News published on Federal Newswire in February 2025

News from February 2025


Laredo man pleads guilty in alien smuggling conspiracy

A Laredo man has confessed to his involvement in a multi-year conspiracy to smuggle aliens for profit, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.


Madison couple sentenced for methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking

Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Yelitzia Ortiz Chaparro and Emanuel Gonzalez, both from Madison, Wisconsin, have been sentenced for their involvement in drug trafficking activities.


Home prices rise in nearly 90% of metro areas in late 2024

In the fourth quarter of 2024, nearly 90% of metropolitan areas saw an increase in home prices, according to a report by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR).


Eastman sentenced for role in major fentanyl trafficking conspiracy

Craig Eastman, a 21-year-old resident of Washington D.C., has been sentenced to 165 months in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.


Jim Macy appointed as new administrator for EPA Region 7

Jim Macy has been appointed as the new administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 7, covering Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations.


Brink's agrees to $50M forfeiture over unlicensed money transmission

Brink’s Global Services USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Brink’s, Inc. and The Brink’s Company, has agreed to forfeit over $50 million following allegations of operating as an unlicensed money transmitting business.


Vehicle immobilization leads to arrest near Sonoita

Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended a U.S. citizen and two Mexican nationals after an attempted escape near Sonoita, Arizona, on February 4, 2025.


Former Reno police officer faces trial for alleged civil rights violations

A former officer from the Reno Police Department, Tyler Michael Baehr, has been indicted on charges of civil rights violations.


Stafford man convicted for assaulting deaf passenger on United Airlines flight

A federal jury has found Everett Chad Nelson, a 44-year-old resident of Stafford, guilty of assaulting a fellow passenger on a United Airlines flight.


Two men convicted in major West Virginia drug trafficking case

Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced the conviction of two men involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.


U.S. and India reaffirm major defense partnership during call

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh engaged in an introductory call to reinforce the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership.


South Lake Tahoe man sentenced for impersonating federal officers

Anton Andreyevich Iagounov, a 38-year-old resident of South Lake Tahoe, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for impersonating a federal officer.


Hacienda Heights men charged in alleged smuggling scheme via L.A.-area ports

Two men from Hacienda Heights have been arrested on charges related to a smuggling operation involving contraband from China through Los Angeles-area ports.


Utah gymnastics coach pleads guilty to transporting minor for sexual activity

A Utah gymnastics coach has admitted to charges related to the transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity.


Montgomery man sentenced for drug trafficking after high-speed chase

A Montgomery man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison following convictions related to drug and gun offenses.


Federal indictments announced for gun-related crimes in West Tennessee

Memphis, TN – Seven individuals have been indicted on federal gun and violent crime charges in West Tennessee, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren.


New Orleans man sentenced for federal gun and drug charges

A New Orleans man, Johnnie Hagans, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, for federal gun and drug charges. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencing following Hagans' guilty plea to a multi-count indictment.


Topeka man charged with possession of child sexual abuse materials

A federal grand jury in Topeka has indicted a Kansas resident on charges related to child sexual abuse materials.


Louisville CBP seizes $27M in counterfeit jewelry shipments in January

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville reported a significant seizure of counterfeit designer jewelry throughout January.


Former officer indicted over illegal firearm sales

A former police officer from Sanger, Daniel Battenfield, 40, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on three counts related to illegal firearms dealing and obstruction.