Stories by T. J. Graves on Federal Newswire


Land O’Lakes man indicted for attempted bombing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa

A Land O’Lakes man has been indicted for allegedly attempting to set off an explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base's Visitor’s Center in Tampa earlier this month. Authorities report that law enforcement safely disassembled the improvised device after it failed to detonate.


A Houston man was convicted by a federal jury for possessing a machine gun linked to a deadly fast-food restaurant shooting last year. Evidence showed he used an illegal firearm modification during an altercation resulting in one death. Sentencing is scheduled for June.


Mexican man charged with human smuggling and child endangerment after crossing the Niagara River

U.S. Border Patrol arrested four people who crossed into New York from Canada via rubber raft on Mar. 15. A Mexican man faces human smuggling charges while another suspect is wanted for felony assault in Rhode Island. Authorities emphasize risks posed to children during such crossings.


Jury convicts Tampa resident for sending Instagram death threat

Elizabeth Danielle Rowe of Tampa was found guilty by a federal jury of sending a death threat via Instagram and faces up to five years in prison. The conviction follows evidence that included explicit threats made against multiple users online.


Cohoes woman pleads guilty to assaulting a federal officer in Albany

Jade Dunckle from Cohoes has pled guilty to assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal during an attempted arrest at her home last September. Authorities say she bit an officer while they were searching for a fugitive felon.


Guatemalan man charged with assaulting federal officer after Dallas traffic stop incident

A Guatemalan man living illegally in the U.S. has been charged after allegedly injuring a Deputy U.S. Marshal during an attempted escape from police near Dallas. Authorities report he faces up to 20 years if convicted.


CBP reports two felony drug arrests after marijuana seizures at Philadelphia airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that two women were charged with felony drug possession after officers seized nearly one hundred pounds of marijuana at Philadelphia International Airport.


Oviedo man convicted of attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity

Rusbel Montoya Mandujano has been convicted for attempting to coerce what he thought was a minor into sexual activity. Law enforcement officials say he communicated online with undercover detectives posing as a teenager before his arrest.


Federal immigration officer pleads guilty to bribery conspiracy in New York

Henry Yau has pled guilty to accepting bribes while serving as an ICE supervisory deportation officer in New York. Prosecutors say he disclosed confidential information for personal gain over several years. Sentencing will be determined by a judge.


Lynn man pleads guilty to drug trafficking and firearm offenses in Boston court

A Lynn man has pleaded guilty in Boston federal court on Mar. 26 for drug trafficking and firearm charges following a large seizure at his residence last year. Authorities recovered significant amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms during their investigation.


Ecuadorian citizen pleads guilty to illegal re-entry after removal from United States

Vanessa Yalixa Munoz-Baque has pled guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported last year. She was discovered by authorities following an arrest related to a violent crime charge in Maryland.


Dominican national extradited to U.S. on narcotics and firearms trafficking charges

Angel Delarosa has been extradited from the Dominican Republic to face drug- and gun-trafficking charges in Connecticut federal court after an extensive investigation by U.S agencies targeting international crime networks.


OB/GYN physician agrees to pay $507,500 to resolve False Claims Act allegations

A Maryland OB/GYN physician has agreed on Mar. 26 to pay over half a million dollars following allegations she participated in a scheme involving fraudulent prescriptions billed through federal health programs. Authorities say such actions undermine trust in Medicare and TRICARE while costing taxpayers.


EPA seeks public input on Clean Water Act financial capability guidance

The Environmental Protection Agency is requesting public comments on its Clean Water Act Financial Capability Assessment guidance.


President Trump appoints members to President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

President Donald J. Trump has named initial members for his President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The group brings together prominent leaders from science and technology sectors to provide guidance on innovation policy.


Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraud

Jesus Ramos from Dunkirk pleaded guilty to stealing government funds through fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims involving Puerto Rico's labor department. Authorities say his actions contributed to losses totaling over $67,000.


CBP reports arrests and border wall construction in latest enforcement updates

U.S. Customs and Border Protection shared updates on arrests at the northern border—including one involving serious criminal charges—and ongoing construction of new border barriers in Arizona.


Justice Department sues S&K Towing for auctioning vehicles owned by servicemembers

The Justice Department has sued San Clemente-based S&K Towing Inc., alleging it illegally auctioned nearly 150 vehicles owned by military members without proper legal process. Officials say such actions violate protections provided under federal law for servicemembers during deployments.


Team Rehab Physical Therapy agrees to pay nearly $5 million in False Claims Act settlement

Team Rehabilitation Services has agreed to pay nearly $5 million after being accused of submitting false claims related to physical therapy services billed under federal health care programs between 2018 and 2024. The company cooperated with investigators following discovery of improper billing practices.


Syrian national extradited to New Mexico on federal human trafficking charges

Jalal Makland Adeeb has been extradited from Costa Rica to New Mexico where he faces federal human trafficking charges. Authorities say this case highlights ongoing efforts against international smuggling networks involving multiple agencies.