On Monday, the Justice Department took steps to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed by individuals involved in the January 6 incident. The lawsuit, submitted under the Federal Tort Claims Act, claims to have been hampered due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, according to the department.
The Justice Department argued that the lawsuit couldn’t proceed because the defendants failed to submit the administrative claim within the legally required timeframe. “All the claims in the Complaint are ‘forever barred’ due to the failure to timely file the administrative claim with the agency,” the filing stated.
The plaintiffs, who referred to injuries sustained on January 6, 2021, attributed these injuries to “excessive police force.” However, the Justice Department highlighted deficiencies in the plaintiffs’ submissions, noting that they were “only partially completed” and missing signatures and necessary documentation.
Under the guidelines of the FTCA, claimants have a maximum of two years to initiate a lawsuit, alongside other specific deadlines necessary to bring a case against the federal government. The department underlined that the alleged incidents occurred on January 6, 2021, which entitled the plaintiffs to file a claim only by January 6, 2023.
Further complicating the plaintiffs’ case, the Justice Department noted that the “earliest claim of the Named Plaintiffs was dated July 29, 2025,” which exceeds the two-year limitation period established under the FTCA.
The department argued that the plaintiffs “knew that they were injured and knew who injured them, but they instead chose to wait until well past the deadline to file the claims.”
On Sunday evening, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued an order rescinding a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that was meant to compensate allies of President Trump. The order, however, does not include language that would bar government restitution or payouts to convicted Jan. 6 rioters.
A former Justice Department lawyer said Blanche’s unilateral rescission of the “anti-weaponization” fund has no legal effect and doesn’t prevent the fund from being revived in the future.
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s $1,000 Heels Cause Mykonos Yacht Stumble
In a near-mishap turned headline on the sunlit shores of Mykonos, Donald Trump’s newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, narrowly avoided a plunge into the Aegean Sea. Draped in a flowing white lace maxi dress and towering on Valentino platform heels valued over $1,000, the 57-year-old former Fox News host flirted with disaster while attempting to board a luxury vessel. With the Mediterranean breeze teasing her lace gown, Guilfoyle was caught off guard by the vertiginous 6.5-inch heels, prompting security personnel to swiftly intervene as she tottered precariously. Fortunately, the crisis was averted. Regaining her balance, Guilfoyle regained composure with a smile, joining Mykonos’ celebrity enclave, celebrated for its luxe beach clubs and iconic superyachts, with aplomb.
Guilfoyle’s journey from prosecutor to power player
This incident unfurled just weeks into Guilfoyle’s tenure as ambassador, a high-profile appointment following Donald Trump’s return to political power. Her career trajectory reads like a real-life drama; from an ambitious district attorney in California to a television starlet on Fox News, Guilfoyle has navigated numerous reinventions. Exiting the network in 2018, she emerged as a steadfast Trump advocate, cementing her position in the President’s trusted circle with fervent campaign trail appearances and rallies supporting Trump’s political revival.
A Republican power couple emerges
Offstage, Guilfoyle’s personal life also basked in the limelight. In the wake of Donald Trump Jr.’s split from Vanessa Trump, a budding romance bloomed in 2018, thrusting Guilfoyle into even sharper focus. As a formidable duo within the Republican echelons, they were omnipresent across American political soirees and gatherings, embodying the spirit of Trump’s resurgence. Despite a dazzling engagement, disclosed later in 2021, the relationship ultimately did not culminate in nuptials.
Split ends Trump Jr. romance rumors
Predictably entwined with Trump’s political dynasty, Guilfoyle seemed a fixture destined for matrimonial ties, a speculation perpetuated by staunch supporters. Yet, as whispers of discord surfaced, these rumors dissolved into reality with Trump Jr.’s subsequent public ventures with socialite Bettina Anderson, signaling the denouement of one of GOP politics’ prominent romances. Nevertheless, Guilfoyle remained embedded within Trump’s sphere, unwavering in her commitment to his cause.
Valentino heels upstage diplomatic debut
Instead of retreating from the limelight, Guilfoyle’s unwavering allegiance earned her a distinguished role as the ambassador to Greece. This esteemed position underscores the enduring trust Trump places in her. Charged with representing U.S. interests in Greece, a pivotal NATO member and key player in regional security and energy collaboration, Guilfoyle’s ambassadorial duties paused briefly on Mykonos. Amidst this backdrop, it wasn’t diplomatic prowess but a pair of eye-catching Valentino platforms that nearly redefined the day, almost casting Guilfoyle into the Aegean’s depths.
Courtney Love Requests Complete Seattle Police Files on Kurt Cobain’s Death
In a move that resurfaced the lingering question mark around Kurt Cobain’s tragic demise, Courtney Love requested Seattle police in 1995 to transfer the entire investigation file related to her late husband’s death into her custody.
The 62-year-old San Francisco-born musician formally addressed her request to Norm Stamper, the Seattle Chief of Police at the time, on October 20, 1995, seeking exclusive possession of the department’s records linked to Cobain’s death.
Love and Cobain, celebrated figures in the music industry, were married from February 24, 1992, until his untimely death on April 5, 1994. Authorities concluded that Cobain, the iconic frontman of Nirvana, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at their residence in Seattle.
Raising questions about the case’s closure, a group identified as Who Killed Kurt? advocates for re-examining the rock star’s death under the suspicion that it might have been a homicide.
The organization has unearthed a letter addressed to Stamper from Love’s lawyer, Bryan Coluccio, seeking insights into the contentious case approximately 18 months following Cobain’s passing, as reported by the New York Post on Monday.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Seattle Police Department, Coluccio’s office and representatives for Love for comment, but has yet to hear back.
Courtney Love, 62, asked Seattle police officials in 1995 to hand over the full file detailing the investigation into the death of her late husband Kurt Cobain. Pictured 2022
Love was married to the grunge icon from February 24, 1992 until his April 5, 1994 death, which authorities said was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at their Seattle home. Cobain pictured in NYC in 1993
Coluccio wrote in the document obtained by the outlet, ‘This letter is to request that the complete investigation file of the Seattle Police Department pertaining to Mr. Cobain’s death be delivered to me, with no further records or copies to remain with the Department.’
‘I confirm on behalf of Mr. Cobain’s estate and Ms. Love-Cobain that they are satisfied that the Seattle Police Department performed a complete and thorough investigation into Mr. Cobain’s death.’
The attorney said in the letter that Love accepted ‘without any reservation, the Department’s final determination that Mr. Cobain’s death was a suicide,’ and that ‘the matter can be closed.’
Among the items included in the case file were ‘personal letters’ penned by the late vocalist; documents containing ‘personal and private’ details, including finances; and Polaroid photos and rolls of 35mm still film that had not been developed, according to the letter.
In the letter, the attorney said that ‘several persons’ had attempted to profit from ‘sale and distribution of material pertaining to Mr. Cobain’s death,’ spurring the official request from Love’s camp.
Coluccio ended the letter in saying, ‘Thank you in advance for your favorable response to this request,’ which had been denied by the department.
The request was criticized by multiple people, including former Seattle police Capt. Neil Low, who initially concurred with the suicide ruling but has later said he believed Cobain’s death had been the result of a homicide.
Low told the New York Post on Monday that the ‘request that the SPD give his client all of the police records related to the Cobain investigation is totally absurd.
Cobain, daughter Frances Bean Cobain and Love pictured in LA in 1993
Love submit paperwork to then-Seattle Chief of Police Norm Stamper on October 20, 1995 requesting sole possession of all of the info the agency had into the death
Join the discussion
Should police ever hand over investigation files to family members, or should records remain public?
‘As an “officer of the court,” you would expect Mr. Coluccio to know that police agencies are required to document all of their official business and correspondence as a matter of public record,’ Low said.
He said that police would be violating basic statutes of ‘public record compliance’ and ‘accountability’ if they had agreed to the request.
Who Killed Kurt?’s Michelle Wilkins told the outlet that ‘every cold case lives or dies on the evidence that’s preserved.’
Wilkins said that ‘when lawyers are demanding investigative materials be removed from police custody, it doesn’t protect the pursuit of truth,’ but ‘makes future scrutiny far more difficult.’
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Arrest Made After Man Allegedly Threatens Former Co-Worker with Gun Violence
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a dramatic turn of events, 27-year-old Jose Miguel Torres-Melendez found himself in handcuffs early today. He faces allegations of having threatened a former colleague with gun violence at the Bellamy Grand apartments this past July.
The tense situation unfolded on the afternoon of July 5, around 3:10 p.m., when a deputy from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded to the address at 2625 SW 75th Street. The call was made after a resident reported that Torres-Melendez had conveyed his threat over the phone, warning that anyone spreading rumors about his girlfriend faced being shot. The victim interpreted this as a serious threat, prompting the two men, both residents in the complex, to arrange a face-to-face meeting in the parking lot.
What began as a verbal altercation in the parking area allegedly escalated when Torres-Melendez retrieved a handgun from his vehicle. He reportedly cocked the weapon’s slide and approached the victim with the firearm positioned near his leg. The confrontation turned physical, with Torres-Melendez allegedly threatening to shoot, leaving the victim in fear for his life. Attempting to de-escalate, the victim retreated, but not before Torres-Melendez allegedly confronted him physically by chest-bumping and pushing him.
Fearing further escalation, the victim reached out to Torres-Melendez’s mother, hoping she could intervene and diffuse the situation. However, shortly afterward, an allegedly threatening call from Torres-Melendez to the victim underscored the seriousness of the situation, with Torres-Melendez reportedly warning of future violence.
The deputy was unable to locate Torres-Melendez and filed a sworn complaint.
Torres-Melendez has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. His criminal history is currently unavailable because the court website is down, and we will update it when we can. Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Why Vinicius Junior Is an Ideal Investment for Arsenal: Defensive Skills, Tactical Fit Under Arteta, and His Connection to Bruno Guimaraes
At first glance, it may seem almost absurd to ponder why Mikel Arteta would pursue the signing of one of the world’s top football talents.
Bringing Real Madrid’s superstar Vinicius Jr to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium could potentially rank among the most sensational deals in Premier League history. It’s a move Arteta would be keen to make, especially considering how the Brazilian phenom could perfectly address Arsenal’s most glaring attacking imbalance.
Last season, Arsenal heavily leaned on their right wing, overly relying on Bukayo Saka to spark creativity. When his magic wasn’t enough, set-pieces served as the fallback option. Meanwhile, the left side, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli showing unwavering effort and dedication, unfortunately fell short in delivering results.
Rumors suggest Mikel Arteta holds Vinicius Jr in high esteem, but acquiring the Real Madrid forward would require a significant financial commitment.
Arteta is well aware that Arsenal requires an elite forward to progress and potentially clinch their first European Cup in the club’s storied 140-year history.
Vinicius Jr would do that, and then some. The winger is one of the most dangerous ball carriers in world football. Even among the most elite dribblers across Europe’s Big Five Leagues, he stands alongside Barcelona sensation and World Cup winner Lamine Yamal as the very best.
Whenever he gets the ball at his feet, Vinicius Jr drives towards the box and either gets a shot away or, if you think you’ve closed the angle off, slips in his team-mate to get off one of their own.
No player created more chances after carrying the ball five metres or more across the Big Five Leagues last season than Vinicius Jr. The 49 shots he took himself after such carries was just one behind leader Yamal.
| Player | Games | Goals | Assists | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinicius Jr | 53 | 22 | 14 | 36 |
| Bukayo Saka | 49 | 11 | 9 | 20 |
| Leandro Trossard | 50 | 8 | 11 | 19 |
| Gabriel Martinelli | 53 | 11 | 7 | 18 |
| Noni Madueke | 43 | 8 | 4 | 12 |
Saka is, by some distance, Arsenal’s best with the ball at his feet, but even his numbers are dwarfed by the staggering figures for Vinicius.
Trossard and Martinelli mustered just 19 shot-ending carries and 18 chance-ending ones between them.
Just a quick look at Vinicius Jr’s decisive carries shows how relentless and devastating he was at getting the ball, driving into the box and making things happen. Arsenal need more of those if they are to break down deep defences that often caused them problems last term.
No player created more chances after carrying the ball five metres or more across the Big Five Leagues last season than Vinicius Jr
He has scored in, and won, two Champions League finals in the last five seasons for Real Madrid
And yet, for all that brilliance, it’s impossible not to ignore that lingering doubt about whether he really is the right fit for Arsenal. Or, more specifically, for Arteta.
Spanish media outlet AS claimed that Arteta, in his bid to coax Vinicius Jr to north London, has promised to build his team around the Brazilian. Only, that goes against everything that has brought Arsenal glory under him.
So much of Arsenal’s success comes from their press and their teamwork in applying it together. They defend as a unit with everyone playing their part. If one part of the press doesn’t do its job, they are easy to play through.
As part of Daily Mail Sport’s analysis of why Arteta was so keen to sign Morgan Rogers, before they were gazumped by their rivals in blue down the road to the tune of £117million, we showed how a huge part of the allure in signing him was the defensive work Rogers did alongside his ability with the ball at his feet.
Not only did Rogers rank alongside Saka for joint-third most shot-ending carries in league last season but he also sat behind only the Arsenal winger for the most times any player won possession in the final third.
Even though his goals and assists were poor, no player with more than 500 minutes of league action averaged more ball recoveries in the final third than Martinelli.
Arteta wants his front line to be as busy without the ball as with it. You don’t get that with Vinicius Jr. Such demands have rarely been placed on him at Real Madrid either. Quite the opposite, in fact, where he has often been allowed to shirk those duties and focus on getting the most out of his devastating attacking qualities.
He wanders about the pitch, waiting for his colleagues to win the ball, then springs into action on the counter-attack. His perceived lack of effort saw Real fans turn on him frequently last season. ‘Work rate zero, tantrums 100’, was one cutting verdict after a shock home defeat to Getafe in which he preferred to gesture to the Bernabeu crowd instead of tracking back.
Vinicius showed his X factor at the World Cup, scoring four times in five matches
But for all his attacking prowess, Vinicius will be expected to do more defensively if he joins Arsenal
He won’t get such a free rein from Arteta, or the fans. If he does join – he returned to Real Madrid for pre-season training today – he will be expected to do his bit.
He’ll certainly have to do more than what he does already. Vinicius Jr won possession during matches far less than Saka, Martinelli or Trossard last term and nearly half as much in the final third as compatriot Martinelli.
| League games, 2025-26 | Possession won | Won in final third | Duels won |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | 4.7 | 1.1 | 6.8 |
| Gabriel Martinelli | 4.4 | 1.3 | 4.6 |
| Vinicius Jr | 2.8 | 0.7 | 6.3 |
| Noni Madueke | 2.6 | 0.7 | 5.6 |
| Viktor Gyokeres | 2.2 | 0.8 | 3.0 |
| Kai Havertz | 2.2 | 0.5 | 5.6 |
For all the grumbles, though, his numbers suggest there is room for improvement. He won possession high up the pitch about as often as Madueke. He won more duels – something Arteta values very highly – than all Arsenal forwards bar Saka.
His ball-winning figures from last term bettered those of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres so, if Arteta is to build his team around him, then perhaps that opens up the possibility of Vinicius Jr playing up front, as he did frequently for Real and Brazil, especially in matches where Arteta wants to exploit space in behind.
Vinicius Jr did so in the Champions League last 16 second leg against Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side were 4-0 down on aggregate and chasing the game, leaving Vinicius Jr – playing as the central striker – the chance to break away as he did below. Despite scoring twice in the game, he raced through only to blaze his chance over the bar.
Vinicius bursts clear of the Manchester City defence, demonstrating how he could play as a central striker for Arteta
If Arteta is to make an exception on the pitch, he’ll have to make one off it too. It’s just that maybe, at the end of it all, he just thinks Vinicius is worth it
Arteta wants his team to play more of those passes to find more of those runs, and the potential arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle would help unlock that.
That’s a definite option but that would still not fix the left-sided problem. Perhaps Arteta is willing to make a compromise: Know that Vinicius Jr won’t work as hard as Trossard or Martinelli but will more than make up for it with the weight of goals, assists and star power. If Arteta allows him to stay high up the pitch, it not only gives Arsenal the ideal out ball for a quick counter but will likely petrify opponents into leaving a player back to stop it.
Arteta maybe feels as though he has the players around Vinicius Jr to pick up the dirty work if left to do his thing. Again, if they land Guimaraes, his all-round, all-action ability would allow Arsenal’s left-sided central midfielder, usually Declan Rice, to take on more of a clean-up role once Arsenal lose the ball.
Myles Lewis-Skelly would have the legs to cover the extra ground and the defensive nous that came from his time as a left-back. It might just mean Arsenal’s actual left-back, whether that be Riccardo Calafiori or Piero Hincapie, might have to resist any urges to bomb forward on the overlap.
Vinicius Jr’s arrival would also shatter Arsenal’s balanced wage structure. He’s a superstar that would come with a superstar salary. If Arteta is to make an exception on the pitch, he’ll have to make one off it too. It’s just that maybe, at the end of it all, he just thinks he’s worth it.
Mayoral Candidates in St. Petersburg Address Recent Poll Results Before Early Voting Begins
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Early voting is set to commence this Saturday in Pinellas County, marking the start of a crucial period for the St. Petersburg mayoral election. Candidates are actively urging residents to take advantage of early voting or cast their ballots on Primary Election Day.
A political action committee known as St. Pete Shines, which supports former Governor and Representative Charlie Crist’s bid for mayor, has released survey results focusing on vote-by-mail participants. The committee’s news release highlighted a strong early voting turnout for Crist, with Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard trailing behind.
“It would be remarkable for one candidate to secure more than 50% of the vote in a six-person race,” Crist commented, considering the diverse field of contenders.
The release further noted that if Crist maintains his current level of support, an outright victory on August 18 is plausible, potentially eliminating the need for a runoff.
Addressing the survey’s findings, Crist remarked, “Polls can be unpredictable. A positive poll boosts morale, while a negative one can be discouraging. Although the recent poll is optimistic, I remain cautiously hopeful.”
That poll that was conducted on July 28 also shows Crist leading with 45% of the vote and Mayor Ken Welch at 30%.
“I think you said it in the first few words is their poll, produced by St. Pete Shines. That particular polling outfit has been off as much as 30 points on my races in the past,” Welch said.
The incumbent mayor questions the data and therefore is not paying attention to it.
“That’s why they have the election day so folks can go out and vote,” Welch said.
Mayoral Candidate Kevin Batdorf also does not believe the poll released by the political committee.
“That’s politics for you. I have to say I hate politics, but it’s good for a laugh,” Batdorf said.
Batdorf then joked about releasing a poll himself.
“I came out with my own poll. My poll says I get 52% of the vote in the primary,” Batdorf said.
Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard released a statement:
I am not interested in providing any response to a poll put out by another campaign and the media source they are utilizing to spread a narrative that this race is already decided. I am working every day alongside my supporters to reach voters in every corner of our city. That is our focus and we look forward to the residents making their voice heard on August 18.
Early voting in Pinellas County starts this Saturday through August 16.
Australian Helicopter Firm Responds to Greece Fire Tragedy
Tragedy struck on Sunday as two helicopters, both under lease from the Australian firm McDermott Aviation, collided in midair while engaged in firefighting efforts over Greece, resulting in the deaths of two crew members.
The unfortunate accident claimed the lives of one Greek and one Danish national in a crash above Psatha, located to the west of Athens. Fortunately, a separate helicopter’s crew, comprising members from Greece and Britain, survived the incident.
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the four individuals involved in the crash.
Reacting to the heartbreaking news, John McDermott, the founder and president of McDermott Aviation, expressed his profound sorrow over the loss.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the deaths of two crew members aboard one of the helicopters. Meanwhile, those from the second helicopter are currently receiving medical care,” McDermott stated.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident. Both crews were undertaking the critical work of supporting firefighting operations to help protect communities.”
McDermott Aviation has reportedly operated in Greece for several years. The company said it is working closely with relevant authorities as they undertake an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Over the past decade, McDermott Aviation said it has engaged in around 10 to 12 international movements a year via sea and air freight. It also operates in New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the United States, which is currently experiencing wildfires in several western states.
‘Something really hurts inside’
Nikos Pagiotelis has been a volunteer firefighter in Greece for more than 20 years. He told SBS Greek about the moment he heard news of the crash over local radio.
“When you are inside the fire, and you are trying to help the people, you’re trying to save the animals, save the forest. Then suddenly [you] hear that two helicopters have crashed a couple of miles near you — you can understand that something really hurts inside,” Pagiotelis said.
“You can do nothing, you freeze for a little bit, and then you just continue your work. You continue to help people to honour the lives of the loss of two comrades.”
In a statement on social media, Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also expressed his “sorrow for the tragic accident” and extended condolences to the families of the deceased firefighters.
“The loss of the Greek coordinator and the Danish pilot at the time they were attempting the major fire in Porto Gremeno fills us all with grief,” Mitsotakis said.
‘Total destruction’
Nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft have been deployed to fight fires in Greece, which have been driven by high temperatures and gale-force winds.
On Sunday, evacuation orders were in place for mountainous regions including Kandili, Agia Skepi and Toutouli. Local crews said they were particularly concerned about the seaside community of Porto Germeno, on the Gulf of Corinth.
Elsewhere in Greece, flames threatened homes on Kefalonia, forcing evacuations from inland communities. Firefighters battled another blaze near Nea Tenedos on the peninsula of Halkidiki.
Last week, two firefighters died in Crete and another was killed in the southern Peloponnese region.
Greek farmer Minas Tzortzanis said it’s difficult to put into words the toll of destruction across the country.
“A pristine forest, a paradise, surrendered to the hands of the fire,” Tzortzanis told media on Saturday.
“There are no words to explain what has happened. Destruction. Total destruction.”
More than 330,000 people have been evacuated from parts of France, Spain, and Portugal as wildfires continue to spread across southern Europe.
— This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Greek and includes reporting from the Australian Associated Press.
Michelle Hadley Expresses Deep Emotions in Letter to Judge Before Ex Ian Diaz’s Sentencing
Michelle Hadley, enveloped in emotion and determination, penned a heartfelt plea to the court, urging them to ensure her ex-partner, former U.S. Marshal Ian Diaz, received a stringent prison sentence. Her plea preceded his eventual 10-year sentencing.
The letter featured prominently in Hadley’s victim impact statement, a central element of Netflix’s series A Toxic Love Story. Oxygen exclusively obtained the statement, in which Michelle implored the judge to impose the maximum possible sentence on Diaz.
“Even before I found myself unjustly imprisoned, I was effectively trapped by Mr. Diaz,” Michelle declared in her poignant 2023 letter. “Although being wrongfully incarcerated was a living nightmare, I’ve often confided to friends and family this unsettling reality: I’d choose three months in jail over spending even a single day with him.”
The ordeal began in June 2016 when Ian and Angela Diaz, then his wife, falsely accused Michelle Hadley of stalking and orchestrating an orchestrated attack on them. According to prosecutors, the couple deceived law enforcement into believing Michelle had impersonated Angela online to arrange encounters with strangers under the guise of a “rape fantasy.”
These allegations led to Michelle’s arrest, but the charade unraveled when investigators discovered that Angela had fabricated the evidence against her.
Michelle was exonerated of all charges. Angela was arrested in 2017 and pleaded guilty to fraud, kidnapping, false imprisonment, forgery and falsely reporting crimes, according to prosecutors. She was sentenced to five years in prison and has since been released.
Though Angela was initially believed to be acting alone, federal prosecutors later determined Ian had orchestrated the scheme.
Ian, a former U.S. Marshal, was arrested several years later and found guilty in 2023 of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, cyberstalking, perjury and obstruction of justice. He is currently serving out his decade-long sentence.
Michelle’s letter also described the lasting impact Ian’s actions had on her life.
“Your honor, I didn’t have shadows in my eyes before Ian Diaz,” Michelle wrote, “but I certainly did after what he put me through.”