Stories by T. J. Graves on Federal Newswire


Department of Labor issues new guidance to expand registered apprenticeship programs

The U.S. Department of Labor has released new guidance aimed at expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs by improving flexibility and transparency.


Investment advisor pleads guilty to defrauding elderly client out of nearly $10 million

A former investment advisor has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing nearly $10 million from an elderly client over several years in Georgia. Authorities say Eijroghene Okuma abused his position by embezzling funds through fraudulent accounts and unauthorized transfers.


Guatemalan national extradited to Texas to face drug trafficking charges

A Guatemalan man has been extradited to Texas on federal drug trafficking charges following an international investigation led by U.S. authorities. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. Authorities emphasize that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


Judge finds probable cause to charge D.C. man in fatal shooting

A judge has found probable cause to charge Niwatilagu Anthony Long with second-degree murder while armed after a fatal shooting in Northeast D.C. The court determined there are no release conditions that would ensure public safety as the investigation continues.


Pittsburgh defense contractor convicted of wire and tax fraud by federal jury

Donald Smith has been convicted by a Pittsburgh federal jury on multiple counts of wire fraud and failing to file corporate tax returns. The charges stem from a scheme involving over one million dollars in fraudulent payments related to defense contracts.


Australian national charged with assaulting TSA officer at Los Angeles International Airport

An Australian man has been charged with assaulting a TSA officer at Los Angeles International Airport following an incident near Terminals 6 and 7. Authorities say he faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.


Lafourche Parish resident pleads guilty to role in drug trafficking conspiracy

Michael Lewis of Thibodaux has pleaded guilty to using communication devices in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving methamphetamine distribution across Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes. Sentencing is set for June 16. Authorities credit multiple agencies for their investigative work.


International law enforcement agencies launch Operation Atlantic to combat crypto fraud

Law enforcement agencies from three countries have launched Operation Atlantic targeting crypto-related approval phishing scams this week. The initiative aims to help victims secure assets and prevent further losses while disrupting organized fraud networks.


Guatemalan man sentenced to over 24 years for cocaine trafficking conspiracy

A Guatemalan man has been sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for leading a major cocaine trafficking operation into the United States. Authorities say Marlon Alexis Aguilar Reyes used corrupt officials and violence as part of his activities before being arrested in Miami.


Apollo Beach businessman charged with COVID-19 relief fraud, faces up to 30 years

A businessman from Apollo Beach has been indicted on charges related to fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities allege misuse of funds for luxury purchases and travel. The case highlights ongoing efforts against pandemic-related financial crimes.


CBP AMO reports marine unit operations and border agent rescue in recent posts

CBP AMO detailed several recent actions via social media between March 16-17, including marine checks near Pompano Beach, disruption of a human smuggling attempt, and an aerial rescue of an injured border patrol agent in El Centro.


Canadian national charged in Tampa with opioid trafficking and money laundering

A Canadian man has been indicted in Tampa on charges related to importing synthetic opioids and money laundering following an international investigation involving U.S., Canadian, and Spanish authorities. Authorities allege he sold tens of thousands of illicit pills using cryptocurrency payments.


CBP reports arrests in human smuggling case and outlines World Cup security plans

CBP detailed recent enforcement activities on its Twitter account in mid-March, including arrests in a human smuggling case off California's coast and interception of live pythons at Laredo’s border crossing.


Mississippi man sentenced to nine years for armed carjacking in Tennessee

A Mississippi man received a nine-year prison sentence for armed carjacking in Tennessee. Authorities say he brandished a rifle during the crime before being arrested while driving the stolen vehicle.


AIA’s Eric Fanning discusses aerospace and defense industry challenges on NewsNation

Eric Fanning of the Aerospace Industries Association discussed challenges facing aerospace and defense industries amid global conflicts during a NewsNation interview. He highlighted the need for stable congressional funding as demand rises. The association continues efforts in advocacy, diversity initiatives, policy shaping, and ethical conduct.


LeFlore County resident sentenced to 20 years for methamphetamine distribution

Kenny Ray Smith has been sentenced to twenty years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine following undercover investigations by multiple agencies. Officials say his conviction reflects ongoing efforts against drug trafficking in eastern Oklahoma.


Presidential message highlights Saint Patrick’s Day and Irish American Heritage Month

President Donald J. Trump issued a statement marking Saint Patrick’s Day and Irish American Heritage Month on Mar. 17. The message honors both historic ties between America and Ireland as well as contributions from generations of Irish Americans.


Two individuals extradited from Dominican Republic on drug and money laundering charges

Pedro J. Espinal-Arthur and Luis Febles-Peralta were extradited from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico on drug trafficking and money laundering charges announced by U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. Both face significant prison time if convicted; investigations continue under FBI leadership.


CBP seizes weapons and ammunition at Douglas port of entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized seven rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition from a departing U.S. citizen at the Douglas port of entry. The driver was arrested after an inspection revealed illegal items hidden in his vehicle.


Arcadia man sentenced to six years for illegal firearm possession

Esteban Garcia-Gutierrez of Arcadia received a six-year federal prison sentence for illegally possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon. The case was investigated by several agencies and prosecuted under Operation Take Back America.