Inclusion of Illegally Obtained Evidence Does Not Defeat Detailed Warrant Application
Mark Turner persuaded Demontae Bell to help him sell several stolen firearms. When Turner later was arrested on charges related to manufacturing methamphetamine, he cooperated with law enforcement, provided them information about the firearms sale, and aided the government in targeting Bell. After a controlled transaction, Turner showed FBI Special Agent Jason Nixon a photo of an AK-47 on his phone, which he said Bell had texted to him.
31st Annual Candlelight Vigil Honored 371 Fallen Peace Officers at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
The names of 371 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty—including 158 who died in 2018—were formally dedicated last month, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil, held on the National Mall and produced by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Navigating Plans for Summer with the National Park Service
Do you know what you are doing this summer? To find out what our National Parks have to offer, tune in to FEDtalk this Friday and start planning your trip!
Ethiopian Human Rights Abuser Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining U.S. Citizenship
A naturalized US citizen residing in Alexandria, Virginia has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for having fraudulently obtained US citizenship. Mergia Negussie Habteyes, 58, admitted to a series of lies in the naturalization process, including failure to disclose participation in persecution during the Red Terror Period in Ethiopia.
Supreme Court Finds That an Officer’s Probable Cause Bars First Amendment Retaliatory Arrest Claims
Last year, FEDagent reported on oral argument heard before the Supreme Court in Nieves v. Bartlett. This week, the Supreme Court issued its decision on that case, holding that a law enforcement officer’s probable cause to arrest an individual precludes a citizen’s First Amendment retaliatory arrest claim as a matter of law.
How I Save Over $427 a Year with WAEPA
During my tenure as a Civilian Federal Employee, I was tuned into various Federal programs, like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), health options during Open Season, and other auxiliary benefits.
Oregon Man Sentenced After Repeated Hate Crimes Targeting Church
Benjamin Jaramillo Hernandez, 70, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for hate crimes committed against St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eugene, Oregon. Hernandez also possessed illegal ammunition.
Warrant for Seizure of Electronic Device Implies Authority to Search, Seventh Circuit
Starting in early February 2015, Ronnie Cornell Cosby used his cell phone to take photos of T.L., a 15-year old runaway, post the photos to the internet, and negotiate with men who then paid Cosby to have sex with the girl in Hammond, Indiana.
National Police Week - Appreciation & Support
As we acknowledge, remember and honor our fallen officers during National Police Week, we must also remember the loss and hardships faced by their families left behind.
The Wages of True Crime
Tantalizing! Sensational! Lurid! True Crime always seems to come with an implicit exclamation point. It is a genre that documents the not normal and emphasizes the extreme. Are people drawn to the dark details of the depraved? Or to the otherness of those who dwell in this mostly hidden underworld? Or are people just relieved that they themselves have avoided these nefarious situations?
Second Defendant Pleads Guilty to Scamming the Elderly
Shaun Sullivan of Merrick, New York has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in a multimillion dollar prize promotion scam aimed at stealing money from the elderly and vulnerable groups. Sullivan sent mailings to individuals which indicated that they could claim a large cash prize in exchange for a modest fee. There was no prize, and yet victims submitted over $30 million in fees.
Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in Mitchell v. Wisconsin
Recently, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in Mitchell v. Wisconsin, which asks whether a state statute permitting a warrantless blood alcohol draw of an unconscious driver is authorized under the Fourth Amendment.
Long Term Planning and Supplemental Insurance Options for Feds
Weighing the pros and cons of various insurance options can be difficult. Tune into FEDtalk this Friday for a clear explanation of the long term planning and supplemental insurance options available to federal employees.
Cooperative, International Effort Leads to Three Dark Web Arrests
A criminal complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles alleges that three defendants, currently in German custody, were administering a sophisticated online marketplace to sell illicit goods and substances. These arrests follow a nearly two-year international investigation involving U.S. law enforcement authorities, authorities in Germany, and authorities in the Netherlands.
Federal Circuit Skips Quorum-Less Board, Remands To MSPB Administrative Judge
After waiting years for the adjudication of his case without a quorum at the MSPB, a former federal employee requested relief from the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On April 30, 2019, the appeals court granted his motion.
FLEOA Highlights Important Policy, People During Police Week
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) is continually committed to serving our members and the federal law enforcement community. This Police Week, FLEOA has dedicated special time and attention to pushing policy that helps the law enforcement community protect and serve their community.
FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Arrests California Man Planning Attack
Mark Steven Domingo of Reseda, California faces federal charges of providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists. Undercover FBI agents and cooperatives foiled Domingo’s plans to commit a mass murder with improvised explosive devices (IED) in his area.
Vehicle 'Chalking' Is A Fourth Amendment Search
A suit against the City of Saginaw and an officer in her personal capacity for “chalking” the plaintiff’s vehicle to issue her parking tickets, alleging a violation of the plaintiff’s Fourth Amendment rights, may proceed, the Sixth Circuit recently held.
371 Fallen Law Enforcement Officers to Be Honored During 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund releases the list of names of officers being added to the national monument this year.
Sussing Out the Security Clearance System
Last week, President Trump signed an executive order officially moving all security clearance functions under the purview of the Department of Defense. To find out what this change means for the process, the backlog, and the future, tune in to FEDtalk this Friday to have all of your questions answered.