DOJ

DOJ Extends ADA Web Accessibility Deadlines for State and Local Governments

The Department of Justice has issued an Interim Final Rule extending the compliance dates for web content and mobile application accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public entities with a total population of 50,000 or more now have until April 26, 2027 (previously April 24, 2026). Public entities with a population under 50,000 or any special district government now have until April 26, 2028 (previously April 26, 2027). The technical standard (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) remains unchanged.

Former Army Member Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Two Minors While Stationed in Germany

A federal jury in the Northern District of Georgia convicted Adam Schlueter, 37, of Atlanta, of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12 and two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Schlueter, a former Army member stationed in Grafenwöhr, Germany from 2009-2013, physically, emotionally, and sexually abused two minor victims during that period. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, with a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Ransomware Conspiracy

The DOJ announced that Angelo Martino, 41, of Land O'Lakes, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit ransomware attacks and extortion against U.S. companies. Martino, a former ransomware negotiator at a cyber incident response company, provided BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware actors with confidential victim information including insurance policy limits and internal negotiation positions without authorization. He also conspired with Ryan Goldberg of Georgia and Kevin Martin of Texas to deploy BlackCat ransomware between April and November 2023, extorting approximately $1.2 million in Bitcoin from one victim. Law enforcement seized $10 million in assets from Martino.

Justice Department Files Clean Water Act Complaint Against DC Water for Potomac Interceptor Failure

The Department of Justice, on behalf of EPA, filed a civil complaint in federal court against the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) and the District of Columbia for Clean Water Act violations stemming from the January 19, 2026 collapse of the Potomac Interceptor, which discharged more than 200 million gallons of raw, untreated sewage into the Potomac River. The complaint alleges DC Water failed to properly operate and maintain its sewer system in a manner that keeps untreated sewage out of waterways and areas with risk of human contact. The complaint seeks financial penalties, sewer assessment and rehabilitation projects, pollutant mitigation work, and an order requiring DC Water to develop an Enhanced Operations and Maintenance Plan for all its sewer lines.

Three Arrested for Allegedly Operating St. Thomas Strip Club as Prostitution Ring and Harboring Illegal Aliens

DOJ announced the arrest of three individuals in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, for allegedly operating Tootsys strip club as a prostitution ring and harboring illegal aliens. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to transport for purpose of prostitution, conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, and conspiracy to harbor aliens for financial gain. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in prison for the prostitution and racketeering charges and up to 10 years for harboring aliens for financial gain.

Iranian Citizen Reza Dindar Extradited from Panama on Nine-Count Indictment for Export Sanctions Violations

Reza Dindar, a 44-year-old Iranian citizen, was extradited from Panama to the Western District of Washington on April 20, 2026, to face a nine-count indictment for allegedly violating U.S. export sanctions against Iran. Between 2010 and 2014, Dindar operated New Port Sourcing Solutions in Xi'an, China, allegedly procuring U.S. goods—including military sonar system parts—for companies in Iran while falsely claiming the goods were destined for China. Dindar is charged with conspiracy, export to an embargoed country, smuggling, money laundering totaling $97,600, and filing false export records.

Extension of Compliance Dates for ADA Web Accessibility Requirements for State and Local Government Entities

The Department of Justice has issued an interim final rule extending the compliance deadlines for web content and mobile application accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For state and local government entities with a total population of 50,000 or more, the compliance date is extended from April 24, 2026 to April 26, 2027. This extension affects government entities subject to 28 CFR Part 35.

Chicago Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS. Al Safoo was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, which created and disseminated ISIS propaganda and threats via social media at the direction of ISIS. The sentence includes 10 years of supervised release following the prison term.

New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to 13-Year Visa Fraud and Tax Evasion Scheme

Hyung Ki Kim, 60, of New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud, conspiracy to encourage and induce aliens to enter and reside in the United States, and tax fraud arising from a 13-year scheme. Kim recruited foreign nationals through the International Leadership Training Program and obtained fraudulent B-1/B-2 visas by submitting false statements. Members were then required to fundraise for long hours for only $100 per month plus $25 daily for meals while Kim diverted over $1 million in proceeds to his personal accounts. Kim paid $735,000 in restitution to former ILTP members and $223,536 to the IRS, and agreed to forfeit approximately $1,265,036.

DOJ and FTC Extend Antitrust Comment Deadline to May 21, 2026

The DOJ Antitrust Division and FTC announced an extension of the public comment period for guidance on business collaborations among competitors. Comments may now be submitted through May 21, 2026, extended from the original April 24, 2026 deadline. The guidance will update the 2000 Antitrust Guidelines for Collaborations Among Competitors.

USTP Obtains $196,527 Judgment Against National Consumer Bankruptcy Firm for Code Violations

The DOJ's U.S. Trustee Program obtained a stipulated judgment from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon against Recovery Law Group APC, requiring the firm to refund $196,527 in legal fees to dozens of clients. The judgment also bars RLG, owner Nicholas Wajda, and partner Grover Peters III from advertising legal services or filing bankruptcy cases in the district for 18 months. This is the USTP's third enforcement action against RLG in approximately one year.

West Virginia Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child Abroad

A federal jury in the Southern District of West Virginia convicted Dustin Stover Bowles, a U.S. Army soldier, of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under age 12 committed in Germany in 2006. The conviction was obtained under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act. Bowles faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on August 3, 2026.

Final Young Mob Defendant Sentenced to 210 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking

The DOJ announced that Darius Moore, 39, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison following his trial conviction for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Moore was designated a career offender and received an additional 1 year for violating supervised release conditions. Co-defendants Mervin Anderson and Mario Gardner were previously sentenced to 150 months and 51 months respectively. The three defendants were members or associates of the Memphis street gang Young Mob Military, distributing thousands of fentanyl pills designed to mimic Oxycodone.

GOTEC LLC Sentenced for Illegal Storage of Hazardous Waste

DOJ announced that GOTEC Plus Sun LLC pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay a $275,000 fine and one-year probation for illegal storage of hazardous waste in Williamstown, Kentucky. The company's former general manager Natalie Fehse was sentenced to five years probation with 10 months home confinement and a $5,000 fine. An inspection on June 27, 2024 discovered 249 55-gallon drums and approximately 27 cubic yards of hazardous waste stored without a RCRA permit.

National Fraud Enforcement Division Announces Over $340M in Fraud Enforcement Actions

The DOJ National Fraud Enforcement Division announced enforcement actions from April 10-17, 2026 across fraud schemes totaling over $340 million in losses. Actions include five arrests for a $1.6 million COVID-19 relief scheme, multiple guilty pleas including a former teacher for $51 million Medicare fraud, and sentences ranging from 28 months to nearly 14 years imprisonment. Restitution orders, asset forfeitures, and prison terms were imposed across cases involving healthcare fraud, tax fraud, unemployment fraud, and identity theft.

Justice Department Secures First VAWA Housing Rights Settlement

The DOJ Civil Rights Division secured a settlement in United States v. David and Lisa Montanus, the first lawsuit enforcing VAWA's Housing Rights Subpart. The defendants must pay $25,000 to compensate the complainant and her minor children, comply with VAWA's anti-retaliation provisions, and undergo VAWA training if they acquire rental properties during the three-year settlement term.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection; Drug Use Statement

The Department of Justice, through the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comments on proposed revisions to the Drug Use Statement information collection (OMB No. 1117-0063). The notice requests eComments through Regulations.gov as part of the standard PRA process for revising a previously approved collection. The comment period closes June 16, 2026.

Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies (CSLLEA) Information Collection Reinstatement

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has published a notice in the Federal Register (91 FR 20705) seeking OMB approval to reinstate, with changes, a previously approved information collection: the Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies (CSLLEA). The notice requests public comments on the proposed data collection activities. The comment period closes on June 16, 2026.

Michigan Gang Member Pleads Guilty RICO Conspiracy Drug Trafficking Fraud

Jordan Gilmore, 27, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to RICO Conspiracy for his role in the Purple Heart Vets gang. Gilmore and associates distributed marijuana, Percocet, and other controlled substances while also fraudulently obtaining approximately $520,709 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits through over 50 fraudulent applications. Gilmore is scheduled for sentencing on July 20, 2026.

Colombian National Sentenced to 8 Years for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material

A Colombian national residing in Virginia was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for receipt of child sexual abuse material. HSI agents identified the defendant through a BitTorrent peer-to-peer file sharing investigation traced to his Leesburg, Virginia residence in September 2022. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on December 30, 2025.

Fernando Brown Convicted at Trial for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession

The DOJ announced that Fernando Brown, 33, of Columbus, Georgia, was convicted by a federal jury on April 16, 2026, of conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, cocaine, and more than 100 pounds of marijuana, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Brown faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison with no parole. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22, 2026.

Federal Judge Revokes Citizenship of Immigration and Identity Fraudster

The DOJ secured denaturalization of Gurdev Singh Sohal, who naturalized in 2005 despite being ordered deported in 1994. Sohal acquired a new identity with fictitious biographical information after failing to depart the country. A federal court found that his citizenship was illegally procured because he lacked the requisite good moral character, having concealed his prior deportation history.

Federal Jury Convicts Louisiana Deputy U.S. Marshal of Civil Rights and Obstruction of Justice

A federal jury in the Western District of Louisiana convicted Deputy U.S. Marshal Joshua Firmin of civil rights violations and obstruction of justice. Firmin was convicted of assaulting a restrained prisoner on February 9, 2024, at the U.S. District Court in Lafayette, Louisiana, striking the victim with cell keys and forcefully slamming his head against a cellblock wall. Firmin was also convicted of writing a false incident report to cover up the assault. The verdict holds a federal law enforcement officer accountable for violating a prisoner's constitutional rights.

DOJ Closes Illinois DEI Loan Repayment Program Review After State Removes Criteria

The DOJ announced closure of a compliance review of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The review examined ISAC's Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program, which required setting aside at least 30% of funding for applicants of specific racial or ethnic origins. After receiving notice of the compliance review, Illinois voluntarily removed the DEI criteria from this program and other ISAC-administered programs. No penalties or enforcement actions were imposed.

DOJ Settles Antisemitism Case with Concord-Carlisle Massachusetts School District

The Justice Department and the Concord-Carlisle, Massachusetts School District entered a voluntary settlement agreement to resolve a Title IV investigation concerning antisemitic harassment of students. Between 2023 and 2025, antisemitic incidents including swastika drawings and derogatory language occurred at district middle and high schools. The settlement requires policy revisions, prompt incident response, comprehensive investigations, remedial measures including safety plans for victims, anti-retaliation protections, staff and student training, and a designated compliance overseer. DOJ will monitor compliance and the district will publicly report its efforts.

Risk Assessment: Nebraska Commission Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice OJP Victim Assistance Subrecipient Monitoring

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General published Risk Assessment Report 26-048 examining the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice's subrecipient monitoring activities for Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Victim Assistance Grants. The audit assessed whether the Commission's monitoring of subrecipients was sufficient to ensure compliance with award conditions. The report contains 2 recommendations for improving grant monitoring controls.

Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Conspiring to Create Animal Crush Videos

Amanda Leigh Fourez of Catlin, Illinois pleaded guilty to distributing and conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos depicting the torture of monkeys. The charges stem from her paying thousands of dollars to commission bespoke sexual torture videos of monkeys and later distributing obscene crush videos over the Internet. Fourez faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and seven years in prison for the distribution charge, plus a fine of up to $500,000.

Minnesota Man Convicted of Machine Gun Possession

A federal jury in the District of Minnesota convicted Amiir Mawlid Ali, 19, of possessing a machine gun created by attaching an illegal conversion device to a semi-automatic firearm. The firearm, equipped with a machine gun conversion device (switch) and an extended magazine loaded with over 30 rounds, test-fired 15 bullets in 2 seconds at trial. Ali was arrested during a traffic stop en route to a high school graduation after attempting to flee. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison; sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

Nigerian and Georgia Men Charged in $100M Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

The DOJ announced unsealed indictments in the Northern District of Georgia and Western District of Texas charging Akinade Adedeji Raheem, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Abayomi Quadri Eletu, 42, of the UK and Nigeria, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and access device fraud. The defendants allegedly filed over 300 false tax returns seeking more than $100 million in fraudulent refunds from the IRS using stolen identities of accountants and taxpayers between 2018 and 2023. Eletu was arrested in the UK at the request of the United States.

Two U.S. Nationals Sentenced for North Korean IT Worker Fraud Scheme

The DOJ announced sentencing of two U.S. nationals for facilitating North Korean remote IT workers to obtain employment at over 100 U.S. companies. Kejia Wang received 108 months and Zhenxing Wang received 92 months in federal prison. Both were ordered to forfeit a total of $600,000 and serve 3 years supervised release. The scheme used stolen identities of at least 80 U.S. persons and generated over $5 million in illicit revenue for the DPRK government.

Armenian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export Controlled Goods to Russia

Kamo Kirakosyan, an Armenian national, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to violate the Export Administration Regulations. From February 2022 through August 2024, Kirakosyan exported U.S.-origin goods, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment, to Russia via Armenia without required licenses from the Bureau of Industry and Security. The co-conspirator company was designated on the Specially Designated Nationals List by OFAC on February 23, 2023. Kirakosyan faces up to five years in prison and was extradited from Germany to face charges.

Campus Program Grantee Needs and Progress Assessment Tool - OVW PRA Extension

The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has submitted a 30-day notice to OMB seeking extension of approved information collection 1122-0031 for the Campus Program Grantee Needs and Progress Assessment Tool. The notice invites public comments on the proposed extension for 30 days until May 15, 2026. Affected parties include current grantees under the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program.

60-Day Notice: Revision of DOJ Personnel Security Reporting Requirements for Contractors

The Justice Management Division, DOJ, published a 60-day notice on April 15, 2026, seeking public comments on the revision of OMB-approved information collection 1103-0119. The collection covers personnel security self-reporting requirements under DOJ Policy Statement 1700.04, applicable to non-federal employee personnel affiliated with DOJ, including contractors processed for access to classified information. Comments are due by June 15, 2026.

Video of Seventh Religious Liberty Commission Hearing, 13th Apr

Video of Seventh Religious Liberty Commission Hearing, 13th Apr

DOJ Sues Connecticut, New Haven Over Sanctuary Policies

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, the City of New Haven, and Mayor Justin Elicker on April 13, 2026. The DOJ challenges Connecticut's "Trust Act" and other sanctuary policies as unlawful interference with federal immigration enforcement. The complaint alleges these policies allowed dangerous criminals to be released into Connecticut communities. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

Two Honduran Nationals Sentenced for Roles in Years-Long $38M Off-the-Books Payroll Scheme

Two Honduran nationals were sentenced for operating a years-long off-the-books payroll scheme. Iris Villafranca received 204 months imprisonment and ordered to pay over $38 million in restitution plus forfeit $89 million. Osman Donaldo Zapata received 51 months imprisonment and ordered to pay over $2.5 million in restitution. The scheme ran from 2015-2022 and involved shell companies that cashed approximately $89 million in checks from construction subcontractors, facilitating employment of undocumented aliens and causing over $38 million in tax loss to the United States.

Florida Nursing Assistant Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for $11.4M Health Care Fraud Scheme Targeting Medicare Beneficiaries

Christian 'Chris' Cruz, 45, of Pompano Beach, Florida was sentenced to nine years in prison and two years supervised release for his role in an $11.4 million health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy. Cruz owned and operated a durable medical equipment supplier through which he submitted false claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary orthotic braces. He was ordered to pay $3,712,345.70 in restitution and $724,871 in forfeiture.

ADT to Pay $1.3M to Servicemembers for Illegal Charges Under SCRA

The Justice Department announced that ADT LLC will pay $1.3 million to resolve alleged violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). ADT allegedly imposed unlawful 30-day notice requirements on approximately 3,400 servicemembers who terminated their home security contracts after receiving military relocation orders.

Reports on Biden Administration's FACE Act Weaponization Against Pro-Life Americans

The DOJ's Weaponization Working Group published a report examining the Biden DOJ's enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Based on a review of over 700,000 internal records, the report found the Biden DOJ selectively prosecuted pro-life defendants while showing leniency toward pro-abortion defendants, with average requested sentences of 26.8 months versus 12.3 months respectively. The current DOJ outlines corrective actions taken to address the alleged weaponization of federal law.

Texas Man Faces Multiple Federal Charges Related to Attack on AI Company and its CEO

DOJ announced federal criminal charges against Daniel Moreno-Gama, 20, of Spring, Texas, for attempted damage and destruction of property by means of explosives and possession of an unregistered firearm. On April 10, 2026, Moreno-Gama allegedly traveled to San Francisco and threw a Molotov cocktail at the residence of a major AI company CEO, then attempted to set fire to the company's headquarters while possessing incendiary devices, kerosene, and a document advocating violence against AI executives.

Former Loveland, Colorado Police Department Officer Sentenced 17 Years for Sexually Assaulting Minor

A federal judge in Denver sentenced Dylan Miller, 30, a former Loveland, Colorado Police Department officer, to 17 years in prison and five years of supervised release for sexually assaulting a minor while on duty. Miller was convicted of depriving the victim of her civil rights while acting under color of law. The FBI's Denver Field Office and Larimer County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.

Bangladeshi National Saiful Islam Extradited from Brazil on Alien Smuggling Charges

Saiful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was extradited from Brazil to face charges in the Southern District of Texas. Islam is charged with conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, multiple counts of bringing aliens for financial gain, and conspiracy to encourage aliens to enter the United States. If convicted of bringing aliens for financial gain, he faces a mandatory minimum of 3 or 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of 15 years; conspiracy charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years.

Religious Liberty Commission Holds Final Hearing on Past, Present, and Future of Religious Liberty

The Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) held its final public hearing on April 13, 2026, to discuss the past, present, and future of religious liberty in America. The hearing featured testimony from witnesses including Clarence Henderson and Dr. Paul Brintley on topics including the 'separation of church and state' and religious freedom rights. Chairman Dan Patrick announced the Commission will deliver recommendations to President Trump next month.

Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Arson and Attempting to Provide Material Support to Foreign Terrorist Organization

Regan Darby Prater, 28, of Tullahoma, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of arson and one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization (Hezbollah). Prater admitted to destroying facilities at the Highlander Center in New Market, Tennessee, using a napalm-based incendiary device, causing over $1.2 million in damage. Separately, he admitted to attempting to provide documents containing personally identifiable information of over 35,000 individuals to an individual he believed to be associated with Hezbollah. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9.

OneCoin Fraud Victims Eligible for $40M Compensation, Deadline June 30

The Department of Justice announced the remission compensation process for victims of the OneCoin cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme. More than $40 million in forfeited assets are available for victims who purchased fraudulent OneCoin cryptocurrency between 2014 and 2019. Victims may file petitions at www.onecoinremission.com or contact the Remission Administrator by mail, phone, or email. The petition deadline is June 30, 2026.

United States v. The New York and Presbyterian Hospital

The DOJ Antitrust Division filed a civil antitrust complaint against The New York and Presbyterian Hospital on March 26, 2026. The government alleges anticompetitive conduct by the hospital and is seeking appropriate relief through civil litigation. This enforcement action marks the opening of a formal antitrust case.

Broadway Across America Antitrust Non-Prosecution Agreement

The DOJ Antitrust Division entered into a Non-Prosecution Agreement with Broadway Across America on March 18, 2026, resolving potential antitrust violations related to live theatrical performances. Broadway Across America is a major theater producer and distributor. The NPA imposes binding obligations on the company, though specific terms are not detailed in the source document. Companies in the theater and live entertainment sector should monitor this development and review any implications for industry practices.

United States v. Alan Hayward James - Bribery, Bid Rigging, Wire Fraud

The DOJ Antitrust Division filed criminal charges against Alan Hayward James on March 20, 2026, alleging bribery, bid rigging, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendant entered a plea agreement on April 1, 2026, resolving the criminal case. The violations occurred in the computer systems design services industry.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection; Title-Registration for Controlled Substances Act Data-Use Request

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a 30-day notice seeking public comments on its proposed revision to the Controlled Substances Act registration data-use request collection (OMB Control No. 1117-0059) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The notice follows a prior 60-day comment period published January 2, 2026, at 91 FR 167. Comments are requested for 30 days until May 13, 2026.

Michigan Man Charged with $5M+ PPP Fraud Scheme

The DOJ announced federal criminal charges against Randon "Romero" Williams, 40, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, for allegedly defrauding PPP participating lenders and the SBA of over $5 million through a scheme involving six fraudulent loan applications submitted between April 2020 and March 2021. Williams faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering for submitting applications under false business names with fabricated employee counts, payroll expenses, and falsified tax documents.