News published on Federal Newswire in March 2022

The Department of Justice unsealed two indictments today charging four defendants, all Russian nationals who worked for the Russian government, with attempting, supporting and conducting computer intrusions that together, in two separate conspiracies, targeted the global energy sector between 2012 and 2018. In total, these hacking campaigns targeted thousands of computers, at hundreds of companies and organizations, in approximately 135 countries.

Addiction Treatment Facilities’ Medical Director Convicted in $112 Million Addiction Treatment Fraud Scheme

The Medical Director of two South Florida addiction treatment facilities was convicted today after a 15-day trial of engaging in a scheme that fraudulently billed approximately $112 million for substance abuse services that were never provided or were medically unnecessary.

Physician Sentenced to Prison for Health Care Fraud Scheme

A Florida physician was sentenced today in the Southern District of Florida to two years in prison for a health care and wire fraud scheme involving the submission of false and fraudulent claims to both Medicare and a financial services company that offered consumer loans to patients for out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Roswell man faces child pornography charges

Ricky L. Romero, 27, of Roswell, New Mexico, appeared in federal court on March 23 where he is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor and receiving child pornography. A federal grand jury indicted Romero on March 16.

Centralia Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

Chris Jamison, 19, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced today in federal court to 78 months in prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

Commitments to Security and Prosperity Underscore Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Morocco

News Release: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Rabat, Morocco from March 28 to 30, where he will meet with Prime Minister Aziz Akhanouch and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to exchange views on regional political issues and bilateral cooperation. The Secretary will also engage with Moroccan civil society leaders and participate in a media engagement.

Utah man who operated fraudulent veteran charities sentenced to federal prison

News Release: ATLANTA - Travis Peterson has been sentenced for mail fraud while operating a fraudulent charity scheme. For nearly six years, he used millions of robocalls to urge people-often targeting senior citizens-to donate vehicles and other valuable items by falsely claiming their donations would go to veterans’ charities and were tax-deductible. In reality, veterans received nothing, and Peterson pocketed more than $500,000.

Navajo man sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country

Bryan Bull, 40, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on March 15 in federal court to 14 years in prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.Bull pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2021.

Remarks by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman at a UN Security Council Meeting on the Humanitarian Impact of Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Release: Thank you, Madam President, for welcoming me to represent the United States at the Security Council today. And thank you, Assistant Secretary Msuya and Executive Director Beasley, and welcome, Deputy Executive of the WFP Abdulla, for your briefings today. And, of course, I welcome the Ambassador from Ukraine.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Khadija Ihsane of Medi 1 TV

Release: (Via Translation). QUESTION: Ladies and gentlemen, we are taking advantage of his whirlwind tour of the Middle East and North Africa to receive him for an exclusive interview with Medi 1. We discussed various topics with the US Secretary of State, such as the goals and challenges of his visit to Morocco,...

DOS-INL grant application closes on May 31

Gender Based Violence (GBV) reduction in Pakistan through increased justice system capacity grant opened on March 29.

Suburban Chicago Woman Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison for Insider Trading

News Release: CHICAGO - A federal judge today sentenced a suburban Chicago woman to a year in prison for using insider information obtained from her husband to purchase shares of a company ahead of its acquisition by the husband’s employer.

Daytona Beach Man Sentenced To 16 Years In Prison

News Release: Orlando, FL - U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Kenneth Douglas (24, Daytona Beach), a/k/a “One Way," to 16 years in federal prison followed for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Douglas had pleaded guilty on October 7, 2021.

Man from El Paso pleads guilty to hostage taking

Jonathan Gonzalez, 35, of El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court on March 18 to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to take a hostage and two counts of hostage taking. Gonzales will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

Sanford Foster Parent Indicted For Child Exploitation Offenses

United States Attorney Roger B.

Media Access and Fundamental Freedoms in Afghanistan

News Release: The United States and the international community are paying close attention to the Taliban’s actions inside Afghanistan, and it is with alarm and deep concern we learned of the Taliban’s decision to stifle the Afghan people’s access to independent, objective, international media sources. Media outlets ...

Salinas Man Charged With Enticing Minor Boy Into Sex And Prostitution

News Release: SAN JOSE - Daniel Philip Aguirre appeared in federal court yesterday to face charges for enticement and sexual exploitation of a minor boy, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.

Pallone on Biden’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

By EPA Newswire | Mar 29, 2022

News Release: Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after the release of President Biden’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget...

Quitobaquito Pond Restoration Set to Begin April 11, 2022

By Interior Newswire | Mar 29, 2022

News Release: Ajo Arizona - Park staff and contractors at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (ORPI) will replace the man-made liner at Quitobaquito Pond beginning April 11, 2022. The pond requires a new liner to stop water seepage.

Joint Statement on the UAE-U.S.-Israel Religious Coexistence Working Group to Advance Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue and Counter Religious Intolerance and Hatred