News published on Federal Newswire in February 2025

News from February 2025


CDT joins amicus brief defending federal communications privacy law

On February 24, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) joined an amicus brief filed in the California Supreme Court.


Eagle Pass CBP officers seize meth worth over $1.2 million

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized narcotics valued at over $1.2 million during a recent enforcement action.


Crofton man sentenced to over six years for illegal firearm possession

A man from Crofton, Kentucky, Earl Ray Cook, Jr., has been sentenced to six years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm illegally.


Former teacher sentenced for child pornography offenses

A former middle school teacher from Louisville, Kentucky, Jordan Fautz, has been sentenced to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison on multiple child pornography charges.


Man sentenced for explosive devices found in mailbox

U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach has sentenced Patrick Nile Starkey, 57, to 108 months in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device and being a felon in possession of ammunition.


ICE arrests Mexican national with DUI and drug convictions

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested Francisco Samaniego Leal, a 44-year-old Mexican national, on February 18 in San Diego.


Helena man pleads guilty to firearm charge near elementary school

A Helena man has admitted to carrying a firearm on the campus of Jim Darcy Elementary School.


Three men face federal charges for methamphetamine distribution in Wichita

A federal grand jury in Wichita has returned indictments against three individuals on charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine.


Repeat offender sentenced for drug trafficking following federal investigation

A South Texas man, Salvador Noyola, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking while under federal supervision.


Shiprock man pleads guilty in child exploitation case

A Shiprock man has entered a guilty plea to federal charges related to using social media and text messages for the enticement of a minor into illegal sexual activities.


Hartford man pleads guilty to defrauding social security and other benefit programs

A Hartford man has admitted to fraudulently collecting Social Security, unemployment, and food stamp benefits.



US imposes new sanctions on entities tied to Iran's oil trade

The U.S. Department of State has announced the designation of 16 entities and vessels involved in Iran's petroleum and petrochemical industry.


Silver Spring man indicted on charges related to child sexual abuse material

A federal grand jury has indicted David Alain Schmidt, a 43-year-old resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, on charges related to the production and possession of child sexual abuse material.


Hard money lender pleads guilty in $20M fraud involving failed Fresno company

Andrew Adler, a 31-year-old from Greenwich, Connecticut, has admitted guilt in a scheme to defraud investors of $20 million.


Applications open for 2025 REACH commercial program

Second Century Ventures, the investment branch of the National Association of Realtors, has announced that applications are now open for the 2025 REACH Commercial technology growth program.


Man pleads guilty to selling fentanyl linked to fatal overdose

Danny Nunez has entered a guilty plea in federal court, acknowledging his role in supplying fentanyl that led to the death of a 25-year-old woman, referred to as "L.P." in court documents.


Old Dutch Mustard owner admits guilt for illegal pollution in Souhegan River

A New York resident and his company, Old Dutch Mustard Co., have admitted to discharging acidic water into the Souhegan River without a permit.


Couple extradited from Mexico faces drug charges in Oklahoma

Today, Aaron Wilkie Murphy and Hong Thoa Thi Nguyen were brought before a judge in Texas after being extradited from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.


Trump participates in swearing-in of Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick

President Trump participated in the ceremonial swearing-in of Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce.