Two United States Postal Service employees challenged MSPB dismissals, for lack of jurisdiction, of their removal appeals. The MSPB found that the employees did not have appeal rights because they did not meet the definition of “employee” under 5 U.S.C. § 7511(a)(1)(B)(ii), which requires one year of current continuous service. The United States Court of Appeals affirmed the MSPB’s dismissals. On April 1, 2019, the United States Supreme Court denied the petition for writ of certiorari appealing the appeals court decision, thereby affirming and making final the dismissal of the employees’ MSPB removal appeals.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has extradited four Peruvian residents to the U.S., where they face charges of operating a large scale extortion scheme from 2012 to 2015. Jesus Gerardo Gutierrez Rojas, 37, Maria de Guadalupe Alexandra Podesta Bengoa, 38, Virgilio Ignacio Polo Davila, 43, and Omar Alfredo Portocarrero Caceres, 39, are facing federal charges in Miami.

Allegations can spring upon you at any point as a federal employee. If you were informed of an allegation being made against you tomorrow, would you be prepared?

Last year, FEDagent reported on the Supreme Court’s decision in Collins v. Virginia, 138 S. Ct. 1663, 1668 (2018). The Supreme Court remanded the case to the Supreme Court of Virginia, which recently issued its decision on remand.

Every year, we host the annual Candlelight Vigil to honor the officers who were added to the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Over 30,000 law enforcement officers, survivors, and supporters join us in Washington, DC on May 13.

Even though senior leaders know they need to keep their skills sharp through continued development opportunities, finding the time, let alone the budget, for training and development is a constant challenge.

Typographical errors, including the defendant’s IP address, were not a basis for excluding evidence on child pornography charges, the Fifth Circuit recently held.

Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative partnering local police with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to combat child sexual exploitation, contributed to the conviction of three men this week. After a three-week trial, three individuals have been found guilty of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

The Museum kicked off its winter Witness program with an engaging panel discussion, Attack on the USS Cole: Precursor to 9/11. Moderated by NBC4 anchor Jim Handly, the event featured former NCIS Special Agents Cathy Clements and Robert McFadden.

Federal agents should have reasonably known that arriving at a defendant’s front door with ten agents to address a false exigency would have impermissibly coerced the defendant into consenting to a search of his home and computer, the First Circuit recently held.

Former Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Sergeant Ulysses Oliver Jr. pleaded guilty to assaulting two handcuffed inmates in his correctional facility. This news comes as the Department of Justice (DOJ) issues written notice to the state alleging constitutional concerns regarding their treatment of prisoners.

What do you know about the 2020 Census?  Tune in to FEDtalk this Friday, April 5 for a comprehensive discussion of the mission, planning, and execution of next year's big count.

Most Civilian Federal Employees own smart phones loaded with apps designed to add value to their daily lives. For those looking for guidance on government information and services, there are a variety of mobile apps sponsored by the Federal government which provide relevant and accurate information.

Recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit held that cell phones are not tracking devices for the purposes of 18 U.S.C. § 3117. The First Circuit also held that the good-faith exception applies to a warrant issued in violation of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Alaska State Troopers Alaska Bureau of Investigation Special Crimes Investigation Unit and Technical Crimes Unit, among other agencies, have indicted 18 members and associates of the white supremacist gang called the 1488s. Charges are related to their alleged roles in a racketeering enterprise involving narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.

“In the past few years, law enforcement professionals have seen an unprecedented number of lawsuits and investigations resulting from job duties.”(1)

 FLEOA files suit against OPM for reinterpretation of FERS statute. Read the full statement.

A North Carolina resident was arrested this week after a grand jury indicted the resident for one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and 14 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return. This arrest comes days after another North Carolina resident was sentenced to a year in prison for assisting in the filing of false tax returns.

Key Data about the Profession

It's that time of year again--tax season.  Tune in to FEDtalk this Friday at 11 am ET for a discussion on the most important things for federal employees and members of the public to know when filing their taxes.