SOPCHOPPY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ARMED TRAFFICKING OF METHAMPHETAMINE

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Howard Neil Martin, 46, of Sopchoppy, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts: 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. 

HUSBAND & WIFE SENTENCED FOR FEDERAL FENTANYL & FIREARM CRIMES

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Kevin Lamonte Powell Jr., 41, of Crestview, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after having previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. His wife and codefendant, Shantel Marie Powell, 38, of Crestview, was sentenced to one year of home confinement as a part of a five-year probationary term after having been found guilty by a jury of making a false statement to a federal agent. 

Southwest Georgian Faces 30 Years in Prison for Teenage Sextortion Crime

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Berrien County, Georgia, man is facing up to 30 years in prison for attempting to sextort a teenager he met over Snapchat.Cenobio Olguin, Jr., 24, of Lenox, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted production of child pornography before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Jan. 27. Olguin, Jr. is facing a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison up to a maximum of 30 years in prison to be followed by a maximum lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.

Convicted felon pleads guilty to new child pornography charge

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brett Bedford, 41, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction relating to the possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. 

District of Utah Recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Today the District of Utah observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and joins the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking and protecting victims and survivors. Human Trafficking Prevention Month presents an opportunity for DHS and DOJ, through Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) to intensify operational efforts, raise public awareness, and strengthen partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure traffickers are brought to justice. 

Former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Employee and Slidell Resident Guilty of Theft and Bribery Conspiracy Concerning Program Receiving Federal Funds

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that KENNETH LAWSON (“LAWSON”), age 39, a resident of New Orleans, and AREION BANKS (“BANKS”), age 33, a resident of Slidell, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to conspiracy to commit theft and bribery concerning a program receiving federal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 666(a)(1)(A), and 666(a)(1)(B). 

Defense News in Brief: NSA Naples Invests Over $542K in Fitness Upgrades, Boosting Mission Readiness and Troop Morale

Source: United States Navy

NAPLES, Italy — The U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, is revolutionizing its approach to health and wellness with a significant investment in state-of-the-art fitness facilities. With over $422,000 spent in fiscal year 2025 and an additional $120,000 projected for fiscal year 2026, the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program is rolling out extensive upgrades designed to enhance mission readiness, boost morale, and prevent injuries for the entire base community.