NewzIntel.com

Category: FBI

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Indicted for Scheme to Defraud New Jersey Company of Millions of Dollars

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A California man has been indicted for fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars from a victim company based in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Joseph Rodriguez, 70, of Irvine, California, is charged by indictment with three counts of wire fraud.  Rodriguez was arrested yesterday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Early in Santa Ana, California federal court.

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

    In January 2015, Rodriguez, through his company Old American Incorporated, entered into a factoring agreement with a New Jersey company (identified in the indictment as “Victim-1”) to obtain loans secured or collateralized by accounts receivable.  Under the factoring agreement, in which a business sells its outstanding invoices to a third party for immediate cash, Old American retained control over customer relationships and debt collection and was required to pay back Victim-1 directly within 90 days.

    From February 2023 through July 2023, Rodriguez submitted to Victim-1 fraudulent invoices for future accounts receivable that Rodriguez represented were owed to Old American.  In fact, the customers listed in the invoices Rodriguez provided to Victim-1 did not owe any money to Old American for any outstanding invoices, and there were no accounts payable to turn over.  Based on the fraudulent invoices, Victim-1 made millions of dollars of advance payments to Rodriguez, which he did not return.

    Each of the wire fraud charges carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain to the defendant or loss to the victim, whichever is greatest.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farhana C. Melo and Benjamin D. Bleiberg of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

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

                                                                                         ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Admits Role in $4.8 Million Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida man today admitted his role in a health care fraud and kickback scheme that caused more than $4.8 million in losses to Medicare, United States Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Charles P. Kasbee, Jr., 48, of Palm Beach Shores, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.

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

    From February 2019 to September 2019, Kasbee and his co-conspirators participated in a scheme to submit claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary cancer genetic screening (CGX) tests that were procured through a web of bribes and kickbacks.  Kasbee utilized the services of marketing call centers, which employed deceptive telemarketing techniques to obtain Medicare beneficiaries’ personal and medical information.  Then, Kasbee and others arranged for CGX testing kits to be sent to the identified beneficiaries.  Once the CGX test kits were completed by the beneficiaries, the kits were shipped to a testing laboratory, which submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare.  Kasbee received kickback payments exceeding $1,200 for each CGX test resulting in Medicare reimbursement.

    To conceal the scheme, Kasbee entered into contracts with his co-conspirators that falsely labeled kickback and bribe payments as “expenses.”  Then, Kasbee and his co-conspirators created false invoices that disguised the true reasons for the kickback and bribe payments.  Instead, Kasbee received payments based solely on the number of CGX tests that Medicare reimbursed, in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.    

    As a result of the health care fraud and kickback scheme, Kasbee and his co-conspirators caused a loss to Medicare of more than $4.8 million.

    Conspiracy to commit health care fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the charge.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett J. Schuman of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Unit.

                                                               ###

    Defense counsel:  Joshua S. Lowther, Esq., Atlanta, GA

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Admits Health Care Fraud Scheme for Submitting Falsified Prescriptions to Medicare and Medicaid

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man admitted his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid by submitting falsified prescriptions, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced today.

    Thomas Conzo, 49, of Staten Island, New York, pleaded guilty today, before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of health care fraud.

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

    Defendant Thomas Conzo owned and operated Elite Pharmacy, a specialty pharmacy located in Linden, New Jersey. From August 2022 through March 2023, Conzo submitted hundreds of thousands of dollars of fraudulent claims for prescriptions to health care benefit programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, on behalf of Elite Pharmacy.  Conzo used the credentials of pharmacists who did not work at Elite Pharmacy or otherwise review, sign, or authorize those prescriptions.

    The charge of health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark; and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation leading to the charges.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney George Brandley of the Health Care Fraud and Opioids Enforcement Unit in Newark.

                                                               ###

    Defense counsel:  Maria Noto, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Real Estate Investment Coach Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Connection with a $3 Million Dollar Real Estate Investment Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    CONCORD – A Manchester woman plead guilty today in federal court for operating a fraudulent real estate investment scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Robynne Alexander, age 63, plead guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott scheduled Alexander’ sentencing for October 15, 2025.

    According to the charging documents and statements made in court, beginning in 2018, the defendant, previously a real estate investment coach, began raising funds from her coaching clients for a New England real estate venture, Raxx‑LeMay, LLC. Despite promising to acquire and renovate two commercial properties in Manchester she only raised $700K of the $2M minimum required by the May 2018 deadline. Among the terms of her agreement with investors, if the minimum dollar amount was not raised by that date, investors were to get their money back with interest. Despite not having raised the required minimum dollar amount, the defendant did not return investor money with interest, but instead proceeded to use investor money for purposes that were not permitted under the offering terms. Nevertheless, she completed the purchase in July 2018 using expensive hard‑money loans and improperly diverted investor funds to other entities she controlled, to repay outside investors, and to fund additional projects.

    Over the next few years, the defendant used investor capital across multiple projects without proper authority or disclosure. For example, she transferred the Raxx‑LeMay properties to a new entity she controlled in early 2022, despite lacking investor approval, leaving Raxx‑LeMay with no assets and investors with total losses of about $850,000. In a separate project, Elm and Baker, LLC, Alexander solicited $750,000 to convert a Manchester property to apartments but diverted more than half of the funds to repay unrelated investors and personal loans, culminating in foreclosure on that property in 2023. Similarly, in late 2022, she solicited funds for a large‑scale resort project in Laconia receiving $250,000 from investors toward the purchase before misappropriating at least $75,000 and ultimately failing to close on the property, causing the project to dissolve. Across at least eight ventures, the defendant defrauded at least 24 investors of roughly $3,023,000.

    The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment. The statute provides for a supervised release term of up to 3 years, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.  The Securities and Exchange Commission and the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.

     

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICE Captures Final Delaney Hall Detention Facility Fugitive, Dangerous Criminal Illegal Alien

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The criminal illegal alien fled the Newark facility and ICE captured him in Los Angeles after a month-long manhunt

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) captured an illegal alien detainee who escaped the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey. The individual—Andres Pineda-Mogollon—is one of four dangerous criminal illegal aliens who escaped Delaney Hall on June 12, 2025. He is the final detainee to be captured. 

    “We are tremendously grateful to our brave ICE agents and law enforcement partners for capturing Andres Pineda-Mogollon and the other three dangerous criminal illegal aliens who escaped Delaney Hall. Politicians and activists relentlessly try to smear ICE—but the facts remain true: Delaney Hall houses dangerous criminals, including these four fugitives who committed aggravated assault, burglary, theft and even threatened to kill law enforcement,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Now, these slimeballs no longer pose a threat to public safety.” 

    CAPTURED:

    On July 17, 2025, Andres Pineda-Mogollon, an illegal alien from Colombia, was arrested by ICE in Los Angeles, California. He overstayed a tourist visa and entered the U.S. in 2023 under the Biden administration. On April 25, 2025, the New York City Police Department arrested Pineda-Mogollon for petit larceny. On May 21, 2025, the Union, New Jersey Police Department arrested Pineda-Mogollon for residential burglary, conspiracy residential burglary, and possession of burglary tools.

    On June 13, 2025, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, was arrested by ICE, FBI, and Passaic Police in Passaic, New Jersey. During the arrest, Sandoval-Lopez kicked and threatened to kill the law enforcement officers. This criminal illegal alien’s criminal record includes unlawful possession of a handgun and aggravated assault.

    On June 13, 2025, Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia whose criminal record includes arrests for burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary, attempted to turn himself in to local authorities at the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station. Due to their sanctuary policies, the State Police refused to take him into custody because they do not work with ICE. On June 15, Castaneda-Lozada surrendered himself to Agents from FBI and ICE in Milleville, New Jersey. 

    Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes is an illegal alien from Honduras who illegally entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden administration. On May 3, 2025, the Wayne Township, New Jersey Police Department arrested Bautista for aggravated assault, attempt to cause bodily injury, terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Arranging Utility Services for Thousands of Chicago-Area Properties

    Source: US FBI

    CHICAGO — A man who fraudulently arranged for more than $5 million in utility services to be provided to two thousand Chicago-area properties has pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge.

    DAVID W. BROWN admitted in a plea agreement that he offered to arrange electricity and natural gas services for residential and commercial properties in the Chicago area in return for a fee.  After finding property owners and tenants willing to pay him, Brown opened new accounts for utility services at their addresses, knowing that neither he nor the purported customer intended to pay for it, the plea agreement states.  Brown knew it would typically take 90 days to several months for the utility companies to disconnect service for lack of payment, allowing the addresses to receive free services for significant periods of time. 

    Brown opened the accounts using false customer names and identifying information to deceive the service providers and avoid financial responsibility, the plea agreement states.  Once a utility company initiated the process to terminate, Brown fraudulently continued the service by opening new accounts in the names of different false customers at the same address, the plea agreement states.

    Brown typically received payments ranging from $50 to $150 every few months from the property owners and tenants who received the services, the plea agreement states.  In total, Brown admitted in the plea agreement that from 2017 to 2024, he caused utility companies to fraudulently provide more than $5 million in services to more than two thousand residential and commercial properties in the Chicago area.

    Brown, 55, of Chicago, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a federal wire fraud charge.  The conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge LaShonda A. Hunt set sentencing for Oct. 15, 2025.

    The guilty plea was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick D. Young.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourth Member of Chicago Carjacking and Robbery Crew Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    CHICAGO — A man who committed multiple carjackings and robberies in Chicago, including carjacking a vehicle with an infant in the back seat, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

    DWIGHT HASBERRY, 32, of Chicago, and three others engaged in a series of carjackings and robberies in the overnight hours of Sept. 28 and 29, 2022.  The defendants have been in law enforcement custody since 2022.  On July 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge Manish Shah sentenced Hasberry to 15 years in federal prison.  Earlier this year, Judge Shah sentenced the three other members of the carjacking and robbery crew—DAMANDRE HENLEY, TYLER OATES-NELSON, and DAVARIO MCDOWELL, all of Chicago—to prison terms ranging from 15 to 22 years.

    The sentences were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

    The carjacking involving the infant occurred late on the evening of Sept. 28, 2022, when the four men carjacked a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood.  Henley, Hasberry, and McDowell pointed guns at the driver and the infant in a rear car seat and ordered them out of the vehicle. The driver removed the infant from the car before Henley, Hasberry, and McDowell got into the Volkswagen SUV and drove away.

    A short time later, the four men, now all traveling in the stolen SUV, drove to Chicago’s Ravenswood Manor neighborhood, where Henley, McDowell, and Hasberry robbed one victim at gunpoint of their cell phone, wallet, and keys, and another victim of their backpack.

    The crew then robbed a nearby 7-Eleven convenience store.  With Oates-Nelson waiting in the stolen SUV, Henley, McDowell, and Hasberry entered the store carrying guns.  Henley used his gun to strike a store clerk in the head while forcing him to open the cash register.  The defendants fled the store with cash, cigarettes, and liquor bottles.

    “Defendant’s crimes terrorized innocent Chicagoans and showed a complete disregard for human life, for societal norms, and for the law,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner argued in the government’s memorandum filed with the Court ahead of Hasberry’s sentencing hearing. “Robberies scare away businesses and ruin neighborhoods.  Carjackings like those here not only leave the victims scarred and perhaps looking for new places to live and new jobs, but they impact the sense of safety and security for all Chicagoans.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unauthorized Archaeological Digging of Arrowheads and Illegal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: US FBI

    ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Roy Everett Jordan, Jr., 57, of Georgetown, Louisiana, has been sentenced for the unauthorized removal of archaeological resources and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Jordan to 24 months in prison for the archeological crime, and another 6 months in prison for the firearm possession, for a total of 30 months in prison. After release from prison, Jordan will be on supervised release for 2 years. 

    Jordan was convicted by a federal jury in March of these offenses. Evidence at the trial revealed that U.S. Forest Service agents learned in 2022 that there had been unauthorized digging at four Native American archaeological sites in the Kisatchie National Forest in the Grant Parish, Louisiana. The digging had been done in places where arrowheads and other human-altered stones were known to be present. Through their investigation, agents obtained photo evidence of Jordan being in the area where the digging was taking place. Just a few hours after photo evidence was taken of him conducting unauthorized digging, Jordan made a post on social media about a find that he had made that day in that location and the piece of pottery he found. 

    A search warrant was obtained for Jordan’s residence and upon execution of that warrant, agents found numerous arrowheads and pottery shards. A table covered in a camouflage cloth was found which matched the photo Jordan had posted on social media. In addition, there was an outbuilding/shed on the property that was full of Jordan’s belongings and numerous arrowheads and pottery shards in multiple places. Agents found clothing in the shed that matched what Jordan had worn in the photo evidence that was obtained by law enforcement agents. In addition, agents found and seized a loaded ISSC semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol. Jordan has three prior felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing any firearm or ammunition. 

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police and Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William C. Gaskins.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Officers and Louisiana Business Owner Indicted on Charges of Bribery, Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud, and Mail Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook,  Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eric Delaune, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, announced that a federal grand jury in the Western District of Louisiana has returned an indictment charging five individuals, including law enforcement officers and a central Louisiana business owner, with conspiracy and fraud charges. Those charged in the indictment and a list of their charges are as follows:

    Defendant Name Charges
    Chandrakant Patel a/k/a “Lala,” of Oakdale, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Bribery (1 count)

    Mail Fraud (24 counts)

    Money Laundering (8 counts)
    Chad Doyle, Chief of Police for the City of Oakdale, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Visa Fraud (6 counts)

    Mail Fraud (6 counts)

    Money Laundering (1 count)
    Michael Slaney a/k/a “Freck,” Marshal of the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office in Oakdale, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Visa Fraud (6 counts)

    Mail Fraud (6 counts)

    Money Laundering (2 counts)
    Glynn Dixon, Chief of Police for the City of Forest Hill, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Visa Fraud (6 counts)

    Mail Fraud (6 counts)

    Money Laundering (1 count)
    Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police for the City of Glenmora, LA

    Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud (1 count)

    Visa Fraud (6 counts)

    Mail Fraud (6 counts)

    The 62-count indictment alleges that from on or about December 26, 2015, and continuing until at least July 15, 2025, Patel, Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea conspired together to commit Visa fraud, namely a nonimmigrant U-Visa, which defendants knew to be procured by means of false claims and statements and otherwise procured by fraud and unlawfully obtained by the defendants.

    The indictment alleges that Patel, Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, Onishea, and others, authored, facilitated, produced and authenticated false police reports in several central Louisiana parishes. Each report listed several victims of purported armed robberies in the central Louisiana area and the defendants produced false police reports so that the purported victims of the robberies could apply for U-Visas. 

    Congress created the U nonimmigrant status (“U-Visa”) with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crime while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. Foreign nationals are eligible for a U-Visa if they meet certain criteria, including but not limited to, if they were a victim of qualifying criminal activity that occurred in or violated laws of the U.S., or possessed information about the criminal activity. Qualifying crime victims could apply for U-Visa status by submitting a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; a Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification (“I-918B”) (requires signature of an authorized official of a certifying law enforcement agency confirmation that individual was a victim of a qualifying crime); and evidence to establish each eligibility requirement. 

    The indictment alleges that as part of this conspiracy to defraud, individuals seeking U-Visas (“aliens”) would contact Patel, or another facilitator who would then contact Patel, to be named as “victims” in police reports alleging that an armed robbery had occurred, so that they could submit applications for U-Visas. The indictment also alleges that aliens paid Patel thousands of dollars to participate, and in exchange, Patel would ask his co-conspirators, including Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea, to write false police reports naming the Aliens as victims of alleged armed robberies and provide certification and attestation of U-Visa I-918B supporting documents as representatives of their respective law enforcement agencies.

    It is also alleged in the indictment that Patel did corruptly give, offer, and agree to pay an agent of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office the sum of $5,000 on February 18, 2025, intending to influence and reward said agent in exchange for a fraudulent police report from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

    The indictment further alleges that from approximately September 27, 2023 until December 26, 2024, Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea did knowingly submit false statements with respect to material facts in immigration applications by signing I-918B forms as certifying officials stating that individuals were cooperating victims of crimes, which statements the defendants knew to be false and that the individuals were never victims of the crimes alleged in the I-918B forms. 

    In addition, the indictment alleges that for the purpose of executing the above-described scheme and artifice to defraud, Patel, Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea did commit mail fraud by knowingly placing or causing to be placed in an authorized depository for mail matter, to be sent and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, a private interstate carrier, or a commercial interstate carrier false Form I-918B created and submitted to USCIS.

    Also included in the indictment are money laundering charges and forfeiture allegations against each defendant seeking forfeiture of various bank accounts, real property, and vehicles. 

    If convicted, the defendants each face a sentence of up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy charge; up to 10 years on the visa fraud charges; up to 20 years on the mail fraud charge; and Patel faces up to 10 years on the bribery charge. In addition, they could be ordered to pay a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. 

    This case is being investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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).

    The case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – Fraud Detection and National Security Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Nickel and Danny Siefker.

     An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    # # #

    Attachment:

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Members of MS-13 Clique Indicted on Racketeering Conspiracy in Connection with Three Murders in Baltimore

    Source: US FBI

    Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland unsealed an indictment, charging four members of the Centrales Locos Salvatruchas (CLS) clique of MS-13 in Baltimore, with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Conspiracy.

    This marks the second indictment the Office unsealed this week in connection with MS-13 RICO Act conspiracy activity. On July 15, three other MS-13 members were indicted on RICO Act conspiracy charges in connection with murdering a homeless man and drug trafficking in Prince George’s County.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the CLS indictment with Ivan J. Bates, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City; Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).

    According to the indictment, beginning in at least 2023, the defendants engaged in a racketeering conspiracy as members of MS-13 CLS. They committed multiple murders, engaged in drug distribution, and extorted victims.

    In late November 2023, Eliseo Alexander Lopez Alvarez, 23, of El Salvador, aka “10,” “Zorro,” and “Terrible;” Olvin Josue Posas Alvarenga, 23, of Honduras, aka “Elevado;” and other CLS members used a fake Instagram account, purporting to be a female, to lure a victim to a wooded area in southeast Baltimore where they murdered the victim. Additionally, in March 2024, Kevin Cuestas, 20, of Honduras, aka “Mickey” and “Gemelo,” and another CLS member, shot and killed a victim on a southeast Baltimore street before fleeing in a getaway car. Then in April 2024, Josue Anibal Guerra Ramos, 20, of Honduras, aka “Flaco,” and another CLS member, shot two victims on a southeast Baltimore street, killing one of them. All four defendants also conspired to distribute marijuana to raise funds for CLS, and CLS members extorted individuals by threatening to use force, violence, and fear.

    The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. O’Donohue III and Kenneth S. Clark who are prosecuting the case, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their assistance throughout the investigation.

    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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Additionally, this operation is part of Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, we are aggressively restoring safety in our communities across the country.

    Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement.  The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know.  You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three MS-13 Members Charged with RICO Conspiracy Involving Murder

    Source: US FBI

    Greenbelt, Maryland – Three men, who are alleged members and associates of the notorious gang La Mara Salvatrucha — commonly known as MS-13 — have made their initial appearance in the District of Maryland. The men are charged for their roles in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy, including murder and drug trafficking.

    According to court documents, on July 4, 2024, Maxwell Ariel Quijano-Casco, 24, of El Salvador; Daniel Isaias Villanueva-Bautista, 19, of El Salvador; and Josue Mauricio Lainez, 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland, allegedly killed a homeless man in connection with their involvement with MS-13. Then on July 5, a passerby called 911 after discovering the deceased victim sitting in a blue 2008 Dodge Caravan parked in a used-car lot in Hyattsville, Maryland.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Jose A. Perez, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Criminal Investigative Division; and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

    As outlined in court documents, upon arrival, law enforcement located the deceased victim, who appeared to have been stabbed in the neck.  Investigators arrived on scene and obtained video surveillance from a neighboring business that captured the incident.  The surveillance video shows that on July 4, at approximately 11:35 p.m., Quijano-Casco and another person approached the victim on foot. The homeless victim then wielded what appears to be a metal pole at Quijano-Casco. Then Quijano-Casco and the other person fled on foot and the homeless victim returned to the blue Dodge Caravan.

    Approximately 15 minutes later, Quijano-Casco returned with co-defendants Villanueva-Bautista and Lainez, along with another person. At approximately 11:48 p.m., video surveillance shows that all four perpetrators approached the blue Dodge Caravan. Then Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, Lainez, and an unnamed person opened the van’s rear sliding driver’s side door, reached inside, and exhibited movements as if they were striking someone. The victim did not exit the blue Dodge Caravan after the attack.

    “The brutal retaliatory murder of this victim is a chilling reminder of the MS-13 gang’s callous disregard for human life,” Hayes said.  “Those who assault and kill others must be brought to justice and ultimately held accountable for their actions.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland will continue to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations that terrorize our communities.” 

    “MS-13 is an especially brutal gang,” Galeotti said. “Instead of simply walking away from an altercation with a homeless man, defendants returned to the scene and allegedly murdered the victim while he was sitting calmly inside a vehicle. Bringing those who commit violent crime to justice is one of the highest priories for the Criminal Division, and we will continue to work to make our communities secure.” 

    “The FBI and our partners are committed to using every tool available to prevent violent criminals from terrorizing the communities they live in,” Perez said. “We will not let up. We will relentlessly pursue those who engage in violent activity like murder and drug trafficking until they are held accountable.”

    On August 23, PGPD arrested Quijano-Casco and Villanueva-Bautista. At the time of his arrest, Quijano-Casco possessed a black Ruger P95DC semi-automatic handgun and approximately eight grams of cocaine. Quijano-Caso and Villanueva admitted that they were present for the altercation that resulted in the homeless man’s death. Additionally, Quijano-Casco admitted to stabbing the individual but claimed he did so in self-defense.

    Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, and Lainez are all charged with RICO conspiracy, including the July 4, murder. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Crespo and William Moomau, along with the Department of Justice Trial Attorney Christina Taylor, who are prosecuting the federal case. 

    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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement.  The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know.  You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Drug Trafficking Organization That Distributed Controlled Substances Shaped to Resemble Candy Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    An estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder seized during the investigation

    BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts. In November 2023, millions of doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder with street value estimated to be over $7 million, were seized from a stash location and clandestine laboratory used by organization.

    Deiby Felix, 41, of Lynn, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2025, Felix pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to manufacture and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and other controlled substances; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Felix was arrested and charged along with Emilio Garcia and Sebastien Bejin in November 2023.

    In July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem led investigators to a DTO led by Felix, Bejin and Garcia. On Nov. 1, 2023, searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn that resulted in what is believed to be one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region. The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy. Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized. During the course of the investigation over 75 kilograms (198 pounds) of fentanyl and methamphetamine was seized, along with multiple additional kilograms of cocaine and dozens of kilograms of cutting agents, including xylazine, that is used to adulterate controlled substances.

    In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.

    Searches of Felix’s residence resulted in the seizure of more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, a firearm and a clandestine drug laboratory that had been built into a small room in the basement. Multiple industrial pill presses, mixing equipment and other manufacturing paraphernalia and equipment were also recovered.

    Bejin was sentenced in May 2025 to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In May 2025, Garcia was sentenced to 18 years in prison, to be followed five years of supervised release.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Lynn, Lynnfield and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trinitarios Leader Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – The former leader of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on RICO conspiracy charges.

    Aaron Diaz Liranzo, a/k/a “Sosa,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Nathaniel M. Gorton to 14 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2025, Diaz Liranzo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. Diaz Liranzo was arrested and charged in February 2025 at which time he was the Leader of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios. 

    The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Trinitarios adhere to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to or organize and execute violence, and undertaken extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members.  

    In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members.

    During a period from at least 2021 through 2025, Diaz Liranzo served as the Primera or Number One of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios. Diaz Liranzo admitted to participating in a shooting that took place in March 2019 that targeted multiple rival gang members outside of a Lynn nightclub. The victims were lured there by another member, who posed as a woman who needed a ride. Equipped with a firearm and knowledge of the victim’s whereabouts and vehicle they were driving, the defendant travelled to the nightclub and opened fire on the vehicle, discharging at least six rounds. During the incident, Diaz Liranzo shot two of the three victims seated in the car. Both victims suffered life-threatening injuries, but ultimately survived the incident.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office; the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office (NH); and the Andover, Boston, Lawrence, Peabody and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wilbraham Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Public Officials, Private Individuals, and Children

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A Wilbraham man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to making numerous violent threats on social media targeting public figures, private individuals, children in Wilbraham and Boston, and an elementary school in Springfield.

    Funwayo Mbilini Nyawo, also known as “Jonathan Funwayo Nyawo,” “Michael Jacobs” “Robert, Jacobs,” and “Carl Fields,” 37, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of interstate transmission of threatening communications and one count of stalking through facilities of interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2025. In March 2025, Nyawo was indicted by a federal grand jury. Nyawo was previously arrested on Feb. 5, 2025 in the Southern District of Florida and ordered detained until his appearance in federal court in Springfield, which will be scheduled at a later date.

    Between July 30, 2024 and Oct. 1, 2024, Nyawo posted various threatening communications on X (formerly known as Twitter). These threats explicitly referenced killing, shooting, or bombing; targeted a wide variety of public figures, private individuals and sensitive public locations such as shopping malls and an elementary school; and often urged Islamic terrorist groups or holy warriors to commit these acts of violence.

    Nyawo’s threats included threats to kill an elected United States official (and their family), a former United States official (and their family); a former member of a Massachusetts police department (and their family); two private individuals; local officials and their family members; the children of Wilbraham and Boston; members of the Wilbraham Police Department and Wilbraham Fire Department (and their families); and targeted two shopping malls and an elementary school in Springfield, among others.

    In addition, between Aug. 17, 2024 and on or about Oct. 1, 2024, Nyawo used X to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate the elected United States official, their spouse, their child, their child’s spouse and their grandchildren.

    All of the charges provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and J. Thomas Manger of the United States Capital Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Wilbraham Police Department, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wilbraham Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Public Officials, Private Individuals, and Children

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A Wilbraham man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to making numerous violent threats on social media targeting public figures, private individuals, children in Wilbraham and Boston, and an elementary school in Springfield.

    Funwayo Mbilini Nyawo, also known as “Jonathan Funwayo Nyawo,” “Michael Jacobs” “Robert, Jacobs,” and “Carl Fields,” 37, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of interstate transmission of threatening communications and one count of stalking through facilities of interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2025. In March 2025, Nyawo was indicted by a federal grand jury. Nyawo was previously arrested on Feb. 5, 2025 in the Southern District of Florida and ordered detained until his appearance in federal court in Springfield, which will be scheduled at a later date.

    Between July 30, 2024 and Oct. 1, 2024, Nyawo posted various threatening communications on X (formerly known as Twitter). These threats explicitly referenced killing, shooting, or bombing; targeted a wide variety of public figures, private individuals and sensitive public locations such as shopping malls and an elementary school; and often urged Islamic terrorist groups or holy warriors to commit these acts of violence.

    Nyawo’s threats included threats to kill an elected United States official (and their family), a former United States official (and their family); a former member of a Massachusetts police department (and their family); two private individuals; local officials and their family members; the children of Wilbraham and Boston; members of the Wilbraham Police Department and Wilbraham Fire Department (and their families); and targeted two shopping malls and an elementary school in Springfield, among others.

    In addition, between Aug. 17, 2024 and on or about Oct. 1, 2024, Nyawo used X to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate the elected United States official, their spouse, their child, their child’s spouse and their grandchildren.

    All of the charges provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and J. Thomas Manger of the United States Capital Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Wilbraham Police Department, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Sentenced for Florissant Bank Robbery

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Tuesday sentenced a man who robbed a Florissant bank in 2022 and fired a gun at a witness to 138 months in prison.

    Jeffery Alexander, 64, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis February to one count of bank robbery, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted robbing a bank in the 1000 block of North Highway 67 on April 13, 2022.

    During the robbery, Alexander pointed a handgun at employees and demanded that a teller put money in a bag. He was wearing a dark rain poncho, a mask and blue nitrile gloves.

    A witness saw the robbery and followed Alexander, who fired a shot at the witness’ vehicle so he could get away. Police quickly found Alexander in a neighborhood about two miles away, sitting in his Dodge Ram with the money from the robbery, his disguise and his Hi-Point .40-caliber pistol.

    Alexander is a convicted felon, having been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 1981-armed robbery in Illinois and 55 years for a second armed robbery conviction there.

    The case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley M. Walker prosecuted the case.   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND – Yesterday, Luis Banegas Rodriguez, 25 years old, of Honduras, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in two cases, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.

    Banegas Rodriguez was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution.

    According to documents in each case, on January 11, 2023, Banegas Rodriguez and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three branches of the same bank in the Northern District of Indiana. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a company that operates dairy farms in the Northern District of Indiana.

    Almost six months later, on June 23, 2023, Banegas Rodriguez and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    “Banegas Rodriguez participated in a far-reaching conspiracy that caused major financial harm to community banks and small businesses across the United States. Due to the unwavering efforts and collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, Banegas Rodriguez was brought to justice for his role in this scheme,” said Proctor. “The sentence imposed by the court sends a message that there are real consequences for engaging in fraud, particularly in northwest Indiana.”

    “The illicit actions of co-conspirators to commit bank fraud as they travel throughout the United States will not be tolerated,” said Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Chicago. “HSI will continue to partner with our fellow law enforcement agencies to disrupt these types of offenders and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

    These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, and the Houston (Texas) Police Department. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: McMinnville Repeat Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl in Oregon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.— A McMinnville, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing and distributing fentanyl in Oregon.

    Travis Charles Donnahoo, 46, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, on March 12, 2023, officers from the McMinnville Police Department arrested Donnahoo, who has a long history of drug trafficking including five prior state convictions for distributing drugs in Oregon, on four outstanding warrants issued for his arrest. The officers searched Donnahoo and seized a firearm, cash, and a black zippered case. The following day, on March 13, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant on the black case and found 145 grams of methamphetamine and 322 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.   

    On March 22, 2023, Donnahoo was charged by criminal complaint with possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.

    On April 8, 2025, Donnahoo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, McMinnville Police Department, and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

    If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

    If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Plead Guilty To Money Laundering In Connection With Phishing Scams That Targeted SF-Based Company, Other Victims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – George Aboagye and Dennis Jordan pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with their roles in online phishing scams.  Aboagye entered his guilty plea today and Jordan pleaded guilty on July 10, 2025.  

    Aboagye, 44, who previously resided in Stone Mountain, Ga., and Jordan, 39, who previously resided in Dallas, Texas, were originally indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024 and charged by superseding informations in July 2025.

    According to court documents and the plea agreements, in December 2019, Aboagye laundered $922,445.34 fraudulently obtained from a San Francisco-based business through a business email compromise scam.  Employees at the victim business received a fraudulent email that purported to be from one of the business’s actual service providers.  The email induced employees at the victim business to send a wire transfer in the amount of $922,445.34 to a bank account for a fake company.  Aboagye and others used the fake company’s bank account to receive and launder the proceeds from this scam.  

    To conceal the source of the fraudulently obtained funds, portions of the $922,445.34 were distributed to Aboagye and other individuals, including Jordan, who deposited a $20,000 cashier’s check derived from the fraud proceeds into a bank account he set up under another fake business name.  

    Aboagye also wired other ill-gotten proceeds into accounts held in his name, including portions of $173,315.70 fraudulently obtained from a North Dakota state agency in May 2020 as part of a business email compromise and fraudulent payments totaling $80,300 from the Small Business Administration in August 2020.  In sum, Aboagye admitted to laundering between $1.5 million to $3.5 million in fraudulent proceeds.

    Jordan also admitted to using multiple fake companies and identities to open bank accounts, which he then used to receive funds from various victims, including $15,000 in January 2020 from a victim in California who believed the money was going to be used to obtain a shipment of gold from Australia, and $40,000 in April 2020 from a victim in California who believed the money was being used to help Covid-19 research.  Jordan also used one such account to obtain a $220,000 loan through the Small Business Administration’s Covid-19 Paycheck Protection Program.  Jordan used some of these funds to purchase a residence for himself in Dallas.  In sum, Jordan admitted to laundering $336,600 in fraudulent proceeds.  

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    Both defendants have remained in custody since their arrests and both were remanded into custody following their guilty pleas.  Jordan and Aboagye are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin.  Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.  Any sentence will 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.

    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.

    Assistant United States Attorneys S. Waqar Hasib and Kevin Yeh are prosecuting the case.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Admits ATM Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – David Degrasse, age 59, of West Warwick, Rhode Island, pled guilty on Tuesday to interstate transportation of stolen property. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

    Degrasse admitted that in the early morning of April 27, 2023, he sawed into an ATM in a restaurant in Catskill, New York; removed approximately $9,300; and transported that money out of New York.  He also acknowledged that he cut the alarm wires of a convenience store in Hillsdale, New York, and entered the store before abandoning that effort to go to the Catskill restaurant.  Degrasse further admitted he sawed into and stole cash from ATMs in Walden, New York; Pine Plains, New York; Lenox, New York; Concord, Massachusetts; and Bagdad, Kentucky.  Degrasse admitted to stealing a total of more than $55,000 from the ATMs.  As part of his plea, Degrasse has agreed to forfeit the $9,300 from the Catskill theft and pay restitution. 

    Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “David Degrasse’s multi-state crime spree is over. His arrest and prosecution should put an end to his despicable targeting and burglarizing of small businesses.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Degrasse’s arrest should send a clear message that the FBI will work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable any criminal who decides to target our small businesses for their own personal gain.”

    NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable who prey on small businesses and violate the safety of our communities. I commend the work of our Troopers and Investigators, along with our federal partners at the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their efforts in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”

    At sentencing, Degrasse, who is in custody, faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  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.

    The FBI and NYSP investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kilo Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl throughout Eastern North Carolina. Joshua Vines, 40, admitted to conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and pleaded guilty earlier this year.

    According to court records and evidence presented at sentencing, on October 25, 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were conducting surveillance on a vehicle registered to co-defendant Nigel Gray. They observed the car parked outside a Dollar General in Elizabeth City, where a passenger and co-defendant, Omar Cardenas, exited and got into another vehicle. Both cars then left the area.

    Law enforcement later stopped the vehicle, driven by Vines, in Nashville, NC. During the stop, Vines contacted Gray by phone to ask for the car’s registration information. A trained K-9 alerted to the vehicle, prompting a search. Inside, officers found approximately 30,000 pills containing fentanyl or para-fluorofentanyl, with a combined weight of 1.5 kilograms, along with an additional kilogram of fentanyl powder. Vines had texted Gray that they were being detained and requested consent to search the vehicle. The group had planned to distribute the drugs in the Raleigh area.

    Gray and Cardenas have already been sentenced in federal court for their roles in the conspiracy.

    Vines has prior felony convictions for discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle, trafficking heroin, and trafficking cocaine by transportation.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. HSI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, the Raleigh Police Department, the Nashville Police Department, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Severo and Katherine Englander 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-00076.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Recovers Over $6 Million in Forfeited Assets From Miami Couple Sentenced to Nine- and Three-Year Prison Terms for Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracies

    Source: US FBI

    MIAMI – On July 10, 2025, Magaly Travieso, 54, of Miami, Fla., was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and Yudorki Ramirez, 53, of Miami, Fla., was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    Travieso was an advanced practitioner registered nurse and the owner of ProMed Healthcare, L.L.C., a medical clinic that purportedly provided back and shoulder braces, physical therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and other mental health therapy services to beneficiaries with commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage Plans, and to Medicaid recipients. From approximately March 2019 through at least January 2023, Travieso conspired with others to submit over $20 million in fraudulent claims for reimbursement, of which ProMed received over $10 million.

    Specifically, Travieso and her co-conspirators paid patients illegal kickbacks and fabricated medical records to substantiate thousands of insurance claims for medically unnecessary goods and services—and services that ProMed never even provided. For example, Travieso and other ProMed mental health counselors completed progress notes for “psychosocial rehabilitation” (“PSR”) with fabricated stock quotes of PSR patients that they copied throughout records of dozens of different elderly patients. ProMed’s medical records even copied the typos in those fabricated quotes. Travieso and others’ PSR progress notes not only copied participant responses, the notes also fabricated observations, results, and other medical notations.

    Once ProMed’s health care fraud proceeds were deposited into ProMed’s bank accounts, Travieso and her former spouse, Ramirez, used the fraud proceeds for their personal use and benefit.  For example, Travieso spent approximately $75,000 in proceeds on the purchase of a 2021 Land Rover Range Rover in the name of ProMed and approximately $750,000 in proceeds on the purchase of her residence in Miami, Florida.  Similarly, Ramirez spent approximately $141,923.02 of proceeds on the purchase of his residence in Miami.  Ramirez also laundered approximately $2,068,904.55 of health care fraud proceeds into his investment accounts.  In June 2024, pursuant to seizure warrants, law enforcement seized Travieso’s Range Rover and over $4 million in health care fraud proceeds from bank accounts belonging to Travieso and Ramirez. Since then, law enforcement has recovered over $2 million in additional forfeited assets, and the Court ordered Travieso and Ramirez to pay millions more to the Government and the victims.

    Hayden P. O’Byrne, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Miami Field Office, Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Lynch of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Miami Field Office, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Florida Office of the Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Egozi prosecuted the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster handled asset forfeiture.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-CR-20074-KMM.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wentzville, Missouri, Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Distributing Methamphetamine

    Source: US FBI

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Wentzville, Missouri, man, Mark Randle, 44, was sentenced on July 15, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 210 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.

    Randle was indicted in October 2020 and pleaded guilty in March 2025.

    The statutory penalties for distributing methamphetamine in this case were no less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $20,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.

    This case was investigated by the Illinois State Police; the Quincy Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two District Men Ordered to Be Held Without Bond in Violent Armed Kidnapping and Carjacking

    Source: US FBI

               WASHINGTON – Damon Middleton, 32, and Michael Alston, 27, both of the District of Columbia, were ordered to be held without bond today following their arrests for armed kidnapping and carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                According to court documents, on May 9, 2025, a male victim was parking his Dodge Caravan at his home in the District when he was approached by two men who hit him on the head and demanded money. One of the subjects allegedly took the victim’s keys, entered his apartment, and ransacked it.

                The two men then drove the victim in the victim’s Dodge Caravan to various Maryland ATMs to withdraw funds from the victim’s CashApp and bank accounts. The men eventually left the victim zip-tied in Hyattsville, Maryland, and drove off in his vehicle. Law enforcement later located the torched remains of the victim’s Dodge Caravan within the District.

                Middleton and Alston were charged in an indictment, which was unsealed on July 11, 2025, on charges of federal kidnapping and transportation of a stolen vehicle, as well as District of Columbia charges of armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabena Auyeung and Mark Levy.

     

    25cr190

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Maryland Police Officer Sentenced to 74 Months for Excessive Use of Force in the District

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – Philip Dupree, 40, a former police officer with the Fairmount Heights, Maryland Police Department, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 74 months in prison following his conviction at trial on June 17, 2024, in connection with violating a man’s civil rights by using unreasonable force, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                A federal jury found Dupree guilty on June 17, 2024, of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In addition to the 74-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Dupree to serve threeyears of supervised release.

                “When the defendant used unnecessary and excessive force on a man in handcuffs, he violated his duty and betrayed his oath to serve and protect,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The Court’s sentence serves as a stark reminder that members of law enforcement must not break the faith with the communities we all serve.”

                According to court documents, Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police officer during the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2019, when he conducted a traffic stop on Eastern Avenue NE, in the District of Columbia. After detaining the driver and the driver’s sister, Officer Dupree pepper-sprayed the driver in the face while the driver was handcuffed and seated in Dupree’s police car.  The jury found that Dupree’s use of force constituted excessive force by a law enforcement officer.

                “Our government requires police officers to abide by the laws they enforce and to protect the constitutional rights of all persons in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “Dupree abused his authority as a police officer, and today Dupree was held accountable for his actions.”

                “Law enforcement officers have a duty to enforce the laws while protecting the rights of those they serve,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Today’s sentence underscores this responsibility and demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to pursue public servants who abuse their positions of power and trust.”

                The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    22cr275

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Maryland Police Officer Sentenced to 74 Months for Excessive Use of Force in the District

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – Philip Dupree, 40, a former police officer with the Fairmount Heights, Maryland Police Department, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 74 months in prison following his conviction at trial on June 17, 2024, in connection with violating a man’s civil rights by using unreasonable force, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                A federal jury found Dupree guilty on June 17, 2024, of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In addition to the 74-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Dupree to serve threeyears of supervised release.

                “When the defendant used unnecessary and excessive force on a man in handcuffs, he violated his duty and betrayed his oath to serve and protect,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The Court’s sentence serves as a stark reminder that members of law enforcement must not break the faith with the communities we all serve.”

                According to court documents, Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police officer during the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2019, when he conducted a traffic stop on Eastern Avenue NE, in the District of Columbia. After detaining the driver and the driver’s sister, Officer Dupree pepper-sprayed the driver in the face while the driver was handcuffed and seated in Dupree’s police car.  The jury found that Dupree’s use of force constituted excessive force by a law enforcement officer.

                “Our government requires police officers to abide by the laws they enforce and to protect the constitutional rights of all persons in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “Dupree abused his authority as a police officer, and today Dupree was held accountable for his actions.”

                “Law enforcement officers have a duty to enforce the laws while protecting the rights of those they serve,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Today’s sentence underscores this responsibility and demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to pursue public servants who abuse their positions of power and trust.”

                The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    22cr275

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Health Care Worker Pleads Guilty to Double Billing District of Columbia Medicaid Programs

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – Amstrong Chapajong, 38, of Cheverly, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of health care fraud after billing the District of Columbia’s Medicaid program for services never provided.

                The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas of the D.C. Office of the Inspector General (DC-OIG).

                According to court documents, from March 2020 to January 2022, Chapajong worked as a personal care aide (PCA) and a community support worker (CSW) within the District of Columbia.  PCA services are intended to assist Medicaid beneficiaries in performing activities of daily living, and CSW services include support for mental-health consumers’ recovery and wellness in community settings.  Chapajong admitted to repeatedly submitting false timesheets to his employers, claiming to have provided in-person care as a PCA and telephonic behavioral health services as a CSW to multiple District beneficiaries simultaneously while at different locations.  Through this scheme, he caused the District’s Medicaid Program to pay $113,243 for duplicative services he did not render.

                The Honorable Randolph D. Moss accepted the plea, and scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2026. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Chapajong faces a possible sentence of up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $40,000.  As part of his plea agreement, Chapajong agreed to pay $113,243 in restitution and is subject to forfeiture of his assets.

                This case was jointly investigated by the FBI, the HHS-OIG, and the DC-OIG’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.  The District Department of Health Care Finance’s Division of Program Integrity initially referred this matter and provided assistance during the investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Facci, who is on detail from the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.

    25cr180

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Snohomish Man Who Provided Tactical Training to Extremist Groups Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun Possession

    Source: US FBI

    Seattle – An Army veteran who illegally possessed high powered firearms was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Kyle Christopher Benton, 29, was arrested in September 2024, following an investigation of his activities both online and in person involving high-powered weapons. Benton possessed both unregistered, short barrel rifles and machineguns, weapons capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. Moreover, he used these weapons to further his standing with various racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist groups and groups espousing white supremacy.

    At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, “You not only illegally possessed extremely dangerous firearms, but you bragged about it and put on firearms trainings for others while doing so.”

    According to records filed in the case, Benton was investigated by the FBI after he was discharged from the United States Army and after he threatened to kill his wife. The investigation revealed Benton operated multiple social media accounts where he posted violent extremist content, neo-Nazi propaganda, and anti-Semitic materials. But it was not just online activity. Benton participated in “hate rallies” and other gatherings located in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho in furtherance of his white supremacist views. Drawing upon his military training and veteran status, he led workshops about firearms for various white supremacy groups.

    On September 6, 2024, law enforcement executed a court authorized search warrant at Benton’s Snohomish home and seized a firearm resembling an M16 rifle that fired in a fully automatic fashion. They also seized an uninstalled drop-in auto sear (which makes a gun fire like a machinegun) and two rifles with overall barrel lengths of less than 16 inches. Such guns must be registered under the National Firearms Act.

    On March 28, 2025, Benton pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.

    In asking for a 30-month sentence Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne wrote to the court, “while Benton was in possession of these weapons, he was actively engaged with groups encouraging racially or ethnically motivated violence and white supremacy. Benton

     used the firearms along with his military experience to establish himself within the groups. While engaged with these groups he put on workshops about firearms and held tactical trainings for group members.”

    In his letter to the court, Benton now disavows his white supremacist views.

    The case was investigated by the FBI.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian J. Wynne. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterbury Cocaine Distributor Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARMELO CANCEL, also known as “Bebe,” 31, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for supplying cocaine to two Waterbury drug trafficking organizations.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury.  One organization was headed by Angel Quiros, also known as “Papa John,” and operated in the area of William Street, and the other was headed by Daniel Diaz-Rivera and operated in the area of Maple Avenue.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers.  Cancel supplied cocaine to both organizations, which worked together to further their operations.

    Cancel, Quiros, Diaz-Rivera, and 14 other individuals were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation.  Cancel and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023.  In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash.

    On April 23, 2025, Cancel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.  Released on $100,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on September 17.

    Quiros and Diaz-Rivera pleaded guilty to related charges.  Quiros awaits sentencing and, on June 23, 2025, Diaz-Rivera was sentenced to 210 months of imprisonment.

    The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Are Sentenced To 10+ Years In Prison For Drug And Gun Charges

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Christopher Murrita Diaz, 20, and Gustavo Vergara Avalos, 21, both of Monroe, N.C., were each sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by a term of supervised release yesterday for drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Both Diaz and Avalos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a machinegun. Diaz also pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine, transfer of a machinegun, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Sheriff Eddie Cathey of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.

    According to court documents and court proceedings, law enforcement initiated and investigation into Diaz after they learned he was selling cocaine and machinegun conversion devices, commonly referred to as a “Glock switches.” During the investigation, Diaz sold cocaine to a confidential informant working with the ATF, 28 Glock switches, a firearm, two AR style firearms, and a machinegun. At least one of the sales of contraband occurred at Vergara-Avalos’ residence. In October 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where they seized a total of 10 firearms, 26 Glock switches, and more cocaine.     

    Both men are in custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    The ATF and Union the Union County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The U.S.

    Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –