Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced in Idaho to 30 Years in Federal Prison

Defendant Led a Multi-State and International Drug Trafficking Organization with Ties to Mexico

Methamphetamine seized during the investigation.

Juan Carlos Delfin, 47, of Salem, Oregon, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

A federal jury convicted Delfin of the crimes following a jury trial in December of 2025. According to evidence presented at trial, Delfin was a leader in a multi-state and international drug trafficking organization with ties to Mexico. Delfin’s son, Cesar Delfin-Cervantes, was also a member of the drug trafficking organization. The organization arranged for large shipments of methamphetamine to be delivered through a network of couriers from Mexico to California and then to Salem, Oregon, where Delfin and his son resided. From there, Delfin and his son organized delivery of the drugs to the Treasure Valley area. Over a span of approximately five months, investigators seized over 215 pounds of methamphetamine from the drug trafficking organization. Over a period of approximately two years, the organization transported and sold hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine. 

“This significant sentence is well-deserved and reflects the danger posed to our communities by importing methamphetamine from Mexico and distributing it in our state” said U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis. “I am proud of the cooperative efforts of our federal and state law enforcement agencies. Together we will continue to aggressively target and prosecute illegal drug trafficking in Idaho.”

Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Delfin to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. 

Judge Brailsford previously sentenced Delfin-Cervantes to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release for his involvement in the organization. Delfin’s daughter, Esmeralda Delfin-Cervantes, is also alleged to be a member of the drug trafficking organization and has federal drug trafficking charges pending in the District of Oregon. 

U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration Boise District Office and Salem Resident Office, the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, the Oregon High Desert Drug Task Force, the Salem Police Department, and the Oregon State Police, which led to the charges.

These cases were investigated through the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, which is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency, prosecutor-supported approach. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug program.  

MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN: ICE Deports More Illegal Aliens, Including Pedophiles, Drunk Drivers, and Violent Assailants

80% of Americans support our commonsense efforts to deport criminal illegal aliens from our communities  

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported more illegal aliens in the previous week, including those convicted for such crimes as sexual intercourse with a minor, driving under the influence, and assault. 

“Last week, the patriots of ICE deported more illegal aliens, including pedophiles, drunk drivers, and violent assailants,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “80% of the American people support deporting criminal illegal aliens. Every day, DHS is delivering on President Trump’s mandate from the American people to deport illegal aliens and make America safe again.” 

Among the illegal aliens deported last week are: 

Miguel Baltazar-Bernal, an illegal alien from Mexico, deported on August 29. His criminal history includes convictions for sexual intercourse with a minor, corporal injury on spouse, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal entry. He illegally entered the United States through California in 1988. He has previously been deported SIX times, in 1990, 1992, 1995, 1996, 2005, and 2019. A Department of Justice (DOJ) Immigration Judge issued Baltzar-Bernal a final order of removal on August 23, 1995.

Omer Karahodzic, an illegal alien from Bosnia and Herzegovina, deported on August 27. His criminal history includes convictions for FOUR counts of third-degree assault – inmate assault on corrections employee, THREE counts of wanton endangerment, THREE counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, THREE counts of alcohol intoxication in a public place, and possession of marijuana, and arrests for kidnapping adult and unlawful imprisonment. A DOJ Immigration Judge issued Karahodzic a final order of removal on July 9, 2025.

Teofilo Ramos-Ramos, an illegal alien from Guatemala, deported on August 28. His criminal history includes convictions for false imprisonment by violence, menace, fraud, or deceit and driving with measurable blood alcohol causing injury. He illegally entered the United States through California in November 2016 under the Obama Administration. A DOJ Immigration Judge issued Ramos-Ramos a final order of removal on December 14, 2022 after he failed to show up for his immigration hearing. 

Cecilia Gonzalez-Chavez, an illegal alien from Mexico, deported on August 24. Her criminal history includes convictions for aggravated assault and aggravated battery, and arrests for possession of opiates, narcotics, or certain stimulants and possession of paraphernalia. She illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and location. A DOJ Immigration Judge issued Gonzalez-Chavez a final order of removal on September 5, 2023, and she was deported on September 8, 2023. She then illegally re-entered the United States – a felony – through New Mexico in November 2023, and was RELEASED by the Biden Administration. The prior order of removal was reinstated on November 14, 2023.

Altiman Peterkin, an illegal alien from Jamaica, deported on August 27. His criminal history includes a conviction for assault and battery of family/household member, and arrests for rape and threatening to commit murder. He was lawfully admitted to the United States in November 2014, but remained in the country illegally after his authorized period expired in February 2015. A DOJ Immigration Judge issued Peterkin a final order of removal on July 21, 2026.

Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Charles Butler

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Charles Butler, who died on March 5, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) in Buffalo, Erie County.

At 10:55 p.m. on March 5, BPD officers reported to a residence on Minnesota Street in Buffalo in response to a 911 call. At 10:58 p.m., the officers forced entry into a bedroom of the residence and encountered Mr. Butler, who was allegedly holding a knife in each hand. Mr. Butler allegedly ran toward an officer, holding the knives, and ignored commands to drop them. At least one officer deployed a Taser. Mr. Butler allegedly still held the knives when one officer discharged their service weapon, striking him. Mr. Butler was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered two knives at the scene.

The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released footage from body-worn cameras that captured the incident. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime. 

Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing. 

Governor Hochul Suspends Construction-Related Lane Closures for Labor Day Weekend

Lane Closures Suspended From Friday, September 4 at 6:00 a.m. to Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00 a.m.

Motorists Urged To Slow Down and Move Over for All Vehicles

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, to ease traffic throughout Labor Day weekend. Suspension of roadside construction during a weekend of increased traffic also helps protect the safety of highway workers, including those in organized labor during a holiday that honors the ideals of the labor movement.

“It’s been a historic and memorable summer in New York, and the momentum continues this Labor Day weekend, with thousands of travelers expected across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “We want everyone to have a safe holiday weekend, and I encourage travelers to plan ahead, drive sober and stay alert. Have a happy Labor Day weekend.”

Drivers should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

Motorists must follow the state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway.

Additionally, New York State Police and local law enforcement are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, which runs through Monday, September 7. The enforcement targets impaired and reckless driving through increased patrols and checkpoints.

Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving. 

All 27 service areas located on the New York State Thruway are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and the newly redesigned NYS Thruway mobile app, available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides access to real-time traffic information and live traffic cameras, service area information, toll calculator, roadside assistance requests and E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail information. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.

Travelers can also check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

Mayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official “Day of Remembrance and Service,” Strengthen City Emergency Preparedness

 

Ahead of 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks, Executive Orders establish citywide day of service and modernize continuity of operations for first time since 2007

  

New interagency Continuity and Mission Assurance Team will strengthen preparedness, ensure continued service delivery during emergencies

Today, ahead of the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani will sign two Executive Orders to honor the victims, first responders, survivors, City workers and families whose lives were forever changed by the tragedy while strengthening City government’s ability to protect New Yorkers and maintain essential services during emergencies.   

  

“I am honored to establish the City’s first Day of Remembrance and Service on September 11th to remember those we lost on that horrific day and the first responders, families and City workers whose lives were irrevocably changed in the aftermath. Through this Executive Order, we are calling on New Yorkers to honor their memory through service and deep reflection,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “We must also recognize that remembrance carries a responsibility to strengthen our city, protect New Yorkers and ensure that government is prepared to deliver for people no matter the circumstances. 'Never Forget' is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action. And that is precisely what these two Executive Orders demonstrate.” 

  

The first Executive Order establishes September 11th as an official Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service. It directs the administration to designate time that day for a moment of silence in honor of those who were killed in the attacks and those who suffered health consequences in the years since. City agencies are also encouraged to hold memorial ceremonies, educational programming and other activities to honor those lost, their families and the first responders who answered the call.   

  

The Mayor’s Office will work with NYC Service to promote community service and volunteer opportunities for New Yorkers and encourage City agencies to participate. While similar Days of Remembrance exist at the State and Federal levels, this is the first such action taken by a New York City mayor.  

  

The second Executive Order strengthens and modernizes the City’s Continuity of Operations planning for the first time since 2007, helping ensure that City government can continue delivering essential services and protecting New Yorkers during an emergency.   

  

The Executive Order establishes the City’s first Continuity and Mission Assurance Team (CMAT), a senior interagency body chaired by the Deputy Mayor for Operations and composed of leadership from NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM), the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the Office of Management and Budget. The team will meet regularly to strengthen operational preparedness, coordinate continuity planning and ensure City government is ready to deliver for New Yorkers, no matter the circumstances.   

 

“By designating September 11 as a Day of Service and Remembrance, we remember those we lost and carry forward the spirit that defined our City in its darkest hours. Service was the legacy of those who answered the call on September 11, 2001, and those who have died since. The greatest tribute we can pay them is to continue serving one another with compassion, courage and a shared commitment to building a stronger New York,” said New York City Fire Department Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore.  

  

“September 11 is a day to remember the lives we lost, honor the heroes who answered the call, and renew our commitment to serving our communities,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Declaring September 11 an official Day of Remembrance and Service ensures that we carry that legacy of service forward. We are putting that same commitment into action by strengthening our Continuity of Operations Program. It will make sure that the City is prepared to keep essential services available when New Yorkers need them most. Together, these actions reflect what resilience means for New York City: remembering where we have been, supporting each other and preparing for what may come next.”  

  

“25 years ago, we experienced the unimaginable — and New Yorkers and city workers came together to rebuild our city,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “On this upcoming Day of Remembrance and Service, we will join the mayor in recommitting to our promise to never forget the sacrifices made that day and the months after, and as a core member of the Continuity and Mission Assurance Team, DCAS stands ready and prepared.”  

  

“As we reflect on the solemn legacy of September 11th and honor those we lost, we are reminded that preparedness is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe,” said Chief Technology Officer and OTI Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. “Technology powers the City’s critical response capabilities, and modernizing our operational preparedness is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe. Through this Executive Order, OTI is deepening our interagency collaboration with agency partners and City Hall to ensure our systems, communications and emergency playbooks are resilient and built for any challenge.” 

 

“9/11 is a significant day in New York City history – a day of tremendous loss and tragedy, and also a day when New Yorkers of all backgrounds came forward to serve each other,” said Chief Service Officer Laura Rog. “Over the last 25 years, our city and country have made the commitment to show up for each other even in the darkest, hardest hours. Every act of service by every New Yorker since 2001 has not only honored the first responders, family and friends and recovery workers impacted, but each act has also woven the legacy of service across generations to turn our grief into a spirit of service that carries us forward.” 

  

“On the 25th anniversary of September 11, we remember the brave first responders who answered the call in the face of unspeakable tragedy, participated in rescue and recovery operations and succumbed to illnesses or suffer from illnesses until this very day. We also honor the thousands of victims who lost their lives on that fateful day, and the family and friends who carry their legacy. And we recognize and appreciate the OMB employees who were working on that day and experienced the aftermath,” said Mayor's Office of Management and Budget Director Sherif Soliman. “OMB is proud to partner with other City agencies in order to leverage our expertise and institutional knowledge in support of the Mayor's Continuity of Operations Program, and to ensure that the City's resources are appropriately marshaled to strengthen the city’s emergency preparedness posture and service delivery capabilities.” 

New York State Announces $2.2 Million to Help Upgrade Homeless Shelters in Erie and Suffolk Counties

Stabilization Funding to Rehabilitate an Existing Domestic Violence Shelter in Buffalo

Health and Safety Improvements Planned for Two Shelters in Suffolk County for Families with Children 

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced that $2.2 million has been awarded to help extend the life of a homeless shelter in Erie County and two shelters in Suffolk County. The funding was awarded by OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.

“Governor Hochul recognizes the importance of addressing the housing crisis, and our agency’s work to help protect the health and well-being of families and individuals residing in emergency or transitional shelter is a fundamental part of these efforts,” OTDA Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “This funding will help with needed repairs and rehabilitation work that will enable these shelters to remain safe and viable options for New Yorkers facing homelessness with nowhere else to turn.”

The grants were awarded through a competitive process by OTDA's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP). The State Budget includes $153 million annually for HHAP, including $25 million set aside for the stabilization of existing HHAP projects that meet certain criteria, to extend the life of these important community resources. In addition, for several years, HHAP's budget has included $1 million in funding set aside for emergency shelter repairs.

Child and Family Services of Erie County has been awarded $1.9 million for the rehabilitation of its Haven House Shelter, which includes 21 units/55 beds of emergency and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and their families. The funding will support the replacement of the roof, selective exterior masonry repair and lintel replacement, full renovation of 16 bathrooms, the installation of an additional hot water heater, and other work.

Family Services League, Inc. has been awarded $150,000 for its Brentwood Family Shelter, and $74,394 for its Terryville Shelter.

The Brentwood Family Shelter provides 102 units/416 beds of emergency housing. The funding will be used for roof repairs and replacing the flooring in the 102 client rooms. These repairs will help ensure the building meets code requirements and prevent more long-term erosion.

The Terryville Shelter provides six units/24 beds of emergency housing. The funding will be used for repairing and repainting the building’s exterior and patching and sealing the driveway.

Child and Family Services of Erie County President & CEO Elizabeth McPartland said, “This funding is a critical investment in the future of Haven House and the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families. The shelter provides refuge for anyone fleeing domestic violence; maintaining a safe, secure and functional building is essential to our work. We are very grateful to HHAP for recognizing the importance of preserving this resource for our community.”

Family Services League CEO Kerri Smith said, “When individuals and families experience homelessness, access to safe, reliable emergency housing is a critical need. These funds help ensure that our doors stay open, our buildings meet the highest safety standards, and our residents have a secure, welcoming environment as they work to rebuild their lives.”

Housing Lottery Launches for One River Park at 355 Exterior Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for One River Park, a two-tower residential complex at 355 Exterior Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Hill West Architects and developed by The Lightstone Group under the 355 Exterior Street Associates LLC, the structure yields 714 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 227 units for residents at 70 to 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $73,783 to $238,160.

One River Park at 355 Exterior Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, package lockers, gym, pool, media room, party room, recreation room, children’s playroom, and rooftop terrace with barbecue grills and prep kitchen. Residences are equipped with name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity, including electric stove and electric heat.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there are 63 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,936 for incomes ranging from $73,783 to $106,890, and 13 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,297 for incomes ranging from $87,600 to $128,240.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 29 studios with a monthly rent of $2,500 for incomes ranging from $91,475 to $176,410; 91 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,700 for incomes ranging from $95,726 to $198,510; and 31 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,850 for incomes ranging from $106,560 to $238,160.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 24, 2026.

Wave Hill Weekly Events (Sep 3 – Sep 10) | Admire the Changes of the Season!

 

The seasons are changing, and so is the world around us. These fleeting moments of time drive us to find ways to honor the spaces we have and hold them dear to our hearts. This year's Gardeners’ Party is a one-of-a-kind evening to celebrate our American Elm in all its beauty, honoring the gardeners who cared for it, and investing in the future of horticulture. Find meaning in this special oasis of the city, in a celebration of people and plants, here at Wave Hill!

Gardeners' Party Honoring Our American Elm

Thu, Sep 24, 5:30PM – 8:30PM

Ticket levels vary.

Meet and mingle with Wave Hill's gardeners, our John Nally interns, and other distinguished colleagues in the horticulture community for an evening celebration of the art of gardening!

Nature & Wellness

Garden Highlights Walk

Sun, Sep 6, 1:00PM – 1:30PM 

Free with admission to the grounds    

Registration not required.

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide; each walk varies with the Guide leading it.

Art

Public Gallery Tour

Sat, Sep 5, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration not required. 

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture, and site. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Tarik Jeremiah Brown: Hush Harbor

Augt 29  –  Oct 11 | All Day 

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.

In the site-responsive exhibition Hush Harbor, Tarik Jeremiah Brown transforms the Sunroom into a contemporary, antebellum hush harbor—a secret gathering place of refuge and worship rooted in Black American histories of survival and faith. The work engages the harbor as both a literal and symbolic site of arrival, protection, and possibilty.

Dots and Loops: Jen Chen-su Huang, Rita Maas, and Audra Wolowiec

Jul 21 — Jan 3 | All Day 

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.

Dots and Loops brings together the work of multidisciplinary artists, Jen Chen-su Huang, Rita Maas, and Audra Wolowiec, who take up the musical score as a visual and conceptual framework to investigate questions around language, legibility, and perspective. Working site-specifically, the artists in Dots and Loops engage with themes relating to the natural world, presentness, and interpretation. 

Family

Family Art Project: Paint and Fly with Monarch Butterflies

Sat, Sep 5, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Sun, Sep 6, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration not required. 

Did you know that in the fall, monarch butterflies fly thousands of miles south for the winter? Let's celebrate this natural wonder by painting our own wearable butterfly wings. At 11:30am families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome.

Special Events

Labor Day: Wave Hill is Open

Mon, Sep 7, 10:00AM – 5:30PM    

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration not required.

Celebrate Labor Day at Wave Hill and enjoy a relaxing day in the gardens!

Afternoon Tea 

Tue, Sep 8, 11:00AM – 2:00PM    

7-day Advanced Registration required 

Enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and delectable pastries with a specialty tea selection every Tuesday and Thursday with seatings at 11AM or 2PM. Served on the Kate French Terrace or in our quaint Tea Room at historic Wave Hill House, Afternoon Teas are provided by our exclusive partner Great Performances whose menu uses local and seasonal ingredients, inspired from their own organic farm, Katchkie Farm. 

HOURS STARTING MARCH 15: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday  

Shuttle Service free from Subway and Metro-North, Saturday–Sunday

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.