The phrase "federal prosecution" refers to legal action taken by the federal government against someone accused of breaking federal laws. Full definition
It was believed to be the first federal prosecution for animal cruelty on tribal land. (animalsheltering.org)
Legal experts differ on whether federal prosecution is even a possibility. (politico.com)
When «Mandatory» Does Not Mean Mandatory: Failure to Obtain Criminal Restitution in Federal Prosecution of Human Trafficking in the United States, Wilmer Hale and The Human Trafficking Pro Bono Legal Center (September 2014) (htlegalcenter.org)