News published on Federal Newswire in January 2025

News from January 2025


Secretary Noem joins ICE for NYC enforcement operation targeting criminals

Today, Secretary Kristi Noem participated in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in New York City.


Nigerian man sentenced for defrauding US pandemic aid programs

Fatiu Ismaila Lawal, a Nigerian man residing in Canada, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for defrauding U.S. pandemic aid programs.


Two sentenced for armed robbery of USPS mail carrier; third pleads guilty

U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced two individuals for their involvement in the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in Tampa, Florida.


European countries adjust VAT rates amid economic shifts

More than 175 countries, including all major European nations, impose a value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services.


Former Colorado Springs man sentenced for defrauding COVID-19 relief program

Charles Lacona, Jr., a former resident of Colorado Springs, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for defrauding taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief programs.


Leader pleads guilty in fentanyl trafficking case involving unique drug form

A Houston resident, Tamarious "Poogi" Faulkner, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the distribution of over 400 grams of fentanyl.


Western District collects over $11 million in fiscal year 2024

Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee announced that the Western District of Virginia collected $11,714,277 in criminal and civil actions during Fiscal Year 2024.


Gunman sentenced to 10 years for fatal drug trafficking crime

Rafael Antonio Torres, a 21-year-old resident of West Jordan, Utah, has been sentenced to ten years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his involvement in a fatal shooting linked to drug trafficking.



Lawmakers consider permanent improvements for capital investment deductions

Lawmakers are currently deliberating on the reconciliation process, with a focus on making permanent improvements to deductions for capital investment and research and development (R&D) costs.


Sanford man sentenced to 10 years for possessing fentanyl

A Sanford man received a 10-year prison sentence in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.


Lower Burrell man sentenced for fraudulent use of neighbor’s credit cards

A Lower Burrell resident has been sentenced to three years of probation for using unauthorized access devices, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.


Scott Bessent assumes role as new Secretary of Treasury

Scott Bessent was sworn in as the 79th Secretary of the Treasury by Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh on January 28, 2025.


Poll highlights benefits of e-commerce for small businesses

TechNet, a bipartisan network of innovation economy leaders, has released findings from a recent poll conducted with Ipsos.


Report suggests Pentagon cuts could save taxpayers over $60 billion

The Trump administration has the potential to enhance U.S. national security while saving taxpayers over $60 billion by addressing inefficiencies in Pentagon spending, according to a report released by The Quincy Institute, Stimson Center, and...


Queens man sentenced for drug conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine

Jamontay Brister, a 29-year-old resident of Queens, New York, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for his involvement in a drug conspiracy.


Former deputy sheriff sentenced for role in drug trafficking conspiracy

A former deputy with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy.


Syracuse man pleads guilty to illegal firearm possession at gas station

Richard Bradley, a 36-year-old resident of Syracuse, New York, has pleaded guilty to charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.


Charles City man sentenced for meth possession with intent to distribute

A Charles City man has been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.


Marshall County man sentenced to 63 months for drug trafficking

KC Vanover, a 48-year-old resident of Moundsville, West Virginia, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy.