News published on Federal Newswire in February 2025

News from February 2025


Norfolk woman found guilty of distributing fentanyl causing overdose

Alexzandra Blanco, a 24-year-old resident of Norfolk, Nebraska, has been convicted by a jury for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, resulting in serious bodily injury.


Gang member receives over six-year sentence for drug distribution conspiracy

A member of the East Side Money Gang has been sentenced to over six years in prison for involvement in a narcotics distribution conspiracy.


Recidivist drug trafficker sentenced to prison for fatal fentanyl poisoning

Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Raul Silva has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel delivered the sentence for Silva's role in selling...


New Orleans man sentenced for false statements in PPP loan fraud

Renic Palmer, Jr., a 25-year-old resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, for making false statements to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).


Border Patrol seizes $213k in drugs on California highway

U.S. Border Patrol agents in the El Centro Sector seized narcotics valued at approximately $213,000 on California State Route 86.


Tampa man convicted for distributing fentanyl leading to two deaths

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Marquis Lamar McCullough guilty of distributing fentanyl, which resulted in the deaths of two men from Hillsborough County.


Boston man pleads guilty to leading drug trafficking operation

A Boston man has admitted guilt in a federal court in Concord for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire.


Dominican national sentenced for fentanyl trafficking; co-defendant absconds

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Ovidalis Jiminez Pujols, a 39-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic who last resided in New York, has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison.


Centerville woman admits to embezzling $550K from farm cooperative

A Centerville woman, Paula Sue Leventhal, 64, has pled guilty to wire fraud charges after embezzling $550,000 from her employer.


CBP seizes over $1 million in cocaine at Texas bridges

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Anzalduas and Hidalgo International Bridges in Mission, Texas, intercepted cocaine valued at over $1 million in two separate incidents.


FTC issues $19.8M refunds due to Aqua Finance's deceptive practices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing over $19.8 million in refunds to consumers affected by deceptive sales practices of Aqua Finance, a company specializing in household water treatment funding.


Congress reintroduces bill targeting regulatory relief for small businesses

Legislation aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses has been reintroduced in Congress.


Two teens indicted for school shooting near Dunbar High School

Saki Frost and Azhari Graves, both 18 and residents of Washington, D.C., have been indicted on charges related to a shooting near Dunbar High School.


Rubio discusses peace efforts with Angolan foreign minister

Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a conversation with Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio.


U.S. Secretary Rubio discusses regional issues with Jamaican Prime Minister

Secretary Rubio engaged in a conversation with Prime Minister Holness of Jamaica, focusing on significant regional matters and the robust partnership between the United States and Jamaica.


Jamaican citizen pleads guilty to illegal reentry into US after deportation

A Jamaican citizen, Marlon Hodges, also known as "Michael Stewart," has pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal reentry into the United States after deportation.


Trump's executive order claims control over independent federal agencies

President Trump has issued an executive order that asserts control over federal independent agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).


EPA plans barrier wall installation at Velsicol Chemical Superfund site

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to commence the installation of a barrier wall this spring at the Velsicol Chemical Superfund site in St. Louis, Michigan.


Apple launches affordable iPhone 16e with advanced features

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, expanding its iPhone 16 lineup with a more budget-friendly option that still boasts powerful features.


Trump proclaims February 19 as Iwo Jima Battle Anniversary

On February 19, 1945, United States Marines began their assault on the island of Iwo Jima, marking the start of a significant campaign in World War II.