Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that peace in the Union Territory will not be purchased but established by dismantling the entire terror machinery.
Speaking at a function here, the L-G emphasized that the administration is not working to “buy peace,” but to build a lasting and just one in the region.
Sinha said that while no innocent person will be harmed, the guilty will not be spared. He also highlighted the pivotal role being played by the J&K Police in dismantling the terror ecosystem.
“J&K Police has a crucial responsibility to eliminate the support system of terrorists, whether financial, logistical, or otherwise. It is not just the terrorists who must be dealt with, but the entire machinery that supports them,” the L-G stressed.
He criticised the past approach in which individuals linked to terror activities were given government jobs, while victims of terrorism were neglected and left to fend for themselves.
“The administration is now actively working to rehabilitate families who have suffered at the hands of terrorists. Many have lost their loved ones. In some homes, only elderly parents remain after their sons were brutally killed. Thousands were murdered at the behest of Pakistan. On July 13, forty terror victim families in Baramulla were provided appointment letters,” he said.
“Some youths lost their fathers when they were just two years old. Today, we are ensuring that their pain is acknowledged and justice is delivered. Naya Jammu and Kashmir is not just a slogan—it is a reality that has evolved over the past few years. Now, pens and laptops have replaced stones in the hands of the youth. Schools and colleges remain open year-round without hartals. The days of separatist slogans and shutdown calendars are over,” the L-G added.
“Today, our calendars are filled with national and international events,” he said.
L-G Sinha further said that the rattle of guns has been replaced by the hum of factories. People now freely participate in religious and cultural events like Muharram processions and Eid melas, and families can move about without fear—even watching movies in cinema halls.
“People must join hands with the security forces. Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope. And we are committed to making that peace a permanent reality,” he said.
Earlier, L-G said that all properties of terror victims usurped by vested interests backed by terrorists will be restored to their rightful owners by August this year.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that peace in the Union Territory will not be purchased but established by dismantling the entire terror machinery.
Speaking at a function here, the L-G emphasized that the administration is not working to “buy peace,” but to build a lasting and just one in the region.
Sinha said that while no innocent person will be harmed, the guilty will not be spared. He also highlighted the pivotal role being played by the J&K Police in dismantling the terror ecosystem.
“J&K Police has a crucial responsibility to eliminate the support system of terrorists, whether financial, logistical, or otherwise. It is not just the terrorists who must be dealt with, but the entire machinery that supports them,” the L-G stressed.
He criticised the past approach in which individuals linked to terror activities were given government jobs, while victims of terrorism were neglected and left to fend for themselves.
“The administration is now actively working to rehabilitate families who have suffered at the hands of terrorists. Many have lost their loved ones. In some homes, only elderly parents remain after their sons were brutally killed. Thousands were murdered at the behest of Pakistan. On July 13, forty terror victim families in Baramulla were provided appointment letters,” he said.
“Some youths lost their fathers when they were just two years old. Today, we are ensuring that their pain is acknowledged and justice is delivered. Naya Jammu and Kashmir is not just a slogan—it is a reality that has evolved over the past few years. Now, pens and laptops have replaced stones in the hands of the youth. Schools and colleges remain open year-round without hartals. The days of separatist slogans and shutdown calendars are over,” the L-G added.
“Today, our calendars are filled with national and international events,” he said.
L-G Sinha further said that the rattle of guns has been replaced by the hum of factories. People now freely participate in religious and cultural events like Muharram processions and Eid melas, and families can move about without fear—even watching movies in cinema halls.
“People must join hands with the security forces. Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope. And we are committed to making that peace a permanent reality,” he said.
Earlier, L-G said that all properties of terror victims usurped by vested interests backed by terrorists will be restored to their rightful owners by August this year.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police are calling for information after a domestic violence incident that occurred in Angurugu this afternoon.
Around 12:05pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that an 18-year-old female had allegedly been stabbed in the head with a spear by a male known to her.
Police and local clinic staff attended and located the victim conscious, with the spear still embedded. The victim has since been conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital via Care Flight in a serious but stable condition.
The alleged offender remains outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number P25193995. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.
Japanese voters could unleash political turmoil as they head to the polls on Sunday in a tightly contested upper house election, with rising prices and immigration concerns threatening to weaken Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s grip on power.
Opinion polls suggest Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito may fall short of the 50 seats needed to retain control of the 248-seat upper house of parliament, in an election where half the seats are up for grabs.
Polls show that smaller opposition parties pushing for tax cuts and increased public spending are set to gain — among them, the right-wing Sanseito, which vows to curb immigration, oppose foreign capital inflows, and reverse gender equality initiatives.
A poor showing by the coalition could shake investor confidence in the world’s fourth-largest economy and disrupt critical trade talks with the United States, analysts said.
Ishiba may have to choose between stepping aside for a new LDP leader or scrambling to secure the backing of some opposition parties through policy compromises, said Rintaro Nishimura, an associate at the Asia Group in Japan.
“Each scenario requires the LDP and Komeito to make certain concessions, and will be challenging, as any potential partner has leverage in the negotiations,” he added.
After the election, Japan faces a deadline of August 1 to strike a trade deal with the United States or risk punishing tariffs in its largest export market.
Such import levies could squeeze the economy and further pressure the government to provide financial relief to households already reeling from inflation — including a doubling of rice prices since last year.
With an eye on a jittery government bond market, the LDP has called for fiscal restraint, rejecting opposition demands for major tax cuts and increased welfare spending to soften the blow.
Ishiba’s administration lost its majority in the more powerful lower house in October — the LDP’s worst showing in 15 years — roiling financial markets and leaving the prime minister vulnerable to no-confidence motions that could topple his administration and trigger a fresh general election.
Police said a male driver had been shot while being assaulted by onlookers and was taken to a hospital. His condition remains unknown.
Ruled by the LDP for most of the post-war period, Japan has so far largely avoided the social divisions and political fracturing seen in other industrialised democracies.
Voting ends at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT), when media outlets are expected to project results based on exit polls.
By the time counting ceased last night, the ABC had the Liberals on 14 seats, Labor on nine, the Greens on five, and three confirmed independents.
The ABC’s projections of the Tasmanian election, captured at 11:15am on July 20th. ABC News
With 65.3% of the vote counted, four seats remained in doubt. There was a small positive swing to the Liberals (3.3%), while a swing against Labor of 3.1% has them on track for their worst primary vote in more than a hundred years. The final seats may not be confirmed for a couple of weeks.
Love, Labor’s lost
At this stage, it looks like Labor’s gambit – instigating the no confidence motion that led to this election – has utterly failed. The party will now need to engage in some sober self-reflection on two fronts.
First, there is the one-dimensional strategy that brought on the election and allowed the Liberals to blame Labor – and leader Dean Winter in particular – for dragging Tasmanians to the polls again.
Labor had hoped that targeting the no confidence motion specifically at Premier Jeremy Rockliff would encourage the conservative-leaning Liberal cabinet to turf out their moderate leader.
It was a near thing. Rockliff’s rivals apparently had almost enough votes to depose him by the time the Governor called the election.
But did anyone at Labor HQ plan for what would happen if their gamble failed and the Liberals held firm under Rockliff? As Labor’s woefully under-prepared campaign stumbled into motion, it seemed the answer was “no”.
Second, there will be questions asked about that lacklustre campaign, just as there were in 2024. An opposition could not ask for more favourable conditions: an 11-year incumbent government suffering a string of high profile policy failures; a looming mountain of debt; and ongoing health, education, housing, cost of living and sustainability challenges.
And yet, Labor suffered negative swings in every seat, and they are battling to match their 2024 result of 10 seats.
Liberals and Greens hold firm
The Liberals will be pleased with the result. In the face of the dire circumstances outlined above, they have secured a positive swing in their primary vote and may pick up one or (at an outside chance) two additional seats.
It doesn’t seem like their pro-stadium stance lost them votes in the north – where the proposal is unpopular – in part because Labor denied themselves a point of difference by also supporting the stadium.
Another important factor in the north was the recruitment of two former federal Liberal MPs in Bass and Braddon, who are both polling well so far. However, their success may come at the expense of sitting Liberal members.
The Greens’ vote held steady, with a projected 0.2% increase in their primary vote. All of their MPs had been returned before the close of counting on Saturday night, and they will be hoping one more can scrape through in Braddon.
The crossbench zoo
As expected, ex-Labor MP David O’Byrne, centre-left Kristie Johnston, and maverick Northwester Craig Garland were all returned. Johnston and Garland, in particlar, seem to have strongly increased their vote shares.
There will be at least one new independent, with anti-salmon farm advocate Peter George securing a very strong primary vote in Franklin off the back of his recent federal campaign.
There is a chance that this broadly progressive crossbench will be joined by climate change denier and pro-gun rights candidate Carlo di Falco (Lyons) from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers.
Where to now?
So how are the major party leaders approaching the looming period of wheeling and dealing? Who’s forming minority government?
Rockliff was the first to address the tally room on election night. He boldly claimed that the voters had re-endorsed his Liberal government – based on their increased vote share – and said he will ask the Governor to recommission him as premier.
However, with only 14 or 15 seats, it will be challenging for the Liberals to implement their agenda in a parliament featuring a crossbench that is, for the most part, solidly progressive and vehemently anti-stadium.
The Greens’ leader, Rosalie Woodruff, also spoke and again extended an offer of cooperation to Labor.
Finally, as election night drew to a close, Labor Leader Dean Winter stepped up to speak. His tonally confused speech began with a tribute to murdered Tasmanian Police Constable Keith Smith, then shifted to the need for a more collaborative approach to politics. Winter left things on a cliffhanger, essentially saying “let’s wait and see”.
Observers in the room noted the speech was strikingly similar to that given by former leader Rebecca White following the 2024 election – shortly before she was replaced by Winter.
Will Labor have a crack at forming government? There would be a few obstacles to this. First, Winter would have to negotiate support from the diverse crossbench, including the Greens, with whom he has previously vowed not to collaborate.
He and Labor have ignored previous opportunities to seize government in this way, the most recent being just five weeks ago. A change in tack at this stage could be difficult to sell.
And if Rockliff forges ahead with his stated plan, Labor and the crossbench would need to vote down a new Liberal minority government on the floor of parliament. Labor would need to be very certain of their ability to govern before doing this – or risk another election.
So while all of the party leaders spoke of maturity and collaboration in their speeches, until actions match words, Tasmanians will be forced to watch the parliamentary shenanigans continue.
Robert Hortle does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
NT Police are calling for information following a suspicious structure fire in Braitling on Saturday evening.
Around 6:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received multiple reports of a unit on fire at a residential complex on Elliot Street.
Emergency services attended and NT Fire and Rescue Services extinguished the blaze, with a search of the premises confirming no one was inside at the time.
Initial investigations indicate the fire is suspicious, with two mattresses, one on the ground floor and another on the top floor, identified as the points of ignition.
A crime scene was declared, and investigations remain ongoing.
Police urge anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, or who may have CCTV or dash cam footage around the time of the incident, to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500073181.
Detectives are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man seen in CCTV footage, following a sexual assault in May.
A woman in her 30s reported that a man sexually assaulted her in Hammersmith Grove, W6 at around 03:40hrs on Sunday, 18 May.
She is currently being supported by specialist officers.
On the morning of the assault, the victim was followed by a man as she walked along Hammersmith Grove, past Hammersmith Underground station. He caught up to her and sexually assaulted her before running off towards Hammersmith Broadway.
After the victim reported the sexual assault, officers launched an immediate investigation.
They tracked the man’s movements on CCTV before the offence – where he was seen walking along King Street, Hammersmith. Following the assault, he was seen running north on Park Road towards Browning Avenue before heading into a residential area.
He is described as white, in his 20s and approximately 5ft 8in to 6ft tall. He has dark hair and was wearing a black North Face jacket, black trousers and white trainers.
Detective Superintendent Lucy O’Connor, leading the Met’s investigation, said: “Women and girls should be safe to walk the streets of London without being attacked. That is why we need to identify a man in connection with this incident and are now asking the public to help.
“If you were in the area on the morning of Sunday, 18 May or if you recognise the man in the footage, please contact us as soon as possible.”
If you have any relevant information to share, please call 101 providing the reference 01/7513051/25 or message @MetCC on X.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (L, front) leaves the headquarters of Criminal Police of Brazil where he was fitted with an electronic anklet for monitoring, in Brasilia, Brazil, on July 18, 2025. A justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)
A justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the measures include nightly house arrest on weekdays, full-time house arrest on weekends and holidays, wearing an electronic ankle monitor, and a ban on contacting foreign diplomats or visiting embassies and consulates, the supreme court said in a press release.
According to the release, the former president and his son had lobbied in the United States to solicit sanctions against Brazilian officials.
The justice stated that Brazil’s sovereignty will never be negotiated, reaffirming the supreme court’s determination to defend democratic and constitutional principles.
The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian exports effective Aug. 1. Trump linked the hefty tariffs to the ongoing legal proceedings against Bolsonaro.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reacts during a special session at the Brazilian Senate in Brasilia, Brazil, July 17, 2025. A justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (C) leaves the headquarters of Criminal Police of Brazil where he was fitted with an electronic anklet for monitoring, in Brasilia, Brazil, on July 18, 2025. A justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)
United States immigration and deportation enforcement continues to ramp up, impacting on Marshallese and Micronesians in new and unprecedented ways.
The Trump administration’s directive to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and deport massive numbers of potentially illegal aliens, including those with convictions from decades past, is seeing Marshallese and Micronesians swept up by ICE.
The latest unprecedented development is Marshallese and Micronesians being removed from the United States to the offshore detention facility at the US Navy base in Guantánamo Bay — a facility set up to jail terrorists suspected of involvement in the 9/11 airplane attacks in the US in 2001.
Marshall Islands Ambassador to the US Charles Paul this week confirmed a media report that one Marshallese was currently incarcerated at Guantánamo, which is also known as “GTMO”.
The same report from nationnews.com said 72 detainees from 26 countries had been sent to GTMO last week, including from the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
A statement issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE operations, concerning detention of foreigners with criminal records at GTMO said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was using “every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens off our streets and out of our country.”
But the action was criticised by a Marshallese advocate for citizens from the Compact countries in the US.
‘Legal, ethical concerns’ “As a Compact of Free Association (COFA) advocate and ordinary indigenous citizen of the Marshallese Islands, I strongly condemn the detention of COFA migrants — including citizens from the Republic of the Marshall Islands — at the US Naval Base in Guantánamo Bay,” Benson Gideon said in a social media post this week.
“This action raises urgent legal, constitutional, and ethical concerns that must be addressed without delay.”
Since seeing the news about detention of a Marshallese in this US facility used to hold suspected terrorists, Ambassador Paul said he had “been in touch with ICE to repatriate one Marshallese being detained.”
Paul said he was “awaiting all the documents pertaining to the criminal charges, but we were informed that the individual has several felony and misdemeanor convictions. We are working closely with ICE to expedite this process.”
Gideon said bluntly the detention of the Marshallese was a breach of Compact treaty obligations.
“The COFA agreement guarantees fair treatment. Military detention undermines this commitment,” he said.
Gideon listed the strong Marshallese links with the US — service in high numbers in the US military, hosting of the Kwajalein missile range, US military control of Marshall Islands ocean and air space — as examples of Marshallese contributions to the US.
‘Treated as criminals’ “Despite these sacrifices, our people are being treated as criminals and confined in a facility historically associated with terrorism suspects,” he said.
“I call on the US Embassy in Majuro to publicly address this injustice and work with federal agencies to ensure COFA Marshallese residents are treated with dignity and fairness.
“If we are good enough to host your missile ranges, fight in your military, and support your defence strategy, then we are good enough to be protected — not punished. Let justice, transparency, and respect prevail.”
There were 72 immigration detainees at Guantánamo Bay, 58 of them classified as high-risk and 14 in the low-risk category, reported nationnews.com.
The report added that the criminal records of the detainees include convictions for homicide; sexual offences, including against children; child pornography; assault with a weapon; kidnapping; drug smuggling; and robbery.
Civil rights advocates have called the detention of immigration detainees at Guantanamo Bay punitive and unlawful, arguing in an active lawsuit that federal law does not allow the government to hold those awaiting deportation outside of US territory.
In other US immigration and deportation developments:
The delivery last month by US military aircraft of 18 Marshallese deported from the US and escorted by armed ICE agents is another example of the ramped-up deportation focus of the Trump administration. Since the early 2000s more than 300 Marshall Islanders have been deported from the US. Prior to the Trump administration, past deportations were managed by US Marshals escorting deportees individually on commercial flights.
According to Marshall Islands authorities, there have not been any deportations since the June 10 military flight to Majuro, suggesting that group deportations may be the way the Trump administration handles further deportations.
Individual travellers flying into Honolulu whose passports note place of birth as Kiribati are reportedly now being refused entry. This reportedly happened to a Marshallese passport holder late last month who had previously travel
led in and out of the US without issue.
Most Marshallese passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to the US, though there are different levels of access to the US based on if citizenship was gained through naturalisation or a passport sales programme in the 1980s and 1990s.
US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Laura Stone said, however, that “the visa-free travel rules have not changed.”
She said she could not speak to any individual traveller’s situation without adequate information to evaluate the situation.
She pointed out that citizenship “acquired through naturalisation, marriage, investment, adoption” have different rules. Stone urged all travellers to examine the rules carefully and determine their eligibility for visa-free travel.
“If they have a question, we would be happy to answer their enquiry at ConsMajuro@state.gov,” she added.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
United States immigration and deportation enforcement continues to ramp up, impacting on Marshallese and Micronesians in new and unprecedented ways.
The Trump administration’s directive to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and deport massive numbers of potentially illegal aliens, including those with convictions from decades past, is seeing Marshallese and Micronesians swept up by ICE.
The latest unprecedented development is Marshallese and Micronesians being removed from the United States to the offshore detention facility at the US Navy base in Guantánamo Bay — a facility set up to jail terrorists suspected of involvement in the 9/11 airplane attacks in the US in 2001.
Marshall Islands Ambassador to the US Charles Paul this week confirmed a media report that one Marshallese was currently incarcerated at Guantánamo, which is also known as “GTMO”.
The same report from nationnews.com said 72 detainees from 26 countries had been sent to GTMO last week, including from the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
A statement issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE operations, concerning detention of foreigners with criminal records at GTMO said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was using “every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens off our streets and out of our country.”
But the action was criticised by a Marshallese advocate for citizens from the Compact countries in the US.
‘Legal, ethical concerns’ “As a Compact of Free Association (COFA) advocate and ordinary indigenous citizen of the Marshallese Islands, I strongly condemn the detention of COFA migrants — including citizens from the Republic of the Marshall Islands — at the US Naval Base in Guantánamo Bay,” Benson Gideon said in a social media post this week.
“This action raises urgent legal, constitutional, and ethical concerns that must be addressed without delay.”
Since seeing the news about detention of a Marshallese in this US facility used to hold suspected terrorists, Ambassador Paul said he had “been in touch with ICE to repatriate one Marshallese being detained.”
Paul said he was “awaiting all the documents pertaining to the criminal charges, but we were informed that the individual has several felony and misdemeanor convictions. We are working closely with ICE to expedite this process.”
Gideon said bluntly the detention of the Marshallese was a breach of Compact treaty obligations.
“The COFA agreement guarantees fair treatment. Military detention undermines this commitment,” he said.
Gideon listed the strong Marshallese links with the US — service in high numbers in the US military, hosting of the Kwajalein missile range, US military control of Marshall Islands ocean and air space — as examples of Marshallese contributions to the US.
‘Treated as criminals’ “Despite these sacrifices, our people are being treated as criminals and confined in a facility historically associated with terrorism suspects,” he said.
“I call on the US Embassy in Majuro to publicly address this injustice and work with federal agencies to ensure COFA Marshallese residents are treated with dignity and fairness.
“If we are good enough to host your missile ranges, fight in your military, and support your defence strategy, then we are good enough to be protected — not punished. Let justice, transparency, and respect prevail.”
There were 72 immigration detainees at Guantánamo Bay, 58 of them classified as high-risk and 14 in the low-risk category, reported nationnews.com.
The report added that the criminal records of the detainees include convictions for homicide; sexual offences, including against children; child pornography; assault with a weapon; kidnapping; drug smuggling; and robbery.
Civil rights advocates have called the detention of immigration detainees at Guantanamo Bay punitive and unlawful, arguing in an active lawsuit that federal law does not allow the government to hold those awaiting deportation outside of US territory.
In other US immigration and deportation developments:
The delivery last month by US military aircraft of 18 Marshallese deported from the US and escorted by armed ICE agents is another example of the ramped-up deportation focus of the Trump administration. Since the early 2000s more than 300 Marshall Islanders have been deported from the US. Prior to the Trump administration, past deportations were managed by US Marshals escorting deportees individually on commercial flights.
According to Marshall Islands authorities, there have not been any deportations since the June 10 military flight to Majuro, suggesting that group deportations may be the way the Trump administration handles further deportations.
Individual travellers flying into Honolulu whose passports note place of birth as Kiribati are reportedly now being refused entry. This reportedly happened to a Marshallese passport holder late last month who had previously travel
led in and out of the US without issue.
Most Marshallese passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to the US, though there are different levels of access to the US based on if citizenship was gained through naturalisation or a passport sales programme in the 1980s and 1990s.
US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Laura Stone said, however, that “the visa-free travel rules have not changed.”
She said she could not speak to any individual traveller’s situation without adequate information to evaluate the situation.
She pointed out that citizenship “acquired through naturalisation, marriage, investment, adoption” have different rules. Stone urged all travellers to examine the rules carefully and determine their eligibility for visa-free travel.
“If they have a question, we would be happy to answer their enquiry at ConsMajuro@state.gov,” she added.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force are investigating after 7-year-old child died in Tiwi this afternoon.
Around 1:55pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a 7-year-old female was struck by a falling palm tree at an address in Tiwi while playing in the yard.
Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital; however, she was pronounced deceased prior to arrival.
A 11-year-old male was struck also struck by the palm tree and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident is not believed to be suspicious.
Investigations are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The annual Amarnath Yatra continues to progress smoothly, with over 2.73 lakh pilgrims having had darshan at the holy cave shrine in the last 16 days since the pilgrimage began on July 3, officials confirmed.
On Saturday, a fresh batch of 6,365 pilgrims departed from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys. The first convoy, comprising 92 vehicles, left at 3:25 a.m. with 2,851 pilgrims heading to the Baltal base camp, while the second convoy of 119 vehicles departed at 3:53 a.m., carrying 3,514 yatris to the Pahalgam base camp.
Rituals associated with the Yatra are also underway. On July 10, the Bhumi Pujan of the Chhari Mubarak-the sacred mace of Lord Shiva-was performed at the Gauri Shankar temple in Pahalgam. The ceremony was led by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, the custodian of the mace. The Chhari Mubarak was taken from its seat at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar to Pahalgam and later returned to its original place. It will begin its final journey to the cave shrine on August 4 and reach on August 9, marking the culmination of the Yatra on Shravan Purnima, which also coincides with Raksha Bandhan.
In the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow—where 26 civilians were killed—authorities have implemented extensive multi-layered security measures. An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to strengthen the existing presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police forces.
Pilgrims can undertake the 38-day Yatra via two routes: the traditional Pahalgam route, a 46 km trek taking four days via Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni; or the shorter Baltal route, involving a 14 km trek that allows a return the same day. However, helicopter services have not been made available this year due to security concerns.
The cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 metres, houses a naturally formed ice stalagmite, believed by devotees to represent Lord Shiva. The formation is known to wax and wane with the lunar cycle.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police have arrested a 50-year-old female in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Palmerston on Friday evening.
Around 8:20pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a man had allegedly been stabbed during a domestic violence disturbance at the Palmerston Bus Exchange.
Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene, where the male victim was located unconscious. He was conveyed to Palmerston Regional Hospital for treatment with non-life-threatening injuries.
A 50-year-old female was arrested at the scene and a crime scene was established. CCTV footage has been obtained, and investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist, to contact 131 444. Please quote reference number P25192391. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Rene Graham almost a year ago say that the answers sit within a “small pocket of the community”.
A murder investigation was launched after Rene was killed in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park at around 19:20hrs on Sunday, 21 July.
CCTV footage showed the suspect walking calmly towards the busy park before he entered via the children’s play area and shot Rene in the chest. Rene sadly died at the scene.
Footage also showed that after shooting Rene, the suspect chased and attempted to shoot a second victim, before fleeing the area. Detectives have released some of the CCTV today to assist their investigation and independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation said: “Rene was tragically shot dead during a busy music festival. Since the launch of the investigation, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and taken numerous statements from witnesses.
“Rene’s family have continued to be supported throughout these enquiries, and they remain understandably devastated about his death.
“Recently, a man in his 20s was interviewed under caution in relation to Rene’s murder and we continue to investigate all lines of enquiry.”
The footage released today shows the suspect walking in the direction of the park, appearing to pull a gun from his pocket and then running from the area shortly after the shooting.
DCI Foxwell added: “The person responsible for Rene’s murder opened fire in a busy park where dozens of people, including very young children, were enjoying themselves.
“Officers have appealed to the local community on multiple occasions – we believe there are people sitting on the name of the person responsible.
“This person, who was willing to take the life of Rene and risk the lives of others, remains in your community. Now is the time to get in touch with us to give Rene’s family the peace they deserve.
“Our thoughts, remain as ever, with them.”
Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for Rene’s murder.
Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Rene, was very sadly murdered last year in broad daylight with over two hundred people present.
“The significant and lasting impact on his family, friends, and the local community, cannot be underestimated and our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones.
“We believe someone who either witnessed the incident or knows of someone who was there on the day, will have information. No matter how insignificant they think it could be, it could help bring those responsible to justice. You can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously – we won’t ask for your name and are unable to identify your telephone number or IP address if you are reporting online.
“We don’t record calls, so once you have contacted our Charity there is no further involvement. Your information is passed anonymously on to the Police with no questions asked. Please do the right thing to find justice for Rene, who was only 15 years-old at the time of his death. Your information could make a real difference, and you may be eligible for a reward.”
Crimestoppers urges anyone with information regarding Rene’s murder or any details that could assist the investigation to come forward. Information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Any information can be provided to police by calling 101 or messaging @MetCC on X, providing the reference CAD 6343/21Jul.
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
07.18.25
Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, voted to advance four bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) that contain significant investments for Alaska. The four appropriations bills that passed committee are for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (AG); Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon); Commerce, Justice, and Science and Related Agencies (CJS); and Legislative Branch (LEG). All were approved in committee, and will now advance to the Senate floor for consideration.
“With crucial investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety, and fisheries, we are addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by Alaskans, and helping the sustainability and future of not only our communities, but our way of life. I am proud to fight for Alaskan priorities and ensure that our state’s needs are met,” said Senator Murkowski.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE (CJS) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
Supporting NOAA’s Mission in Alaska
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a vital partner for the state of Alaska, leveraging partnerships at federal, state, local, and Tribal levels. NOAA provides everything from real time weather forecasts to fisheries monitoring, so that our communities are safe and our way of life is sustainable. To that end, Senator Murkowski prioritized ensuring the agency had programmatic support from the CJS Appropriations Bill to further advance their core missions in Alaska.
One of the largest wins included $75 million for NOAA to recapitalize vessels, so that the fleet can continue to provide state-of-the-art weather forecasts and fisheries monitoring. The budget also included a $1 million increase for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Regional Observations, which directly supports Alaska’s Ocean Observing System.
Wins for NOAA Fisheries that will support sustainable seafood harvesting and conserving habitat:
$10 million increase for Fisheries Surveys to support the historical levels of Alaska trawl surveys and exploring shifting fish stocks
$3.125 million for the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP), an increase of $250,000. This program was established to develop improved fishing practices and gear technologies in the effort of reducing bycatch.
$4 million for the Fishery Survey Contingency Fund, which was established through the U.S. Treasury to compensate Alaska fishermen for economic losses.
$5.5 million increase for Salmon Management Activities, which will be used to support the production of 42 million hatchery fish, to help increase the harvest for Tribal, commercial, and recreational fisheries.
$41.5 million for the Pacific Salmon Treaty, a $500K increase from last fiscal year. This funding will go towards joint United States/Canada management of salmon fishing to prevent over-fishing and provide for optimum harvest
$58.4 million for Observers and Training, including $2 million for the North Pacific Observer Program. These programs are essential for the conservation and management of fisheries in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Island, and Gulf of Alaska
Wins for NOAA Weather & Climate Monitoring Systems
$5 million increase for the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). The NDBC is a network of monitoring infrastructure that collects and analyzes real-time data to ensure maritime safety.
$10 million increase for Analyze, Forecast, and Support – includes language supporting tsunami detection and response systems relevant to Alaska.
Advancing Connectivity in Alaska
Senator Murkowski has set herself apart with her focus on broadband infrastructure in Alaska, shepherding record investment to the state through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021. She continues to be a leader in the space, inserting report language in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program that acknowledges Alaska’s challenges with short construction seasons and logistics, laying the groundwork for future flexibility and support if needed. She also directed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to consider supplemental funding that would ensure rural and remote Tribal projects are completed.
Promoting Public Safety in Alaska
Public safety in Alaska is always foremost on Senator Murkowski’s mind—particularly in our rural communities. She used the CJS bill as a vehicle for direct investment towards advancing that goal. The bill includes an increase in funding for the Tribal Youth Program, which does everything from improvements to the juvenile justice system, invest in alcohol and substance abuse prevention programs, and offer mental health services for Tribal youth. She was able to secure a 5% Tribal Set-Aside in the Crime Victims Fund along with strong report language that supports Tribal flexibility and streamlined access. The Senator also included increased funding for Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction, with language supporting Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) efforts and improved Department of Justice (DOJ) grant coordination for Native communities. Additionally, the bill follows up on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on MMIW with a directive for immediate reporting.
Alaska faces some of the highest rates of sexual assault per capita of any state, and Senator Murkowski was intent on using the CJS bill to address this crisis. She approved an almost tripling of the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Grants funding, which will support training and resources for forensic examination of sexual assault survivors. The Senator also included report language directing the Office for Victims of Crime/Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support Alaska-specific Child Advocacy Centers.
The bill also includes funding increases for Transitional Housing Assistance, Underserved Populations Program, Regional Information Sharing Systems, and Veterans Treatment Courts.
Investing in Arctic Research
As the leading expert in Congress on Arctic policy and polar affairs, Senator Murkowski uses her position to advance American priorities in the North. The bill provides $9.1 billion, just $60 million below the last enacted level – preserving support for critical Arctic scientific research despite tight fiscal constraints. Arctic research remains a priority, with the National Science Foundation (NSF) playing a key role in supporting long-term monitoring, infrastructure development, and partnerships with Alaska-based institutions and Indigenous communities.
In addition to broader programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific to local 17 Alaska communities or entities, projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:
Anchorage: $305,000 to support the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Alaska so they can further advance their mission of catching child sexual predators
Anchorage: $1.5 million for the University of Alaska Anchorage to acquire specialty equipment that will help propel the institution to be a leader in biotechnological innovation, leveraging Alaska’s Arctic environment
Bethel: $70,000 for the purchase and installation of a new security system at the Bethel Police Department’s headquarters
Cordova: $355,000 to update equipment for climate and ecosystem monitoring as part of a ten-year long study of the region
Fairbanks: $1.5 million to develop drone-borne maritime lidar to count salmon.
Statewide: $498,000 for the creation and deployment of a Mobile Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) that will provide coordinated care to survivors of sexual assault in rural communities where traditional, stationary services may not be readily available
Southeast: $500,000 for Sealaska Heritage Institute to develop and implement a sustainable workforce development program to address growth in fisheries and ocean sciences in Southeast Alaska over the next ten years
Ketchikan: $3 million to upgrade its radio communication system, which has been identified as an essential public safety need in the after-action plan following recent landslides to improve disaster response and community resilience
Statewide: $2 million for the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation to modernize and revitalize Alaska’s seafood industry by investing in processing innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements.
Statewide: $2.5 million for the North Pacific Research Board to investigate how ecosystem changes in the Northern Bering Sea influence species of commercial, ecological, and subsistence importance to inform local, state, and federal fisheries management
Statewide: $1 million to help implement Next Generation 911, which will improve location accuracy and system resiliency for emergency call centers
Statewide: $500,000 for the Bering Sea Fisherman’s Association to enable Tribes and Tribal organizations to participate as Cooperating Agencies in environmental analysis and management decisions made by federal agencies that affect subsistence resources.
Statewide: $165,000 for the Alaska Ocean Observing System to purchase an Imaging Flow CytoBots (IFCBs) to continue monitoring for harmful algal blooms.
Statewide: $1 million for Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center to support Tribes in implementing survivor-centered and trauma-informed programs in Tribal justice systems
Statewide: $3.5 million for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) to support their mission of serving survivors of gender-based violence
Unalaska: $3.5 million for the Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute to genetically analyze chum salmon from the pollock fishery bycatch in the Bering Sea to determine when and where Western Alaska chum salmon are being caught
Valdez: $5.5 million to replace obsolete and failed emergency services communication towers and equipment
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES (AG) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
Investments in housing and community development
Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Alaska and our country. Senator Murkowski was intent on using the AG spending bill to address this challenge, particularly in rural communities where the cost of development remains prohibitively high. She supported $1.715 billion for the Rental Assistance Program, which will help low-income families around the country with for affordable rental housing in rural areas. She was able to secure $25 million for very low-income housing repair grants so that Alaskans can stay in their homes safely.
Also included in the legislation was $1.25 billion for direct loans to improve critical infrastructure such as public safety buildings and community centers in rural communities.
Updating Alaska’s clean water and utility infrastructure
Senator Murkowski has made it her mission to ensure Alaska has the infrastructure to support daily life – no matter what community Alaskans’ call home. She was able to include $65 million for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Grants, and inserted report language that would prioritize Alaska Native communities. She also was able to secure $8 million for the High Energy Cost Grant Program, which assists energy providers in lowering energy costs for families with extremely high per-household energy costs.
Bolstering food security and agriculture
Senator Murkowski has been focused on bolstering Alaska’s food security for many years. She was able to secure a number of Alaska-specific wins, including:
$5 million for Micro-Grants for Food Security, with report language prioritizing eligibility for reindeer herders, greenhouse growers, and hydroponic farmers
$5 million for Alaska Native-Serving Institutions to promote equal access to education in rural Alaska and provide sustainable food and energy solutions for Alaska Native communities
$3.5 million for the Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Transportation Program, helping offset high freight costs for Alaskan producers
$3 million for the FDPIR 638 Contracting Authority Pilot, with direction for the USDA to allow direct purchases of traditional foods directly from small indigenous producers
$888.9 million for the Summer Food Service Program, with report language supporting the continued implementation of non-congregate meal service to ensure low-income students can eat while school is out
$1.826 billion for Agricultural Research Service, with continued funding for research on cover crops and cereal grains for northern climates and permafrost regions
In addition, the bill includes $80 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program’s storage and distribution funding to ensure rural food banks can receive supplies; a $3 billion increase for Child Nutrition programs, including School Breakfast and School Lunch programs, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, as well as a $603 million increase to fully fund Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill also directs USDA to work with states, tribes, and local stakeholders to use federal nutrition dollars for the direct purchase of foods from local and regional producers for the various food assistance programs.
In addition to programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific for 10 Alaska communities, projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:
Bethel: $605,000 to establish a permanent Food Bank and Pantry in Bethel
Eagle: $750,000 for the construction of a fire hall/public safety building for the local fire department and Emergency Medical Services team
Houston: $1.95 million for the construction of Public Works Facility so preventive maintenance can be performed on equipment
Kenai: $2.045 million for the installation of telecommunications infrastructure to improve emergency response times and enhance public communications
Nunapitchuk: $55,000 to develop a Preliminary Investigation Feasibility Report whether the Native Village of Nunapitchuk can pursue a community-wide relocation project in the Nunavakanukakslak Lake-Johnson River Watershed
Petersburg: $225,000 to purchase emergency response equipment for the local fire department
Statewide: $4.2 million for Alaska Municipal League to purchase heavy equipment for several communities designed to conduct road improvements and maintain infrastructure in rural Alaska
Statewide: $750,000 to expand veterinary care in rural Alaska to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks in communities off the road system
Whittier: $310,000 for the removal and abatement of asbestos hazards in community housing where 85% of the city’s residents live
Wrangell: $2.438 million to rehabilitate Wrangell’s Public Safety Building and Emergency Operations Center
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES (MILCON) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
Ensuring Alaska’s military bases are state-of-the-art facilities
Senator Murkowski is committed to supporting servicemembers in Alaska to ensure they have access to up-to-date resources as they protect and defend our nation, but also bolster their personal well-being as they adapt to life in Alaska. She secured over $400 million in programmatic funding for a Joint Integrated Testing and Training Center (JITTC) at JBER for the Air Force, a base supply complex at JBER for the Air National Guard, and a barracks at Fort Wainwright for the Army.
Supporting Alaska’s veterans
Senator Murkowski was able to secure funding for the construction of State Extended Care Facilities and Veterans Cemeteries. She also secured report language directing the VA to focus on benefits eligibility education for veterans who lack a direct road connection to a VA facility. She also secured her annual bill language to allow for care-sharing agreements between Federally Qualified Health Centers in the State of Alaska and Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service. She made certain that the VA received full funding for mental health programs, telehealth programs, women veteran gender-specific care programs, homelessness programs, and for the Office of Rural Health.
In addition to programmatic funding, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific for 3 of Alaska military installations, projects that have been requested and prioritized by the Department of Defense:
JBER: $45 million to complete the runway extension project for the Air Force.
Eielson Air Force Base: $6.7 million to finish planning and designing of a new permanent party dormitory for the Air Force.
Fort Wainwright: $7.7 million to begin the planning and designing of a new dining facility for the Army.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH (LEG) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
Senator Murkowski inserted report language in the Legislative Branch FY26 Appropriations Act that incentivizes the Senate Dining Room and food-service facilities in the Capitol to source domestic seafood products, including wild-caught Alaska salmon.
NEW ORLEANS – ActingU.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that CLEMENT LEACH (“LEACH”), age 54, of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 2, 2025 after previously pleading guilty to Bank Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced LEACH to 80 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release following his release from prison, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. LEACH was also ordered to pay $920 in restitution for robbing Chase Bank on March 2, 2020.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force, and officers of New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
An armed serial robber and convicted felon who robbed five cash loan businesses across the Fort Worth metroplex was sentenced today to 60 years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.
Charles Brownlee, 37, was convicted by a jury in March 2025 for one count of Hobbs Act Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery, five counts of Hobbs Act Interference with Commerce by Robbery, five counts of Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm during a Crime of Violence, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He was sentenced today to 720 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, who also ordered him to pay $21,123.47 in restitution.
According to evidence presented at trial, between May 9 and May 21, 2024, Brownlee robbed at gunpoint five Cash Store businesses in Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Euless, Hurst, and Grapevine. Trying to conceal his identity, Brownlee covered his face with a medical mask and wore different baseball caps and outfits for the robberies.
“After terrorizing employees at multiple businesses throughout the DFW area, this defendant’s violent crime spree ended because of the stellar work of our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “The lengthy sentence imposed justly puts this serial felon behind bars for a very long time and serves as a message to others that we will vigorously prosecute those who jeopardize our communities’ safety.”
“The significant sentence received by the defendant is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Longhorn Violent Crimes Task Force to hold a violent, serial robber accountable. This individual committed a series of robberies throughout Tarrant County and strong partnerships with local law enforcement allowed us to stop these acts of violent crime,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI will continue to work alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement to surge resources and fight violent crime in our communities across North Texas.”
Numerous law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, Fort Worth Resident Agency, Grand Prairie Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, Euless Police Department, Hurst Police Department, and Grapevine Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric B. Chen and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas prosecuted and tried the case.
A man who shot his roommate while under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms has been sent to federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.
Russell Alan Ragsdale, 25, has been in federal custody since his arrest on November 22, 2024. On April 29, 2025, Ragsdale pled guilty to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. On July 17, 2025, Senior United States District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn sentenced Ragsdale to 66 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Ragsdale was arrested on Feb. 3, 2022, in Seagoville for the felony murder of his roommate. At the time, Ragsdale told Seagoville law enforcement that his roommate attacked him, and he claimed he “shot him many times” in self-defense. Officers recovered three firearms, including a 10mm Glock and an AR-15 rifle, and almost two grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms from the residence. An analysis of Mr. Ragsdale’s phone showed a history of drug use dating back to November 2021, as well as evidence of purchasing and using hallucinogenic mushrooms on Feb. 2, 2022. As part of his guilty plea, Ragsdale admitted that he was legally intoxicated from consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms when he possessed the 10mm Glock.
During sentencing, Judge Lynn found that the defendant did not present sufficient evidence to support his self-defense claim. The Court also noted that the unfortunate death of the victim was the defendant’s own making. Ragsdale remains in custody pending transfer to the Bureau of Prisons to serve his sentence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division, the Seagoville Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, which participated in the murder investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jongwoo Chung prosecuted the case.
An intense, weeklong manhunt for Benjamin Hanil Song—an alleged shooter at the Prairieland Detention Center on July 4th—has ended with his arrest by FBI agents in Dallas, Texas, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.
Song’s capture marks the fourteenth arrest in the case. Court documents reflect that Song, a former United States Marine Corps reservist, joined ten others in an organized attack against officers at the Prairieland Detention Center just after 10:30 p.m., Friday, July 4. Song has been charged by federal complaint with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
Ten others charged with these offenses in a July 7th complaint include Cameron Arnold, Savanna Batten, Nathan Baumann, Zachary Evetts, Joy Gibson, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Seth Sikes, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto. Also on July 7, Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada was charged with obstruction of justice for concealing evidence related to the ambush after talking with Rueda, who was in custody at the time. Two others, John Thomas and Lynette Sharp, were charged on July 14 with accessory after the fact when law enforcement agents determined that they helped Song abscond from the Prairieland area and evade arrest.
The complaints allege that group was dressed in black military style clothing. The group began shooting fireworks towards the detention center, and some sprayed graffiti on vehicles and a guard structure in the parking lot at the facility. These destructive acts were designed to lure correctional officers outside the facility. After correctional officers called 911 to report suspicious activity, an Alvarado police officer responded to the scene. Upon exiting his vehicle, the officer was shot in the neck by a defendant positioned in nearby woods. Another alleged assailant across the street fired 20 to 30 rounds at unarmed correctional officers who had stepped outside the facility.
As alleged in the complaints, Song purchased four of the guns associated with the ambush. Additionally, defendants communicated using Signal Chat groups to plan the attack and share reconnaissance, including an image of the Prairieland Detention Center that identified the locations of six local police departments.
Ten assailants charged in the July 7th complaint fled from the detention center but were apprehended by additional responding law enforcement officers. Song, however, was not located by law enforcement officers that night. As alleged, the location data associated with Song’s cellular telephone indicates that his phone was located within several hundred meters of the Prairieland Detention Center from late in the evening of July 4, 2025, until after dark on July 5, the day after the shooting.
“After the immediate apprehension of Song’s coconspirators at the scene, the FBI and our federal prosecutors—together with our other law enforcement partners—worked tirelessly around the clock pursuing Song. Their tremendous efforts culminated in the arrest of this alleged violent criminal today,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “Though Song escaped by hiding overnight after the attack, we were confident he would not remain hidden for long. The fourteen individuals who planned and participated in these heinous acts will be prosecuted, and we expect justice will be swift.”
“The FBI has worked tirelessly to arrest everyone associated with the shooting at the Prairieland Detention Center. We would like to thank all the entities that publicized this case and assisted in our efforts to successfully locate Benjamin Song,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “His arrest is the result of our determination to protect not only the community, but also our law enforcement partners that were the targets of a coordinated attack. We have said it before, the FBI will not tolerate acts of violence toward law enforcement and will thoroughly investigate anyone that commits these types of offenses.”
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, most of the charged defendants face a minimum penalty of ten years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Those defendants charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact face a maximum of ten years and fifteen years in federal prison, respectively.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI—Dallas, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Office (ICE ERO), ATF, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Alvarado Police Department, and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
BILLINGS – A Billings man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 72 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
In March 2025, a federal jury found Joshua David Heafner, 40, guilty of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 14, 2023, around 8:00 p.m., the Billings Police Department received a report of a hit and run at the intersection of North 31st Street and 6th Avenue North. Officers observed an unoccupied Volkswagen Passat in the middle of the intersection and witnesses described a man who resembled Heafner fleeing the scene on foot after the accident. Inside the car, officers saw a black pistol, some rounds of ammunition, and a methadone bottle with Heafner’s name on it. Heafner, who had outstanding arrest warrants at the time, was located near his residence, where he ran from the police before eventually being detained. Further investigation of the Passat revealed Heafner’s fingerprints in multiple locations on the driver’s side and on a cell phone found on the front driver’s side floorboard. Heafner was convicted of assault on a peace officer, robbery, and assault with a weapon, all felonies, in Billings in September 2013.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Yerger and Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Billings Police Department.
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.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on July 8, 2025, MERVIN AMACKER, JR. (AMACKER), age 43, pled guilty to Count 1 and Count 2 of a Superseding Bill of Information that charged him with carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2119(1) and felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). As to each of Counts 1 and 2, AMACKER faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. AMACKER’ssentencing is set for October 14, 2025.
On March 8, 2023, AMACKER boarded an New Orleans Regional Transit Authority bus at Hayne Boulevard and Lacombe Street in New Orleans East. The bus proceeded on its normal route until near the intersection of Curran Boulevard and Vincent Road, at which time AMACKER produced a firearm and demanded to be driven to the hospital. At various points, he threatened to shoot or kill the driver. The driver began to drive at a high rate of speed, disregarding traffic signals.
When the bus arrived at the hospital, AMACKER demanded that the driver proceed up the ramp to the emergency room entrance. AMACKER then exited the bus, walked into the emergency room, and was admitted. He reported that he was suffering from a gunshot wound. He was found to be in possession of a loaded Ruger Model 9E, nine-millimeter pistol. The firearm was secured by hospital security and surrendered to NOPD.
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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $14,566,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Maine law enforcement and public safety upgrades. These projects were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now await consideration by the full Senate and House.
“It is critical that the men and women who make up Maine’s finest and bravest have access to the most effective equipment to better protect themselves and our communities,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would improve public safety efforts and emergency response capacity throughout Maine. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bills to be considered by the full Senate.
Funding advanced by Senator Collins for Maine law enforcement and public safety upgrades in the FY 2026 CJS Appropriations bill is as follows:
Cornish Public Safety Communications EquipmentRecipient: Town of CornishProject Location: Cornish, MEAmount Requested: $218,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.
Farmington Police Department Public Safety EquipmentRecipient: Farmington Police DepartmentProject Location: Farmington, MEAmount Requested: $240,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.
Hancock County Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Hancock County Project Location: Hancock County, ME Amount Requested: $2,300,000 Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Hancock County.
Kennebunk Public Safety Communications Equipment Recipient: Town of KennebunkProject Location: Kennebunk, MEAmount Requested: $5,018,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.
Lewiston Police Department Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Lewiston Police DepartmentProject Location: Lewiston, ME Amount Requested: $2,170,000Project Purpose: To purchase protective gear and other public safety equipment.
Lincoln Police Department Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Lincoln Police DepartmentProject Location: Lincoln, ME Amount Requested: $565,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.
Rumford Police Department Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Rumford Police DepartmentProject Location: Rumford, ME Amount Requested: $1,000,000 Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.
Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Project Location: Somerset County, ME Amount Requested: $294,000 Project Purpose: To increase evidence storage capacity and purchase public safety equipment.
Veazie Police Department Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Town of Veazie Police DepartmentProject Location: Veazie, ME Amount Requested: $125,000 Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.
Waldo County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety EquipmentRecipient: Waldo County Sheriff’s OfficeProject Location: Waldo County, MEAmount Requested: $688,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Waldo County.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety EquipmentRecipient: Washington County Sheriff’s OfficeProject Location: Washington County, MEAmount Requested: $187,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Washington County.
Wells Police Department Emergency Response VesselRecipient: Wells Police DepartmentProject Location: Wells, MEAmount Requested: $599,000 Project Purpose: To purchase an emergency response vessel and related equipment.
Winthrop Public Safety Communications EquipmentRecipient: Town of WinthropProject Location: Winthrop, ME Amount Requested: $1,162,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.
This funding builds on the more than $12 million Senator Collins secured for fire stations and emergency services throughout Maine in the FY 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
BOSTON —The former leader of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios was sentenced in Boston federal court on July 16 to RICO conspiracy charges following an investigation by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations New England field office.
Aaron Diaz Liranzo aka Sosa, 26, was sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2025, Diaz Liranzo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. Diaz Liranzo was arrested and charged in February 2025 at which time he was the Leader of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios.
Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey D. Noble and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Redd made the announcement.
The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprising thousands of members across the United States. The group adheres to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to organize and execute violence, and have undertaken extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members.
In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 Trinitarios leaders and members. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, which began in the aftermath of four murders and a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in the Lynn area, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members.
From at least 2021 through 2025, Diaz Liranzo served as the “Primera,” or “Number One” of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios. He admitted to participating in a shooting that took place in March 2019 that targeted multiple rival gang members outside a Lynn nightclub. Another gang member, who posed as a woman who needed a ride, lured the victims there. Equipped with a firearm and knowledge of the victims’ vehicle and whereabouts, the defendant traveled to the nightclub and opened fire, discharging at least six rounds. During the incident, Diaz Liranzo shot two of the three victims seated in the car. Both victims suffered life-threatening injuries, but ultimately survived the incident.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office and the Andover, Boston, Lawrence, Peabody and Salem Police Departments provided valuable assistance.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
BOSTON — An investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England alongside its law enforcement partners led to the July 15 sentencing of two members of La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, for their roles in a previously-unsolved murder.
Jose Vasquez aka Cholo aka Little Crazy, 31, was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. In May 2025, Vasquez pleaded guilty to violent crime in aid of racketeering. He was already serving a 212-month prison sentence for a May 2018 federal conviction for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. In total, Vasquez will serve a total of 37 years for his MS-13-related crimes.
William Pineda Portillo aka Humilde, 31, a Salvadoran national who was unlawfully residing in Everett, was sentenced to 16 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He is subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In May 2023, Pineda Portillo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise conspiracy.
Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in ChargeMichael J. Krol, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks, Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey D. Noble, Somerville Police Chief Shumeane Benford and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement July 17.
Pineda Portillo and Vazquez were indicted by a federal grand jury along with other MS-13 members in September 2024. Specifically, Pineda Portillo and Vasquez conspired with others to murder a 28-year-old man on Dec. 18, 2010, in Chelsea. That evening, law enforcement responded to a 911 call in the vicinity of the Fifth Street on-ramp to Route 1 in Chelsea. There, they found the victim with approximately 10 stab wounds to his chest and back, along with injuries to his head. The victim was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. A recent reexamination of evidence collected during the initial investigation identified members of MS-13, including Vasquez, as having committed the murder.
In the week leading up to the incident, Vasquez and other MS-13 members conspired to murder the victim because they believed he belonged to a rival gang. Evidence revealed that on the day of the murder, Pineda Portillo picked up Vasquez, other MS-13 members and the victim in Allston. Driving a vehicle registered to his father, Pineda Portillo took the MS-13 members and the victim to Chelsea, where Vasquez and the other gang members led him to an area under an on-ramp to Route 1. Once in the secluded area under the highway, an MS-13 member hit the victim in the head with a rock and another MS-13 member stabbed him with a machete. During the attack, Vasquez stabbed the victim with a knife. Vasquez’s palm print was identified on the handle of a silver kitchen knife recovered from the murder scene. The victim’s blood was also found on the knife.
An undercover recording obtained approximately six weeks after the murder captured one MS-13 member acknowledging his participation in the murder and other gang members disciplining him for leaving Massachusetts after the murder without the gang’s permission.
Pineda Portillo fled to El Salvador before investigators could interview him about his role in the murder. On or about April 29, 2015, after Pineda Portillo returned to the U.S., he arranged to sell a firearm loaded with eight rounds of ammunition to a cooperating witness in exchange for money.
On or about June 1, 2015, Pineda Portillo conspired to murder an MS-13 member he incorrectly believed had been arrested and was cooperating with law enforcement. Specifically, in a conversation recorded by law enforcement, Pineda Portillo said, among other things: “I want that son of a bitch killed, man … You will see, homeboy! We are going to do a complete thing to that son of a bitch, dude.”
Pineda Portillo was originally indicted in 2017. Shortly before the indictment was returned, he was deported to El Salvador. Approximately five years later, on May 10, 2022, Pineda Portillo was arrested as he tried to return to the U.S, illegally crossing the border into Texas from Mexico.
According to court documents, after being arrested at the border, Pineda Portillo admitted that he was a member of MS-13. A fingerprint analysis indicated there was a warrant for his arrest. Pineda Portillo was then returned to the District of Massachusetts, where he remained in custody.
ATF Boston, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance in this case.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Connecticut man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to import GBL with intent to manufacture GHB, and concealment money laundering.
In May 2024, investigators learned that Hatem S. Salem, 56, was importing quantities of GBL, a precursor for the “date-rape” drug GHB, into Virginia from China. From August 2024 through January 2025, law enforcement conducted five controlled purchases of various controlled substances, including cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, and over 100 grams of meth from Salem.
On Jan. 30, investigators searched Salem’s residence in Shelton, Connecticut. Agents recovered 151 grams of meth, 626 grams of cocaine, various quantities of Ketamine, MDMA, and LSD, bottles containing GBL and GHB, and 157 boxes containing nearly 1,200 liters of suspected GBL in Salem’s basement. As part of his guilty plea, Salem admitted that over 2,000 liters of GBL was involved in the importation conspiracy. Investigators also discovered a clandestine lab in Salem’s shed that contained substances and equipment for manufacturing GHB. A financial investigation revealed that Salem used various methods, such as convoluted transactions between business and personal bank accounts, to conceal or disguise the proceeds from his drug conspiracy. Investigators seized assets constituting proceeds of Salem’s drug trafficking conspiracy and property involved in money laundering, including approximately $370,000 in cash and $171,500 in cryptocurrency.
Salem has several prior federal narcotics-related convictions. In 1999, Salem was convicted for conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, distribution of anabolic steroids, and making false statements. In 2005, Salem was convicted for distribution of GBL and GHB while he was on probation for his 1999 conviction. In 2015, Salem was convicted for unlawful importation of GBL with intent to manufacture GHB.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annie Zanobini prosecuted the case.
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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-105.
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that a jury found Nathan James Meek of Colorado Springs guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to evidence presented at trial, Meek sold large quantities of narcotics in the Colorado Springs area, including methamphetamine and fentanyl. He was arrested on January 18, 2024, and investigators recovered a cellphone, a firearm, 10 fentanyl pills, 6.2 grams of methamphetamine, and over $3,000 in cash from his person and vehicle. Officers obtained a search warrant for Meek’s apartment and recovered 2,202 grams of methamphetamine, 131 grams of fentanyl, 80 grams of cocaine, 698 grams of marijuana, and three firearms. Meek’s cellphone contained records of drug-related communications dating from January 1, 2024, through the time of his arrest.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Springs Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Garreth Winstead and Daniel McIntyre.
Defendant is believed to have communicated with at least 20 underage females around the world; Engaged in sexualized conversations while teaching in class
BOSTON – A former science teacher at Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly coercing or enticing at least one underage female to engage in sexual conversations online and requesting she produce and send child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of herself.
John Magee Gavin, 35, of Brookline, was indicted on one count of coercion and enticement of a minor; one count of receipt of child pornography; and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant is currently in state custody on related charges and will appear in federal court in Boston on July 21, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.
According to court filings, Gavin is a former teacher at the Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston. Prior to that, he was a 6th grade teacher at the Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School in Hyde Park and was a paraprofessional with the Brookline Public Schools.
In January 2025, Gavin was allegedly identified as the owner of a Discord account who messaged at least 20 underage females between the ages of 12 and 17 years old located throughout the country, including Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, North Carolina and Florida, as well as the United Kingdom and Canada. It is alleged that, in these chats, Gavin disclosed that he was a teacher, engaged in sexual conversations and often asked the minors to send him pictures of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct – knowing that the children were underaged. He was arrested by local authorities in February 2025 and charged in Brookline District Court with enticing a child under 16, possession of child pornography and other offenses.
A forensic review of evidence seized from Gavin’s Brookline residence allegedly revealed approximately 147 files (94 images and 53 videos) on his iPhone depicting CSAM. It is alleged that the CSAM depicted rape of both female and male minors, ranging in age from approximately five to 17 years old.
Further analysis of Gavin’s Discord account identified numerous chats with underage females in which he allegedly engaged in online masturbation sessions with the minors, solicitated images from and exchanged images with the minors and engaged in sexualized conversations with the minors while he was at school. The chats also allegedly included conversations in which Gavin expressed his sexual interest in certain students at Josiah Quincy. In one conversation, Gavin allegedly discussed his sexual interest in a freshman student at the school where he was employed as a teacher and fantasied about having sex with her.
The charge of coercion and enticement of a minor provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brookline Police Department; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations; and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
NORFOLK, Va. – A Smithfield man pled guilty today to possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
According to court documents, on July 31, 2021, Brad Kenneth Spafford, 36, was admitted to an emergency room with a completely amputated right thumb, partially amputated right middle and index fingers, hearing loss, and scalp lacerations. Spafford falsely told the hospital his injuries were caused by fireworks. An investigation later revealed that Spafford’s injuries resulted from his misfire of a launcher at a family member’s rural property where Spafford routinely detonated explosives he made.
On Dec. 17, 2024, law enforcement arrested Spafford for possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle. Immediately following Spafford’s arrest, law enforcement searched his Smithfield property and vehicles. Agents recovered an unregistered short barrel rifle and ammunition compatible with the rifle. Agents also found approximately 155 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that appeared to be homemade pipe bombs. Some of the IEDs had handwritten identification on them, including “lethal” and “concussion.”
Among the IEDs analyzed were propellant capabilities consistent with use in a launcher and IEDs capable of causing property damage, personal injury, or death. Investigators also recovered bomb-making equipment, along with riot gear, Tannerite, two empty grenade canisters, an improvised mine, precursor chemicals for explosive materials, and numerous rounds of homemade ammunition.
Spafford is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18 and faces up to 10 years in prison for each charge. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea.
The Suffolk Police Department, Norfolk Bomb Squad, Virginia State Police, Isle of Wight County Fire Rescue, and Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation, with continued support from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Norfolk.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Luke Bresnahan are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-3.
CLEVELAND – The last of three defendants involved in a 2021 carjacking and kidnapping was sentenced this week. Anton Woodley, 22, Cashaun Woodley, 24, and Lavontay Johnson, 23, all of Cleveland, each previously pleaded guilty to carjacking after they used firearms to drive an individual around the city so they could steal his money and take his motor vehicle by force.
Court documents show that on Dec. 12, 2021, a male victim visiting downtown Cleveland met two women who suggested they visit a nearby apartment building. After arriving, one of the women contacted the defendants to tell them about the man she had just met. She then worked out a plan to help them rob him. The Woodley brothers and Johnson traveled to the apartment and waited outside for the male victim to exit the building. When the victim appeared and walked out to his vehicle, the Woodley brothers and Johnson ambushed him at gunpoint. They pressed a pistol up against the back of his head and ordered him into the backseat of his car. The defendants abducted the victim and entered the car, with the Woodley brothers flanking the victim with guns while Johnson drove away.
With a gun pressed into his side, the defendants demanded money from the victim. They forced him to transfer several hundred dollars out of his accounts and disclose his financial information on his cellphone. After some time driving around the east side of Cleveland, they released the victim on East 80th Street and then sped away in his vehicle.
The victim’s car was recovered later that month when Garfield Heights police chased Johnson. As he fled the stolen vehicle on foot, officers found a Glock 23, 40 caliber pistol in Johnson’s flight path.
U.S. District Court Judge Pamela A. Barker imposed the following sentences:
Anton Woodley was sentenced July 15, 2025, to 78 months (6.5 years) in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
Lavontay Johnson was sentenced March 13, 2025, to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
Cashaun Woodley was sentenced Dec. 19, 2024, to 100 months (8.3 years) in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Each defendant was ordered to pay $1,240 in restitution. This investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division, Cleveland Division of Police, and the Garfield Heights Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Joines prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
TULSA, Okla. – A Warrensburg, Missouri man was sentenced today for Possession of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jimmie Lloyd Skelton, 34, to 168 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Skelton will also be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, the Claremore Police Department responded to a report of child exploitation. The homeowner found Skelton masturbating to a video of a child under 12 years old. When law enforcement searched the home, they found several electronic devices owned by Skelton. Investigators found videos that Skelton recorded secretly of the child victim.
Skelton will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and the Claremore Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Dunn and Stacey Todd prosecuted the case.
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 Justice.gov/PSC.
