Stories by F. E. Simons on Federal Newswire


Federal firearms charges filed after murder of Homeland Security employee in Georgia

Federal prosecutors have charged two men following the death of a Homeland Security employee in DeKalb County this week. Authorities allege one man illegally purchased a handgun later used by another who is accused in connection with the fatal shooting.


Three charged with defrauding cruise line of over $2 million, court records show

Three people have been charged with defrauding a cruise ship company out of more than $2 million through false invoicing schemes involving multiple businesses linked by personal relationships or employment ties according to federal prosecutors' April announcement.


Americans for Tax Reform President Norquist on redistricting: '10 or 12 electoral college votes that move into red states from blue states'

Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform said population shifts driven by state tax policies could transfer up to a dozen electoral college votes from blue to red states within five years.


U.S. Attorney’s Office files 143 border-related cases in Southern California this week

Federal prosecutors filed 143 border-related cases this week in Southern California's busy cross-border district. Charges include drug importation, illegal reentry after deportation, and alien smuggling for profit.


Registered sex offender sentenced to 24 months for assaulting federal officers in Pasco

Victor Lara-Lopez has been sentenced for assaulting two federal immigration agents during an attempted arrest near Pasco after previously being convicted for molesting a minor while unlawfully residing in the U.S.. Authorities highlight this case as part of broader efforts promoting public safety across eastern Washington.


Diane J. Sabatino highlights CBP actions on food declaration and counterfeit goods

Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino used her social media account in April 2026 to share recent enforcement actions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection involving undeclared food products in Chicago and counterfeit merchandise in...


Two New York men sentenced for illegal firearm possession in Pennsylvania

Two New York men have been sentenced after illegally possessing firearms at a Pennsylvania shooting range despite prior felony convictions. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case as part of broader efforts to enhance community safety across central Pennsylvania.


U.S. Attorney’s Office announces National Crime Victims’ Rights Week event in Raleigh

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern North Carolina will host a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week ceremony on April 21 in Raleigh. The event highlights ongoing efforts supporting crime victims across the region.


Baltimore man sentenced to over seven years for possessing loaded ghost gun as felon

Sequan Branch-Green received a sentence exceeding seven years after being found guilty of possessing a loaded ghost gun as a convicted felon in Baltimore. Law enforcement recovered drugs packaged for resale during his arrest. The case forms part of broader efforts against violent crime under Project Safe Neighborhoods.


New Sweden man pleads guilty to child sexual abuse material charges in Bangor court

A New Sweden man has pleaded guilty in Bangor federal court to charges related to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by multiple agencies. The case underscores continued efforts against online exploitation under Project Safe Childhood.


Auto parts manufacturer and manager sentenced for illegal hazardous waste storage in Kentucky

GOTEC Plus Sun has been fined $275,000 after pleading guilty to illegally storing hazardous waste at its Kentucky facility. Former General Manager Natalie Fehse also received probation following inspections revealing improper accumulation since early 2022.


Springfield man pleads guilty to fentanyl distribution and conspiracy charges

Emilio Garcia-Cappas has pleaded guilty in Boston federal court for distributing fentanyl earlier this year. Authorities say undercover officers bought drugs from him multiple times during their investigation.


Zachary Babitz pleads guilty to armed robberies, carjackings, and fatal shooting in New Mexico

Zachary Babitz has pleaded guilty to multiple violent crimes across New Mexico—including armed robberies and fatal shooting—in incidents spanning three counties during summer 2024. Authorities announced that both sides have agreed upon life imprisonment as part of his plea deal.


Deputy Secretary Landau meets with Mauritian Foreign Minister Ramful to discuss bilateral ties

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful on April 17. The talks focused on strengthening trade ties and discussing regional security concerns related to Diego Garcia.


CBP highlights arrests and criticizes California sanctuary policies in April 17 posts

On April 17, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) posted updates on arrests made by officers and criticized sanctuary policies in California.


Former iLearningEngines executives charged with financial crimes in multi-year investor fraud scheme

Federal prosecutors have charged two former executives of Nasdaq-listed firm iLearningEngines with running an extensive fraud scheme targeting investors and lenders over several years. Authorities allege fake contracts inflated company revenues ahead of its public offering before eventual bankruptcy proceedings began last year.


Guatemalan cocaine trafficker sentenced to 10 years in federal prison

Jorge Campos-Oliva has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for leading an international cocaine distribution network between Guatemala and the United States. Authorities say he played a key role organizing shipments totaling thousands of kilograms over several years.


Albany man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography in federal court

Little M. Johnson has pleaded guilty in Albany federal court for possessing child pornography while already on probation for a previous related offense. Authorities say he faces between ten and twenty years imprisonment along with other penalties.


Putnam County man convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a child abroad

A Putnam County man has been convicted by a federal jury for aggravated sexual abuse involving a minor overseas while serving with the U.S Army. Authorities say multiple victims testified during trial; sentencing is set for August.


Six St. Louis area residents accused of $8.3 million pandemic fraud scheme

Six people from St. Louis are facing federal charges related to an alleged $8.3 million COVID-19 relief fund scam involving PPP loans and EIDLs between March 2020 and December 2024. Federal authorities detail complex methods used in preparing fake documents while emphasizing continued efforts against pandemic-related fraud.