component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day . Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day. The department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission , a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the department’s representatives on the commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings , which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis. “We are fortunate to have two federally recognized Indian Tribes within the Southern District of Florida, the Seminole Tribe of Florida (“Seminole Tribe”) and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida (“Miccosukee Tribe”). Our Office, in consultation with Tribal and other law enforcement partners, has developed strategic protocols in the unfortunate event of a missing or murdered indigenous person,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Crime, both inside and outside Indian country, is a community problem that we collectively strive to prevent and address.” “The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.” “Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.” “The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.” Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directed each United States Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at DOJ — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country. Publication of Updated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance In October 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. The revised guidelines , which was updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities. National Native American Outreach Services Liaison Last year, the department announced the creation of a new National Native American Outreach Services Liaison. Since that announcement, the Liaison has begun to help amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families across the department as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. In the coming months, the Liaison will meet with survivors and family members of MMIP to learn more about the current challenges in MMIP cases and to make recommendations about the department’s continued response. Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and Respond to the MMIP Crisis In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior submitted a report pursuant to Sections 2 and 4(a) of Executive Order 14053, which called for “coordinated and comprehensive Federal law enforcement strategy to prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including to address missing or murdered indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.” The report was published late last year and is available on the department website here . Guide for Tribal Community Response Plans for Missing Persons Cases In December 2022, the department published a Guide to Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Persons Cases . This Guide is a resource for Tribes interested in developing a plan to respond to missing person cases that is tailored to the specific needs, resources, and culture of Tribal communities. Launch of the COPS Office Tribal MOU/MOA Resource Library On Monday of this week, the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) published its Tribal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Sample Resource Library. This library provides users with the resources to research and successfully draft agreements that will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases. Expanded Scope of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program The department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) expanded the scope of allowable activities under its Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) grant program to permit Tribal communities to pay for costs related to generating awareness of individual missing persons cases involving American Indians and Alaska Native persons, supporting private search efforts for missing American Indians and Alaska Native persons in certain circumstances, and supporting efforts to coordinate the Tribal, state, and federal response to MMIP cases. Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women In September 2022, the department’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) held the 17th Annual OVW Government-to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women in Anchorage, Alaska. OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the Attorney General. The 2022 Tribal consultation report is available here. National Institute of Justice Study of MMIP Cases in New Mexico Last year, the department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study that will provide vital information regarding the prevalence and context of cases of MMIP in New Mexico and, importantly, will inform long-term data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies on MMIP cases. These improvements will support data-driven decision-making regarding MMIP in New Mexico moving forward. Additional Department of Justice Resources For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website . Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls . ###


title: Gang Leader Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Possessing Firearms And Ammunition

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Micheal Hankerson (31, Poinciana) to six years in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Hankerson to forfeit firearms and ammunition. Hankerson had been found guilty on December 3, 2022. According to court documents, in May 2022, investigators developed information that a known member of the Fruit Town Brims gang, who had been wanted on felony warrants from Alachua County for more than a month, was living in Hankerson’s residence in Poinciana. Hankerson was known to be a high-ranking member of the Fruit Town Brims gang. On May 10, 2022, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force entered the residence to arrest the fugitive. As they searched the house for the fugitive, they spotted a firearm with an attached large drum magazine in plain view in the master bedroom. Hankerson, who had previously been convicted of robbery and served a five-year prison sentence, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The task force officers informed agents from the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) of their observations. After obtaining a warrant to search Hankerson’s residence, FDLE investigators searched the house and found multiple firearms and various types of ammunition. The firearm that had been seen in the master bedroom, a CZ Scorpion Evo 3 semi-automatic with a 50-round drum magazine attached, was loaded with 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Investigators also recovered parts of a disassembled AR-15 style pistol in the house. When assembled, the pistol—which had been painted and its serial number obliterated—was functional and capable of firing .223 caliber ammunition. 97 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the search, including 9mm ammunition, .223 caliber ammunition, and 12-gauge shotgun shells. Hankerson admitted to investigators that he was the highest-ranking member of the Brims gang in Florida. He also admitted that he had spray-painted the components to the AR-15 style firearm. He claimed that the CZ Scorpion firearm belonged to his girlfriend, who was not a convicted felon, but investigators obtained other evidence indicating Hankerson had acquired the firearm and was its true owner. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore. 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: Drug Traffickers Plead Guilty to Execution-Style Murders of Two Men

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A Texas drug trafficker pleaded guilty yesterday to charges related to the murder of two men in Detroit and to conspiring to distribute over 50 kilograms of cocaine, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. An Alabama co-conspirator pleaded guilty last week to the same charges. Joining in the announcement were James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Field Division. Mariano Garcia, age 53, of Brownsville, Texas, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg. Co-defendant Michael Griffin, age 40, of Birmingham, Alabama, pleaded guilty before Judge Berg on April 28, 2023. Both men pleaded guilty to (1) conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, (2) interstate travel with the intent to kill or injure where death resulted, and (3) interstate travel in aid of illegal activity where death resulted. At their plea hearings, both Garcia and Griffin admitted to engaging in a long-term drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine supplied by Garcia in Texas and distributed by Griffin and others in Birmingham, Alabama, and Detroit, Michigan. At his plea, Garcia admitted to encouraging Griffin to travel from Alabama to Detroit to collect a drug debt from a Detroit-based member of the conspiracy. In December 2016, Griffin and another individual came to Detroit for the purpose of killing that member of the conspiracy. After coming to the conspirator’s home, Griffin and the other individual tied up and shot to death the Detroit-based co-conspirator and another man. They used pillows to muffle the sounds of the gunshots. At his plea, Garcia, who remained in Texas, also admitted he encouraged Griffin to hurt the co-conspirator to collect the drug debt. After the murders, Griffin and Garcia returned to their drug business. Garcia and Griffin also admitted that they had distributed between 50 and 150 kilograms of cocaine during the conspiracy. “These two men murdered two people in cold blood in Detroit to further their cocaine trafficking conspiracy,” U.S. Attorney Ison stated. “We will not stop fighting until this kind of senseless violence is ended.” Sentencing for Griffin and Garcia is set for September 21, 2023. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Griffin faces a sentence of 30 years in prison. Garcia faces a sentence of 25 years. The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rajesh Prasad and Robert Moran.


title: Justice Department Strengthens Efforts to Address the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons

body_text: DETROIT -- The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day . Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day. The department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission , a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the department’s representatives on the commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings , which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis. “The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.” “Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.” “The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.” “Native American communities, especially Native American women, excessively high rates of violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “We are committed to partnering with tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed tribal communities.” Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directed each United States Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at DOJ — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country. The Department of Justice has established a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) program coordinator for Michigan housed in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan that supports the indigenous community across the state. If you or someone you know has information about missing or murdered Indigenous persons in Michigan, please contact the FBI Detroit Field Office by calling (313) 965-2323, or by visiting tips.fbi.gov. If you have questions about the MMIP program, please contact Michigan’s MMIP program coordinator Joel Postma by calling 616-808-2113. Publication of Updated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance In October 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. The revised guidelines , which was updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities. National Native American Outreach Services Liaison Last year, the department announced the creation of a new National Native American Outreach Services Liaison. Since that announcement, the Liaison has begun to help amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families across the department as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. In the coming months, the Liaison will meet with survivors and family members of MMIP to learn more about the current challenges in MMIP cases and to make recommendations about the department’s continued response. Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and Respond to the MMIP Crisis In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior submitted a report pursuant to Sections 2 and 4(a) of Executive Order 14053, which called for “coordinated and comprehensive Federal law enforcement strategy to prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including to address missing or murdered indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.” The report was published late last year and is available on the department website here . Guide for Tribal Community Response Plans for Missing Persons Cases In December 2022, the department published a Guide to Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Persons Cases . This Guide is a resource for Tribes interested in developing a plan to respond to missing person cases that is tailored to the specific needs, resources, and culture of Tribal communities. Launch of the COPS Office Tribal MOU/MOA Resource Library On Monday of this week, the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) published its Tribal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Sample Resource Library. This library provides users with the resources to research and successfully draft agreements that will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases. Expanded Scope of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program The department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) expanded the scope of allowable activities under its Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) grant program to permit Tribal communities to pay for costs related to generating awareness of individual missing persons cases involving American Indians and Alaska Native persons, supporting private search efforts for missing American Indians and Alaska Native persons in certain circumstances, and supporting efforts to coordinate the Tribal, state, and federal response to MMIP cases. Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women In September 2022, the department’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) held the 17th Annual OVW Government-to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women in Anchorage, Alaska. OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the Attorney General. The 2022 Tribal consultation report is available here. National Institute of Justice Study of MMIP Cases in New Mexico Last year, the department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study that will provide vital information regarding the prevalence and context of cases of MMIP in New Mexico and, importantly, will inform long-term data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies on MMIP cases. These improvements will support data-driven decision-making regarding MMIP in New Mexico moving forward. Additional Department of Justice Resources For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website . Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.


title: Laguna Hills Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for  Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in Two Fatal Overdoses in Six Weeks

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose deaths of two victims – one in Utah, the other in Aliso Viejo – within six weeks of each other in early 2021. Jason Amin Soheili, 28, of Laguna Hills, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton. Soheili pleaded guilty in December 2022 to two counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. He has been in federal custody since May 2021. In January and February of 2021, Soheili exchanged text messages with a Utah-based victim – identified in court documents as “J.N.” – regarding the shipment of fentanyl pills. J.N. instructed Soheili to address the package containing the pills to an alias at an address in Fillmore, Utah. On February 15, 2021, Soheili shipped via U.S. mail a parcel containing at least two counterfeit oxycodone pills that were laced with fentanyl. The parcel arrived in Utah three days later. On February 21, 2021, J.N. ingested at least one of the pills and died of fentanyl toxicity. On April 1, 2021, Soheili exchanged text messages with another victim – identified in court papers as “J.M.” – regarding Soheili selling cocaine and alprazolam (commonly referred to by its brand name, Xanax) to the victim. That evening, Soheili and J.M. met at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Laguna Hills to perform the drug deal. After this meeting, J.M. accompanied Soheili to his home in Laguna Hills, where Soheili supplied the victim with additional drugs. At some point late that evening, the victim ingested the narcotics that Soheili had given him. Victim J.M. died on April 2, 2021 from acute fentanyl, alprazolam, and cocaine intoxication. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin N. Spencer of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.


title: Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 18 Months of Imprisonment for Mail Theft

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was sentenced in federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of federal supervised release on his conviction of theft of mail matter, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Tyrone Mobley, age 55. According to information presented to the court, from approximately December 2020 until approximately September 2021, Mobley stole US mail and other packages shipped via the United States Postal Service from authorized depositories for mail matter located at various addresses in the Oakland and Shadyside areas of Pittsburgh. Losses to Mobley’s victims totaled over $5,000 in value. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Services conducted the investigation which resulted in the conviction in this case. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Member of Violent Chicago Street Gang Convicted in Federal Racketeering and Drug Trafficking Probe

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a member of a violent Chicago street gang of participating in a racketeering conspiracy that included murder and attempted murder. The multi-district investigation previously resulted in the convictions of 20 other defendants. The jury on April 28, 2023, convicted MARDI LANE, 34, of Chicago, after a two-week trial in U.S. District Court. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Lane was a member and known “shooter” of the LAFA street gang, which violently controlled territory in the Jeffery Manor neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The jury found that Lane in 2015 personally participated in a murder and multiple attempted murders. The conviction is punishable by up to life in federal prison. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr., set sentencing for Dec. 8, 2023. Twenty other defendants were previously convicted as part of the federal investigation. The probe revealed that from 2008 to 2018, LAFA members committed multiple murders, attempted murders, robberies, and witness tampering, while trafficking cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and MDMA in Chicago and Duluth, Minn. LAFA members used violence and intimidation to protect the gang’s enterprise and keep rivals and witnesses in fear of retaliation. Law enforcement during the probe seized 34 firearms, a machete and sheath, approximately a kilogram of cocaine, 78 pounds of marijuana, more than $190,000 in suspected illicit cash proceeds, designer clothing appraised at more than $300,000, Rolex watches, and numerous pieces of jewelry, including two necklaces containing 14-carat gold pendants with the initials “LAFA” written in diamonds. Lane’s conviction and the results of the investigation were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Eric Carter, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Districts of Northern Indiana and Minnesota; the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago; Illinois State Police; Cook County Sheriff’s Office; police departments in Orland Park, Ill., Evergreen Park, Ill., Bolingbrook, Ill., and Joliet, Ill.; the Minnesota-based Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force; Duluth, Minn., Police Department; St. Louis County, Minn., State’s Attorney’s Office; and FBI offices in Minneapolis, Minn., and Indianapolis, Ind. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Trustee Program. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Mower, Siva Sundaram, and Simar Khera. The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies. The 20 defendants previously convicted in this investigation are listed below. AKEEM ASAD, 31, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to drug charges. Awaiting sentencing. COTTRELL MACKEY, 29, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, including participating in a 2014 murder. Awaiting sentencing. DIJON FOSTEN, 34, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, firearm, and drug charges. Sentenced earlier this year to nearly 17 years. MARTEZ EASTER, 30, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Awaiting sentencing. REGINALD JONES, 29, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, including participating in a murder and attempted murder. Awaiting sentencing. CAREY HINTON, 30, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Sentenced in 2022 to 20 years, with a 40-month credit for time served in a related case. TONY PARKER, 28, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Awaiting sentencing. QUENTIN LUCIOUS, 32, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Sentenced in 2022 to 20 years and seven months, with a 76-month credit for time served in related cases. RAKIM ASAD, 30, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and a firearm offense. Awaiting sentencing. HARRIETTE MCPHERSON, 50, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Sentenced in 2022 to four years. DERRICK MCNEAL, 50, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Sentenced in 2022 to six years. RASHAD UNDERWOOD, 46, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a drug charge. Sentenced in 2021 to five years. DEONTE BINGHAM, 42, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a firearm charge. Sentenced in 2020 to four years and two months. KELVIN EVERETT, 42, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm offenses. Sentenced earlier this year to nine years and two months. GREGORY BLACKWELL, 33, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm offenses. Sentenced in 2022 to six years. QUINCY WRIGHT, 41, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm offenses. Sentenced earlier this year to four years and five months. JERRY PEOPLES, 46, of Chicago, was convicted by a federal jury in 2022 of robbery offenses. Awaiting sentencing. RACHAD LUCAS, 42, of Calumet City, Ill., pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges. Sentenced in 2020 to five years and ten months. SINCERE BRANNON, 23, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a firearm charge. Sentenced in 2022 to five years. ERNESTO MADRIGAL-GARZA, 34, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to an immigration offense. Sentenced in 2022 to four years.


title: Omaha Woman Sentenced to 72 Months After Jury Convicts Her of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

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

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kristen M. Patterson, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon. United States District Brian C. Buescher sentenced Patterson to 72 months’ imprisonment. She was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after her release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system. In the early morning hours on April 7, 2021, Omaha Police officers observed Patterson’s truck and attached trailer parked and blocking the entrance of a storage facility in Omaha. After running the plates, officers discovered the trailer was stolen. Using their loudspeakers, patrol lights, spotlight, and sirens, law enforcement attempted to call Patterson out of the truck for approximately 20 minutes. Despite observing Patterson actively moving around the driver’s seat several times, Patterson did not comply with officer requests. After law enforcement made contact with Patterson, they discovered a knife on her driver’s seat and a firearm within hands reach in the inside open pocket of the center console. Patterson knew she was a felon at the time and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. Patterson was the sole person in the truck. Her truck and the stolen trailer were packed with her household items because she was moving. At trial, Patterson testified that she did not know that the firearm was in her truck despite it being next to her leg and visible from the driver’s seat. After hearing this testimony and other evidence at trial, the jury found her guilty. In determining her sentence Judge Buescher found that Patterson obstructed justice by lying when she testified at her trial. He ultimately sentenced her to 72 months’ imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.


title: California man admits receiving child pornography while living in Missoula

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA — A California man today admitted to receiving child pornography of a minor girl he befriended while living in Missoula, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Bobby Manuel Argo, 23, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography. Argo faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Sept. 13 before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Argo was detained pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that between 2021 and early 2022, Argo was living in Missoula and befriended Jane Doe 1, a girl who was under the age of 18. Jane Doe 1 confided in Argo that someone online was coercing her to send sexually explicit images of herself. Argo offered to help Jane Doe 1 and asked her to get him in touch with her extortioner. Instead of helping, Argo messaged the perpetrator separately and offered to assist him in further extorting Jane Doe 1 for explicit images of herself and others. In January 2022, law enforcement identified the perpetrator and, during a search of his social media account, learned he had been communicating with Argo about Jane Doe 1 and sharing explicit images of her with Argo. Law enforcement executed search warrants of Argo’s social media account, his residence in California and cell phone and found a video of Jane Doe 1 engaged in sexually explicit content that he had received through the internet while he was still in Missoula. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department. 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . XXX


title: Omaha Men Sentenced for Marijuana Conspiracy

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Marques Eiland, 28, and Aarion Jenkins, 29, both of Omaha, Nebraska, were sentenced on May 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiring to distribute marijuana. Jenkins had already served 11 months in state and federal prison for conduct relating to the conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Jenkins to an additional 40 months of imprisonment. Judge Buescher sentenced Eiland to 31 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After their release from prison, Jenkins and Eiland will both begin a three-year term of supervised release. Between October of 2018 and December of 2020, Jenkins and Eiland were part of a marijuana conspiracy in Omaha, involving greater than 50 kilograms of marijuana. As part of the conspiracy, individuals shipped marijuana from California to locations in Omaha, including Eiland’s residence. Jenkins and Eiland were both involved in the distribution of the marijuana in Omaha. On December 18, 2020, agents executed a search warrant at Eiland’s residence and located approximately 22.5 pounds of marijuana. Jenkins and Eiland and two co-conspirators, Shawn Thomas and Julio Ayala, were all present. Thomas and Ayala have also pleaded guilty to being part of the marijuana conspiracy and are pending sentencing. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, the Bellevue Police Department, and the Sacramento California County Sheriff’s Department.


title: Justice Department Strengthens Efforts To Address The Crisis Of Missing Or Murdered Indigenous Persons

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day . Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day. The department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission , a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the department’s representatives on the commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings , which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis. “The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.” “Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.” “The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.” “Today, and every day, we remain fully committed to addressing the missing or murdered indigenous persons crisis, to improving public safety, to bringing justice for victims, and to strengthening our partnerships with Tribal communities,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We are working in coordination with state, local, federal, and Tribal law enforcement to combine resources to support and protect women and children from violence and exploitation. Within the past 12 months, I joined other federal law enforcement representatives and traveled to Tribal communities in northern Nevada to meet with leadership on issues of public safety, and to improve communication and coordination. As a member of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), which is the oldest subcommittee of the AGAC and vital to the Justice Department’s mission in Indian Country, we advise the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues affecting U.S. Attorneys’ offices with Indian country responsibilities.” Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directed each United States Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at DOJ — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country. Publication of Updated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance In October 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. The revised guidelines , which was updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities. National Native American Outreach Services Liaison Last year, the department announced the creation of a new National Native American Outreach Services Liaison. Since that announcement, the Liaison has begun to help amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families across the department as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. In the coming months, the Liaison will meet with survivors and family members of MMIP to learn more about the current challenges in MMIP cases and to make recommendations about the department’s continued response. Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and Respond to the MMIP Crisis In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior submitted a report pursuant to Sections 2 and 4(a) of Executive Order 14053, which called for “coordinated and comprehensive Federal law enforcement strategy to prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including to address missing or murdered indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.” The report was published late last year and is available on the department website here . Guide for Tribal Community Response Plans for Missing Persons Cases In December 2022, the department published a Guide to Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Persons Cases . This Guide is a resource for Tribes interested in developing a plan to respond to missing person cases that is tailored to the specific needs, resources, and culture of Tribal communities. Launch of the COPS Office Tribal MOU/MOA Resource Library On Monday of this week, the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) published its Tribal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Sample Resource Library. This library provides users with the resources to research and successfully draft agreements that will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases. Expanded Scope of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program The department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) expanded the scope of allowable activities under its Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) grant program to permit Tribal communities to pay for costs related to generating awareness of individual missing persons cases involving American Indians and Alaska Native persons, supporting private search efforts for missing American Indians and Alaska Native persons in certain circumstances, and supporting efforts to coordinate the Tribal, state, and federal response to MMIP cases. Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women In September 2022, the department’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) held the 17th Annual OVW Government-to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women in Anchorage, Alaska. OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the Attorney General. The 2022 Tribal consultation report is available here. National Institute of Justice Study of MMIP Cases in New Mexico Last year, the department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study that will provide vital information regarding the prevalence and context of cases of MMIP in New Mexico and, importantly, will inform long-term data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies on MMIP cases. These improvements will support data-driven decision-making regarding MMIP in New Mexico moving forward. Additional Department of Justice Resources For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website . Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons. ###


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty: Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on May 5 was: Brooke Nicole Larsen, 28, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Larsen faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Larsen was released pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-54. Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 1 was: Cody Alan Harrington, 29, of Missoula, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and sex trafficking of children. If convicted of the most serious crime, Harrington faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Harrington was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department, and FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-24. Charles Lief Isaacson, 62, of Seely Lake, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Isaacson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Isaacson was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-23. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Drug and Gun Offenses following Interstate Traffic Stop in Montgomery County

component: Department of Justice

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Park Hills, Missouri, man, Thomas J. Wilkinson, IV, 56, was sentenced on May 1, 2023, to 240 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. At the sentencing hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government proffered evidence that on February 20, 2021, an Illinois State Police Trooper pulled over a vehicle being driven by Wilkinson that was speeding at approximately 90 miles per hour. When the trooper approached, the trooper observed what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine in plain view on Wilkinson’s lap. During a subsequent search, troopers found over 200 grams of methamphetamine, other illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded 9 mm handgun. Wilkinson has five prior drug-related convictions in Missouri. Wilkinson faced statutory penalties of no less than fifteen years and up to life imprisonment for the drug-trafficking count; a mandatory consecutive penalty of five years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and up to ten years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon. “Armed criminals who traffic drugs pose a great risk to the community, including the vulnerable drug addicts on whom they prey,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger. “This defendant created an even greater risk when he dangerously drove down one of our busiest interstates while intoxicated and at high speeds. We appreciate the work of our state and federal law enforcement partners in keeping our communities safe.” “ISP’s arrest of this convicted felon and his sentencing will help keep illegal drugs off the streets and make our communities safer,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP will continue to work with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all Project Safe Neighborhood partners to combat drug trafficking and gun violence.” The Illinois State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seberger represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Wilkinson 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: Red Water Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison for Assault on a Federal Officer

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Red Water man was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for assault on a federal officer, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. According to court documents, Errol John, II, 22, assaulted a tribal police officer who was responding to a domestic disturbance at John’s home. Court documents revealed John assaulted the officer by firing a shotgun in the officer’s direction, resulting in a shotgun blast striking the windshield of the officer’s patrol car. Fortunately, the officer was unharmed. In April of 2021, a federal grand jury indicted John on charges of assault on a federal officer and illegal possession of a firearm. On December 13, 2022, John pled guilty to assaulting a federal officer. U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Philip Koester, age 37, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Endicott, New York, pled guilty yesterday to transportation and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As part of his guilty plea, Koester admitted that in January of 2016, he possessed thousands of images and videos of child pornography on a heavily encrypted homebuilt desktop computer that was seized by law enforcement during a search of Koester’s apartment. In addition to the child pornography Koester possessed, Koester’s homebuilt desktop computer also contained log files showing that, in March of 2011, Koester had uploaded videos of child pornography to a censorship-resistant, secure, and anonymous online peer-to-peer network called Freenet. As part of his guilty plea, Koester admitted to uploading the files to Freenet and then making the files available for other Freenet users to download. Sentencing is scheduled for September 14, 2023, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd. Koester faces a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life to begin after imprisonment. Koester will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case was investigated by the FBI Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian LaRochelle, Michael Gadarian, and Geoffrey Brown as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Clay Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun Charges

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Eugene Gilbert, age 30, of Clay, New York pled guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division. As part of his guilty plea, Gilbert admitted that on November 4, 2021, he led DEA Special Agents and other law enforcement officers on a high-speed vehicular chase on Interstate 81 as they attempted to execute search warrants on his vehicle, his person, and his residence in Clay, New York. Pursuing agents broke off the chase for reasons of public safety near Parish, New York. A short time later, Gilbert’s Dodge Ram pickup truck was discovered abandoned near the Village of Parish. Gilbert left a bag containing 50 grams of cocaine, 39 grams of cocaine base, and 6 grams of fentanyl, as well as a loaded 9mm pistol in a nearby dumpster, where they were recovered by DEA Special Agents. The defendant was later arrested on December 17, 2021, after a second vehicle pursuit through Syracuse, Dewitt, and on Interstate 81 after he fled from a United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. As part of his guilty plea, Gilbert also admitted distributing fentanyl on four separate instances between October 14, 2021, and November 2, 2021. Sentencing is scheduled for September 13, 2023, in Syracuse, New York, at which time Eugene Gilbert faces a maximum sentence of up to 20-years imprisonment for his distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, a 5-year mandatory consecutive sentence for his possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00, and a post-prison term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the Syracuse Police Department, and the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, assisted by the U.S. Border Patrol, the New York State Police, and the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick is prosecuting the case.


title: Syracuse Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distribution of “Molly”

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –Rory R. Williams, aka “Wildman,” aka “Wild,” aka “Man,” aka “Shawn Carter,” age 45, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to serve 120 months in prison for illegally distributing N-Ethylpentylone, also known as “molly,” a Schedule I controlled substance. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Lieutenant Timothy Pritchard of the Oswego County Drug Task Force, and Chief Joseph Cecile of the Syracuse Police Department. As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Williams admitted that on November 30, 2021, he distributed approximately 267 grams (approximately 10 ounces) of N-Ethylpentylone, also known as “molly,” to a customer outside his residence in Syracuse, New York, in exchange for $2,500. Williams also admitted to distributing controlled substances on other occasions: on March 10, 2022, Williams gave another individual approximately 770 grams of N,N-dimethylpentylone (dipentylone), to deliver to a customer in Oswego, New York, and on December 21, 2020, the defendant distributed approximately 388 grams of eutylone to a customer outside his residence in Syracuse. Both dipentylone and eutylone are also known as “molly.” Williams further admitted that on March 10, 2022, he possessed at his residence approximately 7 kilograms of dipentylone, which he intended to distribute to others. Williams also admitted that $203,204 in cash found at his residence was drug proceeds and agreed to its forfeiture. United States District Judge David N. Hurd also ordered Williams to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from prison. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Oswego County Drug Task Force (comprised of Special Agents of HSI, members of the Oswego City Police Department, Fulton Police Department, Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Border Patrol), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Syracuse Police Department, and United States Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.


component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER -- The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day . Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day. The department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission , a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the department’s representatives on the commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings , which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis. “The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.” “Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.” “The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.” “On this and every day, we remain committed to addressing the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons,” said Cole Finegan, United States Attorney for the District of Colorado. “We work closely with the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes, as well as with state and federal law enforcement, to protect and serve the members of our indigenous communities.” Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directed each United States Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at DOJ — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country. Publication of Updated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance In October 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. The revised guidelines , which was updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities. National Native American Outreach Services Liaison Last year, the department announced the creation of a new National Native American Outreach Services Liaison. Since that announcement, the Liaison has begun to help amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families across the department as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. In the coming months, the Liaison will meet with survivors and family members of MMIP to learn more about the current challenges in MMIP cases and to make recommendations about the department’s continued response. Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and Respond to the MMIP Crisis In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior submitted a report pursuant to Sections 2 and 4(a) of Executive Order 14053, which called for “coordinated and comprehensive Federal law enforcement strategy to prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including to address missing or murdered indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.” The report was published late last year and is available on the department website here . Guide for Tribal Community Response Plans for Missing Persons Cases In December 2022, the department published a Guide to Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Persons Cases . This Guide is a resource for Tribes interested in developing a plan to respond to missing person cases that is tailored to the specific needs, resources, and culture of Tribal communities. Launch of the COPS Office Tribal MOU/MOA Resource Library On Monday of this week, the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) published its Tribal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Sample Resource Library. This library provides users with the resources to research and successfully draft agreements that will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases. Expanded Scope of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program The department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) expanded the scope of allowable activities under its Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) grant program to permit Tribal communities to pay for costs related to generating awareness of individual missing persons cases involving American Indians and Alaska Native persons, supporting private search efforts for missing American Indians and Alaska Native persons in certain circumstances, and supporting efforts to coordinate the Tribal, state, and federal response to MMIP cases. Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women In September 2022, the department’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) held the 17th Annual OVW Government-to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women in Anchorage, Alaska. OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the Attorney General. The 2022 Tribal consultation report is available here. National Institute of Justice Study of MMIP Cases in New Mexico Last year, the department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study that will provide vital information regarding the prevalence and context of cases of MMIP in New Mexico and, importantly, will inform long-term data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies on MMIP cases. These improvements will support data-driven decision-making regarding MMIP in New Mexico moving forward. Additional Department of Justice Resources For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website . Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.


title: A Utah Man is Charged After Allegedly Firing Shots Outside a Federal Courthouse

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City , Utah – A federal grand jury in Utah returned an indictment charging a Salt Lake City man after he allegedly brandished a gun and began firing the weapon outside the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. FBI According to court documents, on April 30, 2023, Sione Pouha, aka “C Roc aka “Chub Roc,” 40, of Salt Lake City, Utah was allegedly spotted on surveillance video walking outside the Orrin G. Hatch U.S. Courthouse behind another group of people when he produced a firearm and began shooting. The defendant then fled from the scene but was apprehended by police officers nearby. At the scene, multiple .45 caliber casings were recovered, and a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol was located along the path Pouha fled. The firearm had been reported stolen to Unified Police in 2021. Pouha is charged with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The defendant had his initial court appearance May 5, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. FBI U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Victoria K. McFarland and Seth Nielsen of the District of Utah are prosecuting 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. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Nedrow Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun Charges

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Ernest Shaw, Jr. pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division. As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Ernest Shaw, Jr. admitted that on September 25, 2019, he possessed 14 grams of cocaine base for distribution, and a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun at his residence in Nedrow, New York. DEA Special Agents, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, executed a federal search warrant and seized the cocaine base and the loaded handgun from the defendant’s bedroom, along with scales and plastic bags. Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, 2023, in Syracuse, New York, at which time Ernest Shaw, Jr. faces a maximum sentence of up to 20-years imprisonment for his possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, a 5-year mandatory consecutive sentence for his possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00, and a post-prison term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Syracuse Resident Office, which includes Task Force Officers from the City of Auburn Police Department, the City of Syracuse Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Other Agencies that assisted in this investigation included the New York State Police, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Investigators from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.


title: Perryopolis Man Pleads Guilty to Charges Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Perryopolis, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Sean Ryan McKenzie, age 38, pleaded guilty to seven counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 5, 2020, December 13, 2020, and June 8, 2021, McKenzie attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor known to him to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. McKenzie further admitted to sending some of the videos that he had surreptitiously created of this minor, as well as one other video depicting another minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to a Dropbox account. McKenzie also acknowledged that, while in the employ of the Pennsylvania State Police as a Corporal, he knowingly possessed videos and images of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for August 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $1,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, McKenzie remains detained. Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McKenzie. 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 the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Member of Zohannon Criminal Organization Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Machinegun

component: Criminal Division

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident and convicted felon who is a member of a local criminal street gang was sentenced to federal prison this week for illegal possession of a machinegun. Tyquerrious Ford, 23, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on May 3. Ford pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun on Dec. 20, 2022. Co-defendant, Bernard Shaw, 23, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on April 13. Shaw pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Dec. 7, 2022. U.S. District Judge Clay Land handed down the sentences. There is no parole in the federal system. “It is illegal for felons to possess firearms, let alone machineguns with extended magazines,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI are committed to bringing federal resources to bear in our close partnership with the Columbus Police Department and Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.” “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are determined to make our streets safer by removing violent felons—especially those in possession of high-capacity firearms—and holding them accountable with prison terms and no opportunity for parole,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. According to court documents, on April 24, 2022, Columbus Police Department (CPD) officers were on uniform patrol when they observed a vehicle driven by Ford traveling on Dawson St. in Columbus with multiple traffic violations. Ford did not immediately stop and when he did, he did not have a license and attempted to walk away from the officers and was detained. Shaw, who was a passenger, leaned against the door to prevent the officer from accessing the vehicle, then got out of the car and fled the scene. Officers found a loaded Glock Model 17 pistol with an extended 31-round magazine in the driver’s seat belonging to Ford. The firearm had been illegally modified with an automatic selector switch, also known as a “Glock switch,” allowing the operator of the firearm to continuously fire bullets with one pull of the trigger. In the passenger seat of the vehicle, there was a green bookbag containing a stolen Springfield XD semiautomatic pistol belonging to Shaw. Officers also found bags of marijuana, a scale and 100 small baggies. On July 22, 2022, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies and FBI agents located Shaw seated inside a car in the parking lot of the AutoZone on Buena Vista Road in Columbus. He was quickly detained; officers found a loaded Del-Ton 5.56 semiautomatic rifle with two 30-round magazines taped together containing a total of 37 rounds in both magazines belonging to Shaw. Additionally, a brass catcher was mounted on the firearm. Shaw was arrested and his cell phone and rifle were seized. Shaw has prior convictions in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Louisville, Kentucky, to include theft by taking and fleeing police. Ford has prior convictions, including theft by receiving. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. Both Ford and Shaw are confirmed members of Zohannon, a Columbus-based criminal street gang. The case was investigated by FBI, CPD and MCSO. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the government.


component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: U.S. Attorney Totten attends May 5 th MMIP Awareness Day Event GRAND RAPIDS, MI – U.S Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten and the Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day. “Today is a day of remembrance and commitment,” said Mark Totten, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan . “We remember the all-too-many victims of violence in our tribal communities and the families and friends who are affected, as well. And we commit to addressing this crisis by bettering our systems, strengthening our partnerships, increasing our resources, and bolstering our resolve to address this epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous persons.” U.S. Attorney Totten today participated in the 2023 March for MMIP at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids to bring awareness and educate the public on missing and murdered indigenous persons. The event was organized by several Michigan tribes, including the Gun Lake Tribe, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. The U.S. Attorneys for the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan respectively, announced the appointment of Joel Postma to serve as the MMIP Coordinator for the two districts, providing instrumental assistance to the tribes in developing their Tribal Community Response Plans. As the MMIP Coordinator for both districts, Postma responds to MMIP issues affecting each of the 12 Tribes in the state (11 of the Tribes are in the Western District). He is one of several such coordinators around the country appointed by the Department of Justice. He gathers reliable data to identify MMIP cases connected to Michigan, conducts outreach with Tribal communities to understand the challenges revealed through past experience, coordinates with Tribal, federal, state and local law enforcement in the development of protocols and procedures for responding to and addressing MMIP, provides training and assistance and promotes improved data collection and analyses throughout Michigan. The department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission , a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the department’s representatives on the commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings , which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis. “The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland . “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.” “Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco . “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.” “The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta . “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.” Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directed each United States Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at DOJ — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country. Publication of Updated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance In October 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. The revised guidelines , which was updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities. National Native American Outreach Services Liaison Last year, the department announced the creation of a new National Native American Outreach Services Liaison. Since that announcement, the Liaison has begun to help amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families across the department as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. In the coming months, the Liaison will meet with survivors and family members of MMIP to learn more about the current challenges in MMIP cases and to make recommendations about the department’s continued response. Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and Respond to the MMIP Crisis In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior submitted a report pursuant to Sections 2 and 4(a) of Executive Order 14053, which called for “coordinated and comprehensive Federal law enforcement strategy to prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including to address missing or murdered indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.” The report was published late last year and is available on the department website here . Guide for Tribal Community Response Plans for Missing Persons Cases In December 2022, the department published a Guide to Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Persons Cases . This Guide is a resource for Tribes interested in developing a plan to respond to missing person cases that is tailored to the specific needs, resources, and culture of Tribal communities. Launch of the COPS Office Tribal MOU/MOA Resource Library On Monday of this week, the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) published its Tribal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Sample Resource Library. This library provides users with the resources to research and successfully draft agreements that will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases. Expanded Scope of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program The department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) expanded the scope of allowable activities under its Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) grant program to permit Tribal communities to pay for costs related to generating awareness of individual missing persons cases involving American Indians and Alaska Native persons, supporting private search efforts for missing American Indians and Alaska Native persons in certain circumstances, and supporting efforts to coordinate the Tribal, state, and federal response to MMIP cases. Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women In September 2022, the department’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) held the 17th Annual OVW Government-to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women in Anchorage, Alaska. OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the Attorney General. The 2022 Tribal consultation report is available here. National Institute of Justice Study of MMIP Cases in New Mexico Last year, the department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study that will provide vital information regarding the prevalence and context of cases of MMIP in New Mexico and, importantly, will inform long-term data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies on MMIP cases. These improvements will support data-driven decision-making regarding MMIP in New Mexico moving forward. Additional Department of Justice Resources For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website . Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons. ###