U.S. Attorneys News News Update

Offices of the United States Attorneys

You are subscribed to U.S. Attorneys News news updates. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Attorney Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST Tampa, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Benjamin Crawford (47, Brandon) to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for distributing child sexual abuse material. Crawford pleaded guilty in June 2025. The court also ordered Crawford to forfeit a cellphone and laptop, which were used in the commission of the offense. Crawford is also required to register as a sex offender.  Trucker Who Sexually Abused His Minor Relative Sentenced to Over 27 Years for the Transportation, Receipt, and Possession of Child Pornography 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST United States Department of Justice Launches Outreach Initiative Breaking the Cycle to Combat Human Trafficking 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, have been working arduously in the prevention and education efforts to raise public awareness to combat human trafficking, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.  Calhoun County Man Sentenced to More than 3 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Machinegun 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST COTTONDALE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Mark David Swearingen, 32, of Cottondale, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess and transportation of child pornography.  Guilty Plea from Man Who Murdered His Prior Romantic Partner 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST Pernell Sims, 35, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to the shooting death of his prior romantic partner, Tyshida Williams, in Southwest D.C. on July 30, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. FORMER TALLAHASSEE MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR CHILD EXPLOITATION CRIMES 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Gabriel Michael Stoelzel, 26, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, distribution of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography after previously pleading guilty in federal court.  MADISON COUNTY SEX OFFENDER INDICTED FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Tavaris Andre Donaldson, 30, of Madison, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender.  Justice Department Secures $325,000 Settlement in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Iowa Landlord and Property Manager 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST The Justice Department announced today that the owner and property manager of residential rental properties in Davenport, Iowa, have agreed to pay $325,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that the property manager sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Federal Judge Sentences Robeson County Murder Suspect Who Shot and Ran Over Two Sheriff's Deputies to 45 Years in Federal Prison 01/12/2026 07:00 AM EST Lakanwal Newly Indicted in Shooting of Guardsmen Near White House that Killed Sarah Beckstrom 01/09/2026 07:00 AM EST An Indictment was unsealed today in U.S. District Court charging Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, with an array of offenses in the ambush-style shooting near the White House on November 26 that killed National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injured National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Georgia Inmates Found Guilty in Nationwide Jury-Duty Call Scheme 01/09/2026 07:00 AM EST ALBANY, Ga. – Two Georgia inmates involved in a nationwide call scheme exhorting unsuspecting citizens to pay off fines to avoid arrest and prosecution were found guilty of their crimes in federal court tonight. Multi-State ATM "Jackpotting" Ring Busted in Middle District of Georgia 01/09/2026 07:00 AM EST ALBANY, Ga. – A group of Venezuelan nationals involved in a series of ATM "jackpotting" thefts across Georgia and additional states have pleaded guilty to federal charges.Hector Alejandro Alvarado Alvarez, 22, of Venezuela, and Cesar Augusto Gil Sanchez, 22, of Venezuela, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Jan. 7 and face a maximum of 30 years in prison. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court.

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