Armed Honduran National Who Sold Drugs in East Oakland and the Tenderloin Sentenced to Sixteen Years in Prison

 

Maxfer Palma was sentenced to 192 months in federal prison for one count each of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where children were present or resided, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar handed down the sentence. 

Palma, 30, a national of Honduras, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 20, 2023.  On March 2, 2026, a jury found Palma guilty of the drug trafficking and firearms offenses for which he was sentenced. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Palma possessed more than 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 200 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, other various controlled substances, a firearm, and ammunition. These items were found on April 11, 2023, when Oakland police searched Palma’s residence, where multiple children including two minors who appeared to be under the age of 10, were present.  

Oakland Police Department officers searched Palma’s residence on April 11, 2023, after he was identified as a suspect in a violent home invasion in which multiple masked individuals forced their way into an Oakland residence and pistol-whipped two victims.  A search of Palma’s cell phone and social media account uncovered evidence implicating Palma in the pistol-whipping.  That evidence also showed Palma had been dealing drugs in Oakland and the Tenderloin of San Francisco for at least seven months prior to his arrest by federal law enforcement.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Tigar also sentenced the defendant to a five-year period of supervised release.  The defendant was immediately remanded into custody.

Eight Defendants, Including Current and Former New York City Correction Officers, a Texas Parole Officer, and a New York City Transit Authority Employee, Charged in Check Fraud Scheme

 

Defendant Bianca Vieux Bragged That She Scams the Government and Banks, Not People

Bianca Vieux was arraigned on a superseding indictment charging Vieux and seven other defendants in a fraud scheme relating to deposits of falsified checks and the production of fraudulent Social Security cards.  Vieux was arrested on July 7, 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Steven Boyce, Daija-Nek Johnson, Michelle Wilson, and Valeria Waldron were arrested on June 18, 2026 and previously arraigned.  Christopher Walker and Destiny Mendez were previously charged in the original indictment and their cases are pending.  One additional defendant remains at large.  In addition, in May 2026, two defendants charged in the original indictment, Aaron Warren and Tara Dildy, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and are awaiting sentencing. 

Several of the defendants are current or former government employees.  Walker is a New York City Correction Officer and made at least one fraudulent deposit while wearing his Department of Correction uniform.  Waldron is a former New York City Correction Officer and was more recently employed as a parole officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.  Boyce is a track worker with the New York City Transit Authority.  Warren and Dildy are also former New York City Correction Officers.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI); and Nadia I. Shihata, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the arrests and charges in the superseding indictment.

“As alleged, the defendants conspired to create and deposit fake checks at various banks to line their own pockets at the expense of financial institutions,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “It is particularly egregious when individuals who took an oath to uphold the law and serve the public, choose to commit serious federal crimes to serve themselves.”

“Public employees who exploit their positions for fraud don’t just break the law—they break the public’s trust. These defendants allegedly turned their access into a multi‑million‑dollar scheme built on fake checks, fraudulent documents, and deception. IRS‑CI and our law enforcement partners will follow the money, cut through the lies, and hold anyone who abuses their authority fully accountable,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.

“As alleged in the superseding indictment, Vieux, Johnson, Mendez, Walker, Waldron, and Wilson each participated in a scheme to deposit into bank accounts falsified checks made out to themselves from various entities. Vieux orchestrated the scheme, advertising her services on an encrypted messaging platform, and solicited recruits to provide their debit cards and bank account information.  As Vieux herself said in a text message: “lol I scam the government not human beings[.]  I don’t steal from people I still [sic] from banks[.]”  Once Vieux received an accountholder’s banking information, she or another co-conspirator would deposit a falsified check into their account. If it cleared, the accountholder would travel to Queens to make large cash withdrawals in person at various bank branches, stated DOI Commissioner Shihata.

Johnson, Mendez, Walker, Waldron, and Wilson were each recruited to receive deposits of falsified checks into their bank accounts and, if the funds cleared, make large cash withdrawals from their accounts.  Walker took the scheme further, hiring other fraudsters to create fake checks and documents for him.  Boyce created fake Social Security cards for Walker in exchange for a fee and explicitly acknowledged in a text message that he was in the business of “fraudulent federal documents.”

In total, the defendants created and/or deposited over $3 million worth of fictitious checks and obtained over $500,000 in fraudulent proceeds.  The defendants spent their stolen cash on luxury handbags, plastic surgery, and tropical vacations, among other personal expenses.

The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Governor Hochul Urges Caution Ahead of Severe Storms and Flash Flooding

Numerous and Widespread Severe Storms Expected Across the State, Strongest Storms and Heaviest Rain Expected This Afternoon Into Evening

Damaging Winds, Isolated Tornadoes, Hail, and Flash Flooding Possible

Rainfall Rates Could Reach 1 to 2 Inches Per Hour in Heaviest Bands Causing Localized Flash Flooding, Especially In Urban Areas

Risk of Flash Flooding in the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions with Flood Watches in Effect

New Yorkers Encouraged to Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take caution ahead of widespread storms that can bring severe thunderstorms and heavy rains. Total rainfall is expected to be 1-3 inches statewide, with isolated areas receiving more. Rainfall rates could be heavy with 1-2 inches or more per hour in the heaviest storms causing localized flash flooding, especially in urban or low-lying areas. There is a slight risk for flash flooding across portions of the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island, and there are already flood watches in effect. The strongest storms and heaviest rain are expected to start this afternoon and has the potential for damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, hail, and flash flooding.

“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we experience widespread storms this afternoon that can be severe and cause flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are ready and mobilized to keep New Yorkers safe, and I encourage everyone to stay weather aware and monitor their local forecast.”

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Tips to stay safe when there is the potential for flash flooding:

Before and During the Storm

• Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
• Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait — follow all orders promptly.
• Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don't Drown!”
• Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground.
• Know your area's type of flood risk — visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
• Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
• Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
• Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
• Do not touch downed power lines.
• Keep your phone charged.
• Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

After Flood Waters Have Receded

• Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
• If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
• Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
• Do not touch downed power lines.
• For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips. 

COIB Settlements Announced

 

The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board (the “Board”) announces three settlements involving violations of the conflicts of interest law’s post-employment restrictions: the prohibition, for most former public servants, on communicating, for compensation, with their former City agency for one year after leaving City service (the “Post-Employment Communication Ban”), and the prohibition on a former public servant receiving compensation for work on a particular matter in which they had participated personally and substantially as a public servant (the “Post-Employment Particular Matter Ban”).

 

Post-Employment Communication Ban.  A former Chief of Staff to a New York City Council Member communicated on 45 occasions with Council Members and Council Staff on behalf of his new employer, Maimonides Health, within five months of leaving City service. He requested the repurposing of capital funding allocated by the Council, invited Council Members to attend Maimonides ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and discussed joint events with Council Members’ offices as well as other partnerships between Maimonides and the City Council. To resolve his violations, the former Chief of Staff agreed to pay a $7,000 fine. In setting the fine, the Board took into consideration that the former Chief of Staff had self-reported more than half of his violations after the Board commenced an enforcement action against him. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (City Council).”

 

Post-Employment Communication Ban. Five months after leaving City service, a former Lieutenant Detective Commander at the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) met with his former NYPD colleagues on behalf of his new employer, RapidSOS, to attempt to sell a RapidSOS product to NYPD. Shortly after the meeting, the former Lieutenant Detective Commander sent a follow-up email to a former NYPD colleague to request future meetings. To resolve his violations, the former Lieutenant Detective Commander agreed to pay a $4,000 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (NYPD).”

 

Post-Employment Particular Matter Ban. In 2018, an Agency Attorney for the New York City Department of Education (“DOE”) drafted the legal terms of an extension of a bus contract with the pupil transportation company GVC. In June 2018, the Agency Attorney left DOE; in 2024, she began working for GVC. While at GVC, the former Agency Attorney reviewed the work performed by GVC under the same 2018 extension to determine whether DOE owed additional money to GVC. To resolve her violation, the former Agency Attorney paid a $1,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (DOE).”

Mayor Mamdani Announces 500 Free Tickets for USA Track & Field Outdoor & Para National Championships in New York City

 

New Yorkers can enter lottery for free tickets until 11 p.m. today 

  

New York City is hosting the USATF Outdoor Championships for the first time since 1991 and the Para National Championships for the first time in history 

  

Discounted tickets to championship also available through special code, “MAYOR10” 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced that New York City will give away 500 free tickets to the historic 2026 USA Track & Field (USATF) Outdoor & Para National Championships, taking place in New York City at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island from July 23 to July 26. New York City is hosting the Outdoor Championships for the first time since 1991 and the Para National Championships for the first time in history.   

  

The event — which includes the USATF Outdoor Championships and USATF Para National Championship — will gather Olympians, Paralympians and rising Team USA athletes, including Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Grant Fisher and Tara Davis-Woodhall. New Yorkers can enter the lottery for free tickets at on nyc.gov/TrackAndField until 11 p.m. today and choose between tickets to either Thursday or Friday’s events. Winners will be notified Wednesday and be able to claim up to two tickets each.  

  

In addition to the ticket lottery, Mayor Mamdani also announced a ticket discount to help more New Yorkers attend the historic event. Individuals can use the promotional code “MAYOR10” at usatf.org/tickets during check out to receive a 10 percent discount.  

  

The announcement was made in partnership with local nonprofits USATF New York, Central Park Track Club and New York Road Runners and will give hundreds of New Yorkers the chance to watch world-class track and field athletes in their own backyard for free. The event will be held at Icahn Stadium, an NYC Parks facility maintained by the Randall’s Island Park Alliance.  

  

Along with affordable tickets to 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and Gotham FC matches, today’s announcement continues Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to make sports accessible for every New Yorker, including by:   

  

•   Securing 1,000 affordable tickets to World Cup matches. 

•   Making all FanFests in the five boroughs free to all New Yorkers. 

•   Offering a $26 meal deal at nearly 900 restaurants. 

•   Creating free Soccer Streets and 24/7 World Cup pitches. 

•   Delivering 600 free tickets to the Knicks championship ceremony. 

•   Showing Knicks playoff games for free on hundreds of LinkNYC screens citywide. 

•   Extending field lighting this summer, adding 4,000 more hours of play on basketball courts, soccer fields and other athletic fields citywide.  

  

“One hundred and fifty years ago, a group of sprinters, jumpers and throwers gathered in New York for the first national track and field championship. This week, we will run it back – and gather even more New Yorkers in the stands,” said Mayor Mamdani. “With these free and discounted tickets, we will give thousands of New Yorkers the chance to watch world-class athletes compete while demonstrating once again that sports must be affordable and accessible for all.”  

Attorney General James Announces 191 Guns Turned in at Brooklyn Gun Buyback

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that 191 firearms were turned in at a community gun buyback event in Brooklyn this weekend hosted by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the Office of the New York State Comptroller. This event was part of Attorney General James’ ongoing effort to combat gun violence and keep New Yorkers safe. To date, Attorney General James has removed more than 9,900 guns from New York state since taking office in 2019.

“Every gun removed from our communities is a potential life saved and crisis averted,” said Attorney General James. “This weekend’s gun buyback event resulted in the removal of 191 unwanted guns from our streets, marking a critical step in our fight to protect our communities from gun violence. I thank the Emmanuel Baptist Church and my friends, District Attorney Gonzalez, NYPD Commissioner Tisch, and Comptroller DiNapoli for their commitment to protecting New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence.”

“I sleep better at night after events like this, knowing that close to 200 weapons are no longer in homes and potentially on our streets,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Every gun we collected is one fewer weapon that now cannot be used to commit crimes, in suicides, or picked up by a child. I thank Emmanuel Baptist Church, all our partners, and every New Yorker who came out despite torrential rains to make our city safer. As Brooklyn continues to experience a historically safe year and summer in terms of gun violence, we are committed to keep reducing the proliferation of guns, engaging our communities and further improving public safety.”

“Every gun recovered is a potential tragedy avoided and life saved,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Thanks to the NYPD’s precision policing strategy, and the men and women in uniform who do this dangerous work, we have removed over 2,700 guns from our streets so far this year and driven down gun violence and murders to record lows. We will continue to invest in these important programs with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”

“Gun violence costs our communities and New Yorkers,” said New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “Getting guns out of homes and off our streets is a critical part of prevention and saving lives. Thanks to District Attorney Gonzalez, Attorney General James, and the NYPD, we bought back and destroyed 191 guns. A win for Brooklyn and New York.”

The buyback event in Brooklyn resulted in 191 guns being turned in, including nine assault weapons, 162 handguns, and four long guns. Following this gun buyback event, Attorney General James has helped remove more than 9,900 guns out of New York communities.

United States Seizes More than 1,000 Internet Domains Used to Illegally Stream World Cup 2026 Matches

 

The Department of Justice announced the successful seizure of more than 1,000 domains that were engaged in the unauthorized streaming of matches in the FIFA World Cup Finals in violation of U.S. copyright law. These seizures occurred over three separate actions during the World Cup, which include the nearly 400 sites seized by the end of last month, and were based on investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington Field Office and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center 

“The sustained effort to seize more than a thousand domains dedicated to illegally streaming the World Cup confirms the administration’s commitment to intellectual property rights and to the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Operation Offsides is part of the Department’s ongoing effort to protect copyright while reducing the risk to American consumers from the malicious software embedded in many illicit streaming services.”

““The unauthorized broadcast of World Cup matches violates intellectual property rights and fuels criminal organizations,” said Director Ivan J. Arvelo of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. “Through Operation Offsides and strong partnerships with law enforcement and the private sector, we identified and seized hundreds of domains, disrupting those who steal and distribute copyrighted content. Our ongoing efforts ensure that the excitement of the World Cup reaches fans through legitimate, secure channels.”

“Streaming content from illicit websites opens your devices to unknown risks. Criminals operating these unauthorized platforms are already willing to break the law when they stream copyrighted World Cup games, they might also be planning to inject malware or steal your payment information,” said Deputy Executive Associate Director Matthew Millhollin of HSI. “Protect your online presence and enjoy the finals with official streaming partners.” 

According to an affidavit in support of a seizure warrant which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the seized domains were used to illegally offer users copyright-protected content in the form of real-time streams of 2026 World Cup matches as they are being played and first broadcast. In support of the application for seizure authority, HSI special agents confirmed that the seized domains were actively broadcasting World Cup matches without authorization. The seized domains were identified with assistance of FIFA, with further supporting information provided by beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Brothers. FIFA is the international governing body of association football (soccer) and holds the exclusive rights to sanction and stage the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is being hosted in multiple cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Banner posted on seized sites.

In addition to the U.S. actions, law enforcement authorities across the Western Hemisphere, in coordination with the Justice Department’s International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) program, carried out extensive enforcement actions as part of “Operation Red Card” to combat digital piracy and counterfeiting linked to the World Cup. The ICHIP for Internet-Based Fraud and Public Health and ICHIP São Paulo coordinated efforts among Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru, including a two-day intergovernmental meeting in Bogotá, Colombia, from July 1 and 2, with the Colombian Attorney General’s Cybercrime Unit, Specialized Directorate Against Organized Crime, and HSI Attaché offices. These coordinated actions resulted in the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites, including 14 in Argentina, 223 in Ecuador, 28 in Peru, 309 in Brazil, 256 in the Dominican Republic, and 1,140 in Colombia. Colombian authorities also conducted 13 nationwide search-and-seizure operations targeting the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit sports apparel, leading to 11 arrests and convictions. 

Building on a first phase on June 17 targeting counterfeit sports apparel in Colombia, authorities launched Phase II of Operation Red Card on July 10, executing simultaneous operations in Colombia including in Bogotá, Soacha, Maríalabaja, Manatí, and Sincerín. An ICHIP-mentored cybercrime prosecutorial team from the Colombian Attorney General’s Office arrested four members of the cybercriminal group Los Ciberinfiltrados, which since 2024 had illegally accessed telecommunication systems and sold pirated streaming content, including World Cup matches, via fraudulent credentials, VPNs, interception of security codes, and manipulation of corporate system profiles. In addition, ICHIP Bucharest coordinated efforts with Europol and foreign counterparts in Europe to combat illegal streaming activities in Europe during the World Cup. 

The U.S. action is part of Operation Offsides, which focuses on disrupting illegal World Cup streaming and protecting intellectual property rights by identifying and seizing websites facilitating unauthorized broadcasts. Operation Offsides is led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, targeting digital piracy domains associated with the World Cup. The operation is being conducted in coordination with HSI Washington, D.C., HSI Attaché offices, as well as private sector and law enforcement partners globally. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Mercer for the Eastern District of Virgina, Senior Counsel Brian Mund, Assistant Deputy Chief Adrienne Rose, and Acting Deputy Chief Christopher Merriam of the of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are assisting. 

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. 

The Justice Department is providing intellectual property and cybercrime technical assistance to foreign law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial partners in other countries through the ICHIP program. Learn more about the Department’s ICHIP Program, jointly administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) and CCIPS through partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, here.

Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Delivers Successful Prosecution of Armed Drug Trafficker

 

Deontae Watkins, 44, of Perry, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with the intent to distribute various controlled substances including more than 500 grams of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and another count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The Homeland Security Task Force was launched as a whole-of-government effort to combat the plague of addiction and criminal violence in our country caused by armed drug traffickers, and this successful prosecution demonstrates the impact we are having to improve the safety of our communities. This armed trafficker flooded our streets with deadly drugs, enriching himself on the pain and devastation caused by the narcotics he peddled, but those days are over for him. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers like him to deliver the safe, drug-free streets the citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve.”

Court documents reflect that law enforcement became aware of the defendant selling ounces of methamphetamine in late-2025. On February 10, 2026, during the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s house, officers located multiple pounds of methamphetamine, more than half a pound of cocaine, various other drugs, and five pistols. As a previously convicted felon, the defendant was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. The defendant was arrested, but later bonded out of jail. On February 26, 2026, the defendant’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement and approximately two pounds of methamphetamine was located in the vehicle.

The defendant faces at least 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum potential sentence of life imprisonment for his current charges. 

The case involved an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Perry Police Department, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the North Star Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force, the Suwanee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm, in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

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 comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.