Latest news with #CourtWatch
CNBC
04-07-2025
- CNBC
Trump inaugural impersonators scammed donors out of crypto, feds say
Scammers impersonating the President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance Inaugural Committee fraudulently stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, according to a complaint filed by the U.S. on Wednesday. The perpetrators used phony email addresses made to look like they belonged to the inaugural committee to " trick or coerce victims into providing them money," according to the filing. Using email addresses that end in "@ with a lowercase "l" as opposed to "@ with a lowercase "i," the scammers duped victims into sending them more than 250,300 in USDT stablecoin, or about $250,300. Court Watch reported the filing on Thursday. The emails sent in December claimed to be from Steve Witkoff, then the co-chair of the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee. "The victim believed they were contributing a donation to the Trump- Vance Inaugural Committee through a false email address," the filing reads. Of the stolen funds, the U.S. government is seeking to permanently seize nearly 40,400 USDT "to punish and deter criminal activity by depriving criminals of property used in or acquired through illegal activities" and "to recover assets that may be used to compensate victims." About half of the USDT was recovered from a Binance account in the name of Ehiremen Aigbokhan, with an address in Nigeria, per the complaint. Within 24 hours of the victim transferring the cryptocurrency, 215,000 in USDT was transferred "to numerous other cryptocurrency addresses," according to the filing. Binance provided records and voluntarily complied with a freeze request, according to the filing.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Compton residents laundered millions in meth proceeds through cash at ATMs: IRS
Compton residents are accused of moving millions of dollars by depositing and withdrawing cash at ATMs to launder money associated with methamphetamine trafficking. In an application for a search warrant first reported by Seamus Hughes' Court Watch, Ronny Beltran, Maria Munoz and an LLC called Zamudio Construction were all tied to a home in the 900 block of West 152nd Street, as detailed in an affidavit from IRS Special Agent Ryan Bennett. Zamudio, however, is not in the construction industry, Bennett wrote. 'While the activity in the Zamudio Accounts does not appear to be consistent with the operation of a legitimate construction company, based on my training, experience, and knowledge of this investigation, it does appear to be consistent with the laundering of drug proceeds,' Bennett said. That activity includes cash deposits totaling approximately $2.9 million made in Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Virginia, Washington, Colorado, and New York, as well as withdrawals of $1.4 million in cash from Southern California bank locations and ATMs. Those withdrawals, largely in Compton, Gardena and Inglewood, were joined by $1.4 million in wire transfers to 'suspected Mexican bank accounts in the name of several Mexican entities' and 'offroad vehicle dealerships and related aftermarket parts dealers.' 'During the period from January 2022 to August 2024, while there were a few incoming out-of-state wire transfers that referenced construction or remodeling and a few transactions at hardware stores, these transactions accounted for less than 3% of the activity in the Zamudio Accounts,' Bennett wrote. As for the source of the money, federal officials believe it came from the transportation of methamphetamine, something for which Beltran was convicted in 2014. Beltran and Munoz were also allegedly caught with a large amount of meth during the period in which these transactions were made. 'On June 22, 2023, officers from the Fontana Police Department seized approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine from BELTRAN and MUNOZ's vehicle, and after obtaining consent to search the [Compton address], officers seized an additional 47 pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms,' the affidavit explains. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Vanguard News Launches Vanguard Incarcerated Press to Amplify Voices from Inside the Prison System
Vanguard News has officially launched a prison journalism program giving incarcerated individuals the tools to report, write, and share their lived experiences while behind bars. Davis, California, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vanguard News GroupVanguard News Group has officially launched its groundbreaking prison journalism initiative, Vanguard Incarcerated Press (VIP), a program built on education, justice, and the transformative power of storytelling from within the prison system. The program was born from an unlikely and deeply moving source: a Nepali family advocating for a loved one who had been wrongly convicted and sentenced to over 300 years in prison. Vanguard News founder David Greenwald was introduced to other incarcerated individuals, motivating him to create a prison newspaper. The publication never fully came to fruition due to overly restrictive prison policies. But the idea planted a seed. 'I visited him multiple times a year over seven or eight years,' said Greenwald. 'He introduced me to folks who were trying to launch something powerful behind bars. Even though the prison itself was too conservative to allow that paper to thrive, it made me realize how badly this kind of platform was needed.' Now, that dream has become a reality. Vanguard Incarcerated Press is a print and digital journalism platform led by and for incarcerated individuals. The publication mails physical newspapers to its subscribers, including courts, institutions, and justice advocates, and features new articles regularly on its website. All stories are written, edited, and reviewed with the direct involvement of incarcerated people themselves. Three incarcerated individuals currently serve on the editorial board, reviewing submissions, editing pieces, and approving content for publication. Others contribute as writers, and for many, it's the first time their voices have been heard outside prison walls. 'Seeing your own byline in print when you're locked up; it means something,' said Greenwald. 'It builds pride, purpose, and a sense that your story matters.' VIP mirrors the success of Vanguard's Court Watch program, which trains college students in journalism and legal observation. But in this case, the participants are incarcerated people, many of whom never graduated high school. Through the program, they learn to write, report, edit, and build the kind of skills that reduce recidivism and increase their chances of parole. One graduate of the early pilot effort, formerly incarcerated for nearly a decade, is now earning his bachelor's degree and sits on Vanguard's Board of Directors. His story, and many others, show what's possible when people are given a second chance and the right tools to succeed. Vanguard News is now collaborating with a state university professor to formalize the program into a certified curriculum. The goal is to develop a journalism certificate (and potentially a degree track) that incarcerated students can complete from inside, gaining a recognized credential they can carry into life after prison. 'This is twofold,' Greenwald explained. 'We're exposing injustice through our reporting, but we're also giving people inside a real skillset, a path forward, and dignity.' Despite its promise, the program faces steep financial challenges. Vanguard News operates on the margins, relying on donations, small grants, and an increasing need for grassroots fundraising. Greenwald, who now also serves as the program's primary fundraiser, says he's learned to be creative: 'We have donate buttons, we accept mail-in checks, and I've even taken donations over Cash App. You have to meet people where they are.' Supporters can contribute directly via Vanguard News' website or reach out to help fund specific program goals, including but not limited to: expanding editorial capacity to meet growing submissions, printing and mailing physical newspapers to more facilities, developing the accredited journalism certificate program, or providing tablets and tech access for easier communication between contributors and editors. Vanguard Incarcerated Press is not just another publication. It is a lifeline; both an outlet for incarcerated individuals to tell their stories and a tool for social change. It reminds society that those behind bars still have a voice, and for many, that voice is the beginning of redemption. Greenwald sums it up best: 'We're helping the public understand the system while aiding the people in the system to change their own lives. That's the power of journalism.' Media Contact Name: David Greenwald Email: info@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Court Watch with Jason Kotowski: May 23, 2025
Each week, Kern County judges hear and attorneys argue cases on issues big and small. 17 News and provide coverage of some of those cases making their way through the system. On 'Court Watch with Jason Kotowski' reporter Jason Kotowski discusses 17 News coverage of the criminal cases that have garnered the most attention from viewers and readers. This edition of 'Court Watch' was recorded on May 23, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Court Watch with Jason Kotowski: April 23, 2025
Each week, Kern County judges hear and attorneys argue cases on issues big and small. 17 News and provide coverage of some of those cases making their way through the system. On 'Court Watch with Jason Kotowski' reporter Jason Kotowski goes over 17 News coverage of the criminal cases that have garnered the most attention from viewers and readers. FULL INTERVIEW: Man accused in kidnapping of 10-year-old Taft girl speaks to 17 News Judge refuses to increase bail in case of Bakersfield man charged with murder in sister-in-law's death This edition of 'Court Watch' was recorded on April 23, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
