Monday, December 8, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Woman Who Fled Threats in Guatemala Is Detained by ICE in 26 Fed So Habeas Filed
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 5 – A woman from Guatemala who as a member with the Union Cambio Nacional party was targeted and fled to the US in 2024 was detained by ICE in 26 Federal Plaza on December 5. She filed a habeas corpus petition the same day in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Inner City Press found it.
The petition says Lesbia Maribel Perz Agustin's husband was killed and her house was shot up and had tear gas thrown in. It says that the explanation given to her upon her detained was "new laws."
The requests include immediate release and attorney's fees.
The case is Agustin v. Joyce, et al., 1:25-cv-10122 (Unassigned)
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Honduras Ex-Prez JOH Got 45 Years Then Pardon Now Martinez Turcios Gets 262 Months
by Matthew Russell Lee, Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 5 – In the closing arguments on March 6, AUSA Tarlow said that narco trafficking had grown under JOH. On March 7, out of the hearing of the jury and for then the Press, JOH's lawyer Stabile said he'd heard different overnight.
From who?
The defendant's wife he said.
Later on March 8, the verdict, here- then the book Narco Drama in English then Spanish.
On August 9, 2024, this Honduras Congressman's guilty plea: "Midence Oqueli Martinez Turcios (1) Guilty as to Count 1."
Narco Drama book / audiobook in Spanish here
On December 16 a "Fatico" hearing continued, thread here
More analysis on X for Subscribers here and with translation into Spanish here on Substack here
On January 30 his lawyer wrote in asking to re-open the hearing to put on more witness, who read about the December 12 and December 16 hearings, seemingly from Inner City Press, via OnceNoticias, "Midence Oquelí Martínez Turcios has a hearing in which cooperator Devis Leonel Rivera implicated him in murder," reported American journalist Matthew Russell Lee"
On February 24 Judge Kaplan ruled "the Court credits the bulk of Rivera's testimony at the Fatico hearing. Accordingly, the Court accepts the presentence report with the modifications reflected in a sealed order issued contemporaneously with this opinion." Order on Patreon here
The next day, February 25, defense counsel requested reconsideration in a heavily redacted memo, saying the Court relied on only one witness [REDACTED].. the Government has never called him to testify as a witness in any case."
Jump cut to August 28 when the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking to delay its sentencing memo from August 29 to... Monday, September 1, which is Labor Day...
On September 2 defense counsel asked to delay the September 7 sentencing.
On November 4 Turcios' lawyer wrote in saying that what Leonel Rivera said, that Chele Volqueta killed journalist Nahum Palacios, while having previously said Volqueta was killed in prison.
On December 5, after JOH was pardoned and left prison, Turcios got 262 months: "Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Lewis A. Kaplan: Sentencing held on 12/4/2025 for Midence Oqueli Martinez Turcios (1) Count 1. Sentencing hearing held regarding Midence Oqueli Martinez Turcios before the before Hon. Lewis A. Kaplan. Defendant Martinez Turcios present with attorney Kristen Marie Santillo. AUSAs David Robles and Jacob H. Gutwillig present. Spanish interpreters Gabriel Mitre present. Defendant sentenced to a term of incarceration of 262 months." Now what?
The case is USA v. Martinez Turcios,
1:18-cr-499 (Kaplan)
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
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FirstSun Bid for First Foundation After Failure of Last Merger Leads to CRA Challenge to Fed
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SOUTH BRONX/Federal Court, Dec 5 – A proposed acquisition by FirstSun, whose merger bid failed, of First Foundation has given risen to a challenge under the Community Reinvestment Act.
On December 5 Fair Finance Watch, reviewing Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data of 2022 and 2024, filed a CRA challenge to the merger with the Federal Reserve Board:
This is opposition the Applications of FirstSun Capital Bancorp, Denver, CO (& Dallas TX) to merge with First Foundation, Inc., Irving, Texas, and thereby indirectly acquire First Foundation Bank.
FirstSun's flagship Sunflower Bank, in Texas in 2024, made 401 mortgage loans to whites, and only 46 to African Americans. Meanwhile it denied 12 applications from African Americans, and only 36 from whites.
This is disparate, and more disparate both than the aggregate in Texas.
Nationwide in 2022, Sunflower Bank made 2248 mortgage loans to whites, and only 104 to African Americans. Meanwhile it denied 24 applications from African Americans, and only 162 from whites.
FirstSun's record has grown even worse than in 2022, which Fair Finance Watch analyzed in commenting against FirstSun's ill-fated Home Street proposal. Now, First Foundation is not only "unloved" - it has had massive CRE and other problems.
For the record, on managerial resources and otherwise, note that this proposal involved a complex restructuring, including a $3.4 billion downsizing plan, which is said to carry not only community harm but also execution risk. The price paid for First Foundation has also raised concerns among some analysts. As with Fifth Third / Comerica, there has been a legal inquiry launched by a class action firm regarding the merger with First Foundation.
FFW notes in the FDIC's pending proposal RIN 3064-AG10: "the FDIC has received a limited number of public comments in response to subpart C applications.... Therefore, the FDIC is proposing to eliminate the public notice and related public comment period from subpart C and to make conforming changes to subpart A of 12 CFR part 303 of the FDIC Rules."
See, e.g., Sept 10, 2025: https://www.americanbanker.com/opinion/the-fdic-is-undercutting-a-key-element-of-the-cra
Watch this site
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Federal Reserve Board Nixed Public Comments on Merger Now Cleveland Reserve Bank Spins
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY/SOUTH BRONX, Dec 5 – As US bank regulators loosen rules - including the FDIC moving to eliminate public comment altogether on branch expansion applications - more big banks are moving to get bigger.
And now Federal Reserve is rejecting public comments opposing mergers, here Fifth Third's already sued Comerica proposal, citing the "reputation" of the submitter. Inner City Press / Fair Finance Watch wrote to the Board Secretary:
Yesterday Fair Finance Watch emailed a timely comment opposing Fifth Third / Comerica as we have always done - and got back this (which I'm glad we saw) "This is the mail system at host www2.webmail.pair.com. I'm sorry to have to inform you that your message could not be delivered to one or more recipients. It's attached below.
"federalreserve.gov: Your access to this mail system has been rejected due to the sending MTA's poor reputation."
We ask that an explanation be provided - and that the Federal Reserve System check on this pending application and other applications, including going forward, that it has not rejected comments from the public. Awaiting Fed response, Matthew Lee, Esq., Executive Director, Fair Finance Watch / Inner City Press
The response, days later, came not from the Board but a Reserve Bank, that in Cleveland: "comments can also be sent electronically to Comments.applications@clev.frb.org.”1 In order to ensure proper receipt of electronic comments on an application, please use the email address provided in the Federal Register notice.2 As you noted in your correspondence, based on consideration of the initial server from which it was sent, your first email on November 28, 2025, was flagged for spam and other suspicious activity, and automatically rejected by the Board’s system prior to receipt. However, the subsequent message that you sent to the Board’s email address on November 29, 2025, was received, and that message included the comment emailed on November 28, 2025."
But what about Reserve Bank like in Kansas City that list no email address? What of the non-public nature of the Reserve Bank? Still no response from the Board or Governors (who recently denied Fair Finance Watch's petition for rulemaking to preserve public access to HMDA data. We've refiled via the FDIC, OCC and even NCUA with the FFIEC, what- and who ever that it...
On October 6, Fifth Third announced it will apply to buy damaged Comerica Bank. On October 8-9, it was opposed, to the Fed and OCC. On November 10, after a contemptuous response by Fifth Third's Kala Gibson, the fight was spread to five more states.
They all accepted the comments from Fair Finance Watch. But now the Federal Reserve no longer does. A FOIA request has been emailed to the Federal Reserve Board, along with a request for expedited processing as it impacts other pending merger applications - watch this site.
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18 Year Old Charged With Lighting Person on Fire on Subway Ordered Free Then Detained
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 5 – After an 18 year old was Federally charged with lighting a sleeping person on fire on a subway in NYC at 3 am, he was ordered free on bond - and that was overruled and he was detained. Inner City Press at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York live tweeted
at bail hearing on Hiram Carrero, Federally charged for allegedly lighting a person of fire on the NYC subway. Defense: He's 18 and his mother is here, in the mask Federal Defender: The frequency of cough syrup use is overstated. Judge: Pre-Trial Services recommends detention - arson on an individual. AUSA: He faces a minimum of seven years
Judge Robert W. Lehrburger: I'm ready to rule. This endangered the life if a sleeping individual. There is video. But he doesn't have a notable criminal history. If out, he could get treatment. I will release him
AUSA: Can you stay it? Judge: Only to 5 pm
Then:
OK - now at appeal of release of Carrero charged with lighting a sleeping person on fire on NYC subway - Judge Lerhberger ordered him free today on $100,000 on secured bond.
AUSA: The defendant saw a sleeping person on a subway car on 34th Street and threw a burning paper on him - he was engulfed in flames by 42nd Street. If more than 8 block he might have died. Federal Defender: Judge Lehrberger released him to his mother
Federal Defender: I hear from his mother that the person may have set themselves on fire Judge Caproni: And the defendant had the bad luck of throwing paper on a person who set themselves on fire? I don't find that credible. FD: He's not be charged before
Judge Caproni: I don't understand an 18 year old being out at 3 am lighting people on fire. So I have little confidence in home detention - it's only as good as his compliance. FD: Can't he be at home while we figure out what's going on with him?
Judge Caproni: I am overruling Magistrate Judge Lehrberger and I am order the defendant detained. Thank you all - clear out, I have something else on after you
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Ex DEA Campo Charged with Laundering for Mexican Cartel Is Ordered Detained in SDNY
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 5 – An former DEA official charged with conspiracy to laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel argued to be released on bail on December 5 - and lost. Inner City Press at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York live tweeted:
OK now at bail hearing on Paul Campo, a former high-ranking DEA official charged with conspiring to launder $12 million to support Mexican drug cartel.
Federal Defender for Campo: This is perposterous. Why would they be paid $1.5 million to convert into cryptocurrency? He should be released. AUSA: Pre-Trial Services also recommends detention
FD: His bank account has less then $500,000, he makes $200,000 a year. AUSA: He could flee Judge Lehrberger: This is a presumption case.
Judge: I order defendant detained
The case is USA v. Campo, et al., 1:25-cr-663 (Gardephe)
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Alexander Brothers Trial Pushed Back to Jan 26 As Defense Contests Expert on Victim Behavior
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Nov 24 – Amid the news of the arrest of the Alexander brothers in Miami on SDNY sex trafficking charges, in the SDNY Magistrate Court on the morning of December 11 the superseding indictment was "wheeled out" to District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. Inner City Press was there, and X-ed (now blocked, so Bluesky) it out.
On December 31 Tal Alexander's lawyer wrote to Judge Caproni asking for bail, offering $115 million in security, citing US v. Ng Lap Seng that "conditions were adhered to by the security service provider." Really? Massages behind closed doors? 12 page filing on Patreon here
On August 21 Oren Alexander retained two of the defense lawyers in Sean Combs' recent trial, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, amid pre-trial skirmishes.
On November 7 Inner City Press filed opposition to the Alexander brothers' extensive redactions. Judge Caproni cited and docketed the motion on November 10, denying the Alexanders' request and ordering less redactions by November 14, order and Inner City Press letter on PACER here
and on DocumentCloud here
On November 14 the defense submitted a less redacted letter and the US Attorney's Office then wrote in asking that all of the exhibits be sealed, not even redacted as needed.
On November 18 the US Attorney's Office's position was endorsed - some post filing unredaction of the memo but no exhibits - and the motion closed.
On November 21 Marc Agnifilo wrote in - letter on Patreon here -- seeking an order that the brothers not be shackled on November 24, so they are write notes and so that the future jury is not prejudiced "if written about."
Inner City Press live tweeted it, albeit not on innercitypress on X (here's why, including Q&A with xAI's Grok). MatthewLeeICP link. The brothers lost most evidentiary fights.
On December 5, Inner City Press back on its main account live tweeted the arguments by the defense against an expert on (young) victims, and the trial was moved back to jury selection starting January 20 or 21, opening statements January 26.
More / extra on X for Subscribers here and on Substack here
This case is USA v. Alexander, et al., 1:24-cr-676 (Caproni)
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Tekashi #6ix9ine Sentenced to 3 Months in MDC Starting Jan 6 Judge Cites Dumpster Fire
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 5 – Rapper Daniel Hernandez a/k/a Tekashi #6ix9ine, still on probation after sentencing as a cooperator in the Nine Trey gang case, was ordered detained on alleged violations of supervised release on October 29 by U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. Inner City Press was there, from the thread (when he spoke for himself)
#6ix9ine: I'm not a piece of, uh, I'm not a bad person. I apologize.
On November 18, his lawyer wrote in that "Mr. Hernandez was the victim of a home invasion on Sunday, November 16. Four masked men entered his home and held his mother at gunpoint while several items were taken from his home. We are looking to adjourn his sentence date until January" - letter Patreon here.
Later on November 18 Judge Engelmayer ordered: "The sentencing is hereby adjourned to December 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. There will be no further extensions."
On November 5 the US Attorney's Office wrote to "recommend that the following sentence be imposed: (1) a period of thirty days’ incarceration; (2) followed by" - letter on Patreon here.
And he did, before imposing a 45 days sentence. Thread here
Jump cut to April 11, after Inner City Press published a book on 6ix9ine (and Kay Flock) here - more VOSRs and a hearing: "Daniel Hernandez. The Court schedules a conference for the purpose of arraigning the defendant on multiple supervised release violations specifications on April 21, 2025."
Inner City Press live tweeted, here - the next court day was set at May 22.
On May 5, the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking for a delay to July: "Earlier today, the Government learned that it will take at least approximately six weeks from tomorrow’s date (i.e., June 17, 2025) for the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Department to develop and compare results, if any, of DNA swabs taken from Hernandez’s person and from a firearm recovered in Hernandez’s pool house" - full letter on Patreon here
Jump cut to November 6 when the defense, Lazzaro, wrote in to asking for not the three months in prison probation recommended but rather six months home detention, letter on Patreon here
On November 13 the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking for 3 to 9 months in prison and two more years of supervised release on November 20, 7 page filing on Patreon here
On November 17 the SDNY US Attorney's Office wrote in opposing SDFL Probation, filing on Patreon here
On December 5, though made difficult, Inner City Press live tweeted, here, as he was sentenced to three months, to begin January 6 at MDC-Brooklyn.
More about December 5 on X for Subscriber here and Substack here
Previously, more courtroom details on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
The case is still USA v. Jones, et al., 1:18-cr-834 (Engelmayer)
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Do Kwon Pled Guilty Asks 5 Years Now US Asks 12 As Cost More than Greenwood or SBF
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 4 – After the collapse of the crypto firm Terraform Labs, Inner City Press covered the SEC's trial against it and Do Kwon - except that Kwon was in Montenegro. Now, Do Kwon book here
Early on January 2, 2025 Inner City Press learned and vlogged that Kwon would be presented later in the day before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.
The case was reassigned to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to whom the US Attorney's Office on January 6 directed a victims' notice motion, on Patreon here
On August 11, 2025 Judge Engelmayer docketed an order that Do Kwon was a change of plea - to guilty - on August 12 at 10:30 am. Order on Patreon here.
On August 12 Inner City Press live tweeted the guilty plea, including AUSA saying her Office will advocate for a 12 year sentence if Do Kwon commits no new crimes. Thread.
On November 26 Do Kwon's lawyer wrote in a heavily redacted submission that he should be sentenced to no more than five years, not the 12 years cited in his plea agreement - and the 12 years imposed on Mashinsky. 23 page filing on Patreon here
On December 4 the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking for 12 years, saying that Do Kwon caused losses eclipsing those of SBF, Mashinsky and Greenwood of OneCoin combined.
More on Substack here
The plea deal provides "If the defendant is eligible and applies to transfer his sentence pursuant to the international prisoner transfer program, this Office agrees to support the defendant's transfer application, provided that the defendant does not otherwise breach the plea agreement" - plea agreement on Patreon here
More / extra on X for Subscribers here, Patreon (with earlier US case status summary) here
Inner City Press published a book: "Crypto Death Spiral: Could a Luna Rise Again?" by Matthew Russell Lee, ebook here, audiobook here.
Watch this site
The case is USA v. Kwon, 1:23-cr-151 (Engelmayer)
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