Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
Tangipahoa Parish Woman Guilty of Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Dec. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
* * *
Tangipahoa Parish Woman Guilty of Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act
KAWAIISHH BROWN, age 52, a resident of Tangipahoa Parish, pled guilty on December 4, 2025 before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable
... Show Full Article
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Dec. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
* * *
Tangipahoa Parish Woman Guilty of Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act
KAWAIISHH BROWN, age 52, a resident of Tangipahoa Parish, pled guilty on December 4, 2025 before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectableamount of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to court documents, In January 2024, law enforcement officers learned that Shyheim Pines sold heroin and fentanyl from his residence in Pontchatoula, Louisiana and that his mother sold heroin and fentanyl from her Pontchatoula, Louisiana residence on behalf of Pines.
On March 26, 2024, agents executed search warrants at Pines and BROWN'S residences. At Pines' residence, agents found a black book sack containing 312.1 grams of methamphetamine, 1.61 grams of cocaine, and 57 grams of a substance containing tramadol, fentanyl and heroin. Also in the book sack with the drugs was a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
At the residence, where BROWN resides, law enforcement seized 57.1 grams of methamphetamine, 5.523 grams of fentanyl, 11.73 grams of cocaine and .995 grams of cocaine base. Also found in the residence were a Ruger LSP .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Radical Firearm Model RF-15 semi-automatic rifle.
BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), which is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hammond Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney's Office, and the 21st Judicial District Court. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Sarver and Andre Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/tangipahoa-parish-woman-guilty-violating-federal-controlled-substances-act
SEC Obtains Final Judgments as to CBD-Inhaler Company, Its CEO Charged With Making Fraudulent Statements
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 3:23-cv-2081-S; N.D. Tex. filed Sept. 18, 2023):
* * *
Securities and Exchange Commission v. Rapid Therapeutic Science Laboratories, Inc. and Donal R. Schmidt, Jr., No. 3:23-cv-2081-S (N.D. Tex. filed Sept. 18, 2023)
On November 24, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered final judgments as to Dallas-based Rapid Therapeutic Science Laboratories, Inc. ("RTSL") and its chief executive officer, Donal R. Schmidt, Jr. (collectively, "Defendants"), for charges
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 3:23-cv-2081-S; N.D. Tex. filed Sept. 18, 2023):
* * *
Securities and Exchange Commission v. Rapid Therapeutic Science Laboratories, Inc. and Donal R. Schmidt, Jr., No. 3:23-cv-2081-S (N.D. Tex. filed Sept. 18, 2023)
On November 24, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered final judgments as to Dallas-based Rapid Therapeutic Science Laboratories, Inc. ("RTSL") and its chief executive officer, Donal R. Schmidt, Jr. (collectively, "Defendants"), for chargesrelated to a series of false and misleading public statements made by Defendants regarding RTSL's business in connection with their offers and sales of RTSL stock.
As alleged in the SEC's complaint, filed on September 18, 2023, Defendants falsely claimed that RTSL, which manufactures and sells inhaler devices containing cannabidiol, had obtained an industrywide certification relating to manufacturing and product safety; RTSL had secured major sales contracts; RTSL had a laboratory that met international standards; RTSL's chief science officer was an engineer who held bachelor's and doctoral degrees; RTSL's inhalers were safe and legal; and RTSL's stock listing application had been approved by Nasdaq.
Without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations against it, RTSL consented to the entry of a final judgment, permanently enjoining it from violating Sections 10(b) and 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; Exchange Act Rules 10b-5, 12b-20, 13a-1, and 13a-13; and Sections 5 and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933. The final judgment orders RTSL to pay disgorgement of $686,090, plus prejudgment interest of $183,528.
Without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations against him, Schmidt consented to the entry of a final judgment, permanently enjoining him from violating Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act; Exchange Act Rules 10b-5 and 13a-14; and Sections 5 and 17(a) of the Securities Act. The final judgment also permanently enjoins Schmidt from aiding and abetting any violation of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act; and Exchange Act Rules 12b-20, 13a-1, and 13a-13. The final judgment orders Schmidt to pay disgorgement of $144,285, plus prejudgment interest of $38,596, and a civil penalty of $236,451. Additionally, the final judgment imposes a five-year conduct-based injunction and bars Schmidt from serving as an officer or director of a public company and from participating in any penny stock offering for five years.
The SEC's litigation was led by Jason Rose of the SEC's Fort Worth Regional Office, under the supervision of Keefe Bernstein.
* * *
Resources
* Final Judgment - Rapid Therapeutic Science Laboratories, Inc. (https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/litreleases/2025/judg26437-rtsl.pdf)
* Final Judgment - Donal R. Schmidt, Jr. (https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/litreleases/2025/judg26437-schmidt.pdf)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26437
One Piece at a Time: Tulsa District Begins Tenkiller Spillway Bridge Demolition
TULSA, Oklahoma, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Tulsa District issued the following news on Dec. 12, 2025:
* * *
One piece at a time: Tulsa District begins Tenkiller spillway bridge demolition
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District took a major step in the replacement of the State Highway 100 bridge near Gore, Okla., Dec. 8 with the start of demolition efforts.
Crews from Kiewit, the contractor performing the work, used a combination of handheld equipment and heavy machinery to remove the first large section of guardrail from the the 72-year-old bridge, which spans the
... Show Full Article
TULSA, Oklahoma, Dec. 13 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Tulsa District issued the following news on Dec. 12, 2025:
* * *
One piece at a time: Tulsa District begins Tenkiller spillway bridge demolition
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District took a major step in the replacement of the State Highway 100 bridge near Gore, Okla., Dec. 8 with the start of demolition efforts.
Crews from Kiewit, the contractor performing the work, used a combination of handheld equipment and heavy machinery to remove the first large section of guardrail from the the 72-year-old bridge, which spans themain spillway of Tenkiller Dam, Dec. 10.
The main spillway bridge was constructed concurrent with Tenkiller Dam in the 1950s. Because the structure is connected to the dam, demolition of the bridge requires careful, piece-by-piece dismantling.
"We're going through the demolition process, and there are beams under this bridge that we must protect. So, they're cutting concrete sections of the bridge out between those beams, one piece at a time and pulling those beams out," said Kristi Higgins, lead project engineer, Tulsa District.
The Tulsa District closed the main spillway bridge Oct. 6, 2025, to build walkways, set up the gantry crane and stage the equipment needed safely to execute demolition and reconstruction. State Highway 100 is an important thoroughfare for residents and visitors to Tenkiller Lake, said Raymond Todd, project manager, Tulsa District.
"The Tulsa District will provide regular project updates over the course of demolition and construction," said Todd. "We prioritize worker safety, while executing projects for the public's safety, and ask for patience while we work to revitalize infrastructure within the State of Oklahoma."
The existing bridge is a steel structure and will be replaced with a modern concrete structure.
"Bridge safety is what's important," said Higgins. "We inspect these bridges regularly, and at some point, a bridge just has to be replaced. You can only perform maintenance for so long until you have to rebuild it."
Demolition should be completed by late February or early March 2026. The entire project is expected to take between two and two and a half years.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/554084/one-piece-time-tulsa-district-begins-tenkiller-spillway-bridge-demolition
NRC Renews Browns Ferry Operating License
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
NRC Renews Browns Ferry Operating License
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed for a second time the operating licenses of Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Units 1, 2 and 3 for an additional 20 years, bringing to 10 the number of reactor licenses renewed this year.
Browns Ferry's three boiling-water reactors are located in Athens, Alabama. Their renewed facility operating licenses will expire in December 2053 for Unit 1, June 2054 for Unit 2, and July 2056 for Unit 3.
"This is a strong example
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
NRC Renews Browns Ferry Operating License
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed for a second time the operating licenses of Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Units 1, 2 and 3 for an additional 20 years, bringing to 10 the number of reactor licenses renewed this year.
Browns Ferry's three boiling-water reactors are located in Athens, Alabama. Their renewed facility operating licenses will expire in December 2053 for Unit 1, June 2054 for Unit 2, and July 2056 for Unit 3.
"This is a strong exampleof how independent oversight and effective collaboration can deliver results that support our energy future," said Jeremy Groom, Acting Director of the NRC's Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. "The NRC confirmed that Browns Ferry's reactors can safely operate for up to 80 years, and TVA's responsiveness helped us complete our rigorous review nearly 3 months ahead of schedule."
The NRC's review of the Tennessee Valley Authority subsequent license renewal application requesting authorization to operate from 60 to 80 years proceeded on two parallel tracks. The NRC issued a safety evaluation in July 2025, and a final supplemental environmental impact statement in August 2025. These documents, as well as other information regarding the Browns Ferry subsequent license renewal application, are available on the NRC website. Additional information about the license renewal process can also be found on the NRC's website.
Previously in 2025, the NRC renewed operating licenses for Oconee Units 1, 2 and 3; V.C. Summer Unit 1; Point Beach Units 1 and 2; and Perry Unit 1.
* * *
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The global gold standard for nuclear regulation, the NRC is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2025/25-065.pdf
FORMER VIPD COMMISSIONER AND FORMER OMB DIRECTOR FOUND GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS IN FEDERAL CORRUPTION TRIAL
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dec. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Virgin Islands posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
* * *
FORMER VIPD COMMISSIONER AND FORMER OMB DIRECTOR FOUND GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS IN FEDERAL CORRUPTION TRIAL
United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Ray Martinez, former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Jenifer O'Neal, former Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget (OMB), were found guilty on all counts following a one-week jury trial before United States District
... Show Full Article
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dec. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Virgin Islands posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
* * *
FORMER VIPD COMMISSIONER AND FORMER OMB DIRECTOR FOUND GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS IN FEDERAL CORRUPTION TRIAL
United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Ray Martinez, former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Jenifer O'Neal, former Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget (OMB), were found guilty on all counts following a one-week jury trial before United States DistrictJudge Mark A. Kearney. Martinez and O'Neal were convicted of participating in a wide-ranging public corruption scheme involving honest services wire fraud, federal program bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and, in Martinez's case, obstruction of justice.
"Public corruption erodes trust in government and interferes with the provision of important services to the community," said United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. "These convictions show that those who violate the public trust, whoever they are, will be held accountable."
"Today's verdict delivers a clear message: no one is above the law," said Joe Rodriguez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's San Juan Field Office, which covers the US Virgin Islands. "The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to rebuild public trust, which is the foundation of our democracy."
According to evidence presented at trial, Martinez accepted nearly $100,000 in bribe payments from contractor David Whitaker--including cash, luxury travel, personal expenses, private-school tuition, and restaurant equipment--and used his official authority to approve invoices and award Whitaker a $1.4 million dollar contract funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. O'Neal, who served as the territory's chief budget official, knowingly approved a $70,000 inflated invoice under that same contract and later accepted a $17,730 lease payment for her business, Java Grande, using federal funds from the inflated invoice.
The evidence further showed that, after learning of the federal investigation, Martinez attempted to obstruct justice by directing Whitaker to destroy evidence and by creating a fraudulent promissory note in an effort to conceal bribe payments. Martinez and O'Neal each face significant statutory penalties, including terms of imprisonment, and fines. Sentencing dates will be scheduled by the Court.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case, in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorney Alexandre
Dempsey of the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherrisse Amaro for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vi/pr/former-vipd-commissioner-and-former-omb-director-found-guilty-all-counts-federal
FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Issues Public Notice: Comments Invited on Section 214 Applications to Discontinue Domestic Non-Dominant Carrier Telecommunications And/Or Interconnected VOIP Services
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket Nos. 25-333, 25-334, 25-336) on Dec. 12, 2025:
* * *
Unless otherwise specified, the following procedures and dates apply to the application(s) (the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s)) listed in the Appendix.
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau), upon initial review, has found the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s) listed herein to be acceptable for filing and subject to the procedures set forth in Section 63.71 of the Commission's rules./1
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued the following public notice (WC Docket Nos. 25-333, 25-334, 25-336) on Dec. 12, 2025:
* * *
Unless otherwise specified, the following procedures and dates apply to the application(s) (the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s)) listed in the Appendix.
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau), upon initial review, has found the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s) listed herein to be acceptable for filing and subject to the procedures set forth in Section 63.71 of the Commission's rules./1The application(s) request authority, under section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,/2 and section 63.71 of the Commission's rules,/3 to discontinue, reduce, or impair certain domestic telecommunications service(s) (Affected Service(s)) in specified geographic areas (Service Area(s)) as applicable and as fully described in each application.
In accordance with section 63.71(f) of the Commission's rules, the Section 214 Discontinuance Application(s) listed in the Appendix will be deemed granted automatically on January 12, 2026, the 31st day after the release date of this public notice, unless the Commission notifies any applicant(s) that their grant will not be automatically effective./4 We note that the date on which an application for Commission authorization is deemed granted may be different from the date on which applicants are authorized to discontinue service ("Authorized Date"). Any applicant whose application has been deemed granted may discontinue their Affected Service(s) in their Service Area(s) on or after the authorized discontinuance date(s) specified in the Appendix, in accordance with their filed representations. Accordingly, pursuant to section 63.71(f), and the terms outlined in each application, absent further Commission action, each applicant may discontinue the Affected Service(s) in the Service Area(s) described in their application on or after the authorized discontinuance date(s) listed in the Appendix for that application. For purposes of computation of time when filing a petition for reconsideration, application for review, or petition for judicial review of the Commission's decision(s), the date of "public notice" shall be the later of the auto grant date stated above in this Public Notice, or the release date(s) of any further public notice(s) or order(s) announcing final Commission action, as applicable. Should no petitions for reconsideration, applications for review, or petitions for judicial review be timely filed, the proceeding(s) listed in this Public Notice shall be terminated, and the docket(s) will be closed.
Comments objecting to the application(s) listed in the Appendix must be filed with the Commission on or before December 29, 2025/5. Comments should refer to the specific WC Docket No. and Comp. Pol. File No. listed in the Appendix for the Section 214 Discontinuance Application. Comments should include specific information about the impact of the proposed discontinuance on the commenter, including any inability to acquire reasonable substitute service. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs. Filers should follow the instructions provided on the Web site for submitting comments. Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. In completing the transmittal screen, filers should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket number.
Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial courier, or by the U.S. Postal Service. All filings must be addressed to the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary are accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by the FCC's mailing contractor at 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of before entering the building. Commercial courier deliveries (any deliveries not by the U.S. Postal Service) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. Filings sent by U.S. Postal Service First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express must be sent to 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
This proceeding(s) shall be treated as a "permit-but-disclose" proceeding(s) in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules./6 Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter's written comments, memoranda or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by rule 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding(s) should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules.
People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530.
For further information, please see the contact(s) for the specific discontinuance proceeding you are interested in as listed in the Appendix. For further information on procedures regarding section 214 please visit https://www.fcc.gov/general/domestic-section-214-discontinuance-service.
* * *
Footnotes:
1/ 47 CFR Sec. 63.71.
2/ 47 U.S.C. Sec. 214.
3/ 47 CFR Sec. 63.71.
4/ See 47 CFR Sec. 63.71(f)(1) (stating, in relevant part, that an application filed by a non-dominant carrier "shall be automatically granted on the 31st day... unless the Commission has notified the applicant that the grant will not be automatically effective.").
5/ Comments are normally due 15 days after the Commission releases public notice of the proposed discontinuance. 47 CFR Sec. 63.71(a). For purposes of computation of time, if the comment deadline falls on a weekend or officially recognized Federal legal holiday, however, comments will be due on the next business day. See 47 CFR Sec. 1.4(e) and (j).
6/ 47 CFR Sec. 1.1200 et seq.
* * *
Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-1042A1.pdf
California Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Drug Trafficking
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Dec. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
* * *
California Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Drug Trafficking
United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Lynden David Lightburn, 52, of Los Angeles, California was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jill A. Otake to 72 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court records, from September 2020 to June 30, 2021, Lightburn, a/k/a
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Dec. 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
* * *
California Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Drug Trafficking
United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Lynden David Lightburn, 52, of Los Angeles, California was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jill A. Otake to 72 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court records, from September 2020 to June 30, 2021, Lightburn, a/k/a"Soulja," supplied more than 6.6 kilograms of fentanyl, 6.4 kilograms of heroin, and 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine to a Honolulu drug trafficking organization (DTO) co-led by Gabriel Antone Eberhardt, 43, of Detroit, Michigan, and Jason Darnell Smith, 42, of Detroit, Michigan. The DTO obtained drugs from Lightburn in Los Angeles, as well as Robert Adams, 38, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lightburn and Adams mailed the drugs to Honolulu. The DTO distributed fentanyl--a potent synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin--in mixtures with heroin and in counterfeit oxycodone tablets.
During an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), agents made dozens of controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine from the conspirators, and executed 15 search warrants on residences, rental storage units, and parcels. As a result of the controlled purchases and warrants, law enforcement agents seized more than 15 kilograms of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, seven firearms, including assault rifles and semi-automatic pistols, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a vehicle, and more than $250,000 in cash drug proceeds.
"Today's sentence brings to a close years of collaboration between the U.S. Attorney's Office and our partners across multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, as we worked tirelessly to bring down this large-scale, prolific, and dangerous drug trafficking operation," said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. "The aggressive pursuit and dismantling of drug enterprises that pump illicit drugs into Hawaii remains one of our top priorities. We will continue to devote our time, effort, and resources to protecting our community from those who seek to poison it with illegal narcotics, along with the violence and criminal use of firearms that drug trafficking spawns."
"This sentencing, and the overall resolution of the related investigation, represents years of collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies to dismantle one of Hawaii's most dangerous drug trafficking organizations," said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. "The FBI--in coordination with our partners--will continue to use every available resource to protect our communities by taking these violent offenders off the board and bringing them to justice."
"Today's sentencing closes the loop on a network of incessant drug traffickers, whose crimes threatened the safety and wellbeing of the island community," said Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Honolulu. "This case reflects DEA's continued commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable and stemming the flow of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs."
"This case shows the power of collaboration," said ATF Seattle Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson. "When federal, state, and local law enforcement work together, our resources are unlimited and our efforts unmatched. It is through these partnerships that we continue to hold accountable those who seek to profit from dealing illegal and dangerous drugs in our communities."
"The trafficking of dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine through the U.S. Mail puts Postal Service employees and our communities at risk. Postal Inspectors will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs," said Stephen Sherwood, Postal Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service's San Francisco Division. "We thank our federal and local partners for working with us to combat these crimes and make our communities safer."
In addition to Lightburn, who is the last of his coconspirators to be sentenced, the following defendants were prosecuted in this and related cases in the District of Hawaii:
* Eberhardt, a/k/a "Stacks," pled guilty to conspiracy and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced on October 21, 2024, to 30 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
* Smith, a/k/a "Famous," a/k/a "Sweets," pled guilty to conspiracy, and was sentenced on February 4, 2024, to 14 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
* Martzes Junior, a/k/a "Green," 44, of Southfield, Michigan, pled guilty to conspiracy and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced on December 10, 2024, to 12 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
* Adams, a/k/a "Tre," a/k/a "Tre Block," a/k/a "Block," a/k/a "T-Block," a/k/a "Ray Smith," pled guilty to conspiracy, and was sentenced on July 11, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
* Jared Northern, a/k/a "White Boy Jay," a/k/a "Gage," 26, of Honolulu, pled guilty to conspiracy and two counts of distribution of controlled substances, and on May 15, 2024, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
* Jennifer Ashcraft, a/k/a "Jessie," a/k/a "Jess," 34, of Honolulu, pled guilty to conspiracy, and was sentenced on January 28, 2025, to 37 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
* Zakiyyah Mareus, a/k/a "Kai," 28, of Miami Gardens, Florida, pled guilty to conspiracy, and on August 8, 2024, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release;
* Isaiah Marks, a/k/a "Seh," 26, of Honolulu, pled guilty to conspiracy and two counts of distribution of controlled substances, and on January 18, 2023, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release;
* Tishanah Iwalani Kaio-Barrozo, 34, of Honolulu, pled guilty to distribution of controlled substances, and on June 7, 2022, was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release;
* Michael Garrett, a/k/a "Sideburns," a/k/a "Burns," 42, of Romulus, Michigan, pled guilty to conspiracy, and on March 28, 2024, was sentenced to 3 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, ATF, USPIS, and HPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan is prosecuting the case.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-hi/pr/california-man-sentenced-6-years-drug-trafficking
