Brockton Man Charged with Making False Statements to Law Enforcement About Firearms Recovered at Crime Scenes

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BOSTON – A Brockton man was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston for allegedly making false statements to law enforcement regarding his disposal of more than 20 firearms he purchased more than a dozen of which later surfaced at various crime scenes across the Northeast, including a Boston homicide.  

Defense News: USAG Rheinland-Pfalz “Crowns & Capes” event brings magic to military children

Source: United States Army

SEMBACH, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’ Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation welcomed 70 military-connected children at the former Sembach Elementary School theater April 14 for “Crowns & Capes” – an interactive event featuring Disney characters come to life.

In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, Armed Forces Entertainment actors treated audiences to an immersive themed showing of Moana. The experience brought the story to life, allowing young attendees to engage with the film in a way that blended imagination, music and storytelling.

“Crowns & Capes” also visited Baumholder, offering “superhero training” at the Hall of Champions along with the immersive Moana movie experience at the Rheinlander Community Club on Smith Barracks.

The Sembach event transformed the historic theater into a vibrant, kid-friendly environment filled with popcorn, laughter and excitement, highlighting the importance of community and connection.

Leaders emphasized that events like these go beyond entertainment.

“It’s about taking care of our most important assets—our children,” one organizer noted. “Behind every mission is a family and today was about them.”

Armed Forces Entertainment tours like “Crowns & Capes” are aimed at supporting military families by delivering high-quality entertainment experiences to overseas communities. The program focuses on creating memorable moments for children, emphasizing creativity, resilience and the unique role military youth play in supporting the mission.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.

Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp

Editor’s note: This courtesy article was drafted with the assistance of generative AI. It was subsequently reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by USAG Rheinland-Pfalz public affairs to ensure accuracy, compliance with DoW security guidelines, and to reflect the appropriate tone.

Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on April 13, 2026.

SantaCon Organizer Charged In Wire Fraud Scheme Targeting Attendees And Host Venues

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Jennifer L. Piovesan, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging STEFAN PILDES with wire fraud. 

Defense News: Arkansas National Guard honors America's 250th Birthday by enlisting 250 recruits

Source: United States Army

“This ceremony recognizes America’s 250th birthday in Arkansas while honoring the military service that helped secure our independence,” said Army Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “The colonial militias — the predecessors of today’s National Guard — stood against the British Army at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, and the Continental Congress established the Army two months later on June 14, 1775. Arkansas also has a direct Revolutionary War connection through the 1783 battle at Arkansas Post, recognized as the only Revolutionary War battle fought in present-day Arkansas.”

The 250 recruits represent the nearly 1,300 guardsmen that both the Arkansas Army and Air National Guard recruit annually into their respective brigades and wings.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’s adjutant general, spoke about military service and what it means to serve the state and nation at an enlistment ceremony on April 11, 2026, to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The 250 recruits are representative of the nearly 1,300 Guardsmen the Arkansas Army National Guard and Arkansas Air National Guard recruit annually into their respective brigades and wings. Throughout its history, the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call in times of war, natural disasters, and other domestic emergencies. Its legacy reflects the service of Arkansans who have balanced civilian lives with military duty, exemplifying the Citizen-Soldier ethos that has defined the nation since its founding. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Bryce Colvert) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Arkansas National Guard ceremonially enlisted 250 recruits on April 11, 2026, at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The 250 recruits are representative of the nearly 1,300 Guardsmen the Arkansas Army National Guard and Arkansas Air National Guard recruit annually into their respective brigades and wings. Throughout its history, the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call in times of war, natural disasters, and other domestic emergencies. Its legacy reflects the service of Arkansans who have balanced civilian lives with military duty, exemplifying the Citizen-Soldier ethos that has defined the nation since its founding. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by 1st Sgt. Jim Heuston) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Arkansas National Guard traces its roots to 1804, one year after the Louisiana Purchase.

The legislative body governing the Indiana Territory, of which Arkansas was a part, enacted a law making most males liable for military service, according to the Arkansas National Guard Museum website.

Throughout its history, the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call in times of war, natural disasters and other domestic emergencies. Its legacy reflects the service of Arkansans who have balanced civilian lives with military duty, exemplifying the citizen-soldier ethos that has defined the nation since its founding.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

Defense News: Wyoming honors military children for strength, sacrifice during Month of the Military Child

Source: United States Army

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — More than 2,000 military-connected children across Wyoming were recognized April 13 as the Wyoming Military Department and the 90th Missile Wing joined Gov. Mark Gordon for a proclamation signing declaring April the Month of the Military Child.

The annual observance highlights the unique challenges military children face, including frequent moves, changing schools and extended separations from parents due to training and deployments.

Senior leaders emphasized the strength of Wyoming’s relationship with its military community and the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by military families.

“Governor, thank you. On behalf of the men and women in uniform, thank you for your continued support,” said Col. Terrance J. Holmes, commander of the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. “We know the relationship the state of Wyoming has with its military community is strong. The fact that we are able to be here today to recognize this is significant.”

Holmes also highlighted Purple Up Day and other efforts to show support for military families.

“This is a meaningful way to recognize military families, especially our children,” Holmes said. “There are hundreds of military-connected children across Wyoming, and many of us here have children in this community.”

Leaders shared personal perspectives on the impact of military service on families, noting the resilience required of military children.

“My two children have experienced deployments and long absences throughout my career,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Matthew D. Sullivan, deputy state chaplain for the Wyoming Army National Guard. “They’re asked to do without someone they rely on, and they don’t fully understand why. It’s not easy.”

Despite those challenges, Sullivan said military children develop a strong understanding of service and sacrifice.

“They recognize that our freedom and way of life has a cost,” Sullivan said. “I’m grateful to my children, and to all military children for supporting us on the home front.”

During the proclamation, Gordon highlighted statewide efforts to support military-connected students, including the Purple Star School Program and Wyoming’s participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

“Whereas, there are more than 2,000 military-connected children in Wyoming who face unique challenges as a result of their parents’ military service,” Gordon read. “Now, therefore, I do hereby proclaim April 2026 as the Month of the Military Child in Wyoming.”

Leaders emphasized that recognizing military children contributes to a ready and resilient force.

“The state of Wyoming stands 100% behind you and your families,” Holmes said. “If there’s anything we can do to support you, we will.”

The Wyoming National Guard joins communities statewide in honoring military children throughout April and encourages schools, organizations and citizens to recognize their contributions and support their continued success.

Two Brevard County Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Orlando, Florida – Eric William Garvin (29, Palm Bay) and Anthony Lee Khan (40, Palm Bay) have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. Garvin was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months, and Khan was sentenced to 14 years and 8 months.