Ryuk Ransomware Operator Extradited to US Faces Federal Charges
Sentencing in Child Exploitation Case
A Medford man, Nicholas James Shaw, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for coercing and sexually exploiting a minor online through platforms such as Snapchat and Kik Messenger. He is also subject to a lifetime term of supervised release and must pay $66,000 in restitution to his victims.
Court documents reveal that between October 2021 and April 2022, Shaw engaged in sexually explicit communications with a minor, coercing the victim into producing and sending explicit materials. A search warrant executed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on June 28, 2022, led to the seizure of electronic devices containing child sexual abuse material. Shaw was arrested shortly after and charged with multiple offenses related to child pornography, ultimately pleading guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor on January 21, 2025. This case was investigated by HSI with support from the Medford Police Department.
For anyone with information about child exploitation, HSI encourages reaching out at (866) 347-2423 or submitting a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Ransomware Extortion Charges
Karen Serobovich Vardanyan, an Armenian national extradited from Ukraine, faces federal charges for his alleged involvement in a series of Ryuk ransomware attacks. The attacks occurred between March 2019 and September 2020, targeting numerous companies and demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin.
Vardanyan, along with his co-conspirators, is alleged to have illegally accessed computer networks to deploy Ryuk ransomware, extorting approximately 1,610 bitcoins—valued at over $15 million at the time of the payments. Vardanyan made his first appearance in federal court on June 20, 2025, and is awaiting a jury trial set for August 26, 2025.
The Justice Department has highlighted the widespread impact of Ryuk ransomware, which affected various sectors, including healthcare and critical infrastructure. Notable victims include the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and Universal Health Services.
Federal Charges for Gun Possession
Lucas Christopher Perillo, a West Linn man, faces federal charges for the unlawful possession of machine guns, unregistered firearms, and silencers. Following an FBI investigation on June 17, 2025, agents seized 36 firearms from Perillo’s residence, including three firearms converted to machine guns.
Perillo was arrested on July 11, 2025, and is currently detained pending further court proceedings. This case highlights ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement agencies to address illegal firearm possession and ensure public safety.
Assault Charges During Protests
Four defendants were charged for assaulting federal law enforcement officers during protests near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland. The incidents occurred on July 4, 2025, where demonstrators targeted federal officers with threats and physical attacks.
The defendants face various charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a destructive device. They made their first appearances in federal court and were released pending future court proceedings.
Drug Trafficking Sentences
David Toedtemeier, a Eugene man, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. His arrest occurred during a traffic stop in January 2022, where law enforcement discovered drugs and a firearm in his vehicle.
Additionally, Gary Wade Ronning, from Salem, received a sentence of 130 months in federal prison for attempting to entice minors online. He was found guilty of multiple charges related to coercion and enticement of minors.
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