A Tennessee woman was sentenced today to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release in connection with her involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Katrina Favret, of Greenville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty on Nov. 7, 2025, to conspiring to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and with creating animal crush videos.
According to court documents, Favret used encrypted chat applications to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to create videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys. Favret would send specific instructions describing the acts of torture she wished to see and would then distribute the resulting videos to others in the online group.
According to a statement of facts Favret signed, the videos in question included numerous depictions of extreme violence and torture against monkeys that had been specifically requested by the defendant and her co-conspirators.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
A federal jury convicted James Edward Sweat, 40, of Norfolk, for using a drug involved premises, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Orlando, Florida – Justin Vancott-Harnish (29, St. Cloud) has been charged by federal indictment for trafficking of a minor. If convicted, Vancott-Harnish faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Jacksonville, Florida – Marcos Jimeniz-Gonzalez (45) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 30 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. Jimeniz-Gonzalez pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Jacksonville, Florida – Michael Deon Woulard (49, Gainesville) has pleaded guilty to robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Woulard faces a minimum penalty of 14 years, up to two life terms plus 20 years, in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Fort Myers, Florida – Arturo Sanchez-Morales (54, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to three years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after a prior deportation. Sanchez-Morales pleaded guilty on January 9, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Derrick Thomas Martin, 33, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in the U.S. District Court on four federal charges stemming from his 2024 arrest before which he flung a backpack containing a loaded firearm and substantial quantities of cocaine and fentanyl from an apartment building window.
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ling spearheaded the first-ever Tanzanian medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26. She transformed a state partnership into real-world operational readiness.
The exercise took place at Lugalo General Military Hospital in Dar es Salaam and Msata Military Training Base, March 2-12. The event leverages the Nebraska-Tanzania State Partnership Program by having U.S. and Tanzanian medical professionals train side by side to provide care and strengthen long-term collaboration.
Ling, assigned to the 155th Medical Group, 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard, orchestrated this historic mission. She sourced distinct medical specialties from U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force units across the Nebraska National Guard and active-duty personnel to build a cohesive joint team. The exercise structure reflects the needs identified by Tanzanian partners rather than relying on a predetermined U.S. team.
1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ling, the lead medical readiness exercise planner for Justified Accord 2026, assigned to the 155th Medical Group, 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard, meets the Tanzania People’s Defence Force hospital commander as part of a medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26 at Lugalo General Military Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, March 3, 2026. This first-ever MEDREX in Tanzania prepared U.S. military health professionals for the challenges of providing care outside traditional clinical settings. Working alongside African partners, U.S. medical professionals refined their ability to deliver rapid, adaptable and resource-efficient medical care, directly increasing medical readiness for large-scale combat operations.
JA26 increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepares regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions, and builds readiness for the U.S. joint force. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, JA26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Tucker Chase) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Tucker Chase)
VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ling, the lead medical readiness exercise planner for Justified Accord 2026, assigned to the 155th Medical Group, 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard, signs the Tanzania People’s Defence Force hospital commander’s visitor book as part of a medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26 at Lugalo General Military Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, March 3, 2026. This first-ever MEDREX in Tanzania prepared U.S. military health professionals for the challenges of providing care outside traditional clinical settings. Working alongside African partners, U.S. medical professionals refined their ability to deliver rapid, adaptable and resource-efficient medical care, directly increasing medical readiness for large-scale combat operations.
JA26 increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepares regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions, and builds readiness for the U.S. joint force. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, JA26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Tucker Chase) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Tucker Chase)
“We collaborate with the host nation about the types of specialties they prefer,” Ling said. “It’s not just what Nebraska has available, it’s what they need and desire, and then how do we improve readiness by fulfilling their needs.”
Ling’s passion for global health began during her 2009 deployment to Afghanistan. Locals called her “Mama Ling” while she treated children at the hospital. She commissioned in 2007 and served 12 years on active duty as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner.
She transitioned to the Nebraska National Guard in 2019 to provide geographic stability for her family. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped her responsibilities and introduced her to large-scale operational planning. By September 2020, she ran all COVID-19 operations for the state of Nebraska at the governor’s request.
She oversaw testing, vaccinations and alternate care facilities, cementing her evolution from a clinical provider to an operational planner.
“In the National Guard, I have been able to do more things than I ever could have imagined,” Ling said.
Ling also holds a leadership position at the University of Nebraska Medical CenterGlobal Center for Health Security. She manages disaster health response grants and leverages that institutional knowledge when designing medical engagements in resource-constrained environments. Since 2022, she has participated in multiple engagements across Rwanda and Tanzania, serving as lead planner for the first medical readiness exercises in both countries.
The Tanzania exercise introduced new technology designed to better measure the impact of medical readiness operations. JA26 marked the first time the Medical Currency Application for Readiness Tracking 2.0, a cloud-enabled medical tracking platform developed by the U.S. Air Force, has been employed in an Army-led military exercise — and the first time that capability has operated in Africa. The modular system allows providers to log encounters, procedures, diagnoses and clinical hours through a mobile interface.
U.S. Air Force medical personnel examine a Tanzanian patient as part of a medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26 at Lugalo General Military Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, March 6, 2026. This first-ever MEDREX in Tanzania prepared U.S. military health professionals for the challenges of providing care outside traditional clinical settings. Working alongside African partners, U.S. medical professionals refined their ability to deliver rapid, adaptable and resource-efficient medical care, directly increasing medical readiness for large-scale combat operations.
JA26 increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepares regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions, and builds readiness for the U.S. joint force. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, JA26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Tucker Chase) (Photo Credit: 1LT Tucker Chase)
International exercises often require months or years of coordination and trust-building between partner nations. Ling explained that interoperability and host-nation requirements drive the mission despite logistical complexities. The resulting joint medical team integrates capabilities that match Tanzanian priorities.
Establishing this initial medical engagement in Tanzania promotes shared responsibility and enables African partners to lead regional security efforts. The SPP builds relationships that outlast a two-week training rotation. Constant communication builds the trust required for rapid crisis response.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ling, the lead medical readiness exercise planner for Justified Accord 26 with the 155th Medical Group, 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard, joins Tanzania People’s Defence Force medical personnel for patient rounds as part of a medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26 at Lugalo General Military Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, March 6, 2026. This first-ever MEDREX in Tanzania prepared U.S. military health professionals for the challenges of providing care outside traditional clinical settings. Working alongside African partners, U.S. medical professionals refined their ability to deliver rapid, adaptable and resource-efficient medical care, directly increasing medical readiness for large-scale combat operations.
JA26 increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepares regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions, and builds readiness for the U.S. joint force. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, JA26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Tucker Chase) (Photo Credit: 1LT Tucker Chase)
“The relationship takes more than one engagement,” Ling said. “It builds over multiple visits as you get to know and trust each other.”
For Ling, the Tanzania exercise is an early demonstration of what the Nebraska-Tanzania partnership can achieve. It highlights the growing role National Guard planners play in strengthening global military cooperation. Individual planners, clinicians and National Guardsmen transform strategic agreements into real-world readiness.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ling, the lead medical readiness exercise planner for Justified Accord 26 with the 155th Medical Group, 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard, joins Tanzania People’s Defence Force medical personnel for patient rounds as part of a medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26 at Lugalo General Military Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, March 6, 2026. This first-ever MEDREX in Tanzania prepared U.S. military health professionals for the challenges of providing care outside traditional clinical settings. Working alongside African partners, U.S. medical professionals refined their ability to deliver rapid, adaptable and resource-efficient medical care, directly increasing medical readiness for large-scale combat operations.
JA26 increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepares regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions, and builds readiness for the U.S. joint force. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, JA26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Tucker Chase) (Photo Credit: 1LT Tucker Chase)
“This fills my cup,” Ling said. “Having the opportunity to plan these missions brings me a lot of joy.”
Justified Accord is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted this year in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, JA26 increased multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepared regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions, and built readiness for the U.S. joint force.
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Being a part of the largest population of U.S. citizens outside the continental United States means facing unique challenges and threats. Terrorism is the most notable of those threats, requiring vigilance and awareness from all members of the total force community to make sure no threats are ever carried out.
Emily Roemer, Antiterrorism Officer with U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’ Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS), encourages Soldiers and families to remain vigilant and aware of any potential threats and report any suspicious activity to the right channels.
Roemer highlighted a few important things to look out for when out in public.
“A good rule of thumb to go by is if it looks sketchy, it probably is,” said Roemer.
She explained that if anything that looks strange or out of place, like a person wearing overly concealing clothing in the summer heat, someone surveying or taking notes on a place of interest – particularly a military installation gate or high-traffic area – it deserves a second look.
Roemer said high school students and young adults are helpful sensors for suspicious activity and encourages students to trust their gut and know how to use their resources to report any suspicious activity they notice.
“Even if students aren’t comfortable going directly to the police, telling a parent or teacher works just as well,” said Roemer.
Maintaining Operational Security, or OPSEC, is another measure everyone can practice to protect themselves and their communities.
“It’s hard to grasp just how many people out there can be listening for information,” Roemer cautioned.
OPSEC means being mindful of what information you’re posting or talking about. Always double check to make sure social media posts, conversations you’re having in public or any other form of public communication does not contain any sensitive information that could be harmful if it falls into the wrong hands.
Being careful of what questions you answer is also important, Roemer said. Bad actors may pose seemingly casual or normal questions that, while sounding innocent, are really attempts to get sensitive information.
She advised that if a stranger asks probing questions about deployment history, operations, training schedules, unit names or temporary duty (TDY), you should avoid answering to protect sensitive details.
Additionally, Roemer noted that high-traffic areas and mass gathering events are at higher risk for potential threats.
“Parades, concerts, and especially the yearly Octoberfest celebrations provide a lot of opportunities for bad actors to take advantage of,” said Roemer.
While it’s always a good idea to be mindful anytime you’re out in public, Roemer said it’s important to be extra vigilant for threats and suspicious activity around places and events like these.
USAG Rheinland-Pfalz’ award-winning anti-terrorism program always works to ensure the garrison and our communities are always supported and prepared for any threat that may arise.
To report any suspicious activity, call the garrison’s Military Police at 0611-143-541-7007/7008 or DSN 531-2677, or use the garrison’s suspicious activity reporting tool, https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/j7VryiMv4g. In the event of an emergency, dial 110 for law enforcement or 112 for fire services from any phone to connect with emergency services.
The Camp Darby military community celebrated a significant occasion on March 18 at the Darby Community Center, as members of the Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers program were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
During the ceremony, members of the BOSS team were awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their dedication and achievements.
The Camp Darby military community celebrated a significant occasion on March 18 at the Darby Community Center, as members of the Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers program were recognized for their outstanding contributions. (Photo Credit: Chiara Mattirolo)VIEW ORIGINAL
The event was attended by USAG Italy Command Sgt. Maj. Ricardo Moreno, who traveled from Vicenza to join the celebration. Moreno praised the BOSS program for its impact. “We recognize excellence in this BOSS program that focuses on people. There is so much value in this program, but this could not happen without command emphasis,” said Moreno.
Also in attendance was Sean Morton, USAG Italy MWR director, who commended the team’s efforts and encouraged them to continue their exceptional work. “This is the 2025 award, but this is just the beginning,” Morton said. “I challenge you with that, continue to serve, continue to strive for greatness.”
The ceremony highlighted the achievements of the Camp Darby BOSS program, which was recently named the BOSS Program of the Year (small category) in the Army’s 2025 BOSS Awards.
Additionally, Cathy Towers, the BOSS Advisor for USAG Italy, received the prestigious Feltus Edwards Award for BOSS Advisor of the Year, marking another milestone for the program.
Sgt. Christopher Rossi, Camp Darby BOSS president, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and the support received from leadership. “I am very grateful for the command team coming down from Vicenza for this recognition. I am very blessed for the support received for the BOSS program,” said Rossi.
The BOSS program at Camp Darby has consistently demonstrated excellence, providing single service members with opportunities for community service, cultural exchange, and quality-of-life initiatives. The program’s success is part of a broader effort by USAG Italy, which has earned back-to-back honors in the Army’s BOSS Awards.
The Camp Darby military community celebrated a significant occasion on March 18 at the Darby Community Center, as members of the Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers program were recognized for their outstanding contributions. (Photo Credit: Chiara Mattirolo)VIEW ORIGINAL
“Our BOSS team has shown unmatched commitment and professionalism,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Moreno. “These awards highlight the quality of their work and the time they’ve invested to make this one of the Army’s best programs.”
The recognition reflects the dedication of the BOSS team and their commitment to making a positive impact on the community. Rossi emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and long hours put in by the incredible BOSS team.”
As the Camp Darby BOSS program continues to grow, the team remains motivated to build on their success and make an even greater impact in the future. “Winning this award has motivated our team to surpass last year’s statistics and make an even greater impact on our community in FY26,” Rossi added.