Phillip Swarts

FBI offers $3M reward for Russian cybercriminal

The FBI announced a $3 million reward Tuesday for one of its most wanted cybercriminals, the largest amount the agency has ever offered for cybercrime, officials said. Published February 24, 2015

Justice Dept.: No federal charges in Trayvon Martin death

The Justice Department says George Zimmerman will not face federal civil rights charges in the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Published February 24, 2015

Mike Rogers, NSA director, says U.S. lags behind adversaries, expects major cyberattack

The nation's top cybersecurity official said Monday that he expects a major cyberattack against the U.S. before he leaves office while warning that America needs to do more to keep up with Russia, China and other potential adversaries in this field. Published February 23, 2015

Smithsonian will investigate climate scientist after funding revelations

The Smithsonian Institution said it is launching an investigation into a climate scientist, just a day after a New York Times piece revealed the man had accepted large payments from oil companies. Published February 23, 2015

Mike Rogers, NSA chief, says Edward Snowden’s revelations hurt counterterrorism capabilities

The nation has lost counterterrorism and surveillance capabilities due to the revelations by leaker Edward Snowden, Adm. Michael S. Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, said Monday at a cybersecurity forum. Published February 23, 2015

Ferguson, Staten Island events harm police morale

Controversies surrounding police actions — such as the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner during altercations with law enforcement — can have drastic effects on the morale of officers across the nation, officials said. Published February 22, 2015

Police academy enrollment rises despite negative events in Ferguson, New York City

There has been a surge of applicants vying for police academy positions around the country, even as the role of law enforcement has come under fire due to the highly politicized events in Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island, New York, where cops were questioned for their use of force against black men. Published February 22, 2015

Minnesota man arrested for attempting to join Islamic State

A Minnesota man will face terrorism charges for attempting to join the Islamic State, the Justice Department announced Thursday. Published February 19, 2015

Justice Department likely to sue Ferguson police department: report

The Justice Department will likely sue the Ferguson, Missouri, police department over what the government says is racial discrimination, CNN reported. Published February 19, 2015

ICE’s risk assessment on illegal immigrants ‘not effective,’ IG report finds

U.S. officials have little idea whether some illegal immigrants commit crimes or flee from authorities after being set free by law enforcement, a new report has found. Published February 18, 2015

FBI surveillance tactics jeopardized by fight over NSA phone snooping program

Congressional discord may cause the FBI to lose its ability to collect hotel bills, credit card slips and other "tangible things" they use to hunt down terrorists, spies and criminals. Published February 17, 2015

Eric Holder: Judge’s injunction on Obama amnesty an ‘interim step’

Attorney General Eric Holder said Tuesday that a Texas court's injunction against President Obama's immigration executive actions was an "interim step" in the ongoing debate. Published February 17, 2015

Eric Holder credits 6% drop in drug prosecutions to his sentencing policies

Federal drug prosecutions dropped 6 percent last year, a move Attorney General Eric Holder said shows the nation is reforming its judicial system to punish violent offenders and not low-level drug users. Published February 17, 2015

Ted Cruz: Obama’s lack of leadership on counterterrorism harming the country

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz slammed President Barack Obama Wednesday, saying the lack of leadership on counterterrorism is harming the country. Published February 11, 2015

Eric Holder still has game: AG hits the hardwood, shows off b-ball skills

Six years at the Justice Department may have given Attorney General Eric Holder a few more gray hairs and controversies to deal with, but it hasn't diminished his basketball skills at all. Published February 6, 2015

Adel Abdul Bary gets 25 years for role in U.S. Embassy bombings

An Egyptian man who officials said led a London terrorist cell will serve 25 years in prison, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Published February 6, 2015

Golden Hammer: Millions of HUD money went to lobbying, not housing

Despite a prohibition against taxpayer money being spent to influence government, millions of dollars meant to provide housing to poor and underprivileged areas instead went to lobbying because of lax oversight by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Published February 5, 2015

Maryland man accused of threatening attack at U.S. Capitol: report

Police arrested a Maryland man this week after he threatened to kill people at the U.S. Capitol, a local D.C. television station reported. Published February 5, 2015

Justice Dept. official accused of nepotism in son’s hire: IG

The head of a Justice Department law enforcement office used his position to secure a job for his son and other relatives, the agency's internal watchdog said Wednesday. Published February 4, 2015

Airline employees bring loaded guns on flights, raise national security fears

Demanding answers from industry experts Tuesday, lawmakers warned that while passenger screening at airports usually works, a lack of comprehensive screening for airport workers and airline employees could threaten national security. Published February 3, 2015