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President Pro Tempore Larry Walker Accepts Host State Gavel for 2027 NCSL Legislative Summit in Atlanta

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (July 31, 2026) — This week, Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R–Perry) attended the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, where he joined Representative Beth Camp (R–Concord) onstage during NCSL’s closing general session to accept NCSL’s host state gavel from Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Illinois House Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans, Jr. The ceremonial gavel signifies the transition to Georgia as the next host state for the Legislative Summit, which will be held in Atlanta from August 9–11, 2027.

“It’s an honor for Georgia to accept the host state gavel and begin the countdown to welcoming our nation’s legislators and legislative staff to Atlanta in 2027,” said President Pro Tempore Walker. “The Legislative Summit is one of the premier gatherings of state leaders in the country, and we’re proud to have the opportunity to showcase everything that makes Georgia such a special place. From our thriving economy and world-class venues to our unmatched Southern hospitality, Atlanta is the perfect place to bring together policymakers from across America. I look forward to welcoming our colleagues to the Peach State and providing them with an unforgettable experience.”

The NCSL Legislative Summit brings together state legislators and legislative staff from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories for three days of collaboration, innovation and bipartisan dialogue. As the nation’s largest gathering of state legislators and legislative staff, the Summit provides opportunities for attendees to discuss emerging policy issues and share best practices for effective governance.

Founded in 1975, the National Conference of State Legislatures serves America’s state legislatures by providing bipartisan research, technical assistance, professional development and opportunities for interstate collaboration. Every state legislator and legislative staff member is a member of NCSL and has access to its extensive policy resources and educational programming.

For more information about the National Conference of State Legislatures, visit www.ncsl.org.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen and Wilcox counties, as well as a portion of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Labrador Letter: Touring Idaho’s New Firing Squad Chamber

Source: US State of Idaho

Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: Touring Idaho’s New Firing Squad Chamber

Dear Friends,
Last week I toured the newly completed execution chamber at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI) in Kuna. I want to thank IDOC Director Bree Derrick and Division of Prisons Chief Liz Neville for taking the time to walk my team and me through the new facility and answer our questions.
What struck me most was how deliberate and careful every part of the process is. This is not a facility run by people who take this responsibility lightly. It is a solemn legal obligation carried out with precision, restraint, and an understanding of the gravity of what is taking place.
My office defends Idaho’s laws in court, and few parts of that work carry the weight of capital litigation. When death row inmates challenge their sentences on appeal, year after year and decade after decade, it is attorneys in my office—assigned to the Capital Litigation Unit and to represent IDOC—who answer those appeals.
Most people don’t realize how the process unfolds. After a sentence of death is final, the state is required to seek a warrant for the execution of the condemned. The warrant must specify the date of the execution, not more than 30 days from the day the warrant is signed. My office spends nearly every day between the signing of the warrant and the execution in court. The condemend’s attorneys spend those days filing challenges in state and federal court—all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. My office will be responding to every one of them. 
An execution can then move forward on the date set in the warrant unless a court with jurisdiction has entered a stay—meaning a hold or pause on the executuion. Most Idahoans never see that part of the process. They see the outcome, but not the years of litigation followed by the usually intense legal activity during those final thirty days.
Under Idaho regulations, the Attorney General, or a designee, is allowed to be present in the state’s witness area during an execution. I sat in that viewing room in February 2024. Before an execution can proceed, IDOC’s director is required to confer with the Attorney General, or a designee, and the Governor, or a designee, to confirm there is no legal impediment to moving forward.
That is not a responsibility I take lightly. It is one of the reasons I chose to tour the facility now that its renovation is complete. I believe that if the state is going to carry out a sentence of death, it has an obligation to do so carefully, lawfully, and with the utmost respect for the gravity of the act.
I helped author the 2023 bill with Representative Bruce Skaug that brought the firing squad back to Idaho as a backup method of execution. After the unsuccessful 2024 attempt to carry out an execution by lethal injection, the Legislature went further in 2025 and made the firing squad Idaho’s primary method, with lethal injection staying as the backup.
I believe Idaho legislators made that decision because the state has an obligation to have a reliable and humane method of carrying out a lawful sentence. Lethal injection has become increasingly difficult to carry out because of drug availability, supply chain restrictions, physiological challenges and, in some cases, the difficulty of establishing reliable intravenous access. The Legislature decided that the firing squad provides a more reliable method. A society that imposes this punishment owes it to everyone involved, including the condemned, to carry it out without unnecessary suffering.
Idaho currently has eight people on death row, seven men at IMSI and one woman at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center. Nobody who enters the execution chamber gets there quickly. Each person has the opportunity to go through, or is still going through, years of appeals in the courts seeking to stop or overturn the sentence.
It is easy to look at a person, usually decades removed from their crimes, gray and old now, and feel a kind of unease about it all. Time does that. But time does not erase what happened to the victims. They never got those decades with their families and loved ones. Their lives were cut short, and the futures they should have had were taken from them.
These are people a jury convicted of taking the lives of other human beings, often in horrific circumstances. Behind each case are victims and families who have carried the pain of those crimes for years, sometimes for generations. They, too, are part of the story.
The length of the capital appeals process means that families can wait for decades before a sentence is finally carried out. I believe that when a jury has imposed the death penalty, and every appeal has run its course, justice requires that the sentence ultimately be enacted. But I also recognize that the passage of time can make an already difficult process even more painful for victims’ families, who have spent years waiting for finality.
Standing inside the execution chamber last week was a solemn experience. I believe capital punishment can be a just response when guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt and every appeal has run its course. But there was nothing to celebrate in that room.
I thought about the victims whose lives were taken. I thought about the families who have waited years, and in some cases most of their lives, for justice to be carried out. And I thought about the responsibility that falls on those of us charged with making sure the law is followed when the state carries out its most serious punishment.
Whatever one’s views on the death penalty, this is a solemn responsibility and must always be treated that way.

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Statewide Speed Enforcement Campaign

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State Police and local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols next week to crack down on speeding. The campaign, which begins on Monday, August 3, and continues through Sunday, August 9, is the second Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee-sponsored (GTSC) high-visibility statewide enforcement effort this summer to curb speeding and prevent avoidable crashes caused by unsafe speed.

“These enforcement campaigns are crucial, as speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes each year in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “As always, we have zero tolerance for those who endanger others by driving recklessly, so I urge everyone to do their part to keep our roadways as safe as possible by following the speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “Our message to drivers is simple: slow down and obey the posted speed limits. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to drive safely and react to unexpected hazards, putting themselves and others at risk of being involved in a potentially deadly crash. We thank our law enforcement community for helping keep our roadways as safe as possible by removing dangerous drivers.”

The prior speeding crackdown, “Speed Week 1,” was conducted from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. During that period, state and local law enforcement statewide issued a total of 56,578 tickets including 14,005 for speeding, 2,220 for distracted driving and 1,386 for impaired driving.

Among counties, Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island led in the number of tickets issued with 6,158 and 5,367, respectively. Last year, GTSC launched the “Drive Safe Long Island” campaign to specifically address speeding and other dangerous driving issues in the region. That effort includes a partnership with the Long Island Ducks baseball team to promote traffic safety at their games.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Enforcement campaigns like this demonstrate our shared commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and keeping New York’s roadways safe. Through this campaign, and our enforcement efforts year-round, we are working to reduce speed-related crashes and encourage safer driving habits. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue proactive enforcement to hold dangerous drivers accountable and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

Town of Brighton Police Department Chief and President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police David Catholdi said, “Every crash statistic represents a person, a family, and a community. The number of speed-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities we continue to see across New York serves as a powerful reminder that speeding has real and lasting consequences. By slowing down, obeying posted speed limits, and making responsible decisions behind the wheel, drivers can help prevent tragedies, save lives, and make our roadways safer for everyone.”

Ulster County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Juan Figueroa said, “It’s time to slow down and enjoy summer. With longer days and nicer weather some people will be tempted to drive over the speed limit, even at levels that are dangerous and reckless. Getting to your destination a few seconds quicker is not worth the cost of a ticket, or the increased likelihood of being injured in a crash. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to be safe on the roads and obey the speed limit.”

Speeding-related fatalities affect communities nationwide every year. In 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 11,288 speed-related traffic fatalities, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. NHTSA also says young drivers have a higher chance of being involved in speeding-related crashes. In 2024, 39 percent of male drivers and 20 percent of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding.

In New York in 2024, according to data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research’s (ITSMR) Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR), there were 34,042 police-reported, speed-related crashes, 315 of which involved a fatality, and more than 12,000 of which involved a personal injury. Preliminary TSSR data for 2025 shows more than 24,000 police-reported, speed-related crashes with 231 involving a fatality and 16,644 involving an injury.

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Honoring Fallen Fire Chief Stephen Woehrle

Source: US State of New York

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Two Additional Ophthalmology Practices Agree to Pay $2.3M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medicaid for Cranial Ultrasounds

Source: US State of California

New York ophthalmology practices Mark D. Fromer, P.C. doing business as Fromer Eye Centers and Floral Park Ophthalmology P.C. have agreed to pay a total of $2.3 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act arising from their billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) through a kickback arrangement with a third-party testing company. The Estate of Mark Fromer, the former owner of Fromer Eye Centers, also joined in the settlement with the practice. Both practices have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme.

“The integrity of healthcare decision-making depends on sound medical advice that is free from undue influence of illegal kickbacks and other improper arrangements,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will continue to hold accountable healthcare providers who engage in such schemes.”

“Medical service providers who place profit above patients not only compromise the integrity of our health care system, but patients’ care,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office will continue working with our partners to combat fraud against our federal health care programs.”

“Kickback arrangements work to corrupt impartial medical decision-making and drive up health care costs for everyone,” said Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud federal health care programs.”

The settlements announced today resolve allegations that the settling practices knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare (and, with respect to Fromer Eye, Medicaid) for medically unnecessary TCDs. The United States alleges that the settling practices performed TCDs on thousands of patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of dollars per test. Before the patients received the results of the test, the practices and the third-party testing company allegedly identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD. However, the United States alleged that nearly all patients who received TCDs never had that diagnosis, and it was not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. In addition, Floral Park Ophthalmology allegedly received remuneration paid by the third-party testing company to induce the practice to refer its Medicare and Medicaid patients to the testing provider for TCDs.

The United States alleged that as a result of this scheme, the settling practices submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law.

As a result of the settlements, Fromer Eye Centers and the Estate of Mark Fromer will pay $1,800,000 and Floral Park Ophthalmology will pay $500,000. Of the total settlement amounts, $384,000 will be paid to the State of New York for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program.

The civil settlements resolved claims in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery. The qui tam was filed by a whistleblower who will receive approximately $132,000 in connection with the settlement with Fromer Eye Centers. 

The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The United States previously resolved similar allegations against Brandon Eye Associates P.A., Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. (doing business as Gulfcoast Eye Care), Clay Eye Holdings LLC, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC, Florida Eye Institute P.A., Miami Eye LLC, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc.

The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division. Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.

The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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Governor Lamont, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, Congresswoman Hayes, Mayor Sanchez Announce $14.7 Million Grant To Improve Safety and Connectivity in New Britain

Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, and Mayor Bobby Sanchez today announced that the City of New Britain has been awarded a $14.7 million federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support improvements at the intersection of Route 174 and East Street.

The improvements will realign the intersection to enhance safety, reduce congestion, improve pedestrian and bicycle access, and strengthen connections to the CTfastrak East Main Street Station.

The corridor is a two-lane roadway that carries approximately 8,000 vehicles per day in both directions. The existing offset intersection will be transformed into a traditional four-way signalized intersection, reducing vehicle conflict points and improving traffic operations. Additional upgrades include new sidewalks, modernized traffic signals, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and streetscape enhancements that will create a safer, more welcoming gateway to downtown New Britain and nearby transit-oriented development.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2029 and be completed by 2031. The project will be administered by the City of New Britain with support from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

“We are building the foundation for safer roads and stronger connections that will support future growth in this area,” Governor Lamont said. “By improving access to CTfastrak and supporting nearby transit-oriented development, this project will help create new economic opportunities and bring new energy to the surrounding neighborhood.”

“This funding is a major victory for New Britain and for everyone who travels through this corridor every day,” Mayor Sanchez said. “For years, residents have identified this intersection as one of the city’s most dangerous and frustrating roadways. This grant award allows us to finally address those concerns with a project that will save lives, improve traffic flow, and create a safer, more welcoming entrance to the east side of our city. This is exactly what happens when local, state, and federal partners work together to deliver real results for our community.”

“This $14.6 million federal investment will transform a dangerous intersection into a safer, more welcoming, and efficient gateway for everyone who uses it while strengthening access to CTfastrak and supporting economic growth,” Senator Blumenthal said. “I am proud to have helped deliver this infrastructure funding, which will provide lasting benefits for New Britain, and I look forward to the safer commutes, stronger connections, and new opportunities it will bring to the community.”

“This redesign is about making it safer for auto traffic, but it’s also about making it safer for all kinds of commuters,” Senator Murphy said. “It’s an important, well-designed project and as someone with New Britain roots, I am really excited to come back to see what it looks like when this neighborhood is transformed.”

“This project is a perfect example of what federal, state, and local partnerships can accomplish,” Congresswoman Hayes said. “I am pleased to see the next phase of revitalization move forward through federal dollars I advocated for on behalf of the city. Safer roads and improved commutes will build on the progress made and work to solidify New Britain as a key urban center.”

“Modernizing this outdated Z-curve intersection will make travel safer for the thousands of people who use this corridor every day,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “We’re proud to partner with the city on this project to improve traffic flow and create safer connections for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.”

The federal BUILD grant was awarded this month through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD program, which provides funding for transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, economic opportunity, and quality of life in communities nationwide.

The project is located within New Britain’s East Side Neighborhood Revitalization Zone and supports ongoing transit-oriented development efforts on a 4.6-acre, city-owned property adjacent to the CTfastrak East Main Street Station.

This redevelopment effort is moving forward with support from a $6 million Connecticut Community Investment Fund grant to advance environmental remediation and demolition activities at the site.

 

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Governor Sanders Announces Personnel Changes

Source: US State of Arkansas

Zach Jacobs currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Arkansas Department of Education in Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ administration, where he works at the intersection of education policy, executive leadership, and external and intergovernmental affairs.

Previously, Jacobs was Deputy Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia under Governor Glenn Youngkin, helping advance statewide education priorities and operational strategy. His background also includes leading state and federal government relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and serving on Capitol Hill as a Senior Legislative Assistant focused on appropriations, agriculture, education, energy, and national security policy. He began his career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Office of Congressional Relations under Secretary Sonny Perdue.

A native of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and a proud first-generation college graduate, Jacobs earned a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management and National Security and Foreign Affairs from Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from Liberty University.

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Statewide hotline available for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke

Source: US State of Oregon

eople anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-699-0554 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The statewide hotline is available to people experiencing any wildfire-related impact, including those who:

  • Lost a home or property
  • Evacuated and have ongoing needs
  • Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
  • Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
  • Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire

“During this difficult wildfire season, Oregonians impacted by fires deserve immediate and reliable access to the help they need,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “That’s why we’ve established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline – so that no Oregonian has to navigate this wildfire season alone or wonder where to turn to for help.”

The hotline is staffed by 211info. If a call is not answered, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call within one business day.

This hotline does not provide emergency evacuation assistance or help people locate immediate shelter. People who are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating should call 911. People looking for information about shelters or other immediate resources can call 2-1-1. For current 211info operating hours, visit 211info.org.

People can also enter their contact information and describe their wildfire-related needs using the Oregon Wildfire Assistance web form. An ODHS staff member will review the information and follow up with them.

“This wildfire season is already affecting a growing number of Oregon Tribes and communities,” said Ed Flick, Director, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “Wildfires can affect people in many ways, even when their homes have not burned. We want people to know there is one place they can call to share what they are experiencing and learn what resources may be available.”

In previous years the hotline has been used to connect people who lost homes in disasters with recovery support. This year, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expanding it to people experiencing a broader range of wildfire impacts.

ODHS has informally coordinated individual assistance following Oregon disasters since 2020. This year, Governor Tina Kotek directed ODHS to be ready to formally activate individual assistance when needed as the state prepares to establish a formal program in 2027 under House Bill 4121.

211info and ODHS will work with local communities to connect people with existing programs and local resources. If those resources are not enough to meet the level of need, ODHS will work with state leaders to identify additional support and funding options.

The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or eligibility for a particular program. Staff will listen to each caller’s experience, document their needs and help identify available resources and next steps.

Hotline information

  • Call: 1-833-699-0554
  • Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • Missed calls: Leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day
  • Shelter and other immediate resource questions: call 211
  • Emergencies or emergency evacuation help: call 911

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Travel Advisory Update: Travel Lane Reduction Scheduled for Rapid Replacement of the Diamond Hill Road Bridge over I-295 in Cumberland

Source: US State of Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced a new date for a travel lane reduction at the Diamond Hill Road Bridge in Cumberland. Starting on Thursday night, August 6, RIDOT will reduce the number of travel lanes from two to one in each direction at the Diamond Hill Road Bridge (Route 114) where it passes over I-295. The change, expected to last for about three months, is part of an ongoing rapid bridge replacement project.

With the lane reduction, RIDOT will shift all travel lanes along Diamond Hill Road to the portion of the bridge that carries northbound traffic. This will free up the southbound side of the bridge so RIDOT can demolish it.

During demolition, traffic may be detoured overnight on Diamond Hill Road over I-295, with one lane of traffic remaining on I-295 under the bridge. Specific closure information will be posted as it is scheduled at: www.ridot.net/travel/traveladvisories.php.

Once the northbound side is rebuilt, RIDOT will rebuild the southbound side of the bridge. All ramps to and from I-295 will remain open.

Through this $63.5 million project, RIDOT has been using accelerated bridge construction methods to rapidly replace the Diamond Hill Road and Douglas Pike bridges. This approach saves motorists up to two years of lane closures and shifts associated with conventional construction. The Douglas Pike Bridge in Smithfield opened to traffic in late spring. Full project completion is slated for spring 2027.

All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.

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Brother of Notorious Mexican Cartel Leader Pleads Guilty to International Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

Source: US State of California

A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for unlawful importation into the United States, and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. 

According to court documents, Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, 67, of Michoacán, Mexico, trafficked cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States for Mexico-based cartels for over two decades. From around 2002 to 2010, Oseguera Cervantes operated as a member of the Milenio Cartel in Jalisco, Mexico, overseeing narcotics sales, protecting territories from rival cartels, and supervising and maintaining the operations of methamphetamine laboratories. He procured precursor chemicals for the manufacture of methamphetamine and distributed methamphetamine and cocaine destined for the United States.  

The court filings state that since around 2010, Oseguera Cervantes worked with and reported directly to his notorious and now-deceased brother, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “Mencho,” who co-founded and led the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The CJNG is one of the most prolific and dangerous drug cartels in Mexico, based in the State of Jalisco, which traffics multi-tonnage quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States. Oseguera Cervantes furthered CJNG’s drug trafficking operations, including by supplying precursor chemicals to CJNG methamphetamine laboratories and distributing cocaine and methamphetamine for the CJNG. He also collected drug proceeds and managed CJNG’s money laundering activities, such as transferring drug proceeds from the United States to Mexico through currency exchange locations. When collecting drug proceeds or attending meetings to discuss drug trafficking, Oseguera Cervantes armed himself with a pistol. 

Oseguera Cervantes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine destined to the United States, as well as using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of two consecutive life sentences in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Administrator Terrance C. Cole of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.

The DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit Los Angeles is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance to Oseguera Cervantes’ February 2025 transfer from Mexico to the United States pursuant to Mexico’s National Security law. The Department of Justice thanks the Government of Mexico for its assistance in securing Oseguera Cervantes’ presence in the United States for prosecution.

Chief Kaitlin Sahni of the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit (NDDU) and Trial Attorneys Lernik Begian, Douglas Meisel, and Nicole Lockhart, of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case.

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.