PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Department of Justice and FBI announced today results of the personnel surge in support of Operation Not Forgotten 2026, which focuses on unresolved cases in Indian country with a priority on cases involving violence against women and children, including those who are missing or murdered.
In its fourth year, Operation Not Forgotten surged personnel and investigative resources across the country from April 1 through September 30, resulting in 118 arrests, 41 individuals charged federally, 25 child victims identified or located, and 72 weapons recovered. FBI agents conducted 990 interviews and 232 search operations. Arrests increased by 123% and subjects charged by 52% over 2025.
“Operation Not Forgotten and Operation Steadfast Promise are signposts of the commitment the Department of Justice has made to our tribal partners,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “We are in this fight right alongside you – the fight for answers, the fight for safety, and the fight for justice.” FBI’s Operation Steadfast PromiseOperation Steadfast Promise, first announced in 2026, is a continuing comprehensive surge of resources to address a wide range of violent criminal threats impacting Indian country. Operation Steadfast Promise builds on the successes of Operation Not Forgotten with the addition of multiple new initiatives to improve public safety in Tribal communities. The FBI, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tribal and other federal law enforcement partners, is working across multiple territories to bring investigative aid to cases and resolution for victims and their families. Since Operation Steadfast Promise began in April, the FBI opened over 1,200 new investigations in Indian country, obtained criminal charges on 678 subjects, made over 700 arrests, recovered 2,260 weapons, and made 140 drug seizures.
This year, Operation Not Forgotten continued to address the over 4,000 open investigations in Indian country including death investigations, child abuse cases, domestic violence, and adult sexual abuse investigations, underscoring the persistent and urgent need for sustained resource investment in these communities. During Operation Not Forgotten, the FBI surged personnel, including investigative, intelligence, and other support personnel, on rotating temporary duty assignments across Indian country in twelve FBI field offices, in Albuquerque, Billings, Detroit, Denver, Jackson, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Portland, Phoenix and Salt Lake City. Working in close coordination with Tribal law enforcement agencies, the BIA Missing and Murdered Unit, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices, together law enforcement worked to advance open investigations and pursue accountability for victims and their families.
A few examples of cases prosecuted by the District of Arizona during this period include:U.S. v. Duane King, et al. – On Aug. 18, a federal grand jury indicted Duane King and Karrah King for Aiding and Abetting Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Aiding and Abetting Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury of an Intimate Partner. According to court documents, on July 26, the victim was waiting in a car at a gas station on the Navajo Nation when Duane King and Karrah King approached the vehicle. Duane King smashed the back windows with an axe, dragged the victim from the vehicle, and kicked the victim repeatedly, resulting in serious injury. On Oct. 8, Karrah King pleaded guilty to simple assault. She was sentenced to three years of probation. Duane King is currently scheduled for trial on Jan. 5, 2027. U.S. v. James Junior Kenneth – On Sep. 9, a federal grand jury indicted Kenneth with Arson and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. According to court documents, Kenneth set fire to his mother’s home in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona on the Navajo Nation on Aug. 21. Later that same day, Kenneth assaulted another family member by striking them repeatedly in the head, causing serious injury. Kenneth was arrested on Aug. 31 and remains in custody. Trial is currently scheduled for Feb. 2, 2027. U.S. v. Franlando Camarillo Carroll – On Sep. 29, a federal grand jury indicted Carroll for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child. According to court documents, Carroll sexually abused a female child under the age of 12 earlier this year on the Navajo Nation. The case is pending. U.S. v. Jacob Ferlando Nosie - On Aug. 25, a federal grand jury indicted Nosie for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. Nosie is alleged to have stabbed a family member after an argument on July 9. The assault took place on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and resulted in the victim suffering significant, life-threatening injuries. The case is still pending arrest. The national release on Operation Not Forgotten can be found here.
Additionally, the FBI has brought focus to a new FBI’s Voices Not Forgotten webpage that includes a searchable and interactive map that brings attention to FBI investigations in Indian country where the FBI, in coordination with state, local and Tribal law enforcement are seeking the public’s assistance. In August 2026, the FBI announced the establishment of a new protocol which created a minimum reward of up to $25,000 for all publicly advertised cases involving homicides, kidnappings and missing persons in Indian country where the FBI has assumed jurisdiction.
The FBI remains committed to standing alongside Tribal communities, federal partners, and local law enforcement to address the violent crime threats that continue to impact Indian country. To learn more, visit fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/indian-country-crime.
The FBI encourages anyone with information related to unresolved violent crimes in Indian country to contact their local FBI field office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
CASE NUMBERS: 26-CR-08133-PCT-SMM (King); 26-CR-08158-PCT-DJH (Kenneth); 26-CR-08174-PCT-SHD (Carroll); 26-CR-08143-PCT (Nosie)RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-179_Operation Not Forgotten# # #For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.