Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Lincoln Road in Henderson has re-opened after emergency services responded to a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian reported at around 10.20am.
One person was transported to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police can confirm that a person has died following a fire at a house on Glassey Drive, Ashburton.
Emergency services attended the fire, reported at around 12.45am. One person was located deceased in the building. At this time there are no other people unaccounted for.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the fire are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
One person has died following a serious crash on Charlton Siding Road, Waimumu, Gore last night.
The crash involving a single vehicle was reported at around 10pm, Saturday 5 April.
Sadly, the sole occupant of the vehicle was located deceased at the scene.
The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police are responding to a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Lincoln Road in Henderson.
Emergency services are responding to the incident, reported at around 10.20am.
There are cordons in the area and road closures, Police advise motorists to avoid the area.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New South Wales â News
Police are investigating a serious crash at Cobdogla earlier this morning.
About 1.30am today (Sunday 6 April), police and emergency services were called to a private property on Spiller Road after reports a man had fallen from a Toyota Ute.
Police arrived and found the front passenger a 20-year-old man from Golden Grove had sustained serious injuries.
The man was air lifted to hospital with life threatening injuries.
Major Crash are in attendance and the driver, a 21-year-old man from Waikerie is assisting with ongoing investigations.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Fatal crash, Mount Direction
Sunday, 6 April 2025 â 7:47 am.
Sadly, a man in his 20s has died following a serious crash at Mount Direction.
Police and emergency services were called to Old Bangor Tram Road, Mount Direction, just after 2:00am on Sunday 6 March, following reports of a single vehicle crash.
The passenger in the vehicle sadly died at the scene. The driver was taken to the Launceston General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Police remain at the scene of the crash. Motorists should avoid the area until further notice.
Our thoughts are with the manâs family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Greater access to no-cost abortions will assist women and people who can become pregnant to be in control of and make informed decisions about their health care.
The ACTâs accessible abortions scheme has expanded to include no-cost medical abortions at selected general practices in the ACT.
The ACT Government is committed to removing the financial barrier to Canberrans in need of abortion services.
Providing no-cost abortions at more locations will assist women and people who can become pregnant to be in control of, and make informed decisions about, their health care based on what is best for them and their circumstances.
No-cost medical and surgical abortions have been available since April 2023 at MSI Australia in Civic. This is part of an investment to provide all ACT residents, including those without a Medicare card, access to free abortion services.
The ACT Government has now partnered with Womenâs Health Matters to support two general practices that offer no-cost medical abortions.
Other providers may participate in the future, providing more options for Canberrans.
People who access these general practice services will also be able to access pathology, imaging and pharmacy services at no cost from participating providers.
This will ensure the entire abortion process can be provided at no cost to the client.
âProviding additional no-cost medical abortion options, in different regions of Canberra and through different providers, gives women and gender-diverse people more choices over their reproductive health care,â Womenâs Health Matters CEO Lauren Anthes said.
âWe have heard that it can be difficult to know where to go when you need a medical abortion in Canberra. Having a publicly available list of no-cost, non-judgmental and pro-choice providers will make it easier for women and gender-diverse people to find the care that they need.â
Access to safe, timely and free abortion services allows Canberrans to obtain appropriate, safe and timely care, and avoid potential detrimental impacts to their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Medical abortions are available up to nine weeks gestation. MSI Australia will also continue to provide no-cost medical abortions up to nine weeks, and surgical abortions up to 16 weeks gestation.
Free long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) will also be offered for free at the time of abortion at both MSI Australia and participating GPs.
For more information on participating providers, visit www.womenshealthmatters.org.au/resources/no-cost-abortion-services.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Liquor Amendment Bill 2024 prioritises responsible, flexible regulation to benefit local businesses.
The Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024 has passed.
Reforms to commence this month include allowing more businesses to supply complimentary liquor without a licence.
The changes will help boost Canberraâs night-time economy through responsible, fit-for-purpose and flexible regulation.
They will provide tangible benefits to ACT businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, and are designed to create greater flexibility for businesses and to legislate the ACT Governmentâs commitment to Canberraâs night-time economy.
Reforms to commence in April 2024 include:
The reforms will also ensure that any decision under the Act considers the benefits to industry, community and local economy, while also observing harm minimisation and community safety principles.
A strong, vibrant, and diverse night-time economy is essential to the continued growth of Canberraâs tourism and visitor economy.
The amendments will help support small and medium-sized venues to diversify their business models and attract new clientele through a more flexible and responsive regulatory environment.
Amendments to the Objects of the Liquor Act 2010 align the ACT with other Australian jurisdictions, including NSW, QLD, VIC and SA, who have enshrined support for the night-time economy, live music and tourism in their liquor licensing frameworks.
The amendments were drafted to balance the creation of a more vibrant, responsive night-time economy with a risk-based approach, ensuring the safety of staff and patrons alike.
Additional reforms relating to extended trading hours, interim liquor licences and a reduction in annual licence fees for eligible licensees for supporting live music and the arts are expected to commence in July 2024.
Further information on the ACT Governmentâs night-time economy reforms can be found at www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/policystrategic/better-regulation-taskforce/canberras-night-time-economy.
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Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Lunenburg County District RCMP, along with the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service, is investigating the sudden deaths of two people.
On April 4, at approximately 1:10 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a sudden death on a trail in Lake Pleasant. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located an 84-year-old woman deceased. Shortly after, the remains of an 85-year-old man were found nearby.
At this time, the deaths are not believed to be suspicious. However, the investigation is ongoing with the assistance of Annapolis District RCMP, RCMP Digital Forensic Services and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.
Our thoughts are with the victimsâ family and the community.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Two young men who plotted and carried out a deadly attack on a former friend have been found guilty of murder.
Keahn Williams, 20 (08.09.03) of Coulsdon, was found guilty of the murder of Lucas Sutton at the Old Bailey on 26 April 2024. Kai Nelson-Palmer (05.04.07) of Croydon, was also found guilty of his murder at the same court on 30 April 2024.
On 14 August 2024 the defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court. Williams will serve a minimum term of 23 yearsâ and Nelson-Palmer a minimum term of 16 yearsâ. This can now be reported following the lifting of reporting restrictions.
The court heard how 22-year-old Luas Sutton was lured to an address in Croydon and fatally stabbed as he walked back from a local shop on 23 May 2023.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Metâs Specialist Crime Command, led the investigation and said: âThe evidence gathered and presented to the jury built up a clear picture of a plot to lure Lucas to an address in Croydon, act as if nothing was wrong, and then violently attack him.
âLucas and one of the defendants had been friends but in the minds of the group, Lucas had crossed them by attempting to get rid of a firearm he had been holding onto. This perceived betrayal was the motivation for this deadly attack.
âIt is clear in the weeks leading up to the murder that Lucas realised he was in danger but he did not suspect it was from those he thought of as his friends.
âThis was a pre-meditated, callous act that has left Lucasâs family and friends utterly devastated. While those responsible have been held to account for their actions, I know this will do little to ease the unbearable pain Lucasâs loved ones continue to endure.â
In a joint statement, Lucasâs family said:âThe murder of Lucas has left a large hole in our lives which can never be filled. Lucas wasnât perfect, he made mistakes but he was ours. He had a bright future ahead of him, but it has been taken away from him. They have not only taken away a nephew but a son, a grandson, a brother, a cousin, a father, a partner, a friend and so much more. We sit at home in the evening almost expecting him to come in with a smile on his face, but he never does.
âHe leaves behind his young son who will have to grow up without his best friend and father. It breaks our heart that he will never see his Dad again, we sometimes see him watching his friends playing with their dads, and we just think he will never have that.â
At around 19:00hrs that day, Lucas walked to a flat in Princess Road, Croydon. At the address he was joined by Keahn Williams and Kai Nelson-Palmer.
Whether Lucas knew the others were going to be there is not clear, but he left the flat with Williams and Nelson-Palmer to walk to a shop to buy drinks.
Unbeknownst to Lucas, they had been exchanging Snapchat messages in the days leading up to the meeting with the intention of attacking him. As they returned from shop in Northbrook Road, Williams produced a knife and stabbed Lucas who was caught completely unaware.
He dropped the drinks he was holding and ran, pursued by Williams and Nelson-Palmer. Williams caught up with him as he ran along Mayo Road and stabbed him again before both the assailants fled. Lucas burst into a local pub asking for help but collapsed on the floor. The emergency services attended but despite their efforts Lucas sadly died a short time later in hospital.
Both attackers fled back in the direction of the address where they had originally met, Williams later left the scene in a taxi.
Detectives attended the scene and through CCTV analysis began to build a picture of the events that had taken place. This showed Williams wearing a distinctive balaclava as he chased Lucas down the street. A similar item of clothing was later recovered at an address linked to him. Detectives established some of the events that had taken place in the weeks leading up to the attack.
Lucasâs family and friends spoke about how he had seemed withdrawn and afraid â he had confided that he had upset people and feared for his safety.
On the strength of the evidence available, Williams and Nelson-Palmer were arrested in the week following the murder. Analysis of Nelson-Palmerâs phone revealed the plotting that had taken place between them.
A 19-year-old man was acquitted of Lucasâ murder at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 3 April 2025.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A survivor of domestic abuse has encouraged others to report to police and get the justice they deserve, on the day her perpetrator was jailed.
Adam Woodhouse, 35 (15/10/1989) of Edrick Walk, HA8 appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 4 April where he was jailed for five years, after previously being convicted of multiple offences including cyber-flashing, arson with intent and stalking.
Woodhouse subjected the victim to a year of abuse after their relationship ended. This included bombarding her with hundreds of abusive messages and phone calls, recording videos of her outside her address and smashing her garden pots and car windows. Amongst the excessive messages, Woodhouse text the victim saying âI will go to prison for murder of you.â
In July 2024, Woodhouse broke into the victimâs address, stealing all sets of house keys and her car.
Woodhouse continued to bombard the victim with abuse and in September 2024, he set fire to a moped outside her address, trapping the victim and her children inside. Following a quick response by the London Fire Brigade, those inside were rescued and uninjured. After the fire, Woodhouse called the victim and laughed at her, gloating about his actions. Whilst evading police for the arson offence, Woodhouse then sent images of his genitals to the victim which were unsolicited and threatening.
He was arrested on 30 September in Lincolnshire. During interview, Woodhouse was extremely aggressive towards officers, stealing interview papers and swearing. Whilst in the custody cell, he urinated over the cell and under the door. He was further arrested for criminal damage.
After being charged, Woodhouse pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, stalking, cyber-flashing, burglary, taking without consent and criminal damage.
He appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 4 April where he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was also issued with a lifetime restraining order against the victim after being described as a âdangerous offenderâ by the judge.
Following the sentencing, the victim said:
âWhat Adam has put my children and I through has ruined our lives completely, and I would never want any other woman to go through this.
âI would say to any other women who are experiencing domestic abuse to be brave, come forward and get support from the police to get the justice you deserve.
âI have felt very supported by DC Olivia Fox and from working closely together we have managed to get justice today.â
Detective Constable Olivia Fox from the North West Public Protection Unit said:
âWoodhouse demonstrated that he was an abusive domestic perpetrator, repeatedly targeting this young woman to the point this abuse took over her life.
âWoodhouse made it his mission to make this womanâs life hell and treated her like she was a possession that he owned. He would then âlove-bombâ her and attempt to persuade her that she needed him.
âShe was so terrified of Woodhouse that she initially withdrew supporting the investigation out of fear.
âIt takes an brave person to pick up with an emotionally draining investigation again and I commend her tenacity and strength. I hope that todayâs sentence allows her to move forward with her life.â
âVictims of domestic abuse can often feel lonely and isolated and I understand that many have perceptions that the police wonât be able to help.
âWe are better trained than ever to investigate reports of domestic abuse and will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure that all victims of domestic abuse get justice.â
To read more about the ongoing work from Met Police to tackle violence against women and girls, read more here: 100th conviction as part of Metâs VAWG crackdown | Metropolitan Police
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
A 26-year-old man is before the courts following a burglary in Tahunanui and Police are appealing for information from the public as enquiries to locate several firearms continue.
On Sunday 30 March, a man allegedly burgled a commercial premises on Parkers Road between the hours of 4am and 5am.
After following initial enquiries, Police identified and located the 26-year-old and took him into custody without incident.
As part of our investigation to understand the circumstances of what has occurred, Police are searching for a number of firearms that were stolen in the burglary.
We appeal to anyone who may have any information about this incident and the firearms to please get in touch with Police.
We would especially like to speak with anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, and anyone who saw suspicious activity, in the Parkers Road area on Sunday between 4am and 5am.
We understand incidents such as this can cause concern in the community, and we are working hard to determine the circumstances around this incident.
We urge anyone with information to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking âUpdate Reportâ or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 250331/9912.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: South Africa News Agency
No effort will be spared in bringing the responsible parties to account in the case of the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old child in Matatiele, says Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
âWhat I can promise, on behalf of the Ministry of Police and the SAPS [South African Police Service] is that we are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served,â Mchunu said.
The Minister was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.
âThis is a matter that transcends individual tragedy, and we acknowledge the deep emotional impact it has had on our communities,â said the Minister, adding that the Eastern Cape matter is a sensitive one that police are handling and dealing with, with great sensitivity.
âWhen the matter first came to our attention earlier this year, we sent a warrant officer to investigate the matter, interact with the complainant and the investigating officer, whilst looking at other related matters.
âIn the initial report we received from the warrant officer, we came to learn that the incident occurred in October last year, and a case was formally opened on the 16th of October 2024, following [the] medical examination of the minor and session with a social worker.â
The Minister said from the report provided by the warrant officer, police concluded that the matter could have been handled better and still needed intervention.
âWe then realised that we needed to reinforce the team and have a dedicated officer on the matter. After the handling of the matter by the various offices, one critical aspect which has continued to present a serious challenge is the matter around DNA. DNA testing was done on the victim, with no foreign DNA having been found,â he explained.
Three persons of interest have since emerged and following that, further DNA processing is underway as the investigation continues.
âA thorough investigation is now fully underway, and I can assure you that we are consulting with all relevant role players to ensure that every aspect of this matter is examined carefully and comprehensively.â
Additionally, he said the track record of the Family Violence, Child Protection (FCS) Unit remains commendable with more than 35 500 gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) suspects arrested in the last two years.
READ | FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele caseÂ
âDuring the same period, 4500 accused were convicted to time in prison for GBVF related crimes and notably, 660 of them were sentenced to life in prison. This indeed, must illustrate the seriousness at which the SAPS treats victims of GBVF related crimes especially those involving young children,â Mchunu said.
Citing police success in dealing with gender-based violence cases, Mchunu said in the past week alone, 259 rape suspects were arrested.
âThis week, we have also welcomed the arrest of a 58-year-old male educator on Monday afternoon, 31 March 2025, for an alleged rape incident of a 13-year-old female learner in the Capricorn District of Limpopo. The Educator has appeared before the Mankweng Magistrates Court and is facing a charge of rape.â
Police will continue to support the family and the victim through the Employee Health and Wellness unit, including any other aspects related to the case.Â
âWe assure the affected family of our full support and commitment to this case,â he said.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Police assured members of the public that law enforcement is actively investigating two incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape.
This was after the Ministry took note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year.
In both incidences, the suspects have been identified and were arrested. â SAnews.gov.za
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Inspector Ross Grantham, ManawatĹŤ Area Commander:
ManawatĹŤ Police have arrested and charged four people following a serious incident in Levin.
In the early hours of Thursday 3 April, Police received a report of an aggravated robbery in which four people entered a store on Oxford Street, Levin and threatened the employee with a firearm.
The group took cigarettes and other items before fleeing the area in a vehicle.
Thankfully, the employee was uninjured however is understandably shaken by the incident.
As part of our investigation, Police, including the Armed Offenders Squad, conducted a search warrant at a Seddon Street address on Friday.
Police located two men at the address and arrested them without incident.
During the search warrant, a vehicle containing three occupants was seen exiting the driveway of a nearby property of interest.
Police signalled the vehicle to stop, however the driver failed to stop and fled from Police. A pursuit was abandoned due to the manner of driving.
A short time later the vehicle was located abandoned on Macarthur Street after the occupants fled on foot.
An initial search of the area around the vehicle located a firearm and ammunition, prompting Police to cordon the surrounding area.
A short time later, Police saw an alleged offender running on Queenwood Road. Following a quick response by a Police dog team, a woman was located and taken into custody.
Upon a search of the woman, a firearm was found to be in her possession.
Shortly afterwards, a member of the public reported seeing a man suspiciously hiding in a bush before getting into a vehicle.
Police stopped the vehicle and the man was taken into custody without incident.
Police continue to make enquiries to locate the third remaining occupant of the vehicle. The investigation into the aggravated robbery is ongoing.
ManawatĹŤ Police understand these incidents can be distressing, and we would like to thank members of the Levin community for their cooperation and understanding while this incident unfolded.
We will continue to respond with all the resources at our disposal to hold people to account for this offending and keep our communities safe.
Three Males aged from 18-23 years appeared in the Levin District Court today on Aggravated Robbery charges.
A 32 year old woman appeared in the Levin District Court today on a Firearms charge.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
TRENTON, N.J. â A Trenton man was sentenced to 168 months in prison for assaulting a federal agent with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Jabree Johnson, 30, of Trenton, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to a three-count indictment charging him with one count of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon of an individual with custody of federal property, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence, in which the firearm was discharged.Â
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 22, 2021, federal law enforcement officers were conducting an investigation of firearms trafficking and other illegal activities in and around Trenton and Hamilton, New Jersey. In connection with the investigation, a federal law enforcement agent, working in an undercover capacity, arranged to purchase multiple firearms from an individual later identified as Johnson.
After arriving at an agreed-upon location for the firearms transaction, Johnson entered the undercover federal agentâs vehicle, and handed the agent a black, semi-automatic firearm. The undercover federal agent inspected the firearm and then returned it to Johnson and requested to see the other firearms that Johnson had agreed to sell. Instead, Johnson pointed the loaded firearm directly at the undercover federal agent and demanded money from the agent. In response, the undercover federal agent provided Johnson with an amount of U.S. currency that the agent had on him to purchase the guns. Johnson then ordered the undercover federal agent out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The agent exited the vehicle as ordered and immediately drew his/her service-issued firearm and fired at Johnson, striking Johnson in the shoulder. Johnson also fired his handgun multiple times at the undercover federal agent. Johnson fled the area with the money. Johnson was later identified at a local hospital as the individual who had assaulted and robbed the undercover federal agent at gunpoint and placed under arrest.  Â
In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Johnson to five years of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the firearm using during the commission of the crimes.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Satellite Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in ChargeÂÂÂÂ Terence G. Reilly; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Steve E. Wilson; officers of the Hamilton Township Police Division, under the direction of Police Chief Kenneth DeBoskey; troopers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; and detectives and prosecutors of the Mercer County Prosecutorâs Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, with the investigation leading to todayâs sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorneyâs Officeâs Criminal Division in Trenton.
                                                                      ###
Defense Counsel: Mark Catanzaro, Esq.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
OKLAHOMA CITY â DANGELO MAURICE WINDHAM, 26, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of trafficking cocaine base and, separately, illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On May 21, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Windham, charging him with possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, all stemming from two separate contacts with law enforcement in 2023. According to public record, on March 8, 2023, an Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) officer attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle after he observed the driver â later identified as Windham â commit a traffic violation. When the officer attempted to stop Windham, he failed to comply, continuing to drive before jumping out and running away. Windham was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit and found to have been transporting a distribution amount of crack cocaine in his vehicle and a firearm in a backpack that he threw as he fled from officers. Later that year, on December 23, 2023, OCPD officers recovered another firearm from Windham during a subsequent traffic stop.
On October 7, 2024, Windham pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense and that on another occasion he possessed a firearm despite his status as a convicted felon.
At the sentencing hearing on March 25, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Windham to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the need to deter further criminal conduct, promote respect for the law, and Windhamâs history and characteristics, including his repeated acquisition of firearms despite his felony conviction and prior prosecutions. Public record reflects that Windham was previously convicted in Oklahoma County District Court of attempted third-degree burglary in case number CF-2019-1635.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.Â
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON â Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) in introducing the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Reauthorization Act. The bipartisan bill would reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to identify, address and prevent violent crime.Â
âFor over two decades, Project Safe Neighborhoods has worked to combat violent crime by fostering collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies,â Grassley said. âIâm proud to back the blue and support Project Safe Neighborhoodsâ comprehensive approach to crime fighting, which includes a provision in honor of fallen Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith.â
âFor more than two decades, the Project Safe Neighborhoods program has successfully implemented data-backed solutions to lower the rate of violent crime and help keep dangerous criminals off our streets,â Cornyn said. âThis legislation would build on this impressive track record and foster greater collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make America safe again.â
âBuilding trust and partnerships between local law enforcement and the people they serve is absolutely essential to strengthening our communities,â Peters said. âProject Safe Neighborhoods is proven to be an effective tool for reducing violent crime, including drug and gun violence, so Iâm proud to again lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure this important program can continue making a difference in the years to come.â Â
Additional cosponsors include Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
The legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National District Attorneys Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies and the National Narcotic Officersâ Associationsâ Coalition.
Full bill text is available HERE.
Background:
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutors. Under this program, law enforcement agencies focus enforcement efforts on organized criminal networks and repeat offenders that drive crime rates in a particular region. The program also works to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve through outreach, awareness, intervention and collaboration.
Since its inception in 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods has been successfully deployed by both Democrat and Republican administrations to reduce violent crime across the country. A Department of Justice-funded survey found that Project Safe Neighborhoods was associated with a 13.1 percent decrease in violent crime in cities with a high rate of program participation.
-30-
Source: US State of North Carolina
Headline: Governor Stein Announces Boards and Commissions Appointments and Nominations
Governor Stein Announces Boards and Commissions Appointments and Nominations
lsaito
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced Boards and Commissions appointments and nominations.
Governor Stein has nominated the following to the Governorâs Crime Commission:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the Historic Hillsborough Commission:
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Board of Transportation:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina College Foundation Incorporated Board of Trustees:
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Emergency Response Commission:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Local Governmental Employeesâ Retirement System Board:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners:Â
Governor Stein has nominated the following to the North State Board of Education:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Respiratory State Board of Examiners for Plumbing, Heating and Fire:Â
Governor Stein has nominated the following to the North Carolina Utilities Commission:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Veterans Affairs Commission:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the Underground Damage Prevention Review Board:Â
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame Board of Directors:Â
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Spokane, Washington â Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Steven Joseph Zacherle, age 38, to 204 months in prison for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country and Threats in Interstate Commerce. Judge Rice also imposed 5 years of supervised release and restitution payable to the Colville Confederated Tribes for the murder victimâs funeral expenses.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing, on the evening of October 18, 2022, Zacherle was in a domestic dispute with his intimate partner (Victim 1) near a gas station on the Colville Indian Reservation. During the dispute, Victim 1 drove away from the area without Zacherle, who had gone inside a nearby store.
When Zacherle realized Victim 1 had left him, he began calling and texting her, demanding she return, or he was going to âkillâ and âhurt people.â About the same time as Zacherle was making these threats to Victim 1, Dion Boyd, an elder within the Colville Tribe, exited the nearby gas station. Zacherle and Mr. Boyd walked the same direction for a short distance. Zacherle then attacked Mr. Boyd, striking him in the head.
Within minutes of that attack, Zacherle called Victim 1 and referenced the assault, bragging that he had knocked someone out. He then asked Victim 1 whether she wanted to see what Zacherle had done. Victim 1 reported that she could hear garbled breathing and snorting on the phone line.
Shortly after the assault, Omak Police and first responders located Mr. Boyd, who was unresponsive and face down, bleeding from his head. Medical providers later determined Mr. Boyd was braindead and that Mr. Boyd would never recover from the injuries Zacherle inflicted. Mr. Boydâs family spent the next twenty days at Mr. Boydâs bedside in the hospital hoping for a miracle, but Mr. Boyd ultimately died as a result of the injuries sustained in the assault. The Medical Examiner determined Mr. Boyd suffered a severe brain hematoma and cracked skull because of the unprovoked attack.
âMy heart goes out to the Boyd family, who have suffered so much pain as a result of Mr. Zacherleâs unprovoked attack,â stated Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. âMy office is fully committed to working federal, state, local, and Tribal leaders to fully prosecuting violent crimes on Tribal land. The victims and survivors of these terrible crimes deserve nothing less.â
At sentencing, MMIP AUSA Bree Black Horse explained âMr. Boydâs family and friends have uniformly described Mr. Boyd as a kind, generous person who helped raise his younger siblings and later his own children. Mr. Boyd also served his Tribe as an IT technician, ensuring Colville Tribal members living in rural areas could have cell service.â
In recommending the Court impose a 17-year sentence, MMIP AUSA Black Horse explained âMr. Boydâs violent and senseless death at the hands of Zacherle has severely impacted the large family Mr. Boyd has left behind. And, Mr. Boyd is now among the disproportionate number of murdered Indigenous people and Mr. Boydâs family has joined the ranks of too many other MMIP families throughout Eastern Washington and elsewhere.â
âThis appalling attack was truly senseless.â said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIâs Seattle field office. âMr. Zacherle displayed a shocking disregard for the value of human life when he took his frustrations out on an innocent bystander, recklessly costing that person his life. The Colville Indian Reservation is a safer place with him off the streets.â
This case is part of the Department of Justiceâs Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Colville Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker and Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.
2:23-cr-00007-TOR
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Celina Serva aka âCe Ce,â 26, of Akron, OH, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that on March 28, 2025, the DEA, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force began investigating the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Town of Ellicott. The investigation included surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics. On April 3, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Ellicott, seizing multiple controlled substances, a shotgun, and a large quantity of cash. Subsequent investigation identified Serva as the source of supply. Later in the day on April 3, investigators arrested Serva as she attempted to deliver methamphetamine to the residence. She was found with a total of 975 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine in her possession.
Serva made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Departmentâs Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff Eric Butler, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Lakewood-Busti Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher DePonceau, the Chautauqua County Sheriffâs Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Â
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Source: New South Wales â News
A man has been arrested after he allegedly pointed a high-powered torch at a aircraft last night.
At 7.30pm Friday 4 April, police attended at Copas Drive Salisbury after reports from a pilot that he had just had a bright light internationally shinned at his aircraft causing issues with visibility.
Northern District patrols attended at the address and caught the man in the front yard of the address shining the light in the direction of the plane.
Police searched the property and located a high-powered torch and a taser.
The 58- year-old man was arrested and has been charged with prejudice safe operation of an aircraft and possess dangerous article.
He has been bailed to appear at the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 16 May.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
 A second person has died following a single-vehicle crash near Little River on Thursday 3 April.
Emergency services were called to Christchurch Akaroa Road, Little River at around 10.40am.
One person died in hospital a short time later and a second person transported in a critical condition has died in hospital overnight.
A crash investigation is underway.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward:
Police have launched a homicide investigation following an incident in Marr Road, Manurewa overnight.
Shortly after 12 midnight Police responded to a report that a person had been injured at a property on Marr Road.
Police and Ambulance attended and located a man with critical injuries consistent with stab wounds who, despite medical attention, died at the scene.
Enquiries are underway to determine the circumstances of the incident. Residents in the area can expect to see an increased Police presence today.
The investigation team would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this event or has any information that could assist with enquiries.
Please contact Police on 105 online or over the phone, quoting file number 250405/8696.
Information can also be provided to via Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
RICHMOND, Va. â An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; along with the Virginia State Police; and the U.S. Attorneyâs Office âfor the Eastern District of Virginia, led to the sentencing of Jamaican national Kirkville Virgo, 47, March 28, to 14 years in prison for attempting to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
âThis sentence sends a clear message that those who traffic dangerous drugs like methamphetamine will be held accountable,â said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C. acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. âThis case would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of our state law enforcement partners and prosecutors. Together, we are making our communities safer by stopping the flow of drugs and ensuring those responsible face the consequences of their actions.â
According to the investigation, Virgo and another person shipped methamphetamine from California to a hotel in Richmond, purportedly for âChristoper Jackson.â Law enforcement intercepted a package that contained 10 heat-sealed bundles of methamphetamine weighing approximately 9,080 grams March 23, 2024. Agents replaced approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine with âshamâ rock salt, leaving approximately two pounds of meth in the parcel, and performed a controlled delivery to the hotel.
Virgo later entered the hotel, using the name Delbert Dujon, and took custody of the package from the front desk. Law enforcement then took custody of Virgo.
Virgo was previously permanently removed from the United States Feb. 5, 2013, and was in the United States illegally at the time of the offense.
ICE HSI Washington, D.C., and VSP investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 877-347-2423.
Learn more about HSIâs mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @HSI_DC.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
PROVIDENCE, R.I. â An Irish national illegally residing the United States and initially arrested for immigration violations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been ordered detained on criminal wire fraud and conspiracy charges related to an alleged scheme to defraud homeowners in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Prior to making an initial appearance April 3 for criminal charges in U.S. District Court on a federal criminal complaint charging him with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, John OâBrien, 28, was arrested for immigration violations on March 28 for violating the terms of his admission and failing to depart the United States as required by October 2021.
Charging documents allege that OâBrien and others defrauded property owners by inducing them to pay for home repairs that were not needed and often not completed. OâBrien misrepresented the need for the repairs and services, as well as the qualifications of his purported construction business, Traditional Masonry & Construction.
OâBrienâs alleged fraud scheme came to the attention of law enforcement when an 83-year-old Warwick resident, identified in court documents as Victim 1, contacted the Warwick Police Department to complain that he had been defrauded by a contractor. Victim 1 reported that OâBrien told him that, while doing work in the neighborhood, he observed cracks in Victim 1âs foundation. OâBrien offered to professionally repair the damage to the foundation. OâBrien collected $9,500 from Victim 1. As work proceeded, OâBrien allegedly claimed that further damage was discovered. OâBrien allegedly revised the costs for repairs and sought an additional $80,000 from the victim. A home inspector hired by the United States Attorneyâs Office for the District of Rhode Island later reviewed the property and found no evidence of a need for these extensive foundation repairs.
As described in court documents, other alleged victims have been identified who described similar interactions with OâBrien that began with initial, unsolicited recommendations for small home repairs, followed by OâBrienâs purported discovery of major repairs needed, and often a representation that the homeownerâs foundation was in urgent need of repairs. It is estimated that this scheme has defrauded homeowners out of over $1,000,000.
At the time of OâBrienâs arrest, investigators allegedly seized from his vehicle hundreds of Traditional Masonry & Construction flyers, identical to the ones handed out to the victims in this case, and four binders containing quotes, contracts, and invoices for Traditional Masonry & Construction. The documents and contracts are dated between April 2024 through March 2025, and range from $300 to $205,000. The approximate value of the contracts contained within the binders totaled $1,987,650.00.
The scheme OâBrien is alleged to have been executing is becoming increasingly common throughout the United States. It has come to be known as Traveling Conman Fraud. According to the FBIâs Terrorist Screening Center, Conmen Travelers are groups of Irish or U.K. nationals who entered the United States on pleasure or tourist visas and overstayed their visits or, more commonly, entered the United States illegally. Once in the United States, they go to different cities and states, soliciting construction work. The members often quote a low price and after further inspection, demand much more money and convince the homeowner that their property is in need of major repairs. The fraudsters often hire day laborers; do not have work authorization documents or pull permits; and do low quality, unnecessary, or incomplete work, sometimes damaging homeownersâ residences.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Providence and the Warwick and East Providence Departments.
If you or someone you know believes they may have fallen victim to the Traveling Conman Fraud scheme, you are urged to contact ICE HSI via email at HSINewEnglandVictimAssistance@hsi.dhs.gov or via the ICE Tipline by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
A convicted felon who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced today to more than nine years in federal prison.
Trajuan Laroy West, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 14, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
On January 3, 2024, Iowa State Patrol Troopers stopped a vehicle that West was driving for speeding. During the traffic stop, a Trooper located marijuana and a gun in the vehicle. The slide of the gun had been reported stolen out of Arkansas. West was prohibited from possessing firearms based on three prior felony drug-related convictions as well as a prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.Â
West was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. West was sentenced to 112 monthsâ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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
West is being held in the United States Marshalâs custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, the Waterloo Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Â
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-2029.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
MADISON, WIS. â Timothy M. OâShea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Matthew Quaglieri, 37, formerly of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 14 years in prison for possessing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Quaglieri pleaded guilty to this charge on January 13, 2025.
In October 2022, law enforcement responded to a middle school in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, regarding a complaint that Quaglieri was recording students as they were using the urinals in the school bathrooms. Agents searched Quaglieriâs iPad and found videos of at least 39 minors using the urinals. Quaglieri admitted that he had been recording boys in the school bathrooms at the middle school for four to five years.
At sentencing, Judge Conley characterized Quaglieriâs conduct as predatory and abhorrent and further found it was a profound violation of Quaglieriâs position of trust at the school. Judge Conley also found that nothing Quaglieri said at sentencing showed that Quaglieri had an understanding about his conduct.
The charge against Quaglieri was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis Glinzak and Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Baltimore, Maryland â A federal jury has found Rodney Gaines, 35, of Westminster, Maryland, guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and two counts of distribution of cocaine.Â
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) â Baltimore Field Office; Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MDSP); Sheriff James T. DeWees, Carroll County Sheriffâs Office; and Chief Thomas Ledwell, Westminster Police Department.
During the two-and-a-half-week trial, the Government presented evidence of Gainesâs cocaine and crack-cocaine distribution activities in Westminster, Maryland. Â Â Investigative methods included wiretaps, initially approved in state court and later federal court, in which law enforcement recorded and monitored Gainesâs phone conversations and text messages.Â
Wiretapped calls revealed Gaines arranging sales of cocaine to various customers. During the conversations, the cocaine was referred to in coded phrases such as âpowder,â â8-balls,â âballs,â and the âsister,â among other terms. Law enforcement also seized quantities of cocaine from Gainesâs customers after sales were conducted.Â
The wiretaps also showed that Gaines sold cocaine in conspiracy with numerous accomplices, including people who he directed to deliver cocaine to customers; prepared the crack cocaine by âcookingâ powder cocaine into crack; and hid drugs at various locations including burying the drugs in wooded areas around Westminster. Near the end of the investigation, law enforcement recovered more than $250,000 in cash in apparent drug proceeds from a storage unit that was acquired by another member of the conspiracy. The jury found that the conspiracy involved 280 grams or more of cocaine base.
Evidence at trial also proved that Gainesâs activities and the activities of his conspiracy involved firearms. During late January 2022, the wiretap showed that Gaines attempted to acquire two firearms â a 9mm handgun and a 40-caliber handgun â from an accomplice. However, law enforcement intercepted the firearms, along with ammunition and ammunition clips, from the accomplice before the guns found their way to Gaines.  Â
Gaines is facing up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum term of 10 years for the narcotics conspiracy offense. The other counts are each punishable by up to 20 years.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, MDSP, Carroll County Sheriffâs Office, and Westminster Police Department for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaRai N. Everett and Michael C. Hanlon who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorneyâs Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Source: Office of United States Attorneys
      WASHINGTON â Demonta King, 18, of Chevy Chase, MD, pleaded guilty today for carjacking a taxicab driver at knifepoint in November 2024 and robbing another victim at gunpoint in August 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
      King pleaded guilty today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of armed carjacking and one count of armed robbery. The Honorable Jennifer Di Toro scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2025.
      According to the governmentâs evidence, at approximately 1:50 a.m., on November 18, 2024, in the 5000 block of Fort Totten Drive, NE, King, while armed with a knife, approached the victim, a taxicab driver, who was standing approximately five feet from his taxicab. King announced a robbery and said, âGive me everything,â and ordered the victim to hand over his keys. King then stabbed the victim in the hand causing him to drop the keys. The defendant picked up the keys and took the victimâs taxicab, along with his phone, driverâs license, bank cards and other personal items. Officers later spotted the victimâs vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed, in the 500 block of Chillum Road in Hyattsville, MD, when the defendant crashed and exited on foot. Police gave chase and stopped the defendant.
      In a separate incident, according to the governmentâs evidence, at approximately 5:45 a.m., on August 26, 2022, in the 100 Block of Gallatin Street and 1st Place NE, King approached a different victim, brandished a firearm, took the victimâs backpack and cell phone, and then struck the victim in the face with the firearm and fled. King was 16-years-old when he committed this offense and was prosecuted as an adult under Title 16.
      King was placed under arrest at the scene of the armed carjacking and has been in custody since his arrest.
      This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorneyâs Office for the District of Columbia. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Green.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
A man who sexually abused a child for over two years was sentenced to life in federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Alec Mendoza, 26, of Lubbock, Texas, was indicted in May 2024. Â He pleaded guilty in August 2024 to enticement of a minor and was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.
According to court documents, Mendoza first met the victim, âJane Doeâ and Doeâs mother at a party in 2020 when Doe was 10 years old, and Mendoza was 22 years old. Â Mendoza began messaging Doe online and on Valentineâs Day 2021, Mendoza began sexually abusing Doe. Â At the time, Doe was 11 years old, and Mendoza was 23 years old.
Soon after Mendoza began abusing Doe, Mendoza moved into Doeâs family home. Â For the next two and a half years, Mendoza had sexual intercourse with Doe approximately 30-50 times. Â Mendoza would also send messages to Doe discussing sex and would remind Doe to delete her messages.
In December 2023, Mendoza was caught sending text messages to Doe in the middle of the night from his bedroom down the hall. Â Doeâs mother confronted Mendoza about the messages and Mendoza admitted to having an ongoing sexual relationship with Doe.
At sentencing, the government noted that following his conviction, Mendoza agreed to take a polygraph examination. Â Mendoza failed the polygraph. Â In his post-polygraph interview, Mendoza confessed to also sexually abusing a second child. Â A search warrant of Mendozaâs phone also revealed Mendoza to be in possession of 20 videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Â Mendoza admitted to law enforcement to receiving and distributing CSAM over the Internet.
At sentencing, Judge Hendrix told Mendoza that he could not âcapture with words the trauma you caused that will last for lifetimes.â Â In imposing a life sentence, Judge Hendrix said: âI have to make a lot of difficult decisions. Â This is not one of them.â
The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Lubbock Police Department conducted the investigation. Â Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rancourt prosecuted the case.