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Final Defendant Sentenced in Federal Pandemic Fraud Unemployment Benefits Scheme

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations

ABINGDON, Va. – The final defendant charged in a 17-member conspiracy who defrauded the United States, committed program fraud and mail fraud in connection with a scheme involving the filing of fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits was sentenced October 14 in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 120 Months

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations

ABINGDON, Va. – A Wise, Virginia man who conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia was sentenced October 23 to 120 months in federal prison.

Keith Edward Payne, Jr., 46, previously pled guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a

Operation “No Limits” Apprehends 96 Wanted Violent Felons, Seizes Drugs, Guns, and Cash

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations

DANVILLE, Va. – Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Robert Tracci, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, the Danville Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland

Twice-Convicted North Carolina Sex Offender Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Entice 11-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Geoffrey Lee Dudding (39, Concord, NC) has pleaded guilty to using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Dudding faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2026. Dudding, a registered child sex offender who was previously convicted in North Carolina of indecent liberty with a minor (2007) and solicitation of a child by