A federal judge dismissed the indictment against TikToker Richard LA, who was shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles, citing violations of his legal rights and government discovery deadlines, though he remains in detention for his immigration case.
A former aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Dana Williamson, was indicted on 23 federal charges including fraud and conspiracy related to diverting campaign funds from Xavier Becerra's campaign, with allegations involving money laundering, false contracts, and inflated tax deductions. The investigation, ongoing for three years, also implicates other co-conspirators, but Becerra and Newsom are not directly involved. Williamson faces potential prison time, and the case highlights ongoing concerns about political corruption.
NBC Sports reports that Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates hosted and played in a rigged poker game in Miami, organized by Curtis Meeks, who is involved in a federal indictment. Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing and currently works as a Legends Ambassador for the Chargers.
Chen Zhi, chairman of Prince Group, has been indicted in Brooklyn for operating forced labor compounds in Cambodia involved in cryptocurrency fraud schemes that stole billions globally, with the US seizing approximately $15 billion in cryptocurrency linked to the crimes, marking the largest forfeiture in Department of Justice history.
Chen Zhi, chairman of Prince Group, has been indicted for operating forced-labor scam compounds in Cambodia involved in cryptocurrency fraud schemes, including 'pig butchering' scams that stole billions globally. The U.S. government has also seized approximately 127,271 bitcoin, worth around $15 billion, in connection with these schemes, marking the largest forfeiture in Department of Justice history. The case highlights extensive transnational criminal activity involving human trafficking, cyber fraud, and money laundering.
New York Attorney General Letitia James publicly denounced her federal indictment on charges of bank fraud and false statements, framing it as political retaliation and emphasizing her resilience and commitment to justice amid accusations she claims are baseless and politically motivated.
Devon Horton, superintendent of DeKalb County schools in Georgia, has been indicted for allegedly stealing money and receiving kickbacks while previously working in Illinois, where he is accused of defrauding his former school district.
Retired NY financier Howard Rubin and his ex-assistant Jennifer Powers were charged with running a violent sex trafficking ring involving BDSM, physical abuse, and significant injuries to women, with allegations of extensive violence, manipulation, and financial support, leading to potential life sentences if convicted.
A retired New York financier, Howard Rubin, and his assistant Jennifer Powers have been charged in a federal indictment with sex trafficking women, using force and coercion, and operating a trafficking network that included a BDSM 'dungeon' in Rubin's Manhattan penthouse. Rubin also faces bank fraud charges related to a mortgage for Powers's Texas home. The case highlights the serious legal consequences for sex trafficking and abuse.
Luigi Mangione has requested a US judge to dismiss his federal indictment or prevent prosecutors from seeking the death penalty, citing violations of his rights due to prejudicial statements and actions by law enforcement and officials. He faces federal and state murder charges related to a shooting outside a Manhattan hotel, with no trial dates set yet. His lawyers argue that the conduct of authorities has compromised his right to a fair trial.
Naasón Joaquín García, leader of the Mexican megachurch La Luz del Mundo and serving over 16 years for sexual abuse, has been indicted on federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, accused of exploiting followers for decades and creating child sexual abuse material, with authorities stating he used his influence to silence victims.
Two religious leaders, David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, were federally charged with running a forced labor and money laundering scheme through their organization, Kingdom of God Global Church, involving coercion, abuse, and the solicitation of tens of millions of dollars in donations, with victims subjected to physical and psychological abuse. They face serious charges including forced labor and money laundering, with potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
A Tennessee man named George Herman Ruth, sharing a name with the legendary baseball player, was indicted for stealing the identities of deceased and retired players to commit fraud, attempting to obtain over $550,000 through false claims in class-action lawsuits. He used stolen Social Security numbers and fake identities to file claims against various companies, and was previously convicted of Social Security fraud in 2020.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted on federal charges of fraud and obstruction related to a personal relationship with a police officer, involving a scheme to misuse public resources and deceive investigations over three years.
Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins was indicted on federal charges of extortion related to a cannabis company's equity interest, allegedly using his official position to benefit personally, including a $50,000 investment and subsequent refund, with potential sentences up to 20 years in prison.