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COVID-19 Deaths among BOP Inmates in June 2020

List of BOP inmate deaths in June 2020 due to COVID-19, including age, time in custody, offense of conviction, testing history, and whether inmate had pre-existing, underlying conditions identified by the CDC as high risk.

Criminal Charges Against Protestors Go Federal

Federal prosecutors in New York recently announced indictments against three protestors who were arrested in New York City during recent demonstrations against police brutality. The three individuals are accused of throwing explosive devices at police cars during two separate incidents in May. The charges include arson, possession of explosives and destructive devices, and public disorder. […]

Feds Increasing Prosecutions of Businesses and Individuals for Alleged “COVID-19 Fraud”

The past two months saw a surge in federal prosecutions of “COVID-19 fraud” and other COVID-19-related charges. The Department of Justice’s aggressive posture and increasing number of prosecutions signals that federal law enforcement agencies are scrutinizing businesses and individuals who sell, market, or otherwise distribute products that claim to treat or prevent the spread of […]

Collection of Compassionate Release Cases

The outbreak of COVID-19 among the Bureau of Prisons’ facilities has been well-documented by now. The Director of the BOP recently announced that, of the few thousand inmates had been tested by the end of April, 70% tested positive for COVID-19. While Attorney General Barr has issued guidance urging the BOP to “maximize” its use […]

Feds look for fraud in $670-billion small business loan program

As part of the federal government’s efforts to keep the economy going during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress created a $670 billion emergency loan program for small businesses called the Paycheck Protection Program. The DOJ is now announcing that it will scrutinize businesses that apply for and receive this aid, especially large businesses and those applying […]

DOJ Targets Internet Scams Involving COVID-19 Fraud

The Department of Justice issued a press release today announcing that it “has disrupted hundreds of internet domains used to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to commit fraud and other crimes.” The presser notes that the FBI has received thousands of tips related to COVID-19 scams from websites advertising fake vaccines and treatments, fake charity drives, […]

Feds bring first prosecution under Defense Production Act

In an unprecedented move, the federal government has brought its first criminal prosecution under the Defense Production Act, charging Bobby Singh, a business owner in Long Island, with hoarding and price-gouging personal protective equipment. Under the Defense Production Act, the president can issue an executive order recognizing certain products and materials as “scarce materials” and […]

Fed’s Effort to Combat Opioid Crisis Hits Walmart, other Pharmacies

This month saw new signs that the federal government is escalating its war on the opioid epidemic. First, ProPublica reported on new developments in a lawsuit against Walmart and other companies that revealed that Walmart has been hiding that the company was previously under criminal investigation regarding its opioid dispensing practices. The lawyers representing the […]

BOP Releasing Few Inmates and Changing Rules as Crisis Worsens

The Marshall Project has recently reported that few inmates in BOP custody have been released since Attorney General issued a memorandum urging the BOP to maximize the number of inmates it releases to home confinement in order to curb the significant outbreak of COVID-19 among its facilities. The BOP website currently discloses that the BOP […]

Georgia Man Accused of COVID-19 Scam Against VA

April 10, 2020 An Atlanta man was arrested and charged by federal prosecutors in D.C. with wire fraud charges. The man is accused of attempting to sell millions of non-existent respirator masks to the Department of Veterans Affairs in exchange for upfront payments. According to prosecutors, the defendant had promised the VA and others that […]

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