Stories by T. J. Graves on Federal Newswire


Sioux City man sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for child pornography offenses

A Sioux City man has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for receiving child pornography. The case involved thousands of illicit files exchanged over two years and was prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood.


North Carolina man convicted in cyber extortion scheme targeting D.C. tech company

A Charlotte man has been convicted for attempting to extort $2.5 million from a D.C.-based tech firm using stolen sensitive data. Authorities say Cameron Curry sent over 60 threatening emails after his contract ended with the company.


CBP details Norfolk seizures of non-compliant e-bikes and controlled substances

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shared details on March 19, 2026 about seizing non-compliant electric bikes and intercepting an illegal drug shipment in Norfolk, Virginia.


California man convicted of sex trafficking victims across the United States

Brandon Denzel Washington has been convicted on multiple federal charges related to sex trafficking across several states. Victims testified about violence and manipulation used against them over several years. Sentencing is set for June.


Pittsfield man pleads guilty to child pornography charges in federal court

A Pittsfield man has pleaded guilty in federal court to receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. Benjamin Shacar faces sentencing later this year following his admission to multiple charges related to illegal content found on his devices.


President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi announce new U.S.-Japan initiatives at White House

President Donald J. Trump met with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House on March 19. The leaders announced new initiatives focused on economic security, supply chain resilience, science collaboration, and enhanced defense cooperation between the United States and Japan.


Former Philadelphia prison guard pleads guilty to civil rights violations and falsifying reports

Christopher Knight, a former Philadelphia prison guard, pleaded guilty to violating inmates' civil rights and falsifying reports about use-of-force incidents. He faces up to 90 years in prison at sentencing this July.


Justice Department seizes domains linked to Iranian cyber operations targeting dissidents and journalists

The Justice Department has seized four internet domains allegedly operated by Iran's intelligence ministry in efforts targeting journalists, dissidents, Israelis, and others through hacking campaigns. Officials say these actions are part of broader attempts at disrupting transnational repression schemes using online platforms.


National Park Week 2026 to mark park service’s 110th birthday and U.S. semiquincentennial

National Park Week will take place from Aug. 22–30 in honor of key anniversaries for both U.S. independence and its park system. Entrance fees are waived on Aug. 25 as part of a nationwide celebration featuring special programs across all national parks.


U.S. Secret Service highlights recruitment incentives and major Ponzi scheme arrest

The U.S. Secret Service announced new hiring incentives for recruits while also publicizing their role in dismantling a $1.5 million Ponzi scheme led by Brian Shane Haigler in North Carolina over seven years.


Poughkeepsie man sentenced to 15 years for selling guns and drugs while on release

Joseph Crocco has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling guns and drugs while on supervised release in Poughkeepsie. Authorities recovered narcotics and firearms during their investigation. The case underscores law enforcement efforts against repeat offenders.


D.C. man sentenced to 160 months in prison for firearms trafficking conspiracy

Michael Stuckey has been sentenced to over thirteen years in federal prison for conspiring to traffic firearms—including illegal machine guns—into Washington D.C., according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Law enforcement recovered weapons and drugs during their investigation.


CBP seizes non-compliant e-bikes from China at Norfolk port

Customs and Border Protection officers have seized a shipment of non-compliant electric bikes imported from China into Hampton Roads, Virginia. The action follows concerns about rising injuries among e-bike riders and highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to enforce federal safety standards.


EPA provides update on Potomac Interceptor collapse response and remediation efforts

The EPA announced that wastewater flow has been restored to the Potomac Interceptor ahead of schedule after its recent collapse.


Federal correctional officer indicted for sexual abuse of inmate at Brooklyn detention center

A federal correctional officer has been indicted on charges related to sexually abusing an inmate at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. Authorities allege James Johnson abused his position while working at MDC in May 2025. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to life imprisonment.


U.S. Attorney charges Dutchess County man with coercion and enticement of a minor

A Dutchess County man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to meet someone he thought was a minor for sexual activity following online communications with an undercover investigator posing as a teenager. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton announced that Gregory Graff faces federal charges carrying significant prison time if convicted.


Former high school teacher sentenced to 13 years for coercing minors to produce abuse material

A former high school teacher has been sentenced to thirteen years in prison for coercing two minors into producing sexually explicit material. Authorities say Kostas Fekkas used social media platforms to contact his victims and collect illicit content. Officials urge anyone with information about child exploitation cases to contact law enforcement.


CBP officers intercept live pythons at World Trade Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 39 live pythons hidden in a tractor at the World Trade Bridge during an outbound inspection earlier this month. The animals were seized after being discovered despite a negative declaration from the driver, resulting in penalties exceeding $34,000.


Texas woman pleads guilty in cross-country narcotics conspiracy involving Buffalo

A Houston woman has pleaded guilty for her role in transporting cocaine from Mexico through Texas into Buffalo as part of a larger narcotics conspiracy. Authorities seized drugs and cash during their investigation involving multiple states. Sentencing is set for late September.


Mexican national charged with laundering millions in narcotics proceeds through Oregon businesses

A Mexican national has been charged with laundering millions through Oregon businesses linked to narcotics trafficking proceeds. Federal authorities allege that Jose Alonso Paramo Arguello used multiple companies for illegal wire transfers between Oregon and Mexico.