusers, armed robbers, and other violent thugs. These are the criminal illegal aliens Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and their fellow sanctuary politicians protect over the law-abiding American citizens,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These criminal illegal aliens flocked to Illinois because sanctuary policies allow them to roam free and terrorize innocent Americans without consequence. President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message: no city is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return.” Below are some of the worst of the worst offenders arrested: Carlos Roman-Berrera, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child family member and previously convicted of DUI.   Marcelino Ramos Crus, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, arrested for DUI, resisting a police officer, and vehicular burglary. Juan Armenta, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, arrested for armed robbery and DUI.   Hector Palomar-Flores, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, arrested for domestic battery, assault, and DUI.   Bernardino Perez-Arrevillaga, a criminal illegal alien and registered sex offender from Mexico, previously arrested for battery/bodily harm, and criminal damage to property and convicted of aggravated sexual assault victim 13-17, and a sex offender registration violation.   Bolotbek Dzhenutbaev, a criminal illegal alien from Kyrgyzstan, previously charged with domestic battery/bodily harm.   Varinderpal Singh, a 24-year-old criminal alien from India, convicted of strongarm rape.   Juan Manuel Gaspar-Nochebuena, a 41-year-old sexual predator from Mexico, convicted of criminal sexual abuse of a child.   Pascual Lucas-Baltazar, a 23-year-old criminal alien from Guatemala, convicted of DUI and has pending charges for hit-and-run.   Brandon Riquelmer Gonzalez-Salazar, a 19-year-old criminal alien from Guatemala, with pending charges for firing a weapon.   Jose Luis Amador-Bonilla, a 39-year-old criminal alien from Guatemala, convicted of forgery and who has pending charges for domestic violence.   Ignacio Santiago-Garcia, a 37-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, who’s been arrested for DUI and possession of stolen property.   Francisco Tziquin-Balux, a 30-year-old criminal alien from Guatemala with pending charges for hit-and-run. DHS will continue our law enforcement and public safety mission undeterred as we surge ICE resources in the city in coordination with our federal partners from across the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.

# # #

ICE Launches Operation Midway Blitz in Honor of Katie Abraham to Target Criminal Illegal Aliens Terrorizing Americans in Sanctuary Illinois

 News Release:

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

ICE Launches Operation Midway Blitz in Honor of Katie Abraham to Target Criminal Illegal Aliens Terrorizing Americans in Sanctuary Illinois

Thanks to Governor Pritzker’s sanctuary policies, TdA gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers are being released onto Chicago’s streets CHICAGO – Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced Operation Midway Blitz in honor of Katie Abraham who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run car wreck caused by criminal illegal alien Julio Cucul-Bol in Illinois. This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets.  "DHS is launching Operation Midway Blitz in honor of Katie Abraham who was killed in Illinois by a criminal illegal alien who should have never been in our country. This operation will target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “For years, Governor Pritzker and his fellow sanctuary politicians released Tren de Aragua gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers on Chicago’s streets—putting American lives at risk and making Chicago a magnet for criminals. President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message: no city is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return.”  Below are just a handful of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens—including gang members, drug traffickers, kidnappers, and rapists—who were RELEASED back on to Illinois streets because of Governor Pritzker’s sanctuary policies. These criminal illegal aliens remain at large.   Gabriel J Valle Galvez, a 47-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico, with convictions for battery, aggravated assault, DUI, trespassing, criminal damage to property, public indecency, violation of order of protection, and multiple assaults. Valle Galvez has been identified as a Latin King gang member. ICE lodged arrest detainers twelve separate times. Each time Cook County Jail did not honor the detainer and released him. Javier Carmelo Casillas Gomez, a 46-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico, with convictions for procuring prostitution, domestic violence/assault, drug possession, and an active warrant for drug manufacturing. ICE lodged an arrest detainer, with Cook County Jail.  Victor Manuel Gomez-Atilano, a 45-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico, with prior deportations and convictions for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. ICE lodged an arrest detainer with the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was released despite the ICE arrest detainer. Ricardo Salas Muro, a 41-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico with convictions for burglary and drug possession. He was released multiple times despite ICE detainers lodged by ICE Chicago. Dany Daniel Hernandez Colina, a 27-year-old criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and Tren de Aragua gang member with repeat arrests for burglary and shoplifting. An immigration judge issued an order of removal for Colina in 2024, but he was released after Cook County Jail failed to honor the ICE detainer. Carlos Johendy Gonzales Montero, a 36-year-old criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and Tren de Aragua gang member with charges for reckless conduct, aggravated assault with a weapon, and armed violence. This gang member was released after Cook County Jail ignored ICE detainers. Oscar Remiez Vences, a 30-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico and member of the Two Six gang with convictions for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and domestic battery. Cook County Jail did not honor the ICE detainer and released him.  Frankismar Oliveira-Infante, a 39-year-old criminal illegal alien from Venezuela with convictions for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated assault. He’s considered armed and dangerous after Cook County Jail failed to honor detainer.  Rutilo Uriostegui Mojica, a 28-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico, with convictions for illegal reentry, drug possession, and multiple DUIs was released despite an ICE detainer. Pedro Enrique Colmenares Gonzalez, a 34-year-old criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and Tren De Aragua gang member with a past criminal history of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, sexual assault, domestic battery, and kidnapping. He was released multiple times despite ICE lodging a detainer. Abdul Raza Al Kaby, a 60-year-old criminal illegal alien from Iraq, with convictions for felonious assault, assault with a deadly weapon, and murder/intent to kill. Al Kaby had an order for removal by an immigration judge in 1997 but was repeatedly released from Illinois jails despite ICE detainers.

# # #

DHS Scores Major Victory at Supreme Court

 News Release:

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

DHS Scores Major Victory at Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled the Trump Administration can continue operations in Los Angeles to remove dangerous criminal illegal aliens from the streets WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security landed a major legal victory Monday morning when the Supreme Court issued a stay in the case of Perdomo v. Noem. The ruling allows DHS to continue carrying out immigration operations in the Los Angeles area. “This is a win for the safety of Californians and the rule of law,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “DHS law enforcement will not be slowed down and will continue to arrest and remove the murderers, rapists, gang members, and other criminal illegal aliens that Karen Bass continues to give safe harbor.” The court ruled 6-3 in favor of the Trump Administration. With its decision, the court stayed a ruling by federal judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong in July blocking DHS from conducting immigration sweeps in Southern California. To the mainstream media’s chagrin, there are no “indiscriminate stops” being made. The Supreme Court simply applied longstanding precedent regarding what qualifies as “reasonable suspicion” under the Fourth Amendment. What makes someone a target of ICE is if they are illegally in the U.S. DHS enforces federal immigration law without fear, favor, or prejudice. In his opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s discussed the federal government’s duty to enforce immigration laws on the books and the fact that the Judicial Branch does NOT make those laws: “The fact remains that, under the laws passed by Congress and the President, [illegal aliens] are acting illegally by remaining in the United States – at least unless Congress and the President choose some other legislative approach to legalize some or all of those individuals now illegally present in the country. And by illegally immigrating into and remaining in the country, they are not only violating the immigration laws, but also jumping in front of those noncitizens who follow the rules and wait in line to immigrate into the United States through the legal immigration process.” “[I]t is also important to stress the proper role of the Judiciary. The Judiciary does not set immigration policy or decide enforcement priorities. It should come as no surprise that some Administrations may be more laissez-faire in enforcing immigration law, and other Administrations more strict. Article III judges may have views on which policy approach is better or fairer. But judges are not appointed to make those policy calls.”

# # #