Source: New South Wales – News
Police are investigating a suspicious death at Christie Downs this morning.
About 10am on Wednesday 26 March, police were called to a home at Rufus Crescent after a woman was found collapsed at the property.
Sadly, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Southern District CIB detectives are at the scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Further information will be provided when known.
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
A new anti-racism commitment for policing has been published in a major update from the Police Race Action Plan.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson is among several senior leaders to renew their commitment to tackling racial disparities in policing and the wider criminal justice system in a plan update report published today (Wednesday).
At the heart of the update is a new anti-racism commitment for policing.
The commitment aims to set out the goals of an anti-racist police service, describes anti-racism in a policing context, and the action required to achieve it.
Views from policing, partners in the criminal justice system, civil society groups and communities have shaped the commitment, as well as other published statements of anti-racism.
The update also outlines proposals for a new maturity matrix being developed by the plan, a set of performance standards to help assess delivery of the plan and efforts to address racial disparities.
The maturity matrix is a cornerstone of the vision for long term scrutiny and accountability for the plan’s delivery, further details of which are included in the update.
The document contains contributions from 12 different organisations outlining their views on the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) and its progress, as well as wider efforts to tackle discrimination and address racial disparities.
This includes contributions from the policing minister, senior police officers, agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service as well as representatives from civil society groups and the National Black Police Association.
The PRAP has also published an update on its progress in delivering actions in the original plan, as well as bringing together examples of work being delivered in local forces in support of the PRAP’s objectives.
T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari, programme director for the plan, said: “This update marks another milestone in our efforts to embed our ambition of delivering an anti-racist police service into the DNA of policing.
“The reason I joined the plan was to shape its future and lead the changes we need to deliver. It remains the case that people from Black communities have the lowest levels of confidence in the police, are underrepresented in our workforce and are more likely to experience police powers such as stop and search or use of force.
“Black communities need to see and, crucially, feel change in policing. While we have a long way to go, this update outlines the work that is happening to deliver significant cultural change and improvements for the longer term.
“Explaining or reforming race disparities and addressing mistrust with Black communities will mean we are more effective at fighting crime and protecting all communities.”
The update is the second major report published by the plan in nine months, following publication of its first ever progress report in August.
Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said: “This is an important benchmark for police forces to show they are serious about becoming fairer, stronger, and, crucially, better equipped to tackle crime and keep their communities safe.
“We are committed to supporting police forces to stamp out racism wherever they see it so that the public are served by a modern and effective service.
“Cutting crime is a priority and one of the ways policing does this is by increasing trust with all communities which can lead to better cooperation with police appeals, more effective crime reporting, and a greater sense of safety among the public.”
For more information about the plan visit the plan’s webpages.
Source: ACT Party
Welcoming the third-reading passage of sentencing reforms today, ACT Justice spokesperson Todd Stephenson says:
“Cuddling criminals didn’t work, so ACT campaigned on restoring consequences for crime, and rights for victims. Now, that’s written into law,” says Mr Stephenson.
“The reforms passed today deliver on ACT coalition commitments to create new aggravating factors for crimes against people working sole charge, or in a business attached to the family home.
“We also committed to giving greater weight to the needs of victims and communities over offenders. That’s come to pass with the principles of sentencing amended to include requirement to take into account information provided to the court about victims’ interests.
“Protecting the safety and property of New Zealanders is the government’s first and most important job. That’s why ACT is restoring balance to a system that has become too focused on criminals instead of victims.”
On retail crime:
“People working alone feel especially vulnerable, as do those who work in a business attached to the family home, because they can’t flee without putting loved ones at risk,” says ACT Ethnic Communities spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar.
“I’ve met with shop workers and retailers in Auckland, who have taken costly security measures just so they feel safe as they provide for their families. It is heartbreaking because many people come to New Zealand and take these jobs with the understanding that this is a safe country.
“Now, these workers’ vulnerability is recognised in law. It is a great example of how ACT celebrates the contribution of peaceful and productive communities.”
Asia Pacific Report
A national Palestinian advocacy group has called on the Aotearoa New Zealand government to immediately condemn Israel for its resumption today of “genocidal attacks” on the almost 2 million Palestinians trapped in the besieged Gaza enclave.
Media reports said that more than 320 people had been killed — many of them children — in a wave of predawn attacks by Israel to break the fragile ceasefire that had been holding since mid-January.
The renewed war on Gaza comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis that has persisted for 16 days since March 1.
This followed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to block the entry of all aid and goods, cut water and electricity, and shut down the Strip’s border crossings at the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
“Immediate condemnation of Israel’s resumption of attacks on Gaza must come from the New Zealand government”, said co-national chair John Minto of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) in a statement.
“Israel has breached the January ceasefire agreement multiple times and is today relaunching its genocidal attacks against the Palestinian people of Gaza.”
Israeli violations
He said that in the last few weeks Israel had:
‘Cowardly silence’
“The New Zealand government response has been a cowardly silence when the people of New Zealand have been calling for sanctions against Israel for its genocide,” Minto said.
“The government is out of touch with New Zealanders but in touch with US/Israel.
“Foreign Minister Winston Peters seems to be explaining his silence as ‘keeping his nerve’.
Minto said that for the past 17 months, minister Peters had condemned every act of Palestinian resistance against 77 years of brutal colonisation and apartheid policies.
“But he has refused to condemn any of the countless war crimes committed by Israel during this time — including the deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war.
“Speaking out to condemn Israel now is our opportunity to force it to reconsider and begin negotiations on stage two of the ceasefire agreement Israel is trying to walk away from.
“Palestinians and New Zealanders deserve no less.”
‘Devastating sounds’
Al Jazeera reporter Maram Humaid said from Gaza: “We woke up to the devastating sounds of multiple explosions as a series of air attacks targeted various areas across the Gaza Strip, from north to south, including Jabalia, Gaza City, Nuseirat, Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis.”
“The strikes hit homes, residential buildings, schools sheltering displaced people and tents, resulting in a significant number of casualties, including women and children, especially since the attacks occurred during sleeping hours.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 232 people had been killed in today’s Israeli raids.
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas called on people of Arab and Islamic nations — and the “free people of the world” — to take to the streets in protest over the devastating attack.
Hamas urged people across the world to “raise their voice in rejection of the resumption of the Zionist war of extermination against our people in the Gaza Strip”.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Bay of Plenty District Commander (Acting)
A man has been taken into custody following an incident in Murupara today.
About 6:45am, the man allegedly forced entry into the unmanned Murupara Police station by smashing a glass door. A vehicle was not used to gain entry to the station.
Police cordoned off Pine Drive, with some staff armed as a precaution, and the Police Negotiation Team was called to assist.
An axe and machete were located during a search of the man’s vehicle, along with a chainsaw that had been thrown over a fence.
The Police Negotiation Team engaged with the man for several hours before he was arrested outside the station without further incident, just after 12pm.
All cordons have since been stood down and Pine Drive has reopened to the public.
Charges against the man are being considered.
I want to commend our attending staff on their response to this incident, negotiating a tricky situation to get a peaceful resolution.
We would like to thank the members of the Murupara community for their cooperation and understanding while this incident unfolded.
We understand these incidents can be distressing, however there was not believed to be any risk to public safety during or following today’s events.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gendry Amilcar Niz-Niz, 25, a native of Guatemala, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making a false statement, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Henning and Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, at approximately 4:30 p.m. on March 16, 2025, Niz-Niz was pulled over on Main Street in the City of Lockport for numerous vehicle and traffic violations. The Lockport Police Department requested assistance from U.S. Border Patrol personnel after Niz-Niz provided a foreign identification document. He presented an identification card appearing to have originated from the Republic of Guatemala Department of Transportation, bearing the name Juan Martinez-Chavez. When asked his name and country of citizenship by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, Niz-Niz responded “Juan Martinez.” The photo on the identification card matched the defendant. An immigration check utilizing the name and date of birth listed on the identification card did not show any documentation of a legal entry into the United States. In addition, Niz-Niz admitted to entering the U.S. illegally and stated that this was the first time he had been encountered or arrested by immigration authorities. Niz-Niz was then taken into custody. Further investigation determined that Niz-Niz had previously been arrested under the name Gendry Amilcar Niz-Niz in Tucson, Arizona in November 2021.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steven Abbott and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Martin B. Coombs.
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.
# # # #
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Justin Zimmer, age 45, of Wynantskill, New York, pled guilty today to distributing methamphetamine. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
Zimmer admitted to distributing over 5 grams of pure methamphetamine in Albany County, on or about January 14, 2022. Zimmer is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on July 28, 2025. He faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the New York Police Department High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Group, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Troy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attribute to Senior Sergeant Mel Robertson:
Two youths have been arrested in Bluff overnight, following a reported burglary at a commercial premises on Gore Street.
At around 2:30am, Police were called to the premises after reports of a burglary. The alleged offenders gained access and have taken items from the store before decamping on foot.
A Police Dog Unit was then called to track the two youths on foot. One was located and taken into custody on Foyle Street, with the second located on Henderson Road just after 3:20am.
One youth is set to appear in Youth Court this morning, with the second being referred to Youth Aid services.
This comes after a similar incident recently, where two other youths were taken into custody and face charges in relation to a robbery at a commercial premises on North Road, Invercargill in the early hours of Monday 24 March.
Police recognise the impact this type of offending has on local businesses and remain committed to holding offenders accountable.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: ACT Party
ACT Police spokesperson Todd Stephenson is calling on Green MP Tamatha Paul to host a public meeting on law and order in her electorate to find out what normal people think about the Police.
At an event promoting – in her own words – ‘radical police abolition’, Paul recently stated:
‘Wellington people do not want to see police officers everywhere, and, for a lot of people, it makes them feel less safe. It’s that constant visual presence that tells you that you might not be safe there, if there’s heaps of cops.’
‘All they do is walk around all day, waiting for homeless people to leave their spot, packing their stuff up and throwing it in the bin.’
“It’s easy to be anti-Police, until you need to call them yourself,” says Mr Stephenson.
“Tamatha Paul has spent so much time hanging out with radical left-wing student groups that she’s got law and order completely backwards. It’s criminals who are the problem, not the Police who catch them.
“Tamatha Paul is the MP for Wellington Central, but she clearly hasn’t spent much time listening to her constituents, who are regularly victimised by crimes and need help from Police. Last year in Wellington City, there were 1,413 assaults, 124 sexual assaults, six abductions, and 1,804 burglaries.*
“If she’s serious about her law and order portfolios, she should host a public meeting in her electorate and hear what normal people – including victims of crime – think about the Police.”
*Police Crime Snapshot, 1 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating 32-year-old Reuben Huebschwerlen who was last seen approximately 1 pm on Friday, March 21, 2025. His photo is attached to this news release.
Police are concerned for Mr. Huebschwerlen’s well being. He was last seen wearing a Chicago Blackhawks or Bulls Jersey.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr. Huebschwerlen is asked to contact the Whitehorse RCMP immediately at 867-667-5555.
Source: New Zealand Government
Kiwis can now feel safer knowing serious criminals will spend longer in prison with the Government’s sentencing reforms passing final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“This Government promised to restore real consequences for crime. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.
“In recent years, courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences, despite an alarming increase in violent crime, ram raids and aggravated robberies.
“We know that undue leniency has resulted in a loss of public confidence in sentencing, and our justice system as a whole. We developed a culture of excuses for crime. That ends today.
“Communities and hardworking New Zealanders should not be made to live and work in fear of criminals who clearly have a flagrant disregard for the law, corrections officers and the general public.
“This is a significant milestone in this Government’s mission to restore law and order. It signals to victims that they deserve justice, and that they are our priority.”
The reforms strengthen the criminal justice system by:
Capping the sentence discounts that judges can apply at 40 per cent when considering mitigating factors unless it would result in manifestly unjust sentencing outcomes.
Preventing repeat discounts for youth and remorse. Lenient sentences are failing to deter offenders who continue to rely on their youth or expressions of remorse without making serious efforts to reform their behaviour.
Responding to serious retail crime by introducing a new aggravating factor to address offences against sole charge workers and those whose home and business are interconnected, as committed to in the National-Act coalition agreement.
Encouraging the use of cumulative sentencing for offences committed while on bail, in custody, or on parole to denounce behaviour that indicates a disregard for the criminal justice system, as committed to in the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement.
Implementing a sliding scale for early guilty pleas with a maximum sentence discount of 25 per cent, reducing to a maximum of 5 per cent for a guilty plea entered during the trial. This will prevent undue discounts for late-stage guilty pleas and avoid unnecessary trials that are costly and stressful for victims.
Amending the principles of sentencing to include requirement to take into account any information provided to the court about victims’ interests, as committed to in both coalition agreements.
Two aggravating factors are also included.
These respond to:
Adults who exploit children and young people by aiding or abetting them to offend;
Offenders who glorify their criminal activities by livestreaming or posting them online.
“We are committed to ensuring there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029, alongside a 15 per cent reduction in serious repeat youth offending,” Mr Goldsmith says.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Three youths charged over series of Launceston burglaries
Wednesday, 26 March 2025 – 10:22 am.
Three youths have been charged over a series of burglaries and stealings in Launceston between 22 March and 24 March following an investigation by Taskforce Raven and Northern CIB.
Two 17 year old boys were charged by Northern CIB on 22 March and 23 March in relation to burglaries at a number of commercial businesses and a private residence.
They are each facing charges of stealing, aggravated burglary, burglary, and motor vehicle stealing and will appear in the Youth Justice Division of the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
During a subsequent search of a private residence at West Launceston yesterday, members of Taskforce Raven and Northern CIB located and seized approximately $8000 worth of the stolen property and arrested a third youth.
The 14 year old boy was charged with aggravated burglary, stealing, burglary, attempt to unlawfully set fire to property, and motor vehicle stealing.
He was detained to appear in the Youth Justice Division of the Launceston Magistrates Court.
During the five burglaries more than $15,000 worth of damage was caused and more than $30,000 worth of property stolen.
Investigations into the burglaries are ongoing and anyone with information should contact Taskforce Raven on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
Source: New Zealand Government
The Police are on track to have powers to screen drivers for impairing drugs after legislation to enable roadside drug testing passed its third reading today, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Drivers who consume
impairing drugs are a significant danger on our roads. In recent years, around
30 percent of road deaths have resulted from crashes involving drivers who had
consumed impairing prescription or illicit drugs,” Mr Bishop says.
“The Government’s road
safety strategy targets the highest contributing factors to fatal road crashes.
The new roadside testing regime will be a key road safety tool because it will
allow Police to better detect and deter drug-impaired drivers.
“The Government Q1 Action
Plan committed to passing legislation by 31 March 2025 to enable roadside drug
testing, and I’m pleased to say we have delivered on that
commitment.
“The oral fluid testing
regime will give Police the power to screen drivers for drugs at the roadside
using oral fluid testing devices without the need to suspect drug use, similar
to drink-driving enforcement.
“Two positive roadside
screening tests will be required before a driver is prohibited from driving for
12 hours, to address any immediate road safety risk. They will only be issued
with an infringement penalty following a positive result from a laboratory
test.
“Drivers who refuse to
undergo a drug screening test will be issued with an infringement penalty.
“The Government Policy
Statement on Land Transport 2024 outlines our expectation that Police undertake
50,000 oral fluid tests per year. I expect this target to be delivered once the
roadside drug testing regime is rolled out. We are targeting December 2025,
once the necessary operational matters and regulations are in place.”
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
FRESNO, Calif. — The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. At the core of PSN is setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announces the following PSN prosecutions that resulted in sentences in the beginning of 2025.
Arturo Talamantes, 31, of Fresno, was sentenced today to four years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Dec. 16, 2023, police responded to a 911 call from a crowded bar in Fresno reporting a man with a gun. When officers arrived, Talamantes had a loaded black Kahr P40 handgun that he carried through the crowded bar, ignoring officer commands to stop. Once inside, he hid the gun in a hallway storage area where officers found and seized it. Talamantes is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for manufacturing a short-barreled rifle and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
****
David Diaz, 48, of Bakersfield, was sentenced on March 3, 2025, to eight years and eight months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, on Sept. 20, 2023, Diaz and co-defendant Jesus Alejandro Lopez, 47, of Bakersfield, drove to Fresno after agreeing to sell 35 pounds of methamphetamine. Both men were armed when they arrived. Shortly after arriving, police arrested the men and seized a stolen Rock Island Armory .45 caliber handgun loaded with seven rounds from Diaz. Diaz is prohibited from possessing ammunition due to three prior felony convictions involving possession and transportation of a controlled substance and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.
On March 10, 2025, Lopez pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on June 23, 2025. Lopez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
****
Tionte Beard, 25, of Fresno, was sentenced on March 3, 2025, to three years and 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2023, police conducted a probation compliance check at Beard’s apartment after Beard posted pictures of guns on his social media. Police seized an Anderson Manufacturing model AM-15 .223-caliber rifle, a Sig Saur model P320 9 mm handgun, and several rounds of ammunition hidden in a laundry basket in a closet. Beard is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions for carjacking, illegally possessing a firearm, and inflicting corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
****
Amed Taylor Muhammad, 24, of Fresno, was sentenced on Jan. 13, 2025, to two years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Sept. 26, 2023, police responded to reports of a shooting in southwest Fresno near a high school and middle school. Officers stopped Muhammad near the location of the shooting after eyewitnesses spotted him from the location with others while holding something in his waistband. After a brief struggle, officers detained Muhammad and seized a loaded black Taurus PT140 G2, .40 caliber pistol from his front waistband. Muhammad is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, vehicular theft, and illegally possessing a firearm. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The above cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple.
****
Felix Alejandro, 38, of Delano, was sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025, to four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, on Aug. 2, 2023, police pulled Alejandro over for violating traffic laws. Alejandro consented to a search of his car and police found a 0.40 caliber semi-automatic Polymer 80 pistol wedged between the driver’s seat and center console. The handgun was loaded with 10 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. Alejandro was on federal supervised release for a prior drug trafficking felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. This case was the product of an investigation by the Delano Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Jeffrey A. Spivak prosecuted the case.
These cases are 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
MISSOULA — A Missoula man who trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 120 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Andrew David Ambler, 27, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on May 24, 2024, Ambler was arrested by members of the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force on a parole violation for suspected drug trafficking and firearm-related offenses. Prior to being taken into custody, Ambler attempted to flee on foot while trying to get to his vehicle and discarded a backpack and a bag that were on his person. The backpack and bag contained a loaded .22 caliber pistol, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. A search of Ambler’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills, which he admitted he intended to distribute.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
XXX
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
MISSOULA — A Missoula woman who trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 156 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Emily Svoboda, 31, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on November 23, 2022, a confidential source purchased 100 fentanyl pills from Svoboda for $600. The source asked Svoboda if she had any “clear” – a slang term for meth – and Svoboda said she did not currently but likely would be resupplying later in the evening. The confidential source asked for a “roll” of fentanyl pills (100), and Svoboda said she could provide that. Svoboda had a bag of approximately 200 pills but was not willing to sell all of them. Five days later, on November 28, 2022, the confidential source purchased 26.5 grams of methamphetamine and 50 fentanyl pills from Svoboda for $1,000. And on December 9, 2022, Svoboda sold the source 53.7 grams of methamphetamine and 100 fentanyl pills for $1,400. A review of Svoboda’s Facebook pages revealed messages related to drug transactions and she admitted to law enforcement she sold drugs. She said she received between two and four ounces of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator every two to four weeks from roughly September to December 2022.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Missoula Police Department, and Missoula HIDTA conducted the investigation.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
XXX
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police investigating the murder of David John Robinson continue to make progress after new leads breathed renewed energy into the investigation.
The homicide investigation was launched on 28 December 1998 after David’s body was located on a remote West Coast beach near Ross.
For more than 25 years, the investigation has remained open but unresolved, prompting Police to review the case and, in mid-February this year, undertake further enquires.
Approximately two weeks before David’s body was located, mid-morning between 14 and 18 December, a single gunshot was heard by numerous people in the settlement of Kakapotahi.
Since the beginning of the initial investigation, Police have known David was shot once in the head with a .22 calibre firearm.
Detective Inspector Geoff Baber says Police have never located the firearm that was used to murder David.
“As part of the reopened investigation, Police have received a number of .22 firearms from individuals who owned them in the Kakapotahi area in December 1998.
“We are now able to conduct forensic examinations on these firearms so we can rule out any not used in David’s murder.”
Police would like to hear from anyone else who owned a .22 firearm and was in the Kakapotahi area in 1998, or anyone who knew someone in the wider area who had such a firearm.
“For the purpose of our investigation, we ask for people to get in touch, let us know who may have these firearms now, and whether Police could take them temporarily for the purpose of conducting a forensic examination.
“We continue to appeal for anyone who may have owned, used, or had seen a green 4×4 vehicle around 1998 in the Kakapotahi area to please contact us.
“It is not too late to provide David’s family with answers – if you know something, we encourage you to come forward and speak with us.”
If you have information that could assist Police’s investigation, please email us via the Cold Case form on the New Zealand Police website, or call 105 and reference the case number 231129/2221.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Washington State News
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Nick Brown today told legislators they can save lives by passing permit to purchase legislation for gun buyers (HB 1163).
“This policy gives us the tools we need to ensure gun buyers aren’t doing so illegally under existing state and federal laws,” Brown said in his testimony to the Senate Committee on Law & Justice. “Through background checks, training, and other safety steps, we can make meaningful use of the critical time between someone’s choice to purchase a firearm and when they obtain that weapon.”
The bill, which the committee is scheduled to vote on Thursday, enhances permitting for firearms by requiring applicants to complete State Patrol-certified safety training, including essential firearm safety procedures, responsible firearm handling, and live-fire exercises to ensure practical firearm proficiency.
“Research and data clearly show that permit-to-purchase programs reduce gun-related deaths, curb gun trafficking, and improve law enforcement officer safety. This bill will save lives,” said Senate Law & Justice Committee Chair Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond.
HB 1163 also establishes in-depth background checks conducted to receive a permit, background checks at the point of purchase, and an annual re-check to ensure permit holders remain eligible. Together, these elements provide more certainty that people who are prohibited from owning guns are quickly and consistently identified and won’t be able to purchase a firearm.
“Gun violence is the number one cause of death for our kids. Not disease, not vehicular collisions, not drugs. As a mom of two little kids, and having lost someone I love to gun violence, this is personal to me,” said House Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, the bill’s lead sponsor. “But I am not alone. Being afraid that our children will suffer from gun violence should not be part of our daily lives. It is unacceptable, it is unsustainable, and we must act today. Permit to Purchase will save lives and make all our communities safer.”
Connecticut enacted similar permit-to-purchase legislation 30 years ago and saw a 40% drop in gun homicides in the decade that followed, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers.
“This bill builds on our commonsense requirement that background checks be part of the process for buying firearms in Washington,” said Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds. “By having people get a permit and background check before they purchase, we can ensure only responsible owners are the ones who have access to firearms in our state/”
The bill previously passed out of the House on a vote of 58-38.
-30-
Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Media Contact:
Email: press@atg.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 753-2727
General contacts: Click here
Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phillipa C. McCormack, Future Making Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
A bill introduced to parliament this week, if passed, would limit the government’s power to reconsider certain environment approvals when an activity is harming the environment.
It fulfils Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s promise last month to introduce new laws to allow salmon farming to continue in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour. This salmon farming is currently mooted for reconsideration.
There’s no doubt Australia’s nature laws need reform. The latest review found “Australians do not trust that the EPBC Act is delivering for the environment, for business or for the community”.
But stopping the government from reconsidering a past decision is no way to fix these flaws. Reconsidering decisions is necessary if new evidence shows the activity is causing much more harm to nature, or a different kind of harm, than anticipated.
Salmon have been farmed in Macquarie Harbour for almost 40 years, but activity has increased over the past decade.
In 2012, Tasmania’s Department of Primary Industries sought approval to expand farming in the harbour, despite possible impacts on threatened species and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
But then-Environment Minister, Tony Bourke, declared no further consideration was needed and the action could proceed, because the proposal was not
“a controlled action”. Under the Act, a controlled action is any activity likely to impact on a matter of national environmental significance, such as a threatened species. A project or development deemed a controlled action then requires approval from the environment minister.
However, Bourke’s decision was subject to conditions – most importantly, to ensure no significant impacts to the Maugean skate.
In late 2023, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek received a series of requests to reconsider Bourke’s 2012 decision.
The power to request a reconsideration is available to anyone. If substantial new information justifies it, the minister may revoke the original decision and make a new one.
In the Macquarie Harbour case, these reconsideration requests relied on scientific studies completed after 2012. One highlighted the skate’s vulnerability to changing water conditions. Another released last month showed a strong correlation between more intense salmon farming and increased extinction risk for the skate.
Plibersek has not made a decision yet. However, documents her office released under Freedom of Information laws show new evidence. This evidence supports a declaration that salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour should be reconsidered. That could trigger a full review of salmon farming in the Harbour.
However, the bill Labor has introduced would strip the minister’s powers to reconsider the earlier decision.
On Monday a government spokesperson said:
This bill is very specific – it’s a minor change, with extremely strict criteria – focused on giving Tasmanian workers certainty while government investments protect the Maugean Skate. The existing laws apply to everything else, including all new proposals for coal, gas, and land clearing.
But we disagree. The bill describes the circumstances in which the minister can reconsider a decision. These are cases (such as Macquarie Harbour) where an activity is allowed to proceed without full assessment and approval, in a “particular manner”. The “particular manner” must include complying with a state or territory management arrangement. For example, the salmon farmers have to comply with a Tasmanian government plan for Macquarie Harbour. Finally, these activities must be currently underway, and ongoing in that way, for at least five years.
It is not uncommon for “particular manner” decisions to require compliance with state or territory management arrangements. So the new legislation will catch more than just the Macquarie Harbour project in the “net”.
For instance, our quick search of the EPBC Act portal revealed a similar particular manner decision. This means that, after five years of operation, this second decision will also be immune from challenge.
There would be more where that came from. The bill will not only protect salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.
What’s more, reconsideration powers have been used sparingly – there seems no reason to limit their use further. A search of the EPBC Act public portal reveals only 52 reconsideration requests since the Act began, averaging just two a year. Many of these requests were made by proponents, disgruntled with a “controlled action” decision made in relation to their own projects.
This may sound familiar, because Labor’s bill is similar to Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck’s private bill proposed in December, which also concerned protecting salmon farming jobs in Macquarie Harbour.
The Senate’s Environment and Communications Legislation Committee made a single recommendation on that bill: that it not be passed.
The majority report (from Labor, Greens and Independent senators) provided sensible reasons for recommending the bill be abandoned. It noted the power to request a reconsideration already has “appropriate safeguards”.
Furthermore, these “safeguards strike an appropriate balance by providing industry with confidence and certainty that a decision made will not be easily reversed, while allowing decisions to be reconsidered should new and significant information relating to the decision arise”.
Just four months later, these remain compelling reasons for maintaining the power to reconsider decisions.
This amendment will not achieve the comprehensive reforms the EPBC Act needs. In fact, it will actively undermine these goals. It has been rushed through after years of effort to improve nature laws, on the eve of an election, in a marginal electorate, and has been put to Parliament on the day of a budget lockup.
Despite removing this scrutiny, the bill is unlikely to resolve the controversy in Macquarie Harbour.
Phillipa McCormack receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Environmental Science Program, Natural Hazards Research Australia, Green Adelaide and the ACT Government. She is a member of the National Environmental Law Association and an affiliated member of the Centre for Marine Socioecology.
Justine Bell-James receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Queensland Government, and the National Environmental Science Program. She is a Director of the National Environmental Law Association and a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.
– ref. Protecting salmon farming at the expense of the environment – another step backwards for Australia’s nature laws – https://theconversation.com/protecting-salmon-farming-at-the-expense-of-the-environment-another-step-backwards-for-australias-nature-laws-252814
Source: United Nations 2-b
In an address on Wednesday to Caribbean leaders meeting in Barbados, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a potential plan to support an “effective force” in Haiti as armed gangs continue to terrorize the population.
Mr. Guterres was speaking during the opening of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Meeting in the capital Bridgetown, where he called for unity to achieve progress in peace and security, climate and sustainable development.
“A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force,” he said. “I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promises.”
The Secretary-General noted that the region’s “exquisite beauty is famed the world over, but there is trouble in paradise.”
He told leaders that “wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands – with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes.”
Caribbean countries are experiencing uncertainty fuelled by geopolitical tensions, along with the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring debt and interest rates, and a surge in the cost of living.
These are all happening “amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds, and blowing holes through your national budgets,” and as countries “remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.”
The UN chief insisted that “the cure for these ills is global,” and the world needs to deliver on hard-won global commitments to address the immense challenges the international community is facing.
He listed three key areas “where, together, we must drive progress.”
Mr. Guterres called for unity for peace and security, “particularly to address the appalling situation in Haiti – where gangs are inflicting intolerable suffering on a desperate and frightened people.”
He said CARICOM and its Eminent Persons Group have provided invaluable support in this regard.
“We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections,” he said.
A Security Council-backed Multinational Security Support Mission is currently on the ground to assist the Haitian National Police.
The Secretary-General said he will soon report to the Council on the situation in the country, including proposals on the role the UN can play to both support stability and security, and address the root causes of the crisis.
He intends to present a proposal similar to the one for Somalia, in which the UN assumes responsibility for the structural and logistical expenditures necessary to put the force in place. Salaries are paid through a trust fund that already exists.
“If the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive,” he said, drawing applause.
© WFP/Fedel Mansour
Hurricane Beryl last July caused devastation on Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
His second point – unity on the climate crisis – underlined “a deplorable injustice” as Caribbean countries “have done next to nothing” to create it. Moreover, they have “fought tooth and nail for the global commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.”
Mr. Guterres said countries must deliver new national climate plans ahead of the COP30 UN climate conference later this year. The plans must align with the 1.5 goal, with the G20 group of industrial nations leading the way.
“This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions,” he said. “And it’s a chance for the Caribbean to seize the benefits of clean power, to tap your vast renewables potential, and to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports.”
As finance is required, he underscored the need for confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at the previous COP will be mobilized. Developed countries also must honour their promises on adaptation finance and make meaningful contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.
“When the Fund was created, the pledges made were equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered.”
The Secretary-General said Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change, pioneering bold and creative solutions. He said the Pact for the Future, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, marks significant progress.
Mr. Guterres thanked Caribbean leaders for supporting the Pact, which UN Member States adopted last year.
Key deliverables include support for an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion annually and commitment to reform international financial institutions to allow greater participation by developing countries.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Practice AI™ is proud to announce the launch of its new Lemon Law Demand Letter feature on AI Demands™, its cutting-edge AI-powered demand letter generation platform. Designed specifically for lemon law attorneys, this innovative tool streamlines the drafting process, allowing lawyers to generate detailed, ready-to-send demand letters in minutes.
With AI Demands, attorneys can now effortlessly upload repair orders and key documents, enabling the platform to analyze case details and produce a precise demand letter outlining vehicle defects, case facts, and settlement demands. The AI-driven system automatically extracts critical information from repair records, identifies recurring mechanical failures, and structures a compelling legal argument tailored to each case. This ensures demand letters are not only comprehensive but also strategically optimized to support a strong legal claim.
By automating this complex process, AI Demands significantly reduces the time and effort required to draft effective lemon law claims. Attorneys no longer need to sift through stacks of repair orders manually—AI Demands does the heavy lifting, allowing legal professionals to focus on case strategy and client advocacy. This powerful tool enhances accuracy, ensures legal compliance, and improves overall efficiency, helping attorneys resolve cases faster and achieve better outcomes for their clients.
Revolutionizing Lemon Law Case Management with AI
Lemon law cases require meticulous documentation and persuasive demand letters. AI Demands simplifies this process by providing:
Why Lemon Law Attorneys Need AI Demands
AI Demands empowers attorneys with:
“We’re thrilled to introduce Lemon Law Demands to our Practice AI platform,” said Hamid Kohan, CEO of Practice AI. “Our goal is to empower lemon law attorneys with the tools they need to work faster and more efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of legal precision.”
Proven Results: AI Demands in Action
Since launching the Lemon Law Demand Letter feature, AI Demands has already made a significant impact. One lemon law firm generated 100 demand letters within the first week of using the platform, demonstrating its ability to streamline case management at an unprecedented scale. By automating the drafting process, AI Demands allows firms to handle more cases efficiently, helping them secure faster settlements and maximize productivity.
Start Using AI Demands Today
Lemon law attorneys can now experience the future of legal tech with AI-powered demand letters. With the launch of this new feature, AI Demands makes it easier than ever to generate precise and persuasive demand letters based on repair orders and case documentation. By automating the most time-consuming aspects of the demand letter process, attorneys can focus more on case strategy and client advocacy while ensuring every demand is accurate, well-structured, and legally compliant.
Beyond lemon law, AI Demands is already transforming the way personal injury attorneys handle demand letters. With AI-powered automation, personal injury professionals can generate case-specific demand letters covering motor vehicle accidents, premise liability, dog bites, and more.
Now, both personal injury and lemon law attorneys have access to cutting-edge AI solutions designed to streamline their workflow, reduce administrative burdens, and maximize case outcomes.
Discover how AI Demands can revolutionize your practice by signing up.
For more information about AI Demands, visit Practice AI or contact us below.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Practice AI
Address: 21731 Ventura Blvd. #175, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone: (424) 476-5858
Email: sales@mylawfirm.ai
Visit us on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | X.com
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution hearing entitled “The Censorship Industrial Complex.”
Durbin began by asking Benjamin Weingarten, a Commentator and Senior Contributor to The Federalist, about the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Mr. Weingarten has written about the existence of a so-called Censorship Industrial Complex that he believes has been directed by the Biden Administration. As part of this, Weingarten has stated, “the Capitol riot fueled the war on wrongthink” and that “[c]lemency for Capitol rioters, perhaps above all other opening actions [by the Trump Administration], should represent the start of the end of that war.”
“Do you think the January 6 riot at the Capitol was protected free speech?” Durbin asked.
Mr. Weingarten responded, “I think to the extent there was peaceful protest, that is free speech, and when it bleeds into violence to action, that’s when it certainly crosses a line.”
Durbin responded, “You believe that some of the individuals who received full and unconditional pardons by the President of the United States had in fact crossed the line and were guilty of criminal conduct?”
Mr. Weingarten stated that “some people [on January 6] committed crimes.”
“They certainly did [commit crimes]—140 policemen were assaulted by these rioters. I’m on the policemen’s side and I hope you are too,” said Durbin.
Durbin then asked about Mr. Weingarten’s “whole-of-society war” rhetoric and what it means. Mr. Weingarten said it’s when “government is working hand-in-hand with civil society to achieve some sort of outcome.”
“Do you think that’s inherently wrong or insidious?” Durbin asked.
Mr. Weingarten responded, “On its face, it’s potentially chilling when you have government and civil society working hand-in-glove because that blurring of the line between civil society and the state can cross into potentially draconian methods and outcomes.”
Durbin then asked about whether Mr. Weingarten’s definition of “whole-of-society-war” is in line with the former President George W. Bush’s actions following 9/11.
Durbin then asked Dr. Mary Anne Franks, a Professor at George Washington University Law School, about the Trump Administration’s attacks on law firms. The Trump Administration has recently targeted several law firms for their association with the President’s perceived enemies, including Perkins Coie and Paul Weiss. Reportedly, the Administration has created a list of more than a dozen firms that it may target.
“I think this attack on law firms for representing unpopular clients—unpopular with this Administration—is one of the most dangerous developments I’ve seen and the violation of basic free speech… What do you think about the future of legal representation at these law firms, at least one of them has reached a settlement with the Trump Administration?” Durbin asked.
Dr. Franks responded, “I very much share your alarm about those actions because as you mentioned, access to the courts is a very key principle of our freedoms, and to threaten law firms that are trying to do what all of us should rely on which is to defend people’s rights in court, is extremely chilling.”
Durbin concluded by asking Gabe Rottman, Vice President of Policy at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), about the Trump Administration’s views on freedom of the press. The Trump White House recently refused to allow the Associated Press (AP) in the White House press pool for using “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America.”
“You use the term ‘Gulf of Mexico’ [and] you’re not welcome in the White House,” Durbin said.
Mr. Rottman responded, “it’s explicit viewpoint discrimination that underpins retaliatory actions by the White House and that makes it a First Amendment violation.”
Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
-30-
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Stealing with Force – Jaycar Moonah
Tuesday, 25 March 2025 – 9:27 pm.
Approximately 5:20pm today police attended a reported Robbery at the Jaycar store in Moonah. A 19 year old man and a 19 year old woman are in custody assisting police with their enquiries.
Police allege that the pair entered the store and stole property, and that physical force was used when staff approached them. A witness then assisted and the 19 year old man is alleged to have threatened that he had a knife, although is not believed he had possession of one at the time. There were no injuries sustained by any person.
Police located the man and woman leaving the area and were safely taken into custody without incident. The stolen property was also located nearby.
Sergeant Eaves said “Tasmania Police are thankful there was a safe and quick resolution to this incident. Shop stealing remains a focus area for police and we will continue to target those offending.”
Police have spoken to witnesses in the immediate area as well as obtaining CCTV footage. Investigations are continuing. Police are aware that further members of the public may have witnessed the incident and anybody able to provide further information is asked to contact police on 131 444.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
Source: World Health Organisation
The World Health Organization (WHO) today launched new guidance to help all countries reform and strengthen mental health policies and systems. Mental health services worldwide remain underfunded, with major gaps in access and quality. In some countries, up to 90% of people with severe mental health conditions receive no care at all, while many existing services rely on outdated institutional models that fail to meet international human rights standards.
The guidance provides a clear framework to transform mental health services in line with the latest evidence and international human rights standards, ensuring quality care is accessible to all.
“Despite rising demand, quality mental health services remain out of reach for many people,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This new guidance gives all governments the tools to promote and protect mental health and build systems that serve everyone.”
While effective prevention and treatment interventions exist, most people living with mental health conditions do not have access to these. The new WHO guidance sets out concrete actions to help countries close these gaps and ensure mental health is promoted and protected, with a focus on:
The guidance identifies five key policy areas requiring urgent reform: leadership and governance, service organization, workforce development, person-centred interventions, and addressing social and structural determinants of mental health.
The WHO guidance serves as a critical tool for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders working to strengthen mental health systems and improve access to mental health care.
By offering a menu of policy directives, strategies and actions to guide reform efforts, the guidance supports policy makers to prioritize and tailor policies to their specific national context, in line with their available resources and operational structures.
“This new WHO guidance provides practical strategies for countries to build inclusive, responsive and resilient mental health systems. Designed to be flexible, it allows all countries – whether low- middle- or high-income – to adapt their approach to mental health care based on national context, needs, and priorities,” said Dr Michelle Funk, Unit Head, Policy, Law and Human Rights in the WHO Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
The guidance was developed in consultation with global experts, policymakers and individuals with lived experience. The policy guidance also builds on the resources, guidance and tools developed under the WHO QualityRights initiative, aiming to promote a person-centred, recovery-oriented and rights-based approach to mental health. WHO will support countries in implementing the guidance through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Three arrests were made after a trio attempted to break into a St Heliers convenience store this morning.
Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager Inspector Rachel Dolheguy says a burglary was reported at 1am at the St Heliers Bay Road store.
“Three offenders were reported to be trying to break into the store and had kicked the door in,” she says.
“Units deployed into the St Heliers Village in response.”
The trio were located by the Police Air Support Unit walking on Tamaki Drive.
A 15-year-old male and two girls, aged 12 and 13, were taken into custody, Inspector Dolheguy says.
“Staff have since confirmed that the three young people had managed to steal anything, however the front door was damaged.
“The pair will be dealt with through Youth Aid around intentional damage.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WILMINGTON, Del. – Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Michael Kealty, of Magnolia, Delaware, was sentenced today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware to 10 years in federal prison for his crime of coercing and enticing a minor into sexual activity. The Honorable U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews issued the sentence.
According to Court documents, Mr. Kealty met a 16-year-old girl online and groomed her for six months into producing sexually explicit images and videos of herself. At one point Mr. Kealty threatened to expose the girl’s images to the public if she did not continue to perform for him. Mr. Kealty’s online accounts also showed his attempted exploitation of additional, unidentified minor girls, including a 13-year-old.
Mr. Kealty—a former detective with the Smyrna Police Department—was charged in October 2023 with Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. On October 15, 2024, Mr. Kealty pleaded guilty to an enhanced charge of Coercion/Enticement of a Minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson stated, “Mr. Kealty betrayed his oath, his badge, and his community by exploiting the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. Today’s sentence sends a message that no one is above the law. I commend the FBI for their diligent pursuit of justice in this case and for ensuring that child predators like Mr. Kealty are brought to justice.”
“There is absolutely no tolerance for any actions that hurt a child. Kealty’s crimes are especially egregious considering he swore to protect our communities and children,” says Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “Delaware is safer with him locked up where can no longer victimize or abuse anyone else.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
A woman who spent nearly all of the funds in a special needs trust on her own expenses pled guilty on March 20, 2025, in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Megan Middaugh, age 39, from Marion, Iowa, was convicted of wire fraud.
In a plea agreement, Middaugh admitted that in September 2019 she petitioned a state court for the authority to, among other things, settle a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of the victim and establish a special needs trust for the victim. The court granted her petition in October 2019. In February 2020, Middaugh opened a checking account as the medical assistance special needs trust for the victim and funded it with $67,070.50 from the lawsuit settlement. Middaugh was the trustee on the account. Thereafter, Middaugh spent nearly all of the funds in the trust on her own personal expenses, including gambling. Between February 2020 and January 2021, Middaugh spent $52,000 of the trust funds on online gaming. Middaugh failed to file required annual accountings of the trust in 2020, 2021, and 2022 with the state court. After appearing at a compliance hearing with the court, Middaugh created and filed false reports that appeared to show regular expenditures on the behalf of the victim.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Middaugh remains free on bond previously set. Middaugh faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and was investigated by Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-0089.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a three-count indictment charging JOSE BARET, 33, of Hartford, with narcotics trafficking offenses.
The indictment was returned on January 29, 2025. Baret appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since May 23, 2024, when he was arrested in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on separate charges.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Baret was arrested on related state charges on April 10, 2024. On that date, a search of Baret’s vehicle and a hotel room he used revealed a distribution quantity of fentanyl, and a search of his residence on Goodrich Street in Hartford revealed quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
The indictment charges Baret with two counts of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and heroin. Each offense carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Larceny. The sentencing took place on March 24, 2025.
Zyin Wright, age 22, was sentenced to time served from his arrest on March 27, 2024, through March 24, 2025, equal to approximately one year in custody, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Wright was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,124.47.
Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on December 16, 2024.
The conviction stems from conduct that occurred in March of 2024. On the evening of March 26, 2024, Wright stole a motor vehicle from a residence in Rapid City. He then drove the vehicle to Mission, South Dakota, in the Rosebud Indian Reservation. The vehicle was reported stolen on the morning of March 27, 2024, and it was located in Mission a short time later with the assistance of vehicle-tracking software. Wright was arrested in Mission later that day.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WICHITA, KAN. – An Arizona man was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting his victim at gunpoint as he transported her across state lines. A federal judge also sentenced the defendant to 95 years in prison for other related crimes, to be served concurrent with his life sentence.
Martin Brandon Gillen, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of transportation for criminal sexual activity, one count of transportation of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
In late 2021, Martin Brandon Gillen began an online relationship with a minor female who was then 17 years of age. He persuaded her to take and send him sexually explicit images and videos which he kept and later used to threaten the victim. Over the course of the online relationship, Gillen repeatedly made violent threats against the victim. In March 2024, Gillen traveled to Illinois to pick up the victim then transported her across state lines, from Illinois to Missouri to Kansas. During this trip, Gillen sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.
Gillen and the victim were found in Kansas by officers with the Iola Police Department. In his possession, Gillen had a firearm, multiple magazines, and zip ties. Gillen admitted to officers that his cell phone contained child sexual abuse materials. Subsequent examination by law enforcement revealed hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse materials on his cell phone, as well as sexually explicit images of the female from when she was 17 years old. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also found images of Gillen sexually abusing an unrelated 4-year-old child from Utah on the phone.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Iola Police Department, the New Baden, Illinois Police Department, and the Illinois State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
###