NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI and Partners Ask Public to Report Information on Ballot Box Fires

    Source: US FBI

    Observations to consider between October 8, 2024, and now: 

    • Did someone brag or show approval or admiration for the person who placed the devices on the ballot boxes?  
    • Did someone follow the story of these ballot box fires very closely or exhibit an unusual response to the reporting of this story? 
    • Did someone show increased anxiety about the topic or express fears about being identified as a suspect?  
    • Did you notice unusual packages or storing of metal shavings or unexplained fire damage to a home or other structure, a field, or a wilderness area? 
    • Did you notice unusual behaviors such as someone researching thermite, grinding metals, and obtaining small scraps of metal (including pipe endcaps, nuts, and bolts) or welding small projects? 
    • Did someone you know recently dispose of or stop using a Volvo S-60 sedan? 

    Reward 

    The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for these crimes. Anyone can view or download the FBI’s seeking information poster and the surveillance video from the Portland incident. 

    CrimeStoppers of Oregon is offering a separate reward on behalf of Portland Police Bureau of up to $2,500. (CrimeStoppers of Oregon and Portland Police Bureau will be responsible for determining any payment for this separate reward.)

    Background information 

    The FBI has been working with our partners at the Portland Police Bureau and Vancouver Police Department to positively identify the person responsible for placing homemade thermite devices on ballot boxes.

    Surveillance Footage: October 28, 2024, Ballot Box Fire in Portland, Oregon

    On October 28, 2024, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., improvised incendiary devices were placed on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon (this footage is from Portland). Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the FBI’s toll-free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    Transcript / Visit Video Source

    Incidents: 

    • October 8, 2024: Ballot box located at the intersection of W 14th Street and Esther Street in Vancouver at approximately 3:45 a.m.
    • October 28, 2024: Ballot box located on the north side of the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in Vancouver near the SE 162nd Avenue entrance at approximately 2:35 a.m.
    • October 28, 2024: Ballot box located at the intersection of SE Belmont Street and SE 11th Avenue in Portland at approximately 3:08 a.m. 

     
    Vehicle: The suspect was driving a black or dark grey 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan with a light-colored interior. The car has a sunroof and dark after-market wheel rims, and, at the time of the crime, is missing the Volvo logo normally affixed to the front grill. 
     
    Devices: The suspect welded the three devices using metal for the exterior and inserted thermite into the devices. Thermite looks like metal shavings and/or a metal-based powder. The amount of shavings/powder can be small. 

    Tips 

    If you have any information on this suspect or these crimes, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit your information online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven Chilean Nationals Charged in Connection with Residential Burglaries in Multiple States

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – Seven members of an interstate burglary crew were charged for conspiring to target homeowners across multiple states in residential burglaries, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Christofer Sanguesa Aguirre, Fabiana Prado Scatarzi, Santana Arturo Castillo Gonzalez, Felipe Andres Del Valle Munoz, Carlos Alfredo Calderon Valencia, Diego Antonio Calderon Leiva, and Pedro Alejandro Salgado Vallejos, all Chilean nationals, were each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property that had crossed state lines and one count of receiving stolen property that had crossed state lines.

    “Residential burglaries have a traumatic and personal impact upon the people whose homes are violated.  Seven Chilean nationals have been charged with conspiring to target homeowners in residential burglaries across multiple states from New Jersey to Massachusetts, resulting in the theft of expensive wristwatches, designer handbags, and thousands of dollars in cash.  This office will continue to pursue those who commit these serious crimes.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna

    “We allege these men and women ransacked houses here in New Jersey and the East Coast, and then quickly traveled across the country, stealing over one hundred thousand dollars in valuables from private homes.” FBI-Newark Special Agent-in-charge Brian J. Driscoll, Jr. said.  “These alleged criminals are part of South American theft groups who have been coming in and out of the United States for months.  They hit an area and immediately disappear, using fake identifications and short-term rentals to evade getting caught.  It’s like chasing ghosts.  We put in a tremendous amount of hard work with incredible partner agencies from here to Oregon.  We caught this group—and a warning to others, this doesn’t end here.”

    “This is another outstanding example how cooperation, both on a local and national level amongst law enforcement agencies, yields positive outcomes for public safety in our communities,” said Immigrations and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.  “ERO’s contributions to this investigation, initially with the defendants’ arrests on immigration charges, were critical in facilitating the criminal charges.”

    “To disrupt these fast-moving, well-traveled crime networks, it often takes strong collaboration and state-of-the-art technology.  Thankfully, we have both,” said Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar.  “By working together and leveraging our advanced technology, including CCTV and ALPR systems, we were able to track these subjects across state lines so that we could assist our law enforcement partners in apprehending them.  This operation is a testament to the strength of cooperation throughout our vast law enforcement family, including our longtime partners at the FBI Newark Joint Organized Crime Task Force and the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

    Sanguesa Aguirre and Castillo Gonzalez appeared on January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and were detained.  Del Valle Munoz and Calderon Valencia had their initial appearances on January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa L. Fricke in federal court in Tacoma, Washington, and were detained.  Calderon Leiva had his initial appearance on January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom in federal court in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and was detained. Prado Scatarzi appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst in federal court in Lafayette, Louisiana today and was detained.  Salgado Vallejos appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson in federal court in Boston, Massachusetts today and was detained.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    The defendants were part of a sophisticated burglary ring that committed multiple residential burglaries in November 2024 in New Jersey and Massachusetts.  The defendants conspired to possess large amounts of jewelry, watches, designer handbags, and other valuable goods, among other items, with the losses totaling over $100,000.

    Law enforcement searched a vehicle the defendants were using to transport the stolen goods and recovered multiple pieces of jewelry, designer handbags and belts, perfume bottles, paper currency, watches, and other valuable items, alongside tools commonly used to burglarize residences. After law enforcement stopped the vehicle, Del Valle Munoz and Calderon Valencia fled across the country, eventually appearing near Seattle, Washington before traveling to a residence in Carlton, Oregon.  Law enforcement searched the residence where Del Valle Munoz, Calderon Valencia, and others had arrived and recovered bags and backpacks containing additional gold jewelry, diamonds, and watches, along with additional burglary tools.

    The charge of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; and the charge of receipt of stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison. Both charges also carry a maximum potential penalty of up to a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the FBI Newark’s Joint Organized Crime Task Force (JOCTF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Driscoll, Jr. in Newark; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent of Police Edward T. Cetnar, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Colts Neck Police Department, Keansburg Police Department, Fort Lee Police Department, Paramus Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Spring Valley Police Department (NY), Town of Greenburgh Police Department (NY), Wellesley Police Department (MA), Westwood Police Department (MA), Massachusetts State Police, Renton Police Department (WA), King County Sheriff’s Office (WA), Tukwila Police Department (WA), Oregon State Police, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office (OR), Carlton Police Department (OR), Denver Police Department (CO), Pennsylvania State Police, Novi Police Department (MI), ICE/ERO Portland, ICE/ERO Seattle, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, FBI New York, FBI Philadelphia, FBI Seattle, FBI Portland, FBI Denver, FBI New Orleans, FBI Boston, and FBI Legal Attaché Santiago, Chile.

    Anyone who believes they may be a victim, or has information about the theft group or burglaries, is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov, or call a local field office.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                 ###

    Defense counsel:

    Christofer Sanguesa Aguirre: Claressa Lowe, Esq., Newark, New Jersey

    Fabiana Prado Scatarzi:  James N. Green, Esq., Lafayette, Louisiana

    Santana Arturo Castillo Gonzalez: Michael Simon, Esq., Mountainside, New Jersey

    Felipe Andres Del Valle Munoz: John Carpenter, Esq., Tacoma, Washington

    Carlos Alfredo Calderon Valencia: Thomas Weaver, Esq., Bremerton, Washington

    Diego Antonio Calderon Leiva: Thomas Thornton, Esq., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

    Pedro Alejandro Salgado Vallejos: Michael Tumposky, Esq., Boston, Massachusetts

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pelham Man Sentenced to 80 Years in Prison on Child Exploitation Charges

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Pelham man was sentenced today on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon.

    U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Neal Richard Goodacre, 54, to 960 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release.  In July, Goodacre pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. These convictions will require Goodacre to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

    According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force discovered images of child pornography on a Russian file-sharing website. Queensland officers connected the account used to post the images to Goodacre at a residence in Pelham, Alabama. On September 13, 2023, HSI executed a search warrant at Goodacre’s residence.  Agents recovered two electronic devices containing 29 images and one video of child pornography. Goodacre produced some of the child pornography he possessed.

    Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force and the Pelham Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.

    If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Individuals Charged in Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit Children

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two individuals have been indicted on multiple child sexual exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

    A five-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Wisam A. Sharieff, 43, of Euless, Texas, and Blake Miller Barakat, aka “Hamna,” 50, of Shelby County, Alabama, with conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. 

    According to the indictment, between September 27, 2024, and October 15, 2024, Sharieff and Barakat conspired together to coerce a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct; and they conspired to receive and distribute child pornography.

    FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the FBI Dallas-Fort Worth Violent Crimes Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    An indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.    

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Hope Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking, Extortion, and Production of Child Pornography and Agrees to 40-Year Prison Sentence

    Source: US FBI

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A New Hope man pleaded guilty today to stalking and extorting a woman and producing child pornography involving two minor victims, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. 

    Donald Wayne Carmody, 30, of New Hope, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke to cyberstalking, two counts of extortion, and two counts of production of child pornography. 

    According to the plea agreement, Carmody used anonymous text messages to threaten to release pictures of the victim on the internet if she did not send him intimate photographs. Carmody also obtained the victim’s login credentials for her social media accounts and accessed their contents. After Carmody was arrested on cyberstalking and extortion charges for this conduct, investigators discovered a USB thumb drive belonging to him that contained images of child pornography that involved two victims under the age of twelve. The FBI’s Video Forensic Analysis Unit compared the images from the thumb drive, which showed a person’s hand, to pictures of Carmody’s hands taken during the investigation. The Unit identified similar class and distinguishing characteristics between the images, demonstrating that the hand in the images on the thumb drive belonged to Carmody.     

    As part of the plea agreement, Carmody stipulated to a 480-month sentence of imprisonment for the offenses. If the Court rejects the stipulated sentence, Carmody or the United States could withdraw from the plea agreement. 

    The maximum penalty for cyberstalking is five years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for extortion is two years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for production of child pornography is 30 years imprisonment. Each offense also carries the possibility of a $250,000 fine.

    The FBI investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Hundscheid is prosecuting the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) have partnered and released a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent kids and teens from being victims. This series offers three-to-five-minute videos about current online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities.  These videos titled “Sextortion Prevention” can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/@nationalcac/videos. 

    If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. For more resources on cybercrime, visit www.ic3.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Mexico Man Sentenced to More than 27 Years in Prison for Advertising and Selling Child Pornography Online

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A New Mexico man was sentenced yesterday on two felony charges related to his online child sexual exploitation activities, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. 

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Wesley Alan Crownover, II, 37, to 330 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release.  In August 2023, Crownover pleaded guilty to one count of advertising child pornography and one count of sale of child pornography. These convictions will require Crownover to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

    According to the plea agreement, Crownover was a member of 10 separate online groups dedicated to users who have a sexual interest in children. Within some of these groups, Crownover marketed his child pornography collection comprising of thousands of images and videos for sale. When contacted by an FBI undercover agent in one of the online groups, Crownover sold 30 videos containing child sexual abuse material for $25.

    A federal complaint and arrest warrant were obtained in the Northern District of Alabama, and a search warrant for Crownover’s residence was obtained from the District of New Mexico. When the warrants were executed, Crownover was not on the premises. Nonetheless, he saw law enforcement at his residence and fled the state. Crownover was a fugitive from justice for only a few months before he was located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and arrested by the United States Marshals Service.

    FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the assistance of FBI Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Leann White and Kristen Osborne prosecuted the case.

    If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. 

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 – Budget Investment for ENRICH Education Programme – Methodist Mission Southern

    Source: Methodist Mission Southern

    The Hon. Erica Stanford has today announced an investment in the ENRICH oral language programme – which will see the programme reach 525 early learning services over four years.
    ENRICH is an evidence-based programme created by Professor Elaine Reese (University of Otago) in partnership with Methodist Mission Southern (MMS). Over the last four years, the programme has been extensively researched through the world-leading Kia Tīmata Pai study – involving 140 ECEs from BestStart.
    ENRICH focuses on strengthening oral language skills, communication skills and early maths competencies – all critical foundations for future learning and long-term life success. The programme has demonstrated significant improvements for tamariki in these areas in research trials, and has been successfully implemented in ECE classrooms since 2021.
    The implementation of ENRCH is led by Jimmy McLauchlan, Chief Development Officer at Methodist Mission Southern, who has spent ten years working in partnership with researchers, policymakers, and education providers – to translate child development science into practical programmes that can benefit children on a national scale.
    “Some of the world’s best child development science has come out of this country – and programmes like ENRICH are turning that science into learning for hundreds of thousands of New Zealand children,” said McLauchlan.
    “ENRICH works because it shares the science of language development through practical techniques that have been co-designed with teachers to work in busy classrooms. The programme embraces our cultures and curriculum, and has been tested by hundreds of teachers around the country over the last four years.”
    ENRICH will initially be rolled out to 525 ECEs over the next four years, alongside ongoing research and evidence-gathering work, which is aimed at making the programme even more effective and sustainable across the entire ECE sector in coming years.
    “This investment today means we can reach even more tamariki with tools that build language, communication and early literacy skills when it matters most.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Doctor and Her Husband Charged with Health Care Fraud and Tax Evasion

    Source: US FBI

    The doctor allegedly deceived patients about what substances were injected and the defendants received more than $10M in fraud proceeds and filed false tax returns

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging an Anchorage doctor and her husband with health care fraud and tax evasion.

    According to court documents, from 2010 to 2023, Claribel Tan, 60, a practicing rheumatologist, and her husband, Daniel Tan, 69, operated Claribel K. Tan MD LLC (CKTMD), a medical clinic in Anchorage. The indictment alleges that the couple defrauded health care benefit programs by causing the submission of false claims that misrepresented the type and dosage of medication, and the scope of medical services provided to patients. Further, the indictment alleges that both defendants deceived patients regarding the necessity of receiving medication at the clinic and created false medical records. The indictment also alleges that Claribel Tan deceived patients regarding what substances she injected into their bodies. In total, the Tans received over $10 million in fraudulently obtained funds. In a separate civil action, the Justice Department seized roughly $8.5 million of those funds from the defendant’s accounts.

    The indictment also alleges that the Tans evaded income taxes for 2014, 2015 and 2017 by providing false information to their return preparer that overstated CKTMD’s expenses and filing false tax returns that understated their income. The indictment further alleges that Daniel Tan evaded income taxes for 2016 when he provided the Tans’ accountant with false information for that return. The accountant allegedly ceased preparing tax returns for them, and the Tans did not file tax returns for 2016.

    The indictment further alleges that the Tans did not file tax returns for 2018 through 2021, despite being required to by law.

    The defendants are each charged with one count of health care fraud and four counts of willful failure to file a tax return. Daniel Tan is charged with four counts and Claribel Tan is charged with three counts of attempting to evade and defeat tax. The defendants will make their initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska.

    If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for health care fraud, five years for each count of tax evasion and one year for each count of failing to file a tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, Defense Contract Audit Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division, Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and State of Alaska Division of Insurance Investigation Unit are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Dominick Giovanniello of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Walker and Seth Beausang for the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: “Drug Kingpin” Gets 28 Years for Trafficking Drugs From Mexico to Alaska

    Source: US FBI

    The defendant was arrested and deported to the U.S. in 2021.

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The leader of an extensive transnational drug trafficking organization was sentenced to 28 years in prison on Wednesday for running a conspiracy that trafficked vast amounts of dangerous drugs to Alaska.

    According to court documents, Miguel Baez Guevara, a.k.a. “Javi,” 41, a U.S. citizen who was living in Mexico, was the leader of a transnational criminal drug trafficking organization. In October 2014 Guevara was indicted by the State of Arizona for drug trafficking, money laundering and weapons offenses. Guevara fled to Mexico where he headed an enterprise that trafficked large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine into the U.S., specifically targeting Alaska, from Mexico. Guevara claimed membership in, and association with, the Sinaloa Cartel.

    Guevara’s organization recruited drug couriers who lived in Alaska by using fake personas on social media and encrypted messaging applications. The couriers were promised money or drugs in exchange for traveling to Mexico to collect narcotics for transport back to Alaska. Couriers would travel in small groups led by a team leader and would typically smuggle around 250 grams of drugs on each trip. Guevara gave them instructions on how to smuggle the drugs back to Alaska, where they were met by a member of Guevara’s organization who paid them and collected the drugs for local distribution.

    Guevara used violence, threats of violence, and his affiliation with the Sinaloa Cartel to intimidate and maintain total control of his organization. He required drug couriers to submit photos of their driver’s license and maintained records of each worker in his organization. He threatened to have houses burned down in Alaska and on one occasion had a U.S. citizen from Alaska shot in the knee over a drug dispute when they traveled to Mexico. He later bragged he was responsible for the shooting, showed photos and ultimately warned others what could happen if they stole drugs or money from him.

    Guevara conducted all these operations from Mexico. The defendant was expelled from Mexico to the U.S. in September 2021 after a federal grand jury in Alaska charged him on a 17 count indictment and he was subsequently arrested by Mexican authorities. Between 2016 and 2022, at least 30 other couriers and dealers working for the defendant were federally prosecuted for participating in Guevara’s drug trafficking organization.

    In total, law enforcement seized 7.1 kilograms of meth, nearly 10 kilograms of heroin and 900 grams of cocaine destined for Alaska linked to Guevara’s enterprise. His enterprise grossed millions of dollars in drug sales during the course of the conspiracy. Those proceeds were smuggled to Mexico.

    The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of continuing criminal enterprise and one count of drug conspiracy on Jan. 17, 2024, in front of U.S. District Court Chief Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble.

    The Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute 21 U.S.C. § 848 is often referred to as the “Kingpin Statute.” The statute is designed to reach the top brass in drug trafficking organizations, and not the lieutenants and foot soldiers. The statute was enacted to target large-scale profit-making enterprises engaged in the illegal importation, manufacture and distribution of controlled substances.

    Three other defendants in this case have already been sentenced:

    • Joel Rascone, 30, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute heroin and was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment.
    • Serena Joseph, 41, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering and was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment.
    • Washahiotha Zaragoza, 46, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

    Four additional co-defendants are believed to be at large in Mexico.

    “I want to thank the FBI, DEA, the Coast Guard Investigative Service and all other supporting law enforcement agencies who helped bring justice in this case,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Keeping our communities safe from violent drug traffickers is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. To those looking to greedily profit by trafficking dangerous drugs to Alaska—our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will use the full force of our resources to investigate and prosecute you to the furthest extent of the law.”

    “Mr. Guevara is responsible for trafficking substantial amounts of dangerous drugs into Alaska from Mexico, while preying and profiting on the addictions of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that threaten the safety and security of our communities in Alaska.”

    “DEA is committed to protecting Alaskans from violent drug traffickers who prey on our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Guevara ran a drug trafficking organization that used violence to spread the misery of drugs throughout Alaska for his own enrichment. I am proud of DEA’s role, alongside our partners in the FBI, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in stopping him.”  

    “The Coast Guard Investigative Service is committed to safeguarding the lives of those who live and work in maritime communities.  We thank our law enforcement partners for their steadfast efforts in removing this threat to the lives of our Alaskan neighbors,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Shultz of the Coast Guard Investigative Service Northwest Field Office.

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Office led the investigation, with support from the Anchorage Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations offices in Anchorage, Alaska, and Sells and Nogales, Arizona, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Alaska State Troopers, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police and Alaska National Guard.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ainsley McNerney, Chris Schroeder and William Taylor are prosecuting the case, with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison O’Leary. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, and law enforcement agencies in the state of Arizona provided additional support on the case.

    This investigation and prosecution are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    UPDATE: This release has been updated to include Homeland Security Investigations offices in the list of investigating agencies. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rio Rico Man Indicted After Attempting to Flee Nogales Port of Entry

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – On November 13, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Miguel Soto-Morando, of Rio Rico, on one count of Smuggling Ammunition from the United States, Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.

    According to the complaint filed in this case, on October 16, 2024, Soto-Morando attempted to leave the United States through the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales. After Soto-Morando was referred to secondary inspection, he tried to flee into Mexico. The victim, a United States Customs and Border Protection officer, reached into Soto-Morando’s truck and attempted to prevent Soto-Morando’s escape. With the officer’s arm inside the vehicle, Soto-Morando accelerated toward the gate leading into Mexico but crashed into a pillar located in the United States. The collision caused the officer to be ejected from Soto-Morando’s vehicle.

    When Soto-Morando got out of his vehicle, two officers, including the victim officer, discharged their firearms, striking Soto-Morando twice. A subsequent search of a spare tire from the vehicle uncovered 3,140 rounds of ammunition destined for Mexico. Soto-Morando is also alleged to be a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    A conviction for Smuggling Goods from the United States carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A conviction for Assault on a Federal Officer – Deadly or Dangerous Weapon carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A conviction for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Each offense also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel J. Walters, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-07997-RCC
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-167_Soto-Morando

     

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bureau of Prisons Inmate Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2015 Murder at United States Penitentiary

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Morgan Wayne Siler, 40, of Portsmouth, Virginia, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to two concurrent terms of life in prison. Siler pleaded guilty to Murder and Conspiracy to Murder on September 11, 2024.

    On December 18, 2015, at the United States Penitentiary in Tucson, Siler – along with fellow inmate and co-conspirator David Hammer – killed another inmate who was housed at the facility. Siler and Hammer planned the murder in advance. The victim’s cause of death was determined to be from asphyxia and blunt force injuries.

    At the time of the murder, Siler was in federal custody for a 2008 conviction stemming from an assault on a Bureau of Prisons corrections officer and a 2005 conviction for a series of retail establishment robberies in Virginia. Siler’s life sentences will run consecutive to the sentences already imposed in those cases. Co-conspirator Hammer passed away in 2019.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-23-1300-TUC-SHR
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-171_Siler

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Child Sexual Abuse Ring Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Samuel Rappylee Bateman, 48, of Colorado City, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 50 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. On April 1, 2024, Bateman pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Transportation of a Minor for Criminal Sexual Activity and Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping.  

    “Protecting the most vulnerable is our highest calling as prosecutors,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Many thanks to our dedicated prosecutors and law enforcement colleagues for an expeditious investigation, and to our victim advocates for their focus on services and healing.”

    “Every child should feel and be safe in their homes,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez. “Today’s sentencing brings some closure to the victims with hopes they can confidently continue the long road to living normal lives with trusted and loving adults surrounding them. Protecting our most vulnerable populations, with children at the top of the list, is and will continue to be a high priority for the FBI and our partners.”

    Bateman, who represented himself as a religious prophet, was the leader of a years-long child sexual abuse conspiracy that spanned several states and victimized at least 10 children. Beginning in 2019, Bateman amassed followers in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Nebraska. In 2020 and 2021, Bateman’s followers gave their minor daughters and wards to him as child “brides” to sexually abuse. The victims were as young as nine years old. Through coercion and manipulation, Bateman regularly forced his victims to participate with him in individual and group sexual activities with adults and other children. He gave one of the victims to an adult male follower to be sexually abused, and on another occasion transmitted a live video stream of child sexual abuse to his followers. Bateman and others transported the victims between states to facilitate the sexual abuse, which continued until Bateman’s arrest on federal charges in September 2022.

    Following Bateman’s arrest, his child victims were placed in the legal and physical custody of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. In November 2022, Bateman conspired with some of his followers to kidnap the victims from their custody placements. The conspirators succeeded in taking eight of the girls to California and then to Washington, where they were found by law enforcement and returned to Arizona.

    Bateman was charged along with 11 of his adult followers, all of whom have also been convicted of charges related to the child sexual abuse conspiracy. Two of Bateman’s co-defendants were convicted at trial by a jury, and the others were convicted by guilty plea. Several other defendants have already been sentenced, and the remaining defendants will be sentenced in the coming months.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation-Phoenix conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. The United States Attorney’s Office continues to extend special gratitude to the Arizona Department of Child Safety for its work rescuing and protecting Arizona children impacted by this matter, the Colorado City Police Department, the Iron County (Utah) Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the St. George Resident Agency of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office for their assistance in this matter.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-8092-PHX-SMB
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-173_Bateman

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Charged With Felony Assault of Law Enforcement Officers and Other Counts During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

               WASHINGTON — An Arizona man self-surrendered and was arrested today for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers and other charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               David Caleb Crosby, 35, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds; and engaging in an act of physical violence in the grounds or any of the Capitol buildings. 

               The FBI arrested Crosby today in Phoenix. He will make his initial appearance in the District of Arizona.

               According to court documents, on January 6, 2021, Crosby confronted police attempting to hold a police line located on the U.S. Capitol’s Lower West Plaza. Crosby allegedly used his back and body to repeatedly ram into bike racks serving as police barricades.

               Videos recorded Crosby repeatedly backing into the police line, even as officers repeatedly shoved him away and issued commands to back up. Two officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) used a Mk 46 “super soaker” to deploy chemical irritants in efforts to repel him. But even after being directly sprayed by these irritants and specifically ordered to back up, Crosby continued to ram his back into the police line. Crosby’s efforts appeared to encourage other rioters to also confront the police line. Crosby’s pushes against the police line were thwarted only when MPD officers pulled him over the top of these barricades and detained him.

               This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

               This case is being investigated by the by the FBI’s Phoenix and Washington Field Offices, which identified Crosby as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) AFO (Assault on Federal Officer) #248 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by  the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

               In the 47 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,572 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

               Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

               A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Indicted for Sending Antisemitic Death Threats and Stalking

    Source: US FBI

    Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Nelson I. Delgado, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Newark Field Office, announced the return today of a three-count Indictment charging DONOVAN HALL with making interstate threats and interstate stalking.  HALL was arrested on November 22, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona, and was subsequently presented in federal court in the District of Arizona.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “Donovan Hall allegedly unleashed a campaign of terror against several Jewish New Yorkers, allegedly sending scores of hateful, violent, and antisemitic death threats.  No individual deserves to be at the receiving end of these types of threats or to be targeted because of their religion.  This Office is committed to aggressively prosecuting hate crimes of all kinds and seeking justice for the victims of these offensive and harmful acts.”

    Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado said: “We allege Hall used graphic and hate-filled rhetoric to terrorize several victims in New York City and around the U.S.  These malicious phone calls escalated to text messages brazenly displaying his weapons, furthering his victims’ worst fears.  The FBI has ZERO tolerance for hate-filled speech, threats and violent actions. We will not rest until those who commit these types of crimes are held accountable.”

    According to the Complaint, the Indictment, and other documents and statements in the public record:

    Over a period of three months, HALL contacted several individuals  located in New York, New York, (the “Victims”) approximately 1,000 times and made anti-Semitic and violent threats to torture, mutilate, and murder them and their families.   In particular, starting in August 2024, HALL made dozens of threatening phone calls—many of which were anti-Semitic in nature—to the owner of a hotel located in Manhattan, the owner’s family members, and hotel staff.  During these calls, HALL threatened numerous times to kill the Victims.

    In October 2024, HALL escalated his threatening conduct by texting photographs of two firearms and a machete to the hotel owner, along with threats to use those weapons to harm the owner and his family.  During a search of HALL’s residence in Arizona conducted on November 22, 2024, the firearms depicted in the text messages, among other weapons and ammunition, were recovered.  The two firearms—neither of which is registered in HALL’s name—were located alongside his wallet in his backpack.  One of the firearms was loaded.

    HALL’s threats toward the Victims were part of a larger pattern of death threats sent to various other individuals.  The targets of his threats are located throughout the U.S.  In these communications, HALL consistently used violent and threatening language, and often targeted Jews.

    *                *                *

    HALL, 34, of Mesa, Arizona, has been charged with two counts of making interstate threats, which each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of interstate stalking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Newark Field Office.  Mr. Kim also thanked the New York Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the Mesa Police Department, and the Clifton Police Department in Clifton, New Jersey.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Adelsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texarkana Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    TEXARKANA – A Texarkana, Arkansas, man was sentenced today to 121 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.  The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the United States District Court in Texarkana.

    According to court records, on November 9, 2021, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, Bi-State Narcotics Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations served a federal search warrant at the residence of A’jene Rashodd Cornelius, age 29.  Cornelius and two family members, including a small child, were present when the search warrant was executed.  Inside the residence, investigators found and seized over 1.3 pounds of pure methamphetamine, multiple loaded firearms, and over $13,000 in drug trafficking proceeds.  Cornelius pleaded guilty in August 2023.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the United States.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Reno Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    RENO – A Reno resident was sentenced by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 10 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a teenage boy.

    According to court documents, in March 2023, Gregory Weeks (37) engaged in sexually explicit conversations with and sent nude videos of himself masturbating to a 15-year-old boy. The conversations included making plans to have sex in a hotel in Reno. Weeks drove from Utah to Reno and picked the victim up outside the gate leading to the victim’s home. Weeks then drove the victim to a hotel where Weeks made reservations and engaged in sexual activities with the victim.

    In July 2024, Weeks pleaded guilty to one-count of coercion and enticement. In addition to imprisonment, Weeks was also ordered to pay $6,150 in restitution to the victim. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), after his release from prison, Weeks will be required to register as a sex offender.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    The FBI-led Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is comprised of detectives and investigators from the Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at https://report.cybertip.org.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Computer Programmer Convicted for Helping Run One of the Biggest Illegal Television Show Streaming Services in the United States

    Source: US FBI

    After a two-week trial, a federal jury in Las Vegas yesterday convicted a Cuban citizen and U.S. permanent resident for helping operate an illegal streaming service with one of the largest quantities of infringing works. The defendant, who was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, is the eighth and final defendant to be convicted in the case.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Yoany Vaillant, 43, worked as a computer programmer for Jetflicks, an online, subscription-based service headquartered in Las Vegas that permitted users to stream and, at times, download copyrighted television episodes without the permission of relevant copyright owners. At one point, Jetflicks claimed to have 183,285 different television episodes, far more than Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or any other licensed streaming service. At Jetflicks, Vaillant worked directly with Kristopher Dallmann and Jared Jaurequi, who were convicted of criminal copyright offenses by a different jury earlier this year.

    According to his resume, Vaillant had 15 years of computer programming experience when he started at Jetflicks and knew 27 computer languages. During the four-and-a-half months that Vaillant worked at Jetflicks he made significant contributions to the operation of the service, including fixing issues affecting the automated downloading, processing, syncing, uploading, and streaming of Jetflicks’ inventory of infringing television episodes.

    Evidence at trial showed that Vaillant and his co-conspirators scoured the internet to find infringing television programs from pirate sites around the world — including some of the biggest sites specializing in infringing content such as The Pirate Bay, RARBG, altHUB, and Nzbplanet — using automated software and computer scripts that ran nonstop. Vaillant and his co-conspirators reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization and streamed the infringing programs to tens of thousands of paid subscribers located throughout the United States, often providing episodes to subscribers the day after the shows originally aired on television. The vast scale of Jetflicks’ piracy affected every significant copyright owner of a television program in the United States and resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the U.S. television show and streaming industries.

    Vaillant was one of eight defendants indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2019 for running Jetflicks. In that case, Vaillant’s co-defendant Darryl Polo, a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to four criminal copyright counts and one money laundering count, which related to Jetflicks as well as another illegal streaming site he operated. Co-defendant Luis Villarino, also a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement at Jetflicks. The court sentenced Polo to four years and nine months in prison and Villarino to one year and one day in prison.

    In February 2022, the court transferred the case to the District of Nevada for trial. The court in the District of Nevada subsequently severed Vaillant’s case from the other remaining five defendants — Dallmann, Jaurequi, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, and Peter Huber — and those defendants were tried in Las Vegas last June. Dallmann ran the Jetflicks operation with assistance from Jaurequi and Courson; Garcia was in charge of customer support and helped obtain television show content; and Huber provided computer programming services. A jury found all five defendants guilty of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, and Dallmann was also found guilty of three additional counts of criminal copyright infringement and two counts of money laundering by concealment. This was the largest internet piracy case by volume of infringed works — and first illegal streaming case — ever to go to trial.

    The court will sentence Dallmann, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, Huber, and Vaillant on Feb. 3 and 4, 2025. The court will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.

    Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti, Trial Attorney Michael Christin, and Acting Deputy Chief Christopher S. Merriam of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Paterson Firearms Trafficker Indicted on Firearm Offenses, Including Possession of Machine Guns

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Paterson man was indicted today by a federal grand jury for his role in committing firearms offenses after authorities discovered dozens of illicit firearms, including 3D-printed “ghost” gun frames, machine gun conversion devices, firearm silencers, short-barreled rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a 3D printer in his residence, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

    Mikhail Gouldson, 36, of Paterson, New Jersey, is charged in a five-count indictment with one count of dealing in firearms without a license, one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession of machineguns, one count of possession of unregistered firearms and one count of attempted trafficking in firearms. Gouldson, who was previously charged by complaint, will be arraigned on a date to be determined.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement intercepted multiple shipments of weaponry that were mailed to Gouldson’s residence. After searching Gouldson’s residence, law enforcement recovered large quantities of firearms and ammunition, as well as 3D printing equipment.

    The dealing in firearms without a license count carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment. The possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and attempted trafficking in firearms counts each carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment. The possession of machineguns and unregistered firearms counts each carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. Each of the counts carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

    U.S. Attorney John Giordano credited special agents of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Ricky J. Patel; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; and the postal inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

    This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case is also part of the Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in 2020 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Paterson’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Paterson. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Paterson Department of Public Safety, the Paterson Police Department, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Bergen County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, and N.J. Department of Corrections.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Rosenblum of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

    Source: US FBI

    LITTLE ROCK, AR—Today, the FBI recognizes World Day Against Trafficking of Persons. The FBI investigates over 1,000 cases of human trafficking each year and is continually evolving and adapting efforts and resources to outpace this rapidly growing criminal industry.

    The most effective way to investigate human trafficking is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners. FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces operate within nearly every FBI field office. These task forces seek to recover victims and investigate traffickers at the state and federal level.

    Human trafficking is the illegal exploitation of a person for labor or services. Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking, and it can occur in any U.S. community—cities, suburbs, and even rural areas. The FBI investigates human trafficking cases under its Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking program. We take a trauma informed, victim-centered approach to these cases.

    “Human trafficking is one of the most vile and horrific crimes the FBI investigates,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “FBI Little Rock relentlessly works with our law enforcement partners, non-governmental agencies, and other nonprofits on the frontline to combat human trafficking in Arkansas.”

    Since 2020, the FBI has received nearly 2000 human trafficking tips from the public. While all reports have not resulted in investigations, the FBI encourages the public to continue to report suspicion of human trafficking activity.

    More information about how the FBI investigates human trafficking can be found on the FBI website.

    To report human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tips can also be submitted on the NHTRC website. Tips involving children in trafficking situations should be submitted through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Member of Sinaloa Cartel Indicted on Drug Conspiracy Charge

    Source: US FBI

    SAN DIEGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago indicted a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing cocaine, fentanyl, and other drugs in Mexico and importing them into the United States.

    According to an indictment returned Monday in the Northern District of Illinois, Jose Angel Canobbio Inzunza, 44, served as a principal advisor, lieutenant, and security chief for Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar. Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, along with his three brothers, allegedly led a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico after the arrest and imprisonment of their father, Joaquin Guzman Loera. The indictment alleges Canobbio Inzunza conspired with the brothers — who are known as the “Chapitos” — and others to manufacture cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana in Mexico and import the drugs into the United States for further distribution. The indictment states that Canobbio Inzunza financed and led an armed security group known as “Los Chimales,” which provided security for the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel and engaged in armed conflict to assist the Chapitos in importing drugs into the United States. The Chapitos have been charged in other indictments in the United States within the last year.

    Canobbio Inzunza is charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances for unlawful importation into the United States and to import controlled substances into the United States. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Canobbio Inzunza is believed to be currently residing in Mexico and a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath for the Southern District of California, Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI San Diego Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona made the announcement.

    The FBI and HSI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Erskine and Michelle Parthum for the Northern District of Illinois and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case.

    The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Distributor of ANOM Hardened Encrypted Devices Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    SAN DIEGO – Osemah Elhassen of Sydney, Australia, was sentenced in federal court today to 63 months in prison for participating in a worldwide conspiracy to distribute hardened encrypted communication devices to criminal syndicates to facilitate drug trafficking and other crimes.

    Elhassen was one of 17 defendants indicted in San Diego in 2021 in connection with Operation Trojan Shield, an international law enforcement effort in which the FBI secretly operated an encrypted messaging network used by criminals, leading to the arrests of hundreds worldwide.

    According to court records, the platform was known as ANOM. While ANOM’s criminal users unknowingly communicated on the system operated by the FBI, agents catalogued more than 27 million messages between users around the world whose criminal discussions were covertly obtained and reviewed by the FBI. The platform was taken down in June 2021. Please see Operation Trojan Shield in 2021.

    Elhassen pleaded guilty in May 2024 to Count 1 of a superseding indictment charging him and the others with a racketeering conspiracy in connection with the ANOM enterprise. A citizen of Australia, Elhassen was a Colombia-based distributor of ANOM devices who was also directly involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

    Elhassen admitted that around November 2019, he became a member of the ANOM enterprise. According to his plea agreement, he admitted to helping accomplish the illegal objectives of that enterprise, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and obstruction of justice offenses. To that end, Elhassen distributed ANOM devices to criminal end-users for over a year and a half, and in doing so, facilitated the importation, exportation, and distribution of at least 15 kilograms of cocaine and the laundering of proceeds from the enterprise’s illegal activities.

    According to the government’s sentencing filings, Elhassen’s ANOM messages show significant distribution of ANOM devices in Colombia and other places. His messages also show that Elhassen participated in providing ANOM device support and arranging subscription renewals, among other sales and price-setting activity.

    Elhassen was arrested in Colombia in June 2021 and was extradited to the Southern District of California in May 2023. He pleaded guilty in May 2024.

    “Despite use of sophisticated technology and extreme measures to conceal the criminal enterprise, Mr. Elhassen could not thwart federal investigators,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The sentence today demonstrates that even those who go to the greatest lengths to hide will be held to account.”

    “Evidence collected during Operation Trojan Shield showed that distributors of ANOM devices, like Mr. Elhassen, were not merely providing a messaging service but enabling and facilitating Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “Today’s sentence should send a strong message to the users and distributors of these types of devices. The FBI will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners on new and innovative strategies to combat the ever-evolving threat posed by transnational criminal organizations.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua C. Mellor, Mikaela L. Weber, and Peter S. Horn. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogota provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Elhassen. The United States also thanks Colombian law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance.

    Three other defendants in this case have pleaded guilty, including Dragan Nikitovic, aka Dr. Djek; Edwin Harmendra Kumar, aka Edwin Harmendra Valentine; and Miwand Zakhimi, aka Maiwand Zakhimi. They are scheduled to be sentenced in December 2024 and January 2025. A trial for four other defendants is scheduled for March 10, 2025. Eight other defendants in the case are yet to be extradited to the United States, and one is a fugitive.

    For further information on investigations and prosecutions of encrypted communication providers, see https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/fbi-s-encrypted-phone-platform-infiltrated-hundreds-criminal-syndicates-result-massive (ANOM), https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/sky-global-executive-and-associate-indicted-providing-encrypted-communication-devices (Sky Global), and https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/chief-executive-communications-company-sentenced-prison-providing-encryption-services (Phantom Secure).

    Operation Trojan Shield is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 21cr1623-JLS-17                                   

    Osemah Elhassen                                            Age: 51                                   Sydney, Australia

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Count 1:  Racketeering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1962(d)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, and fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    United States Marshals Service

    Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

    Australian Federal Police

    Swedish Police Authority

    Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau

    National Police of the Netherlands

    EUROPOL                                                          

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Crowheart Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    Quinlin James Hernandez, 32, of Crowheart, Wyoming, was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for sexual abuse. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on March 5 in Casper.

    According to court documents, on April 13, 2024, a 14-year-old minor victim who had been reported missing was located at the residence of Hernandez. She was able to send a text to her grandmother to come pick her up at that location. During her forensic interview, she stated that Hernandez and several minors picked her up April 10, 2023, without the knowledge of her guardians. Hernandez drove to a liquor store, where he bought alcohol and then drove the minors to his residence in Crowheart. At the residence, all the minors and the defendant drank the alcohol. Hernandez began flirting with and making sexual advances toward the minor victim. The minor victim was at Hernandez’s residence for approximately two and a half days, during which Hernandez forced himself on the minor victim, sexually abusing her twice. The victim underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination and Hernandez’s seminal fluid and DNA were confirmed to be on the victim’s clothing.  He was indicted on May 16, 2024.

    When interviewed, Hernandez denied sexually abusing the minor victim. However, when he entered his plea of guilty on December 13, 2024, he admitted that he had sex with the minor victim when she was too drunk to either consent or decline to have sex with him.

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry Jacobson prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought about by Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet and to identify and rescue victims.

    Case No. 24-CR-00087

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Men Indicted on Kidnapping Charge

    Source: US FBI

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Darwin Veliz-Gonzalez, Jose Daniel Pineda-Moreno, Jeffrerson Balza-Delfin, and Yender Enrique Campos-Malave were each indicted by a federal grand jury on one count for unlawfully seizing, confining, kidnapping, abducting and holding for ransom an unidentified victim.

    Balza-Delfin and Campos-Malave made their initial appearance in front of Magistrate Judge Cyrus Y. Chung today.  Veliz-Gonzalez and Pineda-Moreno are scheduled to appear at a later date.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation Denver Field Office and the Denver Police Department are handling the investigation.  The prosecution is being handled by the Violent Crimes and Immigration Enforcement section of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    Case Number: 25-cr-00077-JLK

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Charged with Sex Trafficking Children by Force

    Source: US FBI

    WASHINGTON – Linwood Barnhill, 59, a registered sex offender living in the District of Columbia, was arrested on May 1, 2025, and federally charged with sex trafficking children by force and related counts. The alleged offenses occurred between April 1, 2024, and April 29, 2025.

    The criminal complaint was announced today by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., FBI Special Agent in Chief Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

    Barnhill, a former officer with the Metropolitan Police Department, is charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; sex trafficking of children; coercion and enticement; transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and interstate travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises. According to the complaint, the defendant allegedly recruited a series of minor children to engage in commercial sex acts and financially profited from those commercial sex acts.

    This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Burrell.

    This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Convicted in Charity Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    A federal jury in the District of Nevada convicted a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and gubernatorial candidate yesterday on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud for executing a scheme to defraud charitable donors by falsely claiming she was raising money to memorialize police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michele Fiore, 54, of Pahrump, Nevada, while serving as a Las Vegas city councilwoman, solicited donors for money to build statues honoring two Las Vegas police officers who had been killed in the line of duty. The evidence at trial demonstrated that Fiore promised donors that “100% of the contributions” would be used towards the construction of memorials for the fallen officers. However, Fiore did not use any of the more than $70,000 in charitable donations she raised for the memorials. Instead, Fiore spent the money donated by the victims on a variety of personal and political expenses, including political fundraising bills, personal rent payments, and payments to family members.

    Fiore is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Las Vegas Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Dahoud Askar and Alexander Gottfried and paralegal specialist Heather DePremio of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada provided substantial assistance.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Federal Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Inmate in His Custody

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Corrections Officer, Robert D. Smith, 39, was sentenced today in federal court to 24 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for sexually abusing an inmate while he was a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution, in Aliceville, Alabama (FCI-Aliceville).

    Smith previously pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a ward on Jan. 11.

    “Robert Smith’s egregious acts have no place in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and he has been held to account for abusing of his position of trust,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today sentence marks the latest effort in the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to root out sexual misconduct within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Department will continue our efforts to hold accountable employees who fail to uphold their oath to protect those in their care.”

    “Beyond the view of the cameras and the eyes of potential witnesses, this defendant sexually abused and assaulted vulnerable women inmates and thought he would get away with his crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This case should send an unequivocal message to officials working in correctional settings that we have zero tolerance for sexual assaults of women held inside jails and prisons. We encourage the survivors of these heinous crimes to report acts of official misconduct and violence to the FBI. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute those who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people detained in correctional facilities.”

    “Corrections officers have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in our nation’s prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute corrections officers who abuse inmates and violate positions of public trust.”

    “Today’s sentencing holds Smith accountable for the serious crimes he committed,” said Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “Smith sexually abused multiple inmates and he did so by taking them to areas of the prison without camera coverage. As the OIG has repeatedly found, the effective use of cameras by the FBOP is critical to preventing and deterring such criminal wrongdoing at its facilities.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Smith worked as a corrections officer at FCI-Aliceville, which is a low-security federal prison. As part of his duties, Smith was to ensure the safety and security of inmates housed at FCI-Aliceville and to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

    While acting in his capacity as an officer, in or around February 2019, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act when he and his victim were in his office in the facilities department, which was away from cameras and other inmates and officers.

    Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a different occasion. Specifically, also while acting in his capacity as an officer, between on or about July 6, 2018, and Nov. 15, 2018, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act in the mechanical room, which Smith accessed with a key, and which was also away from cameras and other inmates and officers.

    DOJ-OIG investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the department’s reform efforts.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Marketing Companies and DME Company Convicted for Role in $100 Million Scheme to Defraud Medicare and Other Insurers and to Violate the Anti-Kickback Statute

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J.  A Florida man was convicted by a federal jury for his role in a durable medical equipment (DME) kickback scheme that caused millions of dollars in losses to Medicare and other insurance providers, United States Attorney John Giordano announced.

    Following a month-long jury trial before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz, Raheel Naviwala, 36, of Coral Springs, Florida, was convicted on Feb. 28, 2025, of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, one count of health care fraud, conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, and three counts of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute. He was also acquitted of two counts of health care fraud.

    “This Office is committed to prosecuting those like the defendant who seek to profit by defrauding and corrupting our nation’s medical systems,” United States Attorney John Giordano said. “When people siphon millions from Medicare to line their own pockets, regular citizens pay the price. This case demonstrates that serious consequences will follow for such conduct.”

    “The scheme Naviwala and his co-conspirators created to steal money from the government was complex and expansive,” FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said. “However, FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners have the expertise and grit to dig through mountains of data and find the fraudsters. We want this case to serve as a warning to anyone hoping to capitalize on hiding under the red tape – we are still here, and you will eventually get caught.”

    “The defendant convicted in this case prioritized greed over the provision of appropriate health care services to patients, bilking the federal government for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of the federal health care system and hold accountable owners and providers engaging in fraud that targets its programs.”

    “Investigating corrupt schemes that undermine the integrity of TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their families, is a top priority for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Mr. Naviwala’s illegal schemes put the TRICARE program and its beneficiaries at risk. We are committed to working with our partner agencies and the Department of Justice to pursue those individuals who selfishly place personal gain over the safety and care of TRICARE beneficiaries.”

    “Schemes such as these compromise the integrity of VA’s programs and services and divert funds from our nation’s deserving veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraudsters and hold them accountable.”

    According to the evidence at trial:

    Naviwala and his coconspirators purchased lists of Medicare patients’ names, addresses, and phone numbers, and hired telemarketers to convince the patients to get DME (orthotic braces). These telemarketers pre-filled prescriptions and picked the highest-paying braces to bill to insurers. Naviwala then paid telemedicine doctors to sign the pre-filled prescriptions for braces, regardless of whether the patients needed or wanted braces. Generally, the telemedicine doctor did not even speak to the patients before signing the pre-filled prescriptions.

    Naviwala then sold the signed prescriptions to DME supply companies that could bill Medicare, TRICARE, and other insurers for the braces. To conceal the fraud, Naviwala and his coconspirators signed sham contracts and used sham invoices that falsely represented that Naviwala was billing DME supply companies for marketing or consulting.

    Naviwala also owned and operated a DME supply company that was used to bill Medicare, and which submitted claims to Medicare for up to nine braces for a single patient.

    To further conceal his illegal conduct, Naviwala put multiple of his businesses in the names of nominee owners. The nominee owners generally performed no legitimate work for any company and were paid to hide Naviwala’s involvement.

    Medicare and other insurers paid hundreds of millions of dollars to members of the conspiracy and paid at least approximately $100 million for DME associated with Naviwala’s companies. Naviwala personally pocketed more than $10 million in fraud proceeds.

    Conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. Each count of illegal kickbacks is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Each count is also punishable by a fine. Sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 29, 2025, before Judge Farbiarz in Newark.

    United States Attorney John Giordano credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark; HHS-OIG, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; DCIS, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the conviction.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine K. Lou, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Aaron L. Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

                                                               ###

    Defense counsel:

    Jamie Hoxie Solano, Esq. New York, New York

    Amy C. Brown, Esq. New York, New York

    Bryan W. McCracken, Esq. New York, New York

    Ifedapo Benjamin, Esq. New York, New York

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Arraigned in Federal Court on Multiple Charges of Sexual Exploitation of Children

    Source: US FBI

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Lawrence County man was arraigned in federal court last week on multiple child sexual exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.

    A 13-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges David Edward Collier, 46, with four counts of sexual exploitation of children, eight counts of transportation of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    According to the indictment, between January 2017 and August 2022, Collier used, induced, or coerced minor children to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of that conduct.  Between October 2022 and September 2023, Collier transported the child pornography.  Collier was also charged with possession of child pornography.  

    FBI North Alabama Violent Crime Task Force and Cybercrime Squad investigated the case along with the assistance of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Moulton Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Huntsville Police Department, and Limestone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) have partnered and released a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent kids and teens from being victims. This series offers three-to-five-minute videos about current online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities.

    The videos can be accessed from the following locations:

    nationalcac.org/sextortion-prevention/

    https://www.youtube.com/@nationalcac

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Kentucky Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison Related to Sextortion Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Kentucky man was sentenced today on a charge of sexual exploitation of children, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

    U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Aden Willis Yeager, 22, of Louisville, Kentucky, to 300 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release.  As part of his sentence, Yeager was ordered to pay $92,620 in restitution to the victims and a $50,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Act. In March, Yeager pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. 

    According to the plea agreement, in November 2020, the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children related to acts of sextortion committed by Yeager towards a minor female. Yeager coerced and enticed the minor to send him nude photos of herself, and then he sold the photos online.  When the minor would refuse to send more pictures, Yeager would threaten to send her nude photos to everyone in her contact list on social media. Further investigation revealed over 60 individual folders in Yeager’s Dropbox account that were labeled by female names and contained sexually explicit images and videos. FBI agents were able to positively identify and locate 19 minor females who had been contacted by Yeager to send pornographic photos.

    FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with FBI Louisville, Kentucky; the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force; and the University of Alabama Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) have partnered and released a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent kids and teens from being victims. This series offers three-to-five-minute videos about current online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities.

    The videos can be accessed from the following locations:

    nationalcac.org/sextortion-prevention/

    https://www.youtube.com/@nationalcac

    If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Minnesota Man Sentenced for Airline Assault, Interference

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Minnesota man was sentenced today to five years’ probation for assaulting a flight attendant and interfering with a flight crew’s normal duties.

    According to court documents, on June 24, 2023, Christian Burch, 38, went into the bathroom while he was aboard a flight from Minneapolis to Anchorage. Flight attendants heard a scream coming from the bathroom and tried knocking on the door multiple times. The defendant slammed the door open and walked up the aisleway, appearing shaky and confused.

    After being questioned by another flight attendant, Burch became unresponsive. A registered nurse aboard the flight examined the defendant and suspected he was overdosing. The flight attendants and a male passenger assisted the nurse is administering a dosage of Narcan, but Burch began to violently struggle when the Narcan was inserted into his nose. The flight attendants and multiple passengers were involved in the struggle, and at one point, Burch grabbed one of the flight attendants near her throat. Burch was also bleeding from his nose and mouth during the altercation, causing multiple passengers and flight attendants to come in contact with his blood.

    The nurse was able to administer two doses of Narcan during the altercation and Burch was restrained in one of the cabin seats for the remainder of the flight. Due to Burch’s actions, the flight crew had to stop performing their normal duties to remedy the situation and update the pilots.

    Burch was arrested once the plane landed in Anchorage and served six days in federal custody before being released. Upon his return to Minnesota, he was arrested and held in state custody for 72 days for violating his state parole by leaving the state without permission. Burch pleaded guilty in December 2023 but was arrested in March 2024 for violating his pretrial release and has remained in custody since, serving 66 days total in federal custody.

    “Air travel is a necessity for many Alaskans and tourists, and all who use or work on this mode of transportation should feel safe while aboard an aircraft,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “This case serves as a reminder that we will prosecute anyone who chooses to commit such actions while in our district.”

    “Criminal conduct aboard an aircraft, such as interference with a flight crew, jeopardizes the safety of all passengers and is a federal crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI is committed to investigating federal crimes occurring on commercial aircraft, and holding accountable those that endanger the safety of passengers and flight crews.”

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Anchorage Airport Police Department, investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Schroeder prosecuted the case.

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