Federal Grand Jury Indicts 13 for Drug and Firearm Offenses Following a Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Led by the DEA and LMPD

Following a lengthy investigation by the Louisville Homeland Security Task Force lead by the DEA and LMPD, a federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on May 20, 2026, charging 13 individuals with conspiring to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and firearms offenses. Ten of the defendants have been arrested, one is deceased, and two are at large.   

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul L. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. 

According to the indictment, Shane Andres, 48, of Louisville, Kentucky, Michael Andres, 52, of Louisville, Kentucky, Luther Roland, 49, of Louisville, Kentucky, Clarence Caldwell, 62, of Louisville, Kentucky, John Finley,32, of Louisville, Kentucky, Marcus Andrews, 50, of Detroit, Michigan, Stacey McRae, 36, of Louisville, Kentucky, Jorge Torres Valdez, 27,of New York, New York and Mexico, Ronnall Clark, 44, of Louisville, Kentucky, Keshawn Hatcher, 34, of Louisville, Kentucky, Cornelius Pendleton, 44, of Louisville, Kentucky, and Fineiss Vaughn, 21, of Phoenix, Arizona, were all charged with one count of conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin from January 24, 2023, through May 20, 2026, in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Additionally, Shane Andres was charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl; Michael Andres was charged with six counts of distribution of fentanyl; Luther Roland was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and three counts of distribution of fentanyl; Clarence Caldwell was charged with two counts of distribution of fentanyl; John Finley was charged with three counts of distribution of fentanyl; Marcus Andrews was charged with three counts of distribution of heroin; Stacy McRae was charged with three counts of distribution of fentanyl; Keshawn Hatcher was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and Cornelius Pendleton was charged with one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm with the knowledge he had previously been convicted of a felony, specifically: 

On or about November 15, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in Case Number 19-CR-2810, Cornelius Pendleton, was convicted of the offense of convicted felon in possession of a firearm; 

On or about March 1, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in Case Number 18-CR-0638, Cornelius Pendleton, was convicted of the offenses of convicted felon in possession of a handgun, tampering with physical evidence and receiving stolen property (firearm); 

On or about May 8, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in Case Number 15-CR-3350, Cornelius Pendleton, was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, convicted felon in possession of a handgun and receiving stolen property (firearm);

On or about July 20, 2005, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in Case Number 04-CR-2842, Cornelius Pendleton, was convicted of the offense of burglary third degree; 

On or about July 20, 2005, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in Case Number 04-CR-0590, Cornelius Pendleton, was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, promoting contraband and tampering with physical evidence. 

On August 12, 2026, six of the thirteen defendants made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Michael Andres, Jorge Torres Valdez, Cornelius Pendleton and Marcus Andrews will make their initial appearances at a later date. Donshaun Coleman is deceased. Stacey McRae and Fineiss Vaughn remain at large.  

If convicted, Cornelius Pendleton faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. If convicted, Shane Andres, Michael Andres, Luther Roland, Clarence Caldwell, John Finley, Marcus Andrews, Stacey McRae, Jorge Torres Valdez, Ronnall Clark, Keshawn Hatcher, Cornelius Pendleton and Fineiss Vaughn face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “The Louisville Homeland Security Task Force is a national model for interagency cooperation and productivity. Agents from multiple federal agencies working seamlessly with the Louisville Metro Police Department are constantly working long-term investigations against significant drug trafficking organizations for the betterment of our community. It is truly an honor to announce this important indictment and commend the success of our law enforcement partners.”   

DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott stated, “The DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, remains committed to pursuing those who profit from trafficking dangerous drugs while fueling violence in our communities. By bringing the full resources of the federal government to bear against career criminals, we are sending a clear message to those who peddle poison on our streets: your days are numbered.”

LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey stated, "This investigation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement work together with a shared commitment to protecting our community. I want to thank every investigator who spent countless hours on this case to make our neighborhoods safer."

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is being investigated by the DEA and LMPD with assistance by IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Matthews Police Department, Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky State Police. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Porter and Frank E. Dahl III are prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Adela Alic.

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 Louisville comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, and IRS, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Coast Guard Investigation Leads to Arrest of Illegal Alien After Boat Capsizes in New York Harbor, Killing Woman and Infant

 

The suspect was conducting unlicensed tour operations at the time of the accident

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after an investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard led to the arrest of a criminal illegal alien following a boat accident in New York Harbor which led to the death of a woman and her infant.

On August 8, 2026, a vessel that was piloted by Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, an illegal alien from El Salvador, capsized in New York Harbor. The accident resulted in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old infant. Hernandez-Umana had been using the boat to conduct unlicensed tour operations, and the vessel was over capacity at the time of the incident. Other boats in the area, including vessels with the Coast Guard, New York Police Department (NYPD), and the New York City Fire Department, responded to render emergency assistance. Members of the Coast Guard and NYPD recovered the bodies of the two victims, who were pronounced deceased upon their arrival at a local hospital.

The vessel that capsized while being illegally operated in New York Harbor.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced that Hernandez-Umana has been charged with TWO counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. After an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) confirmed Hernandez-Umana’s unlawful presence in the United States, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested him.

“This criminal illegal alien was illegally and recklessly conducting unlicensed boat tours in New York Harbor when his boat capsized, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old baby,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Thanks to the hard work of the men and women of the Coast Guard, ICE, and our federal, state, and local partners, this criminal is off our streets and out of our waterways. Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country.”

“Federal regulations and maritime safety protocols exist to protect the lives and wellbeing of passengers on commercial vessels,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “The defendant allegedly flouted those regulations when he transported paying customers on a commercial vessel without appropriate licenses, overcrowded the vessel, and took on a 5-month-old infant passenger, with no infant life vests onboard.  We mourn the tragic drowning deaths of the infant and her mother and urge would-be tour operators and the public to observe all safety protocols for commercial vessels.”

“Illegal charter operations gamble with human life, and in this case, the alleged conduct led to an unthinkable tragedy,” said CGIS Assistant Director Josh Packer. “As the Coast Guard’s criminal investigative agency, CGIS brings unmatched maritime subject-matter expertise coupled with federal law enforcement authority.  Working with our federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to investigate those who ignore passenger vessel safety laws and put the public in danger.”

“As alleged in the complaint, Manuel Hernandez showed a complete disregard for the safety of his passengers when he piloted an over-capacity boat without a license that capsized in the New York Harbor,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This tragedy could have been prevented, and now a family is left to grieve the unimaginable loss of a mother and her 5-month-old daughter because of his negligence.  I am grateful to our NYPD Harbor and Aviation Units for their swift response and to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for bringing these charges.”

Hernandez-Umana claims to have illegally entered the United States through Texas in 2007, lying to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer and falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen so that he could enter the country.

This case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s General Crimes Unit. 

Prolific Chinese Money Launderer Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Laundering Drug Trafficking Proceeds Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

 

A Chinese national was sentenced in the Western District of North Carolina by U.S. District Judge Susan C. Rodriguez to 15 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $25 million for his role in a Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO) that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico.

“Chinese money laundering networks have become a key enabler to the Mexican cartels,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The organization eliminated by this prosecution alone laundered more than $90 million in less than two years. This emerging and enormous threat to the United States has only become more complex. As part of our mission to totally eliminate cartels, the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will investigate and prosecute all facets of cartel activity, including those groups that launder and return the money to them so that they can traffic more poison in our country and throughout the world.”

“We are working hard to attack cartels on all fronts,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina. “That means attacking the money laundering networks that fuel the cartels and hide their money, making it harder to prosecute them. This is an important step in eliminating cartels — a key priority in my office.”

“This sentence reinforces an important principle, criminal organizations cannot operate without access to their profits,” said Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Those who knowingly assist in concealing and legitimizing drug trafficking proceeds become an integral part of the criminal enterprise. This case demonstrates the continued commitment of the Homeland Security Task Force and our law enforcement partners to attacking these organizations at every level and holding accountable those who facilitate their operations.”

According to court documents, Jianfei Lu, 31, of China, was a prolific courier of the CMLO. He collected drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposited the money, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO. As a courier, Lu personally picked up and deposited more than $20 million of illicit bulk cash. Lu also served as a manager for the CMLO: he coordinated directly with U.S.-based drug traffickers and dispatched other couriers to conduct bulk cash pickups and deposits. In addition, Lu procured fake driver’s licenses for the couriers, which were used to deposit illicit funds at major U.S. banks. 

Approximately $670,000 of U.S. currency and 12 firearms seized from a drug trafficking organization that used the CMLO for money laundering services. 

In July 2025, Lu pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. In connection to his guilty plea, Lu admitted that he had actual knowledge and involvement in laundering between $25 million and $65 million in illicit funds, and that he knew the laundered funds  included drug trafficking proceeds.

The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Mingda Hang, Jayce Born, and Kenneth Kaplan of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Miller and Seth Johnson for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.

MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations.

This case 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.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Hosts School Supply Giveaway

 

New York City Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Attack at Manhattan Synagogue

 

The Department of Justice announced that Larry Montes was charged with two counts of committing hate crimes in connection with his race- and religious-based assaults of a congregant and a security guard during a Shabbat service at a synagogue in Manhattan on Aug. 14, as well as one count of destruction of religious property resulting in bodily injury. Montes is currently in state custody and will be transported to and presented in Manhattan federal court at a later date to face the federal charges filed in the Southern District of New York.

“These charges serve as notice that the Department of Justice will intervene to protect the public in the face of antisemitic and racially motivated attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division stands ready to combat assaults against worshippers and houses of worship. Americans’ fundamental right to worship without fear of bias-motivated violence is sacrosanct and must be protected at all costs.”

“The Southern District of New York filed federal charges against Larry Montes for his violent, hate‑motivated attack during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue on August 14, in which he disrupted worship, struck a congregant, damaged synagogue property, and spat on and headbutted a security guard,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald for the Southern District of New York. “An attack on a house of worship is an attack on the fundamental right to practice one’s faith safely, and our Office will work tirelessly to ensure the defendant is held fully accountable as we continue to protect all communities from hate‑driven violence.”

“Larry Montes’ targeted acts of violence on a congregant, security guard, and synagogue during a Shabbat service are deeply disturbing,” said Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI New York Field Office. “The FBI condemns any incident driven by bias or hate, and we commend the swift actions of the security personnel and first responders.  Hate crimes have no place in New York, and we remain steadfast in protecting every community.”

“As alleged in the complaint, Larry Montes brought violence to Jewish New Yorkers engaged in prayer when he disrupted Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “I am grateful that an NYPD sergeant was there to take him into custody, and for the ongoing efforts of our Hate Crimes Task Force and our federal partners to hold Montes accountable for his alleged crimes.”

As alleged in the Complaint, on Aug. 14, at a Friday night Shabbat service attended by approximately 375 people at a synagogue in Manhattan, Montes stood up and began shouting and then physically struck and caused damage to two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold accents. The head of security at the synagogue proceeded to attempt to remove Montes from the area where the service was taking place, during which Montes stated, in sum and substance, and among other things, “fuck you people” and “I don’t fuck with you people.” Montes also punched with a closed fist a woman (Victim-1) who was attending services at the synagogue and, later, while being handcuffed by security guards and law enforcement, looked at one of the security guards (Victim-2), who is a Black man, and stated, in sum and substance, “fuck you [n-word].” He then spat in Victim-2’s face and headbutted Victim-2 near Victim-2’s left eye socket. Montes also stated, in sum and substance, that he planned to return to the synagogue on a later date. 

During a recorded, Mirandized post-arrest interview, Montes stated, in substance and in part, “fuck the Jews.  . . . It’s racial” and “I will never affiliate with no filthy fucking synagogues, either here or in fucking Israel.” Montes also stated about his actions at the synagogue that “it’s all a racial thing” and that it was “all religious motivated.” 

Montes, 46, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with two counts of committing hate crimes, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and one count of damage to religious property resulting in bodily injury, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit in the Criminal Division, with consultation from the Civil Rights Division of the Criminal Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith C. Foster for the Southern District of New York is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Joint Statement from Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Carmen De La Rosa on the Mamdani Administration’s Lawsuit Against the RESPECT Check Act for Paraprofessionals

The Mamdani Administration filed a lawsuit against the RESPECT Check Act, which would require the City to issue workforce stabilization payments totaling up to $10,000 to paraprofessionals employed by the Board of Education. In response, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Carmen De La Rosa issued the following statement:

“Every member of the Council, in a unanimous and bipartisan vote, supported the RESPECT Check Act because it is unacceptable that paraprofessionals who support some of our highest-need students are earning as little as $32,000 a year.

This law is not only the right thing to do, it is also the fiscally responsible thing to do, helping address the staffing shortages that contribute to the City’s $1.5 billion in Carter case costs.

The Council will vigorously defend the law.”

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Manhattan

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Anthony Griffin, who died on April 11, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Manhattan.

On April 11, NYPD officers responded to a subway platform at Grand Central Station following a report of a man with a knife. When the officers encountered Mr. Griffin, he approached them while allegedly holding a knife. At 9:40 a.m., one officer discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Griffin. Mr. Griffin was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a knife at the scene.

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. 

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.    

Governor Hochul Announces Added State Police and Local Law Enforcement Patrols on New York’s Roads Through Labor Day

Additional Enforcement to Target Impaired and Reckless Drivers During ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign Aug. 19 – Sept. 7

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State Police, County Sheriffs’ Offices, and local law enforcement will be increasing patrols and checkpoints to crack down on impaired and reckless driving during the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, which will run Wednesday, August 19 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

“New York is a great place, with our scenic trails and world-class state parks, to enjoy the end of summer and the Labor Day holiday,” Governor Hochul said. “I want everyone to have a wonderful time and make happy memories. Just know that if you make the irresponsible choice to drive impaired or recklessly, law enforcement will be out in force and showing zero tolerance. Their job is difficult so please don’t make it tougher: drive responsibly.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “As the summer season draws to a close heading into Labor Day weekend, our roadways are going to be handling a lot of travelers. Whether you are taking on a road trip or celebrating locally, please follow the rules of the road – don’t speed, avoid distractions and never, ever drive impaired. I thank our dedicated law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to removing impaired and reckless drivers from our highways.”

During the 2025 campaign, law enforcement officers statewide issued 131,245 tickets during the enforcement, including 4,125 arrests for impaired driving and 24,905 citations for speeding.

Enforcement Mobilization

State Police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct sobriety checkpoints and increase patrols during the enforcement period. Law enforcement will use both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles to help identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow police to better observe driving violations. While these vehicles blend in with everyday traffic, they are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

Motorists are also reminded to follow the State’s Move Over Law, which requires all drivers to slow down and move over when safe to do so for all vehicles stopped along the roadway.