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Guatemala Arrests 7 in Connection with Deadly 2022 Texas Migrant Smuggling Case

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GUATEMALA CITY — Guatemalan authorities arrested seven individuals on Wednesday in connection with a deadly human smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of 53 migrants in Texas in 2022. The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation of one of the deadliest migrant smuggling attempts into the United States in recent years.

Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez told The Associated Press that the arrests were made possible through 13 coordinated raids across three of Guatemala’s departments. Among those apprehended was Rigoberto Román Mirnado Orozco, alleged to be the ringleader of the smuggling operation. The United States has requested Orozco’s extradition.

“This is a collaborative effort between the Guatemalan police and Homeland Security, in addition to other national agencies, to dismantle the structures of human trafficking,” Jiménez stated. He emphasized that tackling irregular migration is a strategic objective of President Bernardo Arévalo’s government.

The arrests are linked to the June 2022 incident where 53 migrants from Mexico and Central America were found dead in an abandoned tractor-trailer near San Antonio, Texas. The victims, including eight children, died of asphyxiation after being trapped in the sweltering vehicle during a three-hour journey from Laredo to San Antonio.

According to U.S. authorities, the truck’s air-conditioning unit was malfunctioning, failing to provide cool air to the migrants inside. When discovered, 48 migrants were already deceased, with five more dying in hospitals shortly after.

The victims’ nationalities underscore the regional nature of the tragedy:

– 27 from Mexico

– 14 from Honduras

– 7 from Guatemala

– 2 from El Salvador

Prior to these arrests, six individuals had already been charged in the United States in connection with the case. Homero Zamorano Jr., the alleged driver of the truck, and Christian Martinez were arrested shortly after the discovery.

Martinez has since pleaded guilty to smuggling-related charges, while Zamorano has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial. Four Mexican nationals were also arrested in 2023 for their alleged involvement.

Guatemalan police identified the smuggling organization as “Los Orozcos,” noting that several of those arrested are family members sharing the Orozco surname. The arrests took place in the departments of San Marcos (bordering Mexico), Huehuetenango, and Jalapa.

Authorities allege that the smuggling network operated across Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, sharing resources including routes, guides, safe houses, and vehicles. Migrants reportedly paid up to $15,000 each for up to three attempts to cross the U.S. border.

This case has highlighted the dangers faced by migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally and the sophisticated nature of transnational human smuggling operations. It has also prompted calls for increased international cooperation to combat such networks and address the root causes of migration.

As the legal proceedings unfold both in Guatemala and the United States, the case continues to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of border security, human trafficking, and the complex issues surrounding immigration in the Americas.

Ashanti and Nelly Welcome First Child Together

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LOS ANGELES — Grammy-winning R&B singer Ashanti has given birth to her first child with husband and fellow musician Nelly, the couple announced on Wednesday. The news comes amid revelations about their secret wedding and a complex relationship timeline.

Ashanti, 43, shared the news on Instagram with a mirror selfie showcasing her postpartum figure. “Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol,” she wrote, referencing her 2001 hit song with Ja Rule. The singer expressed pride in her body’s capabilities and her excitement about motherhood.

The couple, who had announced their pregnancy in April 2024, have now disclosed that they were secretly married in December 2023. Public records indicate that the nuptials took place in Nelly’s hometown of St. Louis County, Missouri, on December 27, 2023.

This child marks Ashanti’s first, while it’s the fifth for Nelly, 49. The couple’s relationship has spanned two decades, with several periods of separation and reconciliation.

Their history dates back to 2003 when they met at a Grammy Awards press conference. After dating for several years, they split in 2009, briefly reconciled in 2010, and separated again in 2013. In 2023, Nelly confirmed their rekindled romance during an interview, stating, “Yeah, we cool again.”

The pregnancy announcement in April 2024 came through a comedic Instagram video featuring Ashanti’s mother, Tina Douglas. At the same time, the couple announced their engagement, though reports suggest they may have been engaged three months prior.

This joyous news comes on the heels of recent legal troubles for Nelly. Earlier this month, he was arrested and booked for drug possession after being pulled over while driving in Maryland Heights, Missouri. His attorney has denied the drug charge, stating the arrest was related to an outstanding warrant for “No Proof of Insurance” from 2018.

As the couple navigates parenthood, they continue to balance their personal lives with their successful music careers. Ashanti, known for hits like “Foolish” and “Rock Wit U (Awww Baby),” has sold over 15 million records worldwide. Nelly, with chart-toppers like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” has been a prominent figure in hip-hop for over two decades.

The birth announcement and wedding revelation have sparked renewed interest in the couple, who have managed to keep significant life events private despite their high-profile status in the entertainment industry.

As fans celebrate this new chapter in Ashanti and Nelly’s lives, the music world watches with interest to see how parenthood might influence their artistic endeavors and public personas.

Violent Offender Arrested for Selling Counterfeit Pills to Undercover Officer

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A Taunton man who allegedly sold over a kilogram of counterfeit pills to an undercover officer was arrested yesterday in connection with an ongoing investigation of the manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine.

Shavon Gurley, a/k/a “Soo Soo,” 29, of Taunton, was charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The defendant was arrested yesterday morning and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Aug. 27, 2024.

According to the charging documents, Gurley was identified as being involved in trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in conjunction with a Brockton-based drug trafficking organization. 

As part of the investigation, between Aug. 2-5, 2024, undercover law enforcement allegedly communicated with Gurley about purchasing methamphetamine pills. On Aug. 5, 2024, Gurley allegedly sold 6,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, weighing over a kilogram, to an undercover officer. During the interaction, Gurley allegedly stated that he would drop the price per pill if the undercover officer were to buy 10,000 or 20,000 pills. It is further alleged that Gurley continued to discuss his drug operation with the undercover officer and boasted about selling kilograms of fentanyl that his customers then go on to sell in Maine. 

During the controlled purchase with the undercover officer, Gurley allegedly stated that he sells kilograms of fentanyl for $30,000, and that the fentanyl is such high quality that it can be adulterated with cutting agents into 10 kilograms. It is further alleged that Gurley then stated he also sells a higher quality and purity fentanyl for $50,000, which can be adulterated into 50 kilograms.

Gurley also allegedly boasted about property he has already acquired through selling narcotics and that he intends to reach $600,000 in profits. As alleged in the charging documents, Gurley complimented the undercover officer’s “aura” and promised to do business with the officer in the future. At the time of the sale, Gurley was allegedly on pretrial release for a domestic violence offense.

Lastly, during the execution of search warrants at Gurley’s residence and vehicle yesterday, law enforcement allegedly recovered a loaded black firearm, two posters depicting cherubim – with captions that read, “I Only Fear the Feds,” and “Rats Don’t Make it To Heaven,” – a bag containing an amount of controlled substances believed to be fentanyl, as well as a number of plastic bags containing approximately 10,000 counterfeit Adderall pills believed to contain methamphetamine.

According to the charging documents, Gurley has a lengthy juvenile record and criminal history that includes a number of prior firearm and violent offenses – including a 2012 conviction for assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon for attacking a man with a pistol and pointing the firearm at the victim’s head, for which he served a six to 10 year term in state prison.    


The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: DOJ

Washington D.C. Man Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Stealing $32,000 in High-End Goods

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A Washington D.C. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for stealing thousands of items from a high-end outlet store in Wrentham, Mass.

Linworth Hayes Crawford, III, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to eight months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Crawford must also pay $32,000 in restitution to the Gucci store at the Wrentham Outlets. In February 2024, Crawford pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce and one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods. 

On the evening of Sept. 16, 2021, Crawford, along with his co-defendants Nathaniel Owens, and others   traveled from the Washington D.C. area to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Massachusetts. In the early morning hours of Sept. 17, 2021, Crawford and his co-defendants entered the Gucci store by smashing the store’s glass front door and stole $32,000 in high-end merchandise including handbags, duffle bags, backpacks and sunglasses.  

The day after the theft, a co-defendant allegedly posted on his Instagram account that he had Gucci bags available for sale. Images of the bags appeared to be identical to the Gucci bags stolen during the burglary earlier that day.

Crawford also took responsibility for a second similar burglary at a Prada store in Dawsonville, Georgia, where $37,000 in merchandise was stolen. 

Owens pleaded guilty in April 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.    

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Wrentham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 
 

Source: DOJ

Woman Nearly Bitten by Tiger After Entering Enclosure at New Jersey Zoo

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BRIDGETON, N.J. — Police in Bridgeton, New Jersey, are searching for a woman who climbed over a barrier into a tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo, narrowly avoiding being bitten when she attempted to touch the animal through the fence.

The Bridgeton Police Department released video footage of the incident on Tuesday, although the exact date of the occurrence remains unclear. In the video, the woman is seen scaling a wooden fence designed to keep visitors at a safe distance from the tiger habitat.

“A female at the Cohanzick Zoo went over the wooden fence at the tiger enclosure and began enticing the tiger almost getting bit by putting her hand through the wire enclosure,” the police department stated in a Facebook post accompanying the video.

After entering the restricted area, the woman approached the tall metal fence separating visitors from the tigers. She then inserted her hand through a small gap in the fence, apparently in an attempt to pet the large feline. The tiger quickly lunged toward her hand, causing her to rapidly withdraw it and step back from the enclosure.

Following the near-miss, the woman paused and posed, suggesting that another person may have been photographing her actions. She then climbed back over the wooden barrier to exit the restricted area.

Bridgeton police are urging the public to help identify the woman. “We are asking if anyone recognizes the female in the video/photo,” the department stated. They have directed those with information to contact Patrolman Cusano at 856-451-0033, extension 0, or to submit anonymous tips to BPD.TIPS.

The police department also used this incident to remind visitors about proper zoo etiquette and safety measures. “Reminder to the public when visiting the zoo that it is against City Ordinance to climb over any fence,” they emphasized in their statement.

This incident bears similarities to a 2019 event at the Bronx Zoo in New York, where a woman entered a lion enclosure and appeared to taunt the animal while standing just feet away.

Such incidents highlight ongoing concerns about visitor behavior at zoos and the potential dangers posed to both humans and animals when safety barriers are breached. Zoo officials and animal welfare advocates often stress the importance of respecting enclosure boundaries for the safety of visitors and the well-being of the animals.

The Cohanzick Zoo, located in Bridgeton City Park, is the first zoo in New Jersey. It houses a variety of animals, including big cats, and plays a role in conservation and education efforts. Incidents like this can potentially impact zoo operations and animal welfare protocols.

At Least 10 Murders in Mexico Linked to U.S. Arrests of Cartel Leaders

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CULIACÁN, Mexico  — The recent arrests of two top Sinaloa cartel leaders in the United States have triggered a wave of violence in northern Mexico, with at least 10 murders directly linked to the resulting power struggle, Mexican officials confirmed Monday.

Sinaloa state Governor Rubén Rocha acknowledged that four killings on Friday and six on Saturday were related to internal conflicts within the cartel following the July 25 arrests. “These are related to the drug cartels… and they can be linked to the situation that arose after the detentions of July 25,” Rocha stated in a press conference.

The violence stems from the U.S. arrests of Joaquín Guzmán López, a leader of the “Chapitos” faction, and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, head of a rival faction within the Sinaloa cartel. According to U.S. authorities, Guzmán López turned himself in and allegedly forced Zambada onto the same flight to El Paso, Texas.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador echoed the concerns about escalating violence, stating, “We don’t want the situation in Sinaloa to take a turn for the worse. It has been stable as far as violence is concerned. That doesn’t mean there wasn’t violence, but there wasn’t confrontation, fighting between groups.”

The arrests and subsequent murders have exposed the fragile balance of power within the Sinaloa cartel. Mexican security analyst David Saucedo suggests that authorities are reluctant to intervene due to potential damaging information Zambada may possess about corrupt Mexican officials. “It seems to me that Mayo Zambada’s media strategy is focused on assuring an orderly transition in the organization he commands,” Saucedo explained.

Among the recent victims were at least two men closely associated with Zambada, found tortured and executed in a manner typical of cartel killings. Additionally, a prominent cartel family’s lavish tomb was partially destroyed, with bodies reportedly stolen, further illustrating the personal nature of the ongoing conflict.

The situation is complicated by allegations of political involvement. In a jailhouse letter, Zambada provided his version of the killing of Hector Cuén, a political rival of Governor Rocha, blaming it on the Chapitos faction. This contradicts the official narrative provided by state authorities, highlighting the complex interplay between cartels and local politics.

U.S. law enforcement has painted a grim picture of the cartel’s operations. A Justice Department indictment alleges that the Chapitos and their associates have used brutal tactics including torture and feeding victims to tigers.

As violence escalates, both Mexican state and federal authorities have called for peace in the region. However, the government’s approach to cartel activities remains controversial, with President López Obrador often criticizing aggressive tactics in favor of social programs aimed at addressing root causes of criminal activity.

Paulo Dybala Nears Lucrative Transfer to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qadsiah

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ROME  — Argentina international Paulo Dybala is reportedly close to finalizing a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, potentially ending his tenure with Italian side AS Roma.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Dybala has reached an agreement with the Saudi Pro League team for a three-year contract worth €75 million ($81 million). The 30-year-old forward’s agent is expected to meet with Roma officials to negotiate his exit.

Roma now faces a decision on whether to accept an anticipated €3 million transfer fee from Al-Qadsiah, negotiate for a higher amount, or insist that Dybala fulfills the final year of his contract.

Dybala, a World Cup winner with Argentina, joined Roma on a free transfer from Juventus in 2022. He has scored 34 goals in 78 appearances for the capital club. In Roma’s Serie A season opener, a goalless draw against Cagliari, Dybala was used as a substitute, replacing Nicola Zalewski for the final 20 minutes.

The five-time Serie A champion’s potential move to Saudi Arabia continues a trend of high-profile players joining the Saudi Pro League. The league has attracted several international stars in recent months, significantly raising its global profile.

Al-Qadsiah is scheduled to begin its Saudi Pro League campaign with a home fixture against Al-Fateh on Friday. Meanwhile, Roma is set to face Empoli in Serie A on Sunday.

The transfer, if completed, would mark a significant shift in Dybala’s career, moving from one of Europe’s top leagues to the emerging Saudi Pro League. It also represents a potential windfall for the player, with the reported salary far exceeding typical earnings in European leagues.

Roma’s decision on the transfer could have implications for their Serie A campaign, potentially leaving them without one of their key attacking players as the season gets underway.

As negotiations continue, football observers are watching closely to see if this high-profile transfer will further cement the Saudi Pro League’s growing influence in the global football market.

Cameroon Faces Low Voter Registration Amid Opposition Concerns

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YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Cameroon is experiencing low voter registration rates ahead of its 2025 presidential election, with opposition and civil society groups blaming the trend on skepticism about electoral integrity under longtime President Paul Biya’s administration.

Cameroon’s elections management body, ELECAM, reports that 7.9 million civilians have registered to vote ahead of the August 31 deadline set by electoral law. This figure represents barely 50% of qualified voters, according to estimates from opposition and civil society groups.

The country is preparing for presidential elections next year to conclude the current seven-year mandate. President Biya, who has been in power for over four decades, will determine the exact date of the polls.

Opposition parties, including the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) led by Maurice Kamto, have expressed concerns about potential electoral fraud. They cite the contested 2018 presidential election results, which they claim were marred by irregularities favoring Biya.

Tamfu Richard, a human rights lawyer and member of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (CPNR), emphasized the importance of youth participation. “Cameroon is at a crossroads where the current leader is of age and has been there for 42 years,” Richard said. “It is in the interest of Cameroonians to have a different face, somebody who is young at the helm.”

The opposition estimates there are close to 16 million potential voters in the country of about 30 million civilians. They are urging citizens to register, drawing comparisons to higher registration rates in neighboring countries like Chad and Senegal.

Emmanuel Neba, a 47-year-old merchant, expressed a common sentiment among reluctant voters: “We know that Paul Biya will still win the elections. In America, Joe Biden is 82 and he abandoned his candidacy to a younger person, but in Cameroon, Paul Biya, who is 91, wants to continue to be president forever.”

Government officials refute claims of planned electoral rigging and warn against what they term “increasing hate speech” ahead of the polls. Biya has not publicly announced whether he will run in the 2025 election, though supporters and government ministers have been organizing rallies calling for his candidacy.

The opposition and civil society groups are conducting grassroots campaigns to encourage voter registration before the deadline. They argue that high voter turnout and vigilance are crucial for ensuring electoral integrity.

As the registration deadline approaches, the situation underscores the complex political landscape in Cameroon and the challenges facing its democratic processes.

Explosion at Indian Pharmaceutical Plant Kills 15, Injures 40

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ANAKAPALLI, India — An explosion at a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh state killed at least 15 people and injured 40 others on Wednesday, local officials reported.

District Superintendent of Police M. Deepika told Reuters, “Death toll as of now is 15 and is likely to go up. Nearly 40 people have been injured. Rescue operations are under way.”

The incident occurred at a 40-acre facility owned by Escientia Advanced Sciences in the Anakapalli district. The plant has been operational since 2019.

District collector Vijaya Krishnan’s office provided additional details, stating, “The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals… it appears that there could have been a blast at the chemical reactor.” The explosion reportedly took place during lunch time at the unit.

Escientia Advanced Sciences has not immediately responded to requests for comment. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

This accident follows a similar incident in the Anakapalli district last year, where two people were killed and five others injured in a fire that broke out in a solvent reactor at a Sahithi Pharma unit.

The pharmaceutical industry is a significant sector in India, with the country being a major global supplier of generic drugs. However, industrial accidents in the country have raised concerns about safety standards and regulatory oversight.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are working to determine the cause of the explosion and assess the full extent of the damage. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring industrial safety in India’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector.

Local hospitals are reportedly preparing for the possibility of receiving more injured workers as the rescue efforts progress. The explosion’s impact on the local community and the broader pharmaceutical supply chain remains to be seen.

State and national authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation and may consider additional safety measures for similar facilities in the wake of this tragedy.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sparks Marriage Rumors with New YouTube Channel

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has fueled speculation about his marital status with partner Georgina Rodriguez following the launch of his new YouTube channel.

In a video posted on the channel, titled “UR,” Ronaldo refers to Rodriguez as his “wife” during a game of “Mr. and Mrs.” Both Ronaldo and Rodriguez appear to be wearing wedding rings in the footage.

This isn’t the first time Ronaldo has used the term “wife” to describe Rodriguez. He previously mentioned “training with my wife at home” while promoting a fitness brand.

Ronaldo, 39, and Rodriguez, 30, have been in a relationship since 2016 and have two children together. Rodriguez is also stepmother to Ronaldo’s three other children. The family currently resides in Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

The couple’s living arrangements in Saudi Arabia have drawn attention, as they were permitted to cohabitate despite local laws prohibiting unmarried couples from living together.

Reports suggest that Ronaldo has an agreement in place that would provide Rodriguez with £85,000 ($108,000) per month in the event of a separation.

Ronaldo’s YouTube channel launch has been met with significant interest, reaching one million subscribers within an hour of going live. The channel promises to offer fans a glimpse into the Portuguese forward’s life off the pitch.

The timing of the channel’s debut coincides with the start of the new Saudi Pro League season. Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are set to begin their campaign on Thursday against Al-Raed.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 following his departure from Manchester United. His move to Saudi Arabia has been part of a broader trend of high-profile players joining the Saudi Pro League, which has seen significant investment in recent months.

Neither Ronaldo nor his representatives have officially commented on the marriage speculation.

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