Updates, News & Articles

Thomaston Resident Pleads Guilty to Border Patrol Assault

PORTLAND, Maine: A Thomaston resident pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent engaged in his official duties.According to court records, in August 2025, a United States Border Patrol agent responded to a one-vehicle crash in Washington, Maine. As law enforcement conducted a roadside investigation, Olivia Wilkins, 24,…
Read more: Thomaston Resident Pleads Guilty to Border Patrol Assault
Florida Inmate Pleads Guilty to Distribution & Receipt of Child Pornography

Tallahassee, Florida – Edward G. Winn, 47, an inmate of the Florida Department of Corrections who is formerly of Sarasota, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Florida Inmate Pleads Guilty to Distribution & Receipt of Child Pornography
Federal Judge Sentences Suburban Chicago Man to Six and a Half Years in Prison for $3.3 Million Covid-Relief Fraud

U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros is taking a fresh look at Covid-19 fraud. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Federal Judge Sentences Suburban Chicago Man to Six and a Half Years in Prison for $3.3 Million Covid-Relief Fraud
Los Angeles, California Man Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Los Angeles, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 16, 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Los Angeles, California Man Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Detroit Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced today for his role in a drug trafficking operation that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in Harrison County, West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced. Malik Rashard Fikes, also known as “Face,” was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Detroit Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Organization
Owner of Now-Closed Milwaukee Prenatal Care Coordination Company Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Healthcare Fraud Scheme

Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 19, 2026, Lakia Jackson (age 36) was sentenced to 60 months’ incarceration for committing a healthcare fraud scheme through which she stole $2,655,463.63 from a Medicaid benefit meant to help at-risk pregnant women and women with young children.On…
Read more: Owner of Now-Closed Milwaukee Prenatal Care Coordination Company Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Healthcare Fraud Scheme
Massachusetts Men Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in New Hampshire

Massachusetts Men Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in New Hampshire CONCORD – Two Massachusetts men were indicted for drug offenses, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.Francis Miguel Rodriguez, 27, and Roberto Ramon-Avalo, 26, were charged by indictment on March 18, 2026. Rodriguez was charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the…
Read more: Massachusetts Men Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in New Hampshire
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Man Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding a Local Credit Union

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota man convicted of Bank Fraud. The sentencing took place on March 18, 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Man Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding a Local Credit Union
Florida Doctor Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements in Connection with Multi-Million-Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme

BOSTON – A Florida-based doctor has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to making false statements in connection with a multi-million-dollar health care fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary genetic testing and durable medical equipment (DME). Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Florida Doctor Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements in Connection with Multi-Million-Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme
Manufacturing Company Agrees to Pay $887,234 to Resolve Improper Paycheck Protection Program Loan

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Cold Spring-based manufacturer of custom screw machine parts, Segepo-FSM, Inc., agreed to pay $887,234 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, a federal law that prohibits the submission of false or fraudulent claims.Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide emergency financial assistance to small American businesses struggling to…
Read more: Manufacturing Company Agrees to Pay $887,234 to Resolve Improper Paycheck Protection Program Loan
Deplorable conditions and deceptive business practices lead to federal charges under the Animal Welfare Act for Hopkins County dog breeder

A Hopkins County woman has been indicted and charged with federal violations related to an unlicensed breeding facility in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.### Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Deplorable conditions and deceptive business practices lead to federal charges under the Animal Welfare Act for Hopkins County dog breeder
Texas Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Sexually Abuse a Child in Mexico

Baltimore, Maryland – A Texas woman learned her fate in federal court for her role in conspiring with another person to sexually abuse a child outside the United States. U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Anika Bywater, 29, formerly of Gonzalez, Texas, to 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to…
Read more: Texas Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Sexually Abuse a Child in Mexico
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Two Separate Cases Involving the Distribution of Large Quantities of Fentanyl and Cocaine

BOSTON – A Brockton man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to two separately charged cases involving the distribution of kilograms of fentanyl and, in one case, cocaine. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Two Separate Cases Involving the Distribution of Large Quantities of Fentanyl and Cocaine
Farmington Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm Charges

Tasheena Hoskie pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Farmington Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm Charges
Tallahassee Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution Conspiracy & Illegal Weapons Charges

Tallahassee, Florida – Garret Culpepper, 25, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Tallahassee Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution Conspiracy & Illegal Weapons Charges
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on March 16, 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
Texas Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Sexually Abuse a Child in Mexico

A Texas woman was sentenced Friday to 25 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release for conspiring with another person to sexually abuse a child outside the United States. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Texas Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Sexually Abuse a Child in Mexico
Motorcycle Gang Associated Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring

BOSTON – A Byfield man was sentenced on Friday in federal court in Boston for his role in a conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Motorcycle Gang Associated Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring
Final Defendant in Bowling Green Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced to 18 1/2 Years in Prison

Bowling Green, KY – On March 17, 2026, Shantaja S. Hutchins, the final defendant in a six-person methamphetamine conspiracy centered in Bowling Green, Kentucky, was sentenced to serve 18 1/2 years in federal prison.First Assistant United States Attorney Brian Butler of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville…
Read more: Final Defendant in Bowling Green Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced to 18 1/2 Years in Prison
BOP Unit Management Manual 2017: Why Unit Team Practices Matter So Much

BOP Unit Management Manual 2017: Why Unit Team Practices Matter So Much — Prison Law Firm explains what this BOP update may mean for release, custody, care…
Read more: BOP Unit Management Manual 2017: Why Unit Team Practices Matter So Much
BOP Unit Management and Inmate Program Review 2024: Merging Classification and Unit Team Work

BOP Unit Management and Inmate Program Review 2024: Merging Classification and Unit Team Work — Prison Law Firm explains what this BOP update may mean for…
Read more: BOP Unit Management and Inmate Program Review 2024: Merging Classification and Unit Team Work
Ohio Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Bryant Adams, 43, was sentenced on Thursday to 120 months by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to his plea agreement, law enforcement used a cooperating witness to purchase 55.9 grams of methamphetamine from Adams on August 28,…
Read more: Ohio Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking
Five Philadelphia Men Convicted at Trial of Conspiring to Commit at Least 29 Carjackings, Including the Murder of a Carjacking Victim, the Murder of a Potential Witness, and Related Offenses

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that five Philadelphia men were convicted today at trial of conspiring to commit armed carjackings in and around Philadelphia and sell the stolen cars to buyers, who would then ship the vehicles to Africa for resale.The defendants[1] were charged by superseding indictment in July 2024.Mikal McCracken, aka…
Read more: Five Philadelphia Men Convicted at Trial of Conspiring to Commit at Least 29 Carjackings, Including the Murder of a Carjacking Victim, the Murder of a Potential Witness, and Related Offenses
St. Cloud Man Indicted for Trafficking a Minor while Stationed at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica

Orlando, Florida – Justin Vancott-Harnish (29, St. Cloud) has been charged by federal indictment for trafficking of a minor. If convicted, Vancott-Harnish faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: St. Cloud Man Indicted for Trafficking a Minor while Stationed at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica
Illegal Alien Convicted for Prior Sex Offense Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Fort Myers, Florida – Arturo Sanchez-Morales (54, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to three years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after a prior deportation. Sanchez-Morales pleaded guilty on January 9, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: Illegal Alien Convicted for Prior Sex Offense Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Crime for Racially Motivated Shooting

The Department of Justice announced that Jonathan Andrew Felkel, 34, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis for violating the housing rights of his Black neighbor, J.M., in violation of 42 U.S.C. §. 3631. Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Read more: South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Crime for Racially Motivated Shooting
Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert J. Thomas, 30, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 27, 2024, Thomas possessed a Glock Model 27 .40-caliber pistol in the Jefferson area of Kanawha County.Federal law prohibits a person with a…
Read more: Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime
Pittsburgh Attorney Charged with Embezzling More Than $1.3 Million From Incline Preservation Society for Which He Served as Board President

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attorney has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.The 10-count Indictment named Christopher Furman, 53, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.According to the Indictment, in 2020, Furman was selected President of the…
Read more: Pittsburgh Attorney Charged with Embezzling More Than $1.3 Million From Incline Preservation Society for Which He Served as Board President
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty in Child Sex Trafficking Case

ALBUQUERQUE – A California man with ties to Albuquerque pleaded guilty in federal court to sex trafficking two minors and transporting them to New Mexico for commercial sex acts, and a second defendant pleaded guilty to concealing the offense.According to court documents, in December 2024, Roderick Norseweather Jr., 26, recruited two minors in California and transported,…
Read more: Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty in Child Sex Trafficking Case
Three Charged with Conspiring to Unlawfully Divert Cutting Edge U.S. Artificial Intelligence Technology to China

Today, an indictment was unsealed charging Yih-Shyan “Wally” Liaw, Ruei-Tsang “Steven” Chang, and Ting-Wei “Willy” Sun, for allegedly conspiring to divert high-performance computer servers assembled in the United States and integrating sophisticated U.S. artificial intelligence technology to China, in violation of U.S. export controls laws. Liaw, a U.S. citizen, and Sun, a citizen of Taiwan,…
Read more: Three Charged with Conspiring to Unlawfully Divert Cutting Edge U.S. Artificial Intelligence Technology to China

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