NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kaikohe: Investigation continues into little girl’s death

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Northland Police are continuing to investigate the tragic death of a 3-year-old girl in Kaikohe on Wednesday evening.

    Police attended an address on Taraire Street where the girl was initially located unresponsive.

    “A scene examination has taken place today and will continue into tomorrow,” Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, of Northland CIB, says.

    “These are always difficult investigations, for the whānau, community and the police themselves.”

    At this stage the circumstances are still unexplained. A post-mortem was conducted today and Police are waiting on the results.

    “The investigators are determined to uncover the full facts and have a team of 20 working on the case,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.

    “The enquiry team is supported by staff who’ve arrived from other districts given a number of serious matters being investigated.”

    Investigations into the little girl’s death will continue across the weekend.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 23, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 230601

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0101 AM CDT Fri May 23 2025

    Valid 241200Z – 251200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    THE SOUTHERN PLAINS AND WESTERN OZARKS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe storms are likely across part of the southern Plains and
    western Ozarks on Saturday. Severe wind gusts, large hail and a
    couple tornadoes will be possible. Hailstones greater than 2 inches
    in diameter could also occur. Marginally severe storms will also be
    possible across parts of the central High Plains, and Southeast.

    …Southern and Central Plains…
    At mid-levels, a low will move slowly eastward across the
    Intermountain West on Saturday, as a ridge moves eastward across the
    south-central U.S. At the surface, a low will remain over west
    Texas, with a moist and unstable airmass extending from the southern
    Plains into the lower Mississippi Valley. Elevated convection is
    forecast over part of the southern Plains and Ozarks Saturday
    morning, but this convection should move southeastward during the
    day, allowing for moderate to strong instability to develop over
    parts of Oklahoma and north Texas by afternoon. Scattered
    thunderstorms are expected to form during the late afternoon within
    this maximum of instability. Some of the storms could be severe.

    Model forecasts suggest that a pocket of strong instability will
    develop by Saturday afternoon across parts of southwest and central
    Oklahoma. ECMWF and NAM forecast soundings near the expected maximum
    of instability increase MLCAPE into the 4000 to 5000 J/kg range. 0-6
    km shear is forecast in the 35 to 40 knot range, with 700-500 mb
    lapse rates around 9 C/km. This thermodynamic environment will be
    favorable for large hail with supercells that form in the late
    afternoon. The more intense cores could produce hailstones greater
    than 2 inches in diameter. As a low-level jet strengthens across
    central Oklahoma, NAM forecast soundings increase 0-3 km
    storm-relative helicity to over 400 m2/s2. This suggest an isolated
    tornado threat will be possible with the more dominant supercells. A
    wind-damage threat should also develop. A cluster of strong to
    severe storms is expected to move eastward toward the Ozarks during
    the evening.

    …Southern and Central High Plains…
    A mid-level anticyclonic flow pattern is forecast across the Rockies
    and High Plains on Saturday. The western edge of a moist airmass
    will be in place from west Texas north-northwestward into eastern
    Colorado. As surface temperatures warm during the day, cells will
    initiate in the higher terrain of southern and central Colorado and
    in eastern New Mexico. This convection will spread eastward into the
    High Plains. The environment over the southern and central High
    Plains is forecast to have steep mid-level lapse rates and moderate
    deep-layer shear. This, along with sufficient instability, should be
    enough for a marginal severe threat during the late afternoon and
    early evening. Hail and severe gusts will be the primary threats.

    …Southeast…
    West-northwest mid-level flow is forecast over the southeastern U.S.
    on Saturday. At the surface, a moist airmass will be in place, with
    dewpoints in the upper 60 to lower 70s F. As instability increases
    during the day, isolated thunderstorm development is expected along
    corridors of enhanced low-level convergence. Although forcing will
    be weak, enough directional shear in the low to mid-levels should
    exist for a marginal severe threat. Hail and isolated damaging wind
    gusts will be possible.

    ..Broyles.. 05/23/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 23, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    May 23, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Click to see valid 1Z – 12Z Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Fri May 23 05:36:47 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 230536

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1236 AM CDT Fri May 23 2025

    Valid 231200Z – 241200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF
    THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PLAINS…

    …SUMMARY…
    A few severe storms are expected across portions of the central and
    southern Plains later today, with large hail and severe gusts the
    main threats. More isolated strong to severe storms are possible
    across southeast Florida.

    …Central/Southern Plains…

    Large-scale pattern is not expected to change appreciably during the
    upcoming day1 period with ridging forecast to extend across the
    central Rockies into the northern High Plains. Even so, latest model
    guidance and satellite imagery suggest a few weak disturbances will
    translate through this ridge then dig southeast toward the Ozarks
    region of southern MO/northern AR. Each of these features should
    encourage an increased response to the LLJ. Early in the period, LLJ
    should be focused primarily across the central High Plains, but
    gradually sag south and concentrate from northwest TX into northern
    AR by 24/12z.

    Latest thinking is each weak disturbance will prove somewhat
    influential in aiding robust convection along a warm-advection
    corridor that will extend from western NE into the Ozarks. LLJ will
    aid upscale growth and one or more thunderstorm clusters/MCSs will
    likely traverse this zone. It’s not entirely clear how each complex
    will evolve, but some supercell risk will be noted, especially
    across the High Plains during the late afternoon/evening. Very large
    hail may accompany the supercell structures, otherwise wind/hail are
    possible with these clusters. Severe threat will likely continue
    well into the overnight hours as convection should remain favorably
    sheared within an environment of steep lapse rates and modest
    buoyancy.

    …South Florida…

    Seasonally cool mid-level temperatures, and modestly steep lapse
    rates, will persist across the Florida Peninsula again today.
    Forecast soundings suggest ample deep-layer flow and high PW will be
    available for robust convection. Solenoidal influences will once
    again prove instrumental in a few strong storms capable of
    generating gusty winds and perhaps some hail.

    ..Darrow/Thornton.. 05/23/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Fri May 23 06:05:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Fri May 23 06:15:03 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Fri May 23 06:05:01 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Fri May 23 06:16:06 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Media Alert: New Mexico High School Students Invited to Apply to FBI Teen Academy

    Source: US FBI

    High school students interested in spending time with the FBI in Albuquerque or Las Cruces are encouraged to apply for the agency’s 2025 Teen Academy.

    The Las Cruces Teen Academy will take place on June 23rd and 24th 2025.

    The Albuquerque Teen Academy will take place from July 7th through July 11th 2025.

    Applications will be accepted through the end of business on May 16th 2025.

    The FBI Teen Academy allows students who will be in high school during the 2025/2026 school year an opportunity to experience the inner workings of today’s FBI.

    Students will receive a comprehensive look into the FBI as they are provided presentations and activities on topics such as terrorism, cybercrime, and SWAT. Discussions will include investigative tactics, gathering evidence and assisting with cases. They will also learn about the FBI’s mission and how it serves citizens, the community, and the nation from FBI special agents, intelligence analysts, language specialists, and professional staff.

    The application form and additional details can be found at: Community Outreach — FBI Anyone with questions about the program can email the FBI Community Outreach Specialist (AQ.Outreach@fbi.gov).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Teacher Going to Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Anthony V. Giambrone, 41, of Kenmore, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Giambrone was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,000 to victims in the case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in April 2020, Giambrone, a former teacher with Erie One BOCES working at Maryvale Intermediate School, possessed images of child pornography on two separate laptop computers. Giambrone possessed approximately 1,052 images and 381 videos of child pornography, some of which included prepubescent minors.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Pharaoh’s Owner of Multiple Charges, Including Bribery, Sex Trafficking Conspiracy and Witness Tampering

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted Peter Gerace, 57, of Clarence, NY, of conspiracy to defraud the United States, bribery, sex trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug involved premises, narcotics conspiracy, witness tampering, and distribution of cocaine, which carry a maximum of life in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Tripi, Nicholas T. Cooper, and Casey L. Chalbeck, stated that between 2005, and 2019, Gerace, owner and operator of Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club, conspired to defraud the United States and paid cash bribes to Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Joseph Bongiovanni. In exchange for payments he received, Bongiovanni protected Gerace and utilized his position to dissuade other members of law enforcement from conducting investigations into Gerace’s activities at Pharaoh’s. Bongiovanni was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

    In addition, between 2006, through 2019, Gerace knowingly maintained Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club as a drug involved premises, where he and others distributed cocaine, Adderall, marijuana, and heroin. Gerace and others distributed controlled substances and used other methods to coerce Pharaoh’s dancers to engage in sex acts inside Pharaoh’s. Gerace also, acting with others, sent threatening Facebook messages to a witness in order to prevent her from testifying and providing information in an official proceeding.

    “Peter Gerace preyed on the most vulnerable victims, using them to grow his business and his profits,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “Peter Gerace did not want to be caught and have his crimes exposed. However, this investigative and prosecutorial team worked tirelessly, gathering the evidence, and connecting the dots and Peter Gerace now stands convicted of some of the most heinous crimes.”

    “This case showcased the reality of trafficking in Western New York and across the country. It revealed the interplay between drugs, human trafficking, how powerful men, like Peter Gerace, used victims’ drug addictions to coerce them into acts of commercial sex for pure profit,” stated Matthew Miraglia, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Today’s verdict is a win for victims of human trafficking and hope to those who don’t have a voice. The FBI remains committed to eradicating human trafficking and providing victims with resources. We encourage any victim to come forward. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or report online at tips.fbi.gov.”

    “With his conviction, Peter Gerace must face the reality that he is not above the law, nor can he escape its consequences. Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, is committed to safeguarding the vulnerable from those who use bribery, manipulation, and fear for their own personal gain,” said HSI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. “The welfare of the public is our highest priority, and HSI Buffalo will take every necessary measure to protect the safety and wellbeing of Western New Yorkers.”

    “Today, a jury found that Gerace was guilty of engaging in drug and sex trafficking, preying on vulnerable victims. He also paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Joseph Bongiovanni in an attempt to skirt the law and avoid accountability,” said Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Northeast Region. “I would like to thank the jury for their time and careful consideration of the facts.”

    The verdict is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special-Agent-In-Charge Ryan T. Geach, Northeast Region.

    Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, who presided over the trial of the case.   

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Los Angeles Director and Writer Charged with $11 Million Fraud in Connection with Streaming Science Fiction Television Show

    Source: US FBI

    Carl Erik Rinsch Used the Stolen Funds to Speculate on Securities and Cryptocurrency

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Leslie Backschies, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a seven-count Indictment charging CARL ERIK RINSCH for engaging in a scheme to defraud a subscription video on-demand streaming service (“Streaming Company-1”) in connection with a planned science fiction television show called “White Horse.”  RINSCH was arrested today in West Hollywood, California, and will be presented later today in the Central District of California.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, Carl Erik Rinsch orchestrated a scheme to steal millions by soliciting a large investment from a video streaming service, claiming that money would be used to finance a television show that he was creating. But that was fiction. Rinsch instead allegedly used the funds on personal expenses and investments, including highly speculative options and cryptocurrency trading. Rinsch’s arrest is a reminder that this Office and our partners at the FBI remain vigilant in the fight against fraud and will bring those who cheat and steal to justice.”

    FBI Assistant Director Leslie Backschies said: “Carl Rinsch allegedly stole more than $11 million from a prominent streaming platform to finance lavish purchases and personal investments instead of completing a promised television series. The FBI will continue to reel in any individual who seeks to defraud businesses.”

    As alleged in the Indictment:[1]

    RINSCH is a film and television writer and director who partially completed a science fiction television show called “White Horse.”  In 2018, RINSCH reached an agreement with Streaming Company-1 in which Streaming Company-1 would both pay RINSCH for the existing episodes of White Horse and also fund completion of the rest of the show.  Between 2018 and 2019, Streaming Company-1 paid approximately $44 million for White Horse.

    Between late 2019 and early 2020, RINSCH demanded even more money from Streaming Company-1 to complete White Horse.  Streaming Company-1 ultimately agreed to pay another $11 million, and transferred those funds to a company RINSCH controlled on or about March 6, 2020.  The entirety of those funds was to be spent on the completion of White Horse.

    But RINSCH did not use those funds to complete White Horse.  Instead, within days, RINSCH began transferring the funds he received through a number of different bank accounts before consolidating them in a personal brokerage account.  RINSCH then used those funds to make a number of personal and speculative purchases of securities.  His trading was unsuccessful, and in less than two months after receiving $11 million from Streaming Company-1, RINSCH had lost more than half of those funds.

    Even after losing most of the $11 million, RINSCH still did not spend the remaining funds he had stolen on White Horse.  Instead, he used the money to speculate on cryptocurrency, and on personal expenses and luxury items, including approximately $1,787,000 on credit card bills; approximately $1,073,000 on lawyers to sue Streaming Company-1 for even more money, and for lawyers related to his divorce; approximately $395,000 to stay at the Four Seasons hotel and at various luxury rental properties; approximately $3,787,000 on furniture and antiques, including approximately $638,000 to purchase two mattresses and approximately $295,000 on luxury bedding and linens; approximately $2,417,000 to purchase five Rolls-Royces and one Ferrari; and approximately $652,000 on watches and clothing.

    *               *                *

    RINSCH, 47, of Los Angeles, California, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and five counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. 

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

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the FBI and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. 

    The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackie Delligatti, David A. Markewitz, and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.

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

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Recidivist Sex Offender is Sentenced to 14 Plus Years for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    The Defendant Was on Federal Supervised Release for A 2016 Federal Conviction for Similar Offenses Involving Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Children

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Lenoir, N.C. man was sentenced today to a total of 169 months in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release for possession and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while on federal supervised release, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Joshua Lynn Cook, 40, was also ordered to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison. The Court further ordered Cook to pay $17,000 in special assessments pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

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

    “Despite prior convictions and strict court supervision, Cook broke the law once again and revictimized children by accessing and possessing horrific material depicting their sexual abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron. “Cook’s sentence reflects the consequences awaiting those who continue to ignore the law and harm vulnerable children.”

    “This federal prison sentence reinforces the message; the FBI and our partners will not tolerate the victimization of children. We will continue to meticulously investigate these crimes, which cause irreparable harm and trauma to innocent victims,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt.

    According to court documents, Cook was on federal supervised release for a 2016 federal conviction for transportation, receipt, and possession of CSAM. Under the terms of Cook’s federal supervision, he was not permitted to own an electronic device capable of accessing the internet, including a cell phone. Cook was also subject to periodic home inspections by the U.S. Probation Office (USPO) to ensure compliance with his probationary terms. Court records show that, on February 8, 2024, during a home inspection, USPO found Cook in possession of an unauthorized phone in his bedroom. Cook admitted to using the phone to access CSAM around the time that he first gained access to the phone, which was within one month of his release from prison. The phone and an SD card were seized and forensically examined by the FBI. The examination revealed that these devices contained images and videos depicting CSAM, including toddlers.  

    On October 9, 2024, Cook pleaded guilty to possession and access with intent to view child pornography involving prepubescent minors. Today, the Court sentenced Cook to 151 months of incarceration for possession and access with intent to view CSAM, and 18 months, to run consecutive, for committing this offense while on federal supervised release, for a total of 169 months of incarceration. Cook will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

    The FBI with the assistance of the USPO investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte 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 Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Concord Woman Arrested on New Fraud Charges for Selling Fake Documents Appears in Court

    Source: US FBI

    The Defendant Allegedly Executed the Scheme While on Federal Probation for Similar Conduct

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Chaiya Maley-Jackson 25, of Concord, N.C., appeared in federal court today, following her arrest on fraud charges for selling and transferring fake Social Security Cards, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The indictment charges Maley-Jackson with two counts of social security number fraud and two counts of unlawful transfer of false identification documents.

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

    According to allegations in the indictment, between October 2023 and October 2024, Maley-Jackson earned more than $49,000 in fees from producing, selling, and transferring various types of fraudulent documents, including Social Security Cards. Maley-Jackson allegedly had a Facebook page under the name of Yaya Ling which advertised the sale of false and fraudulent documents. The indictment alleges that Maley-Jackson communicated with customers via email and messages to obtain the information needed to create the false documents, to provide updates and samples on their orders, and to send the finalized fake documents. Maley-Jackson allegedly produced the fake documents while she was serving a probationary sentence for a prior federal conviction for a similar scheme.

    Maley-Jackson was released on bond. The charges of social security fraud and unlawful transfer of a false identification document both carry a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison for each count in the indictment.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The FBI in Charlotte assisted by the U.S. Probation Office in the Middle District of North Carolina investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley and Special Assistant United States Attorney Eric Frick with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miami County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Unregistered Destructive Devices

    Source: US FBI

    DAYTON, Ohio – A Troy, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to illegally possessing unregistered destructive devices.

    Steven J. Werling, 54, admitted that, in April, he knowingly possessed two improvised explosive devices.

    According to court documents, on April 4 and 5, law enforcement officials executed a court-authorized search warrant at Werling’s residence on Barnhart Road in Troy. Prior investigation revealed that Werling had researched and made purchases related to the construction of improvised explosive devices.

    Specifically, Werling possessed two plastic cylinders that had an explosive mixture of contents within. The cylinders and their contents are firearms under the National Firearms Act, specifically, destructive devices.

    The plea includes a sentence recommendation of up to 24 months in prison.

    Congress sets minimum and maximum statutory sentences, and sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered yesterday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas A. Dingeldein is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Crimes Related to Nearly Half Million Dollars Stolen From Local Business Through Computer Malware

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New York man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to crimes related to laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Columbus strength training equipment manufacturer. 

    Aleksandr Bogomolny, 53, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit and committing money laundering. 

    According to court documents, in May 2021, the FBI received a complaint to its Internet Crime Complaint Center from Rogue Fitness, which is headquartered in Columbus. The company had identified 78 outgoing transfers from a PayPal account between March 29 and April 29, 2021, totaling nearly half a million dollars.

    The FBI discovered a banking Trojan that had infected the computer of a customer service employee just prior to the transfers. The specific Trojan found on the employee laptop is known by the FBI to steal banking credentials and usually targets corporate victims.

    The stolen money was transferred to 22 different card numbers, including to Bogomolny’s Bank of America card.

    Further investigation of Bogomolny’s bank account revealed that between December 2019 and July 2021, he laundered more than $247,000 in criminal proceeds through his account.

    While executing a search warrant at the defendant’s Brooklyn residence, agents found documents that included more than 341,000 unique identifiers like names, addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers. The search also discovered images of driver’s licenses, U.S. passports and full lists of full credit card numbers.

    Bogomolny also used the online gambling site FanDuel to conspire to launder money. He and others would steal a victim’s identity and use it to create a FanDuel account. Then criminal proceeds were deposited into the account and later withdrawn. In total, Bogomolny and others used this scheme to deposit nearly $572,000 and withdraw more than $485,000 of the criminal proceeds.

    Finally, Bogomolny’s plea documents detail that, in 2023, the defendant met with undercover FBI agents and agreed to launder $20,000 for a six percent fee. The funds were represented as proceeds of illegal drug activities.

    Between November 2023 and March 2024, Bogomolny sent $18,800 of the original $20,000 back to the undercover FBI agents through multiple ACH transactions.

    Bogomolny later agreed to accept another $50,000 from the undercover agents. He met up with the agents in April 2024 and accepted the money, at which point he was arrested.

    Money laundering and conspiring to launder money are federal crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence, and sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Columbus Man Guilty of Leading Narcotics, Sex Trafficking & Financial Fraud Conspiracies

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant convicted of coercing addicts into prostitution, leading drug trafficking organization, overseeing pandemic relief fraud scheme, tampering with witnesses

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A jury found a Columbus man guilty on all counts for leading drug, sex trafficking and financial fraud conspiracies and then attempting to obstruct justice and tamper with witnesses.

    The United States proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Ricco Lamonte Maye, 42, used threats, violence and manipulation of drug dependencies to ensure individuals carried out his criminal schemes.

    Maye was found guilty on all 14 counts as charged. The verdict was announced on Nov. 21 following a trial that began on Oct. 31 before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.

    “The jury correctly found today that Ricco Maye is a dangerous man who used violence and threats of drug withdrawal to coerce victims into engaging in illegal activity for his own profit,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.  “As the government proved at trial, Maye oversaw a variety of criminal endeavors, victimizing vulnerable populations, causing the death of one addicted person, and obstructing justice in an ill-fated attempt to avoid accountability. After today’s conviction, he will no longer be able to manipulate and control victims to enrich himself.”

    Court documents and trial testimony detail that Maye used individuals to buy and sell drugs, sell women for sex, and fraudulently apply online for COVID-19 relief funds. Proceeds from all the crimes went to the defendant.

    Beginning in at least 2018, Maye’s drug trafficking organization primarily distributed narcotics to addicts in street-level quantities. He regularly purchased narcotics from supply sources both inside and outside of Ohio and used addicts to help sell the drugs in Columbus. In addition to cash, Maye would accept stolen goods, gift cards, Social Security numbers and other items as payment for the drugs.

    Maye initially gave drugs to women for free and later manipulated their addiction by requiring them to earn drug money through prostitution. Maye provided the means for the women to engage in prostitution – frequently obtaining hotel rooms, having the women driven to the hotels, providing cell phones, and directing Internet prostitution ads. Maye collected the prostitution proceeds, enforced specific rules on the women and punished the women through physical violence.

    Maye was also found guilty of providing fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death. In November 2018, Maye communicated with the victim in the hours before his death. The victim had been obtaining cocaine from Maye off and on for years and sought to obtain cocaine from him again in this instance but received a fatal dose of fentanyl instead.

    Trial testimony detailed that Maye used violence against victims as part of overseeing his drug trafficking organization, including “stomping victims out,” smacking them, punching them, breaking their bones and knocking out their teeth.

    In a financial conspiracy, Maye and other defendants filed for and received more than $30,000 in fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Maye kept all or a portion of the others’ benefits. 

    Maye was originally charged by indictment in November 2020 and has remained in federal custody since. After his initial arrest, Maye attempted to obstruct the ongoing investigation into his sex trafficking and other criminal activities and conspired to tamper with witnesses. Maye’s obstruction of justice included his directing the threatened murder of a potential government witness. 

    Due to Maye’s prior federal drug trafficking conviction, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison for distributing a controlled substance that resulted in death and the drug conspiracy charged in his case is punishable by a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison. The sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion conspiracy is punishable by at least 15 years and up to life in prison. Conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Conspiring to tamper with a witness carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Obstructing a sex trafficking investigation is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other officials with the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which was formed under Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, announced the guilty verdicts. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorney Kevin W. Kelley are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Ohio Jail Deputy Charged with Civil Rights Violations

    Source: US FBI

    A three-count indictment was unsealed yesterday charging a former Franklin County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office deputy with two counts of depriving an inmate of his civil rights and one count of conspiring to do the same.

    According to the indictment, in March 2022, Matthew Carey, 27, of Grove City, Ohio, was employed as a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and he worked in the Franklin County Corrections Center. While he was working, it is alleged that Carey intentionally disclosed a pretrial detainee’s pending charges to another detainee.

    The indictment details that Carey knew the victim detainee had been charged with a sex offense, and that individuals charged with sex offenses were at increased risk of being physically assaulted by other detainees. It is alleged that the other detainee understood Carey’s words and gestures to be directing and authorizing an attack on the victim.

    The indictment charges that Carey had no legitimate law enforcement reason to disclose the victim’s charges, and that, after disclosing that information, Carey took no reasonable steps to protect the victim from the predictable and expected assault by other inmates that Carey had set in motion.

    In addition to the conspiracy, Carey is charged with two counts of depriving the victim of his constitutional rights under color of law, first by depriving the detainee of his right to be free from unreasonable force and second by depriving the detainee of his right to be free from a deputy’s deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of serious harm. The indictment charges that the crimes resulted in bodily injury.

    If convicted, Carey faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count.

    Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Cincinnati Field Office investigated the case.

    Deputy Criminal Chief Jessica W. Knight for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Cameron Bell of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for Again Distributing, Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Knox County man who was previously convicted of a crime against children was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 250 months in prison for new, similar offenses.

    Lee Allen Goudy, 30, of Howard, Ohio, distributed and possessed child pornography after being convicted of an offense relating to sexual abuse of a minor.

    According to court documents, in August 2023, the FBI received a tip that Goudy was a Tier II registered sex offender and was believed to have uploaded child pornography online.

    At least four cyber tipline reports related to Goudy were generated from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

    The investigation revealed that Goudy had distributed child pornography from a Reddit account via Kik messenger and on Twitter.

    Approximately 650 videos and 100 images of child sexual abuse material were recovered from Goudy’s iPhone. His collection included sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, and the sexual torture of babies. For example, one video depicted a newborn infant being smacked in the face, grabbed by the throat and shaken back and forth.

    Goudy’s iPhone search history also included searches like “supervised release monitoring iPhone” and “does federal monitoring work on iPhone.”

    A second cell phone of Goudy’s also revealed searches for content related to violence, rape and sex acts against infants and toddlers. That phone included 150 images of child sexual abuse material that Goudy had traded on Discord.

    Goudy was arrested in September 2023 for violating his federal supervised release warrant; he pleaded guilty in April 2024 to the instant child pornography crimes. Goudy was originally sentenced in April 2018 to 78 months in prison.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Cleveland Cautions Holiday Travelers About In-Flight Safety

    Source: US FBI

    FBI Cleveland is advising the public to be ‘air aware’ and understand the general safety precautions ahead of the busy holiday travel season.

    Being safe when traveling by air

    Sexual assault aboard aircraft—which usually takes the form of unwanted touching—is a federal offense and a felony that can land offenders in prison. Typically, men are the perpetrators, and women and unaccompanied minors are the victims. The FBI has seen every combination of victim and perpetrator.

    “Perpetrators look for easy opportunities to violate the space and trust of their victim. With the increased number of travelers during the holiday season, so are the number of people with nefarious intent,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “That is why we stress that travelers remain air aware, especially when it is easy to become distracted with our devices while in an airport or in-flight.”

    Crimes aboard aircraft fall within the FBI’s jurisdiction, and in the case of in-flight sexual assaults, agents describe elements of these crimes as being strikingly similar. The attacks generally occur on long-haul flights when the cabin is dark. The victims are usually in middle or window seats, sleeping, and covered with a blanket or jacket. They report waking up to their seatmate’s hands inside their clothing or undergarments.

    Compared with a typical year, just a few years ago, the FBI saw a tenfold spike in reported complaints to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding unruly and dangerous passenger behavior on airplanes.

    That number continues to grow.

    While no two incidents are the same, the information below will identify common patterns of sexual offenders onboard aircraft.

    Offenders

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates most perpetrators of sexual violence are known to the victim. However, sexual assaults on airplanes stand out because the victims usually do not know their assailants.

    Generally, sexual crimes are committed by males, and the same holds true when they happen on airplanes. Most often, an assailant sits immediately next to the victim and takes advantage of this proximity. Victims likely sit in a middle or window seat, with the offender closer to or on the aisle, effectively barricading her so she will have to walk past the perpetrator to get out.

    Sexual assaults onboard aircraft follow a predictable pattern that can be routine for experienced offenders. Because flights only last a few hours, assailants undertake a truncated grooming process to draw targets closer for control and exploitation. Grooming involves six steps to perpetrate sexual violence.

    1. Identifying the victim
    2. Gaining trust
    3. Filling a need
    4. Isolating
    5. Initiating sexual contact
    6. Maintaining control

    Though grooming is most frequently applied in the context of targeting minors, the methodology is useful for understanding techniques employed by sexual perpetrators on aircraft for victims of any age.

    Sexual offenders follow the same patterns in the air as they do on the ground but with a shortened timeline.

    In-flight sexual assaults follow a predictable but unfortunate routine, from victim identification to incident. Even if they have never been formally prosecuted, offenders with the boldness to attempt such crimes in a confined space, surrounded by witnesses, and in which they have only a few hours to act have a lot of experience avoiding arrest. Luckily, investigators familiar with this pattern and willing to look into reported incidents can find the information needed to apprehend offenders and protect victims.

    Staying Safe While Flying

    Share these tips with traveling family and friends to ensure they are less susceptible to in-flight sexual assaults.

    • Do not mix medications (even over the counter) with alcohol. These substances can induce deep sleep or affect users in unexpected ways, especially at a high altitude.
    • Dress for comfort, rather than style. Tight clothing can make it easier for sexual predators to access sensitive areas.
    • Flight attendants are there to help. If you do not feel comfortable, ring the call light or get up and ask for assistance or to be reseated.
    • If someone is being inappropriate, politely ask them to stop. It will scare off potential attackers by showing you are aware of their actions. As a worst-case scenario, a regular passenger will give you more space.
    • Trust your gut. Offenders will often test their victims, sometimes pretending to brush against them to see how they react or if they wake up. If such behavior occurs, reprimand the person immediately, and consider asking to be moved to another seat.
    • If your seatmate is a stranger, no matter how polite he or she may seem, keep the armrest between you down.
    • If you are arranging for a child to fly unaccompanied, try to reserve an aisle seat so flight attendants can keep a closer watch on them. Victims have been as young as eight years old.

    If an incident happens, report it immediately to the flight crew and ask that they record the attacker’s identity and report the incident. Flight attendants and captains represent authority on the plane, and they can alert law enforcement, and sometimes deal with the problem in the air. The flight crew can also put the offender on notice, which might prevent further problems.

    If you think you are a victim of sexual assault aboard an aircraft, report the incident to your flight crew and to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI, or contact your local FBI office.

    If alerted in advance, FBI agents can be on hand when the plane lands to conduct interviews and take subjects into custody. FBI victim specialists can respond as well because victims of federal crimes are entitled by law to a variety of services.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Cleveland Warns of Holiday Scams During the 2024 Shopping Season

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI Cleveland Field Office is warning the public of common holiday scams during the 2024 shopping season.

    With the holidays upon us and seasonal shopping in full gear, criminals are set to look for opportunities to take advantage of consumers. The FBI is encouraging shoppers to be vigilant for scams that are designed to steal their money and personal information.

    The two most prevalent holiday scams are non-delivery and non-payment crimes. In Ohio, non-payment or non-delivery totaled over $5.0 million and credit card/check fraud totaled over $6.2 million.

    The FBI’s definition for non-payment/non-delivery is when goods or services are shipped and payment is never rendered (nonpayment), or payment is sent and goods or services are never received or are of lesser quality (non-delivery).

    “Criminals don’t take the holidays off. With so many consumers engaged in holiday shopping, whether in person or online, the capacity to target and scam unsuspecting shoppers grows infinitely. More so, scammers capitalize on our trust and have become quite savvy to our shopping habits. The FBI continues to see an uptick in victims who thought they were shopping through a reputable, valid online vendor, only to discover they’ve either provided their financial or credit card information to a nefarious third party or, after waiting weeks for a purchase to arrive, realize they’ve been scammed,” said Greg Nelsen, FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge. 

    Some of the common holiday scams the FBI warns of are:

    • Online shopping scams: Scammers offer deals through phishing e-mails or advertisements.
    • Social media scams: Scammers use social media sites that appear to offer vouchers or gift cards. These scams often lead consumers to complete online surveys designed to steal personal information.
    • Smartphone app scams: Scammers design mobile apps disguised as free games that steal personal information.
    • Work-from-home scams: Scammers use websites and social media posts that offer working from home. Convenience is the attention grabber, but there may be fraudulent intentions.
    • Gift card scams: Victims receive a spoofed e-mail, call, or text asking them to purchase multiple gift cards for person or business reasons.
    • Charity scams: Criminals set up false charities and profit from individuals who believe they are donating to legitimate organizations.

    Scams take many forms, but if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Some precautions include:

    • Do not open any unsolicited emails or click on any links if they do open the email.
    • Remember to secure banking and credit accounts with strong and different passwords, and secure all other accounts that contain anything of value, such as rewards accounts, online accounts that save payment information, and accounts containing private and personal information.
    • Steer clear of untrustworthy sites or ads offering items at unrealistic discounts or with special coupons.
    • Use caution and take a pause to verify when downloading mobile applications.
    • Consumers should be vigilant when receiving items purchased from online auctions and third-party marketplaces.

    If you believe you are victim of a scam, contact your financial institution immediately. You should also contact your local law enforcement agency and file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov.

    For more information on holiday scams, visit www.fbi.gov/holidayscams.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Seeking Information From Key Bank Robbery

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI Toledo Resident Agency and the Toledo Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance identifying a male subject in connection to a bank robbery that occurred at approximately 1:54 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 at Key Bank, 5037 Suder Avenue, Toledo.

    Subject Description

    • White male
    • 50-60 years old
    • Standing over 6’ tall
    • Wearing a dark jacket, grey sweatshirt, blue jeans with grey/white tennis shoes

    The subject entered the bank, approached the victim teller, and produced a demand note. He then fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money and entered an older model Buick vehicle, heading in the direction of South Suder toward Kroger Grocery Store.

    The FBI encourages anyone with information to contact the Toledo Resident Agency at (419) 243-6122 or the Toledo Police Department at (419) 936-3800. Your identity can remain anonymous when submitting tips to the FBI.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Clay Norris (a.k.a. “Clayton Norris”), 48, of Canton, Ohio, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers before U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly. Judge Kelly will sentence Norris on May 1, 2025.

                According to court documents, Norris traveled from Ohio to Washington, D.C., and brought a megaphone. Prior to his trip, Norris messaged others on social media, stating “I’m ready to lay it down in jail in D.C. on the 6th. TRUMP basically saying get wild for are [sic] COUNTRY and freedom’s” and “Heading to D.C., on January 6th and I’ll be ready for war if need be.”

                After Norris arrived in Washington D.C., he made his way toward the East Side of the U.S. Capitol building and walked behind the barricades that marked the restricted permitter. As he did this, Norris chanted thorough his megaphone at police, stating “We get bad news, let us drain that swamp. All we ask is you walk away. Let us bring it” and “You guys got all kinds of crooks in there you aint arresting right now. Arrest the crooks inside.”

                At about 1:45 p.m., Norris pushed the fencing that formed a barricade against U.S. Capitol Police Officer attempting to prevent rioters from advancing toward the Capitol building. Norris briefly breached the line but was repelled by police. He then shouted, “We don’t want you guys. We want them,” referring to the elected officials inside the Capitol. Norris then encouraged other rioters to “Make a stand.”

                At approximately 2:00 p.m., rioters successfully breached the barricades and Norris made his way toward the Capitol. Norris reached the East Central Stairs and encountered another police line. There, Norris continued to yell at police through his megaphone. The police line eventually was forced to retreat. Norris advanced further toward the Capitol and joined a crowd that had surrounded a group of police officers on the building’s terrace near the Rotunda doors. Norris then yelled to other rioters to “Push forward!”

                While on the terrace, Norris reached out his hand and directly pushed a U.S. Capitol Officer’s shield. Norris then attempted to enter into the building but was repelled as police deployed a chemical irritant.

                The FBI arrested Norris on May 3, 2024, in Ohio.

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

                The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

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

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

    24cr0358

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Drug Conspiracy Involving More Than 240 Pounds of Fentanyl and Nearly 100 Pounds of Cocaine

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND – Ronald Rendon-Luna, 37, a Mexican national residing in Painesville, Ohio, has been sentenced to 151 months in prison by U.S. District Chief Judge Sara Lioi, after he pled guilty to engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and being an alien in possession of firearms. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

    According to court documents, the Cartel, Gangs, Narcotics and Laundering Task Force of the FBI-Cleveland Division conducted a long-term drug-trafficking investigation that led to the arrest and successful prosecution of Rendon-Luna and three other co-conspirators, including two individuals with direct connections to the Sinaloa Cartel based in Culiacán, Mexico.

    During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that, from about June 2022 through January 2023, the leader of the conspiracy, Nefer Ojeda-Elenes, 32, of Upland, California, conspired with Rendon-Luna to use residences in Cleveland and Painesville, and two storage units in Cleveland and Middleburg Heights, to store illegal drugs and proceeds from the sales of the illegal substances. Rendon-Luna, on behalf of Ojeda-Elenes, traveled to area hotels to meet a third co-conspirator, Cameron Harris, 29, of Dayton, who further distributed the drugs in the Dayton, Ohio area. A fourth individual, Trino Alexander Briceno-Matheus, 31, of Miami Beach, Florida, also participated in the conspiracy and is known to have met with Rendon-Luna at an area hotel to pick up approximately $149,640 in proceeds earned from illegal drug activities.

    This organization was responsible for distributing approximately 111 kilograms of fentanyl, and approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine during the course of the conspiracy.

    “These criminals used their Mexican Cartel connections to bring millions of doses of fentanyl—each one potentially fatal—into our communities and distribute those poisons across our state,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Every day, dangerous drugs like the fentanyl and cocaine that these defendants imported and peddled on our streets destroy lives. Those who seek to expand their illegal drug trade to our District should know that we will use all tools available to stop them from endangering our residents’ lives and the safety of our neighborhoods.”

    During a federal search warrant executed at the related residences and storage units, law enforcement officials found illegal drugs in a storage unit, and confiscated several weapons, including an AK-47 and an AR-15 from Rendon-Luna’s Painesville home.

    Rendon Luna’s co-conspirators were previously sentenced.

    Ojeda-Elenes was sentenced Sept. 17, 2024, to 228 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release.

    Harris was sentenced Aug. 20, 2024, to 151 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release.

    Briceno-Matheus was sentenced July 23, 2024, to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and interstate transportation in aid of racketeering.

    This case was investigated by the FBI-Cleveland Division, with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services, Moreland Hills Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Bedford Police Department, Internal Revenue Service, Parma Police Department, Solon Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole, Ottawa County Drug Task Force, Shaker Heights Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Brooklyn Police Department, North Royalton Police Department, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Painesville Police Department, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio HIDTA, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi­-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is composed of agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, USMS, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, and USBP, along with task force officers from numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Cleveland Division of Police. Prosecutions are led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Bullard for the Northern District of Ohio.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Muskogee Resident Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jonathan Gage Wiedel, age 19, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 540 months in prison each for 12 counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.  The terms are set to be served concurrently, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office.

    On September 9, 2024, Wiedel pleaded guilty to twelve counts of a Superseding Indictment.  As part of the plea, Wiedel admitted that, beginning in August 2022 and continuing through February 2024, while employed as a teacher’s assistant at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Muskogee, Oklahoma, he sexually abused four children under the age of twelve.  The crimes occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    “The defendant used his position of trust as a teacher’s assistant to prey on the most innocent and vulnerable members of our society,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater.  “Safeguarding children and families in our community is among the FBI’s top priorities, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators like Wiedel are brought to justice.”

    “Today’s sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of federal prosecutors and local and federal law enforcement to seek justice for victims and hold the defendant accountable for his reprehensible actions,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “This office stands firm in its resolve to continue to protect our children and ensure the safety of our communities.”

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Wiedel will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Pippin represented the United States.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Savanna Police Officer Sentenced to 40 Years After First Guilty Verdict Obtained Under 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act Enhanced Penalties

    Source: US FBI

    A federal judge sentenced former Savanna Oklahoma Police Officer (SPD), Jeffrey Scott Smith, 35, to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop and obstructing justice by turning off his body-worn camera and dash camera in an effort to avoid recording the assault. This case represents the first sexual assault conviction and sentence under the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that added enhanced penalties for civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct.

    Evidence presented at trial established that on Nov. 2, 2022, Smith, working his first solo shift for SPD, conducted a traffic stop of the victim, K.H., and her then-boyfriend, J.G. After running their licenses, Smith realized that J.G.’s license had recently expired. He had J.G. and K.H. get out of J.G.’s car to switch who was driving. Smith issued J.G. a speeding ticket, and then began asking personal questions, including how long they had been in their relationship. At this point, while still speaking to J.G. and K.H., Smith manually deactivated his SPD body worn camera (BWC).

    Smith then asked K.H. what she did for work. K.H. reluctantly admitted that she danced at a gentlemen’s club. Upon hearing K.H.’s answer, Smith asked to search J.G.’s car. During the search, Smith looked in K.H.’s purse and found a pre-rolled promotional marijuana cigarette from K.H.’s work. Rather than arrest her, or issue her a ticket, Smith walked back to his patrol car and manually deactivated his dashboard camera. Once the defendant had K.H. in his vehicle he sexually assaulted her.

    “Smith’s despicable acts traumatized the victim and soiled the reputation of the law enforcement community,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “The sentence imposed is just punishment, and I am thankful to the FBI, the OSBI, and the prosecutors for their exceptional work in holding the defendant accountable for his crimes.”

    “The entire law enforcement profession is disparaged when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve. That is exactly what Mr. Smith did on his first solo shift as a police officer,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “I am proud of the joint effort by the FBI, OSBI, and US Attorney’s Office to hold Smith accountable for his despicable actions. The sentence handed down today represents our commitment to pursuing justice for victims, and to protecting the reputation of those who wear the badge with integrity.”

    The Oklahoma City FBI Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

    Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Clay Compton for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – An Oregon man pleaded guilty today to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Andy Steven Oliva-Lopez, 27, of Milwaukie, Oregon, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers before U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan. Judge AliKhan will sentence Oliva-Lopez on Jan. 17, 2025.

                According to court documents, Oliva-Lopez drove from his home in Oregon with a friend to attend the Jan. 6, 2021, “Stop the Steal” rally scheduled to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. After attending the rally, Oliva-Lopez walked toward the Capitol and made his way to the West Plaza, which was, by that time overrun with rioters. At that location, United States Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers attempted to maintain lines of defense and were struggling to prevent rioters from advancing further to the building.

                At about 2:04 p.m., Oliva-Lopez, wearing a full-face respirator mask, sprayed streams of orange-colored bear spray at the faces and heads of police officers on the West Plaza. Over the course of several minutes, Oliva-Lopez did this on three distinct occasions. Sometime later, the crowd forced their way through, up, and over police barricades and past officers. The crowd then advanced to the exterior façade of the Capitol, where it was not lawfully authorized to remain. At such time, the certification proceedings were still underway, and the exterior doors and windows of the United States Capitol were locked or otherwise secured.

                Along with other members of the crowd, Oliva-Lopez climbed up the stone balustrade of a set of stairs adjacent to the temporary scaffolding erected for the Inauguration. This scaffolding was located well inside the restricted perimeter of the Capitol building and its grounds, and it was in an area that was not open to the public.

                The FBI arrested Oliva-Lopez on Jan. 23, 2024.

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

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Portland and Washington Field Offices, which identified Oliva-Lopez as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #285 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Roles in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose of Southern Oregon Teenager

    Source: US FBI

    MEDFORD, Ore.—Three Oregon men were sentenced to federal prison Thursday for distributing fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a Medford teenager.

    Hunter Fenstermaker, 23, a Medford resident, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and six years’ supervised release; Napoleon Gomez, 22, also of Medford, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and six years’ supervised release; and Conner Lee Francis, 27, of Portland, Oregon, was sentenced to 73 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release. All three were also ordered to pay restitution to the victim’s family.

    According to court documents, on September 7, 2021, officers from the Medford Police Department responded to a report of an overdose death of a local 17-year-old high school student. Investigators soon learned the teenager had taken a counterfeit Percocet pill containing fentanyl, and, within days, identified Fenstermaker, Gomez and Francis as the teen’s first-, second- and third-level drug suppliers.

    On February 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a five-count indictment charging Fenstermaker and Gomez with distributing fentanyl, and Francis with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    On April 9 and June 17, 2024, respectively, Fenstermaker and Gomez pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl to a person under twenty-one. On June 24, 2024, Francis pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

    On May 14, 2024, a fourth individual—John Rocha, 31, of Medford—was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for his role in the Medford teen’s overdose death. Rocha was the teen’s fourth-level drug supplier.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the Medford Police Department, and the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE). It was prosecuted by Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    MADGE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, the Jackson County Community Corrections, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

    The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A Washington State man who admitted to committing at least ten bank robberies, including five while armed, was sentenced today to more than 23 years in federal prison.

    Clifford Court Uptegrove, 61, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced to 280 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, on December 17, 2021, approximately 14 months after being granted a compassionate release from federal prison, Uptegrove entered an Umpqua Bank branch in Hermiston, Oregon, brandished a firearm, and demanded large denomination bills from one of the bank’s tellers. After Uptegrove collected more than $13,000 in cash, he fled the bank and attempted to steal an occupied truck in nearby parking lot.

    Shortly after, a Hermiston police officer spotted Uptegrove and attempted a traffic stop. Uptegrove led the officer on a brief pursuit before stopping and being placed under arrest without further incident.

    On January 19, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Uptegrove with armed bank robbery, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Later, on April 11, 2024, Uptegrove pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Hermiston Police Department and was prosecuted by Cassady Adams and Gregory Nyhus, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Far North Homicide: Police reassure community

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A homicide investigation is continuing into the death of a 77-year-old man in Horeke.

    The investigation has been underway after the man was found critically injured at a property on Waikerikeri Road in the early hours of 22 May.

    He sadly died at the scene.

    Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, of Northland CIB, says a scene examination is ongoing at a property on Waikerikeri Road.

    “A team of 15 investigators are working on the enquiry, with Northland receiving support from other Police districts and from ESR scientists,” he says.

    “Police want to assure the community that no other persons are being sought in relation to this matter.”

    A 73-year-old man, who arrived the Kaikohe Police station on Wednesday night, has been remanded in custody on a range of unrelated charges.

    He will reappear in the Kaikohe District Court next month.

    Enquiries will continue into the 77-year-old man’s death.

    “A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the victim tomorrow,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Clutha

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following a crash in Tapanui this afternoon.

    Just after 3:30pm, Police were called to a single vehicle crash on Station Road.

    The vehicle collided with a garage before catching fire. The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

    Police are making enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash.

    Station Road remains closed while enquiries continue.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Pleads Guilty for Making Online Threats Against Public Servants Including Federal Officials

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Michael Lee Tomasi, 37, of Rio Verde, Arizona, pleaded guilty yesterday to making threats against federal officials. 

    From May 2021 through November 2023, while living in Colorado and Arizona, Tomasi used a social media platform to express a desire to incite violence and threaten a variety of individuals and groups, including a city district attorney, a state court judge, a member of Congress and other federal officials and law enforcement officers. Tomasi pleaded guilty to posting a threat on Aug. 26, 2023, to kill FBI agents in order to impede, intimidate, or interfere with FBI agents’ performance of their official duties. Specifically, Tomasi admitted that, on that day, he posted: “Shoot the FBI first and ask questions later. . . .  Any FBI [] have a problem with that[,] come to my house and see what happens. Shoot before they even pull their guns out of their trunk and you shoot to kill.” 

    “Threats of violence against elected officials, judges, and FBI agents pose immense danger to the physical safety of individual victims and undermine our very system of government,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will hold to account anyone who targets public servants with illegal threats of violence.”

    “Threatening law enforcement officers and elected officials strikes at the heart of our communities and our democracy,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The men and women of the FBI work tirelessly every day to defend our homeland and protect the American people. I am proud of their selfless spirit — putting themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe — and we will hold accountable anyone who threatens them.”

    “This disgruntled defendant threatened officials from all three branches of government,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Moreover, he was prepared to carry out his threats: when arrested he had a loaded handgun in his vehicle, as well as other firearms and body armor in his home. The prosecution of threats offenses makes Americans safer.”

    Tomasi pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond K. Woo and Abbie Broughton Marsh for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-23-01751-PHX-DWL
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-112_Tomasi

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington State Man Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON — A Washington State man was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Thomas Hodo, 47, of Snohomish, Washington, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a capitol building or grounds.

                The FBI arrested Hodo on Aug. 20, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, and he made his initial appearance in the District of Arizona.

                Codefendant Derek Noftsger was previously charged for his role in the events of January 6, 2021.

                 According to court documents, Noftsger and Hodo were identified in open-source video standing near a line of police officers on Jan. 6, 2021, on the West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol grounds.  At approximately 1:37 p.m., Hodo allegedly joined with a group of rioters who attempted to pull a bike rack barricade away from police as Noftsger stood nearby and watched. About one minute later, Hodo walked over to Noftsger and appeared to place a flag in Noftsger’s backpack. Hodo then appeared to take an item from Noftsger bag and threw the item in the direction of the police line.

                About six minutes after throwing an item in the direction of officers, Hodo approached the police line and began to speak using a megaphone. In part, Hodo stated, “it is our constitutional duty, we have to stand up to a tyrannical government, we are not supposed to secede to a tyrannical government,” then went on to claim that he supported the police, before proclaiming that “every treasonous traitor will be hung . . . . we will take our country back.” After handing off the megaphone to another rioter, he looked at the officers on the police line and said, “you guys are a f— disgrace.”

                At approximately 2:26 p.m., multiple rioters began to push against the police line near the two defendants. Officers on the police line pushed the rioters back, and, in response, it is alleged that Noftsger picked up a police officer’s riot shield from the ground and faced a Metropolitan Police Department officer. When officers pushed back a rioter near Noftsger, he allegedly lifted the riot shield above his head with both hands and threw it at the officers.

                It is then alleged that Hodo picked up an object off the ground that appeared to be a canister of pepper spray and attempted to spray it at the officers; however, the canister was not deployed. Hodo then allegedly threw the canister in the direction of the police officers.

                At about 2:28 p.m., rioters on the West Plaza overran the police line and Noftsger and Hodo climbed onto the Southwest Scaffolding. The two men then made their way to the Lower West Terrace and unfurled the flag that they had been carrying. In an open-source video, Hodo can be heard stating, “It could get a lot worse, we came in peace this time, it could get a lot worse, believe me we are well armed if we need to be.”

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

                The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Seattle and Washington Field Offices. Hodo was identified as Bolo (Be on the Lookout) #421 on its seeking information images. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

                In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –