Election security experts say giving Maricopa County routers to Arizona Senate's election auditors would be concerning

Arizona Republic on MSN.com|56 minutes ago

Why a Lifelong Republican Views Arizona's Recount as Wrong

New York Times|3 hours ago

Judge dismisses lawsuit in Maricopa County over Arizona GOP election KTAR.com

KTAR News|45 minutes ago

Judge dismisses GOP lawsuit over Maricopa County election

KGUN 9|7 hours ago

All five Maricopa County supervisors to be subpoenaed Monday over audit

Arizona Daily Star|12 hours ago

Man shot, killed during argument in Buckeye near 217th Avenue and Eagle Mountain Road

The Arizona Republic on MSN.com|3 hours ago

Maricopa County volunteers provided nearly $3M in value for virus response

KTAR News|6 hours ago

Arizona makes it easier to purge some from early voting list

Times Union|49 minutes ago

Maricopa County #1; Greater Phoenix #2: Fastest U.S. Metro Growth In 2020

Patch on MSN.com|15 hours ago

Man accused of shooting, seriously injuring 2 during string of Phoenix robberies arrested

The Arizona Republic on MSN.com|1 hour ago

Arizona Governor Signs Bill to Make Purging Inactive Voters Easier

Courthouse News Service|2 hours ago

Arizona Republicans Enact Sweeping Changes To State's Early Voting List

KPCC|25 minutes ago

Arizona Republicans Enact Sweeping Changes To State's…

WFUV|1 hour ago

Maricopa Co. sheriff, county board in standoff with Arizona senate Republicans over routers

KPNX|29 minutes ago

Arizona GOP, county battle over election equipment

AZFamily|2 hours ago

Maricopa County Officials Refuse to Hand Over Routers to Arizona Senate

GOPUSA|13 hours ago

Chandler joins pedestrian safety campaign

SanTan Sun News|2 hours ago

Arizona governor signs bill that would stop some voters from automatically receiving mail-in ballots

Local News 8|4 minutes ago

Community college bill signed into law

SanTan Sun News|2 hours ago

Reflections on the 2019 Maricopa County Jewish Community Survey

Northern Arizona Jewish News|11 hours ago

Az GOP senator: Arizona audit 'makes us look like idiots'

Tucson Sentinel|3 hours ago

Briefs | Arizona reports rate of COVID increase slows

Kingman Daily Miner|1 hour ago

Arizona GOP passes election bill opposed by business leaders

Kingman Daily Miner|1 hour ago

World Food Prize goes to nutrition expert for fish research

KGET.com|12 hours ago

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Federal Indictment Charges Chicago Man With Illegally Possessing “Switch” Devices Capable of Turning Handguns Into Machine Guns

CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been indicted on federal firearm charges for allegedly illegally transferring and possessing “switch” devices that are capable of converting a semi-automatic pistol into a machine gun.

KALIL WARNER, 24, is charged with five counts of illegal transfer and possession of a machine gun. The indictment accuses Warner of transferring and possessing the switch devices in Chicago on five occasions earlier this year. Each switch component is solely and exclusively designed to convert weapons into machine guns, the indictment states. Switch devices, once properly installed, allow a handgun to expel more than one projectile by a single pull of the trigger.

Warner pleaded not guilty Monday during his arraignment in U.S. District Court in Chicago. U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman scheduled a status hearing for June 15, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.

The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Albert Berry III.

Holding illegal firearm offenders accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the Guardian and PSN programs to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.

“Switch devices pose a dangerous threat to public safety and have no place on the streets of Chicago,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Federal law enforcement will act swiftly to neutralize the threat posed by illegal machine guns and keep our communities safe.”

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count in the indictment is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison on Child Pornography and Exploitation Charges

CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man was sentenced today to 27 years in federal prison for threatening to publish sexually explicit images of an underage girl unless she sent him additional photos and videos of herself.

DAVID J. COTTRELL, 31, of Niles, Ill., enticed the underage victim into sending him sexually explicit photos of herself via online social messaging applications. After collecting the photos, Cottrell informed the girl that he knew her real name, the name of her school, and her parents’ jobs, and he threatened to post the images online and send them to her family unless the girl sent him additional, more explicit photos and videos, which she did. Cottrell contacted the victim on a regular basis until her parents discovered the messages and contacted law enforcement.

Cottrell pleaded guilty last year to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography. He admitted in a plea agreement that he similarly induced or attempted to induce four other minor victims into sending him sexually explicit images of themselves. While communicating with the victims online, Cottrell used the screennames “sevendollarcab,” “brightcitylights,” “b88785,” and “YouShallSubmitToMe Sir.”

U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman imposed the sentence today after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.

The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Mulaney.

If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678 or logging on to www.cybertipline.com.

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 7, 2021

California money launderer for Mexican drug cartel sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison

Defendant with multiple criminal convictions lived life of luxury while using bitcoin to launder drug proceeds

Tacoma – A repeat offender, who laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds for a Mexican drug cartel using bitcoin, was sentenced today to 58 months in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Gregory David Werber, 58, of Manhattan Beach, California, laundered drug proceeds for a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in Western Washington. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan told him, “There is no way to judge how many people have been hurt by this drug cartel and all of the people who suffered from drug addiction… You were helping violent people do violent things.”

“Drug traffickers are in it for the money–and those who collect the cash and send it over international borders to drug suppliers are key players in feeding the addictions that damage our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “This defendant lived the good life on the beach, with first class travel to collect drug money. But it was a lifestyle gained at the expense of those struggling with addiction to heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.”

During an 18-month investigation in 2017 and 2018, law enforcement identified Werber as the key money launderer for a drug distribution network. In Western Washington, the group distributed heroin, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills in Pierce, Kitsap, King, Skagit and Snohomish Counties. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills tainted with fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly opioid. Following one seizure from a vehicle, Washington State Patrol troopers were treated for their accidental exposure.

The investigation began with the Bremerton Police Department’s controlled buys of heroin through Facebook. On August 31, 2018, detectives and DEA agents seized more than 3,000 fentanyl-laced imitation oxycodone pills, nearly a kilogram of heroin, and more than $100,000 in cash from an apartment in South King County. On November 28, 2018, law enforcement seized more than 13 pounds of heroin from the engine compartment of a semi-truck driven by a frequent smuggler for the ring. In addition to coded cell phone conversations, many of the members of the ring also communicated via Facebook messenger. On December 6, 2018, law enforcement seized thousands of fentanyl-laced pills, more than 7.5 kilograms of heroin, and 3 kilograms of cocaine, dozens of firearms, and over $325,000 in cash. Nearly 50 defendants have been prosecuted in connection with the drug trafficking ring.

Werber originally used his own bank account to deposit drug cash and convert it to bitcoin to be transferred to drug conspirators in Mexico. Following one seizure of more than $100,000 by law enforcement in a traffic stop, Werber started using fake names to move the cash via FedEx. When an undercover agent contacted Werber and indicated he wanted to launder illegal proceeds, Werber described how he could handle the laundering of large amounts of cash and help the undercover agent avoid detection by the government.

Werber has prior federal convictions for credit card fraud, transporting stolen goods, smuggling, and passport fraud, and prior state convictions for drug trafficking, fraud, grand theft, and escape. His criminal conduct in this case began within months of his 2017 release from state prison following a nine-year sentence for a drug distribution conviction in Ohio. In fact, Werber has been in custody almost continuously since 1997.

Werber is forfeiting $69,000 in cash to the government. Following prison, he will be on three years of supervised release.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA Tacoma Resident Office and the Bremerton Police Department, with significant assistance from the Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET); DEA Special Operations Division, Chantilly, Virginia; and Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marci Ellsworth and Karyn Johnson.

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Federal Jury Finds Man Guilty of Possessing Molotov Cocktails at La Mesa Protest

Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matthew Brehm (619) 546-8983 and Joseph J. Orabona (619) 546-7951

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 11, 2021

SAN DIEGO – After a two-day jury trial, Zachary Alexander Karas of San Diego was found guilty of possessing incendiary devices known as Molotov cocktails at a protest that began on May 30, 2020 in La Mesa. After the jury returned a guilty verdict, Chief District Judge Dana M. Sabraw remanded Karas into custody. Sentencing is set for August 13, 2021, at 9 a.m. before Chief Judge Sabraw.

“No one should bring a Molotov cocktail to disrupt a protest,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This was a serious crime that had potential to cause significant damage.” Grossman commended prosecutors Matthew Brehm and Joseph Orabona, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI, and investigators from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for their excellent work on this case.

“Today’s verdict sends a message to those who utilize lawful, peaceful protests to disguise their criminal acts,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “Zachary Karas was in possession of a functioning incendiary device which, thankfully, was not used. Regardless, citizens have the right to peacefully assemble without threat of disruption, criminal activity, or violence. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect those who are exercising their constitutional rights as well as protecting the safety of the community.”

“ATF is the Federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the federal laws pertaining to destructive devices, explosives, and arson,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “ATF will use all its resources to ensure destructive devices (Molotov cocktails) are not being used in our communities. We are glad the jury delivered the guilty verdict sending a message to those who consider creating their own devices for criminal use.”

According to evidence presented at trial, on May 31, 2020, at 2:00 a.m., hours after police had declared an unlawful assembly and given numerous dispersal orders, Karas was standing in the middle of the road at the intersection of Allison Avenue and Spring Street, blocking traffic as part of the protest in La Mesa.

At the time of the protest in La Mesa, several fires had been set, and those fires damaged buildings and property. In fact, Karas was standing in the street in front of the Chase and Union banks that had been set ablaze. In the early morning hours of May 31, 2020, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers gave orders to the crowd, including Karas, to disperse for an unlawful assembly. However, Karas and others refused, and Karas was arrested for refusing to leave his position in the middle of the street. After his arrest, officers discovered that Karas possessed two glass bottles with wicks that contained gasoline and two smoke bombs.

In video-recorded statements, after being read his Miranda rights, Karas stated that he made the Molotov cocktails and brought them to the La Mesa protest because he intended to use them to set fires, but claimed he ultimately did not cause any fires. Karas explained in the statement, “And I heard of the fires. So I came back out with the, yes, intention to start a fire, but I did not have a part in the fire.” Karas said he got the bottles from a Rite Aid parking lot and used 87 octane gasoline as the fuel. He claimed that he had acted alone.

A chemist with the ATF laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia, tested the liquid found inside Karas’ Molotov cocktails and confirmed it was gasoline. An explosives enforcement officer with the ATF received the chemist’s analysis, inspected the physical evidence, and found that the Molotov cocktails were functioning destructive devices.

A special agent with the ATF inspected the Molotov cocktails and found them to be functioning incendiary devices.

DEFENDANT Case Number 20CR1842-DMS

Zachary Alexander Karas Age: 29 San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device – Title 26, U.S.C., Section 5861

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine

AGENCIES

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Federal Bureau of Investigation

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department