News from February 2025
Bronx lawyer sentenced for large-scale immigration fraud involving false VAWA petitions
Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has announced that Kofi Amankwaa, a former immigration attorney based in the Bronx, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison.
Meridian man receives lengthy sentence for drug distribution
A Meridian, Mississippi man has been sentenced to 220 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Chief Justice Stanfill delivers annual judiciary address to Maine Legislature
Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill presented her annual State of the Judiciary speech to a joint session of the 132nd Maine Legislature on February 25.
Jackson man receives three-year sentence for illegal machinegun possession
A Jackson resident, Johnny Ragsdale, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for the illegal possession of a machinegun.
Federal grand jury indicts three for firearms-related offenses in Laredo
A federal grand jury in Laredo, Texas, has indicted three individuals on various federal charges related to firearms, drug trafficking, and immigration offenses. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the 14-count indictment against Fernando...
Former school district employee charged with producing AI-generated abuse images
William Michael Haslach, a former employee of Independent School District #622 and ISD #834 in Minnesota, faces charges related to child pornography and the production of obscene visual representations involving minors.
Wisconsin man sentenced for transporting obscene material across state lines
James H. Hornung, a 73-year-old resident of Newbold, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for transporting obscene material across state lines.
Honduran nationals charged with illegal re-entry after deportation
Acting U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti announced the arrest of two Honduran nationals, Javier Antonio Cruz and Junior Eduardo Garcia Castro, in Buffalo, New York.
Pitt County man pleads guilty in multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme
Willard Timothy Sutton, a 64-year-old from Pitt County, has pled guilty to one count of mail fraud in connection with a Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 60 investors in Eastern North Carolina.
Attorney General James releases report on Daniel Rivera's death
New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released a report on the death of Daniel Rivera, who died following an encounter with New York City Police Department officers in December 2022.
Delaware hosts annual art exhibition showcasing state employee creativity
The Delaware Division of the Arts is hosting the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition, featuring works from state employees and their families.
Jessica Stuart sentenced again for violating supervised release conditions
Jessica Stuart, a 42-year-old woman from Thomaston, has been sentenced to an additional 10 months in prison for violating the conditions of her supervised release.
Bucks County man found guilty but mentally ill in Luzerne County murder case
A Bucks County man has been found guilty but mentally ill of third-degree murder in the 2021 death of Helena Johnson.
America First Legal defends Adams County against sanctuary laws
America First Legal (AFL), with the support of Cooper & Kirk PLLC and Ard Law Group, is actively defending Adams County, Washington.
Myrtle Beach man faces charges for alleged solicitation and exploitation attempt
Eric Phifer, a 42-year-old resident of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been arrested on charges related to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.
New York man indicted for possession of ghost guns after Bronx shooting
Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of an indictment against Terry Brooks.
Charleston man pleads guilty to federal gun possession charge
Jason Allen Rhule, a 44-year-old resident of Charleston, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to the federal charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Judicial Selection Commission announces nominees for Maui's District Family Judge
The Judicial Selection Commission has announced nominees for the position of District Family Judge in the Second Circuit, covering the island of Maui, Hawaii.
Florida advisor pleads guilty to illegal tax scheme
A Florida financial advisor has admitted to running a scheme involving an illegal tax shelter and wire fraud.
Four charged in Florida retail theft ring stealing over $500K in electronics
Attorney General James Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed charges against four individuals accused of operating a retail theft ring that stole over $500,000 worth of electronics.