title: Two Corporate Executives Found Guilty in First-Ever Criminal Prosecution for Failure to Report Under Consumer Product Safety Act

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A jury has found two corporate executives guilty of federal criminal charges related to the distribution and sale of defective residential dehumidifiers linked to multiple fires in the first corporate criminal enforcement action ever brought under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), the Justice Department announced today. Simon Chu, 68, of Chino Hills, and Charley Loh, 65, of Arcadia, were found guilty on Thursday afternoon of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and one count of failure to furnish information as required by the CPSA. The defective dehumidifiers sold by Chu’s and Loh’s two corporations were included in multiple recalls of a larger number of defective dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai (Gree Zhuhai) in China. Recall notes stated that more than 450 reported fires and millions of dollars in property damage have been linked to the recalled Gree Zhuhai dehumidifiers. The most recent recall announcements for the Gree Zhuhai dehumidifiers can be found here . According to evidence presented at a six-day trial, Chu was part owner and chief administrative officer of Gree USA Inc. and another corporation in the City of Industry, that distributed and sold to retailers for consumer purchase dehumidifiers that were made by Gree Zhuhai in China. Loh was part owner and CEO of the same two corporations. The CPSA requires manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer products to report “immediately” to the CPSC information that reasonably supports the conclusion that a product contains a defect that could create a substantial product hazard or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. This duty also applies to the individual directors, officers, and agents of those companies. As early as September 2012, Chu, Loh and their companies received multiple reports that their Chinese dehumidifiers were defective, dangerous and could catch fire. They also knew that they were required to report this product safety information to the CPSC immediately. Despite their knowledge of consumer complaints of dehumidifier fires and test results showing defects in the dehumidifiers, Chu and Loh failed to disclose their dehumidifiers’ defects and hazards for at least six months while they continued to sell their products to retailers, for resale to consumers. “It is critical to hold corporate executives accountable for misconduct,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “The importation and sale of defective consumer products can lead to injury and death, and this verdict sends a clear message that putting profits over safety will not be tolerated.” “Companies and their employees should immediately report known dangerous consumer products to the Consumer Product Safety Commission so the products can be recalled as soon as possible,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will prosecute companies and their employees when they willfully put the public in harm’s way by failing to report known dangerous products.” “The safety of the American public is the top priority for HSI, and products like these can turn an ordinary purchase into deadly consequences.” said Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang for Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles. “HSI Los Angeles will continue to work diligently to ensure our supply chain is safe from products that can harm consumers.” The jury acquitted both defendants of one count of wire fraud. United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer scheduled a March 11, 2024 sentencing hearing, at which time Chu and Loh will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each of the conspiracy and the failure to furnish information counts. Gree USA was sentenced on April 24 to pay a $500,000 criminal fine after pleading guilty to failing to notify the CPSC about the problems with the dehumidifiers. The fine, along with provisions to pay restitution to victims, was part of a $91 million criminal resolution with Gree USA, Gree Zhuhai and another related Gree company, Hong Kong Gree Electric Appliances Sales Co. Ltd. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph O. Johns of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section and Trial Attorneys Speare Hodges, Natalie Sanders and Stephen Gripkey of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting this case, with the assistance of Patricia Vieira of the CPSC’s Office of General Counsel.


title: Fort Eisenhower woman charged with murder in child’s death

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: AUGUSTA, GA: A U.S. Army spouse at Fort Eisenhower is in custody on a federal murder charge. April Evalyn Short , 30, of Fort Eisenhower – formerly Fort Gordon – is charged by federal complaint with Murder, with an aggravating circumstance of the alleged crime occurring during an act of child abuse, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Short has appeared for an initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian K. Epps and has not yet entered a plea. She is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is awaiting further proceedings. She is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. The criminal complaint alleges that on the morning of Nov. 15, 2023, Short used a knife to cut the neck of an 11-month-old child who later was pronounced dead at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. The case is being investigated by Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry W. Syms Jr. and Patricia G. Rhodes.


title: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Reginald Johnson, 31, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today to 12 years to serve with four years suspended and three years of supervised probation on charges of involuntary manslaughter (criminal negligence) of Carlos Christian and assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with a vehicle involved homicide. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to the government’s evidence, on January 15, 2023 around 6:10 p.m., Reginald Johnson drove his Jeep eastbound into the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest and 15 th Street, N.W crashing into a Toyota Corolla as it was turning left across eastbound traffic lanes onto 15th Street, NW. Johnson reached a speed of 61 miles per hour shortly before the crash, more than twice the 25 miles per hour speed limit. Johnson told an officer that he saw the car turning but thought it was stopping, sped up, and struck the car towards its tail end. Reginald Johnson had been drinking alcoholic beverages at Mission Bar from approximately 1:24 p.m. to 5:46 p.m. before choosing to get behind the wheel. His breath alcohol content at 9:20 p.m. was 0.10 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. D.C. Code § 50–2206.01 defines intoxicated as “An alcohol concentration at the time of testing of 0.08 grams or more … per 210 liters of the person’s breath…” This case was investigated by the MPD’s Major Crash Unit. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter.


title: District Man Sentenced to Twelve Years for Assault with the Intent to Kill While Armed

body_text: WASHINGTON – Timothy Farrow, 65, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to twelve years in prison for a brutal stabbing which took place on May 6, 2023 by Superior Court Judge Michael O'Keefe. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Farrow pled guilty to assault with the intent to kill while armed on September 15, 2023 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term Judge O’Keefe sentenced him to five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence and Farrow’s plea, Farrow approached the victim in the 3000 block of Minnesota Ave. in Washington, DC on May 6, 2023, at approximately 9:14 PM. Farrow then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim on his inner thigh, left shoulder, and across his face. The victim suffered extensive life-threatening injuries as a result of that assault. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Kubo.


title: District Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Armed Robbery in Southeast Washington

body_text: WASHINGTON – Tramayne Moore, 26, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to six years in prison for the brazen mid-afternoon robbery of a District man in Southeast Washington DC by Superior Court Judge Jason Park. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Moore pleaded guilty, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, in August of 2023, to one count of armed robbery. During that plea hearing, Moore admitted that he approached the victim in the 800 block of Ridge Road Southeast at approximately 3:00 p.m. on May 25, 2023, armed with what appeared to be a handgun. Moore pointed the weapon at the victim and ordered him out of the car. The victim obeyed that command, leaving his wallet and cell phone as well. Moore then took the car and drove off. Within two hours, however, with the aid of information supplied by eyewitnesses to the offense, police were able to locate and apprehend Moore. Police recovered the victim’s car, which had sustained minor damage, and property, but were unable to locate a weapon. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randle Wilson.


title: U.S. Attorney and First Judicial District Attorney Sign Agreement to Support Federal Investigations and Prosecutions in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Mary Carmack-Altwies, the First Judicial District Attorney, signed a memorandum of understanding today whereby Assistant District Attorneys from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office may be designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. Through this agreement, cross-designated state prosecutors will support federal investigations and prosecutions of criminal offenses committed in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties involving firearms, controlled substances, acts of violence, and child exploitation. “Crime knows no jurisdictional boundaries,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “With this agreement, we will work hand-in-hand with our state and local partners in pursuit of public safety. Together, we will bring federal resources and sentences to bear against the most pernicious and violent offenders in the communities of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos.” "We are proud to partner with the U.S Attorney's Office in this agreement to ensure the worst offenders throughout the First Judicial District are exposed to the full force of the law," Carmack-Altwies said. "The agreement signed today will bring welcome additions to our office's efforts to secure justice for everyone affected by criminal elements in our communities." The United States Attorney’s Office and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office share an interest in ensuring public safety, securing justice for victims, enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office and the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office. SAUSAs from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office currently screen every single felony criminal complaint filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged over 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program. # # # 23-267


title: Turtle Creek Man Sentenced to Prison for Escape from Federal Custody at Residential Reentry Center

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Turtle Creek Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment and supervised release for 2 years on his conviction of violating federal laws regarding escape from imprisonment, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Sean Johnson Jr., age 29, formerly of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. According to information presented to the court, Johnson was serving the last portion of his 37-month federal prison sentence at the Renewal House, a half-way house designed to assist inmates’ re-integrate into society. Johnson received a work pass on July 20, 2022, but he did not return to the Renewal Center. He absconded from custody and eluded capture until October 19, 2022, when he was arrested by the McKeesport Police Department in connection with an unrelated matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Marshal Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson Jr.


title: Federal Jury Finds Ohio Man Guilty of Federal Drug Charge

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating for less than one hour, a federal jury found Norberto Castillo-Lopez guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Castillo-Lopez, 34, of Columbus, Ohio was tried before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The evidence introduced during the three-day trial established that, beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was trafficking kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Columbus, Ohio into the Western District of Pennsylvania. Castillo-Lopez was intercepted agreeing to supply kilograms of cocaine to his coconspirator. That coconspirator redistributed Castillo-Lopez’s cocaine to lower-level distributors for resale in the cities of New Castle and Farrell. In September 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Castillo-Lopez’s residence and recovered cocaine, bulk United States currency, and a kilogram wrapper. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for February 15, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Castillo-Lopez remains in custody pending sentencing. DEA in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; the DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Castillo-Lopez. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Former Detroit Resident Sentenced for Violating Federal Narcotics Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Detroit, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Chief United States District Judge Hornak imposed the sentence on Nicholas Lamont Carter, age 33, formerly of Detroit, Michigan. According to information presented to the court, Carter was found in possession of 216 grams of fentanyl during a routine traffic stop that he intended to distribute. Carter has a significant criminal history that includes prior violent offenses and prior drug-related offenses, and he was on parole for offenses in West Virginia and Pennsylvania at the time of his possession of the 216 grams of fentanyl. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak noted the harm fentanyl has caused to the community and the need to protect the public from further crimes by this defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Allegheny County Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carter.


title: Man arrested with ten pounds of methamphetamine and three firearms sentenced to 10 years in prison

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 43-year-old man who was arrested in Federal Way, Washington in August 2022, with ten pounds of methamphetamine for a drug deal, was sentenced to ten years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Tawn Tzo Saeteurn pleaded guilty in April 2023 to possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. At today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said, “Your continued dealing shows that you had little or no respect for the law.” According to records filed in the case, Saeteurn had agreed to deliver ten pounds of meth and additional fentanyl pills to a drug purchaser. When Saeteurn arrived with the drugs, he was arrested and his car was searched. He had a .22 caliber pocket pistol in the driver’s side door of his vehicle, a .38 caliber Titan Tiger revolver on the floorboard of the passenger seat next to a bag containing 10 pounds of methamphetamine, and a 9mm Glock hidden in the gap between the driver’s seat and the center console. In addition to the methamphetamine, Saeteurn had nearly a half kilo of fentanyl pills, some fentanyl powder, $2,495 in U.S. currency, plastic baggies, two scales, and five cell phones. The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zach Dillon.


title: Former Priest Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sex Trafficking Three Victims in Northern Ohio

body_text: TOLEDO – Michael Zacharias, 56, of Findlay, Ohio was sentenced to life in prison today by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary and ordered to serve 5 years of supervised release, pay a $500 special assessment and pay $25,000 pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Zacharias was previously found guilty after a jury trial of five counts of sex trafficking following a two-week trial in May 2023. Evidence presented at trial showed that Zacharias was a priest-in-training when he first met the three victims at a Catholic school in Toledo in 1999. The evidence showed that he used his position of authority as a spiritual leader to groom the boys and grow close with their families before ultimately coercing the victims into engaging in commercial sex acts, two of which were still minors but all three of which he victimized in their adulthood, by exploiting their opioid addictions to cope with the trauma of the abuse. “Michael Zacharias’s victims trusted him, as a spiritual advisor, a confidant, a community leader, and someone in a position of authority. He exploited his position and that trust to target and victimize young boys and their families, causing lasting damage to both,” said United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “Zacharias was held accountable because of the courageous testimony of these young men, who gave voice to his betrayal and abuse, relieved this unimaginable horror, and withstood Zacharias’s predictable attempts at trial to attack their veracity. I applaud the bravery of these young men, the people who supported them, and the dogged efforts of the assigned FBI agent, who together exposed this predator, masquerading as a man of faith. Although no amount of time can ever wholly repair the damage that Zacharias inflicted on his victims, the life sentence that he received today is a significant step toward finding justice and protecting our community. It sends a message to others who consider similar conduct that the United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively pursue charges against those who target our children.” “Using a position of trust while deviously preying on one’s vulnerabilities, especially juveniles, is reprehensible,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The FBI has zero tolerance for sexual predators and those who commit crimes against children. We will continue to find and investigate individuals and their network who exploit and traffic children and seek justice for the victims and their families.” Evidence presented at trial, including the testimony of the three victims and family members, established that Zacharias first met the victims when they were just 5-, 11-, and 13-year-old students at a parochial school in Toledo in 1999. Zacharias served as a respected Catholic priest in Northwest Ohio for more than 20 years, while secretly exploiting his victims as they struggled in school, fell into opioid addiction, developed criminal histories, and became even more financially dependent on him to avoid opioid withdrawal and homelessness. Zacharias’ betrayal of the victims’ trust caused them serious psychological harm. Instead of helping the victims or providing referrals for their needs, Zacharias exploited them for his own pleasure. Zacharias preyed on the victims' ongoing fear of the painful physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal they would suffer without money he paid them, which sustained their growing addictions. Financial and phone records showed that when one of the victims was unavailable due to drug rehabilitation or incarceration, Zacharias incessantly solicited the other victims for commercial sex acts, including the youngest brother of his first victim, who was a freshman in high school and already struggling with opioid addiction when Zacharias began abusing him for sex. The FBI Cleveland Field Office, Lima and Toledo Resident Agencies investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman for the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Lindsey Roberson of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Simon City Royals gang member sentenced to 30 years  for racketeering conspiracy

component: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

body_text: Oxford, MS - A Chattanooga, Tennessee man has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy involving him and other members of the Simon City Royals gang. On Thursday afternoon, U. S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Jonathan Davis, 39, to 365 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Davis was a leader and organizer of the Simon City Royals, a violent prison gang operating primarily in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, but with members and associates acting on their behalf outside of prisons throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, and elsewhere. Through an alliance with the violent Gangster Disciples gang and with a sophisticated structure, the Simon City Royals engaged in a host of criminal activities, including murder, attempted murder, assault, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, witness tampering, money laundering, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, large-scale drug trafficking, and fraud. Court records reflect that Davis personally ordered two murders, which were attempted at his request, and was involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. The Simon City Royals engaged in widespread drug trafficking, including smuggling large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana and synthetic marijuana, heroin, and benzodiazepines into dozens of Mississippi state prison facilities. The gang distributed these dangerous substances, including nearly 100% pure crystal methamphetamine, to inmates throughout the prison system. “Our citizens have every right to expect that criminal gangs will be held accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi. “The sentence imposed on Thursday on one of the leaders of the Simon City Royals is one step towards making our communities safer. Our office will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to see that violent gang members pay for their crimes.” “ATF and its federal and local partners are dedicated to pursuing and combating those career criminals whose violent criminal activities threaten and severely detract from the welfare of our communities,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “This is another example of our commitment to work tirelessly to protect our communities and hold accountable those who threaten our safety.” This case has been investigated by ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, FBI Jackson Field Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, and dozens of local law enforcement agencies across multiple states. The Tupelo Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff's Department, Benton County Sheriff's Department, and Tippah County Sheriff’s Department provided valuable assistance. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow from the Northern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorney Ben Tonkin of the DOJ’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.


title: Man on probation pleads guilty to illegally possessing Glock switch

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Damarion Boyd, 20, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to illegally possessing a fully automatic weapon. Boyd possessed a 3D printed Glock switch, which converts a firearm into a fully automatic weapon and is considered a machine gun under federal law. According to his plea documents, on March 21, 2023, Boyd’s probation officers conducted a home visit and executed a probation search. Boyd made statements to conceal the location of his bedroom, but officers found a basement bedroom that had in it a poster-size photograph of Boyd and a friend, his graduation cap and gown and Boyd’s signed terms of probation from a few days earlier. The officers discovered a black backpack in the basement bedroom with a loaded Glock firearm and attached conversion device. Boyd was charged federally in May 2023. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the guilty plea entered before Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Ashley N. Brucato are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Urbana, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: URBANA, Ill. – An Urbana, Illinois, man, Phoutasone Champanine, 37, was sentenced today to an aggregate 27 years in prison following his convictions for conspiracy to possess fifty grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) with intent to distribute, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possessing a firearm as a felon. He was also ordered to serve an aggregate five years of supervised release. At the sentencing hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce, the government sought to hold Champanine accountable for eight pounds of methamphetamine found on his person when he was arrested during a Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force operation and for additional methamphetamine and several firearms found in places that Champanine controlled in connection with the conspiracy. Judge Bruce included that relevant conduct in determining Champanine’s advisory sentencing guidelines. The statutory penalties for conspiracy to possess fifty grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) with intent to distribute are ten years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and a maximum life term of supervised release. Champanine also faced up to twenty years of imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for maintaining a drug-involved premises. Finally, he faced up to ten years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a felon. The case investigation was conducted by the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional group composed of officers from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, the Champaign Police Department, the Urbana Police Department, and the University of Illinois Police Department, with assistance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Sullivan and William J. Lynch represented the government at both trial and sentencing. The case against Champanine 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.


title: Henryetta Resident Sentenced For Second Degree Murder In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Christopher Jason Hathcoat, age 45, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 315 months in prison for two counts of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. The terms were ordered to run concurrently. The charges arose from investigations by the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On August 31, 2022, Hathcoat pleaded guilty to two counts on an Information in federal court. According to investigators, on August 4, 2016, Hathcoat shot and killed two victims at a Henryetta residence, stole a large quantity of cash from the house and fled in one victim’s truck. Officers located three spent .243 rifle casings and one 9 mm casing at the scene. Hathcoat was later apprehended on an unrelated warrant driving the victim’s truck at a state park. A subsequent search of the truck revealed a Remington Model 742 .243 Winchester rifle, rounds of .243 and 9mm ammunition, and a quantity of cash. The crimes occurred in McIntosh County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee Creek Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Hathcoat will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Assault With Intent To Murder Law Enforcement And Federal Firearm Offense

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bradley Joe Mouse, age 38, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison on four counts of assault with intent to commit murder. The terms will be served concurrently. Mouse was also sentenced to a consecutive term of 120 months in prison for one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On November 9, 2022, Mouse pleaded guilty to the offenses. According to investigators, on July 27, 2022, Mouse fired on tribal and county law enforcement officers who went to his residence to arrest him for an assault and battery allegedly committed the night before. The officers returned fire. Mouse fled on foot and was apprehended a few yards away hiding in a wooded area. The shotgun Mouse used in the shooting was recovered inside the house. The crimes occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “Law enforcement officers have a dangerous job, and when violent people use firearms the danger grows exponentially,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Fortunately, in this instance, the officers were able to avoid injury and the defendant was apprehended. Combatting gun violence remains a priority of the Department of Justice, and the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute these type cases.” The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Mouse will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Okmulgee Resident Of Attempted Murder, Child Abuse, And Child Neglect

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that JOHN RAY COLLINS, JR., age forty-eight, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was convicted at trial by a federal jury of one count of Attempted Murder, two counts of Child Abuse, and one count of Child Neglect. The jury trial began with testimony on November 13, 2023, and concluded on November 17, 2023, with the guilty verdict. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that between January 1, 2023, and June 12, 2023, Collins abused two children, that he attempted to murder one child, and that he failed to provide food, water, medical care, and sanitary living conditions to that same child, all while responsible for their health, welfare, and safety. The crimes occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. On October 24, 2023, Collins’ co-defendant, TAMBARA LORENE COLLINS, age thirty-seven, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to two counts of Child Abuse, and one count of Child Neglect. The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable John F. Heil, U.S. District Court Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following the completion of the report. John Ray Collins, Jr. was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Caila M. Cleary and Sarah McAmis represented the United States.


title: Okmulgee Resident Pleads Guilty To Child Abuse And Neglect

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that TAMBARA LORENE COLLINS, age thirty-seven, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, entered a plea of guilty on October 24, 2023, to a superseding indictment charging her with two counts of Child Abuse and one count of Child Neglect. The indictment alleged that between January 1, 2023, and June 12, 2023, Collins caused harm to, threatened harm to, and failed to protect from harm two children while responsible for their health, welfare, and safety. The crimes occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. On November 17, 2023, Collins’ co-defendant, JOHN RAY COLLINS, JR., age forty-eight, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was convicted at trial by a federal jury of one count of Attempted Murder, two counts of Child Abuse, and one count of Child Neglect. The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Tambara Lorene Collins was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.


title: وزارة العدل تطلق مجموعة عمل جديدة بين الوكالات معنية بتيسيير التواصل اللغوي

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: أعلنت وزارة العدل الأمريكية اليوم عن إطلاق مجموعة العمل الفيدرالية لتيسيير التواصل اللغوي، وهي جهد جديد مشترك بين الوكالات من شأنه تنسيق تيسيير التواصل اللغوي عبر الحكومة الفيدرالية. أعلنت الوزارة أيضاً إلى جانب إنشاء مجموعة العمل هذه عن إصدار خطة للوكالات الفيدرالية لتيسسير التواصل اللغوي على موقعها www.LEP.gov وذلك في الذكرى الأولى لمذكرة ( memorandum ) وزير العدل ميريك بي. جارلاند للوكالات الفيدرالية الخاصة بتيسيير التواصل اللغوي. في شهر تشرين الثاني / نوفمبر 2022، وجه وزير العدل جارلاند الوكالات الفيدرالية بمراجعة خططها الخاصة بتيسيير التواصل اللغوي ومشاركة أفضل الممارسات وتبادل المعلومات المتعلقة بمبادرات تيسيير التواصل اللغوي امتثالاً للأمر التنفيذي رقم 13166 ، "تحسين إتاحة الخدمات للأشخاص الذين لا يتقنون اللغة الإنجليزية". ويصادف اليوم إصدار الدفعة الأولى من تلك الخطط المستحدثة مع قيام وكالات فيدرالية أخرى بنشر خطط مستحدثة في الأشهر المقبلة. وقال وزير العدل جارلاند: "إن حكومتنا تقدم خدمات لكل الأمريكيين بشكل أفضل عندما نتأكد أن الحواجز اللغوية لا تقف عقبة في طريق المشاركة في الحياة المدنية." وأضاف وزير العدل "اليوم، يسعدني أن أقول لكم بأن أكثر من إثنى عشر وكالة فيدرالية قد إستجابت لدعوتي لإعادة النظر في السبل التي تتعامل بها مع هذه الحواجز من خلال إطلاق خطط وسياسات مستحدثة لتيسير التواصل اللغوي والتي تهدف للتأكد من بقاء البرامج الحكومية في متناول الجميع. وسوف تستمر وزارة العدل في دعم الوكالات في تنفيذ خططها لتيسير التواصل اللغوي، وجهودها الأوسع نطاقاً لإغلاق الفجوة اللغوية عبر البرامج والخدمات الفيدرالية". وقالت كريستين كلارك مساعدة وزير العدل في دائرة الحقوق المدنية بوزارة العدل: "يجب أن يكون كل شخص في هذا البلد قادراً على ممارسة حقوقه والحصول على المعلومات المهمة، والفوائد والخدمات التي يحق له الحصول عليها بغض النظر عن اللغة التي يتحدث بها أو يقرأها أو يكتبها. إن الخطط المُستحدثة لتيسير التواصل اللغوي التي صدرت هذا اليوم تُبين الخطوات التي يتخذها الموظفون الفيدراليون للتأكد من أن الوصول الفعلي والمفيد إلى البرامج والأنشطة الفيدرالية مُتاح للأشخاص الذين لديهم كفاءة محدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية، كما أن هذه الخطط تزود الموظفين الفيدراليين بالمعلومات التي يحتاجون إليها للتواصل الصحيح والفعال مع كل المجموعات." قالت كريستين كلارك مساعدة المدعي العام بدائرة الحقوق المدنية بوزارة العدل الأمريكية: "يجب أن يكون كل شخص في البلاد قادراً على ممارسة حقوقه والحصول على المعلومات الهامة والحصول على المزايا والخدمات التي يحق له الحصول عليها بغض النظرعن اللغة التي يتحدث بها أو يقرأها أو يكتبها." إن الخطط المستحدثة لتيسيير التواصل اللغوي التي تم إصدارها اليوم تضع الخطوات التي يجب أن يتخذها الموظفون الفيدراليون لضمان توفير استفادة مجدية للأفراد الذين لا يتقنون اللغة الإنجليزية فيما يتعلق بالبرامج والأنشطة الفيدرالية، وتزويد الموظفين الفيدراليين بالمعلومات التي يحتاجون إليها للتواصل بدقة وفعالية مع كل المجتمعات." وستكون مجموعة العمل الفيدرالية لتيسيير التواصل اللغوي بمثابة المورد المركزي لتوفير الدعم والمساعدة التقنية للوكالات الفيدرالية وهي تعمل على تنفيذ خططها المستحدثة لتيسيير التواصل اللغوي، وسوف تنخرط مجموعة العمل أيضاً بشكل مباشر مع الجماعات المجتمعية والأفراد الذين لا يتقنون اللغة الإنجليزية وغيرهم من أصحاب المصلحة لضمان الالتزام بالأمر التنفيذي 13166 وغيره من الالتزامات الفيدرالية المتعلقة بتيسيير التواصل اللغوي، وستقوم مجموعة العمل أيضاً بالتركيز على ضمان امتثال مُتلقي الأموال الفيدرالية بالتزاماتهم المتعلقة بتيسيير التواصل اللغوي بموجب القانون الفيدرالي. ودعت مذكرة وزير العدل الوكالات إلى النظر في سبل إضافية تضمن بها الوكالات فهم متلقو المساعدات المالية الفيدرالية لألتزاماتهم والامتثال لهذه الالتزامات لتوفير سبل التواصل اللغوي المجدية بموجب متطلبات المادة السادسة من قانون الحقوق المدنية لعام 1964 ولوائحها التنفيذية. يستند إعلان اليوم إلى التزام وزارة العدل منذ فترة طويلة في المضي قدماً في تيسيير التواصل اللغوي. ولقد أصدرت شعبة الحقوق المدنية مؤخراً صحيفة وقائع ( fact sheet ) حول تيسيير التواصل اللغوي للمحاكم بالتنسيق مع حلقة دراسية على الانترنت لمحاكم الولايات. وأطلقت الشعبة أيضاً مبادرة تيسيير التواصل اللغوي في مجال إنفاذ القانون ( Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative )، وهي مبادرة على الصعيد الوطني لمساعدة وكالات إنفاذ القانون على الوفاء بالتزاماتهم بتيسيير التواصل اللغوي على نحو مجد. وعملاً بمذكرة وزير العدل الصادرة في تشرين الثاني / نوفمبر 2022، أصدرت وزارة العدل خطتها المُنقحة الخاصة بتيسيير التواصل اللغوي في آب / أغسطس 2023، التي يمكن الإطلاع عليها هنا ( here ). كما تتوفر أيضاً ترجمات إلى الاسبانية والصينية المُبسطة والصينية التقليدية والفيتنامية والكورية والتغالوغية والعربية والفرنسية. ويقوم مكتب تيسيير التواصل اللغوي ( Language Access Program ) التابع لوزارة العدل بتنسيق تنفيذ الخطة المنقحة التي أعدتها وزارة العدل وتوفير التدريب والمساعدة الفنية لمكونات وزارة العدل وتوسيع موارد تيسيير التواصل اللغوي وتعزيز سياسات وممارسات تيسيير التواصل اللغوي بشكل أفضل بما يتماشى مع خطة الوزارة. ويرأس منسق برنامج تيسيير التواصل اللغوي الفريق العامل المعني بتيسيير التواصل اللغوي التابع للوزارة وهو جهد يُبذل على مستوى الوزارة لتنفيذ خطة الوزارة. تتوفر معلومات إضافية حول قسم الحقوق المدنية على موقعه على الإنترنت على: www.justice.gov/crt كما يمكن الإطلاع على معلومات حول الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية والأمر التنفيذي 13166 على موقع www.LEP.gov .


title: Justice Department Launches New Interagency Language Access Working Group

body_text: The Justice Department announced today the launch of the Federal Language Access Working Group, a new interagency effort that will coordinate language access across the federal government. Along with the creation of this working group, the Department also announced the release of updated federal agency language access plans on its website, www.LEP.gov , on the one-year anniversary of the Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s language access memorandum to federal agencies. In November 2022, Attorney General Garland directed federal agencies to revise their language access plans, share best practices, and exchange information about language access initiatives and efforts in compliance with Executive Order 13166 , “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.” Today marks the release of the first batch of those updated plans with additional federal agencies posting updated plans in the coming months. “Our government serves all Americans better when we ensure that language barriers do not stand in the way of participation in civic life,” said Attorney General Garland. “Today, I’m pleased to share that more than a dozen federal agencies have answered my call to re-examine the ways in which they are addressing these barriers through the release of updated language access plans and policies aimed at ensuring that government programs remain accessible to all. The Justice Department will continue to support agencies in implementing their language access plans and their broader efforts to close the language gap across federal programs and services.” “Everyone in the country should be able to exercise their rights, obtain critical information and access benefits and services that they are eligible for, regardless of the language they speak, read or write,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The updated language access plans released today lay out the steps that federal employees are taking to ensure that people with limited English proficiency are provided real and meaningful access to federal programs and activities. These plans also equip federal employees with the information they need to communicate accurately and effectively with all communities.” The Federal Language Access Working Group will serve as a central resource for providing support and technical assistance to federal agencies as they work to implement their updated language access plans. The working group will also directly engage with community groups, individuals with limited English proficiency, and other stakeholders to ensure adherence with Executive Order 13166 and other federal language access obligations. The working group will also focus on ensuring that recipients of federal funds comply with their language access obligations under federal law. The Attorney General’s memorandum called upon agencies to consider additional ways in which agencies can ensure that federal financial assistance recipients understand and comply with their obligations to provide meaningful language access under the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations. Today’s announcement builds on the Justice Department’s longstanding commitment to advancing language access. The Civil Rights Division recently issued a fact sheet on courts language access in coordination with a webinar for state courts . The division also launched the Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative , a nationwide effort to assist law enforcement agencies in meeting their obligations to provide meaningful language access. Pursuant to the Attorney General’s November 2022 memorandum, the Justice Department issued its revised Language Access Plan in August, which can be found here . Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Arabic, and French translations are also available. The Office for Access to Justice’s Language Access Program coordinates implementation of the Department’s revised plan, provides training and technical assistance to Department components, expands language access resources, and promotes improved language access policies and practices in compliance with the Department’s plan. The program’s Language Access Coordinator chairs the Department’s Language Access Working Group, a Department-wide effort to implement the Department’s plan. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt and information about limited English proficiency and Executive Order 13166 is available at www.LEP.gov .


title: El Departamento de Justicia lanza un nuevo Grupo Interagencial de Trabajo de Acceso al Lenguaje

body_text: Hoy el Departamento de Justicia anunció el lanzamiento del Grupo de Trabajo Federal de Acceso al Lenguaje, el cual constituye un nuevo esfuerzo interagencial en el que coordinarán el acceso al lenguaje a través del gobierno federal. Junto con la creación de este Grupo de Trabajo, el Departamento de Justicia también anunció en su sitio web, www.LEP.gov , el lanzamiento de planes actualizados de acceso al lenguaje por parte de agencias federales, tras marcar el primer aniversario en que el Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland emitió el memorándum de acceso al lenguaje a agencias federales. En noviembre de 2022, el Fiscal General Garland ordenó a las agencias federales que revisaran sus planes de acceso al lenguaje, compartieran sus mejores prácticas e intercambiaran información sobre iniciativas y esfuerzos de acceso al lenguaje en cumplimiento de la Orden Ejecutiva 13166 , “Mejorar el acceso a los servicios para las personas con dominio limitado del inglés”. Hoy marca el lanzamiento del primer lote de esos planes actualizados y en los próximos meses más agencias federales publicarán sus planes actualizados. “Nuestro gobierno sirve mejor a todos los estadounidenses cuando garantizamos que las barreras de idioma no obstaculizan la participación en la vida cívica”, dijo el Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland. “Hoy, me complace compartir que más de una docena de agencias federales han respondido a mi llamado para reexaminar las formas en que están abordando estas barreras mediante la publicación de planes y políticas actualizados de acceso al lenguaje destinados a garantizar que los programas gubernamentales sigan siendo accesible a todos. El Departamento de Justicia seguirá apoyando a las agencias en la implementación de sus planes de acceso lingüístico y sus esfuerzos más amplios para cerrar la brecha lingüística en todos los programas y servicios federales”. “Toda persona en el país debe poder ejercer sus derechos, obtener información crítica y tener acceso a beneficios y servicios a los cuales es elegible, independientemente del idioma que hable, lea o escriba”, señaló Kristen Clarke, Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “Los planes actualizados de acceso al lenguaje que se difunden hoy establecen los pasos que el personal federal debe tomar para garantizar que las personas con dominio limitado del inglés se les provea acceso significativo a los programas y actividades federales. De igual manera, equipan al personal federal con la información que necesita para comunicarse con todas las comunidades de manera precisa y efectiva”. El Grupo de Trabajo Federal de Acceso al Lenguaje funcionará como un recurso central que proporcionará apoyo y asistencia técnica a las agencias federales mientras que ellas trabajen en la implementación de sus planes actualizados de acceso al lenguaje. El Grupo de Trabajo también colaborará directamente con grupos comunitarios, personas con dominio limitado del inglés y otras partes interesadas en garantizar el cumplimiento de la Orden Ejecutiva 13166 y otras obligaciones relacionadas con el acceso al lenguaje a nivel federal. El Grupo de Trabajo también se enfocará en garantizar que las agencias que reciban fondos federales cumplan en conformidad con la ley federal con sus obligaciones de acceso al lenguaje. En el memorándum del fiscal general se pidió a las agencias que consideraran otras formas en que las agencias puedan cerciorarse de que los beneficiarios de asistencia financiera federal comprendan y cumplan con sus obligaciones de proveer un acceso lingüístico significativo en virtud de los requisitos del Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y sus reglamentos de aplicación. El comunicado de hoy se construye sobre el compromiso desde hace tiempo del Departamento de Justicia de promover el acceso al lenguaje. La División de Derechos Civiles publicó recientemente una hoja informativa sobre el acceso al lenguaje en los tribunales en coordinación con un seminario web para los tribunales estatales. La división también lanzó la Iniciativa del Orden Público Para el Acceso Lingüístico , la cual es una iniciativa nacional que ayuda a las agencias del orden público a cumplir sus obligaciones de proporcionar un acceso lingüístico significativo. De acuerdo con el memorándum del fiscal general de noviembre de 2022, el Departamento de Justicia emitió su Plan de Acceso al Lenguaje el cual fue revisado en agosto de 2023. Este plan se puede encontrar aquí . También se encuentran disponibles traducciones al español, chino simplificado, chino tradicional, vietnamita, coreano, tagalo, árabe y francés. El Programa de Acceso al Lenguaje de la Oficina de Acceso a la Justicia coordina la implementación del plan actualizado del Departamento, proporciona capacitación y asistencia técnica a los componentes del Departamento, amplía los recursos de acceso al lenguaje y promueve mejores políticas y prácticas de acceso al lenguaje en conformidad con el plan del Departamento de Justicia. La Coordinadora de Acceso al Lenguaje que dirige el Programa también preside sobre el Grupo de Trabajo de Acceso al Lenguaje del Departamento de Justicia, el cual es un esfuerzo por parte del Departamento de Justicia para llevar a cabo el Plan del Departamento de Justicia. Puede obtener más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en su sitio web en la dirección http://www.justice.gov/crt . Igualmente, puede obtener información sobre el dominio limitado del inglés y la Orden Ejecutiva 13166 en la dirección www.LEP.gov .


title: 미 법무부, 다기관 간 언어 접근성 실무 그룹 출범

body_text: 법무부는 오늘 연방 정부 전반에 걸쳐 언어 접근성을 조정할 새로운 다기관 간 연방 언어 접근성 실무 그룹(Federal Language Access Working Group)의 출범을 발표했습니다. 이 실무 그룹의 생성과 함께, 법무부는 메릭 B. 갈랜드(Merrick B. Garland) 법무부장관의 연방 기관에 대한 언어 접근성 각서 1주년 기념일에 웹사이트, www.LEP.gov , 를 통해 개의 업데이트된 연방 기관 언어 접근성 계획 출시를 발표했습니다. 2022년 11월 갈랜드 법무부장관은 행정명령 13166 , “영어 능력이 제한적인 사람들을 위한 서비스 접근성 개선”에 따라 연방 기관에 언어 접근성 계획을 수정하고 모범 사례를 공유하며, 언어 접근성 계획 및 노력에 대한 정보를 교환하도록 지시했습니다. 오늘은 그 업데이트 된 계획의 일 회분을 게시하며 향후 몇 달 안에 추가 연방 기관들이 업데이트 된 계획들을 포스팅하게 됩니다. “언어의 장벽이 시민 생활의 참여에 방해가 되지 않도록 할 때에 우리 정부는 비로소 모든 국민들에게 더 나은 서비스를 제공합니다”라고 갈랜드 법무부장관은 말했습니다. “저는 정부 프로그램들이 지속적으로 모든 사람들에게 접근 가능하도록 보장하기 위해 업데이트된 언어 접근성 계획 및 정책을 발표하여 이러한 장벽을 해결하는 방법들을 재검토하라고 요청하였고, 12개 이상의 연방 기관들이 그에 응하였음을 오늘 발표하게 되어 기쁩니다. 법무부는 이 기관들이 언어 접근성 계획을 시행하는 것과 연방 프로그램 및 서비스 전반에 걸쳐 언어 격차를 줄이기 위한 그들의 광범위한 노력을 계속해서 지원할 것입니다.” 법무부 민권국의 크리스틴 클라크(Kristen Clarke) 법무 차관보는 “이 나라의 모든 사람들은 말하고, 읽고, 쓰는 언어와 상관없이 자신의 권리를 행사하고, 중요한 정보를 얻고, 자격이 있는 혜택과 서비스를 이용할 수 있어야 합니다”라고 말했습니다. 또한 “오늘 발표된 업데이트된 언어 접근성 계획들은 영어 능력이 제한된 사람들이 참되고 의미 있는 연방 프로그램 및 활동의 특권을 누리도록 연방 직원들이 취해야 하는 조치를 제시합니다. 또한, 연방 직원들이 모든 지역사회와 정확하고 효과적으로 소통하는 데 필요한 정보를 갖추도록 합니다”라고 말했습니다. 연방 언어 접근성 실무 그룹(Federal Language Access Working Group)은 업데이트된 언어 접근성 계획을 구현하기 위해 연방 기관들에 지원 및 기술 지원을 제공하는 중앙 자원 역할을 합니다. 이 실무 그룹은 또한 지역사회 단체, 영어 능력이 제한된 개인 및 기타 이해 관계자들과 직접 협력하여 행정명령 13166 및 기타 연방 언어 접근성의 의무를 준수합니다. 또한 연방 재정 지원 수령자들이 연방법에 따른 언어 접근성의 의무를 준수하도록 하는 데에도 집중할 예정입니다. 법무장관의 각서는 기관들에게1964년 민권법 제6장 및 그 시행 규정에 따라 연방 재정 지원 수령자가 효과적인 언어 접근성을 제공해야 하는 의무를 이해하고 준수하도록 보장하는 추가 방법을 고려할 것을 촉구했습니다. 오늘 발표는 언어 접근성 향상에 대한 법무부의 오랜 노력을 기반으로 합니다. 민권국은 최근 주 법원을 위한 웨비나와 함께 법원 언어 접근성에 관한 팩트시트 를 발행했습니다. 또한 법 집행 기관들이 효과적인 언어 지원을 제공해야 하는 의무의 이행을 전국적으로 돕는 법 집행 언어 접근성 계획( Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative )을 시작했습니다. 2022년 11월 법무장관 각서에 따라 법무부는 2023년 8월에 개정된 언어 접근성 계획을 발행했으며, 여기 에서 확인하실 수 있습니다. 스페인어, 중국어 간체, 중국어 번체, 베트남어, 한국어, 타갈로그어, 아랍어 및 프랑스어 번역본도 제공됩니다. 사법접근실의 언어 접근성 프로그램( Language Access Program )은 법무부의 개정된 계획의 실행을 조정하고, 법무부의 구성원들에 대한 교육 및 기술 지원을 제공하며, 언어 접근성 자원을 확장하고, 법무부의 계획에 따라 개선된 언어 접근성 정책 및 관행을 촉진합니다. 이 프로그램의 언어 접근성 코디네이터는 법무부의 계획을 구현하기 위한 법무부 차원의 노력의 일환인 언어 접근성 실무 그룹을 주관합니다. 민권국에 대한 추가 정보는 웹사이트 www.justice.gov/crt 에서 확인할 수 있으며 영어 능력 제한 및 행정 명령 13166에 대한 정보는 www.LEP.gov 에서 확인할 수 있습니다.


title: Ang Departamento ng Hustisya ay Naglulunsad ng Bagong Nagtatrabahong Grupo sa Kaparaanan sa Wika ng Pangkaloobang Ahensiya

body_text: Inihayag ngayon ng Departamento ng Hustisya ang paglunsad ng Pederal na Nagtatrabahong Grupo sa Kaparaanan sa Wika, isang bagong pagsisikap ng pangkaloobang ahensiya na magtutugma ng kaparaanan sa wika sa buong pederal na pamahalaan. Kasama ng paglikha sa nagtatrabahong grupo na ito, inihayag din ng Departmento ang pagpapalabas ng pinakabagong mga plano sa kaparaanan sa wika ng pederal na ahensiya sa website nito, www.LEP.gov , sa unang anibersaryo ng panandaan [ memorandum ] sa kaparaanan sa wika ni Pangunahing Abogado Merrick B. Garland sa pederal na mga ahensiya. Noong Nobyembre 2022, nangasiwa si Pangunahing Abogado Garland sa pederal na mga ahensiya na baguhin ang kanilang mga plano sa kaparaanan sa wika, magbahagi ng pinakamahusay na mga kagawian, at makipagpalitan ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga pagsisimula at mga pagsisikap sa kaparaanan sa wika bilang pagsunod sa Nakatataas ng Utos 13166 [ Executive Order 13166 ], “Pagpapabuti ng Kaparaanan sa mga Serbisyo para sa mga Tao na may Limitadong Kasanayan sa Ingles.” Minarkahan ngayon ang pagpapalabas ng unang grupo ng pinakabagong mga planong iyon kasama na ang pagpo-post ng mga karagdagang pederal na mga ahensiya ng pinakabagong mga plano sa darating na mga buwan. “Mas mahusay na masisilbihan ng ating pamahalaan ang lahat ng mga Amerikano kapag sinigurado namin na ang mga hadlang sa wika ay hindi hahadlang sa pakikilahok sa buhay sibiko,” sabi ni Pangunahing Abogado Garland. “Ngayon, ikinalulugod kong ibahagi na sinagot ng mahigit ng isang dosenang pederal na mga ahensiya ang aking tawag upang muling suriin ang mga paraan kung paano nilang tinutugunan ang mga hadlang na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalabas ng pinakabagong mga plano at mga patakaran na naglalayong tiyakin na ang mga programa ng pamahalaan ay manatiling makukuha ng lahat. Ipagpapatuloy ng Departamento ng Hustisya ang pagsusuporta sa mga ahensiya sa pagpapatupad ng kanilang mga plano sa kaparaanan sa wika at ang kanilang mas malawak na pagsisikap na isara ang agwat ng wika sa buong pederal na mga programa at mga serbisyo.” “Lahat ng tao sa bayan ay dapat magawang gamitin ang kanilang mga karapatan, makakuha ng kritikal na impormasyon at kaparaanan sa mga benepisyo at mga serbisyo kung saan sila ay karapat-dapat, hindi alintana sa wika na kanilang sinasalita, binabasa, o sinusulat,” sabi ni Pangalawang Pangunahing Abogado Kristen Clarke para sa Dibisyon sa mga Karapatang Sibil ng Departamento ng Hustisya. “Ang pinakabagong mga plano sa kaparaanan sa wika na ipinalabas ngayon ay inilalatag ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng mga kawani ng pederal upang matiyak na ang mga taong may limitadong kasanayan sa Ingles ay nabibigyan ng tunay at makabuluhang kaparaanan sa pederal na mga programa at mga aktibidad. Ang mga planong ito ay nagbibigay din ng kasangkapan sa mga kawani ng pederal ng impormasyon na kanilang kailangan para sa pakikipag-usap ng wasto at mabisa sa lahat ng mga komunidad.” Ang Pederal na Nagtatrabahong Grupo sa Kaparaanan sa Wika ay magsisilbing isang sentral na mapagkukunan sa pagkakaloob ng taguyod at teknikal na tulong sa mga pederal na mga ahensiya habang tinatrabaho nila ang pagpapatupad ng kanilang pinakabagong mga plano sa kaparaanan sa wika. Ang nagtatrabahong grupo ay direktang makikibahagi rin sa mga grupo ng komunidad, sa mga indibidwal na may limitadong kasanayan sa Ingles at iba pang mga nagsasapalaran upang matiyak ang pagsunod sa Nakatataas na Utos 13166 at iba pang pederal ng mga obligasyon sa kaparaanan sa wika. Pagtutuunan din ng nagtatrabahong grupo na ti yakin na ang mga tatanggap ng pederal na mga pondo ay susunod sa kanilang mga obligasyon sa kaparaanan sa wika sa ilalim ng pederal na batas. Nanawagan ang panandaan ni Pangunahing Abogado sa mga ahensiya na isaalang-alang ang mga karagdagang paraan kung saan na makakatiyak ang mga ahensiya na ang mga tatanggap ng pederal na tulong pinansiyal ay nauunawaan at sumusunod sa kanilang mga obligasyon upang magkaloob ng makahulugang kaparaanan sa wika sa ilalim ng mga kinakailangan ng Titulo VI ng Batas sa mga Karapatang Sibil ng 1964 at ang mga regulasyon nito sa pagpapatupad. Ang pahayag ngayon ay bumubuo sa Departamento ng Hustisyang katagalang pangako sa pagsulong sa kaparaanan sa wika. Kamakailan lamang ang Dibisyon sa mga Karapatang Sibil ay naglathala ng isang katotohanang pilyego [ fact sheet ] tungkol sa kaparaanan sa wika sa mga hukuman sa pakikipagtuwangan sa isang webinar para sa mga hukumang pang-estado. Inilunsad din ng dibisyon ng Pagkukusa sa Kaparaanan sa Wika ng Tagapagpatupad ng Batas [ Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative ], isang buong bansang pagsisikap upang tulungan ang mga ahensya sa pagpapatupad ng batas upang matugunan nila ang kanilang mga obligasyon sa pagkakaloob ng makabuluhang kaparaanan sa wika. Alinsunod sa Panandaan ni Pangunahing Abogado noong Nobyembre 2022, nagpahayag ang Departamento ng Hustisya ng binagong Plano sa Kaparaanan sa Wika nito noong Agosto, kung saan ay makikita dito [ here ]. Espanyol, Pinasimpleng Intsik, Tradisyonal na Intsik, Vietnamese, Koreano, Tagalog, Arabe, at Pranses na mga pagsasalin ay magagamit din. Ang Tanggapan ng Kaparaanan sa Programa sa Kaparaanan sa Wika [ Language Access Program] ng Hustisya ay nakikipag-tugma sa pagpapatupad ng binagong plano ng Departamento, nagkakaloob ng pagsasanay at teknikal na tulong sa mga bahagi ng Departamento, pinapalawak ang mga mapagkukunan sa kaparaanan sa wika, at nagtataguyod sa pagpapabuti sa mga patakaran at kasanayan sa kaparaanan sa wika bilang pagsunod sa plano ng Departamento. Niluluklok ng Tagapag-ugma sa Programa ng Kaparaanan sa Wika ang Nagtatrabahong Grupo sa Kaparaanan sa Wika ng Departamento, isang pagsisikap sa buong Departamento upang ipatupad ang plano ng Departamento. Mayroong mga karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa Dibisyon sa mga Karapatang Sibil sa website nito sa www.justice.gov/crt at impormasyon tungkol sa limitadong kasanayan sa Ingles at ang Nakatataas na Utos 13166 ay magagamit sa www.LEP.gov .


title: Bộ Tư Pháp Ra Mắt Nhóm Công Tác Tiếp Cận Ngôn Ngữ Liên Ngành Mới

body_text: Bộ Tư Pháp hôm nay đã công bố sự ra mắt của Nhóm Công tác Tiếp cận Ngôn ngữ Liên bang, một nỗ lực liên ngành mới, và sẽ điều phối việc tiếp cận ngôn ngữ trên toàn chính phủ liên bang. Cùng với việc thành lập nhóm làm việc này, bộ cũng công bố việc phát hành cập nhật ngôn ngữ cùa cơ quan liên bang trên trang web của mình, www.LEP.gov , vào dịp kỷ niệm một năm của bản ghi nhớ tiếp cận ngôn ngữ của Tổng Chưởng Lý Merrick B. Garland cho các cơ quan liên bang . Vào tháng 11/2022, Tổng Chưởng Lý Merrick B. Garland đã chỉ đạo các cơ quan liên bang sửa đổi kế hoạch tiếp cận ngôn ngữ của họ, chia sẻ các phương pháp hay nhất, trao đổi thông tin về các sáng kiến truy cập ngôn ngữ, và nỗ lực tiếp cận ngôn ngữ tuân theo Sắc lệnh điều hành 13166 , “Cải thiện khả năng tiếp cận những Dịch vụ cho những Người với trình độ Anh văn Hạn chế.” Hôm nay đánh dấu viếc phát hành đợt đầu tiên của các kế hoạch cập nhật đó với các cơ quan liên bang đề đăng các kế hoạch cập nhật trong những tháng tới. “Chính phủ chúng tôi có thể phục vụ tất cả người Mỹ tốt hơn khi chúng tôi đảm bảo được sự trở ngại ngôn ngữ sẽ không còn là một hàng rào để cản trở việc tham gia vào đời sống công dân,” Bộ trưởng Tư pháp Garland nói. “Hôm nay chúng tôi hân hoan chia sẻ là đã có một chục cơ quan liên bang đáp ứng lời kêu gọi của tôi để xem xét lại cách họ đang giải quyết những cản trở này thông qua việc phát hành các kế hoạch và chính sách tiếp cận ngôn ngữ nhằm đảm bảo là tất cả mọi người vẫn có thể truy cập được các chương trình của chính phủ. Bộ Tư pháp sẽ tiếp tục hổ trợ các cơ quan trong việc thực hiện các kế hoạch tiếp cận ngôn ngữ của họ và những nỗ lực rộng lớn của họ để thu hẹp khoảng cách ngôn ngữ giữa các chương trình và dịch vụ liên bang.” “Mọi người trong nước đều có thể thực hiện các quyền của mình, có được những thông tin quan trọng và tiếp cận được các lợi ích và dịch vụ mà họ đủ điều kiện, bất kể ngôn ngữ họ nói, đọc hay viết,” Trợ lý Bộ trưởng Tư pháp Kristen Clark thuộc Bộ phận Dân quyền của Bộ Tư pháp nói. “Các kế hoạch tiếp cận ngôn ngữ cập nhật được phát hành hôm nay đưa ra những bước mà nhân viên liên bang đang thực hiện, để đảm bảo rằng những cá nhân với trình độ Anh văn hạn chế được cung cấp quyền truy cập thực sự và có ý nghĩa của các chương trình và hoạt động của liên bang. Những kế hoạch này cũng trang bị cho nhân viên liên bang với những thông tin họ cần để họ giao tiếp chính xác và có hiệu quả với tất cả các cộng đồng.” Vai trò của Nhóm Công tác Tiếp cận Ngôn ngữ Liên bang sẽ là trung tâm nguồn lực thông tin để hỗ trợ và trợ giúp kỹ thuật cho các cơ quan liên bang trong quá trình họ thực hiện các kế hoạch tiếp cận ngôn ngữ cập nhật. Nhóm Công tác sẽ trực tiếp tham gia với các nhóm trong cộng đổng, các cá nhân với trình độ Anh văn hạn chế và các bên liên quan khác để đảm bảo việc tuân thủ Lệnh Hành pháp 1366 và các nghĩa vụ tiếp cận ngôn ngữ liên bang khác. Nhóm công tác cũng sẽ chú tâm vào việc đảm bảo là những người nhận tiền của liên bang phải tuân theo các nghĩa vụ tiếp cận ngôn ngữ theo luật liên bang. Bản ghi nhớ cùa Tổng Chưởng lý kêu gọi các cơ quan xem xét các cách bổ xung để các cơ quan có thể đảm bảo rằng người nhận hỗ trợ tài chính của liên bang phải ý thức và tuân thủ nghĩa vụ của họ khi được cung cấp quyền truy cập ngôn ngữ cho có ý nghĩa theo các yêu cầu của Tiêu đề VI của Đạo luật Dân quyền năm 1964 và các quy định thực hiện. Thông báo hôm nay dựa vào sự cam kết lâu dài của Bộ Tư pháp trong việc thúc đẩy việc truy cập ngôn ngữ. Bộ phận Dân quyền gần đây đã ban hành một văn bản thông tin về việc tiếp cận ngôn ngữ của toà án và phối hợp với hội thảo trên web cho các toà án tiểu bang. Bộ phận này cũng đưa ra Sáng kiến Tiếp cận Ngôn ngữ cho Giới Thực thi Pháp luật , là một nỗ lực trên toàn quốc nhằm hỗ trợ các cơ quan thực thi pháp luật để đáp ứng nghĩa vụ của họ trong việc cung cấp quyền truy cập ngôn ngữ cho có ý nghiã. Căn cứ vào bản ghi nhớ tháng 11/2022 của Tổng Chưởng lý, Bộ Tư pháp đã ban hành một bản kế hoạch Tiếp cận Ngôn ngữ sửa đổi vào tháng 8 năm 2023. Quý vị có thể xem ở đây . Bộ đã có sẵn bản dịch cho các tiếng Tây ban Nha, Trung Hoa giản thể và Trung Hoa truyền thống, Việt Nam, Đại Hàn, Phi Luật Tân, Ả Rập và Pháp. Văn phòng Tiếp cận cho Chương trình Tiếp cận Ngôn ngữ điều phối việc thực hiện kế hoạch sửa đổi, đào tạo và hỗ trợ kỹ thuật cho các thành phần trong bộ, bành trướng các nguồn lực tiếp cận ngôn ngữ, và thúc đẩy việc cải thiện chính sách tiếp cận ngôn ngữ và thực hành để phù hợp với đường lối của bộ. Điều phối viên của chương trình chủ trì cho Nhóm Công tác Tiếp cận Ngôn ngữ; văn phòng này chủ yếu lo việc thực hiện kế hoạch của bộ. Thông tin bổ sung về Văn phòng Dân quyền có sẵn trên trang web www.justice.gov/crt , và thông tin về trình độ Anh văn hạn chế và Lệnh Điều hành 13166 có sẵn tại www.LEP.gov .


title: 司法部成立新的跨部门语言服务工作组

body_text: 司法部今天宣布成立联邦语言服务工作组, 此项新的跨部门工作将协调整个联邦政府的语言服务。随着该工作组的成立, 该部门还宣布, 在司法部长梅里克∙B·加兰德向联邦机构发布语言服务 备忘录 一周年之际, 在其网站 www.LEP.gov 上发布更新的联邦机构语言服务计划。 司法部长加兰德在2022年11月指令联邦机构根据 第13166号行政命令 ,《改善英语水平有限者获得服务之机会》修订其语言服务计划, 分享最佳实践并交流有关语言服务倡议与努力之信息。今天标志着第一批更新后的计划的发布, 其他联邦机构将在未来数月发布其更新后的计划。 “当政府能确保语言障碍不会阻碍人民参与公民生活时，我们的政府就能更佳提供服务与所有美国人。”司法部长加兰德表示。“今天，很高兴与大家分享，十几个联邦机构响应了我的呼吁，重新审视了如何应对这些障碍的方法，透过发布更新后的语言服务计划与政策，以确保所有人都能使用政府的服务。司法部将继续支持各机构执行其语言服务计划，以及缩短联邦方案与服务间语言鸿沟之更广泛的努力。” “无论使用何种语言讲话，阅读或书写，在本国的每一个人皆应能行使其权利, 取得重要信息, 以及获得与他们的资格相符的福利和服务。” 司法部民权司助理总检察长克里斯汀·克拉克说，“今天发布的最新语言服务计划规定了联邦工作人员必须采取的步骤，以确保限英语水平有限的个人能够名副其实地参与联邦计划和活动。这些计划将使联邦工作人员掌握所需的信息以准确有效地与所有小区沟通。” 联邦语言服务工作组将作为提供支持和技术援助的中心资源，协助联邦机构实施更新后的语言服务计划工作。工作组亦将直接与小区团体，英语水平有限的人和其他利益相关者互动，确保第13166号行政命令和其他联邦语言服务义务得以遵循。工作组还将着重确保获得联邦资助者按照联邦法律规定行使语言服务义务。司法部长的备忘录呼吁各机构考虑其他办法，确保联邦财政援助接受者了解并遵守根据1964年《民权法》第六章及其实施条例的要求提供有意义的语言服务之义务。 今天的公告是基于司法部对促进语言服务的长期承诺之上。民权司最近与州法院的网络研讨会协调，发布了一份关于法院语文服务情况的 概况介绍 。该司还发起了" 执法语言服务倡议 "，这是一项全国性的工作，旨在协助执法机构履行其义务，提供有意义的语言服务。 根据司法部长2022年11月的备忘录，司法部在8月发布了更新的语言服务计划， 该计划可在 此处 查阅。西班牙文、简体中文、繁体中文、越南文、韩文、他加禄语、阿拉伯文和法文翻译也可供查阅。司法部 语言服务计划 办公室协调执行该部的修订计划，贵司法部各下属部门提供培训和技术援助，扩大语言服务资源，并根据司法部的计划推动改进后的语言服务政策和实践。该计划的语言服务协调员担任本部之语言服务工作组主席，为全部门性责成努力执行本部之计划。 有关民权司的其他信息可上其网站 www.justice.gov/crt 查询，有关有限英语水平及第13166号行政命令的信息，可浏览 www.LEP.gov .


title: 司法部成立新的跨部門語言服務工作組

body_text: 司法部今天宣佈成立聯邦語言服務工作組, 此項新的跨部門工作將協調整個聯邦政府的語言服務。隨著該工作組的成立, 該部門還宣佈, 在司法部長梅里克∙B·加蘭德向聯邦機構發佈語言服務 備忘錄 一週年之際, 在其網站 www.LEP.gov 上發佈更新的聯邦機構語言服務方案。 司法部長加蘭德在2022年11月指令聯邦機構依照 第13166號行政命令 ,《改善英語水準有限者獲得服務之機會》修訂其語言服務方案, 分享最佳實踐並交流有關語言服務倡議與努力之資訊。今天標志著第一批更新後的方案的發佈, 其他聯邦機構將在未來數月發佈其更新後的方案。 “當政府能確保語言障礙不會阻礙人民參與公民生活時，我們的政府就能更佳提供服務與所有美國人。”司法部長加蘭德表示。“今天，很高興與大家分享，十幾個聯邦機構響應了我的呼籲，重新審視了如何應對這些障礙的方法，透過發佈更新後的語言服務方案與政策，以確保所有人都能使用政府的服務。司法部將繼續支持各機構執行其語言服務方案，以及縮短聯邦方案與服務間語言鴻溝之更廣汎的努力。” “無論使用何種語言講話，閲讀，或是書寫，在本國的每一個人皆應能行使其權利, 取得重要資訊, 以及獲得與他們的資格相符的福利和服務。” 司法部民權司助理總檢察長克里斯汀·克拉克說，“今天發佈的最新語言服務方案規定了聯邦工作人員必須採取的步驟，以確保英語水準有限的個人能夠名副其實地參與聯邦計劃和活動。這些方案將使聯邦工作人員掌握所需的資訊以準確有效地與所有社區溝通。” 聯邦語言服務工作組將作爲支援和技術援助的中心資源，協助聯邦機構實施更新後的語言服務方案工作。工作組亦將直接與社區團體，英語水準有限的人和其他利益相關者互動，確保第13166號行政命令和其他聯邦語言服務義務得以遵循。工作組還將着重確保獲得聯邦資助者按照聯邦法律規定行使語言服務義務。司法部長的備忘錄呼籲各機構考慮更多辦法，以便各機構確保聯邦財政援助接受者瞭解並遵守其根據1964年《民權法》第六章及其實施條例的要求提供名副其實的語言服務之義務。 今天的公告是基於司法部對促進語言服務的長期承諾之上。民權司最近與州法院的網路研討會協調，發佈了一份關於法院語文服務情況的 概況介紹 。該司還發起了" 執法語言服務倡議 "，這是一項全國性的工作，旨在協助執法機構履行其義務，提供有意義的語言服務。 根據司法部長2022年11月的備忘錄，司法部在8月發佈了更新的語言服務方案， 該方案可在 此處 查閲。西班牙文、簡體中文、繁體中文、越南文、韓文、他加祿語、阿拉伯文和法文翻譯本也可供查閱。司法部 語言服務計劃 辦公室協調執行該部的修訂方案，對司法部各下屬部門提供培訓和技術援助，擴大語言服務資源，並根據司法部的方案推動改進後的語言服務政策和實踐。該計劃的語言服務協調員擔任本部之語言服務工作組主席，為全部門性責成努力執行本部之方案。 有關民權司的其他資訊可上其網站 www.justice.gov/crt 查詢，有關有限英語水準及第13166號行政命令的資訊，可瀏覽 www.LEP.gov .


title: Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm While Out on Bond for Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. —Nicholas Vanover, 26, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Vanover had been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in a 2022 federal case. After he pled guilty to that felon in possession charge, he was allowed to stay out on bond while awaiting sentencing. While awaiting sentencing, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned that Vanover was continuing to sell marijuana from his apartment. While on bond and awaiting sentencing for his prior firearm guilty plea, he violated the conditions of his bond by having multiple positive drug tests. Probation officers obtained an arrest warrant for his bond violations and U.S. Marshals served the warrant at Vanover’s apartment. When they entered the apartment, they saw a digital scale with marijuana with several large capacity ammunition magazines. They obtained a search warrant and found a .40 caliber Glock handgun with a drum magazine capable of accepting 50 rounds of ammunition, several extended magazines capable of accepting more than 15 rounds of ammunition, an AK-47 style 7.62x39 mm Century Arms rifle, four large bags containing more than 500 grams of marijuana, approximately $16,000.00 in U.S. currency, a money counter, and a pharmacist-sized (one pint) bottle of codeine cough syrup which had been stolen during a pharmacy robbery in Kershaw County. Vanover faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Vanover after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Carter Lake Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Carter Lake man was sentenced on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, to 114 months in prison following his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Jeremy Allen Bothwell, 35, conspired with other individuals in the sale and distribution of cocaine in Omaha, Nebraska and Carter Lake, Iowa between June 2021 and March 2022. Bothwell stored and distributed cocaine from his Carter Lake residence. Bothwell also instructed others to conceal cocaine in an attempt to avoid law enforcement detection. Following his prison sentence, Bothwell must serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, and Omaha, Nebraska Police Department investigated the case.


title: Justice Department and Department of Education Announce Successful First Year of New Student-Loan Bankruptcy Discharge Process

component: Civil Division

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Justice Department, in close coordination with the Department of Education, announced today a successful first year of the new process for handling cases in which individuals seek to discharge their federal student loans in bankruptcy. One year after Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta announced the process in November 2022, data and information show that the process is achieving its goals of ensuring consistency and equity in the evaluation of student loan discharge requests, and that the process has translated into increasing numbers of eligible federal student loan borrowers seeking and obtaining debt relief under the Bankruptcy Code. The departments finalized new guidance in November 2022 that outlined a fairer, more accessible process to ensure consistent treatment of the discharge of federal student loans, reduce the burden on borrowers of pursuing such proceedings, and facilitate identifying cases where discharge is appropriate. At the time, both the departments committed to assessing the guidance after the first year of implementation. To do so, the Justice Department surveyed all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and consulted closely with the Department of Education to gather data and comments on the process. A dedicated group of experts within the Civil Division also collected input on the new process from consumer law groups, including the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. Finally, the Civil Division has conducted large-scale trainings for Department attorneys, as well as public training events supported by regional bar associations and the courts, including most recently a training session hosted by the American Bankruptcy Institute that was attended by over 300 consumer bankruptcy attorneys. The Department of Education also participated in training events hosted by regional bar associations, as well as at the annual meeting of the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (NACTT), which included private attorneys as well as Chapter 13 trustees. The information that the departments have collected indicates that the new process is making it easier for eligible debtors to achieve bankruptcy discharge of their federal student loan debts. Since the process was announced one year ago: 632 cases were filed in the first 10 months of the new process (November 2022 through September 2023), a significant increase from recent years. The departments anticipate that this trend will continue. 97% of all borrowers in the cases filed are voluntarily using the new streamlined process. The vast majority of borrowers seeking discharge have received full or partial discharges. In 99% of cases where courts have entered orders or judgments to date, the government recommended, and the court agreed to, a full discharge or partial discharge. Two bankruptcy courts — the Northern and Central Districts of California — have adopted procedures recognizing the utility of the new process, aimed at further streamlining the procedures debtors must follow to obtain discharges. “One year ago, we set out to simplify and improve the process for student loan borrowers in bankruptcy,” said Associate Attorney General Gupta. “I am thrilled that our one-year review indicates that our efforts have made a real difference in borrowers’ lives by ensuring student-loan discharges are more accessible to eligible borrowers. We will continue working with our partners at the Department of Education to ensure the process continues to be a success.” “It is clear that this improved process is helping struggling borrowers,” said Chief Operating Officer Rich Cordray of the Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid. “This guidance is an important piece of our overall efforts to create a student loan system that is more humane, with affordable payments and programs that work as intended. In partnership with the Justice Department, we will continue working to streamline this process and to provide student loan borrowers a pathway to obtaining much-needed relief in bankruptcy.” Because the new process is working well, the Justice Department is not making any changes to the guidance at this time. The departments will continue to meet regularly to ensure that the guidance is appropriately implemented and to consider adjustments as warranted. Subject-matter experts in the Civil Division plan to continue to promote awareness of and provide training on the guidance both within and outside the government. The departments will also continue to conduct outreach to the broader community potentially affected by the process.


title: Armed Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced To More Than 8 Years In Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody has sentenced Johnathan Anton Williams (39, Ruskin) to eight years and eight months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The court also ordered Williams to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Williams was convicted following a bench trial on April 20, 2023. According to court documents, law enforcement observed Williams at a Tampa gas station engaged in a possible drug transaction from his vehicle. When deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s approached and observed drug paraphernalia in Williams’s vehicle, he unsuccessfully tried to flee. The deputies then searched the vehicle and recovered a Taurus 9mm pistol and various ammunition, methamphetamine, and two digital scales. Williams had previously been convicted of felonies, including robbery, possession of cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Williams illegally possessed the firearm to protect his drug trafficking activities. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. 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.


title: Orlando Man Sentenced To 30 Months In Federal Prison For Tax Fraud

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Wendel Algarin to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Algarin had pleaded guilty on August 15, 2023. According to court documents, between 2012 and 2019, Algarin operated a scheme to assist various subcontractors in the evasion of payroll taxes and workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Algarin conspired with the subcontractors to pay their undocumented construction workers “off the books.” He facilitated the offense by operating three shell companies that he allowed subcontractors to list as their employees’ employers. In return for his assistance with the scheme, Algarin was paid fees of nearly $2 million. He used the funds to live a lavish lifestyle such as by purchasing multiple luxury automobiles. By operating the scheme, Algarin defrauded the United States out of more than $3.5 million in tax revenues. “Mr. Algarin devised a plan to defraud the American taxpayer by establishing shell companies in the construction sector and evading employment taxes. Additionally, he employed undocumented workers, which harmed the workers’ compensation insurance industry,” said Tara K. Reed, IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that IRS-CI is dedicated to investigating and building a just and impartial tax system in which all businesses can operate.” This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.


title: Federal Convicted Felon and Alleged Accomplice Charged for Jail Escape

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A recently convicted felon and a Central Georgia woman are facing federal charges alleging their participation in a Bibb County, Georgia, jailbreak on Oct. 16. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Nov. 14 charging Johnifer Dernard Barnwell aka “Whoop” aka “Malixe,” 37, of Macon, with one count of escape from custody and Janecia Green, 30, of Macon, with one count of aiding and abetting Barnwell’s escape from custody and one count of assisting escape of a person committed to custody. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. According to the indictment, Barnwell was being held in the Bibb County Jail on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) after he was convicted by a federal jury on Oct. 2 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin; and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base for which Barnwell faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been scheduled by the Court. In the indictment, Barnwell is alleged to have escaped the custody of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Green. Green had her initial appearance in Macon on Nov. 15 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle of the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Georgia. She was held without bond and is scheduled to have a detention hearing on Nov. 21 to determine future bond status. Barnwell had his initial appearance in Augusta, Georgia, on Nov. 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian Epps of the U.S. Court for the Southern District of Georgia and was remanded to the custody of the USMS. The USMS will transport Barnwell back to the Middle District of Georgia for further court proceedings. The case is being investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case.


title: Convicted Armed Bank Robber Indicted Again For Armed Bank Robbery

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Grant Elmore Davis, Jr. (71, Mansfield, OH) with armed bank robbery, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Davis faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Davis that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used to facilitate the offense. According to court documents, Davis entered Truist Bank branch in Fort Myers and discharged a handgun while making verbal commands for the teller to give him money from the cash register. After obtaining money from the teller, Davis fled the bank. In November 2001, Davis was convicted of armed bank robbery and using and carrying a short-barreled shotgun in relation to a crime of violence. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Orlando Man Sentenced To More Than 24 Years For Receiving And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Materials

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced William Ross King III (55, Orlando) to 24 years and 5 months in federal prison for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse materials. King had pleaded guilty on August 3, 2023. According to court documents, on October 14, 2022, after receiving a CyberTip, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at an Orlando hotel room occupied by King and seized a laptop belonging to King. Subsequent forensic analyses of the laptop revealed 42 images and 80 videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). King admitted to downloading and viewing the CSAM. These images and videos included sadistic and masochistic conduct and other violent sexual acts against children, toddlers, and infants. “This sentence is proof that this deviant’s perverse behavior of victimizing children will not be tolerated,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Thanks to this CyberTip, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to remove this predator from continuing victimize these children over and over.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Richardson-Jones. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Member of MS-13 Pleads Guilty in Connection with 2016 Fairfax Murder

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An El Salvadoran member of the transnational street gang La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with the kidnapping and murder of an adolescent boy in 2016. According to court documents, Edwin Orellana Caballero, who was 16 years old and living in Alexandria at the time, was one of several members and associates of the Park View Locos Salvatrucha clique of MS-13 who kidnapped and killed 14-year-old victim, S.A.A.T. On the night of September 26, 2016, the gang lured S.A.A.T. to Holmes Run Stream Valley Park in Fairfax County and murdered him in a wooded area there with knives, machetes, and a pickaxe. Specifically, Orellana Caballero struck S.A.A.T. multiple times with the pickaxe. Once S.A.A.T. was dead, the gang buried him in a shallow grave. Orellana Caballero, who was transferred for prosecution as an adult under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, pleaded guilty to one count of maiming in aid of racketeering activity and faces a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 25 years in prison when sentenced on February 28, 2024. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. To date, a total of 17 defendants have been charged in this case. Of those, five defendants went to trial and were convicted of all charges. Ten defendants pleaded guilty prior to trial. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. accepted the plea. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Washington Field Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alexandria Police Department, the Prince William County Police Department, the Montgomery County (MD) Police Department, and the Marin County (CA) Sheriff’s Office provided significant assistance on the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander E. Blanchard and Cristina C. Stam are prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The Justice Department recently announced several new commitments as part of its Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime . Instituted by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in May 2021, the strategy focuses on harnessing federal resources, intelligence, and expertise as a force-multiplier with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta highlighted the more than $334 million in critical grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders awarded today by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).The COPS grants announced include funding to help law enforcement agencies hire over 1,730 new law enforcement officers across the country while also providing critical funding to support school safety and continue to advance community policing nationwide. 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. 1:22-cr-153.


title: Sussex County Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for $2 Million COVID-19 Fraud

component: Criminal - Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section

body_text: NEWARK N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 36 months in prison for defrauding several financial institutions and illegally obtaining more than $2 million in COVID-19 funding meant to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. John Jhong, 54, of Sparta, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count each of bank fraud, money laundering, and misuse of a Social Security number. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence on Nov. 15, 2023, in Newark federal court. “The defendant took money from government programs that were established to provide financial assistance to Americans who were struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The sentence handed down today is his reward for attempting to turn these vital relief programs into his personal ATM. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to find and punish those who have tried to take advantage of the federal government.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “The theft of taxpayer funds is inexcusable,” Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “IRS Criminal investigation will hold accountable anyone who steals from government programs intended to help those in need. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure fraudsters are brought to justice. Today’s sentence punishes the defendant’s criminal conduct and should serve as a significant deterrent to others who would selfishly steal from their fellow citizens to unlawfully enrich themselves.” “Ensuring the Postal Service is not being used to perpetuate frauds against the U.S. Government, or its citizens, is one of our top priorities,” Christoper A. Nielsen, Inspector in Charge, Philadelphia Division, said. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to investigate CAREs Act fraud schemes through our participation in the NJ COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force.” “Today the defendant in this case was brought to justice for fraudulently obtaining more than $2 million in COVID-19 relief funding that was designed to assist struggling businesses during the pandemic,” Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) saod. “The FDIC OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who took advantage of pandemic relief programs and threatened to undermine the integrity of our Nation’s financial institutions.” “As the nation was struggling with the damaging effects of the pandemic, Mr. Jhong callously attempted to deceive lenders and fraudulently secure Paycheck Protection Program loans by knowingly misusing several Social Security numbers,” Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, said. “I thank the investigating agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in holding Mr. Jhong accountable for these crimes.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Jhong submitted numerous fraudulent loan applications in which he sought over $15 million in federal pandemic aid and illegally obtained $2 million of that money. Jhong used false and fraudulent tax returns, government forms, and other people’s names and documents, including Social Security numbers of individuals who were deceased for over a decade. He spent his ill-gotten gains on personal expenses. In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Wigenton ordered three years of supervised release and restitution of $2.13 million. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins; special agents of U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott; special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca in New York; and special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jose Riera. He also thanked the Sparta Township Police for their assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the U.S. Attorney’s Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorney Chad M. Davis of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .