News published on Federal Newswire in December 2024

News from December 2024


Independent Health settles False Claims Act suit for up to $98 million

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross has announced that Independent Health Association and its affiliate, Independent Health Corporation, have agreed to a settlement of up to $98 million.


Anchorage man charged with multiple counts related to child pornography

An Anchorage man, Anthaney O’Connor, was arrested at his home on charges related to the alleged receipt, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).


Assistant Secretary Naz Durakoglu departs from State Department role

Under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Naz Durakoglu, the Bureau of Legislative Affairs has worked closely with Congress to support important U.S. national security priorities.


Blinken reaffirms U.S.-South Korea alliance in call with Foreign Minister Cho

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a telephone conversation with Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on December 20, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Congressional-Executive Commission releases 2024 annual report on China's human rights

U.S. Representative Christopher Smith and Senator Jeff Merkley have released the 2024 Annual Report of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC).


VA plans new electronic health record rollout amid ongoing improvements

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the commencement of early-stage planning for the deployment of the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to four facilities in Michigan—Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, and...


Groton man pleads guilty to federal child exploitation charge

Ryan Cameron, a 22-year-old resident of Groton, Connecticut, has pleaded guilty to a child exploitation charge.


Lodge Grass man sentenced for child abuse on Crow Indian Reservation

A man from Lodge Grass has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing a child on the Crow Indian Reservation.


Indiana woman pleads guilty to embezzling nearly $1.2 million from employer

Christina Robinson, a 52-year-old resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud.


Marshalltown man sentenced to over 17 years for drug and firearm offenses

A Marshalltown man has been sentenced to 204 months in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses.


Biden secures confirmation of 235th federal judge in historic appointment drive

Today, President Joe Biden's 235th federal judicial nominee was confirmed, marking a significant achievement in judicial appointments.


Omaha man sentenced to 37 months for threatening law enforcement officers

An Omaha man, Larry Eugene Burns, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison on March 11, 2025, after making threats against multiple federal law enforcement officers.


Austin discusses battlefield dynamics and security assistance with Ukrainian defense minister

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in a conversation with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov to address ongoing battlefield conditions and the United States' security support for Ukraine.


Missoula residents plead guilty to trafficking large amounts of drugs

Two Missoula residents have admitted to charges related to distributing large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in their community. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced that Taylor Gale Penny, 35, and Joey Lee Forward, 34, pleaded...


Biden announces record number of judicial confirmations during presidency

Today, President Joe Biden announced a significant achievement in his administration's judicial appointments.


Port St. Lucie gun shop owner pleads guilty to improper firearm sale records

Michael John Pellicione, a 76-year-old firearms dealer from Port St. Lucie, Florida, has admitted guilt in a federal court to charges related to the improper documentation of firearm sales.


Bank fraud ringleader sentenced to over three years for targeting SEFCU

Evan Cutler, a 25-year-old resident of Queensbury, New York, has been sentenced to 44 months in prison for leading a bank fraud conspiracy that targeted SEFCU.



New York man pleads guilty to drug trafficking charges in Maine

A New York man has admitted guilt in a federal court in Portland, Maine, for distributing controlled substances and possessing them with the intent to distribute.


Cardiology practices settle allegations of inflating Medicare reimbursements

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced a settlement involving 16 cardiology practices and associated physicians across 12 states, who have agreed to pay over $17.7 million to resolve allegations of False Claims Act violations.