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Federal Charges

All articles tagged with #federal charges

Houston postal carriers tied to $23M stolen-check scheme
crime1 day ago

Houston postal carriers tied to $23M stolen-check scheme

Five people, including three Houston postal carriers, have been federally charged in a six-year scheme that allegedly stole and sold more than $23 million in checks. Recruited carriers allegedly removed checks from the mail and advertised them on Telegram in a group called 'Slips and Chips,' with the largest identified check at $1.5 million. Stolen checks were shipped to buyers via FedEx; Alyssa Bryant is accused of selling a stolen check for $25,000. All defendants face federal charges and are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Sex-Trafficking Case
crime3 days ago

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Sex-Trafficking Case

A federal judge ruled former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries mentally competent to stand trial on sex-trafficking charges after a four-month hospital stay for dementia-like symptoms. He and two co-defendants are set to be tried in October, with prosecutors alleging they used modeling promises to lure men to drug-fueled sex parties in New York City, the Hamptons, and elsewhere. Jeffries’ lawyers argued for ongoing care given his cognitive issues, but the judge found he understands courtroom procedures and legal concepts.

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Global Sex-Trafficking Case
crime5 days ago

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Global Sex-Trafficking Case

A federal judge ruled former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial on federal sex-trafficking and interstate prostitution charges tied to an international scheme from 2008–2015, rejecting defense claims of dementia; the ruling followed review of testimony, medical reports, and 109 phone calls, and sets an October trial on Long Island with accommodations for proceedings, as Jeffries and associates allegedly coerced men into sexual acts under the guise of modeling opportunities at events worldwide.

Lawrence Mayor Charged in $1.5 Million COVID Relief Fraud Case
politics8 days ago

Lawrence Mayor Charged in $1.5 Million COVID Relief Fraud Case

Lawrence, MA Mayor Brian DePeña was arrested on federal charges alleging he misused more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans for his tire business, his campaign, and personal debts; a viral clip showed his lawyer saying he doesn’t speak English when pressed for comment, and a separate video captured a car crash after leaving the arraignment.

Double Jeopardy Pause Shuts Down Mangione's New York Murder Trial
crime8 days ago

Double Jeopardy Pause Shuts Down Mangione's New York Murder Trial

A New York judge paused Luigi Mangione's state murder trial to consider a double jeopardy motion; prosecutors have until Oct. 9 to respond and Mangione's lawyers until Oct. 30 to reply. Mangione already pleaded guilty to federal stalking crimes connected to the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and faces a possible life term in federal court (sentencing Dec. 18). The state case, which includes second-degree murder and gun charges, remains on hold with a Dec. 10 state court date. Separate sentencing in the federal case is slated for Dec. 18.

Mangione’s federal plea could derail his state murder case
crime11 days ago

Mangione’s federal plea could derail his state murder case

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges in the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, describing his plan in court. The federal plea could trigger New York’s double jeopardy protections, potentially ending or delaying the state case on second‑degree murder and weapons charges, with sentencing in December and prosecutors signaling they will press forward if the state case remains viable.

Mangione pleads guilty to federal stalking in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing
crime11 days ago

Mangione pleads guilty to federal stalking in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, admitting he tracked Thompson to a Midtown Manhattan investor conference and shot him with a 3D-printed silenced gun. He faces up to life in prison, with a December sentencing, while his state murder case proceeds in September and could be affected by double jeopardy considerations.

Lawrence Mayor Hit with Federal Charges Over COVID Relief Funds
local12 days ago

Lawrence Mayor Hit with Federal Charges Over COVID Relief Funds

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña was arrested on federal charges—wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions—allegedly diverting more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief loans from his tire business to fund his campaign and pay personal debts; the arrest, carried out by the FBI and tied to an ongoing inquiry into Lawrence City Hall, marks a significant turn in the investigation of the mayor and city operations.

Arrest in DC for World War II Memorial vandalism and graffiti
politics12 days ago

Arrest in DC for World War II Memorial vandalism and graffiti

A woman, Melissa L. Farris, was arrested in Washington, DC, and charged with two federal felonies—Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans’ Memorials—for graffiti and soapy bubbles at the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall; she remains in custody and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Plea on the Table: Mangione Faces Possible Federal Deal in Brian Thompson Case
crime12 days ago

Plea on the Table: Mangione Faces Possible Federal Deal in Brian Thompson Case

Lawyers for Luigi Mangione are in talks with federal prosecutors about a potential plea deal on two stalking‑resulting‑in‑death charges that each carry life in prison, as he also faces a separate state trial for the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York. He has not pleaded guilty to any charges and remains not guilty in both cases.

Indicted Jackson County interim chief accused of bribery scheme over 2026 race
politics20 days ago

Indicted Jackson County interim chief accused of bribery scheme over 2026 race

Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota was indicted by a federal grand jury on five counts, including honest-services fraud, federal program bribery, two Travel Act violations, and making false statements, for allegedly offering government jobs to a candidate to withdraw from the 2026 county executive race; the indictment was returned July 16 and unsealed as LeVota appeared in court.

Decorated Marine Veteran Detained Over Security Plot at Trump Golf Club
politics20 days ago

Decorated Marine Veteran Detained Over Security Plot at Trump Golf Club

A decorated Marine veteran, Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, was arrested at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes after investigators found surveillance notebooks, an illegally modified AR-style rifle, and other gear. He allegedly claimed to work for the State Department and to be conducting a security detail, having previously photographed Secret Service during a visit. Taele faces federal charges for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle and additional state firearms counts, with federal investigators examining potential extremist ties as part of an ongoing probe.

Cincinnati Woman Charged in Federal Case Over Bomb Threats to Mississippi Offices
crime24 days ago

Cincinnati Woman Charged in Federal Case Over Bomb Threats to Mississippi Offices

A Cincinnati woman, Michelle Francine Edwards, was charged in U.S. District Court with one count of transmitting a threatening communication after allegedly making two sets of bomb threat calls to two Mississippi government offices on July 23, 2026. The calls, placed from blocked numbers using *67, prompted lockdowns and bomb sweeps; investigators traced the number to her via cellphone data and Cash App accounts. The charge carries up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.