News published on Federal Newswire in February 2023

News from February 2023


Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

Austin Joseph Griffith, 22, of Hernshaw, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing 50 grams or more or methamphetamine.


Texas Man Sentenced For Felony Charges Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Texas man was sentenced for felony charges, including assaulting law enforcement officers, during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.


North Carolina Man Sentenced for Making A False Statement to Federal Representative

Michael James Peters, 42, of Concord, North Carolina, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for lying to the United States Department of Agriculture regarding the Nicholas County coal he pledged as collateral for a $9 million USDA-backed business loan. Peters must also pay $1,375,000 in restitution and a $25,000 fine.


Kanawha County Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Crimes

Karen L. Hodges, also known as “Karen Igo,” “Karen Clay,” “Karen Richmond,” and “Karen Gessel,” 49, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to three counts of securities fraud.


Push-to-talk on FirstNet for emergency managers: Delivering situational awareness in the field and the EOC

Push-to-talk on FirstNet for emergency managers: Delivering situational awareness in the field and the EOC


Des Moines Man Sentenced on Firearm Offenses

Kenneth Quinton Crosby, age 24, of Des Moines, was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison following his guilty plea to four counts of False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm and one count of Unlawful Drug User in Possession of Firearms.



Des Moines Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison For Exploiting Minors on Snapchat

Shaun Taylor Solem, age 27, of Des Moines, was sentenced on February 1, 2023, to a total of 360 months in prison for multiple child exploitation offenses. Following his prison term, Solem will be on supervised release for ten years and required to register as a sex offender.


Miami Woman Charged for Using Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief Funds to Finance Lavish Lifestyle

Daniela Rendon, 31, of Miami made her appearance in federal magistrate court today and was charged with fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief loans and grants under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Relief Program.


Compact rapid deployables help Oregon public safety prepare for earthquakes

Compact rapid deployables help Oregon public safety prepare for earthquakes


FirstNet’s dedicated wireless network proves useful in spring flooding in Beltrami County

FirstNet’s dedicated wireless network proves useful in spring flooding in Beltrami County


Plaistow Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Charges

Corey Buckley, 42, formerly of Plaistow, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.


A federal grand jury in Austin recently returned an indictment charging a local man and two women with five counts related to fentanyl distribution resulting in death and serious bodily injury.


Attempted Pipeline Bomber Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison

A Fort Worth man was sentenced in federal court in Austin today to 60 months in prison for attempting to damage or destroy a portion of the Permian Highway Pipeline in Hays County.


Virginia Man Sentenced on Felony Charges For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Virginia man was sentenced today for destroying media equipment and other illegal conduct during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.


British Nationals Plead Guilty to Interference with Flight Crew, Assault on Flight Diverted to BIA

Two men from Manchester, England pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to interference with a flight crew and assault.


Leader Rodgers on Privacy Protections and Protecting Kids Online

Leader Rodgers on Privacy Protections and Protecting Kids Online


Chair Rodgers Opening Remarks at Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Markup

Chair Rodgers Opening Remarks at Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Markup