Category: Legal Issues

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California man arrested, charged with making fake ID’s for Door Dash drivers

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Miguel Angel Guevara-Murillo, 34, of Stockton, California, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a document-making implement, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on June 28, 2025, a vehicle bearing California license plates, and being driven by Guevara-Murillo, was encountered at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry in Niagara Falls, NY, after making a wrong turn from the United States. Guevara-Murillo and a passenger provided Columbian passports to the Customs and Border Protection Officer. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection, during which Guevara-Murillo was found to be a citizen of Columbia who entered the United States without inspection in 2022, served with a notice to appear, and was released on parole.

During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a counterfeit California driver’s license with Guevara-Murillo’s photo and the name of Sean Patrick Allen, as well as numerous items that could be used to produce fake identification documents. By Homeland Security Investigations officers located a red DoorDash tote inside the vehicle, which contained a laptop, an access card printer, blank plastic access cards, a scanner, a paper cutter/ruler, and other items and documents. Guevara-Murillo told investigators he used the equipment to make counterfeit state identification documents, which he sold for $250 to individuals who sought to work as drivers for DoorDash.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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United States Attorney’s Office to Participate in Community Events During National Night Out

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NASHVILLE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events Nashville on August 5, 2025.

“Our office is proud to stand with both our neighbors and law enforcement as we all work together for a safer community,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “I look forward to seeing both our law enforcement partners and the citizens we serve tomorrow night.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

Scheduled Events Include:

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department will be hosting events at the following locations: https://x.com/MNPDNashville/status/1952478011292635176 

  • Red Caboose Park, 684 Colice Jeanne Road, hosted by the West Precinct from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • East Park, 600 Woodland Street, hosted by the East Precinct from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Bridgestone Arena Plaza, hosted by the Central Precinct, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
  • Madison Park, 550 N Dupont Avenue, hosted by the Madison Precinct, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Old Hickory Ball Fields, 1700 Golf Club Drive, Old Hickory, hosted by the Hermitage Precinct, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Church of the Messiah, 88 Lafayette St, hosted by the Hermitage Precinct, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Murfreesboro Police Department, in partnership with the City of Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department and JackFM Radio, invites the community to enjoy an evening of food, fellowship, fun, and music at Oaklands Park, 427 Roberts Street, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. National Night Out will feature a Touch-A-Truck event, games, and other activities designed to strengthen the bond between police officers and the community. https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5190

The Smyrna Police Department is inviting the community to its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 5 at 400 Enon Springs Road East, Smyrna, TN. From 6 to 8 p.m., families can enjoy a fun and interactive evening at the police department, complete with guided tours, officer meet-and-greets, giveaways, and more. https://rutherfordsource.com/smyrna-police-to-host-national-night-out/

The Spring Hill Police Department invites the community to attend the 2025 National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 5. The free event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Fischer Park, located at 4285 Port Royal Road. https://williamsonsource.com/spring-hill-police-to-host-national-night-out-at-fischer-park/

The Gallatin Police Department is excited to invite the community to join them for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 668 Nashville Pike. https://sumnercountysource.com/gallatin-police-to-host-national-night-out/

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Bronx Man Sentenced To 27 Years For 2016 Murder And Conspiracy To Distribute Crack And Heroin

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that BRUCE MORRIS, a/k/a “G,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman to 27 years in prison in connection with the August 2016 murder of Jerome Jemison in the Bronx, New York, as well as related narcotics and firearm offenses.  MORRIS was convicted following a jury trial in January 2025 of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin and of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in connection with that conspiracy.  Following an evidentiary hearing, Judge Furman also found that MORRIS was responsible for the murder of Jemison. 

“In 2016, Bruce Morris murdered Jerome Jemison in the middle of the day on the landing of a public stairwell of an apartment building in the Bronx, a building that he terrorized for over a decade,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Morris has now been held accountable for his heinous crimes.”  

As detailed in public filings and public court proceedings:

From at least 2012 through in or about June 2023, MORRIS led a narcotics conspiracy that sold crack cocaine and heroin in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx.  The base of MORRIS’s operation was an apartment in the building where his family lived at 868 Faile Street and the surrounding area, as well as, for a time, a vacant apartment in that same building.  MORRIS used guns, threats of violence, and acts of violence to maintain control of his drug trafficking business and the building.  On one occasion, when the superintendent of the building confronted the conspirators about their use of the vacant apartment, MORRIS threatened the superintendent with a firearm.

On August 11, 2016, during the middle of a summer day, on the third floor of 868 Faile Street, MORRIS shot Sal in the back of his head over a drug debt.  Sal was 46 years old.

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In addition to his prison term, MORRIS, 43, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Weinberg, Camille L. Fletcher, Jeffrey W. Coyle, Jackie Delligatti, and Marguerite B. Colson are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Jackie Fleury.

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Thoreau Woman Sentenced to 24 Months for Fatal DUI

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBUQUERQUE – A Thoreau woman has been sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter for driving while intoxicated and fatally striking John Doe with her vehicle following an altercation.

According to court records, on the morning of May 28, 2023, Nora Abeita, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and several others, including John Doe, consumed alcohol together. After an altercation with John Doe, Abeita attempted to leave the residence with a friend. While driving away, Abeita struck John Doe with her vehicle and did not immediately realize she had run over him until alerted by others. John Doe died from his injuries.

Abeita’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at .19 approximately five hours after the incident, more than double the legal limit in both New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

Upon her release, Abeita will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. 

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East Chicago Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

HAMMOND – Arnold Flores, 30 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Moody after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as an illegal alien, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.

Flores was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Flores, an illegal alien with a prior felony conviction for residential entry, possessed a firearm that he displayed to the occupants of another vehicle while driving in Schererville in October 2024, and he possessed another firearm in Gary in February 2025.  Both firearms were recovered by law enforcement.   

“This District is dedicated to prosecuting illegal aliens who, like Arnold Flores, choose to violate federal law by possessing firearms that Congress has prohibited them from possessing,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor.  “As Mr. Flores has learned, such serious crimes will not go unpunished in northern Indiana. My thanks go out to the combined team of state, local, and federal law enforcement professionals who brought him to justice.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force with assistance from the Gary and Schererville Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean R. Lanter.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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Illegal Alien Sentenced to 2 Years and 2 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry into the United States and Possession of Firearms

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Louisville, KY – On July 31, 2025, an illegal alien was sentenced to 2 years and 2 months in federal prison for unlawful reentry into the United States and illegal possession of firearms.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

According to court documents, Alvaro Mandujano-Rodriguez, 32, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 2 years and 2 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation or removal. According to the plea agreement, on or about October 7, 2023, Mandujano-Rodriguezwas an alien found in the United States after having been last denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about November 29, 2013. On October 7, 2023, Mandujano-Rodriguez was unlawfully in possession of an AR-15 rifle of an unknown make and model, and a MAG Tactical Systems MG-G4, multi-caliber rifle, and ammunition. Mandujano-Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States.

“Thanks to the strong work of this federal-local partnership, another dangerous illegal immigrant has been removed from the streets of Louisville,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by HSI, ATF, and LMPD.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Shannon prosecuted the case.

This conviction is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case is also part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.

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Seattle man who carjacked a luxury sedan in Pioneer Square sentenced to six years in prison

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Seattle – A 32-year-old Seattle man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six years in prison for carjacking and using a firearm during a crime of violence, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Louis Montel De’Andre Dowers was arrested June 9, 2024, hours after he carjacked a BMW outside the Seattle Team Shop on Occidental Avenue South in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John H. Chun called the carjacking “terrifying crimes.”

“Using a ‘ghost gun’ to threaten the driver and almost running down a second victim, is why carjacking has received substantial federal attention,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “In 2024, the Department of Justice created eleven Carjacking Task Forces in districts around the United States, including here in the Western District of Washington. This increased focus on federal prosecutions of armed carjacking offenses has coincided with a substantial reduction in these types of crimes.”

According to the plea agreement, a man was waiting for his wife, sitting in the driver’s seat of his car outside a business on Occidental Avenue South. Dowers approached the car from behind, pulled out a distinctive firearm, pointed it at the victim, and ordered him out of the car saying “It’s mine now. Get out.”  The victim was able to get his dog out of the car before Dowers drove off. The victim’s wife came out of the store and was nearly hit by the car as it raced away.

Police were able to track the car to Auburn, Washington – near a middle school. Working with a description of the alleged carjacker, a King County Sheriff’s deputy located Dowers walking nearby. When searched, Dowers possessed a semi-automatic firearm that had been privately manufactured – a so-called ‘ghost gun.’ The firearm was fully loaded with a round in the chamber.

Dowers pleaded guilty in April 2025. Judge Chun scheduled a hearing for October 27,2025 to set the amount of restitution Dowers owes to the victims.

In their victim statements the couple said they “still live” with this “moment of terror . . . every single day.” The couple said they continue to experience trauma because of Dowers’ crime, which “robbed [them] of peace.”

The case was investigated by the federal carjacking task force made up of the Seattle Police Department, the Kent Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg who leads the Western District of Washington Carjacking Task Force.

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Former NFL Player Convicted of Operating Large-Scale Dog Fighting and Trafficking Venture in Oklahoma

Source: United States Attorneys General 7

Following a multi-day trial, a federal jury in Oklahoma last week convicted Leshon Eugene Johnson, 54, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on six felony counts of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures.

Following the verdict, Johnson surrendered to the government the 190 dogs seized in this case. The government is pursuing forfeiture of these dogs. The United States Marshals Service cares for dogs seized in dog fighting cases through its asset forfeiture program.

“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This case underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting animals from abuse — 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.”

“This conviction sends a strong message that those who abuse animals for entertainment and profit will face serious consequences under federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and our partners are committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who perpetuate the brutal practice of dog fighting and to disrupting this illegal and inhumane industry.”

“Dog fighting is a vicious and cruel crime that has no place in a civilized society,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “I commend the hard work of our law enforcement partners in investigating this case and holding the defendant accountable for his crimes.”

“Dog fighting is a cruel crime that has no place in our communities,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Jose A. Perez. “This conviction sends the message that those who engage in organized animal fighting will be brought to justice. The FBI and our partners will continue to target those who turn violence into a business.”

The conviction stems from an indictment unsealed in March which detailed Johnson’s operation of “Mal Kant Kennels.” The jury heard evidence that Johnson bred and trafficked “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs and their offspring for the purpose of dog fighting, profiting from the cruel and illegal industry. Authorities seized the 190 dogs from his property, which is the largest number ever seized from a single individual in a federal dog fighting case. Johnson, who had a prior state conviction for dog fighting in 2004, will be sentenced at a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

The FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, Shreveport Resident Agency office investigated the case.

Sarah M. Brown, Ethan Eddy, and Todd W. Gleason of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, prosecuted the case. 

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Justice Department Opens Investigation into Flix North America, FlixBus, and Greyhound for Disability Discrimination

Source: United States Attorneys General

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced today that it has launched an investigation into the bus companies FlixBus and Greyhound (operated by Flix North America Inc., FlixBus Inc., and Greyhound Lines Inc.) to determine whether FlixBus and Greyhound violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against passengers with disabilities and denying them reasonable accommodations.

The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by private entities that provide transportation services, and there are specific requirements that FlixBus and Greyhound must meet to make sure their services are accessible to people with disabilities.

The Department opened this investigation after receiving complaints that FlixBus and Greyhound violated the ADA rights of people with disabilities. Complaints alleged that FlixBus and Greyhound failed to properly maintain lifts on buses, refused to assist passengers with disabilities with using lifts, refused to allow service animals to accompany passengers with disabilities or improperly asked for documentation, abandoned customers with disabilities between legs of their journey, and failed to allow and assist passengers with disabilities to leave and return to the bus at rest stops, among other allegations.

“Less than two weeks ago, we celebrated the 35th anniversary of President Bush signing the ADA into law, which protects millions of Americans with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The announcement of this investigation reaffirms our unflinching commitment to enforcing the requirements of the ADA. People with disabilities must be treated equally in accordance with the law, and no one should be denied the opportunity to travel because of their disability.”

If you believe you have been a victim of disability discrimination by FlixBus or Greyhound, please file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online at www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/, or by calling the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (1-833-610-1264 (TTY)). For more information on the ADA and the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.ada.gov or www.justice.gov/crt.

Note: Read the Notice Letter here.

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DC man arrested by Marshals Task Force on cold case

Source: US Marshals Service

Washington, DC – The U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force has arrested a man suspected in a 1999 rape and murder in Washington.

George P. Mudd, 71, has been charged and arrested for the May 1999 rape and murder of a woman in her Capitol Hill apartment. At the time, no suspect was located. Due to the advancement of DNA technology, a match was recently confirmed, and the suspect was charged. Mudd, who spent 10 years in federal prison for a separate stabbing offense was charged on July 7.

On July 8, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) conducted surveillance near the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road NE in Washington with hopes of locating Mudd. Information was received about the make and model of the vehicle Mudd was believed to be driving. At approximately 2:40 p.m., investigators spotted the vehicle in the area and safely took Mudd into custody. Mudd was transported to the DC Metro Homicide Office and booked on the active warrant.

Since 2004, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force has focused resources and efforts on the enhancement of public safety and the reduction of violence within the National Capital Region, through the identification, investigation, and apprehension of fugitives wanted for egregious crimes against the community, while ensuring the equal application of Justice, Integrity, and Service for all.