Results of Operation Iron Sights Announced

 

34 Wichita-area Defendants Indicted on Firearms and Drug Trafficking-Related Charges

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas (USAO-KS) and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the results of Operation Iron Sights, a violent crime initiative conducted in the Wichita-Sedgwick County area from July 13 - September 16, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser and ATF Director Robert Cekada held a joint press conference in Wichita accompanied by partner agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), Wichita Police Department (WPD), and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SGSO). The Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) provided funding support.

“An advantage of securing federal indictments against defendants facing firearms and drug trafficking charges is that certain federal charges come with mandatory minimum sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “A mandatory minimum sentence assures that if individuals are convicted of these dangerous crimes, they will not be back out on the streets in no time.”

“Our crime gun intelligence capabilities at Wichita State University support investigations across the nation, and Operation Iron Sight shows the impact right here in Wichita. This operation targeted 34 suspects and seized nearly 60 firearms. Multiple suspects had prior felony convictions. The charges include firearms trafficking, illegal machinegun possession, and trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine,” said ATF Director Robert Cekada. “These cases are about protecting people from armed, violent criminals and the devastation they leave behind, including a suspect accused of assaulting one of our ATF agents with a firearm. Attacking our people will not intimidate us or weaken our resolve. I’m proud of our ATF personnel and our state, local, and federal partners for building these cases and standing shoulder to shoulder to hold offenders accountable. If you arm criminals, commit violent crimes, or poison our communities, we will find you and work relentlessly to put you behind bars.”

Operation Iron Sights was a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute dozens of defendants accused of firearms and drug trafficking-related crimes. During this operation, law enforcement seized 58 firearms, approximately 6.75 kilograms of narcotics, and approximately $13,000 in U.S. currency.

“Fentanyl and firearms create a lethal combination, which is why drug trafficking enterprises are extreme threats to public safety,” DEA St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer said. “These offenses are far from victimless, and today we stand with our law enforcement partners in recognition that justice is being served.”

“Operation Iron Sights reflects the strength of law enforcement working together as one to protect our community,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said. “When federal, state and local agencies unite, we are better positioned to hold violent offenders accountable and make Sedgwick County safer.”

“The FBI is proud to join our partners in the announcement of results from Operation Iron Sights. We stand committed to working with our partners across Kansas to ensure that our communities are safe from gun and drug violence,” said Chris Ormerod, FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge.

Major Robert Keener of the Kansas Highway Patrol said, “The Kansas Highway Patrol was proud to work alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in Operation Iron Sights. Collaborative efforts like this demonstrate the shared commitment to working together to protect our communities and enhance public safety.”

As a result of the meticulous investigations and thorough surveillance operations carried out by law enforcement, USAO-KS secured 13 federal grand jury indictments that include a total 34 defendants. Some of the defendants charged as part of Operation Iron Sights are:

• Lafayette Washington, 46, is a convicted felon also known as “Dirty Dot Com” and the alleged leader of a drug trafficking ring in Wichita. He and other members of his operation were indicted on methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking and firearms related offenses. Members of Washington’s operation are accused of being connected to an overdose in August 2026 that resulted in serious bodily injury to a minor victim.
• Carey Watts, 20, was indicted for allegedly using a firearm to attack an ATF agent back in July 2026 while the officer was performing his duties.
• Jeffrey Muldrow, 41, faces charges for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon and is accused of supplying firearms to other people knowing that the weapons would be used to commit crimes. He was also indicted for fentanyl trafficking.
• Morkeuz McClennon, 28, was indicted on charges related to fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms trafficking.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani Releases Statement on Javits Frimpong

 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement:

 

“The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away.  

 

“Javits Frimpong’s mother deserves to say goodbye to her son in person. I just got off the phone with President Trump and he has agreed to grant her visa immediately.   

 

“All of New York City is mourning this tragedy.” 

Justice Department Announces Issuance of Federal Registrations for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

 

DEA moves forward with hundreds of registrations under Attorney General’s order establishing federal oversight of qualifying medical marijuana activities

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is moving forward with the initial issuance of hundreds of federal registrations to qualifying state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries under the Attorney General’s order implementing Schedule III controls for certain medical marijuana activities.

The registrations mark the first phase of implementing the Attorney General’s April 23, order under 21 U.S.C. § 811(d), which established a federal regulatory framework for qualifying medical marijuana businesses while maintaining federal controls under the Controlled Substances Act. These initial registrations include more than 900 dispensaries across Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each dispensary was required to satisfy applicable federal requirements, including successful completion of DEA’s pre-registration investigation, before receiving federal registration.

“The American people deserve access to the best medical treatments in the world,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The regulated distribution of medical marijuana by the applicants that have been granted registration by the Drug Enforcement Administration will help ensure broader access to chronic pain treatment and the safety of the American people. The Department of Justice will continue prosecuting illegal marijuana trafficking and related criminal activity in accordance with federal law.”

DEA is beginning with dispensaries that submitted applications within the initial 60-day period established by the order and meet applicable federal requirements. To qualify, applicants must operate under a state medical marijuana regulatory framework consistent with federal law and the United States’ international treaty obligations. Each dispensary must also successfully complete DEA’s established pre-registration investigation before receiving federal registration.

State licensure alone does not automatically grant federal registration. Registered dispensaries will be subject to applicable federal requirements, including security, recordkeeping, inventory controls, and other safeguards governing the handling of controlled substances.

DEA will continue processing dispensary applications and issuing registrations to qualifying dispensaries through a phased registration process while maintaining its regulatory and enforcement responsibilities under federal law. DEA is also reviewing registration applications from medical marijuana manufacturers and distributors, which supply medical marijuana to dispensaries. Those applications require additional review, including facility inspections, production controls, and quota determinations.

Under the Attorney General’s order, qualifying manufacturers, distributors, and dispensaries, that applied within the initial 60-day period and whose applications remain pending may continue to engage in medical marijuana transactions with other qualified applicants and with newly registered entities as their applications remain pending, subject to the order’s requirements. Information for applicants and newly registered entities can be found here.

The Attorney General’s order applies to defined qualifying medical marijuana activities and does not authorize recreational marijuana or other marijuana activities outside its scope. Marijuana not covered by the order remains subject to Schedule I controls. The broader proposed rescheduling of marijuana is being considered through a separate administrative proceeding under the Controlled Substances Act.

Biweekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS ANNUAL STATE FUNDING WORKSHOP FOR THE 33RD DISTRICT

This month, Senator Rivera hosted his annual state funding webinar, where he provided an overview of the various funding opportunities available through New York State. If you are interested in learning more or would like to receive materials from the presentation, please reach out to Jasmine Torreblanca, Public Affairs Manager, at torrebla@nyseante.gov.   At Senator Rivera’s office, we carefully consider every budget request that we receive as we work to serve the needs of 33rd Senate District residents and improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers across our State.  Discretionary funding requests are now open for the Fiscal Year 2027-28 Budget. Submissions are due no later than Sunday January 31st, 2027.

APPLY FOR STATE FUNDING HERE!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEADERS FOR NYC-EJA'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY

Senator Rivera joined environmental justice advocates and community leaders, including Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, at the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance's (NYC-EJA) 35th Anniversary Gala.

Senator Rivera was recognized for his leadership in advancing New York State's first extreme heat legislation (S5056), a step toward protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers as climate change causes dangerous temperatures more frequently. Thank you Executive Director Eddie Bautista for this amazing honor!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS NIÑO DE LA CARIDAD FOUNDATION AND FORDHAM UNIVERSITY FOR THE LATINOS DESTINADOS A TRIUNFAR SUMMIT

Recently, Senator Rivera joined the Niño de la Caridad Foundation and Fordham University for the Latinos Destinados a Triunfar Summit, a day focused on career exploration, networking, mentorship, workshops, and professional development.

Thank you to Dr. Ana Nuñez, Executive Director of the Niño de la Caridad Foundation; Fordham University President Tania Tetlow; Henry R. Muñoz III; Dr. Denise Nuñez; and Dr. Michael D. Cabana for the invitation.

Senator Rivera commends all the students who attended for taking the initiative to expand their knowledge and explore their futures. He believes opportunities like this can transform students’ lives and create lasting, positive change in their communities.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS RIVERDALE NEIGHBORS FOR A NY HEALTH ACT RALLY

Senator Rivera joined the Riverdale community for a well attended New York Health Act rally at Seton Park! Thank you to the Campaign for NY Health for organizing, and to Our Bronx, Northwest Indivisible, the NYC Democratic Socialists of America, Physicians for a National Health Program, the Central New York Humanist Association, and community leader Helen Krim for rallying everyone together! The coverage loss associated with the federal reconciliation bill also known as H.R.1 is a prime example of how the way we deliver healthcare in this country is profoundly flawed, and how New York needs to take the reins of its own healthcare future. Senator Rivera urges everyone to look into the New York Health Act and bring their questions and concerns. As the bill’s sponsor (S3425), he sees it as a priority for New Yorkers and medical professionals across the state. New Yorkers are struggling to access care, afford necessary services, and manage high costs and medical debt.

Learn More!

GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL SIGNS SENATOR FERNANDEZ'S BILL TO DESIGNATE LITTLE YEMEN AS A CULTURAL DISTRICT INTO LAW

“I am so proud that Governor Hochul signed Senator Fernandez’s bill into law designating Little Yemen as a cultural district. This designation honors the incredible contributions of our Yemeni neighbors to our beautiful borough. What makes our State great is the vibrant diversity of New Yorkers and our rich immigrant history, so I am grateful to welcome this honor and support to our Little Yemen community.”

-State Senator Gustavo Rivera-

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS COMMUNITY EVENTS ACROSS HIS DISTRICT

Earlier this month, Senator Rivera attended at the Williamsbridge Fall Fiesta with NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte and Parks staff!

Senator Rivera addressed the crowd at the Jerome Gun Hill Road BID 25th Anniversary Fall Festival!

Senator Rivera joins Laura Levine-Pinedo and the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation for their Annual BOO! On Mosholu event!

COLLEGE APPLICATION AND FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES FOR NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS!🎓📚

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS & ADVISING:

You don’t have to go out of state to receive a world-class education! NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) students can apply to CUNY, SUNY, and many NYS Colleges for Free. 

If students and families require support to complete their applications or explore their options, they can obtain support from a trained professional. Click here to get support through our Free College and Career Virtual Advising Program. Program hours are 5:00pm-8:00pm on these weekdays: Tuesday-Friday. 

Seniors should be encouraged to sign up for text messages to gain access to important reminders and resources.

New York Public Library offers College and Career Pathways support in over 40 hubs in Manhattan and the Bronx. 

FINANCIAL AID:

Students can get support through the College and Career Virtual Advising Program (link above). Parents can also schedule appointments for financial aid support through Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program EDCAP. Also, Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is also hosting many events to supports students and families in this important process. 

The State University of New York (SUNY) is also hosting financial aid overview sessions and SUNY Admissions sessions. 

Families can also access the Understanding Financial Aid and FAFSA Guides website and download the guide in their home languages.  

DEADLINE MONDAY 11/16: ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:APPLY TO CUNY FOR FREE!

The City University of New York (CUNY) will waive its $65 freshman application fee for New York City public high school seniors Sept. 15 through Nov. 16, a month longer than last year. Take advantage of this amazing opporutnity and apply to the nation’s largest urban public university!

UPDATES FROM NYC PARKS BRONX BOROUGH COMMISSIONER JESSENIA APONTE REGARDING THE PERMITS PORTAL

THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WILL UPGRADE THEIR UNEMPLOYEMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

On November 2, 2026, the Department will begin transitioning to an upgraded unemployment insurance system called Unemployment Services. This upgraded system will include many enhancements for users, including fewer delays, real-time updates, and greater accessibility. While the Department of Labor implements this upgraded system, individuals will be unable to file for unemployment insurance, certify for benefits, or reach their call centers. Specific dates regarding this upgrade are below: • November 2: The upgrade begins. Online and phone services for unemployment insurance are unavailable beginning at 5 pm. The Department expects the upgrade to take 9 – 12 days • Upgraded system available 9-12 days after the upgrade begins: Customers with active claims must use the upgraded system to certify benefit payments. New customers can begin to file claims in the upgraded unemployment system. During the 9-to-12-day upgrade period, all online and phone-based unemployment insurance services will be temporarily unavailable. Individuals will not be able to file unemployment insurance claims, certify for weekly benefits, or access or update account information. As a result, payments will be delayed. Customers will need to file or certify in the upgraded system when it’s available to receive all benefits due to them. The Department will notify all customers when the upgraded system is available. Also during the upgrade period, Career Centers will be available by virtual appointments only. During those appointments, Career Center staff will not be able to assist with unemployment insurance, but they can help customers with their job search. If this will affect you, we encourage you to stay up to date by following the Department’s website and official social media accounts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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.

The changes from the feds that go into effect on July 1st will have serious implications for over 450,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan that are losing health insurance coverage. Thankfully, Community Health Advocates (CHA) have made themselves available to assist you.

Call the toll-free Helpline (888-614-5400, option 3) Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. With your consent, Senator Rivera's team can also email your information over to CHA for assistance.

CHA can counsel consumers losing Essential Plan coverage about:  

• Insurance eligibility and options  
• Where to find low-cost care
• Resolving medical debt, and  
• Their rights for seeking treatment in emergency situations