BOSTON – A former Massachusetts man, currently residing in Las Vegas, Nev., was sentenced in federal court in Boston for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to a release from the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 39-year-old Samuel Jean-Baptiste, a/k/a “Jett Black,” was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William Young to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In September 2025, Jean-Baptiste pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jean-Baptiste was arrested in May 2024 and was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024.

In early July 2023, Jean-Baptiste was identified as a significant distributor of controlled substances in the Boston area. A confidential source made three controlled purchases totaling over 680 grams of fentanyl from Jean-Baptiste. In the subsequent months, Jean-Baptiste communicated with a second confidential source to set up a sale of approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine. On May 29, 2024, Jean-Baptiste arrived at an agreed-upon location for the sale of methamphetamine and was subsequently arrested. At the time of his arrest Jean-Baptiste was carrying a backpack that contained approximately 10 pounds of suspected methamphetamine.

United States Attorney Leah Foley and Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

The Nevada Department of Taxation is letting businesses know about an important update to payment due dates for Sales and Use Tax.

The payment schedule changed as a result of Assembly Bill 594, according to a release from the Department of Taxation.

Beginning with the January 2026 filing period, businesses will need to file and pay Sales and Use taxes by the 20th day of the month following the end of each taxable period. 

This change shortens the filing window and is part of a state effort to support timely and efficient tax collection.

Previously, many businesses had until the last day of the month to file and pay.

If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, payment will be due on the next business day.

Nevada’s top forestry official is heading north.

Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she has appointed Kacey KC to serve as State Forester and Director of the Oregon Department of Forestry, pending Oregon Senate approval next month. If confirmed, KC would become the first woman permanently appointed to lead the agency in state history.

KC most recently served as State Forester Firewarden for the Nevada Division of Forestry, a role she has held since 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw wildfire preparedness and response while guiding the agency through major organizational changes and modernization efforts.

“Kacey KC brings tenacity and a get-it-done style to her management approach and knows how to build strong partnerships across all levels of government to tackle complex challenges,” Governor Kotek said in a statement. “I am thrilled to welcome her leadership to support and strengthen the mission of the Department of Forestry.”

KC brings more than 25 years of public-sector forestry experience to the role, spanning both state and national leadership. In 2021, she was selected to serve on the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, created by Congress to strengthen the nation’s wildfire protection system. Two years later, she was appointed President of the National Association of State Foresters, placing her at the center of wildfire and forest policy discussions nationwide.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to join the Oregon Department of Forestry team,” KC said. “While I am not from Oregon, my experience at both the national and state level equips me to deepen key relationships while leading and supporting the strong work and mission of the Department.”

Throughout her career, KC has been recognized for blending technical expertise with executive leadership. Her work has included managing complex budgets and grant portfolios, modernizing forestry and wildfire programs, and embedding science-based decision-making into agency operations. She is also known for bringing together public agencies, elected officials, and partners to advance shared stewardship goals that protect forests, rangelands, and watersheds.

KC’s departure marks a significant leadership transition for Nevada’s forestry agency as she prepares to take on the historic role in Oregon.