Latest news with #USTrAttorney
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Pensacola man pleads guilty to laundering millions in cocaine money through casinos
A Pensacola man pleaded guilty to laundering millions of dollars through a cocaine trafficking scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced June 27. Rayvaughn Andrews pleaded to federal charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, as well as money laundering. "Those who think they can profit and live lavish lifestyles off drug trafficking in the Northern District of Florida are sorely mistaken, and will soon find themselves in federal prison," said U.S. Attorney John Heekin. Andrews conspired to with others to distribute large amounts of cocaine between 2021 and 2024, which ended up on the streets of Escambia County. After receiving cash from selling millions in cocaine, he laundered $10 million through multiple casinos in Mississippi and Nevada. Andrews faces up to life in prison and the forfeiture of $40,000, along with a Chevrolet Corvette. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola man Rayvaughn Andrews guilty of money laundering, drug sales
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Pensacola man sentenced for machine gun, drug trafficking after car chase
A Pensacola man who led Florida Highway Patrol troopers on a high-speed chase down Pensacola Boulevard in 2023 has been sentenced to spend nine years in a federal prison. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced June 24 that 21-year-old Antoine Booker was given the nine-year sentence for possessing a loaded gun and trafficking "large amounts" of marijuana. "The public should rest assured that law enforcement will not stand for armed drug traffickers endangering citizens in our streets," said U.S. Attorney John Heekin. "If you possess a machinegun to protect your drug trafficking operations, you should know that federal prison awaits you." FHP attempted to pull over Booker in December 2023 for driving a rental car with too much tint, but when the trooper attempted the traffic stop, Booker then fled. "Suddenly, the driver rapidly accelerated and swerved left towards the K-9 Trooper's vehicle who just arrived to assist with the traffic stop," the 2023 FHP report says. "The driver then swerved right into a Circle K gas station located at 7950 Pensacola Boulevard." Booker then allegedly led troopers on a brief chase before he flipped his own car. Following his arrest, Booker was charged in state court for fleeing law enforcement, possession of a machine gun and other drug related offenses. However, the Office of the State Attorney dropped those charges in February 2024 after he was federally indicted on the same charges. "Had it not been for law enforcement's training and determination, this armed suspect would have undoubtedly wreaked havoc in Northwest Florida," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. "We are proud of the partnerships we've built with Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Escambia County Sheriff's Office and our federal prosecutors." This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola man sentenced for machine gun, drug trafficking after chase
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Guilty Plea Results from Drone Incident During Steelers-Ravens Wild Card Game
Guilty Plea Results from Drone Incident During Steelers-Ravens Wild Card Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers Wild Card matchup with the Baltimore Ravens was halted by the sighting of a drone over the stadium back in January. Advertisement Now, a 43-year-old man has entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to one year of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $500 fine. Per the Baltimore Banner, Alexis Perez Suarez is from Baltimore and was responsible for the drone and the delay of the playoff game. 'Public safety is a top priority, so we're committed to protecting our airways above mass gatherings. Suarez knew that M&T Bank Stadium was under a temporary flight restriction, yet he flew his drone into the airspace anyway, which is unacceptable,' Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, said. 'There is a zero-tolerance policy for operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems in No Drone Zones. The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with our partners, will hold those accountable who ignore the rules and regulations surrounding restricted airspace." The local FBI office was also involved in the investigation. Advertisement 'It is not just irresponsible and reckless, but illegal to fly a drone over a major sporting event such as a Ravens playoff game. Capturing a photo is not worth the risk of hurting any spectators, players, or employees. As shown by this investigation, the FBI and our partners will hold those caught violating the law fully accountable," Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office said. The danger of a drone over a crowded stadium was emphasized as well. 'Federal laws regulating the use of drones exist for a reason: to protect people and keep our skies safe,' Special Agent in Charge Greg Thompson of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General said. 'Flying drones illegally— especially overcrowded sporting events — is reckless and dangerous. Today's guilty plea underscores our commitment to working with our partners to hold violators accountable and prevent potential disasters.' Related: Steelers Rookie QB Describes 'Good Vibe' with Aaron Rodgers Related: Ravens Corners React to Jaire Alexander Signing This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
104 pounds of cocaine found in Riverside County drug bust
Authorities discovered 104 pounds of cocaine being smuggled through an immigration checkpoint in Riverside County. On June 4, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a silver SUV at the I-15 North immigration checkpoint in Temecula. While interviewing the driver, a K-9 alerted authorities to the possible presence of narcotics. After searching the SUV, agents found '40 suspicious bundles that were concealed within the roof in an aftermarket motorized compartment.' The bundles were removed and were discovered to contain cocaine. The packages weighed a total of 104 pounds. Officials estimated the street value at $708,000. The driver, who was only identified as a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody by Homeland Security. The case was referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office for federal charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute. 'Drug smugglers are often resourceful, but our dedicated agents are always watching,' said Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, San Diego Acting Chief Patrol Agent. 'Our agents are the best of the best, and we remain resolute in our mission to keep communities safe.' To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, the public can call 911 or the San Diego U.S. Border Patrol Sector at 619-498-9900. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
31-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Southfield doctor found guilty of fraudulently securing $1.7 million federal loan
A federal jury has convicted a Southfield, Michigan doctor of bank fraud after he deceptively obtained a $1.7 million loan from the Paycheck Protection Program, according to the U.S Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. The jury found Dr. Reginald Eburuche guilty on Thursday. The attorney's office, citing evidence presented at trial, said Eburuches looked at getting a loan from the PPP program after unsuccessfully attempting to get a line of credit for his start-up business Renovis Healthcare in 2019. Eburuche "grossly inflated the number of employees and the average monthly payroll" in his loan application, according to federal officials. He also created and uploaded fraudulent tax documents that made it look like his headcount and salary expenditures were legitimate. He received the $1.7 million loan in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the attorney's office, a large portion of the funds were frozen and seized ahead of the trial. "When a licensed professional chooses fraud over integrity, the harm runs deeper than dollars," U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. said in a release about the conviction on Friday.
