News published on Federal Newswire in December 2024

News from December 2024


Former Virginia sheriff convicted on federal bribery charges

A former sheriff from Culpeper County, Virginia, has been found guilty of accepting over $75,000 in bribes.


CDT Europe provides feedback on new AI code of practice

The Centre for Democracy and Technology Europe (CDT Europe) has welcomed the release of the initial draft of the Code of Practice for General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Models by the AI Office.


Jefferson Parish man faces multiple federal charges involving firearms and drugs

A man from Metairie, Louisiana, Kernel Alford, age 35, has been charged in a six-count superseding indictment.


Slidell man receives ten-year sentence for possession of child exploitation materials

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Christopher Michael Sommers, a 42-year-old resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 18, 2024, for possession of materials involving the sexual exploitation of minors.


Rhode Island reaches consent decree over disability law violations

The United States Attorney's Office, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (HHS OCR), has reached a proposed consent decree with the State of Rhode Island.


Gainesville man sentenced for stealing social security disability benefits

U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Keith Allen Courtney, a 53-year-old resident of Gainesville, to 13 months in federal prison for conspiracy related to the theft of Social Security Disability Benefits.


Defense Secretary calls deployed troops to convey holiday wishes

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reached out to deployed service members from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Space Force to extend holiday greetings on December 19, 2024.


Bradenton man convicted on drug trafficking and firearm charges

A federal jury in Tampa, Florida, has convicted Javier Mares, a 44-year-old resident of Bradenton, on charges related to drug trafficking and firearm offenses.


DoD releases annual report on civilian casualties from 2023 military operations

The Department of Defense has released its Annual Report on Civilian Casualties related to United States military operations for the year 2023.


New Haven man receives six-year sentence for gun and drug offenses

Shayquan Gray, a 24-year-old resident of New Haven, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.


Utah man sentenced for $8M credit card fraud and false bank statements

A Utah man, Timothy Gibson, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for his involvement in two criminal schemes.


Blinken urges action at UN meeting amid worsening crisis in Sudan

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the United Nations Security Council, focusing on the ongoing crisis in Sudan.


EPA schedules virtual meeting on GE-Pittsfield Housatonic River Site remediation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a virtual public meeting to discuss the remediation plans for the Woods Pond area at the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site.


Dupree man receives probation for firearm possession as felon

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced that a Dupree, South Dakota man has been sentenced following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.


New Orleans man sentenced for role in mail theft conspiracy

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans has announced the sentencing of Frederic Thompson, a 24-year-old resident of New Orleans.


West Haven nurse sentenced for diverting narcotics from VA Medical Center patients

Vanessa Roberts Avery, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Tara Severino, 58, from West Haven, has been sentenced to two years of probation.


US Secretary Blinken urges global cooperation on responsible use of artificial intelligence

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the United Nations Security Council in a meeting focused on artificial intelligence (AI).


Four Orlando residents plead guilty in large-scale cocaine distribution conspiracy

Orlando, Florida – Four residents from the Orlando area have admitted guilt in a drug distribution conspiracy involving approximately 89 kilograms of cocaine.


Philadelphia School District resolves harassment issues following federal investigation

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced an agreement with the School District of Philadelphia to address compliance issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.


Two men convicted in New Haven fentanyl trafficking case

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a jury in Bridgeport federal court has found Luis Salaman, also known as "Bebe," 42, and Jesus Seguinot, also known as "Chuchi," 34, guilty of fentanyl...