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April 10, 2026

West Tennessee Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Jackson, TN – Gregory Lynn Bond, 33, of Denmark, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.Bond was charged with three counts of distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Bond pled guilty to all three counts. According to the information presented during the sentencing hearing, agents…

April 10, 2026

Defense News in Brief: NMRTC New England Sailors Gain Fleet Perspective Aboard Future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

Source: United States Navy

Sailors assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) New England gained a rare, firsthand look at the future of naval warfare during a tour of the future Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) while the ship was ported in Newport, R.I., March 6, 2026.

April 10, 2026

Baltimore Man Convicted for Armed Gas Station Carjacking

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to prison after a federal jury convicted him in connection with an armed carjacking at a local gas station. The jury found Ron Wardlow, 26, guilty of carjacking, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

April 10, 2026

Defense News: Washington Guard, Thai partners strengthen port emergency response

Source: United States Army

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Soldiers from the Washington Army National Guard trained alongside Thai partners during a weeklong subject matter expert exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang and Sri Racha Hospital, March 2–9, strengthening emergency response coordination at one of Southeast Asia’s busiest maritime hubs.

The exchange, part of a decades-long State Partnership Program relationship, focused on improving all-hazards response, refining incident command systems and testing patient evacuation procedures in a complex, multi-scenario environment.

“The purpose of this exchange was to continue to improve the port’s all hazard response while establishing the incident command (IC) center and patient evacuation route at the alternate site,” said Capt. Matthew Carey, the officer in charge and medical lead for the exchange. “The goal is to build a unified, all-hazards response that can operate seamlessly under pressure.”

Since 2005, the Washington National Guard has partnered with Thai officials at the port, making this one of the premier recurring engagements in their 24-year State Partnership Program relationship. Conducted twice annually, the training focuses on incident management, chemical decontamination and medical response through full-scale disaster scenarios.

This year’s exercise combined a simulated lithium battery fire with a shipboard pandemic, requiring participants to respond across multiple domains simultaneously.

For the first time, the training expanded beyond the port to include Sri Racha Hospital as a primary operational site. The shift tested alternate evacuation routes, including a pier and helipad, and required participants to adapt while maintaining coordination across agencies.

“The purpose of this exchange was achieved in full. The alternate patient evacuation site and the incident command were established at the hospital. New leadership was utilized for the incident command with guidance from the Port Authority leadership,” Carey said. “This was a change in that we saw previous students taking the lead in teaching the next generation of leadership.”

Despite the added complexity, the exercise met its primary objectives. A clear incident command structure was established, and Thai-led teams demonstrated greater ownership of planning and execution of the scenario. Communication systems and logistical support enabled responders to maintain situational awareness and coordinate actions across the simulated crisis.

“This scenario introduced new challenges, including the transfer of patients in isolation containment units from ship to ship and from ship to shore,” Carey said. “There was strong interagency coordination and high levels of engagement during hands-on training.”

The Port of Laem Chabang is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest deep-sea ports, making the partnership strategically significant for regional readiness and resilience. As a key logistics gateway, the port’s ability to respond effectively to hazards is critical to preventing disruptions to international supply chains.

The exchange followed Cobra Gold 2026, during which Carey, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kristin Retherford, Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Manglona, and Victor Aguilar supported the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise for two weeks prior.

“I was in Thailand for 24 days total,” Retherford said. “Cobra Gold HADR enhanced my understanding of Thailand disaster response by immersing us with civilian agencies who may be involved in a port disaster. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation establishes guidelines and standard operating procedures to support and enable response protocols, which includes Port Laem Chabang.”

Retherford said lessons learned during the exchange will carry forward to future engagements.

“Practicing these tactics, techniques, and procedures better prepare our team to support emergency responders at the port.”

Defense News: White House honors National Guard-supported counterdrug operations

Source: United States Army

ARLINGTON, Va. – The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy recognized National Guard counterdrug programs for supporting 10 award-winning law enforcement investigations during the National Drug Control Awards Ceremony on April 2.

The investigations were part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, a White House-led effort that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to target major drug trafficking networks across the United States.

“We’re celebrating our High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area groups and recognizing the men and women on the front lines of this fight every day, ensuring our children and our communities are safe,” said Sara Carter, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Nine National Guard counterdrug programs contributed to the investigations, supporting efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and improve public safety.

Twenty-seven National Guard members attended the ceremony and stood alongside their law enforcement and community partners. The awards recognize outstanding law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activity across the country.

National Guard personnel support these investigations by working directly with law enforcement agencies, embedded in multi-jurisdictional task forces. They analyze data, identify key criminal network nodes, and help build cases that lead to arrests and the disruption of larger threat networks, said U.S. Air Force Col. Laurie Rodriguez, National Guard Bureau counterdrug division chief.

The National Guard Counterdrug Program provides criminal analysts, reconnaissance and strategic community engagement support to all 33 HIDTAs.

“Our Guard members act as force multipliers and provide support that enhances the integration of state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies with the detection, interdiction and disruption of drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations,” said Rodriguez.

The program, which operates in all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia, supports law enforcement agencies with analysis, training and operational coordination. Many of these investigations span multiple states and require close coordination between agencies.

Participating National Guard counterdrug programs included Alabama, California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington.

“These awards underscore the power of partnerships in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and related crime,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau. “Together, with our partners, we’re fighting to protect our children and our communities from drug trafficking threats. Just last year, Guard counterdrug operations helped remove $15 billion in illicit narcotics from American communities. We remain committed to this vital mission.”

The National Guard Counterdrug Program conducts a full-spectrum campaign that bridges the gap between Department of War and non-Department of War institutions in the fight against illicit drugs and transnational threats to the homeland. The program supports military, law enforcement and community-based counterdrug operations at all levels of government to anticipate, deter and defeat these threats, enhancing national security and protecting society.

Two Illegal Aliens from Mexico Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking in West Tennessee

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Memphis, TN – Brothers, Julio Cesar Garcia, 45, and Juan Carlos Garcia, 41, both of Chiapas, Mexico, were sentenced following their 2023 trial conviction. In 2021, these individuals were indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today.According to information presented at trial and sentencing, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information that Julio Cesar Garcia was facilitating narcotics transactions from the Bureau of Prisons Great Plains Correctional Institution in Hinton, Oklahoma. Investigators determined that Julio Cesar Garcia would locate buyers in…

April 10, 2026

Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Challenging Biden State Department’s Alleged Social Media Censorship

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

The Justice Department this week announced the settlement of litigation alleging that the Biden State Department actively silenced and censored disfavored speech by American citizens, in particular through its now-closed “Global Engagement Center.” The lawsuit alleged that the prior administration funded and promoted private companies’ development of technologies that social media companies and other private entities could use to downgrade, demonetize, and otherwise suppress protected speech online. Among other claims, plaintiffs alleged these actions violated the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

The settlement implements President Trump’s Executive Order, entitled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” acknowledging that “the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms. Under the guise of combatting ‘misinformation,’ ‘disinformation,’ and ‘malinformation,’ the Federal Government infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States in a manner that advanced the Government’s preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate.” 90 Fed. Reg. 8243 (Jan. 28, 2025).

“The weaponization of the Biden Administration against the American people who they disfavored is over,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This settlement is righting the historic wrong that they perpetrated against Americans, and today we say ‘never again’ will we tolerate these injustices.”

“The Biden Administration muted speech it didn’t like. But progressive elites cannot oust conservative viewpoints from the public square,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “These settlements are yet another example of DOJ making good on President Trump’s promise to end weaponization against ordinary Americans, ensuring all of our Nation’s citizens may speak freely.”

“The Department of Justice will continue vindicating Americans’ right to free speech,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, of the Civil Division. “The Federal Government has no business promoting and funding tools to censor domestic media or citizens. This resolution ensures the unlawful practices at issue will not recur.”

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas found good cause for plaintiffs to take discovery in support of their motion for a preliminary injunction after denying the government’s motions to dismiss and to transfer venue. Now, the Department’s agreement with plaintiffs avoids the need for continued litigation in this case. Daily Wire v. Dep’t of State, No. 6:23-cv-609 (E.D. Tex.).

Securing the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech is a priority of the Department of Justice. Additional information about the Civil Division is available at www.justice.gov/civil.

April 10, 2026

Three Family Members Plead Guilty to Smuggling Drugs into Prison

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A District of Columbia (D.C.) inmate, his mother, and his brother pleaded guilty yesterday to drug conspiracy and the smuggling of contraband into the District of Columbia Central Detention Facility (CDF) in 2023.

According to statements made in court, on May 23, 2023, D.C. correction officers seized approximately 31 sheets of paper soaked in a synthetic cannabinoid and a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and heroin from the cell of Malique Lewis, 28, of D.C., when Malique was an inmate at the CDF. At the time, Malique was awaiting trial on kidnapping, murder, and firearm charges. He has since been convicted of those charges and is serving a life sentence.

In furtherance of the conspiracy and to facilitate the introduction of controlled substances into the CDF, Malique Lewis communicated with his mother, Teleka Lewis, 47, and his brother, Michael Lewis, 32, both of D.C., as well as the drug supplier, through third-party calling prison accounts. Malique and Teleka arranged to have Michael pack an accordion style legal folder with controlled substances that were disguised as “legal papers” to enable their introduction into the CDF and delivery to Malique. Teleka then delivered this folder to Malique’s legal counsel so that it could be covertly introduced into the prison facility and delivered to Malique. There is no evidence that the lawyer knew that the papers were laced with drugs. Malique intended to distribute, and did distribute, controlled substances to other inmates at the CDF.

Teleka, at Malique’s direction, also managed the proceeds and finances derived from the scheme on Malique’s behalf, including by receiving and making payments for the drugs that were sold inside the CDF through online payment services such as Cash App and Apple Pay.

Malique and Teleka pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances, to include fentanyl, heroin, and synthetic cannabinoids, within a federally contracted prison. They are scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 21 where they both face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Michael pleaded guilty to providing contraband in a prison, a misdemeanor crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 21 and faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent Jeffrey Lee Tyler of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Washington Field Office and D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Jared Hernandez of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.

April 10, 2026

Sopchoppy Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun & Drug Crimes

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Tallahassee, Florida – Howard Neil Martin, 46, of Sopchoppy, Florida, was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

April 10, 2026

Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Years-Long Bank Fraud Conspiracy

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A Rhode Island man was sentenced yesterday to 28 months in prison for deceiving banks by artificially inflating his company’s sales numbers to avoid bank scrutiny over its excessive consumer chargebacks.

According to court documents, Michael Brian Cotter, 64, of Greenville, Rhode Island, was CEO of a tech support company that operated from a call center in India. In 2016, when banks began restricting the company’s ability to process debit and credit card payments because of fraud and chargeback concerns, Cotter and his co-conspirators began purchasing virtual debit cards to run thousands of sham transactions on their own merchant accounts. In doing so, Cotter artificially inflated the company’s sales numbers to make it appear to banks and their agents that the company’s chargeback ratios — a key metric used by banks to detect fraud — were within acceptable levels. Although this tactic amounted to the company effectively paying itself, Cotter used actual customer personal identifying information, without customers’ knowledge or consent, to disguise the transactions from banks by making them appear like legitimate sales.

Cotter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the United States Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group (USPIS CIG) made the announcement.

The USPIS investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Jason Feldman and Shana Priore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.