The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) marked September 17 and 18, 2025, with a significant number of press releases, detailing a wide-ranging enforcement agenda that spanned across critical areas of American justice. These announcements highlighted ongoing efforts to combat fraud, protect civil rights, prosecute violent crime, tackle sophisticated cyber threats, and reform economic regulations, showcasing the department’s broad reach and commitment to upholding the law.
Investigation into Discriminatory Employment Practices Launched in Austin
A major development announced by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division was the launch of an investigation into the City of Austin, Texas. The probe aims to determine whether the city has engaged in employment practices that discriminate based on race, sex, color, and national origin, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the department’s stance, stating, “The Department of Justice will not tolerate discriminatory race-based employment practices and DEI policies, in Austin or other cities. Such practices are illegal and un-American, and we will vigorously protect equal opportunity and hold accountable those who seek to perpetuate vestiges of outlawed discrimination.”
Crackdown on Financial Crimes and Corporate Misconduct
In the realm of financial crime, Bank of America Securities, Inc. (BoAS) resolved a criminal investigation into alleged market manipulation schemes orchestrated by former employees. As part of the resolution, the DOJ declined to prosecute BoAS, which will disgorge approximately $1.96 million and contribute $3.6 million to a victim compensation fund. The investigation revealed that two traders manipulated the U.S. Treasuries market between 2014 and 2020.
Additionally, the United States filed a lawsuit against Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), a California-based health insurer. The complaint, filed under the False Claims Act, alleges that IEHP made false statements to Medi-Cal and knowingly retained overpayments, misusing federal Medicaid expansion funds totaling an estimated $320 million. This action underscores the DOJ’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the Medicaid program and taxpayer dollars.
Prosecutions for Violent Crime and Child Exploitation
On the front lines of combating violent crime, a Pensacola, Florida man, Akeem Cornell Shaw, pleaded guilty to federal charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and firearm offenses. As a convicted felon, Shaw faces a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment.
In a significant hate crime case, Braden Birdsong of Oklahoma City pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime violation. Birdsong admitted to assaulting a Black man while using racial slurs, facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Regarding child exploitation, a Virginia man, Antonio Rudy Gonzalez, was found guilty of repeat offenses related to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Having previously been convicted of similar crimes, Gonzalez now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
Confronting Cyber Threats and International Crime
Highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime, a United Kingdom national, Thalha Jubair, was charged in connection with a series of cyber attacks, including those targeting critical infrastructure. Jubair is alleged to have participated in at least 120 network intrusions as part of the “Scattered Spider” group, with victims paying over $115 million in ransom.
In immigration-related matters, a Guatemalan national, Felix Coc Choc, residing illegally in the U.S., was indicted on fraud charges concerning the sponsorship of an unaccompanied alien child. The indictment includes charges of making false statements and aggravated identity theft, carrying significant potential prison sentences.
Antitrust and Deregulation Initiatives
Beyond criminal prosecutions, the DOJ’s Antitrust Division announced its collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to identify over 125 anticompetitive regulations. This initiative, stemming from a presidential executive order, aims to unleash prosperity through deregulation by removing barriers that stifle competition and innovation in the American economy. Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater stated, “Lowering barriers to entry by removing anticompetitive regulations will free America’s innovators and entrepreneurs to do what they do best: drive America’s future success.”
These numerous announcements from September 17-18, 2025, demonstrate the U.S. Department of Justice’s active and multifaceted approach to law enforcement and policy, addressing a wide spectrum of crime and legal challenges across the nation.
