ATF, New Kensington Police Seek Public’s Help in Firearms Burglary

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the New Kensington Police Department and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry, are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from RC Firearms LLC, a federal firearm licensee.

In the early morning hours of Jan. 22, RC Firearms LLC, 404 Freeport Street, New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was burglarized and approximately 25 firearms were stolen. ATF and the New Kensington Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying the individuals responsible for the crime.

ATF is offering a reward for up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $10,000. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF, in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.

Two suspects caught by video surveillance camera

Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477) or the New Kensington Police (724-339-7533). Information can also be emailed to ATFTips@atf.gov(link sends e-mail) or submitted through the ATF Tips webpage. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit app(link is external), available from both Google Play and the Apple App store.

ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investigating federal firearms licensee thefts. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov. Follow @ATFPhiladelphia(link is external) on X (formerly Twitter) for more news about ATF’s work in Pennsylvania.

Justice Department Releases Resource for Specialized Unit Oversight

The Justice Department has released a new guide aimed at helping state and local law enforcement agencies assess and manage specialized units. This guide, titled "Considerations for Specialized Units: A Guide for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies to Ensure Appropriateness, Effectiveness, and Accountability," was created in response to concerns raised after the killing of Tyre Nichols and the scrutiny of specialized police units. It provides actionable insights for the formation, management, and oversight of such units, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

The guide was developed through consultations with law enforcement, civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders, led by the Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the National Policing Institute (NPI). It addresses various stages of specialized units, including formation, personnel selection, management, accountability, and community involvement.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta explained that the guide is a practical resource for law enforcement leaders, mayors, and community members when considering the creation or review of specialized units. It offers guidance on defining a unit's mission, selecting personnel, establishing performance metrics, and mitigating risks associated with specialized units.

Director of the COPS Office, Hugh T. Clements, Jr., emphasized that the guide was developed with input from diverse stakeholders and aims to promote effective, constitutional policing in collaboration with the communities served by law enforcement agencies.

The full guide is accessible at https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/?item=cops-r1140

 

Rosebud Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer

Pierre, South Dakota - In a recent development, Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange of the U.S. District Court sentenced Jeffery Yellow Hawk, a 34-year-old Rosebud man, for his conviction of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing occurred on December 19, 2023, and delivered significant penalties.

Jeffery Yellow Hawk has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

This legal action stems from Yellow Hawk's indictment by a federal grand jury in July 2023, to which he pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023.

The incident leading to Yellow Hawk's conviction transpired on the evening of June 16, 2023, in the Rosebud area. Yellow Hawk was driving a motor vehicle and encountered a sobriety checkpoint. In an attempt to evade the checkpoint, he executed an illegal U-turn and fled the scene. Law enforcement officers from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe pursued Yellow Hawk to his residence.

Upon arriving at his residence, Yellow Hawk disregarded the commands of the pursuing officers and brought two firearms into his home. Subsequently, he brandished a loaded firearm at the officers. Yellow Hawk was eventually arrested after exiting his residence, and officers seized a loaded shotgun and a loaded rifle from his premises. As part of his sentence, Yellow Hawk will forfeit ownership of these firearms and ammunition.

The investigation into this case was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson.

This case falls under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. It brings together various law enforcement agencies and communities to enhance safety and prevent crime. The Department of Justice reinforced this strategy in May 2021, emphasizing core principles like fostering trust, supporting community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

Jeffery Yellow Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.