Tip to FBI Ends 32-Year-Long Manhunt: Louisiana Fugitive Captured in Mexico

New Orleans, Louisiana - In a dramatic turn of events, a 32-year-long manhunt for Greg Lawson, a Louisiana man who had been on the run since 1991, came to a close with his arrest in Huatulco, Mexico. The breakthrough in this decades-old case was made possible by a recent tip received by the FBI New Orleans.

The pursuit of 63-year-old Greg Lawson began in May 1991 when he fled just before a jury found him guilty of attempted second-degree murder. Over the years, the FBI tirelessly followed numerous leads and acted on tips and alleged sightings, crisscrossing the United States in their quest to bring Lawson to justice. From the outset, there were suspicions that Lawson had sought refuge in Mexico.

Earlier this month, a crucial tip received by FBI New Orleans provided the vital breakthrough. The tip confirmed Lawson's presence in Mexico, setting off a series of coordinated efforts between FBI agents in Shreveport, Mexico, and FBI Headquarters. With the cooperation of Mexican immigration authorities, Lawson was arrested on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in Huatulco, Mexico. He was subsequently deported from Mexico due to immigration violations.

FBI agents are now working closely with the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office to facilitate Lawson's return to Louisiana, where he will face the legal consequences of his actions.

Douglas A. Williams Jr., the special agent in charge of FBI New Orleans, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of law enforcement partners and the public throughout the lengthy investigation. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the swift action of Mexican authorities in finally bringing Greg Lawson to justice, closing a chapter that had remained open for more than three decades.

New Central Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center Enhances Law Enforcement Efforts to Combat Gun Violence

Columbus, Ohio - In a significant development, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has announced the opening of a new Central Ohio Regional Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) in Columbus, Ohio. These centers are dedicated to addressing and preventing gun violence within local communities, serving as centralized hubs for the rapid collection, analysis, and sharing of information related to firearms used in violent crimes. This marks the second CGIC in Ohio and is part of a network of over 60 such centers operated by ATF across the United States.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco emphasized the effectiveness of Crime Gun Intelligence Centers in solving violent crimes, bringing repeat offenders to justice, and reducing gun violence nationwide. These centers facilitate collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, harnessing resources to enhance public safety.

ATF Director Steven Dettelbach praised the progress made in Ohio through the use of crime gun intelligence and expressed optimism about the partnership's future in combating violent crime.

The CGICs primarily rely on two critical systems: eTrace and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN, a vast network of ballistic images from crime scenes across the country, plays a pivotal role in solving shootings. It matches shell casings recovered from different crime scenes to identify links between multiple shootings. eTrace, on the other hand, traces firearms associated with criminal investigations back to their initial retail sale. These technologies help develop actionable intelligence leads, connecting shootings that may have occurred miles apart and identifying shooters more rapidly.

Ohio Governor Mark DeWine commended the Central Ohio CGIC as the next generation in intelligence-based policing. This initiative fosters collaboration among various agencies to target individuals involved in gun violence and hold them accountable for their actions.

Operated in partnership with the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, and Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Central Ohio CGIC has been operational since July. It offers its services free of charge to law enforcement agencies in the region. Since its launch, the CGIC has successfully linked multiple shootings in Columbus this summer to crimes committed several years ago, including incidents in other parts of the state.

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther of the City of Columbus emphasized the power of collaboration to strengthen accountability and secure justice, highlighting the collective effort to connect firearms used in crimes with the individuals responsible.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio underlined the impact of concentrated, collaborative efforts like the CGIC in reducing violence in cities, emphasizing the use of federal firearms laws to hold accountable those who use firearms to commit violent acts.

Additional agencies supporting the Central Ohio CGIC include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.

ATF's commitment to opening more Crime Gun Intelligence Centers underscores its ongoing collaboration with state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners nationwide.

Five Former Memphis Police Officers Indicted on Federal Charges in Tyre Nichols Case

Memphis, Tennessee - In a significant development, a federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee, has returned an indictment charging five former Memphis Police Department (MPD) detectives with federal civil rights, conspiracy, and obstruction offenses relating to the death of Tyre Nichols on January 7.

The charges, which include federal civil rights violations, conspiracy, and obstruction, stem from the shocking and tragic incident involving Tyre Nichols. The indictment alleges that the five former officers, while serving as members of an MPD SCORPION team, willfully deprived Nichols of his constitutional rights. These charges were announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, highlighting the severity of the case.

"The country watched in horror as Tyre Nichols was kicked, punched, tased, and pepper sprayed, and we all heard Mr. Nichols cry out for his mother and say 'I'm just trying to go home,'" stated Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Officers who violate the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect undermine public safety, which depends on the community's trust in law enforcement."

The charges include allegations of assault resulting in bodily injury and death, violations of a law enforcement officer's deliberate indifference to serious medical needs, conspiracy to cover up the use of unlawful force, and obstruction offenses.

Counts one and two of the indictment carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Counts three and four each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The charges announced today are separate from the Justice Department's civil pattern or practice investigation into the MPD, indicating that these charges are criminal in nature, whereas the pattern or practice investigation is a civil investigation.

The FBI Memphis Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pritchard and Elizabeth Rogers, along with Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert and Deputy Chief Forrest Christian of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, are prosecuting the case.

These federal charges are separate from the charges brought by the State of Tennessee against the former officers in relation to the death of Tyre Nichols, as they allege different criminal offenses, specifically violations of the U.S. Constitution.

The indictment serves as an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This indictment marks a significant step in seeking justice for Tyre Nichols and reinforcing the commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of the circumstance

Justice Department Awards $58.8 Million in Grants to Provide Legal Services and Improve Court Responses to Domestic and Sexual Violence

The Justice Department announced today $58,860,034 in Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) grants to provide legal services and to improve effective coordination of justice systems impacting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. OVW awarded the funds under the Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program, Justice for Families (JFF) Program, Expanding Legal Services Initiative (ELSI) and the Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative.

The need for specialized legal services is both urgent and essential for survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. These services provide interventions, such as securing restraining or protective orders and address issues such as child custody, immigration, housing and employment, that are essential for survivor safety. Moreover, there is a significant overlap between domestic violence and family law, particularly in cases involving children; survivors often need legal counsel to navigate complex issues like child custody, visitation and child support. The legal system is inherently complicated, and for survivors who are simultaneously managing the emotional and physical toll of abuse, navigating it can be overwhelming. Despite this acute demand, many communities still lack adequate resources, underscoring the urgency for more comprehensive legal support to ensure both justice and safety for survivors.

“Access to legal assistance is a lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “Survivors must be able to access services and support that provide a pathway to safety and justice. The Justice Department funding announced today will expand access to legal representation and make it easier for thousands of survivors to navigate the justice system every year.”

"The Legal Assistance for Victims Grant, in conjunction with the Justice for Families Program and the Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative, serve as a powerful multi-pronged strategy to transform the justice system's approach to supporting families affected by violence," stated OVW Director Rosemarie Hidalgo. "These grants enhance court-related programs, trauma-informed training, and resources, while also providing victims with specialized legal support. This includes assistance with securing protective orders and navigating complex family law matters. Collectively, these grants advance a more comprehensive approach, aimed at ensuring that survivors and their families don't merely navigate our legal system, but genuinely find a path to justice and safety."

Specifically, OVW awarded a total of $39,638,367 to 55 grantees under the LAV Program, which addresses the legal needs of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. ELSI, which operates under the LAV Program, awarded $3,199,306 through eight grants to support the development of new legal services programs. In addition, OVW’s JFF Program awarded $15,272,361 to 25 projects that aim to improve the capacity of communities and courts in responding to families impacted by violence. Moreover, $750,000 was awarded under the Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative to recognize well-established specialized courts and enable them to guide newly-established specialized courts and court-based programs that wish to significantly improve their responses to domestic violence cases and ensure victim safety and offender accountability.

Veterans' Courts: Bridging Justice and Support for Those Who Served

In recent years, a unique approach to criminal justice has gained traction across the United States: Veterans' Courts. These specialized courts offer an alternative path for veterans entangled in the criminal justice system, aiming to address the underlying issues they face while also providing them with the support and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society. In this article, we delve into the origin, history, purpose, and provide four examples of Veterans' Courts that highlight their significance and impact.

Origin and History: The concept of Veterans' Courts emerged as a response to the growing recognition that veterans often face distinct challenges when transitioning back to civilian life. Many veterans grapple with mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma, which can lead to encounters with the criminal justice system. The first Veterans' Court was established in 2008 in Buffalo, New York, as a result of collaboration between legal professionals, mental health experts, and veteran service organizations. Since then, these courts have expanded across the country, offering a tailored approach to veterans who have come into contact with the law.

Purpose and Approach: Veterans' Courts are founded on the principle of treatment over punishment. Instead of traditional court proceedings, these courts focus on addressing the root causes of veterans' involvement in the criminal justice system. They offer a structured, rehabilitation-oriented program that combines judicial oversight with specialized treatment, counseling, and support services. The ultimate goal is to help veterans overcome their challenges, reduce recidivism rates, and empower them to reintegrate successfully into their communities.

Four Examples of Veterans' Courts:

1. Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court (New York): Often considered the pioneer, this court served as a model for subsequent Veterans' Courts. Established in 2008, it offers a comprehensive program that includes mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, and other support services. This court's success has inspired the growth of similar programs nationwide.

2. Orange County Veterans Court (California): California's first Veterans' Court was launched in 2008 in Orange County. This court collaborates with various agencies to provide veterans with resources such as housing assistance, job training, and educational opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in supporting veterans' rehabilitation.

3. Harris County Veterans Treatment Court (Texas): Established in 2009, this court is known for its close collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It connects veterans with VA services, mental health treatment, and substance abuse programs. The court employs a multidisciplinary team approach to address the unique needs of each participant.

4. Allegheny County Veterans Court (Pennsylvania): This court, founded in 2010, places a strong emphasis on mentorship. Veterans who have successfully completed the program can become mentors to newer participants, creating a sense of camaraderie and peer support. The court also collaborates with veteran service organizations to provide additional resources.

Conclusion: Veterans' Courts stand as a testament to the evolving nature of the criminal justice system. By recognizing the distinct challenges faced by veterans and providing them with tailored support, these courts strive to break the cycle of incarceration and empower veterans to rebuild their lives. As the network of Veterans' Courts continues to expand, their impact on individuals, families, and communities serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of those who have served our country.