title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Partners with Local Law Enforcement to Celebrate National Night Out

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is proud to announce we have teamed up with local law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events throughout the community. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our communities safer, more caring places to live. Throughout the country, millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities beginning on the first Tuesday of August. As part of the community, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be at a variety of National Night Out events from August to October. The first event kicks off August 5th at the Murray City Annual Safety Fair and August 6th at Draper City’s “Draper Safety Days.” See full list of events below. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our existing partnerships with law enforcement and to interact with the community in which we serve,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins. “We are looking forward to these events, hearing from the community and sharing information about our office.” Events : 1. Murray City Annual Safety Fair Monday, August 5, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Murray Park (296 East Murray Park Avenue, Main Parking Lot near Pavilion #5) 2. Draper Safety Days Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Draper Park (12500 South 1300 East) 3. North Salt Lake Police Department National Night Out Against Crime Thursday, August 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Foxboro North Regional Park (1120 West 1100 North) 4. Ogden’s Night Out Against Crime Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. West Ogden Park (751 West 24th Street) 5. Woods Cross Police Night Out Against Crime Thursday, August 22, 2024, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 1555 South 800 West, Woods Cross, UT 84087 6. Syracuse City Public Safety Jamboree Thursday, October 3, 2024, Time TBA Syracuse Fire Department (1869 South 3000 West, Syracuse, UT 84075) National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org


title: Escambia County Pays $3.5 Million To Settle FCA Lawsuit

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Escambia County, Florida, paid the United States $3,500,000 to resolve allegations that the county violated the False Claims Act by falsely billing government healthcare programs for emergency medical services and transportation. The settlement was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. The settlement resolves claims against Escambia County arising from ambulance and emergency medical technicians lacking the requisite certifications who then provided healthcare services via emergency medical services and transportation with Escambia County Emergency Medical Services during the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2020. “This settlement with Escambia County demonstrates our commitment to protect federal health care funds and to hold providers accountable for fraudulent billing especially when it impacts the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Our office will continue to uphold the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs and vigorously pursue health care providers that defraud the government.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dr. Rayme Edler. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case filed by Dr. Edler in May 2020 is captioned United States of America ex rel. Rayme M. Edler , M.D., v. Escambia County, 3:20-cv-05503-MCR-HTC. This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Escambia County, nor a concession by the United States that its claims were not well-founded. Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Ann Couch and Marie Moyle represented the United States in this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Hartford Gang Member Sentenced to 36 Years in Federal Prison for 2013 Drug-Related Murder

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTWANE WILLIAMS-BEY, also known as “Buck,” 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 432 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing the drug-related murder of Valentin Santos Jr., 21, in Hartford on August 12, 2013. According to the evidence presented during his trial, on August 12, 2013, Williams-Bey, a member of the Orange Street Killas (OSK) street gang, shot and killed Santos, also known as “Macho” and “Ubby,” on Linnmoore Street in Hartford in retaliation for a theft of Williams-Bey’s drug stash/money. Santos was shot approximately 12 times, mostly in the back. Williams-Bey was found guilty of the offense on November 2, 2022. Williams-Bey has been detained in federal custody since February 2017 and had been serving an 84-month sentence for distributing heroin and crack cocaine . While awaiting trial in this murder case, Williams-Bey was charged in the District of Rhode Island for participating in a conspiracy to smuggle synthetic marijuana into the Rhode Island detention center where he was held. He pleaded guilty and, in February 2024, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment for that offense. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division. The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff and Trial Attorney Brian P. Leaming of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.


title: U.S. Attorney, FBI Announce Additional Charges for Alleged Serial Murderer, Kidnapper, and Sexual Abuser Labar Tsethlikai in Ongoing Investigation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Federal prosecutors have filed additional charges against Labar Tsethlikai for a series of violent crimes targeting Native American men across New Mexico between 2022 and 2024, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault. Labar Tsethlikai , 51, an enrolled Member of Zuni Pueblo, now faces an 11-count superseding indictment charging him with two counts of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of first-degree murder, one count of first degree felony murder, four counts of kidnapping, one count assault with intent to commit murder, one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and one count of aggravated sexual abuse. Tsethlikai will remain in custody pending trial. Tsethlikai’s arraignment on the superseding indictment has not been scheduled. Tsethlikai was previously charged with second degree murder on April 26, 2024 . Tsethlikai is accused of kidnapping and murdering two men, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, in separate incidents on October 22, 2022, and January 18, 2024, respectively. According to the Superseding Indictment, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 1 on October 22, 2022, and used various public places and transportation methods to carry out the crime. Tragically, John Doe 1 died as a result of this kidnapping. The indictment further alleges that Tsethlikai deliberately and with premeditation kidnapped and killed John Doe 2 on January 18, 2024. Furthermore, Tsethlikai is accused of killing John Doe 2 while committing or attempting to commit other crimes, including kidnapping and sexual abuse. In addition to these charges, Tsethlikai faces multiple counts of kidnapping, sexual abuse, and assault involving other victims between 2023 and 2024. The crimes allegedly occurred in McKinley and Bernalillo counties in New Mexico: On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 3. On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly assaulted John Doe 3 with the specific intent to commit murder. On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly assaulted John Doe 3 resulting in serious bodily injury. On July 13, 2023, Tsethlikai is accused of kidnapping John Doe 4. On July 13, Tsethlikai is also accused of engaging in a sexual act with John Doe 4 by using force and threats. On February 16, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 5 using interstate facilities and instrumentalities. On April 11, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 6 using interstate facilities and instrumentalities. If convicted of the current charges, Tsethlikai faces a mandatory life sentence or death for the kidnapping resulting in death and first-degree murder charges, up to twenty years imprisonment on the assault with intent to murder charge, up to ten years imprisonment on the assault resulting in serious bodily injury charge, and any number of years up to life for the kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse charges. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, led by FBI SA Mark Stephenson, investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit and Air Support Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley, Mark A. Probasco, and Eliot Neal are prosecuting the case. View the Superseding Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law . The FBI continues to investigate Tsethlikai’s involvement in crimes against other victims and seeks information. If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, or have information about Tsethlikai, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov . Tips based on prior news articles and stories related to Tsethlikai’s conduct have produced information supporting some of the charges featured in the superseding indictment. Labar Tsethlikai is approximately 5’7” and weighs 180 pounds. He is heavyset, has short brown hair, brown eyes, and wears glasses. It is believed that he wore a gold bracelet. He is from Zuni, but traveled extensively around New Mexico, including Gallup, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. Prior to being detained, it is believed that Tsethlikai worked in the Native American jewelry industry and was a Zuni jewely artist. Moreover, prior to being detained on federal charges, investigators believe that Tsethlikai used a gold/brown Chevy Silverado, single cab truck, with dual exhaust, bearing license plate number WNMU0043, in furtherance of his criminal spree. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous victims and their families.


title: Gas Station Robber Who Crashed Into Apartment Complex Sentenced

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A robber who led police on a 100 mph chase before crashing into an apartment complex was sentenced today to over 21 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Jaden Christofer Tipton, 21, was indicted in October 2023 and pleaded guilty in February 2024 to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix to a total of 255 months imprisonment. In plea papers, Mr. Tipton admitted to robbing two Lubbock gas stations the course of just 53 minutes on July 10, 2023. In both robberies, Mr. Tipton pulled a firearm from his waistband, chambered a round, pointed it at the nearest cashier, and demanded all the money in the register. Shortly after the second robbery, officers located Mr. Tipton’s blue four-door traveling eastbound. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Mr. Tipton fled, leading officers on a high-speed chase before crashing into an apartment complex, where he was taken into custody. Inside Mr. Tipton’s vehicle, officers found a black bag of cash and a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol. At Thursday's sentencing hearing, prosecutors noted that when the defendant crashed into the apartment complex, he rammed into a couple’s bedroom. Both were hospitalized with serious injuries. Both convenience store clerks submitted written statements to the Court, which were read at sentencing. Tipton’s crime “uprooted my entire life and sent my mental state spiraling,” wrote clerk B.V. “I wake up from night terrors, seeing that whole experience replaying in my mind, hearing that bullet going into the chamber,” clerk J.N. wrote. The Lubbock Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rancourt prosecuted the case.


title: Founder of GPB Capital and CEO of Ascendant Capital Convicted of Fraud Charges

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: A federal jury in Brooklyn today convicted David Gentile, the founder, owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPB Capital Holdings, LLC (GPB) and Jeffry Schneider, the owner and CEO of Ascendant Capital LLC (Ascendant Capital), on all counts of an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and securities fraud; Gentile was also convicted on two counts of wire fraud. The charges related to a years-long scheme to defraud more than 10,000 investors by misrepresenting the source of funds used to make monthly distribution payments and the amount of revenue generated by three of GPB’s investment funds. The verdict followed an eight-week trial before United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner. When sentenced, Gentile and Schneider each faces up to 20 years in prison. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict. “The jury found that the defendants lied to investors about the health of their funds and the source of fund distribution payments, all while they were fraudulently making those distribution payments with investor capital to maintain the appearance of successful portfolio companies,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office has a proud history of prosecuting fraudsters who abuse the trust of investors, and we will continue to vigorously protect the integrity of the financial markets.” Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York City Business Integrity Commission and the New York City Police Department for their valuable assistance with the case. GPB, founded in 2013 by Gentile, was a New York-based investment advisor registered with the SEC. GPB was the general partner of several investment funds that raised and invested capital in a portfolio of private equity investments. GPB worked with Ascendant Capital, a marketing firm founded by Schneider, to market the GPB funds to investors. Gentile and Schneider worked closely together on the operation and marketing of GPB funds, receiving regular updates as to the funds’ performance. As proven at trial, between August 2015 and December 2018, the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and prospective investors in several GPB funds through material misrepresentations and omissions. Specifically, Gentile and Schneider, both individually and through employees at Ascendant Capital, represented to investors that the funds would make a monthly distribution payment that would be fully covered from operations, meaning that the companies purchased by the funds would be sufficiently profitable for the payments to be made from the companies’ cash flow, without drawing from capital raised by investors. In reality, when the funds’ performance lagged, the defendants tried to disguise the shortfall with fraudulent, back-dated documents and paid investor distributions out of investor capital. Ultimately, investor capital was used to pay for a significant portion of the distributions made to investors. Gentile and Schneider were aware that the GPB Funds were underperforming and authorized the fraudulent distribution payments. This case is being handled by the Office’s Business & Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Artie McConnell, Jessica K. Weigel, Nicholas M. Axelrod and Kate Mathews are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Madison Bates and Allison Henry. The Defendants: DAVID GENTILE Age: 57 Manhasset, New York JEFFRY SCHNEIDER Age: 55 Austin, Texas E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-54 (RPK)


title: Danbury Man Admits Recording His Sexual Abuse of Minor Victim

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE PAULO PUCHA-JIMENEZ, 33, of Danbury, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to production of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between November 2020 and August 2023, Pucha-Jimenez sexually abused a minor girl, who was between the approximate ages of nine and 12, and used his cell phone to take photographs and videos of his sexual abuse of the victim. On August 16, 2023, Danbury Police arrested Pucha-Jimenez on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses. He has been detained since his arrest. Pucha-Jimenez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven on October 24, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. Pucha-Jimenez’s state charges are pending. This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Danbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings with the assistance of the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Danbury. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Okaloosa County Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine And Money Laundering

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

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Nicholus Tysharrow McNabb, 39, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and money laundering. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness and collaborative efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners, to identify and intercept shipments of illegal substances via the United States Mail,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The sentence imposed should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would use the United States Postal Service to conduct illegal activities.” Between December 2022 and January 2023, the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted multiple packages containing various quantities of methamphetamine that were to be delivered to an address belonging to Nicholus McNabb. On February 23, 2023, Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service executed a search warrant on McNabb’s residence and discovered approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine and over $23,000 in U.S. currency. The investigation revealed McNabb distributed over 35 pounds of methamphetamine between March 16, 2022, and February 23, 2023. “I’m proud of how our local, state, and federal partners came together to remove this methamphetamine dealer from our streets,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “We will continue to root out bad actors who peddle poisons in our communities.” “The outstanding work by all law enforcement agencies involved has put this distributor of a dangerous drug in prison for a significant period of time,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector In Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure people who elect to distribute illicit drugs in our communities are held accountable and brought to justice.” This investigation resulted from the collaborative work of the Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Long Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Daylight Smash-and-Grab Robbery of Beverly Hills Jewelry Store that Netted Nearly $2.7 Million

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man pleaded guilty today to participating in the March 2022 daylight smash-and-grab robbery of a Beverly Hills jewelry store in which nearly $2.7 million worth of merchandise was stolen. Jimmy Lee Vernon III, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act). He has been in federal custody since September 2022. According to his plea agreement, on March 23, 2022, Vernon committed a robbery of the Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills store. Vernon used heavy tools to smash the store’s display case while employees were present, causing fear of injury to people inside the store. Vernon then removed jewelry and other items from the store display cases valued at approximately $2,674,600. The merchandise consisted of approximately 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches, court documents state. After the robbery, Vernon and his accomplices ran out of the store, leaving behind their Kia vehicle – which had been reported stolen out of Long Beach four days before the robbery, according to other court documents. During the robbery, Vernon’s cellphone fell out of his sweatpants pocket while he smashed the jewelry’s store’s window, was left behind and later recovered by law enforcement, according to an affidavit previously filed in this case. Two days after the robbery, one of Vernon’s accomplices posted on his Instagram account numerous photographs that included large stacks of money and a message praising his “robbery gang,” court documents state. United States District Judge George H. Wu scheduled an October 10 sentencing hearing, at which time Vernon will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. As for Vernon’s co-defendants, Deshon Bell, 22, of Long Beach, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced on February 26 to one year and one day in federal prison. Ladell Tharpe, 39, of Long Beach, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and faces an October 8 trial date. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Kevin B. Reidy of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Bogalusa Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking and Offenses

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMAR MCGOWAN (“ MCGOWAN”) , age 30, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, to 235 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to violations of the Federal Control Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act. Specifically, MCGOWAN pled guilty to maintaining a drug involved premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856; conspiring to use firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Each sentence was ordered to run concurrently with each other. He was also sentenced to serve 3 years of supervised release after his release from prison and pay a mandatory $300 special assessment fee. According to court documents, in 2018, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated several acts of violence and narcotics trafficking in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Agents determined that MCGOWAN and others were members and associates of an organization that conspired to distribute controlled substances. Members of this group also possessed, used, carried, and discharged numerous firearms to further their drug trafficking and other crimes of violence. Specifically, from 2017 to the present, their firearm activities were designed to protect their drug turf, retaliate against rival neighborhood drug groups, and maintain and increase their status in the group and in the City of Bogalusa. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Bogalusa Police Department.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Invites Communities To Participate In National Night Out Events

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Federal prosecutors and personnel with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. To encourage community participation, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King is sharing a special video message, inviting everyone to show support by joining National Night Out events across Western North Carolina. The video can be viewed here . “National Night Out is vital in building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and our communities. When we engage directly with the people we serve, we get to know and understand the unique challenges and concerns they face. This collaboration not only strengthens our relationships but also enhances our efforts to promote justice and ensure the well-being of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney King. During this year’s National Night Out, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will attend a community event organized by the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition at the Arbor Glen Outreach Center, located at 1520 Clanton Road, in Charlotte. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ . # # #


title: Doctor And Her Granddaughter Sentenced To Prison For Unlawful Distribution Of Opioids

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber today sentenced Janet Pettyjohn (78, Spring Hill) to three years in federal prison and Shelly Gallagher (34, Brooksville) to six years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute drugs. As part of Pettyjohn’s sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $34,132, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Pettyjohn and Gallagher entered guilty pleas in May 2024. According to court documents, Pettyjohn was an osteopathic physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number to prescribe controlled substances. In July 2020, Florida’s Board of Osteopathic Medicine (BOM) restricted Pettyjohn from prescribing opioids due to complaints about the manner in which she prescribed controlled substances. After the BOM’s Final Order and the prescribing restriction took effect, Pettyjohn continued to prescribe opioids in violation of the Final Order. The BOM later lifted the prescribing restriction in March 2021. Gallagher is Pettyjohn’s granddaughter and did not hold a medical license. Between March 2021 and February 2023, Gallagher sponsored patients at Pettyjohn’s clinic and ordered controlled substances for herself and others from Pettyjohn. Despite obvious signs of drug abuse and diversion, Pettyjohn knowingly and intentionally prescribed the controlled substances for Gallagher and others for no legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice, which Gallagher and others abused and diverted. A search of Pettyjohn’s residence in February 2024 revealed $34,132 in U.S. currency in a safe, which were proceeds of her illegal prescribing. Pettyjohn relinquished her medical license and DEA registration in May 2024. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration - Tampa District Office, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, and by the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit at the United States Attorney’s Office, which focuses on opioid-related fraud and abuse by medical and health care professionals who have contributed to the prescription opioid epidemic. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on July 30, 2024, TROY LOCKE , age 34 of New Orleans, pled guilty on July 30, 2024, before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to a superseding indictment charging LOCKE with various gun and drug violations. Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 of that indictment charged LOCKE with distributing cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). Count 5 charged LOCKE with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). Count 8 and 9 charged LOCKE with being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1). According to public records, the drug charges stemmed from controlled purchases of crack cocaine that the ATF conducted on July 25, 2023, July 28, 2023, August 4, 2023, August 8, 2023, August 11, 2023, August 17, 2023. All the purchases were recorded. LOCKE had a gun in his lap during the August 8, 2023 purchase. During the August 17, 2023, crack cocaine deal charged in Count 7, the ATF undercover agent asked about buying guns from LOCKE . LOCKE declined to sell the pistol he had during the August 8, 2023, crack cocaine sale, saying he could not be without it. Not long after the August 17, 2023, deal, however, LOCKE called and said he had a rifle that he could sell. The ATF agent agreed and then met with LOCKE at the same place where the crack cocaine sale had just occurred. LOCKE sold the ATF agent an AR style rifle for $1,000. The ATF executed a search warrant at LOCKE’s residence on August 18, 2023, and found him in possession of two more firearms. As to Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 LOCKE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to Count 5, LOCKE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to life that must run consecutively to all other sentences, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to Counts 8 and 9, LOCKE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. All counts require payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 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 track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator, handled the prosecution.


title: Melbourne Man Sentenced To More Than 3 Years For Unauthorized Use Of An Access Device And Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced William Fisher (60, Melbourne) to 3 years and 6 months in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Fisher pleaded guilty on April 4, 2024. According to court documents, Fisher, while aiding and abetting Tonie Marie Marriott, knowingly and with intent to defraud, used an unauthorized debit card in another person’s name to make purchases over $1,000 at various retail stores and elsewhere. Together, Fisher and Marriott also broke into United States post office boxes and stole mail throughout the Middle District of Florida. Marriott was previously sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for her participation in the offenses. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.


title: Inmate At The Federal Correctional Institution At Schuylkill Sentenced To 35 Months In Prison For Assault With A Dangerous Weapon

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jared Sebaugh, age 36, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 1, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to serve 35 months in prison for assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Sebaugh, formerly of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, pleaded guilty and admitted to assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. The charge stems from an incident in February 2023 in which Sebaugh assaulted another inmate with a prison-made weapon consisting of a combination lock attached to a cloth strap. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case. At the time of the incident at FCI Schuylkill, Sebaugh was serving a sentence from the Northern District of Ohio for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. That sentence has since expired. # # #


title: Paralegal Is Sentenced To Prison For Embezzling Over $2 Million From Law Firm's Clients

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jennifer Elaine Roarke, 55, of Hickory, N.C., was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for embezzling more than $2 million from the clients of the law firm where she was employed as a paralegal, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, from 2007 to 2021, Roarke, who is also known as Jennifer Claveria, was employed as an assistant and a paralegal for a law firm in Hickory. The law firm handled, among other things, the administration and management of trusts for clients, including the trusts’ bank accounts. As part of her duties, Roarke was responsible for opening mail, depositing checks into trust bank accounts, and processing invoices. Court records show that, from 2015 to September 2021, Roarke executed the embezzlement scheme by causing at least 190 fraudulent and unauthorized bank wires, totaling more than $2 million, from the law firm’s clients’ trust bank accounts to bank accounts controlled by Roarke. Roarke used the embezzled funds to pay for personal items, make mortgage, car, and credit card payments, and to fund an extravagant lifestyle. On December 1, 2023, Roarke pleaded guilty to wire fraud. She is released on bond. She will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Billings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.


title: Conover, N.C. Woman Is Sentenced To Prison For Stealing More Than $300,000 From Elderly Couple

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Andrea Brawley, 46, of Conover, N.C., was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for stealing more than $300,000 from her elderly relatives, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina and Sheriff Donald G. Brown II of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and court proceedings, from August 2016 to January 2023, Brawley engaged in a scheme to defraud the elderly couple identified in court documents as J.S. and M.S., by exploiting her relationship with the victims to steal their money and property. Brawley gained access to the victims’ personal and company bank accounts, which she was expected to use to manage the couple’s personal and business affairs and to pay routine bills. Instead, Brawley misused her access to transfer funds to herself, causing the victims to sustain significant financial losses. For example, Brawley failed to make payments due on the victims’ home equity line of credit on their residence. As a result, the victims’ residence went into foreclosure and the couple lost their home. Brawley also drained the victims’ retirement accounts by forging retirement distribution forms without the victims’ knowledge and consent, causing them further financial hardship. Over the course of the scheme, Brawley defrauded J.S. and M.S. and M.S.’s company of more than $300,000. According to court records, Brawley concealed the fraudulent scheme from J.S. and M.S. by making false representations about the cause of the foreclosure and about the state of J.S. and M.S.’s finances and personal affairs. Brawley also isolated J.S. and M.S. and limited their contact with their friends and family by taking the victims’ cell phones, impersonating them in communications with third parties, transporting them to various locations around the state, and preventing them from returning to their residence. In furtherance of the scheme, Brawley engaged in identity theft by using and attempting to use one or more means of identification that belonged to J.S. and M.S., including their names, addresses, and unique account numbers. On November 28, 2023, Brawley pleaded guilty to wire fraud. She is currently released on bond and will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In sentencing Brawley, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell described the defendant’s conduct as “outrageous,” and ordered her to pay $628,174.06 in restitution. The FBI and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Billings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.


title: Brevard Man Sentenced To More Than 19 Years For Sexual Abuse Of A Minor

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Michael Angelo Tollen (75, Brevard County) to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison for sexual abuse of a minor. In addition, Tollen will be required to register as a sex offender and comply with the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act upon his release from prison. Tollen entered a guilty plea on March 11, 2024. According to court documents, Tollen, who resided on Patrick Air Force Base at the time of the offense, was arrested in October 2023 after his family discovered he had been sexually abusing the victim who suffered from developmental and cognitive impairment. Evidence presented at sentencing showed that Tollen had been sexually abusing the victim starting when the victim was about 13 years old and continuing for over a year. Tollen’s sentence was enhanced because the Court ruled that, due to the victim’s development and cognitive impairments, the victim was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct against the victim. The Court also ruled that Tollen had attempted to obstruct justice by threatening to divorce his wife and cut off her access to his military benefits if she testified against him. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Orange County Man Pleads Guilty To Drug And Firearms Offenses

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Joshua Grant Cobb (33, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Cobb faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for October 23, 2024. According to the plea agreement, on April 30, 2024, law enforcement received information from a confidential source that Cobb was distributing methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl out of his residence in Orlando. The confidential source arranged for a fentanyl deal to take place at Cobb’s home later that night. Law enforcement detained Cobb as he was leaving his apartment following the transaction. On his person, agents located a loaded handgun and 55 grams of a fentanyl mixture. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant on Cobb’s residence, during which they located large quantities of drugs (including over 700 grams of pure methamphetamine and over 250 grams of fentanyl mixtures), six additional firearms, drug processing materials, and $4,000 in cash. As part of the plea agreement, Cobb has agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition he possessed. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. 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: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced To 22 Years For Federal Drug And Gun Crimes

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Allen Rollings, age 57, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 210 months each for two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and 180 months for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, to be served concurrently. Rollings was also sentenced to an additional 60 months for one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, which will be served consecutive to his other sentences. The charges arose from investigations by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On January 10, 2024, Rollings pleaded guilty to two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. According to investigators, in January of 2023, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Rollings’ residence south of McAlester. Deputies found over 400 grams of pure methamphetamine and multiple firearms, along with numerous rounds of ammunition. In June of 2023, DEA agents returned to Rollings’ residence to serve a federal arrest warrant, observed evidence of additional narcotics violations, and obtained another search warrant. Agents found over 2.8 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, eleven additional firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and over $1,800 in cash. Rollings was previously convicted and served time for multiple felony charges. In 1988, the State of Oklahoma convicted Rollings of Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Distribute Amphetamine and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute. In 1999, the United States convicted Rollings in federal district court on charges of Attempt to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. “The lengthy prison sentence handed down against Mr. Rollings is the unapologetic consequence of criminals who choose to traffic drugs in rural, eastern Oklahoma,” said Eduardo A. Chavez, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division, whose area of responsibility covers the State of Oklahoma. “This accountability and success was the result of a joint investigation with our local law enforcement partners, specifically targeting dangerous criminal offenders involved in both methamphetamine and firearms trafficking. The men and women of DEA McAlester will continue to work closely with Oklahoma law enforcement to hold the line and keep our communities safe.” “Targeting suspected drug dealers for investigation and prosecution, especially repeat offenders like Rollings, continues to be a priority,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Rollings refused to stop dealing in illegal narcotics and possessing firearms. Thanks to the cooperative work of law enforcement, he will be in federal prison well into his seventies and no longer a threat to the peace and safety of our communities.” The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Rollings will remain in the 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 Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that IRVIN J. LEFERE, JR. (“LEFERE”) , age 38, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance on July 31, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on or about July 13, 2022, LEFERE , knowing that he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) responded to a 911 call for assistance in Venetian Isles, Louisiana. A citizen reported that LEFERE had been carrying a firearm. NOPD officers recovered the firearm from the scene and eventually turned the gun over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. LEFERE faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing has been scheduled before Judge Vance for November 6, 2024. 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Los Angeles County to Ensure Vote Center Accessibility for Voters with Disabilities

body_text: SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department today announced an agreement with the County of Los Angeles to resolve its lawsuit alleging that the county violated the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) by denying voters with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in its voting programs, services, and activities when it failed to select and use facilities as polling places that are accessible to persons with disabilities. The lawsuit was filed in June 2023 following a lengthy investigation that found the county excluded individuals with disabilities from participating in the county’s in-person voting program. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California had surveyed hundreds of polling places in the June 2016, March 2020, November 2020 and November 2022 elections and found the vast majority had architectural barriers, such as steep ramps, abrupt level changes at walkways and entrance doors, and lack of accessible parking. These impediments prevented people with mobility and vision disabilities from being able to safely access vote centers and cast their ballots in person. The lawsuit also alleged that the county’s curbside voting program was inaccessible, as certain vote centers lacked signage indicating that curbside voting was available or failed to provide sufficient means by which a voter could contact an election worker for assistance with curbside voting. “The right to vote is essential to our democracy and must be protected for all voters,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Voters with disabilities are entitled to an equal opportunity to vote in person, privately and independently, alongside their neighbors and friends. We commend Los Angeles County for its commitment to work with the Justice Department to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.” “People with disabilities are entitled to full inclusion at the ballot box,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to safeguarding the right of every eligible voter, including voters with disabilities, to participate in our electoral process. This agreement should send a message to officials across the country regarding the need to ensure the accessibility of the voting process now.” The settlement, which was filed with the Court earlier today, will increase voter accessibility for voters with disabilities. Under the agreement, Los Angeles County will work with an independent accessibility expert on site selection policies and procedures to ensure that the county selects facilities, buildings, sites, or locations to serve as vote centers that are accessible or can be made more accessible during the voting period by employing temporary remedial measures. To achieve this commitment, the county has agreed to work with the expert and the United States to implement recommendations. The expert will provide biannual reports to the United States on the county’s progress in complying with the agreement. The expert will also consult with the county on its identification and use of temporary remedial measures for accessibility. With more than 500 political districts and more than 5.6 million registered voters, Los Angeles County is the largest election jurisdiction in the nation. This settlement is part of the Department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. A hallmark of the ADA Voting Initiative is its collaboration with jurisdictions to increase accessibility at polling places. Through this Initiative, the Department has surveyed more than 1,600 polling places and increased polling place accessibility in more than 35 jurisdictions, including Chicago; Hidalgo County, Texas; Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; and Coconino County, Arizona. Those interested in finding out more about this settlement or the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD) or access its ADA website at www.ada.gov . ADA complaints may be filed online at http://www.ada.gov/complaint/ Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Park, Katherine Hikida, Matthew Barragan, Margaret Chen, and Alexandra Young for the Central District of California handled the matter, in coordination with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section. Last month marked the 34th anniversary of the ADA, which President George H.W. Bush signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA was the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for persons with disabilities. As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the ADA, we take time to recognize the benefits of the ADA while also appreciating that there is still work to be done to achieve the enduring goals of equity, inclusion, and accessibility for persons with disabilities.


title: Lame Deer meth trafficker sentenced to five years in prison

body_text: MISSOULA — A Lame Deer man who admitted to distributing methamphetamine and acting as a drug debt collector on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced on Wednesday to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. The defendant, James “JC” Luis Costilla, 37, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The government alleged in court documents that in September 2021 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Costilla was with a group of four individuals who were in a car stopped by law enforcement. Costilla distributed meth and worked as a collector for drug debts for his co-conspirators. In Costilla’s car, law enforcement found meth and three firearms--an AR rifle, a shotgun and a handgun. Co-defendant Jamesey Jefferson was sentenced to seven years in prison for her conviction in the case, and co-defendant Ivan Eaglefeathers was sentenced to six years in prison for his conviction in the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. XXX


title: Cheektowaga man pleads guilty to child pornography charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Stuart, 35, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that in August 2019, the FBI received a lead indicating that in May 2019, an online user accessed child sexual abuse and exploitation material via a website on the Tor network. Subsequent investigation traced the IP address to Stuart. In October 2020, a search warrant was executed at Stuart’s residence, during which law enforcement seized multiple electronic devices, including two laptop computers, a cell phone, a hard drive, and a desktop computer tower. A forensic review recovered approximately 8,000 videos and approximately 2,000 images of child pornography on one of the laptops, and approximately 150 images and one video of child pornography on the second laptop. Approximately 90 images and 150 videos of child pornography were recovered from the cell phone and approximately 90 images and two videos on the hard drive. Some of the images included depictions of violence against children. Stuart also admitted during his plea that during the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered live marijuana plants, more than a pound of dried marijuana ready for consumption, and that he was a chronic user of marijuana. Stuart was also found to be in possession of three firearms. Because he was a user of controlled substances, Stuart was legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Man who Set Fire to St. Louis Apartment Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Tuesday sentenced a man who set fire to his girlfriend’s apartment after threatening her with a gun to 66 months in prison. Willie Latimore, 27, of St. Louis, was also ordered to pay $7,087 to the owners of the apartment building. Latimore pleaded guilty to one count of arson and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted setting fire to his then-girlfriend’s apartment in St. Louis on May 11, 2023. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to the woman’s apartment on Washington Avenue downtown after he began attempting to kick her apartment door down. They arrived to find smoke coming from her apartment. Latimore had piled clothing on her stove and set it on fire. She was hiding at a neighbor’s apartment because he had threatened her earlier in the day with a gun. St. Louis’ Real Time Crime Center tracked Latimore’s car, and police arrested him later that day after a brief vehicle and foot chase. Latimore dropped a handgun as he ran. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen prosecuted the case. 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: Justice Department Secures Landmark Agreement with Los Angeles County to Increase Accessibility for Voters with Disabilities

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a landmark agreement with the County of Los Angeles to resolve its lawsuit alleging that the county violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying voters with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in its voting programs, services and activities when it failed to select and use facilities as polling places that are accessible to persons with disabilities. “People with disabilities are entitled to full inclusion at the ballot box,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to safeguarding the right of every eligible voter, including voters with disabilities, to participate in our electoral process. This agreement should send a message to officials across the country regarding the need to ensure the accessibility of the voting process now.” “The right to vote is essential to our democracy and must be protected for all voters,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “Voters with disabilities are entitled to an equal opportunity to vote in person, privately and independently, alongside their neighbors and friends. We commend Los Angeles County for its commitment to work with the Justice Department to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.” The lawsuit was filed in June 2023 following a lengthy investigation that found the county excluded individuals with disabilities from participating in the county’s in-person voting program. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California had surveyed hundreds of polling places in the June 2016, March 2020, November 2020 and November 2022 elections and found the vast majority had architectural barriers, such as steep ramps, abrupt level changes at walkways and entrance doors, and lack of accessible parking. These impediments prevented people with mobility and vision disabilities from being able to safely access vote centers and cast their ballots in person. The lawsuit also alleged that the county’s curbside voting program was inaccessible, as certain vote centers lacked signage indicating that curbside voting was available or failed to provide sufficient means by which a voter could contact an election worker for assistance with curbside voting. The settlement , which was filed with the court earlier today, will increase accessibility for voters with disabilities. Under the agreement, Los Angeles County will work with an independent accessibility expert for three years on site selection policies and procedures to ensure that the county selects voting center locations that are accessible or can be made more accessible during the voting period by employing temporary remedial measures. The county has agreed to work with the expert and the department to implement the expert’s recommendations. The expert will provide semiannual reports on their findings to the county and the department. With more than 500 political districts and approximately 4.3 million registered voters, Los Angeles County is the largest election jurisdiction in the nation. The Los Angeles County investigation is part of the department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities across the country. More information about voting and elections is available at www.justice.gov/voting . For more information on the Civil Rights Division please visit www.justice.gov/crt . For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov . If you believe you have been discriminated against based on disability please submit a report at www.civilrights.justice.gov . Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Civil Rights Section Richard Park and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Hikida, Matthew Barragan, Margaret Chen and Alexandra Young for the Central District of California handled the matter, in coordination with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section. Last month marked the 34th anniversary of the ADA, which President George H.W. Bush signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA was the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for persons with disabilities. As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the ADA, we take time to recognize the benefits of the ADA while also appreciating that there is still work to be done to achieve the enduring goals of equity, inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities.


title: Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo histórico con el Condado de Los Ángeles para aumentar la accesibilidad para los votantes con discapacidades

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo histórico con el Condado de Los Ángeles para resolver la demanda alegando que el condado violó la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA, por sus siglas en inglés) por negar a los votantes con discapacidades una oportunidad igualitaria de participar en sus programas, servicios y actividades de voto cuando fracasó en seleccionar y utilizar facilidades para centros de voto que son accesibles para las personas con discapacidades. “Las personas con discapacidades tienen el derecho a plena inclusión en las urnas,” comentó la Fiscal General Auxiliar Kristen Clarke de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “El Departamento de Justicia se compromete a salvaguardar el derecho de todos los votantes elegibles de participar en nuestro proceso electoral, incluido lo de los votantes con discapacidades. Este acuerdo debe transmitir a todos los oficiales del país un mensaje sobre la necesidad de asegurar la accesibilidad del proceso de votar ahora.” “El derecho de votar es esencial para nuestra democracia y tiene que ser protegido para todos los votantes,” comentó el Fiscal de los Estados Unidos Martin Estrada para el Distrito Central de California. “Los votantes con discapacidades tienen el derecho de votar en persona, con privacidad e independientemente, al lado de sus vecinos y amigos. Comendamos al Condado de Los Ángeles para su compromiso a trabajar con el Departamento de Justicia para asegurar el acceso igualitario para los individuos con discapacidades.” Se entabló esta demanda en junio 2023 después de una investigación larga que encontró que el condado excluyó a los individuos con discapacidades de participar en los programas de votación en persona del condado. La Oficina del Fiscal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Central de California había evaluado cientos de centros de votación durante las elecciones de junio 2016, marzo 2020, noviembre 2020 y noviembre 2022 y encontró que la gran mayoría tenían barreras arquitecturales, tal como rampas escarpadas, cambios de nivel repentinos en pasarelas peatonales y puertas de entrada, y falta de estacionamiento accesible. Estos impedimentos previnieron que las personas con discapacidades de movilidad y visión accedieran de forma segura a los centros de voto y votar en persona. Esta demanda también alegó que el programa de votar desde acera del condado era inaccesible, debido a ciertos centros de voto que carecían de señalización indicando que la votación desde la acera estaba disponible o que no proveían maneras a través de las que el votante podía comunicarse con un trabajador electoral para asistencia con la votación desde la acera. El acuerdo , que se entabló con el corte hoy anteriormente, aumentará la accesibilidad para los votantes con discapacidades. Según el acuerdo, el Condado de Los Ángeles trabajará con un experto de accesibilidad independiente por tres años en sus policías de selección de sitios y procedimientos para asegurar que el Condado seleccione sitios como centro de voto que son accesibles o que pueden ser hecho más accesibles durante el periodo de voto, a través de implementar medidas remediadoras temporales. El condado ha acordado trabajar con el experto y el departamento para implementar las recomendaciones del experto. El experto también proveerá informes semestrales sobre sus hallazgos al condado y al departamento. Con más de quinientos distritos políticos y aproximadamente 4,3 millones de votantes registrados, el Condado de Los Ángeles es la jurisdicción de elección más grande del país. La investigación del Condado de Los Ángeles es parte de la Iniciativa de Votación ADA, la cual se enfoca en proteger los derechos de voto de los individuos con discapacidades. Para conocer más sobre la ADA y cómo esta se aplica a la votación usted puede visitar el sitio web a www.ada.gov/topics/voting/ . Para conocer más sobre la División de Derechos Civiles, por favor visite a www.justice.gov/crt . Para conocer más sobre la ADA, por favor llame a La Línea de Información de la ADA gratuita a 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) o visite a www.ada.gov . Si usted cree que ha experimentado la discriminación por motivos de discapacidad, por favor realizar un informe en línea a www.civilrights.justice.gov . Fiscal Federal Auxiliar y Jefe de la Sección de Derechos Civiles Richard Park y los Fiscales Federales Auxiliares Katherine Hikida, Matthew Barragan, Margaret Chen y Alexandra Young del Distrito Central de California trataron el asunto, en coordinación con la Sección de Derechos de Discapacidad de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. El mes pasado se compló el 34º aniversario de la ADA, promulgado por Presidente George H.W. Bush el 26 de julio, 1990. La ADA fue la primera ley comprehensiva de derechos civiles para las personas con discapacidades. Mientras celebramos el 34º aniversario de la ADA, dedicamos tiempo para reconocer los beneficios de la ADA mientras tanto entendiendo que aún queda trabajo por hacer para lograr las metas perdurables de la equidad, la inclusión, y la accesibilidad para las personas con discapacidades.


title: ក្រសួងយុត្តិធម៌ទទួលបាននូវកិច្ចព្រមព្រៀងដ៏សំខាន់មួយជាមួយខោនធី Los Angeles ដើម្បីបង្កើនលទ្ធភាពប្រើប្រាស់សម្រាប់អ្នកបោះឆ្នោតដែលមានពិការភាព

body_text: ក្រសួងយុត្តិធម៌បានប្រកាសនៅថ្ងៃនេះថា ខ្លួនបានឈានដល់កិច្ចព្រមព្រៀងសំខាន់មួយជាមួយខោនធី Los Angeles ដើម្បីដោះស្រាយបណ្តឹងរបស់ក្រសួងដែលចោទប្រកាន់ថា ខោនធីបានរំលោភច្បាប់ស្តីពីជនពិការអាមេរិក (ADA) តាមរយៈការបដិសេធចំពោះអ្នកបោះឆ្នោតដែលមានពិការភាពមិនឱ្យមានឱកាសស្មើគ្នាក្នុងការចូលរួមក្នុងកម្មវិធី សេវាកម្ម និងសកម្មភាពបោះឆ្នោតរបស់ខ្លួន នៅពេលដែលខោនធីខកខានមិនបានជ្រើសរើស និងប្រើប្រាស់កន្លែងបោះឆ្នោត ជាកន្លែងដែលជនពិការអាចចូលប្រើប្រាស់បាន។ ជំនួយការអគ្គមេធាវី Kristen Clarke នៃនាយកដ្ឋានសិទ្ធិស៊ីវិលរបស់ក្រសួងយុត្តិធម៌បានមានប្រសាសន៍ថា "ជនពិការមានសិទ្ធិទទួលបានការរាប់បញ្ចូលទាំងស្រុងនៅកន្លែងបោះឆ្នោត"។ “ក្រសួងយុត្តិធម៌ប្តេជ្ញាការពារសិទ្ធិរបស់អ្នកបោះឆ្នោតដែលមានសិទ្ធិគ្រប់រូប រួមទាំងអ្នកបោះឆ្នោតដែលមានពិការភាពក្នុង ការចូលរួមក្នុងដំណើរការនៃការបោះឆ្នោតរបស់យើង។ កិច្ចព្រមព្រៀងនេះគួរតែផ្ដល់សារទៅមន្ត្រីនៅទូទាំងប្រទេស ទាក់ទងនឹងតម្រូវការក្នុងការធានាឱ្យបាននូវលទ្ធភាពចូលប្រើប្រាស់ក្នុងដំណើរការនៃ ការបោះឆ្នោតឥឡូវនេះ។" Martin Estrada ដែលជាមេធាវីសហរដ្ឋអាមេរិកប្រចាំនៅមណ្ឌលកណ្តាលនៃរដ្ឋ California (Central District of California) បានមានប្រសាសន៍ថា "សិទ្ធិបោះឆ្នោតគឺជារឿងសំខាន់សម្រាប់លទ្ធិប្រជា ធិបតេយ្យរបស់យើង ហើយត្រូវបានការការពារសម្រាប់អ្នកបោះឆ្នោតទាំងអស់"។ "អ្នកបោះឆ្នោតដែលមានពិការភាពមានសិទ្ធិទទួលបានឱកាសស្មើគ្នាដើម្បីបោះឆ្នោតដោយផ្ទាល់ ជាលក្ខណៈឯកជន និងដោយឯករាជ្យ រួមជាមួយអ្នកជិតខាង និងមិត្តភក្តិរបស់ពួកគេ។ យើងសូមកោតសរសើរដល់ខោនធី Los Angeles ចំពោះការប្តេជ្ញាចិត្តរបស់ខ្លួនក្នុងការធ្វើការជាមួយក្រសួងយុត្តិធម៌ ដើម្បីធានាឱ្យបាននូវលទ្ធភាពប្រើប្រាស់ស្មើៗគ្នាសម្រាប់បុគ្គលដែលមានពិការភាព។" បណ្តឹង នេះត្រូវបានដាក់នៅខែមិថុនា ឆ្នាំ 2023 បន្ទាប់ពីការស៊ើបអង្កេតដ៏យូរអង្វែងមួយ ដែលបានរកឃើញថាខោនធីមិនបានរាប់បញ្ចូលបុគ្គលដែលមានពិការភាពនៅក្នុងការចូលរួមក្នុងកម្មវិធីបោះឆ្នោតដោយមានវត្តមានផ្ទាល់របស់ខោនធី។ការិយាល័យមេធាវីសហរដ្ឋអាមេរិកប្រចាំតំបន់កណ្តាលនៃរដ្ឋ California បានស្ទង់មតិនៅកន្លែងបោះឆ្នោតរាប់រយកន្លែងនៅក្នុងការបោះឆ្នោតនាខែមិថុនាឆ្នាំ 2016 ខែមីនាឆ្នាំ 2020 ខែវិច្ឆិកាឆ្នាំ 2020 និងខែវិច្ឆិកាឆ្នាំ 2022 ហើយបានរកឃើញថាភាគច្រើនមានឧបសគ្គស្ថាបត្យកម្មដូចជាផ្លូវជម្រាលចោត ការផ្លាស់ប្តូរកម្រិតញឹកពេកនៅលើផ្លូវដើរនិងទ្វារចូល និងកង្វះចំណតរថយន្តសម្រាប់ជនពិការ។ ឧបសគ្គទាំងនេះបានរារាំងលទ្ធភាពចូលទៅកាន់មណ្ឌលបោះឆ្នោត និងបោះសន្លឹកឆ្នោតដោយសុវត្ថិភាព ដោយមានវត្តមានផ្ទាល់របស់មនុស្សដែលអាចធ្វើចលនាមានកម្រិត និងដែលមានពិការភាពផ្នែកចក្ខុវិញ្ញាណ។ ពាក្យបណ្តឹងនេះក៏បានចោទប្រកាន់ថា កម្មវិធីបោះឆ្នោតតាមចិញ្ចើមផ្លូវរបស់ខោនធីមិនអាចឱ្យជនពិការចូលប្រើបានទេ ដោយសារមណ្ឌលបោះឆ្នោតមួយចំនួនខ្វះផ្លាកសញ្ញា ដែលបង្ហាញថាការបោះឆ្នោតតាមចិញ្ចើមផ្លូវអាចរកបាន ឬខកខានមិនបានផ្តល់មធ្យោបាយគ្រប់គ្រាន់ ដើម្បីឱ្យអ្នកបោះឆ្នោតអាចទាក់ទងបុគ្គលិកបោះឆ្នោតដើម្បីទទួលបានជំនួយបានក្នុងការបោះឆ្នោតតាមចិញ្ចើមផ្លូវ។  ដំណោះស្រាយ ដែលបានដាក់ជូនតុលាការកាលពីដើមថ្ងៃនេះ នឹងបង្កើនលទ្ធភាពចូលប្រើប្រាស់របស់អ្នកបោះឆ្នោត ដែលមានពិការភាព។នៅក្រោមកិច្ចព្រមព្រៀងនេះ ខោនធី Los Angeles នឹងធ្វើការជាមួយអ្នកជំនាញផ្នែកលទ្ធភាពប្រើប្រាស់របស់ជនពិការឯករាជ្យ រយៈពេលបីឆ្នាំសម្រាប់គោលនយោបាយ និងនីតិវិធីជ្រើសរើសទីតាំង ដើម្បីធានាថាខោនធីជ្រើសរើសទីតាំងមណ្ឌលបោះឆ្នោតដែលអាចចូលប្រើបាន ឬអាចផ្តល់លទ្ធភាពចូលប្រើបានកាន់តែច្រើនដល់ជនពិការក្នុងអំឡុងពេលបោះឆ្នោត ដោយប្រើប្រាស់វិធានការដោះស្រាយបណ្តោះអាសន្ន។ ខោនធីបានយល់ព្រមធ្វើការជាមួយនឹងអ្នកជំនាញ និងក្រសួងដើម្បីអនុវត្តតាមការណែនាំរបស់អ្នកជំនាញ។ អ្នកជំនាញនឹងផ្តល់របាយការណ៍ប្រចាំខែអំពីការរកឃើញរបស់ពួកគេទៅកាន់ខោនធី និងក្រសួង។ ដោយមានមណ្ឌលនយោបាយជាង 500 មណ្ឌល និងមានអ្នកបោះឆ្នោតដែលបានចុះឈ្មោះប្រហែល 4.3 លាននាក់ ខោនធី Los Angeles គឺជាដែនសមត្ថកិច្ចបោះឆ្នោតធំបំផុតនៅក្នុងប្រទេស។ ការស៊ើបអង្កេតក្នុងខោនធី Los Angeles គឺជាផ្នែកមួយនៃគំនិតផ្តួចផ្តើមអំពីការបោះឆ្នោតនៃច្បាប់ស្ដីអំពីជនពិការអាមេរិក ( ADA) របស់ក្រសួង ដែលផ្តោតលើការការពារសិទ្ធិបោះឆ្នោតរបស់បុគ្គលដែលមានពិការភាពនៅទូទាំងប្រទេស។ ព័ត៌មានបន្ថែមអំពីការបោះឆ្នោតអាចរកបាននៅលើគេហទំព័ររបស់ក្រសួងយុត្តិធម៌នៅ www.justice.gov/voting ។ សម្រាប់ព័ត៌មានបន្ថែមអំពីផ្នែកសិទ្ធិស៊ីវិល សូមចូលមើលគេហទំព័រ www.justice.gov/crt ។ សម្រាប់ព័ត៌មានបន្ថែមអំពីច្បាប់ ADA សូមទូរសព្ទទៅបណ្តាញព័ត៌មាន ADA របស់ក្រសួងដោយឥតគិតថ្លៃតាមរយៈលេខ 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) ឬចូលមើលគេហទំព័រ www.ada.gov ។ ប្រសិនបើអ្នកជឿថាអ្នកត្រូវបានគេរើសអើងដោយផ្អែកលើពិការភាព សូមដាក់របាយការណ៍តាមអនឡាញនៅគេហទំព័រ www.civilrights.justice.gov ។Richard Park ដែលជាជំនួយការមេធាវីសហរដ្ឋអាមេរិកនិងប្រធានផ្នែកសិទ្ធិស៊ីវិល និង Katherine Hikida, Matthew Barragan, Margaret Chen និង Alexandra Young ដែលជាជំនួយការមេធាវីសហរដ្ឋអាមេរិក សម្រាប់មណ្ឌលកណ្តាលនៃរដ្ឋ California បានដោះស្រាយបញ្ហានេះដោយមានការសម្របសម្រួលជាមួយផ្នែកសិទ្ធិស៊ីវិលរបស់ក្រសួងយុត្តិធម៌។ ខែមុននេះគឺជាខែគម្រប់ខួបទី 34 នៃច្បាប់ ADA ដែលលោកប្រធានាធិបតី George H.W. Bush បានចុះហត្ថលេខាឱ្យចូលជាច្បាប់នាថ្ងៃទី 26 ខែកក្កដា ឆ្នាំ 1990។ ADA គឺជាច្បាប់ស្តីពីសិទ្ធិស៊ីវិលដ៏ទូលំទូលាយដំបូងគេរបស់ពិភពលោកសម្រាប់ជនពិការ។ នៅពេលយើងប្រារព្ធខួបលើកទី 34 នៃច្បាប់ ADA នេះ យើងក៏ឆ្លៀតពេលដើម្បីទទួលស្គាល់អត្ថប្រយោជន៍នៃ ADA ខណៈពេលដែលយើងក៏យល់ផងដែរថា នៅតែមានការងារត្រូវធ្វើដើម្បីសម្រេចបាននូវគោលដៅដ៏យូរអង្វែងនៃសមធម៌ ការរួមបញ្ចូល និងលទ្ធភាពប្រើប្រាស់សម្រាប់ជនពិការ។


title: 법무부 장애인 유권자들의 접근성을 향상하기 위해 로스앤젤레스  카운티와 역사적 협정 체결

body_text: 법무부는 해당 카운티가 장애인이 접근할 수 있는 시설을 투표 장소로 선정하고 사용하지 않음으로써 장애인 유권자의 동등한 투표 프로그램, 서비스 및 활동에 참여할 기회를 거부하여 미국 장애인법(Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA)을 위반했다는 혐의로 제기된 소송을 해결하기 위한 목적으로 로스앤젤레스 카운티와 역사적인 합의에 도달했음을 오늘 발표했습니다. “장애인은 투표 제도에 온전히 참여할 권리를 가집니다.” 법무부 민권부의 Kristen Clarke 법무차관이 말했습니다. “법무부는 장애인 유권자를 포함하여 모든 적격 유권자가 선거 과정에 참여할 권리를 보호하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 이 협정은 지금 전국의 공무원들을 대상으로 투표 과정상 접근성 보장의 필요성과 관련한 메시지를 전달해야 합니다.” “투표권은 민주주의에 필수적이며 모든 유권자의 권리를 보호해야 합니다.” 캘리포니아 중부 지구의 Martin Estrada 검사가 말했습니다. “장애인 유권자는 이웃, 친구와 함께 직접, 비공개로 그리고 독립적으로 투표할 동등한 기회를 누릴 자격이 있습니다. 우리는 법무부와 협력하여 장애를 가진 각 개인의 동등한 접근성을 보장하려는 로스앤젤레스 카운티의 노력을 칭찬하고자 합니다.” 이 소송 은 2023년 6월, 장기간의 조사에 의해 해당 카운티가 지역 내 직접 투표 프로그램 참여에서 장애인들을 배제한 것으로 밝혀짐에 따라 제기되었습니다. 미국 캘리포니아 중부 지구 검찰청은 2016년 6월, 2020년 3월, 2020년 11월, 2022년 11월 선거에서 수백 곳의 투표소를 조사했으며 그중 대부분이 가파른 경사로, 도로와 입구 출입문 사이의 갑작스러운 높이 변화, 접근 가능한 주차 공간의 부족 등 건축상의 장애물을 보유하고 있는 것으로 드러났습니다. 이러한 장애물은 이동 및 시야가 제한된 장애인이 투표 센터에 안전하게 접근하여 직접 투표하는 데 방해가 됩니다. 이 소송에서는 특정 투표 센터에 길가 투표의 가능 여부를 알리는 표지판이 없거나, 유권자가 길가 투표에 도움을 받고자 선거 직원에게 연락할 수 있는 충분한 수단을 제공하지 못하여 해당 카운티의 길가 투표 프로그램의 접근성이 충분치 못했음을 주장하기도 했습니다. 오늘 이른 시간에 제출된 합의서 는 장애인 유권자의 접근성을 높일 것입니다. 이 합의에 의해 로스앤젤레스 카운티는 3년간 장소 선정 정책 및 절차 수립에 대해 독립적인 접근성 전문가와 협력하여, 해당 카운티가 임시 개선 조치를 통해 접근성 있거나 접근성을 향상할 수 있는 투표 센터 장소를 선택할 수 있도록 할 것입니다. 해당 카운티에서는 전문가 및 부서와 협력하여 전문가의 권장 사항을 시행하기로 합의했습니다. 전문가는 연 2회 카운티와 부서에 보고서를 제출할 것입니다. 로스앤젤레스 카운티는 500개 이상의 지역구와 약 430만 명의 등록 유권자를 보유한 국내 최대의 선거 관할구입니다. 로스앤젤레스 카운티 조사는 법무부의 ADA 투표 이니셔티브의 일환으로, 이는 전국 장애인의 투표권을 보호하는 데 중점을 두고 있습니다. 투표 및 선거에 관한 더 자세한 정보는 법무부 웹사이트, www.justice.gov/voting 에서 확인하실 수 있습니다. 민권부에 관한 더 자세한 정보는 www.justice.gov/crt 를 방문하시기 바랍니다. ADA에 관한 더 자세한 정보는 법무부의 무료 ADA 정보 전화, 1-800-514-0301로 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) 전화하거나 www.ada.gov 를 방문하시기 바랍니다. 장애로 인한 차별을 받으신 경우, www.civilrights.justice.gov 에서 보고서를 제출해 주시기 바랍니다. 차관 및 민권 섹션 부장 Richard Park와 캘리포니아 중부 지구 차관 Katherine Hikida, Matthew Barragan, Margaret Chen, Alexandra Young이 법무부 민권부의 장애 권리 섹션과 협력하여 이 문제를 처리했습니다. 지난달은 1990년 7월 26일 George H.W. Bush 대통령이 법률에 서명한 ADA의 34주년이 되는 달이었습니다. ADA는 장애인을 위한 세계 최초의 종합 민권법이었습니다. ADA의 34주년을 기념하면서 우리는 ADA의 유용성을 인정하는 시간을 가지는 동시에 장애인을 위한 형평성, 포용성, 접근성이라는 지속적 목표를 달성하기 위해 아직 해야 할 일이 남아 있다는 사실을 인식합니다.


title: Kagawaran ng Hustisya Nakuha ang Makasaysayang Kasunduan sa  County ng Los Angeles upang Madagdagan ang Aksesibilidad  para sa Botanteng may mga Kapansanan

body_text: Inanunsyo ngayong araw ng Kagawaran ng Hustisya na naabot nito ang makasaysayang kasunduan sa County ng Los Angeles upang maresolba ang isinampa nitong kaso na nagsasabing nilabag ng county ang Batas sa mga Amerikanong may mga Kapansanan (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA) sa pamamagitan ng pagkakait sa mga botanteng may mga kapansanan ng pantay na oportunidad na makibahagi sa mga programa, serbisyo at aktibidad nito ng pagboto noong nabigo ito sa pagpili at paggamit ng mga pasilidad sa mga lugar ng botohan na maa-access ng mga taong may mga kapansanan. "Ang mga taong may mga kapansanan ay nararapat na ganap na mapabilang sa kahon ng balota," wika ng Katulong na Pangkalahatang Abogado na si Kristen Clarke ng Dibisyon para sa mga Karapatang Sibil ng Kagawaran ng Hustisya. "Nakatuon ang Kagawaran ng Hustisya sa pagprotekta sa karapatan ng bawat karapat-dapat na botante, kabilang ang mga botanteng may mga kapansanan, upang makibahagi sa ating proseso ng halalan. Ang kasunduang ito ay dapat maghatid ng mensahe sa mga opisyal sa buong bansa hinggil sa pangangailangan na matiyak ang aksesibilidad ng proseso ng pagboto sa kasalukuyan." "Ang karapatang bumoto ay mahalaga sa ating demokrasya at kailangang maprotektahan para lahat ng botante," wika ng Abogado ng U.S. na si Martin Estrada para sa Pangunahing Distrito ng California (Central District of California). "Ang mga botanteng may mga kapansanan ay nararapat sa pantay sa oportunidad na bumoto sa personal, nang pribado at nang malaya, kasama ang kanilang mga kapitbahay at kaibigan. Pinupuri namin ang County ng Los Angeles sa pangako nitong makipagtulungan sa Kagawaran ng Hustisya upang matiyak ang pantay na pag-access para sa mga indibidwal na may mga kapansanan." Isinampa ang kaso noong Hunyo 2023 pagkatapos ng mahabang imbestigasyon na natagpuan na hindi isinama ng county ang mga indibidwal na may mga kapansanan sa pagsali sa sa-personal na programa ng pagboto sa county. Ang Tanggapan para sa Pangunahing Distrito ng California (Office for the Central District of California) ng Abogado ng U.S. ay nagsarbey ng daan-daang lugar ng botohan sa mga halalan noong Hunyo 2016, Marso 2020, Nobyembre 2020 at Nobyembre 2022 at natagpuan na ang karamihan ay may mga arkitektural na hadlang, tulad ng matatarik na rampa, biglaang mga pagbabago ng taas ng mga lalakaran at pintong papasukan, at kakulangan ng maa-access na paradahan. Ang mga hadlang na ito ay pumigil sa mga taong may mga kapansanan sa pagkilos at paningin na makapunta sa mga sentro ng botohan nang ligtas at bumoto sa personal. Sinasabi rin sa kaso na ang programa ng pagboto sa bangketa (curbside voting program) ng county ay hindi ma-access, dahil may ilang sentro ng botohan na kulang sa karatula na nagsasaad na mayroong pagboto sa bangketa o nabigo sa pagkakaloob ng sapat na pamamaraan kung saan kayang makipag-ugnayan ng botante sa isang manggagawa sa halalan para sa tulong sa pagboto sa bangketa. Ang kasunduan , na inihain sa hukuman ngayong umaga, ay dadagdagan ang aksesibilidad para sa mga botanteng may mga kapansanan. Sa ilalim ng kasunduan, makikipagtulungan ang County ng Los Angeles sa independiyenteng eksperto sa aksesibilidad ng tatlong taon sa mga patakaran at pamamaraan ng pagpili ng lugar upang matiyak na pinipili ng county ang mga lokasyon ng sentro ng botohan na maa-access o maaaring gawing mas maa-access sa panahon ng pagboto sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mga pansamantalang hakbang sa pagremedyo. Sumang-ayon ang county na makipagtulungan sa mga eksperto at ipatupad ng kagawaran ang mga rekomendasyon ng eksperto. Magbibigay ang eksperto ng mga ulat ng dalawang beses sa isang taon sa kanilang mga natuklasan sa county at sa kagawaran. Sa mahigit 500 pulitikal na distrito at tinatayang 4.3 milyong rehistradong botante, ang County ng Los Angeles ay ang pinakamalaking hurisdiksyon ng halalan sa bansa. Ang imbestigasyon sa County ng Los Angeles ay bahagi ng Inisyatiba sa Pagboto ng ADA ng kagawaran, na nakatuon sa pagprotekta sa mga karapatan sa pagboto ng mga indibidwal na may mga kapansanan sa buong bansa. Ang higit pang impormasyon tungkol sa pagboto at mga halalan ay makukuha sa website ng Kagawaran ng Hustisya sa www.justice.gov/voting . Para sa higit pang impormasyon hinggil sa Dibisyon para sa mga Karapatang Sibil, mangyaring bumisita sa www.justice.gov/crt . Para sa higit pang impormasyon hinggil sa ADA, mangyaring tawagan ang walang bayad na Linya para sa Impormasyon ng ADA sa 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) o bumisita sa www.ada.gov . Kung naniniwala kang ikaw ay nadiskrimina batay sa kapansanan, mangyaring magsumite ng ulat online sa www.civilrights.justice.gov . Ang Katulong na Abogado ng U.S. at Pinuno ng Seksyon para sa mga Karapatang Sibil na si Richard Park at ang mga Katulong na Abogado ng U.S. na sina Katherine Hikida, Matthew Barragan, Margaret Chen at Alexandra Young para sa Pangunahing Distrito ng California ay pinangasiwaan ang bagay na ito, kasama ang Seksyon para sa mga Karapatan ng may Kapansanan ng Dibisyon para sa mga Karapatang Sibil ng Kagawaran ng Hustisya. Noong nakaraang buwan, idinaos ang ika-34 na anibersaryo ng ADA, na nilagdaan ni Pangulong George H.W. Bush upang maging batas noong Hulyo 26, 1990. Ang ADA ay ang kauna-unahan sa mundo na komprehensibong batas sa mga karapatang sibil para sa mga indibidwal na may mga kapansanan. Habang ipinagdiriwang namin ang ika-34 na anibersaryo ng ADA, naglalaan kami ng panahon upang kilalanin ang mga kapakinabangan ng ADA, habang nagpapasalamat din na mayroon pa ring dapat gawin upang maisakatuparan ang mga nagtatagal na layunin ng ekidad, ingkluson, at aksesibilidad para sa mga indibidwal na may mga kapansanan.


title: Bộ Tư Pháp Đạt Được Thỏa Thuận Mang Tính Bước Ngoặt với Quận Los Angeles nhằm Tăng Khả Năng Tiếp Cận cho Cử Tri Khuyết Tật

body_text: Hôm nay, Bộ Tư Pháp thông báo rằng họ đã đạt được thỏa thuận mang tính bước ngoặt với Quận Los Angeles để giải quyết vụ kiện cáo buộc rằng quận này đã vi phạm Đạo Luật Người Mỹ Khuyết Tật (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA) khi từ chối trao cho cử tri khuyết tật cơ hội bình đẳng để tham gia vào các chương trình, dịch vụ và hoạt động bỏ phiếu bởi quận này không lựa chọn và sử dụng các cơ sở làm địa điểm bỏ phiếu dễ tiếp cận cho người khuyết tật. “Người khuyết tật có quyền tham gia đầy đủ hoạt động bỏ phiếu”, Trợ Lý Tổng Chưởng Lý Kristen Clarke thuộc Ban Dân Quyền của Bộ Tư Pháp, cho biết. “Bộ Tư Pháp cam kết bảo vệ quyền của mọi cử tri đủ điều kiện, bao gồm cả cử tri khuyết tật, trong việc tham gia vào quy trình bầu cử của chúng tôi. Thỏa thuận này sẽ truyền tải thông điệp đến các quan chức trên khắp cả nước về tính cần thiết của việc đảm bảo khả năng tiếp cận cho quy trình bỏ phiếu vào thời điểm hiện tại”. “Quyền bầu cử đóng vai trò thiết yếu đối với nền dân chủ của chúng ta và phải được bảo vệ cho tất cả các cử tri”, Chưởng Lý Hoa Kỳ Martin Estrada của Quận Trung Tâm California cho biết. “Cử tri khuyết tật có quyền được trao cơ hội công bằng để bầu cử trực tiếp, riêng tư và độc lập, cùng với hàng xóm và bạn bè của họ. Chúng tôi ngợi khen Quận Los Angeles vì đã cam kết hợp tác với Bộ Tư Pháp để đảm bảo quyền tiếp cận công bằng cho người khuyết tật”. Vụ kiện được đệ trình vào tháng 6 năm 2023 sau một cuộc điều tra kéo dài, trong đó phát hiện quận đã loại trừ những người khuyết tật khỏi việc tham gia chương trình bỏ phiếu trực tiếp của quận. Văn Phòng Chưởng Lý Hoa Kỳ của Quận Trung Tâm California đã khảo sát hàng trăm địa điểm bỏ phiếu trong các cuộc bầu cử vào tháng 6 năm 2016, tháng 3 năm 2020, tháng 11 năm 2020 và tháng 11 năm 2022 và phát hiện ra rằng phần lớn các địa điểm này đều có rào cản về mặt kiến trúc, chẳng hạn như đường dốc, thay đổi đột ngột về độ cao ở lối đi và cửa ra vào, và thiếu bãi đậu xe dễ tiếp cận. Những trở ngại này đã ngăn cản những người khuyết tật về vận động và thị lực tiếp cận một cách an toàn với các trung tâm bầu cử và bỏ phiếu trực tiếp. Vụ kiện cũng cáo buộc rằng chương trình bỏ phiếu tại lề đường của quận là không dễ tiếp cận, vì một số trung tâm bỏ phiếu không có biển báo cho biết có thể bỏ phiếu tại lề đường hoặc không cung cấp đủ phương tiện để cử tri có thể liên hệ với nhân viên bầu cử để được hỗ trợ bỏ phiếu tại lề đường. Thỏa thuận giải quyết , được đệ trình lên tòa án vào đầu ngày hôm nay, sẽ tăng cường khả năng tiếp cận cho cử tri khuyết tật. Theo thỏa thuận này, Quận Los Angeles sẽ làm việc với một chuyên gia về khả năng tiếp cận độc lập trong ba năm về các chính sách và quy trình lựa chọn địa điểm để đảm bảo rằng quận lựa chọn các địa điểm trung tâm bỏ phiếu dễ tiếp cận hoặc có thể được cải thiện để trở nên dễ tiếp cận hơn trong thời gian bỏ phiếu bằng cách áp dụng các biện pháp khắc phục tạm thời. Quận đã đồng ý làm việc với chuyên gia và bộ để thực hiện các khuyến nghị của chuyên gia. Chuyên gia sẽ cung cấp các báo cáo hai lần một năm về phát hiện của họ cho quận và bộ. Với trên 500 khu vực chính trị và khoảng 4,3 triệu cử tri đã đăng ký, Quận Los Angeles là khu vực bầu cử lớn nhất cả nước. Cuộc điều tra của Quận Los Angeles nằm trong khuôn khổ của Sáng Kiến Bỏ Phiếu theo ADA của bộ, trong đó tập trung vào việc bảo vệ quyền bỏ phiếu của người khuyết tật trên khắp cả nước. Quý vị có thể tham khảo thêm thông tin về bỏ phiếu và bầu cử trên trang web của Bộ Tư Pháp tại www.justice.gov/voting . Để biết thêm thông tin về Ban Dân Quyền, vui lòng truy cập www.justice.gov/crt . Để biết thêm thông tin về ADA, vui lòng gọi đến Đường Dây Thông Tin ADA miễn phí của bộ theo số 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) hoặc truy cập www.ada.gov . Nếu quý vị cho rằng mình bị phân biệt đối xử dựa trên tình trạng khuyết tật, vui lòng gửi báo cáo trực tuyến tại www.civilrights.justice.gov . Trợ Lý Chưởng Lý Hoa Kỳ và Trưởng Bộ Phận Dân Quyền Richard Park cùng với Trợ Lý Chưởng Lý Hoa Kỳ Katherine Hikida, Matthew Barragan, Margaret Chen và Alexandra Young của Quận Trung Tâm California đã xử lý vấn đề này, phối hợp với Bộ Phận Quyền cho Người Khuyết Tật thuộc Ban Dân Quyền của Bộ Tư Pháp. Tháng trước đánh dấu kỷ niệm 34 năm ngày ban hành ADA, được Tổng Thống George H.W. Bush ký thành luật vào ngày 26 tháng 7 năm 1990. ADA là luật toàn diện đầu tiên trên thế giới về dân quyền dành cho người khuyết tật. Khi kỷ niệm 34 năm ngày ban hành ADA, chúng ta dành thời gian để công nhận những lợi ích của ADA, đồng thời cũng ghi nhận rằng vẫn còn nhiều việc phải làm để đạt được các mục tiêu lâu dài về công bằng, hòa nhập và khả năng tiếp cận cho người khuyết tật.


title: 司法部与洛杉矶县签订历史性协议，提升残疾选民的投票便利性

body_text: 司法部今日宣布，已与洛杉矶县达成一项具有里程碑意义的协议，旨在解决针对洛杉矶县提起的诉讼。该诉讼指控洛杉矶县违反了《美国残疾人法案》(Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA)，未能选择和使用残疾人士可进入的设施作为投票站，剥夺了残疾选民平等参与洛杉矶县投票计划、服务和活动的机会。 “残疾选民应当享有完全平等的投票权，”司法部民权司助理司长 Kristen Clarke 说道。“司法部致力于保障包括残疾选民在内的所有合格选民参与选举过程的权利。这项协议应向全国官员们传达了一个信息，即确保投票过程的便利性是当务之急。” “投票权是我们民主体系的核心，必须保障所有选民都能行使这一权利，” 加州中区联邦检察官 Martin Estrada 表示。“残疾选民应享有与邻居和朋友同等的平等、直接、私密和独立投票的机会。我们对洛杉矶县与司法部的合作表示赞赏，他们共同努力确保残疾人的平等投票机会。” 该 诉讼 于 2023 年 6 月提起，此前进行了长时间的调查，发现洛杉矶县剥夺了残疾人参与现场投票计划的权利。在 2016 年 6 月、2020 年 3 月、11 月以及 2022 年 11 月的选举期间，美国加州中区检察官办公室对数百个投票站进行了调查，发现多数站点存在建筑障碍，如过陡的坡道、不平坦的人行道和入口，以及缺乏便捷的停车设施。这些障碍妨碍了行动不便者和视障人士安全到达投票点并亲自参与投票。该诉讼还指出，洛杉矶县的路边投票计划无法使用，由于一些投票中心未设置明确指示路边投票计划可用的标识，或未提供足够途径让选民联系选举工作人员以获得路边投票的协助。 今天早些时候提交至法院的 和解协议 旨在提升残疾选民的投票便利性。根据协议条款，洛杉矶县将与独立无障碍专家合作三年，审查选址政策和程序，确保选定的投票中心提供无障碍设施，或在投票期间通过临时措施提升其便利性。洛杉矶县同意与专家和司法部合作，执行专家的建议。专家将每半年向洛杉矶县和司法部提交一次调查结果报告。 洛杉矶县有 500 多个行政选区和约 430 万登记选民，是美国最大的选区。 洛杉矶县的调查属于司法部 ADA 投票倡议的一部分，旨在保障全国残疾人的投票权。欲了解更多有关投票和选举的信息，请访问司法部网站 www.justice.gov/voting 。欲了解更多有关民权司的信息，请访问 www.justice.gov/crt 。欲了解有关 ADA 的更多信息，请致电司法部的免费 ADA 信息热线 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) 或访问 www.ada.gov 。如果您认为自己因残疾遭受歧视，请访问 www.civilrights.justice.gov 进行在线举报。美国助理检察官兼民权科科长 Richard Park 以及加州中区的其他美国助理检察官 Katherine Hikida、Matthew Barragan、Margaret Chen 和 Alexandra Young 负责此案，并与司法部民权司残疾权利科协调。 上个月是 ADA 颁布的第 34 周年纪念日，该法案由 George H.W. Bush 总统于 1990 年 7 月 26 日签署生效。ADA 是全球首部全面保障残疾人民事权利的法律。在纪念 ADA 颁布 34 周年之际，我们不仅要认识到 ADA 带来的益处，同时也要认识到，要实现残疾人的公平、包容和便利性的长期目标，我们仍需不断努力。


title: 司法部與洛杉磯縣簽訂歷史性協議，提升身心障礙選民的投票便利性

body_text: 司法部今日宣佈，已與洛杉磯縣達成一項具有里程碑意義的協定，旨在解決針對洛杉磯縣提起的訴訟。該訴訟指控洛杉磯縣違反了《美國身心障礙者法案》(Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA)，未能選擇和使用身心障礙者可進入的設施作為投票站，剝奪了身心障礙選民平等參與洛杉磯縣投票計畫、服務和活動的機會。 「身心障礙選民應當享有完全平等的投票權，」司法部民權司助理司長 Kristen Clarke 說道。「司法部致力於保障包括身心障礙選民在內的所有合格選民參與選舉過程的權利。這項協議應向全國官員們傳達了一個資訊，即確保投票過程的便利性是當務之急。」 「投票權是我們民主體系的核心，必須保障所有選民都能行使這一權利，」 加州中區聯邦檢察官 Martin Estrada 表示。「身心障礙選民應享有與鄰居和朋友同等的平等、直接、私密和獨立投票的機會。我們對洛杉磯縣與司法部的合作表示讚賞，他們共同努力確保身心障礙者的平等投票機會。」 該 訴訟 於 2023 年 6 月提起，此前進行了長時間的調查，發現洛杉磯縣剝奪了身心障礙者參與現場投票計畫的權利。在 2016 年 6 月、2020 年 3月、11 月以及 2022 年 11月 的選舉期間，美國加州中區檢察官辦公室對數百個投票站進行了調查，發現多數網站存在建築障礙，如過陡的坡道、不平坦的人行道和入口，以及缺乏便捷的停車設施。這些障礙妨礙了行動不便者和視障人士安全到達投票點並親自參與投票。該訴訟還指出，洛杉磯縣的路邊投票計畫無法使用，由於一些投票中心未設置明確指示路邊投票計畫可用的標識，或未提供足夠途徑讓選民聯繫選舉工作人員以獲得路邊投票的協助。 今天早些時候提交至法院的 和解協議 旨在提升身心障礙選民的投票便利性。根據協定條款，洛杉磯縣將與獨立無障礙專家合作三年，審查選址政策和程式，確保選定的投票中心提供無障礙設施，或在投票期間通過臨時措施提升其便利性。洛杉磯縣同意與專家和司法部合作，執行專家的建議。專家將每半年向洛杉磯縣和司法部提交一次調查結果報告。 洛杉磯縣有 500 多個行政選區和約 430 萬登記選民，是美國最大的選區。 洛杉磯縣的調查屬於司法部 ADA 投票倡議的一部分，旨在保障全國身心障礙者的投票權。欲瞭解有關投票和選舉的詳細資訊，請造訪司法部網站 www.justice.gov/voting 。欲瞭解有關民權司的詳細資訊，請造訪 www.justice.gov/crt 。欲瞭解有關 ADA 的詳細資訊，請致電司法部的免費 ADA 資訊熱線 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) 或造訪 www.ada.gov 。如果您認為自己因身心障礙遭受歧視，請造訪 www.civilrights.justice.gov 進行線上舉報。美國助理檢察官兼民權科科長 Richard Park 以及加州中區的其他美國助理檢察官 Katherine Hikida、Matthew Barragan、Margaret Chen 和 Alexandra Young 負責此案，並與司法部民權司身心殘障者權利科協調。 上個月是 ADA 頒佈的第 34 周年紀念日，該法案由 George H.W. Bush 總統于 1990 年 7 月 26 日簽署生效。ADA 是全球首部全面保障身心障礙者民事權利的法律。在紀念 ADA 頒佈 34 周年之際，我們不僅要認識到 ADA 帶來的益處，同時也要認識到，要實現身心障礙者的公平、包容和便利性的長期目標，我們仍需不斷努力。


title: Salem Man Indicted for Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Salem man was indicted in connection with firearm offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Daniel Fratus, 38, was indicted on one count of possession of firearms by a prohibited person and one count of possession of unregistered firearms. Fratus appeared in federal court today and was detained. According to the charging documents, on January 23, 2024, Fratus possessed two silencers and a total of nine guns: five rifles, three pistols, and one sawed-off shotgun. As a previously convicted felon, Fratus was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. Additionally, the two silencers and four of the nine firearms were unregistered weapons. The charge of possession of firearms by a prohibited person provides for a maximum sentence of up to fifteen years in prison, up to a three-year term of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of unregistered firearms provides for a sentence of no greater than ten years in prison, up to a three-year term of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Salem Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Scanlon is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Brainerd Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl in the Brainerd Lakes Area

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Brainerd man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute thousands of fentanyl pills, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on August 1, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Brainerd that belonged to Dazaughn Ellis West, 28. Inside the unit, officers found between 13,000 and 15,000 pressed fentanyl pills, weighing approximately 2.8 pounds. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant at West’s home in Brainerd, where they found an additional 150 grams of fentanyl pills, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, a .22 caliber rifle, and distributable quantities of cocaine. West pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge John R. Tunheim to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. West’s co-defendant, Devaughn Ellis West, is scheduled to plead guilty on August 19, 2024. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, Brainerd Police Department, and the Lakes Area Drug Investigative Division (LADID). Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren O. Roso is prosecuting the case.