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Spokane/East. Wash/North Idaho News Releases for Fri. Mar. 29 - 2:01 am
Thu. 03/28/24
BLM Boosts Internet Access and Reliability for Rural and Underserved Communities
Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 03/28/24 10:30 AM

WASHINGTON – In support of access to reliable high-speed internet service for every American, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is updating regulations for developing and operating broadband infrastructure on public lands. The final rule on Broadband Authorization, Cost Recovery, and Vegetation Management for Fire Risk Management also reduces fire risk along power lines.

“Internet access is essential in an increasingly digital world, and ensuring that every American has reliable, high-speed access is a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration,” said Tracy Stone-Manning, BLM Director. “Internet opens the door to job opportunities, educational resources, health care information, government services, and social networks. By making it easier for service providers to put communications infrastructure on public lands, BLM is helping to ensure communities across America are connected.”

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration is committing $83.1 billion to provide affordable, reliable high-speed internet to everyone in the United States.

As the nation’s largest land manager, BLM plays a major role in connecting communities to the internet in the Western United States. Updates in this final rule provide consistency in BLM’s review of applications to locate communications facilities on Federal land, allow project applications to be submitted electronically, and commit the agency to making a decision on applications within 270 days.

The rule also addresses the risks of wildfire to and from powerlines on BLM-managed public lands. Hazard trees and other vegetation near transmission and distribution lines can be ignition points for fires or become fuel for fires that start elsewhere. Clarifying requirements for vegetation management will enhance public safety while helping protect investments in infrastructure and resources on public lands.

In addition, the rule updates BLM’s cost recovery fee schedule for authorizing broadband projects, which will help ensure the BLM is fairly compensated for its work.

There are approximately 1,500 communications sites on BLM-managed lands, many of which include towers for cellular and wireless services. Additionally, BLM administers 5,000 miles of energy corridors for power transmission (connected to 1,000 miles of similar corridors on U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service lands), which are compatible with uses such as fiber optics and phone lines.

For more information on the BLM broadband rule, visit www.blm.gov/broadband-rule. For more information about BLM’s efforts to build and secure the nation’s infrastructure, visit our infrastructure site.

 

–BLM–

 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations


Wed. 03/27/24
Nine Mile Falls Man Who Used a Hidden Camera to Produce Child Pornography Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 03/27/24 7:56 PM

Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Robert Wayne Hutton, age 60, of Nine Mile Falls, Washington, was sentenced on child exploitation charges. On January 3, 2024, Hutton pleaded guilty to Possession of Child Pornography. On January 16, 2024, after a bench trial before United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke, Hutton was found guilty of Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography. Judge Dimke imposed a sentence of 240 months of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Judge Dimke also ordered restitution in the amount of $25,000 be paid to Hutton’s production victim. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between May 2021 and May 2022, Hutton secretly recorded a minor using a bathroom. Hutton placed a camera, hidden in a clock radio, on a bathroom counter in order to film the victim nude and create child pornography. The camera was wirelessly linked to Hutton’s smartphone, which Hutton used to view the recordings. Trial evidence also included Hutton’s 2009 Washington state conviction for Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes, based on sexual statements Hutton made in person and via text messages to a 15-year old girl.

Law enforcement obtained a search warrant and seized several electronic devices belonging to Hutton, including the hidden camera, Hutton’s phone, and several computers. A forensic review of the phone and computers revealed several video files and 33 images of the minor in various stages of undress, as well as hundreds of additional child pornography files. 

“For months, Mr. Hutton used a secret camera to record images of a young victim. He was also engaged in online trading of child pornography with similar-minded offenders. Our office prioritizes these offenses against our community’s youngest and most vulnerable and will continue to aggressively prosecute those who harm children,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I want to commend our law enforcement partners, as well as our prosecutors and support staff for bringing justice for the victims and accountability to this defendant.” 

“This child predator engaged in behavior that was a betrayal of trust and a heinous exploitation of unsuspecting victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Collectively, we cannot tolerate such egregious acts that strip away the dignity of victims and provide the opportunity for revictimization. HSI will pursue these perpetrators tirelessly, seeking to end the abuse associated with images of child exploitation wherever it may be found.”

“This case was particularly heinous; the victim was preyed upon by someone in a position of trust. Though there is nothing my office can do to undo the hurt this victim has felt, I hope that healing can begin with this conviction,” said Erika George, Prosecuting Attorney for Stevens County. “I would like to thank the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work in their investigation, and I am equally grateful for the efforts of the US Attorney’s Office in their successful prosecution.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office. State charges were filed by the Stevens County Prosecutor’s Office, and the federal case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick. 


White Swan Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Carjacking and Violent Assault on the Yakama Nation
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 03/27/24 3:42 PM

Yakima, Washington – Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Sundron Larsell Miller, age 37, to 25 years in federal prison for Carjacking, Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Assault with Intent to Commit Murder. The Court also sentenced Miller’s codefendant, Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez, age 28, to 17 years in federal prison for Carjacking, Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Chief District Judge Bastian imposed 5 years of federal supervision on both defendants upon their release from custody. Miller and Cantu-Lopez are each from White Swan, Washington.

According to court documents and information presented at trial and the sentencing hearing, Miller and Cantu-Lopez were romantically involved. On December 28, 2021, the victim was with both Miller and Cantu-Lopez driving in the area of Fort Simcoe Road on the Yakama Reservation. The victim was driving her pickup, and Miller began assaulting Cantu-Lopez. When the victim tried to intervene, both Miller and Cantu-Lopez turned and assaulted the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. 

During the assault, the victim was pulled out of her own truck, and Miller attempted to shoot the victim with her own rifle. Miller pointed the rifle at the victim’s face, and the victim saw Miller pull the trigger and heard a “clicking “sound. Fortunately, the rifle was unloaded. After attempting to kill the victim, Miller and Cantu-Lopez beat the victim, threw her in the back of the truck and drove her to a residence in White Swan. After arriving at the residence, the victim was again beaten by Miller and Cantu-Lopez. 

Ultimately, the victim was able to break away and run for her life. The Yakama Nation Police Department quickly responded and collected evidence of the crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also assisted in the investigation. 

Chief District Judge Bastian presided over the trial which began on August 7, 2023. A jury returned verdicts on August 11, 2023. 

“The victim in this case suffered horrifying acts of violence. I applaud her bravery in escaping, and her courage to come forward and engage with law enforcement to seek justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for our strong partnerships with the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, the FBI, and community members. By working together, we can continue to build trust and foster safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.” 

“The victim in this case was trying to break up an altercation when she became the target of a violent assault.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, she was able to escape before being killed by Mr. Miller and Ms. Cantu-Lopez. The FBI is dedicated in working with our partners to put an end to this type of violence on our state’s reservations.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Michael Murphy, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 

A video statement from U.S. Attorney Waldref can be viewed here