NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Federal Task Force Agent Found Guilty of Corruption

    Source: US FBI

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – After a five-day jury trial, a federal jury convicted Antonio Pizarro Adorno, a former Puerto Rico Special Investigations Bureau (“NIE” as known in Spanish) officer who was assigned to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI), for corruptly concealing $170 during a law enforcement seizure. United States District Court Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé presided over the trial.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 27, 2023, Pizarro Adorno, took $170 in cash seized by the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in an investigation being conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives related to drug trafficking in a community in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    “The vast majority of law enforcement officers serve the community with honor and valor,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico. “Those who do not, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Every act of corruption, big or small, weakens the foundation of justice, and we will not tolerate it,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The FBI remains focused on holding accountable those who betray that trust, no matter the amount, no matter the circumstances.”

    The FBI San Juan Field Office, Public Corruption Unit is investigating the case, with the collaboration of the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pizarro Adorno is facing up to 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2025.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wisconsin Man Sentenced to More Than 3½ Years in Prison for ‘Swatting’ Spree that Hacked Doorbell Cameras to Livestream Police Response

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A Wisconsin man was sentenced today to 44 months in federal prison for participating in a one-week nationwide “swatting” spree that gained access to Ring home security door cameras, placed bogus emergency phone calls designed to elicit an armed police response, then livestreamed the events on social media, sometimes while taunting responding police officers in communities such as West Covina and Oxnard.       

    Kya Christian Nelson, 23, of Racine, Wisconsin, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt.

    Nelson pleaded guilty on January 23 to one count of conspiracy and two counts of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information. He has been in federal custody since August 2024 and previously was serving a prison sentence in Kentucky after being convicted in state court there in an unrelated case.

    From November 7, 2020, to November 13, 2020, Nelson and co-conspirators gained access to home security door cameras sold by Ring LLC, a Santa Monica-based home security technology company. Nelson acquired without authorization the username and password information for Yahoo! email accounts belonging to victims throughout the United States.

    The conspirators then determined whether the owner of each compromised Yahoo! account also had a Ring account using the same email address and password that could control associated internet-connected Ring doorbell camera devices. Using that information, they identified and gathered additional information about their victims.

    Then, the conspirators placed false emergency reports or telephone calls to local law enforcement in the areas where the victims lived. These reports or calls were intended to elicit an emergency police response to the victim’s residence. The conspirators then accessed without authorization the victims’ Ring devices and transmitted the audio and video from those devices on social media during the police response. They also taunted responding police officers and victims through the Ring devices during several of the incidents.

    For example, on November 8, 2020, Nelson and a co-conspirator accessed without authorization Yahoo! and Ring accounts belonging to a victim in West Covina. A hoax telephone call was placed to the West Covina Police Department purporting to originate from the victim’s residence and posing as a minor child reporting her parents drinking and shooting guns inside the residence. The caller claimed that her parents had multiple firearms and had fired approximately seven gunshots inside the house. Based on this hoax call, West Covina Police Department officers made an emergency response to the house and cleared the residents from the home at gunpoint.

    During the police response, Nelson accessed the Ring doorbell camera located at the West Covina residence and used it to verbally threaten and taunt the police officers who responded to the reported incident.

    In another incident, on November 11, 2020, Nelson illegally possessed the Yahoo! and Ring login credentials of a victim living in Oxnard. Nelson then used those credentials to access the victim’s Ring account. Nelson or a co-conspirator made a hoax call to the Oxnard Police Department purporting to be coming from inside the victim’s home.

    The caller told the police that they were a child whose father was wielding a handgun inside the residence. Nelson made a second hoax call to Oxnard Police to report hearing shots fired at the victim’s residence. Based on these hoax calls, Oxnard Police officers made an emergency response to the house and cleared the residents from the home at gunpoint.

    Nelson accessed the Ring doorbell camera located at the Oxnard residence and used it to threaten and taunt the police officers who had responded to the reported incident.

    “[Nelson] and his co-conspirators went on a digital crime spree, terrorizing innocent people around the country from behind their keyboards,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “While [Nelson] was safe behind his keyboard, he subjected others to real danger.”

    One of Nelson’s indicted co-conspirators, James Thomas Andrew McCarty, 22, of Kayenta, Arizona, was sentenced in June 2024 to seven years in federal prison both for his role in this case, and on additional charges in the District of Arizona. In connection with the Ring swatting incidents, McCarty pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy as Nelson.

    McCarty further admitted to illegally accessing a victim’s Ring camera in Florida and making a call to the North Port Florida Police Department, in which he purported to be the victim’s husband who had just killed her, was holding a hostage, and had rigged explosives at the residence. McCarty then livestreamed the law enforcement response and posted a message on social media taking credit for the swatting incident and stating that he thought it was amusing.

    The FBI investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Khaldoun Shobaki of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Source of Supply for Merced County Methamphetamine Distribution Sentenced to 22 and One Half Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    FRESNO, Calif. — Raul Zamudio Hurtado, 42, of Oakdale, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 22 and a half years in prison and for two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine arising from two separate cases, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in May 2017, a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies investigated a group of Sureño gang members and associates in the Merced area for crimes of violence, drug sales, and illegal firearms possession. More than 50 individuals were arrested and 14 defendants were charged federally. Hurtado was the source of supply of methamphetamine to the suspected Sureño members and was indicted. On July 24, 2019, Hurtado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and remained in custody pending sentencing in the first case. In April 2020, he was released with conditions.

    Between December 2021 and November 2022, Hurtado obtained and distributed methamphetamine in large quantities and received tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds. On Nov. 16, 2022, a search warrant was executed, more than 73 pounds of methamphetamine was seized, and Hurtado was charged again. On June 3, 2024, Hurtado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in this second case.

    These cases were the product of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), the California Department of Justice/California Highway Patrol, Special Operations Unit, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Modesto Police Department Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Pearson and Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the cases.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information, visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twenty-Two Charged in Imperial Valley Takedown of Violent Drug Trafficking Organization Linked to Beltran Leyva Cartel

    Source: US FBI

    EL CENTRO – Twenty-two alleged members of a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking organization with ties to the Sinaloa-based Beltran Leyva Cartel were indicted by a federal grand jury for importing and distributing more than a ton of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine into the United States, laundering the illicit proceeds, and attempting to export firearms from the United States into Mexico.

    In a coordinated takedown this morning in California, Arizona, Iowa, and Colorado, more than 150 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials arrested 10 defendants and executed six search warrants in Imperial County. As of this afternoon, the search continues for 12 fugitives.

    Including seizures today and throughout this long-term investigation, authorities have confiscated more than 1,000 kilograms (about 2,204 pounds) of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and over 750 kilograms (about 1,653 pounds) of fentanyl, 10 firearms, and more than $250,000 in narcotics proceeds.

    “We have literally seized a ton of drugs that were destined to hit our streets and harm our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “By disrupting this prolific, cartel-linked trafficking network, we are preventing the devastation and violence it brings.”

    “Today’s enforcement action marks the culmination of a complex, long-term HSI investigation, demonstrating the strong collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies nationwide,” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “Our local communities are undoubtedly safer today, and we remain committed to aggressively pursuing criminal organizations that threaten our country.”

    “Close coordination and aggressive action amongst allied law enforcement agencies just made communities nationwide safer places to live and work,” said El Centro Border Patrol Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino. “The well executed takedown of this drug trafficking organization heralds a new day in homeland security where we will relentlessly apprehend and prosecute transnational threats.”

    According to search warrants, the defendants belonged to a Mexicali, Mexico- and Imperial County-based transnational criminal organization that operated as a distribution cell for the Beltrán Leyva Cartel, specifically associated with Fausto Isidro Meza Flores aka El Chapo Isidro. Using undercover operations and multiple rounds of wiretaps, agents conducted numerous controlled purchases, traffic stops of personal vehicles and tractor trailers, and searches of houses and stash locations leading to large seizures of narcotics.

    Additionally, during the fourth round of wiretaps, one of the wiretap targets, an Imperial County-based narcotics subdistributor, was shot multiple times in Mexicali and died several months thereafter. Investigators believe that the subdistributor was lured from the United States to Mexico and shot by a co-conspirator in relation to their drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

    According to federal search warrants:

    In one instance on January 23, 2023, authorities seized approximately 1.4 million fentanyl pills after intercepting phone conversations about moving fentanyl pills in a semi-truck. Federal agents watched the transaction from afar, then conducted a traffic stop on the drug-laden tractor-trailer. Law enforcement officials located eight duffel bags containing approximately 148.53 kilograms (327.45 pounds) in the trailer of the truck.

    In another instance, on May 9, 2023, authorities seized approximately 483,000 fentanyl pills after intercepting phone conversations about moving narcotics in a semi-truck. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the drug-laden tractor-trailer and located bags containing approximately 48.30 kilograms (106.48 pounds) of fentanyl pills in the truck.

    Shortly thereafter, on May 25, 2023, authorities seized approximately 480,000 fentanyl pills, 72.29 kilograms of methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm handgun with a 10-round magazine inserted and a round in the chamber. After intercepting phone conversations about coordinating the movement of narcotics in a semi-truck, federal agents surveilled the narcotics being loaded into the tractor-trailer, then conducted a traffic stop. Law enforcement officials located six duffel bags containing approximately 72.29 kilograms (159.37 pounds) of methamphetamine and 48.6 kilograms (107.14 pounds) of fentanyl in the trailer of the truck.

    In another instance, on October 9, 2023, investigators seized approximately 139,000 fentanyl pills and 36.66 kilograms (80.82 pounds) of methamphetamine following federal agents’ surveillance of defendants unloading and transporting the narcotics.

    On March 14, 2024, after a traffic stop conducted by a Brawley police officer, law enforcement seized approximately 59.48 kilograms (131.13 pounds) of methamphetamine.

    Federal agents also seized firearms and ammunition during the investigation, including two gold plated AR-15 semi-automatic rifles hidden inside a 55-gallon barbeque grill on August 3, 2023, and two rifles, two pistols, approximately 2182 ammunition rounds, and seven magazines destined for Mexicali-based drug traffickers.

    Additionally, according to court records, five of the charged defendants are tied to alien smuggling activity, having been either arrested and/or previously prosecuted for immigration-related crimes, such as alien smuggling, accessory after the fact to illegal entry, and selling or offering to sell a Visa.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Loren G. Renner.

    DEFENDANTS                                            

    Case Number 24cr2399                               

    Irving Alberto Lopez Valdes                                      Age: 36                       Mexicali, Mexico

    Raul Salome Valdez-Orduno                                     Age: 46                       Mexicali, Mexico

    Case Number 24cr2400

    Jesus Damian Lizarraga Sanchez                               Age: 28                       Mexicali, Mexico

    Case Number 24cr2434

    Elizabeth Millan                                                         Age: 46                       San Diego, California

    Brandon Garcia                                                          Age: 27                       Calexico, California

    *Seven unnamed defendants are fugitives

    Case Number 24cr2431

    Roberto Marrufo                                                        Age: 40                        Calexico, California

    Case Number 25cr0785

    Ricardo Miramontes Nava                                          Age: 35                       Calexico, California

    Case Number 25cr0786

    Jacob Rodiles                                                              Age: 21                       El Centro, California

    Roberto Fernandez                                                     Age: 70                       Calexico, California

    Raul Martinez Jimenez                                               Age: 56                       Mexicali, Mexico

    Julian Banuelos                                                           Age: 19                       Imperial, California

    Alain Alejandro Robles-Murrieta                               Age: 19                       Mexicali, Mexico

    *Three unnamed defendants are fugitives

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and (b)(1), 846

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.

    Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a $500,000 fine

    Attempted Transfer of a Firearm for Use in a Drug Trafficking Crime – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1924(h)

    Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Homeland Security Investigations, Calexico – Imperial Valley Border Enforcement Security Taskforce (IV-BEST)

    Homeland Security Investigations, Riverside, CA

    Homeland Security Investigations, Denver, CO

    Homeland Security Investigations, Yuma, AZ

    Homeland Security Investigations, Sioux City, IA

    United States Border Patrol, El Centro Sector Intelligence Unit

    Customs and Border Protection, Calexico Intelligence Division

    Imperial County Narcotics Task Force

    Drug Enforcement Administration, Imperial County Office

    Drug Enforcement Administration, Phoenix Office

    Federal Bureau of Investigations, Imperial County Office

    United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations

    United States Marshals Service

    Calexico Police Department

    Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

    Imperial County District Attorney’s Office

    Brawley Police Department

    California Highway Patrol

    El Centro Police Department

    San Diego-Imperial Valley HIDTA

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This prosecution 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.

    High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

    This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving about $61 million following narcotics investigation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 22) detected a suspected money laundering case involving about $61 million in crime proceeds subsequent to a follow-up investigation of a dangerous drug case identified last year. Two local women and one local man suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
     
    In October last year, Customs detected a dangerous drug case involving about $1.9 million worth of drugs and arrested two local persons suspected to be connected with the case. A subsequent financial investigation and fund-flow analysis revealed that there were numerous suspicious transactions, which were suspected to be crime proceeds, in the personal bank accounts of one of the arrestees. Meanwhile, the investigation also revealed that a 55-year-old local woman and a 30-year-old local man transferred or received the suspected crime proceeds. During the period between January and December 2024, the total amount of the suspicious transactions handled by the three arrestees reached about $61 million.
     
    Upon further investigation, Customs arrested the 55-year-old local woman and 30-year-old local man yesterday for “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offenses” (commonly known as money laundering) under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO) and searched their residential premises in Ho Man Tin and Tung Chung. Three mobile phones were seized in the operation. On the same day, Customs officers also further arrested a 63-year-old local woman who has been remanded due to the related drug trafficking case, for money laundering.
     
    Two of the arrested persons have been released on bail pending investigation, while one arrested person continues to be remanded in custody. The investigation of the case is still ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
     
    Under the OSCO, a person commits an offence if he or she deals with any property knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that such property, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly represents any person’s proceeds of an indictable offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for 14 years while the crime proceeds are also subject to confiscation.
         
    Members of the public may report any suspected money laundering activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two out-of-state residents charged with stealing Alaskan identities to target local financial institutions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment yesterday charging two out-of-state residents with conspiring to commit bank fraud by stealing identities and creating false identification documents.

    According to court documents, on April 14, 2025, the Anchorage Police Department (APD) received a report that a female entered three local bank branches in Eagle River, Wasilla and Anchorage, respectively. The female presented potentially fraudulent military ID and passport cards and requested to withdraw $9,500 from accounts at each branch. The documents had the female’s picture but the name and date of birth of the account holders. The female successfully withdrew $9,500 from the Eagle River and Wasilla branches for a total of $19,000.

    On April 15, 2025, Soldotna Police Department (SPD) received a report similar to the report APD received the day prior, detailing that a female entered a local credit union and presented a potentially fraudulent military ID and passport card to try and withdraw cash.  Staff suspected the identification was fraudulent and attempted to contact their fraud department. While on the phone, the female left the credit union.

    Later the same day, the Kenai Police Department (KPD) received the same report of a female presenting a potentially fraudulent military ID and passport card at a local bank to try and withdraw cash. Bank staff recognized the female from a recent internal fraud alert.

    Staff at the Kenai bank attempted to call the police after the female suspect presented the alleged false documents, but she fled the bank in a vehicle. SPD officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Law enforcement identified the driver as Karey McLeish, 25, of Texas and the female suspect, who was a passenger in the vehicle, as Rebekah Walker, 45, of Connecticut. Officers searched the defendants and located over $700 in cash and a plane ticket from Texas to Anchorage dated April 13, 2025. Officers also searched the vehicle and discovered over $1,600 in cash, three cell phones and key cards for a local hotel.

    Court documents further explain that law enforcement searched the hotel room McLeish and Walker were staying at in Soldotna and located a bag containing men’s clothing and hygiene products, as well as 11 military ID’s and 11 U.S. passport cards. The identification documents contained different names and dates of birth for Alaska residents, but all had Walker’s picture. 

    McLeish and Walker were originally charged by complaints on May 16, 2025, and were arrested in Kenai on May 21, 2025.

    McLeish and Walker are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, five counts of forgery or false use of a passport and one count of fraud in connection with identification documents. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearance on May 23, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft count, and up to 30 years in prison for the other seven counts. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge William Chang of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), San Francisco Field Office made the announcement.

    The DSS San Francisco Field Office, with assistance from APD, KPD and SPD, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Miller is 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: Man Who Attempted to Carjack a Deputy U.S. Marshal Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Kentrell Flowers, 19, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for the attempted gunpoint carjacking of an unmarked vehicle occupied by a Deputy U.S. Marshal. 

               The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Acting U.S. Marshal Ron Carter of the District Court for the District of Columbia, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

               Flowers pleaded guilty on Feb. 20, 2025, before District Court Judge Richard J. Leon to using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition to the 120-month prison term, Judge Leon ordered Flowers to serve five years of supervised release. 

               According to court documents, on July 5, 2024, at 1:17 a.m., two deputy U.S. Marshals were working a protective detail on the 2100 block of 11th Street, NW. The deputies were parked in separate unmarked vehicles when a silver minivan pulled up alongside one of them. A man, later identified as Flowers, got out of the van, approached the driver’s side-door, and pointed a pistol directly at the deputy marshal.

               The deputy marshal pulled out his own department-issued firearm. The deputy fired four shots through the side window, striking Flowers in the mouth. The second deputy marshal at the scene also fired on Flowers. 

               Flowers fell to the ground. The deputy marshals provided first aid, while the silver minivan driven by the unknown accomplice fled the scene. A second unknown suspect ran away on foot. Flowers was treated at a local hospital.

               Law enforcement recovered Flowers’.40 caliber Smith & Wesson which was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. 

               This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared English and Emory V. Cole.

    24cr331

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sonoma Real Estate Developer Arrested On Charges Of Defrauding Hundreds Of Investors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Former President of LeFever Mattson Allegedly Used Victims’ Money to Fund Personal Expenses and Pay Existing Investors

    SAN FRANCISCO – Kenneth W. Mattson, 63, of Sonoma, was arrested today pursuant to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.  

    According to the nine-count indictment filed May 13, 2025, and unsealed today, Mattson was the President of LeFever Mattson, a corporation based in Citrus Heights, Calif., that controlled several limited partnerships that owned and managed commercial and residential properties.  For more than a decade, Mattson allegedly solicited and obtained millions of dollars in investments from hundreds of investors—many of whom were nearing or in retirement—in what he represented were legitimate and safe interests of limited partnerships that owned real estate.  Those representations were false: although many of the partnerships were real entities, Mattson’s victims, referred to in the indictment as “off-books investors,” never had interests in those partnerships.

    “This indictment alleges that Kenneth Mattson defrauded hundreds of victims, many of whom entrusted him with retirement savings they could not afford to lose.  He allegedly raised tens of millions of dollars by falsely claiming that investors would have legitimate stakes in real estate projects.  Instead of delivering the investment returns he promised, Mr. Mattson is charged with cheating these investors out of their hard-earned money and, in many cases, out of their life savings,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.  “Mr. Mattson will now be held to account on charges of perpetrating a scheme that he kept afloat only by using new investors’ money to pay obligations to earlier investors—a classic Ponzi scheme.”

    “As alleged, Mattson orchestrated a fraudulent real estate investment scheme over several years, stealing millions of dollars from hundreds of victims, many of them retirees or nearing retirement.  This case underscores the serious impact financial fraud can have on a community, particularly on those least able to recover,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani.  “The investigation in this case is ongoing.  We encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim to come forward.  The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for those affected.”

    “The allegations against Mr. Mattson describe a long-standing scheme with hundreds of victims duped out of millions of dollars,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen. “Simply put, white-collar crime is not victimless, and our special agents and professional staff are the experts at tracing money trails and building cases that lead to justice while simultaneously deterring future criminal activity.”

    “Postal inspectors will not allow the mail to be used to defraud people. The American people trust us to end fraud schemes and bring fraud perpetrators to justice—we are proud to work with our federal law enforcement partners in investigations like this one,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood.

    The indictment describes that, from at least 2009 and continuing through 2024, Mattson solicited investments from off-books investors into Divi Divi Tree, LP (Divi Divi), a LeFever Mattson-controlled partnership that owned an apartment complex in Riverside County, Calif.  The vast majority of these investors used their retirement funds to invest in Divi Divi.  Mattson never told the LeFever Mattson company about these investors, and the investors were not listed as partners in the company’s official books and records.  Contrary to Mattson’s representations to these victims, these “off-books” investors never became true owners in the partnership.  Although some investors received distribution payments from their “off-books” investments, that money did not come from the rents of the partnership’s underlying property, as Mattson promised; instead, it came from loans, Mattson’s comingling of other assets, and from new investors, in the manner of a Ponzi scheme.

    Mattson’s scheme reached beyond Divi Divi to other LeFever Mattson limited partnerships, including Heacock Park Apartments, LP, an entity that was formed to purchase another apartment complex.  Among other conduct, the indictment describes Mattson’s concealment from the “off-books” investors of the 2021 sale of the Heacock Park Apartments, the asset underlying Heacock Park, which resulted in net proceeds of over $8 million.  Notwithstanding Mattson’s prior representations to “off-books” investors that they would be notified upon sale and be entitled to share in profits proportionate to their ownership stake, Mattson concealed the sale from existing “off-books” investors and omitted that the primary asset of the entity had, in fact, been sold when recruiting new investors for Heacock Park.

    The indictment also alleges that Mattson engaged in similar fraudulent conduct through another real estate holding entity over which he exercised sole business control, KS Mattson Partners, LP.

    Between 2019 and 2024, Mattson obtained at least $28 million from investors for “off-books” investments in Divi Divi and Heacock Park alone.

    The indictment further alleges that Mattson learned of an investigation into his conduct by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in April 2024.  After the SEC instructed Mattson to preserve and retain relevant evidence and served him with a subpoena for documents, Mattson deleted thousands of files that were relevant to the SEC’s investigation.  

    The indictment charges Mattson with seven counts of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (money laundering) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957, and one count of destruction of records in a federal investigation (obstruction of justice) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519.

    Mattson is scheduled to make his initial federal court appearance at 10:30 a.m. on May 23, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse in San Francisco.

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, Mattson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison as to each count of wire fraud and the obstruction of justice count and 10 years in prison as to the money laundering count.  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.  

    Individuals who believe that they are “off-books” investors with Mattson are urged to fill out the following form: https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/lfminvestors and send copies of any relevant documents to LFMInvestors@fbi.gov.

    The SEC today filed a civil enforcement action against Mattson and KS Mattson Partners LP in the Northern District of California.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christoffer Lee and Nikhil Bhagat are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Mimi Lam.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS-CI, and USPIS.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the San Francisco Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.

    Mattson Indictment
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered sex offender charged federally with possession of images of child sexual abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    State probation officers find defendant with unauthorized electronic devices allegedly containing child sexual abuse images

    Seattle A 34-year-old Kirkland, Washington man appeared on a federal criminal complaint today charging him with possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Daniel Jose Lile was arrested April 16, 2025, by Department of Corrections Officers for possessing unapproved electronic devices. Lile remains detained at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) at SeaTac.

    According to the criminal complaint, Lile was on community supervision from the Washington State Department of Corrections for a 2019 conviction for child sexual abuse. Lile was arrested April 16, 2025, for having unauthorized electronic devices. On May 12, 2025, law enforcement served a search warrant at the residence Lile had shared with his girlfriend. At that location they seized additional unauthorized electronic devices including two external hard drives, a laptop, and a cellphone.

    Forensic analysis of the electronics is ongoing. One of the external hard drives was found to contain more than 130,000 files of child sexual abuse. One folder alone allegedly contains more than fifty videos and picture files of infants and toddlers being sexually abused.

    Law enforcement was in the process of pursuing a report from Google to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about Lile uploading images of child sexual abuse when the Department of Corrections found the unapproved electronics.

    Possession of images of child sexual abuse is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and carries a mandatory minimum of ten years in this circumstance.

    The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and the Kirkland Police Department.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Child Predator Sentenced To 16 Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Offender Committed New Crime Less Than Three Months After Being Released From Prison for a Prior Child Exploitation Offense

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A previously-convicted child predator was sentenced to 192 months in prison today for distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Justin Matthew Adkins, 40, of Marion, North Carolina, was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release and to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.

    According to records, Adkins was convicted of Second-Degree Exploitation of a Minor in Buncombe County and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Adkins was released from state custody in April 2023, and was placed on post-release supervision until 2028. On November 7, 2023, officers with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, deputies with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, and deputy marshals with the U.S. Marshals Service conducted a probation search at Adkins’ home. During the search, law enforcement reviewed Adkins’s electronic devices for compliance with his post-release conditions and found that the defendant possessed CSAM. Law enforcement also seized narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

    Court records show that a computer forensic analyst with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) analyzed Adkins’s electronic devices and located thousands of CSAM images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. The analysis also revealed that Adkins had distributed CSAM to other individuals online.

    On December 18, 2024, Adkins pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended HSI in Greenville, the U.S. Marshals Service, the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorney Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Extorting, Stalking, Threatening Text Messages And Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who pleaded guilty to extortion, money laundering, stalking, and sending threatening text messages to injure and kill two people and their families, including children, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, a fine of $75,000, and $200,000 in restitution.

    According to court documents, on April 29, 2024, Idriss Qibaa threatened force and extorted $200,000 from a victim. As part of the extortion scheme, on March 7 and 8, 2024, he obtained $63,500 worth of cryptocurrency. Then, in June and July 2024, he engaged in online direct messages, texts, and postings, to cause substantial emotion distress to his victims. On July 19, 2024, Qibaa sent text messages containing threats to injure and kill a victim and members of the victim’s family. Later, on July 24, he sent text messages containing threats to injure and kill another victim.

    In February 2025, Qibaa pleaded guilty to one count of extortion, two counts of money laundering, one count of stalking, and two counts of interstate communications containing a threat to injure.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.

    The FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

    ###

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Exec at O.C. Company and Illegal Alien Arrested on Federal Complaint Alleging He Embezzled $7 Million from His Employer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SANTA ANA, California – A former executive at a Newport Beach company that specializes in the purchase of classic cars – who also happens to be an illegal alien from Mexico – was arrested today on a federal complaint alleging he embezzled approximately $7 million from his employer.

    Alexander G. Ramos, 62, of Newport Beach, is charged with wire fraud, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

    A federal magistrate judge ordered Ramos jailed without bond and scheduled an arraignment for June 30.

    According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Ramos was employed at the victim company since 2017 until his termination in September 2024 in the company’s Risk Management Department. Through his positions, he knew his employer’s loans and held relationships with title agents or other partners nationwide. He also oversaw requests by the company’s Title and Risk Department to its Accounting Department for payment to title agents, sometimes submitting the requests himself.

    Ramos allegedly caused checks to be issued from the victim company to certain parties, including a Las Vegas DMV services business. The checks were supposed to cover expenses for tax, titling, and licensing associated with car purchases.

    However, Ramos purposely caused his employer to send too much money to the outside entities. He then directed those entities on how to dispose of the extra money, including by sending the funds to bank accounts that he controlled.

    A law enforcement review of financial records revealed that approximately $7 million in checks and wires were deposited into Ramos-controlled bank accounts from the outside entities in the car industry. The origin of some of the funds deposited into Ramos’s bank accounts showed the checks and wires were made out to the victim company and were intended as refunds to that company’s clients who had overpaid for vehicle registration fees.

    Instead of being returned directly to the Ramos’s employer, Ramos allegedly moved the funds to other accounts he controlled for his personal use, including buying a home in Irvine. The illegal transfers date back to at least January 2020, according to the complaint.

    Ramos is an illegal alien from Mexico who was removed from the United States in 2017 but later returned.

    A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

    The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fu of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan man pleads guilty, sentenced for illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Isaias Fernando Diego-Lucas, 40, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to illegal re-entry. Diego-Lucas was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that Diego-Lucas is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In February 2012, he was physically removed from the United States. On February 24, 2025, Diego-Lucas was found in Chautauqua County. He was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Department of Homeland Security agents. Diego-Lucas presented a Guatemalan Identification Consular card.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

    The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Immigration, Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Saratoga County Man Arrested and Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eric Mosier, age 37, of Galway, New York, made an initial appearance yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with the sexual exploitation of a child.   United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office, made the announcement.

    According to the complaint, between on or about March 1, 2025 and May 17, 2025, Mosier used a 4-year-old child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating child sexual abuse material. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “We are thankful for the quick response of the New York State Police and HSI, which led to the defendant’s arrest. As U.S. Attorney I will continue to do everything I can to keep our children safe from sexual predators and pedophiles.”

    HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “Through his alleged crimes, the defendant subjected this four-year-old victim to unimaginable exploitation and trauma. Our children deserve the right to be children, free from the awareness of the darkness that exists in our society. HSI Albany commits to working with our state and federal partners in our pursuit for justice on behalf of this victim.”

    Mosier initially appeared yesterday afternoon before United States Magistrate Daniel J. Stewart and was ordered detained pending trial.  If convicted, he faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life.  Mosier may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and forfeit the device used in the offense.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.  If convicted, Mosier would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

    HSI is investigating this case with assistance from the New York State Police and its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Hartunian and Allen J. Vickey are prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Cayuga County Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Andrew Wilbur, age 25, was sentenced today to 12 years’ incarceration for possessing child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As a part of his prior guilty plea, Wilbur, who previously served a state sentence for a 2019 child pornography conviction in Cayuga County Court, admitted that between January and May of 2024 he possessed child pornography images and videos depicting children as young as 4 years old being sexually abused.  Wilbur admitted that he maintained these files in both an online social communication platform, and on his cellular telephone.    

    In addition to the 12-year sentence, Wilbur was ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release following his term of incarceration, and to forfeit the cellular telephone he used to commit the offense. In addition, Wilbur will be required to continue to register as a sex offender.

    United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “This arrest continues to demonstrate my office’s close cooperation with our state and local partners to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law, especially those who repeatedly victimize children.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli said, “This sentence sends a clear message that our office will use every resource available to bring individuals who repeatedly victimize innocent children to justice. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from these dangerous predators.”

    The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case, which was initiated by the New York State Police, and the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case. 

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative 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 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Northside birth centre feasibility study released

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 23/05/2025

    The ACT Government has today released a feasibility study examining options for the delivery of a new birth centre on Canberra’s northside.

    This work is being undertaken as part of developing the new more than $1 billion northside hospital.

    The ACT Health Directorate commissioned a detailed study to assess the feasibility of establishing a co-designed standalone birth centre on the northside hospital campus and/or a freestanding birth centre in the community.

    Conducted by HealthConsult, with input from a working group of subject-matter experts, the study considered stakeholder feedback and data on birth trends in the ACT, as well as current evidence on birth centre models.

    The study has recommended a standalone birth centre adjacent to the new northside hospital as the preferred model, offering a home-like environment for low-risk pregnancies while ensuring safe access to hospital facilities when required.

    The Northside Birth Centre Feasibility Study 2024 can be found here: ACT Birth Centre Feasibility Study report – Open Government Information.

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is committed to ensuring high-quality maternity services that provide choice and meet the needs of women and pregnant people and their families.

    “This study reinforces the benefits of birth centres in delivering positive birthing outcomes with lower medical intervention rates,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “This project presents a unique opportunity to expand midwifery-led care and support culturally safe birthing practices, including Birthing with Country initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

    “The recommended model would provide the home-like setting that many expectant parents and midwives have advocated for, while also enabling quick, safe and dignified access to the new hospital if required.

    “A standalone birth centre will be a valuable addition to public maternity care in the ACT, offering a low-intervention and midwife-led environment.”

    The feasibility study involved extensive consultation with community members, midwives, other health professionals and Aboriginal Elders. It found strong support for a facility that provides more autonomy for midwives and greater choice for families.

    The feasibility study confirmed that a standalone birth centre on the campus would deliver benefits such as continuity of care birthing experience, workforce satisfaction, and cultural appropriateness.

    “I have endorsed the feasibility study recommendation in principle and asked Infrastructure Canberra to develop a co-design process to ensure the next steps are taken in consultation with stakeholders, including midwives, consumers and birth centre advocates,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “The report provides a solid foundation for a design process to ensure the new birth centres supports culturally safe, trauma-informed care that incorporates principles of Birthing with Country, including space for family, traditional practices and connection to Country.”

    The new birth centre will support the ACT’s Maternity in Focus plan by expanding access to midwifery-led continuity of care.

    “Midwifery-led continuity of care delivers positive outcomes for both mothers and babies. This dedicated space will allow our highly skilled midwives to provide woman- and person-centred care that truly reflects the needs of our diverse community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “This commitment ensures that Canberra families will have access to a safe, supported and culturally appropriate birth experience for generations to come.”

    Planning for the new northside hospital and the standalone birth centre is continuing, with construction on the northside hospital to commence in this term of Government.  For more information visit: New northside hospital project – Built for CBR.

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Diego Man Admits Guilt in Sending Hate-Filled Email with Death Threat

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 11, 2025

    SAN DIEGO – George Joseph Wellinger II pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting he intentionally targeted a member of the LGBTQ community and threatened her with violence via email. 

    According to his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he intentionally selected this victim as the object of his threat based on the victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, and because of the defendant’s animus toward members of the LGBTQ community.

    According to court documents, the victim was targeted after being interviewed for a KTLA news report about a hate-inspired murder in Lake Arrowhead in August 2023.

    According to the plea agreement, the threatening email called the victim “another alphabet clown that wants to take a dirt nap, too,” and included a link to the KTLA news report which featured the victim and others discussing the murder of a Lake Arrowhead business owner who had been gunned down for hanging a Pride flag in her business.

    The email continued: “We know what you look like and know where are you are….only a matter of time….Love it….get ur ghey on sister….scissor it up….we coming for ur rainbow azz. Click Click!!!

    On August 18, 2023, Laura Ann Carleton, a known ally to the LGBTQ+ community, was murdered for hanging a pride flag outside her store. Carleton was shot by Travis Ikeguchi, who fled the scene and was later shot and killed by law enforcement. On August 30, 2023, KTLA, a local Los Angeles news station, wrote an article about Carleton’s death.

    Wellinger pleaded guilty to Interstate Threatening Communication with a special finding that he targeted his victim because of her sexual orientation.

    Wellinger is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez.

    If you or anyone you know believes you have been the victim of a hate crime, please contact the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline M. Jimenez and Alicia Williams are prosecuting this case.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number: 24-CR-1591                                      

    George Joseph Wellinger II                            Age: 49                                   San Diego, CA

    CHARGE

    Transmitting a Threatening Communication – Title 18 U.S.C., § 875(c)

    Maximum penalty: Five years in prison

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rachel A. Byrd Named Special Agent in Charge of the Mobile Field Office

    Source: US FBI

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Rachel A. Byrd as the special agent in charge of the Mobile Field Office. Ms. Byrd most recently served as the section chief of Investigation and Operations in the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate (WMDD).

    Ms. Byrd entered on duty as a special agent with the FBI in 2004. Her first assignment was to the Honolulu Field Office, working criminal matters related to violent crimes, drugs and gangs. In 2010, Ms. Byrd was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Laboratory Division, Evidence Response Team. While in the Laboratory Division, Ms. Byrd served as the program manager of the training program in support of over 1200 field ERT personnel. In addition, Ms. Byrd provided support for policy development and multiple field operational matters.

    In 2014, Ms. Byrd became the supervisory senior resident agent in the Jackson Field Office in Mississippi. She oversaw various resident agencies and criminal matters including gangs, drugs, violent crime, and health care fraud.

    In 2017, Ms. Byrd was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the Criminal Branch in the Mobile Field Office and later covered the National Security Branch as well. Ms. Byrd was promoted to section chief of Investigation and Operations for the WMDD in 2019.

    Prior to the FBI, Ms. Byrd was a special agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and a Medicolegal Death Investigator/Autopsy Supervisor with the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office in Greenville, NC. Ms. Byrd earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Fayetteville State University and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Shohini Sinha Named Assistant Director of the Victim Services Division

    Source: US FBI

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Shohini Sinha as the assistant director of the Victim Services Division. Ms. Sinha most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office.

    Ms. Sinha joined the FBI as a special agent in 2001. She was first assigned to the Milwaukee Field Office, where she worked in counterterrorism investigations. She also served temporary assignments at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, the FBI Legal Attaché Office in London, and the Baghdad Operations Center.

    Ms. Sinha was promoted in 2009 to supervisory special agent and transferred to the Counterterrorism Division in Washington, D.C. She served as program manager of Canada-based extraterritorial investigations and facilitated liaison efforts with Washington-based Canadian liaison officers.

    In 2012, Ms. Sinha was promoted to assistant legal attaché in Ottawa, Canada, working counterterrorism matters in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. In 2015, she was promoted to field supervisor in the Detroit Field Office, where she led squads responsible for investigating international terrorism matters.

    In early 2020, Ms. Sinha transferred to the Cyber Intrusion squad, which worked both national security and criminal cyber intrusion matters. Later in 2020, she was promoted to assistant special agent in charge for national security matters, and later criminal matters, in the Portland Field Office.

    Ms. Sinha was selected to serve as the executive special assistant to the director in 2021. She has been serving as the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office since July of 2023.

    Prior to her employment with the FBI, Ms. Sinha worked as a therapist and later as an administrator for a private, not-for-profit clinic. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Purdue University in Indiana.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marshall Yates Named Assistant Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs

    Source: US FBI

    Director Kash Patel has named Marshall Yates as the assistant director of the Office of Congressional Affairs. Mr. Yates most recently served as counsel for Congressman Thomas Massie (KY-04).

    Prior to his appointment with the FBI, Mr. Yates worked in various roles as a lawyer on Capitol Hill. Mr. Yates moved to Washington, D.C., in 2015 to serve as legislative counsel to Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05). In 2020, he was promoted to chief of staff for Congressman Brooks.

    In 2023, Mr. Yates was hired by Congressman Thomas Massie to serve as his associate counsel on the House Rules Committee and as a counsel to him as the Chair of the House Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Regulatory Reform, and the Administrative State. 

    Mr. Yates graduated from Auburn University in 2011 and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 2015. Mr. Yates was a member of Hillsdale College’s James Madison Fellowship Class of 2022-2023.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Arrested, Charged with Enticing a Minor in West Seneca

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brayden Storey, 21, of West Fork, Arkansas, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on  June 13, 2024, the West Seneca Police Department received a report from a minor victim of an incident involving an individual that she met online. The victim said that Storey first contacted her on Instagram in September 2022, when she was 13 years-old and he was 19 years-old. He also communicated with the minor victim through the social media platform Discord and text message. Between September 2022, and September 2023, they talked about video games and anime shows. At times, Storey made sexual comments, but in October 2023, the sexual communications that Storey sent to the minor victim significantly increased. Storey sent the minor victim a nude image of himself and repeatedly asked her to send him sexually explicit images. Between October 2023, and March 2024, Storey and the minor victim exchanged sexually explicit images.

    In March 2024, the minor victim blocked Storey on all social media applications. As a result, he created another Instagram account to contact her. In April 2024, Storey called the minor victim approximately 50 times in a two-day span, but she did not answer the calls and blocked Storey’s phone number so that he could not contact her. In May 2024, Storey sent the minor victim a four-page letter in the mail at her residence, writing about his suicidal ideations and his desire to be in a relationship with her, regardless of their age difference. Along with the letter, Storey provided a lock of his hair. a search of the minor victim’s phone recovered nude images of Storey and child pornography.

    Storey made an initial appearance in the Western District of Arkansas and was detained. He will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Additional assistance was provided by the Little Rock Office of the FBI, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Eastern European Organized Crime Leaders Convicted of Murder for Hire Targeting U.S.-Based Journalist on Behalf of Iranian Government

    Source: US FBI

    Iranian Government Hired Polad Omarov and Rafat Amirov to Kill Masih Alinejad in Exchange for $500,000

    A federal jury returned guilty verdicts yesterday on all five counts in the superseding indictment against Rafat Amirov, also known as Farkhaddin Mirzoev, Pᴎᴍ, and Rome, 46, of Iran; and Polad Omarov, also known as Araz Aliyev, Polad Qaqa, and Haci Qaqa, 40, of Georgia. The defendants were convicted of murder-for-hire and attempted murder in aid of racketeering charges, in a trial before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. Amirov and Omarov are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17.

    “The Iranian regime’s brazen plot to silence and murder Americans will not be tolerated,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This verdict underscores the Department’s commitment to finding and holding accountable those who threaten our citizens and our freedoms. With the great work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we are now one step closer to justice.”

    “For years, the Government of Iran has attempted to silence an outspoken Iranian journalist, author, activist and critic of their regime through any means necessary, including harassment, violence, intimidation, and even attempted murder,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York. “Chillingly, the plot to murder this Iranian dissident culminated over 6,000 miles from Iran, on U.S. soil, right here in New York, when a hitman with an AK-47 camped outside her home to kill her. I commend the career prosecutors of this office, and our law enforcement partners at the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division for their tireless work in bringing these defendants to justice. This verdict should send a clear message around the world: if you target U.S. citizens, we will find you, no matter where you are, and bring you to justice.”

    “The defendants participated in a brazen plot to kill an Iranian American dissident in New York who criticized the regime in Iran,” said Acting Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “Thanks to the good work of the FBI and our partners their plan failed. This verdict demonstrates the FBI will not tolerate Iran’s attempts to threaten, silence, or harm American citizens.”

    According to court documents, Amirov and Omarov were high-ranking members of an Eastern European organized crime group (the Organization) who worked with other members of the Organization to attempt to kill Masih Alinejad on instructions from high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Alinejad has previously been the target of plots by the Government of Iran to intimidate, harass, and kidnap her for her work as a journalist, author, and human rights activist who has publicized the Government of Iran’s human rights abuses around the world. As recently as 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap Alinejad from within the U.S. for rendition to Iran in an effort to silence her criticism of the Iranian regime.

    After these brazen efforts to kidnap Alinejad from the U.S. failed, the IRGC turned to Amirov and Omarov to locate, surveil, and murder her. Beginning in approximately July 2022, Amirov sent targeting information—which he had received directly from IRGC officials in Iran—about Alinejad to Omarov. In turn, Omarov communicated this information to Khalid Mehdiyev, another member of the Organization who had been residing in Yonkers, New York, so that Mehdiyev could surveil Alinejad and murder her. In turn, Mehdiyev sent photographs and videos of Alinejad’s residence to Omarov, who shared these materials with Amirov and the IRGC officials who orchestrated the plot in Iran. Amirov and Omarov then arranged for a $30,000 cash payment to Mehdiyev, who used a portion of this payment to buy an AK-47 style assault rifle, two magazines, and at least 66 rounds of ammunition; as Mehdiyev boasted in electronic communications, a “war machine” he could use to kill Alinejad.

    In late July 2022, Mehdiyev repeatedly traveled to Alinejad’s neighborhood to surveil her. Mehdiyev sent reports of his surveillance to Omarov, who passed them to Amirov. On July 24, 2022, Mehdiyev reported to Omarov from Alinejad’s residence that he was “at the crime scene.” On July 27, 2022, Omarov told Amirov that Mehdiyev was ready to kill Alinejad, writing “this matter will be over today. I told them to make a birthday present for me. I pressured them, they will sleep there this night.”  On July 28, 2022, Mehdiyev sent Omarov a video taken from inside the car that Mehdiyev was driving with the assault rifle and a message reading “we are ready.” Amirov sent an image of the interior of Alinejad’s home to Omarov to be forwarded to Mehdiyev, writing “this is the house where she stays.”  As Omarov continued to update Amirov about Mehdiyev’s readiness, Amirov cautioned Omarov “let him keep the car clean.”  When Mehdiyev subsequently drove from where he was surveilling the residence, he was stopped after a traffic violation and, during a subsequent search of the vehicle, police officers found the assault rifle, 66 rounds of ammunition, approximately $1,100 in cash, and a black ski mask.

    After Mehdiyev was arrested and placed into custody, Omarov contacted Mehdiyev’s mother and threatened to kill her and her other son if she did not locate Mehdiyev.

    Amirov and Omarov were convicted on five counts: murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count One); conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count Two); conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison (Count Three); attempted murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count Four); and possession and use of a firearm in connection with the attempted murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison (Count Five).

    The FBI New York Field Office Counterintelligence-Cyber Division and the New York FBI Iran Threat Task Force are investigating the case, with assistance from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the NYPD Intelligence Bureau. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department thanked the authorities in the Czech Republic for their assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Jacob H. Gutwillig, and Matthew J.C. Hellman for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal specialist Owen Foley and Trial Attorneys Christopher Rigali and Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Helps Return Missing Musket to Museum of the American Revolution

    Source: US FBI

    Now, investigators had to determine what these items were and where they had been stolen from.  

    Some of these answers came from Scott Corbett, AUSA Newton said. “He had a very good memory and could tell us where Michael had stolen some of the firearms,” she noted. 

    The investigative team also traveled to Cody, Wyoming, to attend a national museum curator’s meeting to see if any experts could help identify these mystery items. 

    “It turns out Michael stole these items from museums from Massachusetts to as far south as Mississippi,” Newton said. “A lot of them were stolen from Pennsylvania. We believe he was responsible for two of the thefts at Valley Forge. He was also responsible for a theft at the U.S. Army War College Museum in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. So, we were able to identify some of these firearms.” 

    Based on the evidence at hand, AUSA Newton explained, “We couldn’t charge him with the thefts, but what we could charge him with was possession of stolen property that had been transported interstate because he’s in Delaware.”  

    Michael Corbett was indicted and pleaded guilty. As part of his plea, he agreed to help recover some of the items that the investigators were initially looking for when they searched his Delaware residence.  

    “Leads in the Corbett case took the FBI Art Crime Team as far west as San Francisco,” Archer added. 

    Coincidentally, during the investigation, a concerned collector called Dr. Stephenson because he believed he might’ve accidentally purchased a stolen rifle. 

    The collector initially purchased the gun from a man named Thomas Gavin, believing it to be a copy of a famous rifle built by Moravian gunsmith John Christian Oerter. But the more he researched, the more he suspected he had the genuine article. The collector turned the rifle over to the authorities. 

    Thomas Gavin turned out to be “a significant museum thief” in his own right, having robbed items from the Valley Forge Park, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and additional museums in the greater Philadelphia area. “But he too cooperated and told us what he had stolen,” AUSA Newton said. 

    “We had to then stop, solve that case in order to figure out who stole what from where, in order to then pick the Corbett case back up and bring it home,” Archer recalled of the Gavin section of the overall investigation. “So, it was staggeringly complex across space and time and material.” 

    But just like in Corbett’s case, investigators are still searching for items that Gavin stole, including a rifle that was once owned by naturalist John James Audubon. 

    Even though the investigators’ work is ongoing, the impact of the partnership and the recovery of the artifacts cannot be overstated. 

    “With the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution coming up,” said James Taub, an associate curator at the museum, “the teamwork and partnership between local police and the FBI have given us in Philadelphia and the historical community at large a really strong opportunity to reach people in ways that we haven’t before, through objects that people of my generation haven’t seen and that previous generations might not have seen since before the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution.” 

    Dr. Stephenson echoed that sentiment, noting that “for us, as educator- and preservation-oriented institutions, these objects are irreplaceable.” 

    Stephenson says the museum’s work isn’t done. “It may be that the person who stole an object say 50 years ago may have passed away long ago. In many cases, families may have things that they don’t realize where they came from, how they came into that collection, or things that were sold and passed around.”  

    For this reason, he said, the museum is reexamining how it describes the missing objects, to highlight any valuable details that might spark someone’s memory. The museum is also spreading the word about the stolen items to antique enthusiasts and collectors. 

    “The fact is, the vast majority of people want to do the right thing,” he said. 

    But the FBI stands ready to investigate anyone who knowingly holds onto looted artifacts. 

    “Ultimately,” said Special Agent Archer, “people who know that they are in possession of these stolen items and do the wrong thing, we certainly are prepared to investigate.” 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Marks 100 Years of Fingerprints and Criminal History Records

    Source: US FBI

    Director Wray joined past and present CJIS leaders, lawmakers, FBI staff, and dozens of retired fingerprint examiners at the July 10 event, which celebrated 100 years since the Bureau established its Identification Division on July 1, 1924. The new division consolidated 810,000 fingerprint files from the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, and the National Bureau of Criminal Identification, which had been the keeper of crime data for the International Association of Chiefs of Police since 1896.

    Wray described the history of fingerprint technology in investigations spanning a century.

    “I’m proud that we’ve maintained that focus on growing our capabilities, because there’s simply no other way to remain as effective as a law enforcement and intelligence agency when the threats are as dynamic and evolving as they are today,” Wray said. He also highlighted the introduction of new biometric modalities—like facial recognition, palm prints, and iris scans—as innovations that will help the FBI and its partners better carry out their missions into the future. NGI’s National Iris Service, for example, allows users like police and prison staff to enroll iris images without physical contact, linking a subject’s irises to their respective fingerprint records. “You want to talk about the textbook illustration of innovation,” Wray said. 

    To help mark the occasion, artifacts spanning the fingerprint repository’s century-long history were on display for visitors. Items included vintage fingerprint cards, magnifiers, and the colored pencils that fingerprint examiners have used for generations. And a gallery of images illustrated the progression of fingerprint technology—from taking impressions with ink rollers and paper cards to the digital mobile devices that many agencies use today.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Threatening and Stalking a Raleigh Woman He Met Online

    Source: US FBI

    NEW BERN, N.C. – An Albuquerque, New Mexico, man was sentenced Thursday to more than five years in prison (65 months) for defrauding Verizon Wireless, committing aggravated identity theft, and threatening and stalking a victim in Raleigh.  Robert Michael Glauner, 60, pleaded guilty to the charges on January 13, 2025.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, Glauner briefly met and communicated online with a Raleigh woman in September 2023.  When she rejected further attempts at communication, Glauner began stalking her. In order to find additional ways to reach her, Glauner drafted fake search warrants for her phone records and submitted them to Verizon Wireless.  In the search warrant, he claimed to be member of law enforcement and included a North Carolina Superior Court Judge’s name as authorizing the search. Verizon accepted the search warrants and provided Glauner with the requested information.  Glauner then called or texted the victim’s family, friends, and workplace in order to force her to speak to him.  When that ultimately failed, Glauner drove from Albuquerque to Raleigh, sending the victim threating messages along the way. Members of the Raleigh Police Department intercepted Glauner when he arrived in Raleigh and arrested him on November 6, 2023.  At the time of his arrest, Glauner was in possession of a knife, rope, and illegal narcotics.

    “Glauner’s exploitation of technology and posing as the police to harass and intimidate the victim in this case is incredibly serious behavior,” Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar said today.  “This case also demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to vigorously pursue cyberstalking allegations, and I want to thank our partners at FBI and the Raleigh Police Department for their work, which brought Glauner to justice.”

    “Online dating is scary enough without someone refusing to take no for an answer.  Mr. Glauner took that to the extreme, pretending to be a law enforcement officer multiple times to track down the victim.  When someone’s response to rejection is so extreme it escalates to stalking, the FBI will step in to stop the offender and hold them accountable every time,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. 

    Glauner pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud in connection with obtaining confidential phone records; three counts of aggravated identity theft; transmitting a threat; and stalking.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-25-FL.

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Hogan’s Alley Adds New Venues Reflecting Focus on Active Shooter Training

    Source: US FBI

    “We get multiple entities using the venues at the same time, and it creates opportunities to have more realistic training without stepping on each other,” said Fisher of the Tactical Training Unit.

    Still, a casual observer driving through Hogan’s Alley (not open to the public) might not notice anything unusual, even as training is underway. All the buildings are specially designed for training, with a warren of hidden passages and corridors for instructors, observers, and would-be criminals to navigate. Walls, which can be easily moved, are made of material that can withstand live-fire exercises with simulated bullets. Even the upholstery for the movie theater seats was designed to withstand repeated tactical assaults.

    “From the outside, you don’t realize the versatility that the space gives us,” said Assistant Director Maguire. “The addition of real-world-based tactical venues provides our agents yet another opportunity for learning the skills necessary to protect the community.”

    The term Hogan’s Alley dates back to a 19th century comic strip set in a crime-ridden New York tenement called Hogan’s Alley. In the 1950s, the FBI developed a Hogan’s Alley range that was essentially a 120-foot-long façade where targets would pop up and agents had to quickly determine whether to shoot or not. While less sophisticated than today’s techniques, the premise was largely the same: to put trainees in high-stress situations to prepare them for what may come.

    “The more realistic and lifelike we can make these training venues, the better prepared our students are when they encounter the real world,” Fisher said. “We have to introduce information-rich, lifelike environments very early. Everything builds on everything else. And in the environment that we’re working in and with the consequences of the job, we have to give people complexity pretty quick.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Clean House: New Orleans

    Source: US FBI

    Operation Clean House was implemented in two phases. 
     
    Phase One focused on a proactive strategy. Law enforcement teams were deployed in every district of New Orleans, engaging in real-time, intelligence-driven actions. Uniformed and unmarked units from multiple agencies received live analytical support as they moved into targeted areas. 

    Phase One resulted in 74 arrests; multiple dangerous drugs seized, including fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and oxycodone; and 46 firearms and ammunition taken into evidence, including AK-47s, AR-15s, Glock switches, and multiple types of handguns.

    “Each weapon and each bullet confiscated is potentially one less person potentially injured or killed,” said Myrthil. 

    Phase Two focused on fugitive apprehension. During the planning phase, partner agencies submitted more than 400 outstanding arrest warrants for FBI intelligence analysts to review and determine whether to include as part of Operation Clean House. Analysts vetted warrants for consideration, checking to see which ones were still active, whether the subject was already incarcerated, or, in some cases, whether the subject was deceased. The analysts narrowed the list of warrants to 76 of the most violent offenses, including attempted murder, assault by drive-by shooting, and aggravated battery or aggravated assault. The warrants were then divided among multi-agency teams to make arrests. 

    Phase Two resulted in 77 arrests, including 100% execution of all warrants, and the seizure of 11 firearms and additional ammunition. 

    “We saw significant results immediately, including the arrest of a 31-year-old man from Pennsylvania on gun and drug charges who was also wanted in Vermont for first-degree murder,” said Myrthil. “At the time we arrested him, this suspected killer had two guns in his possession, including one with an extended magazine.”

    The operation led to one suspect being taken into custody within minutes of a shooting near a New Orleans neighborhood where agents, officers, and troopers were already working. In another incident, state troopers and Homeland Security Investigation agents provided life-saving support to a subject who had shot himself in the leg while fleeing from law enforcement. 
     
    Ultimately, Operation Clean House’s successful results came down to the integration between intelligence and operational components, which ensured a smooth flow of validated information, and partnerships between law enforcement and local communities. 

    “The research and analysis conducted by the intelligence analysts were crucial to this operation and contributed to the likelihood of safe apprehensions,” said Myrthil. “The tremendous partnerships the FBI enjoys with external federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies were key to success. We are proud to also recognize the support of the New Orleans community and its active interest in combatting violent crime.”

    Myrthil emphasized that though Operation Clean House has ended, the FBI and law enforcement will continue to fight violent crime in New Orleans and across Louisiana. 

    “We will work tirelessly with our partners to keep Louisiana safe. We are here, we are listening, and we care.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Couple Sentenced to Prison for $2 Million Bank Loan and Pandemic Relief Fraud Schemes

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Antoine Johnson, 49, and Kimberly Maddox, 44, formerly of Huntersville, N.C., currently residing in Georgia, were sentenced today for fraudulently obtaining approximately $2 million in bank loans and COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Johnson was ordered to serve 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Maddox was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months of home confinement, followed by three years of supervised release. The couple was also ordered to pay restitution in $3,037,868.10.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to court documents and today’s court hearings, the defendants owned and operated Pick Up and Go Moving International, Inc. and affiliated businesses (collectively, PUGMI). Johnson was the president of PUGMI and Maddox the vice president. Court documents show that, between 2018 and 2023, the defendants fraudulently applied for and obtained multiple lines of credit, bank loans, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program loans on behalf of their businesses. Johnson and Maddox applied for loans totaling more than $3.4 million. To secure the loans, the defendants lied on more than 35 loan applications about PUGMI’s income, gross revenues, expenses, and number of employees, and submitted fabricated supporting documents that included fraudulent tax returns and fictitious financial statements. Court documents show that at the time the couple engaged in the fraudulent loan schemes, Johnson was on federal supervised release after he was convicted and sentenced to prison for mortgage fraud.

    Johnson and Maddox previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and making a false statement to a financial institution. They will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    The FBI handled the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caryn Finley and Graham Billings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Meet the Cyber Action Team

    Source: US FBI

    Across the globe, malicious cyber activity threatens public safety and national and economic security. Criminals target organizations such as schools, hospitals, power and utility companies, and other critical infrastructure entities that serve communities.

    As the lead federal agency for investigating cyberattacks and intrusions, the FBI developed a specialty group—the Cyber Action Team, or CAT—that can deploy across the globe within hours to respond to major cyber threats and attacks against these critical services.

    Composed of about 65 members, CAT is an investigative rapid response fly team that leverages special agents, computer scientists, intelligence analysts, and information technology specialists from across FBI field offices and Headquarters.

    “We respond onsite to victims who may include national government entities, private companies, or even sometimes foreign partner networks that have been compromised by an adversary,” said Scott Ledford, head of the Cyber Action Team and the Advanced Digital Forensics Team. “Our job is to help conduct the investigation—we collect digital evidence and locate, identify, and reverse engineer malware. We also help the victim understand when they were compromised and how, writing a timeline and a narrative of that intrusion with the ultimate goal of identifying who is responsible, attributing that attack.”

    CAT was established in 2005 in response to an increase in the number and complexity of computer intrusion investigations in FBI field offices. At the time, not all field offices had personnel with the cyber expertise necessary to properly respond to and investigate sophisticated computer intrusions.

    “There was this transition that was taking place between what investigations the FBI was responsible for and the types of crimes that we were starting to see,” explained Ledford. “Cyber was such a growing threat at the time, and so it became necessary that some field offices would reach out and say, ‘Hey, do you know of any cyber experts who can help me work through an investigation?”

    As the team formalized its processes and expanded, in 2016, the Presidential Policy Directive 41, “United States Cyber Incident Coordination” was signed, setting forth principles for the federal government’s response to cyber incidents involving government or private sector entities. The FBI was appointed the lead federal agency for cyber threat response activities.

    “From an investigative standpoint, the FBI is unique. We’re one of the few agencies in the U.S. government that has both law enforcement and counterintelligence authorities,” said Ledford. “And those authorities, and the American people’s trust in us, help us to deliver a unique blend of national security and criminal investigative skills, expertise, and resources to implement that blended response and help facilitate an investigation, regardless of whether it leads us overseas or to a courtroom here in the U.S.”

    The bulk of CAT’s cases usually involve the FBI identifying an organization with a particular intrusion that’s either so complex or large-scale that the local field office requests additional assistance.

    In one case, CAT deployed to a health care company that a separate intrusion investigation had identified as compromised. CAT’s response helped lead to the identification of several compromised systems and accounts on their network. While working alongside the company, CAT disrupted the threat—and prevented further exploitation across their network.

    CAT also receives requests from FBI legal attachés, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the White House to assist other countries when they face cyberattacks.

    “It could be a country that doesn’t have the resources or the expertise that the U.S. government has, and they’ve reached out and asked for help,” said Ledford. “There can be a NATO or a non-NATO ally country that says, ‘We’ve been hit hard by this adversary, and we don’t have the localized personnel, we don’t have the resources, we don’t have the expertise to respond to this. Can you help us with it?”

    In another case, CAT deployed overseas to provide incident response support to a NATO ally that had been targeted by a destructive cyberattack. CAT responded and worked together with U.S. partners to determine the initial intrusion vector, identify other networks that were impacted, collect and analyze digital evidence, and ultimately attribute the intrusion to a foreign government. The NATO ally severed diplomatic ties with the foreign government, closed the foreign government’s in-country embassy, and evicted them from the country.

    “We have some talented people, and they work hard every single day,” said Ledford. “It’s an honor to sit alongside them.”

    Key Tactic: Strong Communication Skills

    In addition to excellent technical skills, CAT members are closely vetted for strong communication skills. Ledford explained that part of the CAT applicant selection process entails a multi-day live technical exercise that’s designed and curated by CAT:

    “We design a network environment. We may mimic an industry, for example, an electric utility. And then we compromise that environment, and we litter it with artifacts, digital evidence, and malware. Then we task applicants to investigate this cyber incident and present their findings.

    At the end of the five days, applicants present their findings, and we identify who has the technical capability and expertise to find digital evidence of a crime hidden within this mountain of data that we’ve thrown at them.

    If the applicant passes that phase of that selection exercise, we invite them to participate in a panel presentation. Our CAT members will play the roles of the victims we’re trying to help and their own resource teams, for example, a company CEO, a U.S. attorney, a third-party legal counsel, or IT administrator.

    You’re essentially giving us the narrative of the cyber intrusion. You’re telling us a story about what happened. While some of the panel questions will be very technical in nature, some will be more basic questions—the applicant will need to be able to explain to a CEO, for example, who might not have technical expertise, what the problem was and how to fix it. We’re looking to see whether you can take something that’s exceptionally technically complex and explain it in such a way that everyone in the room understands it.

    We’re also looking for interpersonal ability. For example, in the case of a company CEO, at that moment during a cyberattack, they may be going through one of the most stressful times of their company’s existence—there may be data leaked that can make or break that company’s future and their profits, as well as their ability to employ people and their ability to deliver services to their customers. You need the communications skills to interact with them during a difficult time and gain trust.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Students Get Inside Look at Life as an FBI Agent

    Source: US FBI

    The course is a lively mix of presentations and practical exercises. FBI personnel—including linguists, technical experts, forensic accountants, intelligence analysts, special agents, and bomb technicians—answered questions about their jobs and how they arrived at the FBI.

    In a mock scenario on the first day, a special agent explained how investigators assemble the building blocks of a case by looking at the available facts and evidence and then asking the right questions. Then students separated into “squads” and practiced.

    On day two, students learned best practices for dusting for fingerprints, sketching crime scenes, and interviewing subjects—all while dutifully documenting everything. For many, the rigors of tracking every photo, statement, and piece of evidence was illuminating.

    “It was really eye-opening,” said Ryan, an FAIT participant. “It’s been very jarring to see, like, just how methodical that process is for any kind of crime scene like this.”

    Photo Gallery

    Select image to view gallery

    “There’s a lot more that goes into examining a crime scene than people realize,” added Hannah, another FAIT participant. “There were multiple different things we needed to include, like the case number, the item number, description, location, time.”

    The Cleveland Division borrowed the idea for Future Agents in Training from the FBI’s Washington Field Office in 2015, seeing it as a way to connect with students in the communities it serves. FBI field offices rely on outreach efforts like FAIT, Citizens Academies, Junior Special Agents, college Honors Internships, and Teen and Youth Academies to help strengthen relationships with communities.

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