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Attorneys & Judges
DOJ Publishes New Rule to Update Definition of “Engaged in the Business” as a Firearms Dealer
The Justice Department has taken a significant step towards clarifying the regulations around the sale of firearms. The department announced the submission of the “Engaged in the Business” Final Rule to the Federal Register. This new rule aims to define the circumstances under which an individual is considered to be 'engaged in the business' of dealing in firearms. The primary goal of this rule is to enhance compliance with the federal background check requirement for firearm sales by federal firearms licensees.In a statement, the Justice Department highlighted the...
Attorneys & Judges
Justice Department Updates Definition of “Engaged in the Business” as a Firearms Dealer
The Justice Department has unveiled a new rule aimed at updating the definition of “engaged in the business” as a firearms dealer in order to enhance compliance with federal background check requirements for firearm sales. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the significance of the regulation, stating, “Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or at a brick-and-mortar store: if you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks.”Deputy Attorney General Lisa...
Attorneys & Judges
Principal Drug and Weapons Supplier for MS-13 in Honduras Arrested and Extradited for Racketeering, Narcotics, and Firearms Offenses
An indictment was unsealed today charging David Campbell, also known as Viejo Dan and Don David, 57, of Honduras, one of the principal narcotics and weapons suppliers to MS-13 in Honduras, with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses. Campbell was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court after being extradited yesterday from Honduras. In addition to Campbell, the superseding indictment unsealed today also charges Yulan Andony Archaga Carías, also known as Alexander Mendoza and Porky, 42, of Honduras, the top leader of...
Attorneys & Judges
Alabama Man Charged with Detonating an Explosive Device Outside of Alabama Attorney General’s Office
An Alabama man, Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, has been charged with detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General's Office in downtown Montgomery. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed gratitude towards law enforcement, stating, "Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office."FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the collaborative effort in identifying and arresting...
Attorneys & Judges
Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force 2024 Report
In the latest update from the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force (CFETF), significant progress has been made in combating fraudulent activities related to the pandemic. According to the report released on Apr 9, 2024, more than 3,500 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.The enforcement efforts have also led to the recovery of over $1.4 billion in seized and forfeited funds from the CARES Act, along with more than 400 civil settlements and judgments. The CFETF members have been relentless in their pursuit of justice, building a comprehensive program to...
Attorneys & Judges
COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force Releases 2024 Report
The Justice Department's COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force (CFETF) has released its 2024 report showcasing the significant efforts made in combating pandemic-related fraud. According to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, the task force has charged over 3,500 defendants and seized or forfeited more than $1.4 billion in stolen COVID-19 relief funds.Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against fraud, stating, "the time is now to ensure law enforcement has what it needs to finish the job." She called for an extension of...
Attorneys & Judges
Thousands of Machine Guns and Sniper Rifles Seized en Route from Iran to Yemen Transferred to Ukrainian Armed Forces
On April 4, the United States completed the transfer of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces. The armaments, which included over 5,000 AK-47s, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s, and more than 500,000 rounds of ammunition, were seized by U.S. Central Command and partner naval forces from vessels in the Arabian Sea en route from Iran to Yemen.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted the dual purpose of the weapons transfer, stating, "With this weapons transfer, the United States government is both disrupting Iran’s...
Attorneys & Judges
Attorney General Garland Reports on COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force 2024 Findings
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks on the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force 2024 Report on April 9, 2024. In his speech, Garland recognized the efforts of those involved in combating pandemic-related fraud, stating, "Thanks so much, Gene, for that introduction and for your leadership on this issue."Garland highlighted the ongoing work of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, which was established nearly three years ago to address fraud related to the pandemic. Despite the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Garland emphasized that the...
Attorneys & Judges
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Commends Legal Services Corporation's 50th Anniversary Achievements
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed his gratitude at the Legal Services Corporation’s 50th Anniversary Gala, acknowledging the longstanding relationships he has built within the organization. Garland highlighted the significance of friendship among those who share a common dedication to upholding fundamental values, particularly the commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all Americans.Reflecting on LSC's five-decade journey, Garland commended the organization's resilience in overcoming challenges and thriving. He noted the increased congressional...
Attorneys & Judges
Justice Department Finalizes Rule to Enhance Web and Mobile App Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. Garland emphasized the importance of this rule, stating, “This final rule marks the Justice Department’s latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs, or activities because of a disability.”Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the rule in...
Attorneys & Judges
Idaho Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS
An Idaho man, Alexander Scott Mercurio, 18, from Coeur d’Alene, was arrested for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS. The arrest took place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene. Mercurio had allegedly pledged his allegiance to ISIS and planned to carry out attacks on behalf of the organization, specifically targeting individuals at churches in the area using knives, firearms, and fire.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “As alleged in the complaint, the defendant swore an oath of loyalty to ISIS and planned to wage an attack in its...
Attorneys & Judges
Two Russian Nationals Admit to Illegally Sending Controlled Aviation Technology to Russia
Two Russian nationals have pleaded guilty to charges related to illegally sending controlled aviation technology to Russia. Oleg Sergeyevhich Patsulya and Vasilii Sergeyevich Besedin admitted to conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act by unlawfully exporting aircraft technology to Russian end users, as reported in court documents.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed the seriousness of the situation, stating, “These defendants smuggled sensitive aircraft technology into Russia following its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and did so in violation of laws...
Attorneys & Judges
Justice Department Unveils Data on Illegal Firearms Trafficking in Comprehensive Report
The Justice Department has released the third volume of the National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA), titled Firearm Trafficking Investigations, providing a detailed analysis of firearm trafficking investigations conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) between 2017 and 2021.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the findings of the report, stating, "This report makes clear that black-market guns sold by unlicensed dealers without a background check are increasingly being found at crime scenes." He...
Attorneys & Judges
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces $78 Million Investment in Community Violence Intervention Programs
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently delivered remarks at the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grantee Conference, where he highlighted the importance of addressing violent crime in communities across the country.During his speech, Garland expressed gratitude to the attendees and specifically thanked Eddie, the Director of READI Chicago, a gun violence prevention initiative. He recalled his visit to Chicago three years ago, where he met with law enforcement and community partners, including those involved in READI Chicago.Garland shared...
Attorneys & Judges
Justice Department Officials Deliver Remarks at Second Annual Community Violence Prevention and Intervention Grantee Conference
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, and Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs Amy L. Solomon recently spoke at the Second Annual Community Violence Prevention and Intervention Grantee Conference in Chicago, Illinois.During the conference, Attorney General Garland expressed support for the attendees, stating, "We are here to support your work and to learn from your experiences." Meanwhile, Acting Associate Attorney General Mizer emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to evidence-based...
Attorneys & Judges
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Expansion of Violent Crime Initiative to Three More Cities
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced the expansion of resources to fight violent crime in three additional cities as part of the Justice Department's Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI, which has already shown success in Houston and Memphis, is aimed at targeting gangs and violent groups that pose a threat to communities across the nation.In a statement, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the Department's commitment to ensuring the safety of all communities, saying, "The Justice Department will not rest until every person, in every...
Attorneys & Judges
Texas Man Sentenced for Hate Crimes Following Mass Shooting Targeting Muslims at Car Repair Shop
A Dallas man, Anthony Paz Torres, has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for hate crimes committed during a fatal shooting at a car repair shop targeting Muslims. Torres pleaded guilty to five federal hate crime counts for the killing and attempted killing of individuals at Omar’s Wheels and Tires in Dallas in 2015.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the seriousness of hate crimes, stating, “As this sentence makes clear, hate crimes fueled by Islamophobia, or by bias of any kind, will be met with the full force of the Justice Department.”FBI Director...
Attorneys & Judges
Forty-One Individuals Charged in Massive Poly-Drug Indictment Linked to Cartel
A total of 23 individuals were recently taken into custody in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The arrests were part of a 50-count indictment that accused the suspects of trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and meth in the Houston and Galveston areas.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the impact of cartels on American lives, stating, “Countless American lives have been lost because of the Jalisco and Sinaloa Cartels.”Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the...
Attorneys & Judges
Samuel Bankman-Fried Sentenced to 25 Years for His Orchestration of Multiple Fraudulent Schemes
Samuel Bankman-Fried, the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for orchestrating multiple fraudulent schemes. The sentencing, which also includes three years of supervised release and a forfeiture of $11 billion, follows Bankman-Fried's conviction on various counts including wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the consequences of financial crimes, stating, "Anyone who believes they can hide their financial crimes behind wealth and power...should think twice."...
Attorneys & Judges
Lawyer asked for $300K in fees for small win but got nothing, now will get what's 'reasonable'
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - A labor lawyer whose dream of $300,000 in fees for helping a client win $7,600 was shattered by a Los Angeles judge is heading back to court to argue what a reasonable amount would be.