News from April 2023
United States Files Forfeiture Action Against Over One Million Rounds of Ammunition Enroute from Iran to Yemen
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
Action is One of the Government’s Largest-Ever Forfeiture Actions for Weapons Shipments from Iran
Federal Court Orders Forfeiture of $826K in Funds Used in Attempt to Export Dual-Use High Precision Jig Grinder to Russia
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
An investigation into the attempted smuggling of a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia in violation of United States export laws and regulations has resulted in the forfeiture of approximately $826,000.
Woman Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Violate U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
A California woman was sentenced on April 7 to four years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by providing services, including financial services, to Iran and the Government of Iran, in violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran, and for structuring.
Brooklyn Park Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm
By DOJ Newswire | Apr 12, 2023
News Release: ST. PAUL, Minn. - A Brooklyn Park man was sentenced to 87 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
Great Falls Felon Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Possessing Firearm
By DOJ Newswire | Apr 12, 2023
News Release: BILLINGS - A Great Falls man with a felony conviction was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Ansonia Man Admits Stealing and Selling Catalytic Converters
By DOJ Newswire | Apr 12, 2023
News Release: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FRANCISCO AYALA, 22, of Ansonia, has pleaded in Hartford federal court to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.
Justice Department Announces Significant Milestone in Policing Reform Efforts for the City Of Seattle and Seattle Police Department
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
The Justice Department announced today that it has jointly filed a proposed agreement with the City of Seattle that recognizes the city’s consistent compliance with the core requirements of a 2012 consent decree regarding the Seattle Police Department (SPD).
Federal Jury Convicts Timothy Carver on Production of Child Pornography
By DOJ Newswire | Apr 12, 2023
News Release: GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - On April 7, 2023, following a four-day trial in the United States District Court, Greeneville, Tenn., a jury convicted Timothy Carver, 53, of Jonesborough, Tenn., of knowingly producing child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a), knowingly distributing child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2)(A), and knowingly possessing child pornography involving a child less than 12 years of age, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B).
Two Additional Defendants Charged with Civil Rights Conspiracy Targeting Pregnancy Resource Centers
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida returned a superseding indictment charging two additional Florida residents with federal crimes arising out of a series of targeted attacks on pregnancy resource facilities in the state. Caleb Freestone, 27, and Amber Smith-Stewart, 23, were previously charged with the same offenses in March.
Justice Department Commemorates International Transgender Day of Visibility
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
The Justice Department today commemorates International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day that celebrates and lifts up the accomplishments of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people throughout the United States.
Maryland Man Charged for Making a Threatening Phone Call to an LGBTQ Advocacy Group
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging a Maryland man for using the telephone to threaten a group that advocates for LGBTQ individuals.
Former San Diego Police Officer and Three Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Multiple Crimes Stemming from Years-Long Operation of Illicit Massage Businesses
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
A former San Diego Police Department vice detective and his co-defendants each pleaded guilty today in connection with their operation of five illicit massage businesses in California and Arizona that profited for years by exploiting women to engage in commercial sexual services under the guise of offering therapeutic massage services.
Readout of Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke’s Trip to Memphis
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3 and 4 to continue the Civil Rights Division’s tour to engage with stakeholders in underserved communities and reaffirm the department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans.
City Of Chicago Held in Violation of Americans with Disabilities Act
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
A federal judge in Chicago held the City of Chicago liable for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide accessible pedestrian signals at signalized intersections throughout the city to those who are blind or have low vision.
Justice Department Resolves Suit Against Virginia Beach Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning Off Servicemembers’ Vehicles
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
The Justice Department has entered into a consent order requiring Steve’s Towing Inc. in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to pay $90,000 to settle a complaint alleging that the company violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime and Arson for Setting Fire to Synagogue
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
A Texas man pleaded guilty today to a hate crime and arson in connection with a fire he set at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 31, 2021.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida Restaurant Franchisee to Resolve Immigration-Related Discrimination Claims
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Florida-based Destin Wings LLC, doing business as Hooters of Destin (Destin Wings).
Two Former Eastern Kentucky Correctional Supervisors Plead Guilty to Roles in the Assault of a Restrained Inmate and Cover-Up
By DOJ Newswire Report | Apr 12, 2023
A former member of Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex’s (EKCC) internal affairs department pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of an inmate’s civil rights, and a former EKCC sergeant pleaded guilty to three counts of obstruction of justice for attempting to cover up their roles in the assault of a restrained inmate.