U.S. Department of Justice

Voter intimidation and interference is illegal under federal law. This includes threats or coercion during voter registration, casting a ballot, or counting votes. #KnowYourRights

The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring every qualified voter can cast their ballot free from discrimination and intimidation. Federal laws protect against voter intimidation, coercion, and interference at every stage of the voting process. #KnowYourRights Learn more about your voting rights and how we safeguard them: https://lnkd.in/gVjsVsxf

China-Based Chemical Manufacturing Companies and Employees Indicted for Alleged Fentanyl Manufacturing and Distribution Today, the Justice Department announced the unsealing of indictments against eight China-based chemical companies and eight employees charging federal crimes, including attempted distribution of synthetic opioids and precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, and money laundering. The indictments were filed under seal in the Middle District of Florida over the past year. “Today, the Justice Department announced charges against eight China-based companies and eight individuals we allege are responsible for trafficking precursor chemicals that cartels use to manufacture lethal fentanyl,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies based in China. In order to break this critical link in the fentanyl supply chain, the Justice Department has aggressively investigated and prosecuted these companies. We will continue to target every organization and individual that fuels the deadly drug trade.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gGkW5vkD

The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force (ETTF) announced developments this week in four cases involving interstate transmissions of threats to election personnel and other victims. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gEH--W3t

Justice Department Announces Four Cases Brought by Election Threats Task Force The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force (ETTF) announced developments this week in four cases involving interstate transmissions of threats to election personnel and other victims. Teak Brockbank, 45, of Cortez, Colorado, pleaded guilty today to threatening a Colorado election official and making other threats to an Arizona election official, a Colorado state judge, and federal law enforcement agents between September 2021 and July 2024. Brian Jerry Ogstad, 60, of Cullman, Alabama, was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison for sending messages threatening violence to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix from Aug. 2-4, 2022, during and immediately following the Arizona primary elections. Richard Glenn Kantwill, 61, of Tampa, Florida, was charged on Monday for allegedly sending a threat on Feb. 9 to an election official in addition to already pending charges for threats made to three other victims based on their political commentary in 2019 and 2020. John Pollard, 62, of Philadelphia, was charged on Monday for allegedly threatening on Sept. 6 to kill a representative of a Pennsylvania state political party who was recruiting official poll watchers. “As we approach Election Day, the Justice Department’s warning remains clear: anyone who illegally threatens an election worker, official, or volunteer will face the consequences,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Over the past three and a half years, the Justice Department has been aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who threaten the public servants who administer our elections, and we will continue to do so in the weeks ahead. For our democracy to function, Americans who serve the public must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gEH--W3t

Justice Department Launches Voter Assistance Resources for People Impacted by Recent Hurricanes and Severe Weather Damage Webpage Provides Central Hub to Help People in Affected Areas to Vote The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division launched a webpage today compiling information to help voters in states impacted by recent hurricanes Helene and Milton to have access to the ballot. The hurricanes have displaced several thousands of people from their residences; disrupted vital services; closed schools, businesses and other places; slowed postal delivery; and destroyed important personal possessions, including photos and identification documents. In these online resources, the department focuses on the six states that were directly affected by recent hurricanes: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate voters who have been displaced, lost their identification documents, have had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote. It also provides contact information so that voters can reach local voting officials who can provide the most specific and up-to-date guidance. #Milton #Helene Read more: https://lnkd.in/gC9jARWG

Justice Briefs: #ElectionThreats John Dixon Keller, Head of the Election Threats Task Force, emphasizes the consequences of threatening activity around elections. Watch the rest of the #JusticeBriefs conversation at https://lnkd.in/gNTyR-wR

U.S. Marshals Focus on Violent Fugitives During Operation Nazare Wave Operation Focused on Reducing Violent Crime in the National Capitol Region The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) announced the results of Operation Nazare Wave, which focused on violent crime in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Region. This operation was spearheaded by the USMS’ Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) between April and September and resulted in the arrest of 826 fugitives (63 for homicide); recovery and seizure of 54 firearms; and seizure of 6.4 kg of narcotics and $1,115,365 in U.S. currency. “This successful operation reflects the collaborative approach the Justice Department has taken to turn the tide against violent crime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “From April to September, the U.S. Marshals Service brought together more than 30 law enforcement agencies spanning the Washington, D.C. area to arrest 826 fugitives and seize significant quantities of firearms and narcotics. I am deeply grateful to every Deputy U.S. Marshal and law enforcement partner who took part in this operation.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gWue2MtK

Justice Briefs: #ElectionThreats What to do if an elected official receives a threat? Watch the rest of the #JusticeBriefs conversation at https://lnkd.in/gNTyR-wR

Justice Briefs: #ElectionThreats When does free speech cross the line into criminal conduct? Watch the rest of the #JusticeBriefs conversation at https://lnkd.in/griZBNcy