News published on Federal Newswire in February 2025

News from February 2025


Swissvale resident indicted for illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon

A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted Robert Prater, a 33-year-old resident of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating federal firearms law.


Meta partners with Childhelp on new student safety curriculum

Meta has announced a collaboration with Childhelp to launch an educational curriculum aimed at preventing online exploitation among middle school students.


Raleigh-area man sentenced for drug trafficking after failed attempt to flush evidence

A Fuquay Varina man involved in a significant drug trafficking organization in the Raleigh area has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison.


Bloods gang leader faces federal charges over fatal drug distribution

Gary Johnson, known as "G Money," was arraigned in federal court in Central Islip on charges related to narcotics distribution.


Bonita Springs man receives 30-month sentence for threats and cyberstalking

A man from Bonita Springs, Florida, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for making interstate threats and engaging in cyberstalking. U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber delivered the sentence to Aaron Thomas Fister, aged 30, who...


International crackdown targets alleged operators of Phobos ransomware

The Justice Department has unsealed charges against Roman Berezhnoy and Egor Nikolaevich Glebov, both Russian nationals, accused of running a cybercrime group using Phobos ransomware.


Mason City man receives over two decades for drug distribution

Monroe Thompson, a 40-year-old resident of Mason City, has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison.


Former officer receives prison sentence for firearm possession

A San Juan resident, Michael Gallegos-Martinez, has been sentenced to federal prison for illegal firearm possession. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the sentencing following Gallegos-Martinez's guilty plea on December 3, 2024.


Bakersfield man pleads guilty to laser incident involving sheriff's helicopter

Jesse Torres-Alonso, a 35-year-old resident of Bakersfield, has entered a guilty plea for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.


Michigan man receives 90-year sentence for child exploitation

Brandon Lee Chase, a 45-year-old resident of Walkerville, Michigan, has been sentenced to 90 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.


Adair County resident sentenced to four years for child abuse

Brian Keith Bowen Jr., a 26-year-old resident of Stilwell, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to four years in prison for child abuse.


Denver man convicted on firearm possession and drug distribution charges

A Denver man, Derris Mayberry, 37, has been convicted by federal juries on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of fentanyl.


Waterbury man receives five-year sentence for firearm possession

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that D'Metrius Johnson, also known as "Meech," has been sentenced to five years in prison.


West Hartford man sentenced for role in catalytic converter theft ring

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, has announced the sentencing of Yanquee Rodriguez, also known as "Yankster Rodriguez," a 28-year-old resident of West Hartford.


Europe's varying personal income taxes: Denmark highest; Bulgaria lowest

The European landscape of personal income tax rates for 2025 shows significant variation across the continent.


EFF files lawsuit against OPM over privacy concerns involving Elon Musk's DOGE

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), alongside a coalition of privacy advocates led by Lex Lumina, has initiated legal action against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE).


Missouri woman indicted for alleged embezzlement exceeding $100K

A woman from Washington, Missouri, has been indicted for allegedly embezzling over $100,000 from her former employer.


California teen sentenced for extensive nationwide swatting incidents

A teenager from California, Alan W. Filion, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison by United States District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza for making interstate threats.


Mexican national sentenced to three years for illegal reentry into US

Salvador Madrigal-Sanchez, a 73-year-old from Mexico, has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for unlawful reentry into the United States.


US, UK, Australia sanction Russian firm linked to ransomware attacks

The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom have jointly sanctioned Zservers, a Russia-based bulletproof hosting services provider.