Stories by T. J. Graves on Federal Newswire


D.C. man sentenced to 205 months for role in armed robbery spree

Tavarus Thompson has been sentenced for his role in nearly thirty armed robberies targeting D.C.-area businesses during early 2022. Authorities say Thompson brandished firearms during these crimes before being apprehended out-of-state.


A Corpus Christi man has pleaded guilty to producing child sexual abuse material involving a toddler following an investigation by federal authorities. He faces up to 30 years in prison when sentenced later this year. The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood.


CBP officers seize fentanyl and heroin at San Ysidro Port of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that its officers seized more than 20 pounds of fentanyl at San Ysidro Port of Entry in March—enough for millions of lethal doses—as well as three pounds of heroin hidden inside a car door. The driver faces federal charges.


Colombian national pleads guilty to burglary conspiracy targeting Asian American business owners

A Colombian national has pleaded guilty for his role in a series of coordinated burglaries targeting Asian American business owners across Oregon and Washington last fall. The case involved advanced surveillance tactics before suspects were apprehended following joint investigations by local police departments and federal agents.


Portland man charged with drug trafficking and firearm offenses after search warrant

A Portland man faces charges for alleged drug trafficking after authorities seized drugs and dozens of firearms from his home following an investigation led by federal agents. Officials emphasize that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


Baltimore man sentenced to 78 months for distributing child sexual abuse materials

A Baltimore man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for distributing thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by federal authorities. The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood.


US farmers expect to plant less corn and more soybean acres in 2026

U.S. farmers plan less corn but more soybeans this planting season according to USDA survey data released March 31. The Prospective Plantings report also highlights changes in wheat and cotton acreage along with updated grain stock figures.


Credit monitoring company CEO pleads guilty to wire fraud in online rental scheme

Michael Brown has pleaded guilty to running an online scheme involving fake rental listings that led thousands into unwanted paid subscriptions for credit monitoring services. Prosecutors say his company earned millions through deceptive advertising targeting renters nationwide.


Texas Department of Transportation chosen for electric air taxi pilot program

The Texas Department of Transportation has been selected for a national pilot program testing electric vertical takeoff aircraft across major cities and rural areas. This initiative aims to advance aviation innovation while supporting regulatory development at a larger scale.


Department of State announces $250 million Pax Silica Fund for semiconductor supply chains

The U.S. Department of State has announced a plan for a $250 million Pax Silica Fund aimed at strengthening global semiconductor supply chains. The initiative seeks public-private investment partnerships focused on critical minerals and manufacturing infrastructure.


Suspect arrested in O’Fallon bank robbery investigation

A man has been charged with robbing an O'Fallon bank earlier this month after being identified through police-released images and tips from local residents. Authorities credit swift action by law enforcement for quickly apprehending George E. Habermehl Jr., who was already on probation for another robbery.


Charlestown man sentenced to 66 months for Burlington convenience store robbery

A Charlestown man has been sentenced to over five years in prison for robbing a Burlington convenience store while on federal supervised release. The case involved collaboration between local police and federal agencies as part of Operation Take Back America.


Former Burlington wrestling coach sentenced for sending obscene material to minor

A former Burlington High School wrestling coach has been sentenced to two years in prison for sending obscene material to someone he believed was a minor online. The conviction followed an undercover operation involving several law enforcement agencies.


Associate of motorcycle gang sentenced to 12 years for methamphetamine trafficking

Daniel Loughman has been sentenced to twelve years in prison for distributing crystal methamphetamine as part of an Eastern Massachusetts drug ring linked to the Unknown Bikers Motorcycle Club. Authorities seized drugs and firearms during their investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.


Zuni man charged with kidnapping after alleged assault in New Mexico

Federal officials have charged Barton Rico Cooeyate, a member of Zuni Pueblo, with kidnapping following allegations that he lured and assaulted a woman after offering her a ride home near Zuni, New Mexico. Authorities say he remains detained pending trial.


Italian national pleads guilty to exporting ammunition used in Russia-Ukraine war

An Italian arms dealer has pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court for conspiring to illegally export American-made ammunition later sent into Russia amid its conflict with Ukraine. Federal officials say this case highlights their commitment toward enforcing strict export controls designed for national security.


Kansas pharmacist indicted for allegedly stealing prescription drugs from employer

A Kansas pharmacist has been indicted for allegedly stealing prescription drugs from his former employer for personal use. Other recent indictments include charges related to drug distribution and unlawful reentry after deportation.


Kenton County man sentenced to five years for illegal firearm possession

Quenton Abell of Crescent Springs has been sentenced to five years in prison for illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon. Authorities say surveillance led them to find firearms and evidence related to drug activity at his residence. He must serve most of his sentence before being released under supervision.


Broker charged with insider trading and obstruction of justice in New York case

Ronald Smith has been indicted for allegedly using stolen confidential deal information for illegal securities trading profits benefiting himself, his girlfriend, and clients. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said these actions undermine market transparency as authorities pursue accountability.


Twelve individuals indicted for illegal reentry after removal in Northern Ohio

Twelve people from Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico have been indicted for illegal reentry into Northern Ohio after previous removals by federal authorities. Investigations were led by U.S. Border Patrol-Sandusky Bay Station and Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of Operation Take Back America.