States, Cities and Counties
States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
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S.D. Education Dept.: Nine School Districts Received the 2026 South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 6 -- The South Dakota Department of Education issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:* * *
Nine School Districts Received the 2026 South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant
The South Dakota Department of Education named nine South Dakota school districts as the 2026 recipients of the South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant. Each school district will use the funds to provide major equipment upgrades for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
The equipment enhancements made possible through this grant will accelerate districts' CTE programs. High-quality CTE ... Show Full Article PIERRE, South Dakota, March 6 -- The South Dakota Department of Education issued the following news release on March 5, 2026: * * * Nine School Districts Received the 2026 South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant The South Dakota Department of Education named nine South Dakota school districts as the 2026 recipients of the South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant. Each school district will use the funds to provide major equipment upgrades for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The equipment enhancements made possible through this grant will accelerate districts' CTE programs. High-quality CTEprograms provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to prepare them for post-secondary education and the workforce.
"CTE programs are constantly evolving to match the pace of workforce needs," said Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves. "The South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant aids schools in equipping students with current technologies, resources, and tools, offering students a realistic, hands-on learning experience that will strengthen their marketability to colleges or employers once they leave the K-12 education system."
The following school districts have been named as the 2026 recipients:
* Aberdeen School District was awarded $30,233 for new precision machine equipment for the manufacturing program;
* De Smet School District was awarded $15,898 for modernizing metal fabrication within agriculture programs;
* Lake Preston School District was awarded $43,160 for expansion of program offers in multiple career clusters to strengthen industrial alignment;
* McLaughlin School District was awarded $11,997 to purchase equipment to offer a new culinary arts program;
* Menno School District was awarded $32,844 to purchase small engines and attend professional development opportunities to enhance the agricultural mechanics program;
* Mitchell School District was awarded $38,663 for the modernization of the automotive technology lab;
* Timber Lake School District was awarded $42,400 for the expansion of agriculture course offerings to strengthen industry alignment;
* Wakpala School District was awarded $40,145 to purchase a skid steer simulator to enhance the agriculture and construction program; and
* Wolsey-Wessington School District was awarded $26,201 to purchase industry-aligned equipment to enhance the agriculture and construction program.
To learn more about the South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant, visit doe.sd.gov/cte/perkins.aspx.
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Original text here: https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=1d1c5bff879b7290e0410f28cebb35ed
Pa. Senate Republicans: Key Points From Senate Budget Hearing With Department of Education
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 6 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:* * *
Key Points from Senate Budget Hearing with Department of Education
Senate Appropriations Committee members highlighted concerns about potential cuts to cyber charter schools, unfilled seats for pre-K programs, and ways to boost student achievement statewide during a budget hearing with the Department of Education today.
The governor's $53.3 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 would increase spending by $2.7 billion, 5.4% more than the current budget.
Department ... Show Full Article HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 6 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release on March 5, 2026: * * * Key Points from Senate Budget Hearing with Department of Education Senate Appropriations Committee members highlighted concerns about potential cuts to cyber charter schools, unfilled seats for pre-K programs, and ways to boost student achievement statewide during a budget hearing with the Department of Education today. The governor's $53.3 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 would increase spending by $2.7 billion, 5.4% more than the current budget. Departmentof Education
Gov. Shapiro is proposing nearly $19.4 billion in funding for the Department of Education, an increase of $914 million, or nearly 5 percent, over the current year. The Department of Education is the second-highest spending agency in state government. The largest proposed increase for the Department is for the Ready To Learn Block Grant program, which would rise by $565 million, a 40% increase.
Senator Martin on the benefits of universal FAFSA, the incredible success of Grow PA, concerns about paying for unfilled pre-K seats, whether the state will be able to recoup funds for vacant pre-K seats, how providers are being held accountable, cyber charter funding, and more
(Part 1) (https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/30526martineducationround1)
(Part 2) (https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/30526martineducationround2)
Senator Martin on addressing the decline in K-12 enrollment, refuting the talking point that PA ranks 49th in higher education, addressing the $10 million deficit for the School District of Lancaster, how to be better investors of taxpayer dollars in education, and more
Full Hearing (https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/030526-education)
Video Highlights
Delays and inefficiencies of the State Board of Higher Education were highlighted.
The Shapiro administration was strongly encouraged to opt in to receive funding from the federal government to expand school choice options for students and families.
Ideas were discussed about how Pennsylvania can emulate strategies followed in other states that have improved student achievement.
300 school districts are projected to receive 95 percent of the new funding under Gov. Shapiro's education plan, while the remaining 200 school districts are only set to receive 5 percent.
There was a discussion about how best to fund career and technical education programs that are seeing massive increases in enrollment.
Concerns were shared about the massive increases in school district reserves in recent years, even as property taxes continue to rise.
Ways to address Pennsylvania's teacher shortage were discussed.
Concerns regarding transparency surrounding the Reading Leadership Council were shared.
You can find recaps and video from every Senate budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com.
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/key-points-from-senate-budget-hearing-with-department-of-education-3/
Ohio State Auditor: Finding for Recovery of $3,237.12 Issued Against Former, Current Coal Grove Officials Over Repairs to Former Fiscal Officer's Vehicle
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 6 (TNSrep) -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:* * *
Finding for Recovery of $3,237.12 Issued Against Former, Current Coal Grove Officials over Repairs to Former Fiscal Officer's Vehicle
A finding for recovery of $3,237.12 was issued Thursday against three former and one current official from the Village of Coal Grove in Lawrence County after the village paid for maintenance repairs on a vehicle it did not own.
Former Fiscal Officer Courtney Rice and her bonding company, former Administrator Steve Patton, former Village ... Show Full Article COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 6 (TNSrep) -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on March 5, 2026: * * * Finding for Recovery of $3,237.12 Issued Against Former, Current Coal Grove Officials over Repairs to Former Fiscal Officer's Vehicle A finding for recovery of $3,237.12 was issued Thursday against three former and one current official from the Village of Coal Grove in Lawrence County after the village paid for maintenance repairs on a vehicle it did not own. Former Fiscal Officer Courtney Rice and her bonding company, former Administrator Steve Patton, former VillageCouncil member Kim McKnight and current council member Frederick Roush are jointly and severally liable for the total, which was included in an audit of the village's financial activities from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2024.
The full audit report is available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.
Auditors determined the village paid an Ashland, Kentucky, business $3,237.12 for maintenance and repairs on a vehicle owned by Rice. Village officials said the payment was considered additional compensation for Rice performing work-related duties using her personal vehicle.
Auditors noted, "... there is no official record that the additional compensation... was discussed prior to approval at a formal village meeting, nor did the village pass a resolution or ordinance on the matter."
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The Auditor of State's Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
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Original text here: http://ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/7810
Nearly 40-Year-Old Bristol, New Hampshire Mystery Solved
CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 6 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:* * *
Nearly 40-Year-Old Bristol, New Hampshire Mystery Solved
Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce that the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, in collaboration with the New Hampshire State Police, along with their investigative partners at the DNA Doe Project and the University of New Hampshire Forensic Anthropology Identification and Recovery Lab, have identified human remains discovered ... Show Full Article CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 6 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on March 5, 2026: * * * Nearly 40-Year-Old Bristol, New Hampshire Mystery Solved Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce that the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, in collaboration with the New Hampshire State Police, along with their investigative partners at the DNA Doe Project and the University of New Hampshire Forensic Anthropology Identification and Recovery Lab, have identified human remains discoverednearly four decades ago in Bristol, New Hampshire.
In 1986, a human skull was located in a wooded area of Bristol. Despite investigative efforts at the time, the individual's identity remained unknown.
In 2025, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, assisted by the New Hampshire State Police and the University of New Hampshire Forensic Anthropology Identification and Recovery Lab, partnered with the DNA Doe Project to apply advanced forensic genetic genealogy techniques to the case. Through that work, the remains were identified as Warren Kuchinsky, who was born in 1952 and was last known to be alive in the mid-1970s. His identity was confirmed through DNA testing of a surviving family member.
There is no evidence of foul play associated with Mr. Kuchinsky's death.
"This identification reflects the power of partnership and scientific advancement," said Attorney General Formella. "The dedication of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the investigative support of the New Hampshire State Police, and the extraordinary work of the DNA Doe Project have restored a name to an individual who had been unidentified for nearly 40 years. We are grateful for their professionalism and commitment."
The DNA Doe Project is a nonprofit organization that uses investigative genetic genealogy to help identify unidentified human remains. Working in partnership with law enforcement, medical examiners, and volunteer genealogists, the organization analyzes DNA profiles and builds family trees using publicly available genetic databases and historical records. Since its founding, the DNA Doe Project has assisted in resolving numerous cold cases across the country by restoring names to individuals who had previously gone unidentified.
"We are honored to have partnered with the State of New Hampshire on this case," said DNA Doe Project Team Leader Lisa Ivany. "Through the power of investigative genetic genealogy and the dedication of our volunteer genealogists, we were able to develop a critical lead in less than 24 hours. We truly hope that this identification brings long-awaited answers to Mr. Kuchinsky's family."
The New Hampshire Department of Justice and the New Hampshire State Police remain committed to pursuing appropriate scientific and investigative tools to resolve unidentified remains cases and provide answers to families whenever possible.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/nearly-40-year-old-bristol-new-hampshire-mystery-solved
Fla. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson Applauds USDA Issuing Disaster Declaration for Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, March 6 -- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following statement on March 5, 2026:* * *
Commissioner Wilton Simpson Applauds USDA Issuing Disaster Declaration for Florida
Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a USDA disaster declaration that supports Florida's agricultural producers impacted by historic freezes:
"I appreciate President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for always putting America's ... Show Full Article TALLAHASSEE, Florida, March 6 -- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following statement on March 5, 2026: * * * Commissioner Wilton Simpson Applauds USDA Issuing Disaster Declaration for Florida Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a USDA disaster declaration that supports Florida's agricultural producers impacted by historic freezes: "I appreciate President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for always putting America'sfarmers first, and for quickly issuing this official disaster declaration. Beyond the desperately needed federal support and financing that this declaration will now make available, it is also an acknowledgement of the incredible hardship and loss that Florida's growers experienced from the historic freezes. This was one of the most damaging freeze events in Florida agriculture's history, with our preliminary estimates totaling over $3 billion in agricultural losses. Florida agriculture now needs equally historic support. A strong and vibrant domestic food supply is critical to our national security and sovereignty, and Florida's farmers feed America, especially during the winter. I look forward to working with the USDA to connect our impacted producers with these newly released recovery resources, and any additional federal support that becomes available in the future.
"I am also grateful to all the FDACS staff, agricultural producers, and UF/IFAS for their hard work to get the loss data to the USDA in record time. We are proud to be partners in the effort to get relief to our farmers as quickly as possible."
On January 30, ahead of the forecasted winter storm, Commissioner Wilton Simpson sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins requesting swift access to federal assistance and programs for Florida's agricultural producers.
On February 10, the full Florida congressional delegation sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins supporting Commissioner Wilton Simpson's request for a USDA Disaster Declaration as a result of the freezes.
On February 20, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' preliminary estimates of losses to Florida agriculture from the recent freezes, including more than $3 billion in total estimated losses across the state's diverse agricultural sectors.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2026-Press-Releases/Commissioner-Wilton-Simpson-Applauds-USDA-Issuing-Disaster-Declaration-for-Florida
Calif. Gov. Newsom: Trump Pardons Wipe Nearly $2 Billion in Victim Repayment and Taxpayer Recovery for Medicare and Tax Fraud, and More
SACRAMENTO, California, March 6 (TNSrep) -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:* * *
Trump pardons wipe nearly $2 billion in victim repayment and taxpayer recovery for Medicare and tax fraud, and more
What you need to know: A new analysis finds that Trump's pardons of criminals across his two terms have denied nearly $2 billion in victim restitution, forfeitures, and fines.
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President Donald Trump has made his priorities clear from day one -- in his first term and now again in his second: he cares more about his wealthy friends, donors, and ... Show Full Article SACRAMENTO, California, March 6 (TNSrep) -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 5, 2026: * * * Trump pardons wipe nearly $2 billion in victim repayment and taxpayer recovery for Medicare and tax fraud, and more What you need to know: A new analysis finds that Trump's pardons of criminals across his two terms have denied nearly $2 billion in victim restitution, forfeitures, and fines. * President Donald Trump has made his priorities clear from day one -- in his first term and now again in his second: he cares more about his wealthy friends, donors, andcriminals than the everyday American victims. Today, in a new analysis (http://gov.ca.gov/TrumpCriminals), Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted that because of Trump's criminal crony pardons and commutations, victims and the public won't get back the nearly $2 billion that courts had ordered those criminals to pay as part of their sentences, or were considering ordering when the pardons came in.
In cases involving public programs, government contracts, tax fraud, and Medicare and Medicaid fraud, the victim is the American taxpayer. Trump's clemency actions shift the costs of fraud and corruption away from convicted criminals and onto everyone else.
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Restitution isn't optional -- it's a court-ordered requirement that criminals make their victims whole, paying back the money they have cheated, stolen, or defrauded. And when a case involves public programs or taxpayer dollars, fines and forfeitures are part of how we make the public whole. Trump's pardons have erased those legal and moral obligations. Trump is showing who he is by favoring his friends and donors over the livelihoods of Americans who have been hurt by those he's pardoned -- and over the taxpayer victims left holding the bag.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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When someone is convicted of embezzlement or fraud, courts often require repayment through restitution -- a court-ordered obligation to return stolen money to victims. President Trump, through a federal pardon or commutation, can grant not only a "get out of jail free card," but his actions also wipe away the repayment terms -- letting convicted criminals keep money a court ordered returned. This action also erases fines and forfeiture -- including for assets like private jets and expensive cars seized by the government to help pay back the public for these criminals' scams.
Trump's clemency has also wiped away forfeitures and fines that are meant to claw back proceeds of crime to return to victims, deter fraud, and return stolen resources to the public.
Trump shortchanges victims and taxpayers nearly $2 billion
Based on restitution amounts listed on the U.S. Department of Justice's official clemency pages for Trump's first term, plus restitution amounts tied to current-term clemency actions, the amounts owed by those Trump has pardoned total more than $1.3 billion in court-ordered restitution and pending restitution requests. When forfeiture and fine amounts tied to Trump's clemency actions are added, the combined total reaches nearly $2 billion in court-ordered and court-requested financial penalties.
These figures reflect restitution amounts associated with criminal convictions or requested by prosecutors in pending cases, along with fine and forfeiture amounts tied to clemency warrants or publicly reported DOJ penalty figures. They are not confirmed remaining balances at the moment clemency was granted and may include joint-and-several obligations that appear on multiple defendants' records. But they represent money courts ordered -- or prosecutors asked courts to order -- returned to victims, and penalties meant to reimburse the public and deter fraud.
In contrast, public reporting shows that President Biden granted 80 individual pardons over four years, and those recipients had roughly $688,000 in financial penalties -- more than 2,000 times smaller than Trump's nearly $2 billion tab.
Trump's clemency actions are related to cases involving substantial financial penalties tied to fraud and serious misconduct. In doing so, he has weakened accountability for white-collar crime and shifted the burden onto victims.
Trump cuts support for victims -- and erases the penalties that fund it
These actions aren't unique or done in a vacuum -- his federal budgets, too, have made deep cuts to victim support programs -- programs that help survivors of crime with counseling, housing assistance, legal aid, and compensation.
Victim assistance in America is largely funded through federal grants, including the Crime Victims Fund. When federal support is slashed, states and local providers are left scrambling -- and victims are left waiting.
The Crime Victims Fund is financed by penalties paid by criminals -- exactly the kind of fines and forfeitures Trump is wiping away, on top of the more than $1.3 billion in restitution that would have gone back to victims. Yet pardons for billion-dollar fraudsters and the collapse of white-collar prosecutions under Trump's DOJ are leaving victims without the support they deserve.
Trump's DOJ is also failing to protect human trafficking survivors, as it has failed to spend nearly $90 million meant for over 100 organizations that help victims. The funding that was cut or not distributed because it wasn't an "efficient use of taxpayer dollars," per the Trump administration, would have helped victims of human trafficking enter emergency housing, receive legal advocacy, and support houses of worship that are assisting victims. Why would Trump not want to distribute congressionally approved funding to help victims of human trafficking?
Trump, who claims to be tough on crime, has actually cut support for victims.
Trump uses his clemency power to gain favor
The president's clemency power exists for grants of mercy to all Americans who merit it- not to favor a fortunate few with ties to Trump. Our nation's founders enshrined clemency in the Constitution to fix unjust outcomes and provide second chances for those who show accountability for their crimes, including paying their restitution. Trump uses his clemency authority as a pay-to-play tool to protect serious financial criminals from legitimate court-ordered consequences, a process that causes victims more harm.
Trump has twisted this power and used it in ways that benefit well-connected insiders, wealthy allies, and individuals tied to political loyalty.
California will continue to call this out. We will continue to stand with victims. And we will continue to insist that justice means something -- that when a court orders restitution, forfeiture, or fines, it is not optional, and it is not a political favor to be erased.
Agent Zero: Donald Trump
FOUND LIABLE FOR FRAUD: New York courts found Donald Trump and Trump Organization entities liable for fraud in the state attorney general's civil enforcement case; in August 2025, a New York appellate court affirmed the fraud-liability finding but threw out the nearly $500 million monetary penalty as an excessive fine, and the state appealed.
Over 3,700 former Trump University students made claims of fraud against President Trump and his for-profit University in 2016, they later settled with the President and received $25 million. Former Trump University Staffers even described Trump University courses as a "fraudulent scheme."
Trevor Milton
Trevor Milton, the founder of an electric vehicle start-up, was sentenced to 4 years in prison in 2023 for securities and wire fraud - selling investors a story that his company Nikola was on the verge of delivering zero emission trucking - after being convicted by a jury. Milton was represented by Attorney General Pam Bondi's brother. In March 2025, he was granted a full and unconditional pardon by President Trump.
Prosecutors laid out a marketing campaign that exaggerated the value and nature of "purchase orders," overstated technology, and claimed that key prototypes and components were working and close to market, which he delivered through interviews, social media, and investor pitches as the stock price rose.
Prosecutors asked the court to order restitution of roughly $660 million to Nikola shareholders, plus roughly $15 million tied to a separate wire fraud victim in a Utah ranch transaction. Before the court could finish the restitution process, Trump issued a full pardon that remitted "any and all ... restitution ordered by the court" -- pulling the plug on the court's repayment track.
Milton, a Utah billionaire, and his wife donated more than $1.8 million to a Trump re-election campaign fund just before the November Presidential election.
Lawrence S. Duran
Lawrence S. Duran, the former co-owner of American Therapeutic Corp., pleaded guilty in April 2011 to multiple felonies including defrauding Medicare, health care fraud and money laundering. In May 2025, he was granted a commutation on his 50-year sentence by President Trump.
Through American Therapeutic Corporation's partial hospitalization programs, a form of intensive treatment for severe mental illnesses, and the American Sleep Institute, Duran's businesses paid kickbacks to assisted living facilities, halfway houses, and patient brokers to steer Medicare beneficiaries -- many of whom did not qualify -- into clinics.
The scheme generated about $205 million in false claims and roughly $87 million in Medicare payouts. His sentence included $87,533,863.46 in restitution. When Trump commuted Duran's sentence to time served, the warrant ended with no further fines or restitution.
Jason Galanis
Jason Galanis, a man once dubbed "Porn's New King," pled guilty and was sentenced for securities fraud and investment adviser fraud. Trump commuted his federal sentence in March 2025.
Galanis defrauded the Oglala Sioux Nation of $60 million, engaged in a scheme to manipulate the market, and defrauded clients of an investment advisory firm. But stealing money from people's pensions doesn't matter to the President as long as you support MAGA.
Across the two judgments, courts ordered $84,817,513.43 in restitution. Trump doesn't care about fraud committed by his friends and supporters. That's probably why he allowed Galanis to not pay his multi-million-dollar fines and didn't publicly announce the commutation.
Devon Archer
Devon Archer, the former businessman and private-equity investor, received a Trump pardon for his conviction in 2022 of defrauding the Oglala Sioux Nation in a $60 million bond scheme.
Prosecutors said the Wakpamni Lake Community Corporation issued more than $60 million in bonds on the promise that proceeds would be invested to generate payments for bondholders and fund tribal economic development.
The proceeds were actually diverted into accounts controlled by the conspirators, while the bonds were placed into client accounts at investment advisers, leaving the tribe with debt and investors holding paper they couldn't easily sell.
Archer was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, and the court ordered $43,427,436 in restitution. Trump pardoned Archer and the warrant remitted "any and all ... restitution ordered by the court," overriding the court's repayment order.
Adriana Camberos
Adriana Camberos, whose sentence for a conspiracy conviction was commuted by Trump in 2021, just received a pardon by the President in January 2026 for a mail and wire fraud conviction.
In 2024, she and her brother were convicted in a completely separate case after lying to manufacturers to sell wholesale groceries and additional items at big discounts in Mexico when in fact they sold them for higher prices to U.S. distributors. A federal court attached $48,824,415.45 in restitution to each sibling's sentence. Trump granted both full pardons, intervening in a case built around the idea that victims should be repaid.
In 2021, Camberos had her sentence commuted by Trump, after she was convicted as part of an elaborate conspiracy to divert 5-Hour Energy drink bottles acquired for resale in Mexico and instead kept them in the U.S. She and multiple co-conspirators attached counterfeit labels and filled the bottles with fake liquid before selling them.
Carlos Watson
Carlos Watson, Ozy Media founder, was set to serve a 116-month prison term for his conviction of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft when President Trump commuted his sentence in March 2025.
Trump also commuted the one-year probationary sentence imposed on Ozy Media for the defunct news and entertainment company's conviction in the same case.
A jury convicted Watson and his company on a three-count indictment that alleged Watson used false financial figures and fabricated deals to defraud investors, including when a top Ozy executive impersonated a YouTube official on a fundraising call to bolster credibility.
The restitution figure tied to the clemency record is $36,769,153.97 for Watson and Ozy Media. Trump commuted Watson's sentence to time served with no further fines or restitution, and Ozy received matching relief -- interrupting the court's route for repayment.
Julie and Todd Chrisley
Julie and Todd Chrisley, former reality TV stars, were convicted and sentenced for fraud-related offenses, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, bank fraud, tax evasion, and wire fraud. Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon in May 2025.
The couple provided false information to banks and fabricated bank statements when applying for and receiving millions of dollars in loans before later declaring bankruptcy, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Both were released from prison on May 28, 2025 after being sentenced in November 2022 to a combined 19 years in prison. The judgments included restitution of $17,270,741.57 for Todd Chrisley and $4,740,645.04 for Julie Chrisley, however, Trump granted both full pardons.
The President loves the Chrisleys and their fame so much that he doesn't think there should be consequences if they engage in federal tax evasion and defraud financial institutions.
Marian I. Morgan
Marian I. Morgan, who was convicted by a jury and sentenced to a nearly 34-year federal prison term for conspiracy, wire fraud, interstate and foreign transportation of stolen funds, money laundering, and filing false tax returns, had her sentence commuted by President Trump in January 2025.
Marian Morgan and her husband, John Morgan, operated an investment firm in Sarasota that functioned as a Ponzi scheme. According to prosecutors, the couple misappropriated $10 million in investor funds, spending the money on luxury cars and a waterfront mansion.
The court ordered $19,958,995 in restitution as part of that sentence. Trump commuted Morgan's sentence to time served, and the warrant ended the sentence with no further fines or restitution, cutting off the court ordered repayment obligation.
Imaad Shah Zuberi
Imaad Shah Zuberi, a venture capitalist and a Trump political donor, pled guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in prison for unregistered foreign lobbying, illegal campaign contributions and obstruction of justice. In May 2025, President Trump commuted his sentence
In federal court in Los Angeles, he was sentenced for crimes that revolved around hidden influence and hidden money, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, routing foreign funds into U.S. politics through conduit contributions, evading taxes, and obstructing justice by tampering with a witness.
The court ordered $15,705,080.11 in restitution and a $1.75 million criminal fine -- an attempt to claw back losses and penalize a fundraising operation that treated disclosure rules as optional. Trump commuted Zuberi's sentence to time served. The commutation warrant ends the sentence with no further fines or restitution, wiping out the financial terms the court attached to accountability.
Paul J. Manafort
Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman, was convicted by a jury and sentenced for bank fraud and other federal crimes. Trump issued him a pardon in December 2020.
Manafort, who led Trump's campaign in 2016 before being ousted over his ties to Ukraine, had been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine. Multiple federal cases accused Trump's former campaign chairman of hiding income from overseas consulting, moving money through offshore accounts, and lying to banks and the IRS -- conduct that shifted losses onto lenders and taxpayers while he maintained a lavish lifestyle. Manafort also had a close relationship to a man U.S. officials have linked to Russian intelligence and with whom he shared internal campaign polling data.
The court orders across multiple cases included $31,661,519.60 in restitution ($25,497,487.60 in one case and $6,164,032 in another) and $11,000,000 in forfeiture. In a case where the sentence was built around repayment and penalties, clemency intervened anyway, loosening the link between conviction and the obligation to make victims whole.
So, who's on the hook for the money when a convicted criminal gets a free pass from Trump?
Answer: victims, taxpayers, and the programs meant to help them -- because Trump's clemency doesn't just cut sentences, it wipes the bill.
Trump has granted clemency to more than 1,800 people.
The tolerance for fraud is so entrenched in Trump's government that we are calling on some of the best self-proclaimed independent investigators, Nick Shirley, Benny Johnson and Nick Sortor to investigate the MASSIVE FRAUD that seems to have been swept under the rug by the president.
The website -- Gov.ca.gov/TrumpCriminals -- establishes a public record of some of Trump's worst clemency actions, allowing anyone to see which criminals the President has chosen to free, and for what crimes. The list includes criminals convicted of fraud, tax evasion, securities fraud, campaign-finance violations, Medicare and Medicaid fraud, public corruption, and conspiracy to defraud the United States, among other crimes.
California took the Trump administration to court for illegally freezing over $10 billion in federal funding for child care and family assistance programs that support essential programs and services for vulnerable children and their families. It took a federal judge less than 24 hours to order an emergency pause to Trump's politically-motivated stunt targeting critical services for California families and kids. The Trump administration's professed basis for this action was generalized concerns about fraud in the programs nationwide. Yet they chose to freeze funding only for "Democrat-led" states. And they did not point to any information or allegations specific to California. This just shows, once again, that the Trump administration does not really care about combatting fraud, only punishing their perceived enemies.
Special treatment for rich friends?
Just last week, Trump issued multiple additional pardons and commutations, including for a family member of a large donor loyalist who has contributed to his super PAC. A recent analysis into the pardons Trump has issued in his first year of his second term shows he has pardoned an unusually high number of wealthy people accused of financial crimes. More than half of Trump's pardons have been for money laundering, bank fraud, and wire fraud, and half of the pardon recipients have been business executives or politicians.
Fraudster-in-Chief: Donald Trump
DEFRAUDING THE UNITED STATES: Donald Trump was indicted in federal court for conspiracy to defraud the United States in an alleged scheme to overturn the 2020 election; after he won re-election, the Justice Department moved to dismiss the case under its longstanding policy against prosecuting a sitting President.
FOUND LIABLE FOR FRAUD: New York courts found Donald Trump and Trump Organization entities liable for fraud in the state attorney general's civil enforcement case; in August 2025, a New York appellate court affirmed the fraud-liability finding but threw out the nearly $500 million monetary penalty as an excessive fine, and the state appealed.
TRUMP ORGANIZATION CONVICTED: A New York jury convicted two Trump Organization entities for a years-long scheme to defraud, including criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records.
ENRICHING HIMSELF: Experts warn that Trump is enriching himself and his businesses while using public office. It is estimated that Trump has made more than $800 million from crypto alone since the start of 2025.
Brian Kelsey
Brian Kelsey, a former Tennessee state senator, was convicted and sentenced for conspiracy to defraud the United States and of aiding and abetting the acceptance of excessive contributions, a campaign-finance offense. Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon in March 2025 just 15 days after this Republican began serving a 21-month prison sentence.
It's scary to think that the tolerance for FRAUD is so extreme in Tennessee that three Republican congressmen wrote letters to their supreme leader begging for a pardon for somebody who engaged in a campaign finance FRAUD scheme.
Jason Galanis
Jason Galanis, a man once dubbed "Porn's New King," pled guilty and was sentenced for securities fraud and investment adviser fraud. Trump commuted his federal sentence in March 2025.
Galanis defrauded the Oglala Sioux Nation of $60 million, engaged in a scheme to manipulate the market, and defrauded clients of an investment advisory firm. But stealing money from people's pensions doesn't matter to the president as long as you support MAGA.
Trump doesn't care about fraud committed by his friends and supporters. That's probably why he allowed Galanis to not pay his multi-million-dollar fines and didn't publicly announce the commutation.
Glen Casada
Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada was convicted by a jury in a federal public-corruption case of 14 criminal counts, including honest services fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon in November 2025.
The corruption trial involved activities that occurred while Casada was a lawmaker but after he had resigned as speaker in 2019 following a no-confidence vote by fellow Republicans due to swirling scandals. Casada's former chief of staff, Cade Cothren, stepped down in 2019 from his job amid allegations.
Thanks to Trump, Casada and Cothren are cleared for texting about cocaine use inside Tennessee state office buildings, racist and sexist messages, and whatever else they apparently thought was acceptable conduct.
Cade Cothren
Cade Cothren, former chief of staff to the Tennessee House speaker, was convicted alongside Glen Casada in the same public-corruption case and sentenced in federal court. Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon in November 2025.
Cothren launched a company called Phoenix Solutions with the knowledge and support of Casada and an associate. They claimed the company was run by a "Matthew Phoenix," but the companies were controlled by Casada and the associate and received roughly $52,000 in taxpayer money in 2020 from a program used by lawmakers to send mailings to constituents.
Cothren received a 30-month sentence. Along with his boss, he was indicted in August 2022 and convicted May 2025.
Dinesh D'Souza
Dinesh D'Souza, conservative mouthpiece, was convicted and sentenced for campaign contribution fraud. Trump issued a pardon in 2018.
He pled guilty and was convicted in 2014 of an illegal $20,000 campaign contribution to a New York politician. He was sentenced to five years of probation after admitting to the crime.
D'Souza has spread misinformation to the masses - going after former President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and survivors of the Parkland mass school shooting, among others, and spreading the debunked 2000 Mules election conspiracy.
Charles Kushner
Charles Kushner, ambassador to France and father of Jared Kushner, pled guilty and was convicted of 18 criminal counts, including assisting in the filing of false tax returns, retaliating against a cooperating witness and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission. Trump issued a pardon in December 2020.
The real estate developer was sentenced to two years in prison. He served 14 months at a federal prison in Alabama and completed his sentence at a halfway house in Newark, N.J., until his release in August 2006.
Kushner's eldest son, Jared, is married to Ivanka Trump, Trump's daughter. He served as a senior White House adviser during Trump's first term.
John Duncan Fordham
John Duncan Fordham, a former Augusta pharmacist, was convicted and sentenced for federal health care fraud. Trump issued a pardon in 2020, on his last day in office.
Fordham made an arrangement with former state Rep. Robin Williams in which Fordham would get contracts to run the Community Mental Health Center of East Central Georgia's pharmacy. The contracts included extravagant bonuses for Fordham, who gave Williams about a third of that money in kickbacks.
John Duncan Fordham was convicted in 2005 and sentenced to 52 months in federal prison. He was released in 2009.
Philip Esformes
Philip Esformes, a former Florida health care executive, was convicted and sentenced in a federal health-care fraud case that included conspiracy to defraud the United States and charges related to kickbacks and bribery. Trump commuted his sentence in December 2020.
He was convicted in 2019 of a $1.3 billion Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme, what the Justice Department at that time called the largest health care fraud ever charged, and scheduled to spend 20 years in prison when Trump freed him just 14 months later.
Judith Negron
Judith Negron, who was part of a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme, was convicted and sentenced for health care fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States, among other listed counts. Trump commuted her sentence in February 2020.
Negron, along with two other owners and executives with the company she owned, American Therapeutic Corporation, were arrested in October 2010 for a scheme that prosecutors said billed Medicare for mental health treatments that patients didn't need.
She only served 8 years of her 35-year sentence.
Eliyahu Weinstein, the mastermind behind a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, was convicted and sentenced in wire-fraud-conspiracy cases. He was sentenced to prison for 24 years, only for Trump to commute his sentence in January 2021.
While Trump commuted his sentence, this con man is actually heading back to federal prison for 37 years for running a new Ponzi scheme. He has been ordered to pay $44 million in restitution, due immediately, related to the new conviction.
Here's a few more individuals with criminal records, corruption cases, and extremist ties that Donald Trump elevates, protects, pardons, and surrounds himself with.
Criminal in Chief: Donald Trump
34 REASONS: A New York court convicted the President of 34 felony counts of falsified business records - the first time a former or sitting President has been convicted of criminal charges.
TRUMP PROTECTS PEDOPHILES: Trump cozies up to pedophiles like Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Trump Faith Advisor Robert Morris.
TRUMP'S CRYPTO CORRUPTION: Trump used to call crypto a "scam," then he cashed in. The Trump family has raked in at least $800 million dollars in crypto since the start of 2025 alone. He also pardoned Binance's co-founder after Binance helped set up Trump's own crypto holdings company and suspended an SEC fraud investigation into a crypto billionaire Justin Sun just weeks after Sun invested $75 million into Trump's crypto company World Liberty Financial. Trump is cashing in on his presidential power, bumping up the value of his $TRUMP memecoin by 60% by offering a White House tour to top investors.
TRUMP'S BIG, DUMB, CORRUPT PLANE: He received a jumbo jet from Qatar, then signed a highly unusual, NATO-like security guarantee with them via executive order, vowing to defend the country if they are attacked by a foreign power. Because Trump wanted a new toy, Americans will have to foot an at least $400 million dollar bill to retrofit the plane. Just three days later, Trump offered Qatar a multi-billion-dollar defense and technology deal, including MQ-9B drones, counter-drone systems, advanced radar, satellite communications, and a $1 billion joint venture in quantum technologies. A few months later, Trump committed to new security guarantees with Qatar rivaling those offered by NATO allies. Surely none of this has anything to do with the Trump family's planned multi-billion dollar resort in Qatar, right?
January 6 Insurrectionists
The President's first act in office was to grant clemency to about 1,500 people - every person charged or convicted for their role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The pardons and commutations for these "patriots" do not clear their previous extensive criminal records, including those charged with rape and domestic violence.
After their pardons, several Jan 6ers went on to be convicted of possessing child pornography, sexually assaulting a child, driving under the influence and reckless homicide, burglary, grand theft, home invasion, and resisting arrest, among other crimes.
President Trump unleashed his loyal, violent and sexual predator cronies onto the streets of America, endangering all of us while he jets off across the globe.
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez
The former Honduran President and convicted top drug boss received a Trump pardon. The former President had been sentenced to a 45-year prison sentence after being convicted for using his position to smuggle 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S. in 2024. Honduras, for its part, has issued a warrant for his arrest.
He is just one of more than 100 unrepentant and unreformed people convicted of weapons and drug-related crimes that Trump has pardoned -- a roster that includes other high-profile drug trafficking and kingpin cases.
Changpeng Zhao
Governor Newsom supports responsible crypto and blockchain innovation while prioritizing consumer protection, not fraud. Meanwhile Trump handed Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao -- who pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program - a full and unconditional pardon. As part of his guilty plea, Zhao acknowledged publicly that Binance identified users who appear to be involved in illicit activity but allowed the users to continue to use the exchange because they were VIPs. Binance's willful failures allowed money to flow to terrorist, cybercriminals, and child abusers through its platform.
In addition, Binance Holdings Limited pleaded guilty to violations related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), failure to register as a money transmitting business, and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
All of this while Trump said publicly he doesn't know who Zhao is. Maybe Sneaky Pete used the autopen while Trump slept
Trump's family has pursued crypto ventures through World Liberty Financial. Binance helped developthe code for USD1, a digital currency issued by World Liberty Financial, which was later used by a UAE firm to make a $2 billion investment in Binance. Days after Trump pardoned the Binance founder, Binance began promoting USD1 to U.S. investors, increasing its accessibility and potential value.
Ross Ulbricht
The former Silk Road founder helped facilitate the sale of more than $214 million in illegal drugs through a dark web marketplace, with some of those who bought drugs dying. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Trump pardoned him for his 2015 conviction for a narcotics and money-laundering conspiracy.
Rod Blagojevich
The former Illinois Governor was convicted of multiple political corruption charges, including holding up funding for state hospitals while trying to sell an appointment to an Illinois Senate seat.
Trump originally had commuted his 14-year sentence, then pardoned him entirely earlier this year, which cleared his record.
BitMEX Bros
California's support of responsible crypto and blockchain innovation is in stark contrast to the BitMEX cryptocurrency exchange co-founders Benjamin Delo, Arthur Hayes, Gregory Dwyer, and Samuel Reed who received a Trump pardon. They had pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act.
Trump also pardoned the corporation that owns the cryptocurrency exchange, HDR Global Trading Limited.
Michele Fiore
The former Las Vegas city councilmember and state lawmaker was convicted of seven counts relating to wire fraud.
She had raised more than $70,000 for the statue of a slain police officer, but instead spent it on cosmetic surgery, rent and other outlandish personal expenses.
George Santos
Serial fraudster and Congressmember who lied about his identity and committed wire fraud had their sentence commuted by President Trump after serving only three months of his sentence.
Trump doesn't care if you lie about your mom dying on 9/11, steal personal identity information from elderly donors and use your campaign apparatus for personal gain, as long as you can out MAGA your way through a republican primary you may be eligible for clemency and maybe a new Louis Vuitton bag too.
For more information on Trump's pardons, visit the federal Department of Justice website.
Nobody's safe from Trump
Former MAGA Megaphone Marjorie Taylor Greene is one of the most recent people to feel the wrath of the President's daily violent rhetoric. After she broke with the President in his quest to protect Epstein affiliates and jack-up prices for people's healthcare, Trump called her a traitor. Trump's acts have threatened his opponents' personal safety - Marjorie and her family received death threats that were fueled by the President.
Trump doesn't care about public safety
The Trump Administration has made cuts to public safety, including canceling more than $800 million in federal grant money that would have funded school violence programs, training for police officers, resources for domestic violence survivors and hate crime prevention.
All of this as there's been a reported 2,000 agents reassigned from anti-trafficking task forces to immigration and border missions, leaving longstanding federal-state initiatives under-resourced and federal drug prosecutions falling to their lowest levels in decades.
Other cuts include:
* High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program funding was cut by 35% ($102 million), shrinking federal support for multi-agency teams targeting drug/human trafficking.
* The State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons was cut by one-third, reducing global coordination and survivor assistance.
* The Department of Labor eliminated over $500 million in grants for child labor and trafficking prevention, with ripple effects in vulnerable countries tied to U.S. trade.
* The USAID Counter Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) program was closed, and anti-trafficking responsibilities shifted to the State Department with reduced funding.
* Major victim support and prevention grants were canceled or cut, with advocates and local law enforcement warning of weakened response capacity.
* Cutting funding to the Multi-state Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a key vehicle for sharing cybersecurity threat intelligence and collaborating on incident response.
New data shows violent crime is down
As new data shows that crime continues to drop in California, Governor Newsom launched this page to track Trump's criminal compatriots. According to new data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, crime is down nearly across the board in California year-over-year.
Homicides: 18%
Robberies: 19%
Violent crime: Down in every major city reporting data
Largest drops: Oakland (25%) and San Francisco (21%)
Compared to 2019 (the last pre pandemic year), violent crime across the same large California city police departments tracked in the MCCA year end surveys is down about 12% in 2025 -- driven by robberies down about 29% and homicides down about 12%. Not every major jurisdiction is seeing California's same results: violent crime increased in Atlanta (+17%), with robbery up (+27%), and homicides rose in El Paso (+25%) and Omaha (+37%).
California's significant public safety investments
California has invested $2.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California's Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.
Last year, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state's robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills offer new tools to bolster ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable for smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft, and auto burglaries. While California's crime rate remains at near-historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.
As part of the largest-ever state investment to fight organized retail crime, Governor Newsom announced in 2023 that the state allocated $267 million to 55 communities to help them combat this issue. These funds have allowed cities and counties to hire more police officers, make more arrests, and pursue more felony charges against suspects.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/03/05/trumpcriminals3/
CDPHE Launches New Environmental Justice Grants Program Dashboard
DENVER, Colorado, March 6 -- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:* * *
CDPHE launches new Environmental Justice Grants Program dashboard
The Office of Environmental Justice is proud to announce the launch of the Environmental Justice Grant Program Dashboard, a new interactive tool that shows how environmental justice grant funding is making a difference across Colorado.
The Environmental Justice Grant Program supports projects that help communities create healthier environments in which to live, learn, work, and play. ... Show Full Article DENVER, Colorado, March 6 -- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued the following news release on March 5, 2026: * * * CDPHE launches new Environmental Justice Grants Program dashboard The Office of Environmental Justice is proud to announce the launch of the Environmental Justice Grant Program Dashboard, a new interactive tool that shows how environmental justice grant funding is making a difference across Colorado. The Environmental Justice Grant Program supports projects that help communities create healthier environments in which to live, learn, work, and play.The grants dashboard provides a user-friendly way for the public to explore projects from the past three years and learn how investments are addressing pollution, improving local conditions.
Through the program, the state supports community-led efforts to address a wide range of environmental issues, including air and water pollution and climate change.
The new dashboard shows the program's progress, allowing users to explore projects from past grant cycles. It also enhances transparency by showing how public funds are invested and where projects are underway.
"This dashboard gives Coloradans a clear view of how state funding is supporting practical, on-the-ground solutions to environmental health challenges," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. "It reflects our commitment to transparency and to directing resources where they can make a measurable difference."
"The Environmental Justice Grants Program Dashboard shows how communities across Colorado are turning investment into meaningful action," said Meghan Guevara, director of the Office of Environmental Justice.
By making this information accessible, the state is increasing transparency and promoting community-led solutions that improve health and environmental conditions. As the Office of Environmental Justice prepares to launch the fourth funding cycle of the program, this dashboard also offers a clear picture of the impact future funding can support.
To learn more about the office's work, visit our website (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environmental-justice).
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Original text here: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/cdphe-launches-new-environmental-justice-grants-program-dashboard