Four Members of Oregon-Idaho Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to a Combined 37 Years in Prison

 

Trafficked Methamphetamine in Southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon

Four members of a drug trafficking organization that operated in both Idaho and Oregon have been sentenced to a combined thirty-seven and half years in federal prison.

According to court records, in 2024 law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Members of the organization obtained methamphetamine from California and brought it back to Idaho and Oregon for further distribution. During the investigation and subsequent arrests, law enforcement seized over 17 pounds of methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford sentenced each of the defendants to federal prison.

“This investigation reflects DEA’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our communities,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Through strong partnerships with our federal, state, and local law enforcement counterparts, we will continue to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who profit from distributing dangerous drugs in Idaho and Oregon.”

“Out of state acquisition of illegal narcotics endangers our community,” said U.S. Attorney Bart Davis. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement to zealously prosecute those bringing drugs into Idaho.”

Juan Pulido, 44, of Caldwell, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent of distributing it to others. At the time he committed the crime, Pulido had four prior drug trafficking convictions. During sentencing, Judge Brailsford described Pulido as a “large scale methamphetamine supplier.” Pulido was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Maleah Rochelle Benavidez, 31, of Ontario, Oregon, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. During her involvement in the conspiracy, Benavidez was absconding supervision on two prior drug trafficking convictions.

Daniel Ryan Carrion, 38, of Ontario, Oregon, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. During the investigation, Carrion led law enforcement on a high-speed chase, creating such a significant danger that officers had to end the pursuit. During the pursuit, Carrion threw a pound of methamphetamine in an open field that law enforcement officers seized.

Wesley John Roehl, 41, of Boise, was sentenced to 24 months, followed by three years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the Nampa Police Department and the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multiagency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, which includes the Nampa Police Department, Boise Police Department, Ada County Sherriff’s Office, Meridian Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Idaho State Police, and the Idaho Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole. Other agencies that assisted in the investigation included the United States Postal Inspector Service and the High Desert Drug Task Force.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the High Desert Drug Task Force are both supported by the HIDTA program, which provides funding resources to multiagency drug enforcement initiatives to identify, disrupt, and dismantle local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach.

THIS IS OUR WHY: Secretary Mullin Meets with Angel Family Marcus and Dalilah Coleman

 

President Trump is calling on Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law, to make it impossible for illegal aliens to obtain commercial driver’s licenses

On Wednesday, June 10, United States Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin met with Angel Father Marcus Coleman and his daughter Dalilah at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters. 

Dalilah tragically sustained life-changing injuries after a crash caused by an illegal alien. On June 20, 2024, Partap Singh – an illegal alien from India – caused a multi-car pileup while driving a commercial 18-wheeler in the sanctuary state of California. He drove at an unsafe speed and failed to stop for traffic and a construction zone. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Department of Motor Vehicles issued him a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

The aftermath of the crash that injured Dalilah

Secretary Mullin met Dalilah for the first time, and spoke with Marcus about the importance of passing Dalilah’s Law, proposed legislation that would bar any state from granting CDLs to illegal aliens.

Secretary Mullin with Dalilah Coleman

Secretary Mullin talks with Marcus Coleman

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Dalilah – who was 5 years old at the time – was unable to walk, talk, eat orally, or attend kindergarten as planned. Since then, Marcus has advocated for the passage of Dalilah’s Law, which is named after her. President Donald J. Trump called on Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law at his State of the Union address in February.

“We’re creating a nationwide tour,” said Marcus Coleman. “We’re going to go around to all the governors and ask them to sign the Dalilah Standard, and pledge their state to the Dalilah Standard, which will stop illegal immigrants from truck driving and will put harsher laws on trucking. If a trucking company is in their state and they violate ELP or any of the Dalilah Law, the trucking company will be closed down.” 

“Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with Dalilah Coleman and her parents, Marcus and Ileana,” said Secretary Mullin. “Dalilah is just one of countless victims of illegal alien truck drivers. President Trump is calling on Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law, to make it impossible for illegal aliens to obtain commercial driver’s licenses. May God bless Dalilah and the entire Coleman family.” 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Singh, the driver of the truck that injured Dalilah, on August 29, 2025, in Fresno, California.

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Former Director of a Brooklyn Daycare Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

 

Defendant Stole More than $2.75 Million from Daycare and Spent Funds on Professional Wrestling Events, Personal Travel, and Luxury Goods

In federal court in Brooklyn, Murielle Misczak pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud her former employer, a Brooklyn daycare (the Daycare), of more than $2.75 million.  The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis.  When sentenced, Misczak faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment as well as restitution of $2,805,871.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea. 

“The defendant took advantage of her access to bank accounts for the Daycare to steal millions in tuition payments in order to line her own pockets and fund trips to World Wrestling Entertainment events among other personal expenses,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Our Office will continue to vigorously prosecute individuals like the defendant who abuse positions of trust and seek to enrich themselves at the expense of services for children.”

“Murielle Misczak’s selfish greed deprived a local daycare of nearly three million dollars in critical funding intended for services to support the development and care of our communities’ children. The FBI continues to pull back the curtain on fraudsters seeking to steal from innocent New Yorkers, regardless of their cover up attempts,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

As set forth in court filings, Misczak was hired by the Daycare in 2013 as Program Coordinator and was later promoted to Director in 2020.  Starting in January 2022 and continuing through October 2025, Misczak stole more than $2.75 million in tuition payments by directing them to be paid into accounts she controlled and then transferring those payments into her own accounts.  Misczak hid her theft from the Daycare by deleting and altering information in the Daycare’s accounting systems.  Misczak spent over $600,000 in stolen funds on travel and entertainment, including over $350,000 on tickets to professional wrestling events, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury goods and various personal expenses such as food delivery and ride sharing services.”

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.

Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging Virginia Mask Ban and Identification Requirements for Federal Officers

 

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, and Commonwealth Attorney for Fairfax, Virginia Steve Descano challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers by criminally prohibiting federal officers from wearing masks, requiring individual identifiers, and functionally banning cooperative 287(g) agreements with numerous local law enforcement agencies dedicated to helping enforce this nation’s laws.  Virginia Code, §§ 19.2-83.6:1, 15.2-1726.1. 

Not only is the law an illegal attempt to regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the law threatens the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations.

"Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties," said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Virginia’s anti-law enforcement policies regulate the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand."

"Governor Spanberger cannot tell Federal officers how to do their job,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. "And she certainly cannot prohibit them from ensuring their own safety in conducting Federal law enforcement operations. Our suit today stops those unconstitutional efforts."

"The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like Virginia’s," said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

Acting Attorney General Blanche has instructed  the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. This lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in Virginia, New Jersey, and California. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US FOR OUR JUNE EVENTS

 

D.A. Bragg, CUNY ISLG Announce Funding Up To $200,000 For Grassroots Organizations To Support Survivors Of Domestic Violence

 

Proposals Requested from Survivor-Led, Community-Based Organizations

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr., and the Institute for State & Local Governance at the City University of New York (“ISLG”) released a Request for Proposals to fund survivor-led, grassroots organizations that support people impacted by domestic and intimate-partner violence in Manhattan. The Request for Proposals is available here.

“Domestic and intimate-partner violence remains one of the most pervasive crimes in New York City, including a top driver of serious assaults,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Research demonstrates that survivors, and particularly those from marginalized communities, frequently do not report to law enforcement or proactively seek out traditional service providers. We hope by empowering survivor-led, grassroots organizations, we can help reach more New Yorkers, address their safety needs, and drive down domestic violence in Manhattan.”

“Survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence face complex challenges, distinct needs, and different barriers to staying engaged in services that address those needs. The organizations that make sure survivors feel and are safe are critical to Manhattan’s communities, and we’re ready to partner with them to pilot, expand, and sustain their services,” said Siobhan Carney, Policy Director at CUNY ISLG. “With this focus on survivor-led organizations, we’re hoping to support responsive, innovative services for survivors, by survivors.”

In Manhattan, homicides are down 70% and shootings are down 62% compared to 2021, according to NYPD data. In contrast, domestic violence major crimes – including murder, felony assault, rape, and other serious felonies – are up 25% since 2021. Those numbers are even higher citywide, where domestic violence major crimes have risen 50% since 2021.

As one element of D.A. Bragg’s work to combat this trend, the initiative aims to reach communities that are underserved, marginalized, or underrepresented within existing systems. It will prioritize organizations that engage communities disproportionately impacted by domestic and intimate-partner violence, as well as organizations that are led by survivors who best understand barriers to accessing traditional services and systems of care.

Services provided by these organizations may include addressing immediate needs that help survivors remain safe and engaged in existing services, such as food, transportation, childcare, translation or language access or other targeted supports. Funding may also support short-term or emerging approaches that allow organizations to meet survivor needs in new or more responsive ways. This could include piloting small-scale initiatives, hosting survivor-centered events that distribute resources or elevate community voices or building the capacity to provide certain services directly (including but not limited to healthy relationship workshops, entrepreneurial initiatives, and nutrition workshops).

Up to four organizations will receive up to $50,000 each. Proposals are due July 22, 2026, and funds are expected to be awarded in Fall 2026.

DEC ANNOUNCES OPENING OF 2026 BLACK BASS SEASON

 

Abundant Bass Fishing Opportunities in Waters Across the State

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the open (harvest) season for black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) begins on Monday, June 15, and extends through Monday, November 30. A catch-and-release season for New York’s most popular freshwater sportfish exists in most of the state from December 1 through June 14. Variations in minimum length and daily limits exist for some waters, so anglers are encouraged to check the current fishing regulations before heading out. 

“New York anglers are fortunate to have some of the best bass fishing opportunities in the country,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Whether you’re fishing a top-ranked water such as Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence River, and Oneida Lake, or just a local fishing hole, catching a big bass is just a cast away here in New York.” 

Bass fishing is another fun way for New Yorkers get out and enjoy nature, and the open season further supports Governor Kathy Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that promotes physical and mental health by helping encourage New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. 

Bass can be found around the state in most waters including rivers, ponds, and lakes. New York’s bass fisheries remain in the national spotlight. In 2025, the St. Lawrence River and Lake Erie were ranked the #4 and #9 bass lakes, respectively, in the country by Bassmaster Magazine. The St. Lawrence River, Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River, Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake, Otisco Lake, and Chautauqua Lake also landed in Bassmaster Magazine’s top 25 Northeastern Best Bass Lakes list.

Fishing for bass is a great option for beginning anglers interested in going “beyond the bobber.” For tips on how and where to catch bass, see Fishing For Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass on DEC’s website. Those new to fishing can check out the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing, which has all the information needed to get started. There’s also a “how-to” video series on DEC’s YouTube channel.  

Visit DEC’s Places to Fish and Warmwater Fishing webpages for more information on where to go bass fishing, as well as the Tackle Box feature in the HuntFishNY mobile app. 

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.

Governor Hochul Directs State Landmarks to Illuminate for the Kick-Off of the FIFA World Cup 2026

16 Landmarks To Illuminate Green, White and Red for the opening match in Mexico on Thursday, June 11

15 Landmarks To Illuminate Red, White and Blue for the First Match at NYNJ Stadium on Saturday, June 13

15 Landmarks To Illuminate Red and White for Canada on Monday, June 15

Governor Kathy Hochul directed New York State landmarks to illuminate for the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup 2026. State landmarks will light up in the colors of World Cup host countries — Mexico, the United States and Canada — as the world comes together for this year’s games.

“New York is proud to celebrate the FIFA World Cup as the world’s game comes to our backyard,” Governor Hochul said. “With players and visitors coming from around the globe, this moment reflects what makes New York unique — we are home to people from every culture and every background, united by a shared love of the beautiful game of soccer and the immigrant spirit that built this state.”

On Thursday, June 11 the following landmarks will illuminate green, white and red for the opening match held in Mexico:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Lake Placid Olympic Center
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

On Saturday, June 13 the following landmarks will illuminate red, white and blue for the first match held at NYNJ Stadium:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

On Monday, June 15 the following landmarks will illuminate red and white following the first match held in Canada:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse