News and reports from the .

A Dallas man received a 20-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in a major methamphetamine trafficking operation in North Texas. Authorities say Esteban Castillo conspired with others to distribute large amounts of illegal drugs as part of an international network.

Chief Michael W. Banks highlights major meth seizures by Tucson Sector Border Patrol

Chief Michael W. Banks shared updates on significant methamphetamine seizures made by Tucson Sector Border Patrol teams in Arizona between March 17 and March 19, 2026.

New Castle felon sentenced to over six years for drug trafficking and firearm offenses

A New Castle man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Authorities say he participated in a conspiracy distributing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine while illegally possessing a shotgun as a convicted felon.

Bost and Bergman welcome $112 million for Fox Grant Program to aid veterans’ mental health

By H. B. Edwards | Mar 19, 2026

Chairman Mike Bost and Representative Jack Bergman announced their support for $112 million in new grants for veteran mental health programs. The funding will expand community-based services through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

Ecuadorian national charged with illegal reentry after prior deportations and convictions

Jose Raul Maita, an Ecuadorian national previously deported twice from the United States after multiple convictions including sexual abuse, has been charged with illegal reentry according to federal authorities on Mar. 19. If convicted, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment.

Pittsburgh attorney indicted for alleged embezzlement from incline preservation society

By C. M. Ingle | Mar 19, 2026

Christopher Furman, a Pittsburgh attorney, has been indicted on charges of wire fraud and money laundering related to over $1.3 million allegedly taken from a local preservation society he led as board president. Authorities say he transferred funds into his own account before using them for cryptocurrency transactions.

Senate passes resolution honoring leadership and legacy of Native women

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution honoring American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women's leadership during Women’s History Month. Senators Brian Schatz and Lisa Murkowski led the effort to recognize these women's significant contributions across various fields.

Markey and former New Jersey attorney general hold briefing on small business tariff refunds

Senator Edward J. Markey held a virtual briefing with former New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin about tariff tax refunds for small businesses after a Supreme Court ruling struck down certain tariffs. They discussed ongoing legal efforts and urged an automatic refund process instead of requiring burdensome paperwork from affected companies.

Mississippi man ordered to pay $31 million for healthcare kickback scheme

By C. M. Ingle | Mar 19, 2026

A Mississippi man has been ordered to pay over $31 million after being found liable for orchestrating a kickback scheme targeting federal healthcare programs. The judgment follows an investigation into illegal patient referrals involving TRICARE beneficiaries.

Eleven arrested in Los Angeles on charges of real estate loan fraud using stolen identities

Federal authorities arrested eleven people accused of using stolen identities from elderly victims in a scheme targeting real estate loans worth millions in Los Angeles. Officials say both homeowners and lenders suffered losses due to fraudulent activity involving fabricated documents.

Woodburn man charged with threatening to kill a U.S. senator

A Woodburn man has been charged after allegedly threatening a U.S. Senator's life by voicemail last November. He appeared in federal court on March 19 but was released pending further proceedings. The case is being investigated by multiple agencies including the FBI.

Bronx man sentenced to 46 months for cocaine trafficking in Pennsylvania

Jose Baez Cabrera from the Bronx has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for transporting cocaine through Pennsylvania. The sentence follows his prior conviction related to fentanyl possession and highlights law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking.

House Energy and Commerce Committee announces hearing on illicit drug threats for March 26

The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a public hearing on March 26 about policies addressing illicit drug threats. The session will review multiple bills aimed at preventing dangerous substances from impacting American communities.

Cincinnati man sentenced to 10 years for methamphetamine trafficking in Kentucky

Bryant Adams of Cincinnati has been sentenced to ten years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking after admitting weekly distribution over six months. Law enforcement officials announced that Adams must serve most of his sentence and will face supervised release upon completion.

Senate Judiciary Committee advances nominations for key Justice Department positions

By T. P. Broyles | Mar 19, 2026

The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced five key nominations for positions within the Department of Justice and U.S. Marshals Service after votes held on March 19. These decisions impact federal law enforcement leadership across several states. The committee's actions reflect its broad influence over judicial matters nationwide.

Albuquerque man pleads guilty in child sex trafficking case

By C. M. Ingle | Mar 19, 2026

A California man has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving child sex trafficking after transporting two minors from California to New Mexico for commercial sex acts. Another defendant admitted concealing the crime. Both await sentencing as authorities continue efforts against child exploitation.

CBP highlights Easter import rules and reports major meth seizure in San Diego

CBP issued public reminders regarding Easter-related agricultural import restrictions and announced a major drug interception near San Diego via posts dated March 17 and March 19, respectively.

Chairman Cassidy delivers remarks at Senate HELP Committee hearing on legislative efforts

Senator Bill Cassidy led a Senate HELP Committee hearing discussing new bipartisan bills affecting health care, education, labor laws, and retirement programs. The committee aims to address affordability issues while updating policies for modern needs.

Three Akron men indicted for drug trafficking conspiracy in Summit County

Three Akron men have been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges involving large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Authorities seized significant amounts of drugs and cash during their investigation across Summit County. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Albany manufacturer to pay $1.9 million in PPP loan settlement under False Claims Act