News published on Federal Newswire in December 2024

News from December 2024


Spokane man sentenced for firearm possession after domestic violence convictions

A Spokane man, Orlando L. Peterson, has been sentenced to 25 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes.


Court blocks corporate transparency act reporting requirements

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has expressed approval following a decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas regarding the case Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, et al.


President nominates officers for key roles in Air Force

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced that the president has made nominations for two positions in the Air Force.


Former CEO sentenced to two decades for running massive Ponzi scheme

Johanna Michely Garcia, former CEO of MJ Capital Funding, LLC, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.


New Jersey man receives five-year sentence for drug-related offenses

James Hathcock, a 45-year-old resident of New Jersey City, NJ, has been sentenced to 68 months in prison for drug distribution activities in Pollocksville.


Border Patrol apprehends migrants from three countries in Puerto Rico landing

U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended 39 individuals from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Venezuela after their vessel landed near Isabela, Puerto Rico.


Department of Labor secures $2.4M settlement for misclassified healthcare workers

The U.S. Department of Labor has secured a consent judgment and order in federal court, recovering over $2.4 million in back wages and liquidated damages for 341 employees from healthcare staffing agencies in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.


Justice Department sues Kentucky landlord for alleged sexual harassment

The Justice Department has initiated legal proceedings against Joseph E. Johnson, also known as Joe Johnson, who owns and operates rental properties in Lexington, Kentucky.


Education department urges schools to adopt cell phone use guidelines

The U.S. Department of Education has urged states, districts, and schools to establish policies for student use of personal devices in educational settings.


VA funds first study on psychedelic therapy for veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced funding for a study on Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted (MDMA-assisted) therapy aimed at treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) among veterans.


Okmulgee County resident pleads guilty to possessing explosives as a felon

Steven William Burden, a 46-year-old resident of Henryetta, Oklahoma, has pled guilty to a charge of being a felon in possession of an explosive.


Drug dealer pleads guilty to escape from reentry center

Dyshawn Fisher, a 29-year-old from Troy, New York, has pled guilty to escaping from the Horizon House Residential Reentry Center on October 1, 2024.


Justice Department marks 30 years since police reform statute enactment

Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered remarks at a program commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Justice Department’s Police Reform Statute.


Knox County man sentenced for child pornography offenses

A Knox County man, Lee Allen Goudy, was sentenced to 250 months in prison by a U.S. District Court for distributing and possessing child pornography.


West Virginia man sentenced for possession of child pornography

Steven James Priore, a 41-year-old resident of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography.


EPA settles clean air act violations with Missouri-based BCP Ingredients

On December 2, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a settlement with BCP Ingredients Inc. to address alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its facility in Verona, Missouri.


Nominations announced for top military positions by Secretary Austin

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has announced that the president has made new nominations for military leadership positions.


EPA announces community meeting in Verona for air monitoring discussion

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 is set to hold a public meeting at Verona High School on December 5, 2024.


Peruvian national extradited for role in call center fraud targeting US consumers

A Peruvian national, David Cornejo Fernandez, has been extradited to the United States and arraigned in a Miami federal court.


Pelham man receives 80-year sentence for child exploitation offenses

A Pelham resident has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child.