Mayor Mamdani Announces Ticker-Tape Parade and City Hall Ceremony to Celebrate Knicks Championship

 

New York Knicks take down San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 to win team’s first NBA championship since 1973

 

City Hall and municipal buildings across New York City will shine blue and orange

 

City to release further details and media RSVP information for ticker-tape parade and City Hall ceremony on Sunday, June 14  

After the New York Knicks clinched the National Basketball Association (NBA) Championship tonight, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced that New York City will host a ticker-tape parade and City Hall ceremony honoring the team and awarding Keys to the City on Thursday, June 18.

The celebration will mark the first ticker-tape parade in Knicks history and honor a team that delivered an NBA championship to a city that has waited generations for this moment.

Additional details — including parade logistics, ceremony information and media RSVP instructions — will be released tomorrow, Sunday, June 14.

“For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have waited for this moment. Through near misses, heartbreak and a hope that every year could be our year, this city never stopped believing in the Knicks. And this team fulfilled that hope with grit, resilience and heart — just like the five boroughs itself,” said Mayor Mamdani. “New Yorkers have cheered for our team from packed living rooms in the Bronx to watch parties in Brooklyn, from bars in Queens to Staten Island to Manhattan, and Madison Square Garden itself. Now it’s time for our city to celebrate together. Bing bong.”

Mayor Mamdani also announced that City Hall and municipal buildings across the city will be illuminated in blue and orange on Thursday, June 18 to celebrate the victory.

In addition to City Hall, the following City buildings will also be illuminated in blue and orange on the night of Thursday, June 18 in honor of the New York Knicks:  

• The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building: 1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 
• Brooklyn Borough Hall: 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 

Additional buildings may be lit as well.

TEENAGER CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR SHOOTING AT NYPD OFFICERS IN UNMARKED POLICE CAR

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that a 15-year-old was arraigned on a complaint charging him with multiple counts of attempted murder, attempted assault and weapon possession for firing at two New York City Police Department officers in an unmarked car on Tuesday in the Rockaways.

District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, a 15-year-old, along with an unapprehended other, brandished a gun and fired it at an unmarked NYPD car with a detective and sergeant inside. Despite coming under potentially deadly gunfire, the officers were able to identify and apprehend the defendant allegedly responsible for this brazen shooting. We are grateful that the members of service were not injured in this incident.”

The defendant, of Edgemere, was arraigned Wednesday night on a criminal complaint charging him with two counts of attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of attempted assault in the first degree, two counts of attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer or a peace officer, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and reckless endangerment in the first degree.

Queens Criminal Court Judge Indira Khan ordered the defendant to return to court when Supreme Court Justice Bruna DiBiase continued remand. The defendant is due back in court Monday. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

DA Katz said that, according to the criminal complaint, on Tuesday, at approximately 10:20 p.m., an NYPD detective and sergeant were traveling westbound on Almeda Avenue near Beach 58th Street in Edgemere when their unmarked police vehicle was shot at multiple times. The NYPD members exited the vehicle and apprehended the alleged shooter. Upon investigation, two 9 mm shell casings were found in the area where the shots originated.

WOW.DHS.GOV: ICE Arrests Murderers, Rapists, and Drug Traffickers

 

Nearly 70% of criminal illegal aliens arrested by ICE have been charged or arrested for a crime in the United States

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, convicted for manslaughter, rape, trafficking methamphetamine, and other repulsive crimes.

ICE arrested multiple murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers from our communities,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Nearly 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S. Every day our officers are putting their lives on the line to remove criminals from our communities.”

Roque Cinto-Mejia, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for manslaughter in Brooklyn, New York.

Alejandro De Jesus-De La Cruz, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for voluntary manslaughter in San Bernardino, California.

Francisco Antonio Morales-Acencio, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for rape and assault and battery – family member in Fairfax, Virginia.

Heriberto Mendoza-Pineda, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for trafficking a controlled substance – methamphetamine in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Manuel Soto, a criminal illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, convicted TWICE for possession of drugs and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Boston, Massachusetts.

Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE WITH MAYOR MAMDANI AT GRACIE MANSION

Senator Rivera was proud to celebrate with his fellow Nuyoricans at Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Puerto Rican Heritage Reception at Gracie Mansion! Senator Rivera wants to wish all his fellow Puerto Ricans a happy parade weekend and a safe time celebrating Boricua pride.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS MAYOR MAMDANI TO PROMOTE NEW 2-K PROGRAM IN THE BRONX!

This week, Senator Rivera joined Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, a care provider in his district, to encourage families to apply to the newly created 2-K program. This program will provide free early care and learning for two-year-olds beginning in Fall 2026. The program will provide free early care and learning for two-year-olds and launches in select neighborhoods across Districts 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27 in the Fall of 2026, with plans to expand citywide in future years. In The Bronx, these are the neighborhoods that will offer seats: Fordham, Belmont, Norwood, Morris Heights, Van Cortlandt Village, and Kingsbridge. Dates to keep an eye out for: June 26, 2026: Application Closes  August 4, 2026: Offer Release  You can apply online, by phone at 718-935-2009, or in person at a Family Welcome Center.

Senator Rivera submitted virtual testimony during this week's Rent Guidelines Board Bronx Public Hearing urging the Board to support a two-year rent freeze. Since his election in 2010, Senator Rivera has consistently stood with our City’s rent-stabilized tenants against any rent increases.

Ahead of the Board's final vote on June 25, Senator Rivera is pushing for a rent freeze as he recognizes that New Yorkers are already severely rent-burdened and with our City facing a crushing affordability crisis, even a small increase could push a household into a financial crisis. Listen to this testimony here.

Last weekend, Senator Rivera's Chief of Staff Rachel Ferrari participated as a panelist at the inaugural Bronx Economic Development Summit organized by the Bronx Economic Development Corporation and Our Bronx. At the summit, she spoke about the economic development work we've done at the office, including her extensive work to ensure community participation and ownership in the Kingsbridge Armory.  

The summit was an opportunity to celebrate the first draft of the Bronx’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Years in the making, the goal of this draft is to shape a bold, inclusive, and sustainable economic future for our borough.

This CEDS is a federally funded project supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration within the Department of Commerce that has a public comment period of at least 30 days.

To offer feedback, you can either email CEDS@OurBronx.org with “CEDS feedback” in the subject line or complete an online survey by Monday, June 15th at 11:59PM. Visit this link for more info: https://www.bxedc.org/ceds-draft-report. 

SENATOR RIVERA PARTICIPATES IN JOINT BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD 5 & 7 OPIOID TOWN HALL

This week, Senator Rivera joined a Town Hall on the Opioid Crisis organized by Bronx Community Board 5 and 7, where we discussed possible solutions through current and future legislation. During the town hall, Senator Rivera mentioned the legislative efforts that he has championed so far including his bill that created our State's Opioid Settlement Fund as well his Safer Consumption Services Act, which would allow the operation of Overdose Prevention Centers in the parts of our State that need the most.

Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and engage in a productive conversation about the challenges our neighborhoods face and the resources needed to support long-term solutions.

Thank you to Community Board 5 Chair Osiris Guzman and Community Board 7 Chair Leurys Acosta for hosting this very important discussion as well as my fellow panelists and everyone who joined us.

Last weekend, Senator Rivera's staff started Pride Month celebrating the

5th Annual Riverdale Pride Event at Riverdale Neighborhood House! It is a wonderful event that brings all of us together and brings awareness to LGBTQIA+ issues in Riverdale.

With the federal government actively persecuting LGBTQ+ Americans, we must remain as committed as ever to ensure New York’s LGBTQ+ communities feel supported and loved.

Thank you Laura Levine-Pinedo for hosting this event!

TUESDAY 6/16: THE PUBLIC THEATER HOSTS A FREE TOURING SHAKESPEARE OF 'AS YOU LIKE IT'

PLAN AHEAD! UPCOMING TRAIN SERVICE CHANGES

UPCOMING D TRAIN SERVICES CHANGES (JUNE 12-15) Planned – Stops Skipped June 12–15, Fri 11:45 PM to Mon 5:00 AM In Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, uptown D trains will skip the following stations: 155 St 161 St–Yankee Stadium 167 St 170 St 174–175 Sts For service to these stations: take the D to Tremont Av and transfer to a downtown D. For service from these stations: take the D to 145 St and transfer to a Norwood‑bound D. Reason for service change: Electrical improvement work.

UPCOMING 4 TRAIN SERVICES CHANGES (JUNE 13-14) Service Change: Planned Station Skip June 13–14 (Saturday 3:45 AM to Sunday 10:00 PM) In the Bronx, Manhattan‑bound 4 trains will skip Mosholu Pkwy. Additionally, the last stop for some Woodlawn‑bound trains will be Kingsbridge Rd during days and evenings. Alternate Travel Options: For service to Mosholu Pkwy: take the 4 to Bedford Park Blvd–Lehman College and transfer to a Woodlawn‑bound train. For service from Mosholu Pkwy: take the 4 to Woodlawn and transfer to a Manhattan‑bound train. Service Frequency Note: In the Bronx, the 4 train will run every 16 minutes during days and evenings. For Woodlawn‑bound riders whose trains terminate at Kingsbridge Rd, transfer there to a Woodlawn‑bound 4 to continue your trip. Reason for Service Change: Track replacement work. Reminder: Long-Term 4 Train Service Changes (Through September 2026) Service Change: Planned Station Skip Now through September 2026 In the Bronx, Woodlawn‑bound 4 trains will skip Burnside Av. Riders may use nearby 176 St or 183 St stations as alternatives. Additional Travel Alternatives: For service to Burnside Av: take the 4 to 183 St and transfer to a Manhattan‑bound train. For service from Burnside Av: take the 4 to 176 St and transfer to a Woodlawn‑bound train. Reason for Service Change: Station improvement work.

UPCOMING 5 TRAIN SERVICES CHANGES (JUNE 13-14) Service Change: Planned Station Skips June 13–14 (Saturday and Sunday, 5:45 AM to 7:00 PM) In the Bronx, Dyre Av‑bound 5 trains will skip Morris Park, Gun Hill Rd, and Baychester Av. Additionally, all 5 trains will board from the Manhattan‑bound platform at Pelham Pkwy. Alternate Travel Options: For service to Morris Park, Gun Hill Rd, or Baychester Av: take the 5 to Pelham Pkwy or Eastchester–Dyre Av, then transfer to a downtown 5. For service from these stations: take the 5 to Pelham Pkwy or E 180 St, then transfer to a Dyre Av‑bound 5. Reason for Service Change: Track maintenance. **These service change affects one or more ADA‑accessible stations, and travel alternatives may not be fully accessible. Riders are encouraged to contact 511 for trip planning assistance.

New SNAP Work Requirements: What You Need to Know

New federal rules are changing SNAP work requirements for some New Yorkers. Starting this year, certain adults may need to work, attend job training, or volunteer to keep their benefits.

You may be affected if you are:

● Between ages 18–64

● Not living with a child under 14

● Not exempt due to a health condition or other reason



If these rules apply to you, you may need to take action each month to avoid losing your SNAP benefits.



Check your status and learn what to do: on.nyc.gov/snap.

As a reminder, should extreme heat occur, New Yorkers are advised to stay cool and stay hydrated. Avoid spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else shows signs of heat-related illness, such as confusion, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. For more preparedness tips, visit: nyc.gov/BeReady or nyc.gov/beattheheat.

 

NYC Council Passes Legislation to Strengthen Early Childhood Education Programs, Requiring Report on Permit Processes and Mandating Annual Outreach Campaigns

 

The New York City Council passed legislation to support early childhood education and child care programs by studying the processes for obtaining permits and licenses to operate them and identifying how the City can better support providers. The Council also approved legislation codifying the requirement for the Department of Education (DOE) to conduct an annual outreach and education campaign for early childhood education programs, ensuring they reach eligible families.

Together, the bills build on previous legislative efforts by the Council to elevate child care as a priority. Under Speaker Julie Menin, the Council created a new, standalone Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, advanced legislation requiring the DOE to report quarterly on invoice payments to child care providers to address chronic late-payment failures, and passed a bill mandating the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to provide guidance on the Health Code to prospective child care programs applying for a permit.

“To achieve universal child care, our city must streamline the permitting process to make it easier for providers to set up and operate programs,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Strengthening early childhood and child care programs remains one of my top priorities, and that’s why we’re proud to pass legislation that builds on our efforts to better support providers and working families. The Council will continue to lead on enacting policies that make these processes more efficient and easier to navigate.”

Supporting Early Childhood Education and Child Care Programs and Applicants

Introduction 9-A, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would require the Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Care, in consultation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to conduct a study on the processes for obtaining permits and licenses or registrations to operate a child care program in New York City. The Office would also be required to submit a report on the study that identifies the steps to obtain a permit from DOHMH and the necessary support from the City for child care providers to obtain a license or registration from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

“As we expand access to early childhood education, we must ensure that the community-based organizations can efficiently navigate our City’s application, permitting, and licensing processes,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “For too many families, child care is already hard enough to find and afford. We should not also make it unnecessarily hard for providers to open their doors, expand their programs, or serve the families who are counting on them. Early childhood education remains a top priority for this Council, and I am grateful to my colleagues for their partnership and support in advancing this legislation. Streamlining these application processes is essential if we are to meet the growing demand for these critical services.”

Former Intelligence Community Contractor Pleads Guilty to Accepting Kickbacks

 

A former Intelligence Community contractor pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit offenses against the United States by soliciting and accepting kickbacks.

The defendant, David Duggin, 55, of Orrtanna, Pennsylvania, was a former Senior Systems Engineer and on-site contractor at a U.S. government Intelligence Community agency.

“Mr. Duggin exploited his position as a government contractor in the intelligence community at the expense of taxpayers,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to hold those who seek profit through fraudulent schemes, accountable.”

“The defendant broke faith with the men and women of the United States Intelligence Community — who work tirelessly and often anonymously in defense of our nation — to enrich himself with hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The defendant now faces years in prison for corrupting a competitive procurement process backing our national security.”

“Mr. Duggin took advantage of his position to enrich himself and his co-conspirators. Our office will not tolerate this greedy, deceitful behavior that, if unchecked, can lead to an erosion of public trust and impact on our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not hesitate to hold accountable any individual who attempts to defraud our government.” 

“Mr. Duggin betrayed the trust placed in him by exploiting his access to sensitive government systems to steer contracts for personal gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Allison Russo of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). “This outcome reflects the strong partnership between DCIS, our federal investigative counterparts, and the Department of Justice, and underscores our shared commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Department of War and the broader Intelligence Community.”

“David Duggin repeatedly put himself before American taxpayers who trusted him to act on their behalf and for their benefit,” said Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement and government partners to hold accountable those seeking to profit through fraud and deception.”

According to documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Duggin and his co-conspirators corruptly used his on-site access to sensitive information at an intelligence agency to enrich himself and others by illegally obtaining government contracts for millions of dollars of hardware and software procured by U.S. government customers. Duggin’s co-conspirators paid Duggin at least $510,000 in illegal kickbacks in exchange for him influencing the procurement process to favor his co-conspirators. The conspiracy thwarted the competitive bidding process for the U.S. from at least as early as June 2018 and continued through at least as late as April 2024.

The maximum penalty for conspiring to commit an offense against the United States by accepting illegal kickbacks is five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Moreover, the fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.

The DCIS and the FBI Baltimore Field Office are investigating the case, among others. Trial Attorneys Elizabeth French, Anna Wang, and Ronald Fiorillo for the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Phelps and Matthew Shea for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above. Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.

Two Life Prison Sentences for Major Athens Methamphetamine Dealer in Homeland Security Task Force Case

 

Authorities Dismantled Meth Lab Supplied by Traffickers Hiding Drugs from Mexico in Jalapeños Boxes

The man who distributed hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine from the Rapid Lube in Athens where he worked, covertly stashing boxes in the shop, was sentenced to life in prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation into a cross-border drug ring moving thousands of kilograms of drugs from Mexico in boxes of jalapeños to a conversion lab in Monroe, Georgia.

James Len Ramey, 54, of Comer, Georgia, was sentenced to serve two life sentences in federal prison, one for each count to be served concurrently, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 14, 2025. His federal sentence will be served consecutively to his undischarged terms of imprisonment in Habersham County, Georgia, Superior Court Case No. 13CR165RS and Lumpkin County, Georgia, Superior Court

Case No. 2013CR183JP. U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III presided over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Methamphetamine destroys families, fuels violent crime and erodes the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “By taking down this network of a dozen traffickers, we’re not just removing drugs, we’re removing the source of addiction, exploitation and tragedy in our communities.”

"Mexican drug cartels rely on local collaborators to move deadly illegal substances into our country and distribute them, like James Ramey. Without these willing participants, these poisons would never cross the border or devastate lives here,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “The Homeland Security Task Force is focused on dismantling violent organizations, and with our law enforcement partners, we will keep bringing every member to justice to protect our communities".

"This investigation is a prime example of the critical work being done to dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations that operate with impunity, bringing dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Office. “The FBI’s role in this investigation, alongside our dedicated federal, state and local law enforcement partners, has led to the disruption of a significant methamphetamine operation and the arrest of multiple individuals responsible for poisoning our communities".

"Ramey pleaded guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine,” said HSI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank. “He used his job at Rapid Lube, obtained through a prison work-release program, as a cover for trafficking. After his arrest, nearly 14 kilograms of meth were found hidden at the shop. By targeting every level of these operations — from international suppliers to local distributors — the Homeland Security Task Force is making our neighborhoods safer and sending a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated".

“This investigation underscores the power of collaboration between federal, state, and local partners to dismantle large-scale drug trafficking operations that threaten our communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The sheer volume of methamphetamine seized in this case represents thousands of lives that could have been destroyed. The GBI remains committed to working alongside our partners to identify, investigate, and stop transnational criminal networks operating in Georgia.”

“The vast amount of methamphetamine being supplied is truly alarming and serves as a strong reminder that even in safe, close-knit communities like Walton County, we must stay vigilant,” said Walton County Sheriff Keith Brooks. “Collaboration at all governmental levels is essential for operational success, and we appreciate the strong partnerships.”

“This investigation is another great example of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together toward the shared goal of keeping our community safe. I’m proud of the collaboration and teamwork invested in this case, which led to the seizure of a significant amount of dangerous drugs. These substances have devastating effects on our community and far too often claim lives unnecessarily. Because of the continued dedication of these men and women, there are fewer narcotics and violent offenders on our streets, and our community is safer as a result,” said Athens Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI in Athens received information in January 2024 that Ramey was selling kilograms of methamphetamine from Rapid Lube in Athens, where he worked. The FBI investigation revealed that Ramey was supplied with drugs by individuals operating a methamphetamine conversion lab inside a residence on Mountain Creek Church Road in Monroe (Walton County), who were receiving the drugs from Mexico, stashed in boxes of jalapeños. The methamphetamine was imported into the United States in liquid form, converted at a clandestine conversion laboratory, and ultimately distributed by Ramey to a network of downstream dealers. For more information about this case, including Ramey’s codefendants and the conversion lab, please visit: Middle District of Georgia | Defendants Face Justice for Distributing 3,200 Kilos of Methamphetamine | United States Department of Justice

The methamphetamine conversion lab located on Mountain Creek Church Road in Monroe. Common indicators of a conversion lab include piles of garbage bags, blacked-out windows, and strong chemical odors coming from the property. On August 13, 2024, agents executed a search warrant and uncovered an active lab containing enough liquid methamphetamine to produce more than 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. The black garbage bags contained rotting jalapeños, discarded after unloading the trucks transporting the methamphetamine. Evidence from U.S. v. James Len Ramey, 3:24-cr-00024 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.

Ramey received approximately 30 kilograms of methamphetamine every two weeks from his Mexico-based source of supply, whom Ramey met while serving a state prison sentence for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in Lumpkin County, Georgia, Superior Court. The investigation found that Ramey led a sophisticated drug trafficking network that relied upon Mexican suppliers, coded communications, couriers, stash locations, and conversion laboratories capable of producing hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine.

Ramey took advantage of his employment at the Rapid Lube, a position obtained through a state prison work-release program to facilitate his transition back into lawful society, as the base of operations for his large-scale drug trafficking organization. Ramey would secretly store the drugs in boxes at the shop while coordinating transactions and directing the activities of couriers and distributors.

The drug evidence was packaged in oil filter boxes of varying sizes. Within the oil filter boxes, methamphetamine was packaged in a gallon-size plastic bag. Evidence from United States v. James Len Ramey, 3:24-cr-00024 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.

After Ramey’s July 3, 2024, arrest and over the next several months, Rapid Lube employees uncovered an additional 13,992.57 grams of methamphetamine he had hidden at the shop. Ramey is responsible for distributing hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine and repeatedly providing direct support to a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization by sending money across the border to pay for the narcotics he received.

This investigation and prosecution are part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threaten the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF is comprised of agents and officers from the ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).