Security News: Employee of LAX Service Provider Charged in Federal Complaint with Possessing 11 Kilograms of Fentanyl in Men’s Bathroom at Airport

Source: United States Department of Justice

An employee of a service provider working at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and a fellow South Bay resident have been arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint with possessing a bag containing approximately 11 kilograms (24.3 pounds) of fentanyl in an airport bathroom, where it was to be taken and transported on a Minnesota-bound flight, the Justice Department announced today.

Justice Department to Conduct Election Monitoring in South Carolina Primary Election

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Today, the Civil Rights Division is monitoring polling sites in South Carolina for the state’s primary runoff election to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.

“South Carolina is the next stop in our ongoing effort to ensure election transparency,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate the cooperation of the State of South Carolina, the County of Charleston, and the South Carolina United States Attorney’s Office in helping make this monitoring effort an exemplary one for promoting trust.”

The DOJ, through the Civil Rights Division, enforces federal voting laws which protect the voting rights of all eligible citizens. The DOJ regularly deploys staff to monitor compliance with federal civil rights laws in communities across the country. This special GOP runoff is occurring due to the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s unexpected death on July 11, 2026.

The DOJ is monitoring polls in Charleston County, South Carolina, with four Civil Rights Division attorneys, one South Carolina Assistant U.S. Attorney, and one staff employee with the South Carolina U.S. Attorney’s Office. Thus far the DOJ has deployed over 80 monitors across seven states and over 200 polling locations this primary season. By comparison, during the 2022 midterms the DOJ sent monitors to nine states during the primary season.

This monitoring initiative is aimed at promoting transparency and an open flow of communication between poll observers and election monitors. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces various federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Acts.

From now through the general election on Nov. 3, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available to receive questions and complaints from the public related to federal voting rights laws. If you have a question or complaint or would like to request election monitoring in a particular jurisdiction, please contact the Voting Section at VEM@usdoj.gov.

Security News: Ohio Man Arrested for Threatening a U.S. Congressman

Source: United States Department of Justice

Orlando, Florida – Alex Justin Miller (26, Columbus, OH) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with interstate transmission of a threat to injure. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

Orleans Parish Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charges

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NEW ORLEANS, LA – On August 7, 2026, CALIV THORNTON (“THORNTON”), age 19, a resident of Orleans Parish, was indicted in a two-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced, United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

Rochester man pleads guilty to receipt of child pornography

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rashad Rabah, 33, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. 

Modesto Man Sentenced to 37.5 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Minors

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

FRESNO, Calif. — Jacob Jacobsen, 31, of Modesto, was sentenced today to 37.5 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the sexual exploitation of minors and receipt of child sexual abuse images. Jacobsen will also be required to pay special assessments of $25,000 and to forfeit devices used in committing the crimes.

Two Florida men plead guilty for their roles in multi-million dollar fraud scheme that stretched across the country

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alec Dierna, 32, and John Engler, 40, both of Boca Raton, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  

Chautauqua County man pleads guilty to production of child pornography

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Andrew Klos, 21, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a fine of $250,000.  

Tetra Tech EC, Inc. Agrees to Pay $57 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Falsifying Soil Test Results at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SAN FRANCISCO – Tetra Tech EC, Inc. (Tetra Tech), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, Inc., paid $57 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it fabricated work and falsified data the U.S. Department of the Navy relied on to determine whether the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (HPNS) in the San Francisco Bay was free from harmful radiation