NewzIntel.com

Category: Federal Bureau of Investigation

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Safe Streets Task Force Arrests Homicide Fugitive From Washington State

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    On February 24, 2025, the FBI Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, with assistance from the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force and the Orem Police Department, arrested 20-year-old Jose Antonio Cedeno-Ponce, wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred on January 10, 2025, in King County, Washington. Law enforcement encountered Cedeno-Ponce at a business in Utah County and took him into custody without incident.

    “Task forces allow law enforcement to seamlessly work together with the shared goal of keeping our communities safe,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “It’s important that the defendant face the serious charges brought against him.”

    Cedeno-Ponce has been charged in the Superior Court of Washington for King County with Murder in the Second Degree. According to the court documents, Cedeno-Ponce drove to a location in Tukwila to engage in a fight with high schoolers and armed himself with a knife before anyone approached him. During the fight, he fatally struck the victim. Cedeno-Ponce subsequently left the state and abandoned his vehicle in Idaho.

    Cedeno-Ponce is currently being held at the Utah County Jail where he will await extradition to Washington state. The public should be reminded that the above are merely allegations and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    The FBI Safe Streets Task Force is made up of agents and law enforcement from Salt Lake City, West Valley City, and Springville Police Departments. The Task Force investigates violent crime and gang violence in the greater Salt Lake Metro area.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sex Offender Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a registered sex offender caught with child sexual abuse material to 130 months in prison. 

    Thomas O. Stroud Jr., 43, of Wappapello, in Wayne County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in November to possession of child pornography.

    According to court documents, Stroud has a prior federal conviction for possessing child pornography in 2009.  Following his release from federal prison, Stroud was required to register as a sex offender.  He was also placed on a 40-year term of supervised release.  In March 2024, while Stroud was serving his term of supervised release, Stroud’s probation officer discovered that he had been using a cell phone to communicate with someone in Indiana.  During the communications, Stroud obtained several images of child pornography.  

    After serving his 130-month sentence, Stroud will once again be placed on supervised release.    

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Probation Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Middle School Teacher Admits Child Pornography Charge

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ST. LOUIS – A former St. Louis County, Missouri middle school teacher on Wednesday admitted possessing hundreds of images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.

    Scott R. Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of child pornography. Ellis admitted possessing 72 images containing child abuse material on his cell phone and about 700 videos and more than 900 images in his Mega cloud storage account.

    The investigation began with two cyber tipline reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child pornography in Ellis’ Google account.

    Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3. The charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

    The FBI and the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Special Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pikeville Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Pikeville, Ky. man, Christopher Springfield, 43, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves to 172 months, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 28 grams of cocaine. 

    According to his plea agreement, in April and May of 2024, law enforcement used a confidential informant to make two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Springfield. On May 24, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence Springfield occupied, and located over 400 grams of methamphetamine, over 200 grams of fentanyl, over 100 grams of cocaine, a firearm, and $18,537 in cash. Springfield admitted to possessing these substances and intended to distribute them. 

    In 2011, Springfield had previously been sentenced to 92 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    Under federal law, Springfield must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    — END —

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

    Source: US State of California

    Mansuri Manuchekhri, 33, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, was arrested today for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States, and immigration fraud. Manuchekhri was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon in the Eastern District of New York.

    “Under no circumstances will my Department of Justice tolerate terrorism,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We stand ready to find, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to harm American citizens with the full force of the law. I stand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who work to keep Americans safe and evil off our streets.” 

    “The defendant allegedly supported ISIS and sent thousands of dollars overseas to individuals connected to ISIS,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI is focused on preventing acts of terrorism and ISIS has a long and violent record of harming U.S. citizens. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to find and hold accountable those who assist terrorists and endanger the safety of Americans at home or abroad.”

    “The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue those who fund and support terrorists,” said Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will not allow our immigration or financial systems to be exploited. Our country will not be a safe haven for those who try to harm Americans.”

    “As alleged, the defendant facilitated thousands of dollars in contributions to ISIS extremists overseas,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “Protecting the homeland and prosecuting evildoers who assist terrorist organizations by funding their violent and hateful agenda, here and abroad, will always be a priority of this office.”   

    As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016. In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States. However, he failed to provide supporting documentation that was requested of him and his petition was never granted. 

    As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016. In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States. However, he failed to provide supporting documentation that was requested of him and his petition was never granted.

    From approximately December 2021 through April 2023, while residing in Brooklyn, Manuchekhri facilitated more than $50,000 in payments to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey and Syria, including to an individual who was later arrested by Turkish authorities for his alleged involvement in a January 2024 terrorist attack on a church in Istanbul for which ISIS-K publicly claimed responsibility. Manuchekhri expressed his support for ISIS to others by praising past ISIS attacks in the United States and by collecting jihadi propaganda videos promoting violence and martyrdom.

    The complaint further alleges that Manuchekhri possessed and used firearms and made frequent visits to shooting ranges even though he was prohibited from doing so as an alien unlawfully in the United States. In February 2022, Manuchekhri recorded himself firing an assault rifle at a shooting range in New Jersey and sent the video to one of the ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey with the message, “Praise God, I am ready, brother.”

    If convicted, Manuchekhri faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Pollack and Andrew D. Reich for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorneys John Cella, Andrea Broach, George Kraehe, and Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colón.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Double Murder and Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer on the Colville Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on February 26, 2025, Zachary L. Holt, age 24, and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley (a/k/a “Privilege”), age 36, were sentenced on seventeen counts including Felony Murder in Indian Country, Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, Robbery Affecting Commerce, as well as several firearm offenses. Holt also was sentenced for First-Degree Murder in Indian Country and Murder Resulting from Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Holt and Tenzsley were convicted of these crimes on November 25, 2024, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced both men to life in prison, which was the mandatory sentence for Holt and Tenzsley’s crimes.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and numerous federal agencies came together to secure some measure of justice on behalf of the victims in this case,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker, who served as a lead counsel on the case from the start. “This was a complicated investigation and trial, involving nearly sixty witnesses.  The U.S. Attorneys Office would not have been able to present this case without the sacrifices of our incredible law enforcement team.” 

    According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, Holt and Tenzsley went on a six-week crime spree that began in September 2022 in Northern Idaho and continued until the Defendants’ arrests in Eastern Washington on October 21, 2022. Over these six weeks, Defendants Holt and Tenzsley committed home invasions as well as a robbery in Northern Idaho, and then took their firearms and much of the stolen property into Eastern Washington, where they shot and killed Gale and Jeremy Neal at roughly 4:21 p.m. on October 20, 2022, in Keller, Washington. Gale and Jeremy Neal were shot twice inside their trailer during a failed robbery. Eyewitnesses described three armed men wearing masks, who arrived at the trailer in a red sedan. Surveillance video presented at trial showed the red sedan arrive at about 4:19 p.m. and depart two minutes and ten seconds later, at 4:21 p.m., just moments after the murder.

    Approximately 30 minutes before the murders, Holt and Tenzsley were driving on a dirt road in the Keller area. Holt, who was speeding, swerved to miss a school bus, causing Holt’s vehicle to roll over into a ditch. Minutes later, Holt’s brother, Curry Pinkham, pulled up in the red sedan to give both Holt and Tenzsley a ride.  Just before getting into the car, Holt and Tenzsley moved several firearms – including the murder weapon – and thousands of rounds of ammunition out of the crashed car and into the red sedan – a 2007 Toyota Camry.

    Testimony at trial established that Holt was upset about wrecking his car and demanded that Pinkham take them to a location where they could get more drugs and find someone to rob. Pinkham agreed to drive Holt to the home of a known drug dealer in the Keller area.

    When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham arrived at the residence of the known drug dealer, Holt and Tenzsley put on rubber gloves and masks. Holt, Tenzsley and Pinkham then grabbed firearms out of the red sedan. Rather than go to the main residence, where the purported drug dealer lived, Holt and Tenzsley walked to the back of the property, where Gale Neal’s trailer was located. As Holt and Tenzsley approached, Jeremy Neal came to the door of the trailer. Holt immediately began demanding Neal’s money and property.  Moments later, Holt fired two shots, killing Jeremy Neal. Holt then turned to Gale Neal, who leaned back into the couch in fear, and fired two more shots, killing Gale. Throughout, Tenzsley was standing guard, armed with a shotgun and his face covered by a mask.

    After the robbery and murder, and while law enforcement was responding to the scene, Tenzsley, Holt, and Pinkham drove towards Nespelem, Washington. As Pinkham was driving the getaway car, Holt fired several additional shots – this time at law enforcement, who was attempting stop the red Camry. During the chase, a Colville Tribal Police Sergeant, who was cross-deputized as a federal officer, was hit in the forearm.  Several additional bullets hit the Sergeant’s patrol vehicle. After shooting the first officer, Holt opened fire at a second Colville Tribal Police Officer, who also had attempted to stop the red sedan. Evidence at trial established that Tenzsley reloaded firearm magazines as Holt continued to fire at law enforcement to evade apprehension after murdering the Neals.

    When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham later arrived in the Nespelem area, the three men tried to hide the getaway car under a tarp and fled on foot. They also hid their firearms and ammunition throughout the Nespelem area. When Holt and Tenzsley were finally apprehended the next day, Tenzsley gave a false name.  Holt got into fist fight with a concerned citizen, who had called the police just prior to Holt’s arrest.

    During the investigation into the murders of Jeremy and Gale Neal, Tribal and federal law enforcement identified a series of other crimes that Holt and Tenzsley committed as part of their six-week crime spree and conspiracy. On September 3, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley robbed and severely assaulted a man at gunpoint inside his trailer in Latah County, Idaho. The pair stole ammunition, gun parts, the victim’s car keys, and a safe containing the title to the victim’s camper trailer. As Holt and Tenzsley were fleeing the robbery scene, they exchanged fire with the robbery victim.

    Additional evidence established that on October 12, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley, who again were both armed, invaded two homes and assaulted multiple victims on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. The evidence at trial showed that Holt and Tenzsley were again looking for someone to rob when they committed these assaults.  During the second home invasion that evening, Holt and Tenzsley shot a dog in the face on the Nez Perce Reservation. Fortunately, the dog survived the gunshot.

    In the days immediately after the Lapwai, Idaho assaults, Holt and Tenzsley traveled to Keller, Washington – leading to the tragic deaths of Gale and Jeremy Neal, as well as the attempted murder of one federal officer and the assault of another.  The firearm used in the shooting on the Nez Perce Reservation was the same gun Holt and Tenzsley used during the Neal murders, as well as the attempted murder and assault of the two federal officers.

    “On October 20, 2022, these defendants tragically destroyed too many lives to count.  They killed two innocent members of the Colville Tribe, permanently injured a dedicated Tribal officer, and opened fire at another officer,” Acting United States Attorney Barker added.  “On the day of these senseless crimes, the entire Nespelem community was in lock down, while Tribal and federal police sought to apprehend Mr. Holt and Mr. Tenzsley. The community then rallied in typical Colville fashion to support the investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Similarly, the Nez Perce Reservation’s Tribal Police Department was instrumental in bringing the Defendants to justice for the criminal conspiracy that began in Northern Idaho.”   

    Acting U.S. Attorney Barker continued, “The subsequent investigation involved numerous witness interviews across three Tribal communities in two states, dozens of search warrants, extensive forensic testing by the Washington State Patrol, voluminous legal filings, and numerous meetings with victims and their families. In the end, our entire district came together to seek justice for the Neal family and the officers, who were shot and nearly killed. Without our state, local, and Tribal partnerships, as well as every member of my office, the outcome of this case and investigation could have gone much differently. I am particularly grateful for the incredible team of victim advocates, litigation technology specialists, legal support staff, and Assistant United States Attorneys, who worked tirelessly on this case.  Our team shows up every day to help keep our communities, neighborhoods, and reservations safe, and this case is just one example of the amazing things our office is able to accomplish.”   

    The Chairman of the Colville Tribes, Jarred Michael Erickson, said, “These events were incredibly disruptive to the Colville community. People died and their neighbors had to grapple with shock, grief, and fear as these despicable crimes unfolded. It is extremely gratifying to see justice done today as these murderers will spend the rest of their lives in prison. Criminals everywhere must understand that if they commit their crimes on the Colville Reservation, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Chairman Erickson continued, “Our Colville Tribal Police reacted to this crisis with incredible bravery and professionalism. The murderers shot at two Colville officers as the officers attempted to apprehend them, and seriously injured one officer when they shot him in the forearm. As the Colville police continued to work with other law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and eventual arrest of these felons, Det. McNulty and Chief Brown distinguished themselves with their efforts to bring these killers to justice. The Colville Tribes is grateful for the efforts of every individual and non-tribal agency that assisted in this case, but we especially want to thank Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker, who worked as lead counsel on this case through trial. Richard and his office have been friends and partners to the Colville Tribes for many years now. It is an understatement to say we greatly appreciate the effort and skill the U.S. Attorney’s office devoted to prosecuting this case, and for the work they do every day to keep our community safe.”

    “The ruthless violence Mr. Holt and Mr. Tenzsley displayed will not be tolerated and demonstrates that prison is where they belong. Communities across Idaho and Eastern Washington will be safer with them there.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “It is fortunate more people were not injured or worse by these two dangerous criminals. I am grateful to the courageous officers who were able to apprehend them and to the investigators who put an end to their crime spree and held them accountable for their violent actions.”

    “This case is a prime example of how interagency cooperation between state, city, county, tribal, and federal partners can lead to communities being kept safe and take criminals off the street,” stated Latah County Sheriff Richard Skiles. “I would personally like to thank our Detective Corporal Ryan Weaver for his exemplary work on this case. I would also like to thank the United States Department of Justice for their relentless prosecution of this case and keeping all local law enforcement agencies involved in this case. Justice has been served.”

    This case was investigated by the Colville Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the FBI’s Salish Safe Trails Task Force, Latah County Sherif’s Office, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Idaho State Patrol, Spokane Tribal Police Department, Kalispel Tribal Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan Sheriff’s Office, Ephrata Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Washington State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker, Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis, and Contractor Echo D. Fatsis.

    2:22-cr-00157-TOR

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jackson Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, Miss – A Jackson man was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for illegal possession of a machinegun.

    According to court documents, Johnny Ragsdale, 21, was found in possession of an illegal machinegun after an attempted traffic stop on a vehicle in Jackson. Ragsdale, the driver, failed to yield to law enforcement and led Capitol Police on a high-speed chase. The chase ended after Ragsdale collided with a train car on Mill Street. A Glock pistol was recovered from the vehicle, and a machinegun conversion device, also known as a switch, was attached to the pistol.

    Ragsdale was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 21, 2024, for illegal possession of a machinegun. He pled guilty on October 24, 2024.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office has seen an increase in cases involving illegal firearm conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons (i.e., machineguns) in a matter of seconds. The rapid fire of firearms converted to machineguns presents a significant danger in our community to both the public and law enforcement.  According to a 2023 report by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), there was a 570% increase in the number of machinegun conversion devices taken into ATF custody between 2017 and 2021.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The case was investigated by the ATF and the Capitol Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber Jones prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman Previously Convicted of Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Violating Supervised Release Conditions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESSICA STUART, 42, last residing in Thomaston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of her supervised release that followed convictions and prison term for health care fraud and identity theft offenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Stuart does not have a college degree, was not a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or licensed medical practitioner, and did not have any formal training in applied behavior analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Between approximately May 2019 and September 2020, Helping Hands Academy, LLC, a Bridgeport-based provider of applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with ASD, paid Stuart at least $146,0000 and submitted to Medicaid numerous fraudulent claims for applied behavioral analysis services that Stuart performed but was not qualified to provide.  Stuart stole the professional identity of a legitimate BCBA so she could impersonate a BCBA and make a BCBA’s salary.  Stuart caused Medicaid to pay out on over 1,900 fraudulent claims related to 12 children with ASD.  Medicaid suffered a loss of approximately $369,439 as a result of Stuart’s conduct.

    Stuart pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of using false identification in connection with health care fraud and, on October 15, 2021, was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay full restitution.  She was released from federal prison in April 2023.

    In January 2025, Stuart was arrested by Bristol Police for offenses related to her alleged misuse of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits card that belonged to a resident of the Bristol Adult Resource Center (BARC) where Stuart had been employed.  BARC is an organization that provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that require full-time care.  The investigation further revealed that Stuart had submitted weekly certifications for, and subsequently received, state unemployment benefits for nearly a month after she began working at BARC in June 2024.  Stuart also failed to timely notify the U.S. Probation Office of her contact with Bristol Police.

    Stuart has been detained in federal custody since January 23, 2025.

    The original investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Mansuri Manuchekhri with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States and immigration fraud.  Manuchekhri was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy who ordered the defendant detained.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and charges.

    “As alleged, the defendant, who was in the United States illegally, not only facilitated tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to ISIS extremists overseas, but trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges in the United States and declared his readiness to ISIS,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Protecting the homeland and prosecuting evildoers who assist terrorist organizations by funding their violent and hateful agenda, here and abroad, will always be a priority of this Office.”   

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD and over 50 other federal, state and local agencies.

    “The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue those who fund and support terrorists,” stated Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.  “We will not allow our immigration or financial systems to be exploited. Our country will not be a safe haven for those who try to harm Americans.”

    “Today’s arrest demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to protecting the American people from the threat of terrorism,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.  “As alleged in the complaint, the defendant not only violated our immigration laws, but while unlawfully in the United States also provided substantial financial support to violent extremists affiliated with a designated foreign terrorist organization. In his promotion of violence and praise for terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, the defendant made clear his desire to support violent extremism, and I am grateful to all our folks on the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their vigilance and dedication to disrupting this threat and putting him behind bars.”

    “The NYPD will stop at nothing to protect New Yorkers from those who support and pledge loyalty to violent ISIS extremists,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “I commend the NYPD investigators and all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for identifying and arresting this gun-toting fraudster, and for thwarting the dangerous domestic threat he posed to our communities.”

    As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016.  In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States.  However, he failed to provide certain supporting documentation that was requested by the government and his petition was never granted. 

    From approximately December 2021 through April 2023, while residing in Brooklyn, Manuchekhri facilitated approximately $70,000 in payments to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey and Syria, including to an individual who was later arrested by Turkish authorities for his alleged involvement in a January 2024 terrorist attack on a church in Istanbul for which ISIS-K publicly claimed responsibility.  Manuchekhri expressed his support for ISIS to others by praising past ISIS attacks in the United States and by collecting jihadi propaganda videos promoting violence and martyrdom.

    The complaint further alleges that Manuchekhri possessed and used firearms and made frequent visits to shooting ranges even though he was prohibited from doing so as an alien unlawfully in the United States.  In February 2022, Manuchekhri recorded himself firing an assault rifle at a shooting range in New Jersey and sent the video to one of the ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey with the message, “Thank God, I am ready, brother.”        

    The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Manuchekhri faces a maximum sentence of 45 years’ imprisonment.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Robert M. Pollack and Andrew D. Reich are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorneys John Cella and Andrea Broach of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colón.

    The Defendant:

    MANSURI MANUCHEKHRI
    Age: 33
    Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-64

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Reed-backed Bill to Combat Crypto ATM Fraud

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – With scams using crypto kiosks (also known as ‘crypto ATMs’ or ‘Bitcoin ATMs’) to steal from older Americans on the rise, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is stepping up efforts to help fight fraud and prevent criminal from preying on senior citizens.  Federal law enforcement officials have referred to these crypto kiosks as ‘payment portals for scammers.’
    Reed is teaming up with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Peter Welch (D-VT) to introduce the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act (S. 710) to help prevent scammers from stealing Americans’ savings through cryptocurrency schemes.  The bill would improve fraud warnings on all crypto kiosks; make cryptocurrency ATM operators develop a comprehensive anti-fraud policy, which must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN); and protect new customers — who are most likely to be victims of fraud — by limiting initial transaction amounts, requiring  verbal confirmation of major transactions, and making victims of fraud eligible for refunds if they file a report within 30 days.
    “Crypto kiosk operators need to ensure their machines aren’t being used to victimize vulnerable citizens and launder money for illegal activities.  This bill takes commonsense steps to ensure the businesses that profit from these machines are doing their part to prevent fraud.  It’s a positive first step towards stopping the surge in crypto kiosk scams and cracking down on criminals,” said Senator Reed.  “We must also continue working to educate vulnerable populations, especially older Americans, to recognize and avoid crypto scams.”
    Today, there are over 30,000 crypto kiosks nationwide, which are largely unregulated.  Many of them are placed in locations such as gas stations, vape shops, and laundromats.  These entities are paid a monthly fee by the crypto kiosk owner to allow the crypto kiosk to be operated on site.  While crypto ATMs are touted by operators as an easy way to change cash into crypto, in reality, they have become a preferred payment platform for international criminal enterprises who utilize the machines to carry out millions of dollars’ worth of anonymous, irreversible fraud – especially against older Americans.
    The proposed federal legislation would replace a patchwork of state regulations with a uniform national standard that would defer to state regulations as long as they don’t weaken or conflict with federal law.
    The Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, which is led by Senator Durbin, will require crypto ATM operators to warn consumers about scams and take reasonable steps to prevent fraud at their machines.  It will also put in place measures to limit the amount that new consumers lose when they do fall victim to scams and will give law enforcement new tools to track down scammers.
    Often, crypto scammers will contact elderly Americans, and using threats, intimidation, and fabricated backstories, try to coerce them into depositing large sums of money into the criminals’ crypto wallets via cryptocurrency ATMs.  According to data recently released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the amount consumers reported losing annually in this form of fraud increased nearly tenfold between 2020 and 2023—from $12 million to $114 million and topping $65 million in the first half of 2024.  In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 2,700 crypto ATM fraud complaints from individuals aged 60 and older—more than all other age groups combined.
    Specifically, the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act will:
    Require warnings about the risk of fraud: This bill would require cryptocurrency ATM operators to provide clear warnings to consumers about the risk of fraud, including warnings of common types of scams and that consumers should never send money to someone they have never met.
    Require operators to develop fraud prevention policies: For the first time, cryptocurrency ATM operators would be required to appoint a chief compliance officer and develop comprehensive anti-fraud policies, which must be submitted to the FinCEN Network.  Operators also would be required to provide live customer support during all operating hours.
    Special protections for first tim-users and new customers—who are most likely to be victims of fraud: New customers, defined as a customer within 14 days of their first transaction, would be protected by the following provisions:
    – Transaction limits of $2,000 per day, and $10,000 total over the first 14 days.
    – Full refunds for fraudulent transactions if the customer makes a report within 30 days.   
    – Requiring live, verbal confirmation for any transaction greater than $500.
    Require crypto ATM operators to register and disclose ATM locations: Cryptocurrency ATM operators would be required to register with the U.S. Treasury Department and to disclose and regularly update the locations of all their ATMs.  Operators also would be required to provide a point of contact to relevant regulators and law enforcement agencies.
    Require receipts and information sufficient to trace the transaction: Operators would be required to provide receipts for each transaction, including information sufficient to trace the transaction, such as the time, place, and amount of the transaction, and a transaction hash.  Receipts also would have to include contact information for relevant law enforcement and a link to the operator’s refund policy.
    The bill has earned the endorsement of Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumers League, Public Citizen, Better Markets, and the National Consumer Law Center on behalf of its low-income clients.
    To spot and avoid scams visit ftc.gov/scams. Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Sinaloa Leader Extradited to El Paso, Faces up to Life in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – A high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel was extradited from Mexico to El Paso, indicted for criminal charges related to his alleged federal racketeering, narcotics, money laundering, firearms, and continuing criminal enterprise offenses.

    According to court documents, Daniel Franco Lopez aka “Micha” aka “Neon” aka “Fer,” 40, of Mexico, allegedly coordinated the shipments of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and thousands of kilograms of marijuana into the United States, along with the pickup of drug proceeds, and kidnappings and murders.

    Lopez was indicted in April 2012 along with Joaquin Guzman Loera aka “Chapo,” Ismael Zambada Garcia “Mayo,” and over a dozen other codefendants. He was arrested Aug. 14, 2012, and remained in Mexican custody until his extradition. Lopez made his initial appearance in federal court Monday.

    “The extradition of this defendant is a of many significant pieces in a very large cartel case that spans more than a decade,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Not only are we grateful for the enduring and successful efforts our federal law enforcement partners at the DEA, FBI and ATF, but I want to emphasize our goal to put an end to these organizations is shared by this U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Justice Department and our counterparts in Mexico.”

    “Daniel Franco Lopez was defendant #16 on DEA’s RICO indictment that included Joaquin ‘Chapo’ Guzman and Ismael ‘Mayo’ Zambada,” said Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “This extradition demonstrates that the men and women of DEA will never tire of pursuing the most violent, drug traffickers responsible for thousands of deaths in our country. We thank our domestic and international partners for their assistance on this case.”

    “The extradition is one more step towards dismantling and ending violence perpetrated by criminal drug trafficking organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for FBI El Paso. “The FBI and our partners will endlessly pursue and prosecute cartel members and associates who attempt to control and intimidate their communities through violence.  This extradition starts the justice process to all of those who have suffered as a result of Franco Lopez’s criminal actions as a member of the Sinaloa Cartel.” 

    “This case reads like a Hollywood movie script. You know the film…cartels, guns, drugs, money, feds,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C Boshek II for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Dallas Field Division. “Fortunately for the citizens of the United States, the good guys prevailed in this one. Mr. Lopez, an alleged underground criminal mastermind, left a path of destruction in his path. The American people are safer with this bandit in handcuffs and behind bars.”

    Lopez is charged with one count of RICO conspiracy; two counts related to conspiracy to possess and import over five kgs of cocaine and over 1,000 kgs of marijuana; one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and aid and abet; and one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted, Lopez faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The DEA, FBI, and ATF are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antonio Franco, Kyle Myers and Suzanna Martinez are prosecuting the case for the Western District of Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Lopez.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 114 Months for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Rashid Lamont McFadden, 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 114 months in prison for distributing videos depicting the violent rape of prepubescent children by adults, images of young children engaged in sadistic and masochistic acts, and images of children engaging in sexual acts with animals. 

               The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean T. Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

               McFadden pleaded guilty on May 29, 2024, to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the 141-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered McFadden to serve 15 years of supervised release. ­­­

              According to court documents, on February 16, 2023, an undercover officer (UC) from the FBI Washington Field Office was monitoring an online messaging application where individuals met, discussed, and traded sexually explicit images and videos of children. The UC observed an individual identified as “tng6” post a video of child sexual exploitation to the group. Shortly thereafter, tng6 responded to a conversation about meeting other likeminded pedophiles and their children. At that point, the UC initiated a private chat with tng6, who was later identified as McFadden.

               As the UC chatted with McFadden, McFadden continued to post child sex videos to the group. McFadden told the UC that he knew the children in the videos and had produced some of the videos himself. The UC then claimed to be the father of an 8-year-old daughter and that he would show McFadden images of the purported girl on FaceTime.

               On February 17, 2023, Baltimore Police arrested McFadden on an unrelated matter. On February 21, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McFadden’s home in Baltimore and seized McFadden’s cell phone. McFadden refused to provide the passcode for the phone. Law enforcement reviewed the contents of McFadden’s cloud storage account and found several videos and images of children being sexually abused by adults.

               McFadden is currently facing additional criminal charges for possession of child pornography in a separate case pending in the Circuit Court for Maryland in Baltimore County.

               This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division, and the Baltimore Police Department. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.

               The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Shinskie.

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

    23cr0165

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hardin County, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Mailing Threats to Kill and Extort

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A Hardin County, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 4 years in prison for mailing letters with threats to kill and extort.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Jeremy Thompson of the Elizabethtown Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Kyle Miller, 21, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for mailing threatening communications with threats to kill and extort. On July 6, 2023, August 28, 2023, and October 16, 2023, Miller mailed letters to a victim containing threats to kill. On January 28, 2024, Miller mailed letters to a victim containing threats to kill and extort. On October 13, 2023, Miller mailed a letter to a victim containing a threat to kill.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI, KSP and Elizabethtown Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 8 Charged in North Charleston Public Corruption Schemes, including 3 City Councilmen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Eight people have been charged in federal court for a series of bribery, kickback, extortion, and money laundering schemes following a public corruption investigation in North Charleston. Three of the individuals charged are elected members of the North Charleston City Council.

    Four individuals have been charged by Information and have agreed to plead guilty:

    Jerome Sydney Heyward, 61, North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Sandino Savalas Moses, 50, North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Donavan Laval Moten, 46, founder of Core4Success Foundation; and

    Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks, 37, resident of North Charleston.

    A federal grand jury returned indictments against four others:

    Mike A. Brown, 46, North Charleston City Council Member;

    Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields, 51, a Goose Creek resident;

    Rose Emily Lorenzo, 65, a North Carolina resident; and

    Michelle Stent-Hilton, 56, a North Charleston resident.

    Heyward is charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest and faithful services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten, Rose Lorenzo, and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle funds belonging to North Charleston by soliciting and accepting kickbacks from non-profit organizations run by Moten and Stent-Hilton that received violence reduction grant funds from the City.

    Heyward has agreed to plead guilty to: extortion under color of official right and using fear of economic harm; multiple counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; multiple counts of bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds; and multiple counts of money laundering. Heyward faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Heyward has agreed to cooperate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

    Mike A. Brown is charged with conspiring with Heyward and Hicks to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Mike A. Brown, while serving as a North Charleston City Councilmember, solicited and accepted bribes from Hicks—working on behalf of a company requesting the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site—in exchange for his support of the rezoning application. Mike A. Brown faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. He will be arraigned on these charges in March.

    Aaron Hicks is charged with a conspiracy to pay bribes to Mike A. Brown and Jerome Heyward and a separate conspiracy with Hason Tatorian Fields to bribe Sandino Moses in exchange for their influence on North Charleston City Council and their support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Hicks has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. Hicks has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Hicks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Fields conspired with Hicks to pay bribes to Sandino Moses. Thereafter, Fields paid Moses two bribes in an attempt to influence him in connection with his official action regarding the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Fields faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Sandino Moses is charged with misprision of a felony. The Information alleges that Moses knew that Fields and others attempted to bribe him and paid him bribes but he failed to disclose that criminal conduct and instead took steps to conceal the bribes by returning the money to Fields. Moses has agreed to plead guilty and to cooperate fully with federal state and local law enforcement agencies. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of one year.

    Donavan Laval Moten has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The information alleges that Moten conspired with Jerome Heyward and Rose Lorenzo to kick back a portion of funds that Moten’s nonprofit received from North Charleston to Heyward, who at the time was on North Charleston’s City Council. The indictment further alleges that after receiving the money from North Charleston, Moten laundered Heyward’s portion through Lorenzo. Moten has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local enforcement officials. Moten faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Michelle Stent-Hilton is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Stent-Hilton, who is affiliated with a non-profit and served as Jerome Heyward’s personal assistant, promised to pay Heyward a portion of money the non-profit received from the city of North Charleston. At the time, Heyward was serving on North Charleston City Council and voted on the grant proposal to distribute funds to non-profits, including Stent-Hilton’s. The indictment further alleges that after receiving money from North Charleston, Stent-Hilton laundered Heyward’s kick back through Rose Lorenzo. Stent-Hilton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Rose Emily Lorenzo is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Lorenzo conspired with Jerome Heyward and others to kick back a portion of City of North Charleston grant funds that were awarded to non-profits affiliated with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to Heyward. The indictment further alleges that Lorenzo agreed to launder the funds by acting as an intermediary who received the funds from Moten and Stent-Hilton, and then wired them to Heyward for the purpose of concealing the true purpose of the transaction. Lorenzo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Heyward, Moten, Hicks, and Moses are scheduled to plead guilty before the Honorable Richard M. Gergel on Friday, Feb. 28.

    “When elected officials take their oath of office, they make a sacred promise to the people they serve.  They pledge to uphold the law, to act with integrity, and to place the public interest above their own,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Public service should never merely be a job – it is a public trust. The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust.”

    “Public corruption at any level of government cannot be tolerated,” said Steve Jensen Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Citizens have a right to expect honesty, fairness, and integrity from their leaders. The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to aggressively investigating corruption and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”

    “SLED Agents worked hand-in-hand with our federal partners to ensure that justice will be served,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “No matter who you are, or what position you hold, you will be held accountable for breaking the law. Elected officials and citizens should be working together to better their community, not exploiting others.”

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Man Convicted At Trial Of Illegal Firearm Possession Is Sentenced To Prison

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

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Daniel Wood, 48, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.

    According to evidence presented at Wood’s trial, witness testimony, and filed court documents, on May 1, 2022, Wood attempted to enter a Charlotte nightclub with a loaded firearm in his pants pocket. The security of the nightclub found the firearm when they patted down Wood prior to entering the club. Security removed the firearm and turned it over to an off-duty CMPD officer. While the CMPD officer was in his patrol vehicle examining the firearm, Wood spoke to the officer and explained that he received the gun from someone else and that he had forgotten it was in the pocket of his pants. Court records show that Wood has prior felony convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Wood will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to a facility designated by the Federal Bureau of Prison.

    The ATF and CMPD investigated the case.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina Pack of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about PSN in the Western District, please visit our website. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thirteen Individuals Charged As Part Of International Ring Targeting Cell Phone Shipments For Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Thirteen members of an international network that stole thousands of shipments of iPhones and other electronic devices around the United States were charged today, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna, District of New Jersey, announced.

    Demetrio Reyes Martinez, a/k/a “CookieNerd,” 37, of the Dominican Republic, Andrickson Jerez, 28, of Bronx, NY, Edickson Lora Castillo, 24, of New York, NY, Raimond Cabrera De Leon, 31, of New York, NY, Luis Marte Tavares, 33, of Brooklyn, NY, Frederick Duverge Guzman, 26, of New York, NY, Julio Vasquez Sanchez, a/k/a “BotTrack,” 30, of Brooklyn, NY, Alejandro Then Castillo, 45, of Paterson, NJ, Wilson Peralta Tavarez, 28, of Belleville, NJ, Ecker Montero Hernandez, 25, of Paterson, NJ, Jean Luis Diaz Dominguez, a/k/a “Botija,” 24, of Paterson, NJ, Luis Nunez, 23, of Paterson, NJ, and Joel Suriel, a/k/a “La Melma,” 31, of Brooklyn, NY, were each charged in Count One of the Criminal Complaint unsealed today with conspiracy to transport and receive stolen property.

    In addition, Then Castillo and Peralta Tavares were charged in Count Two of the Criminal Complaint with wire fraud conspiracy.  Finally, Jerez (Count Three) and Lora Castillo (Count Four) were each charged with one count transportation of stolen property.

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

    The defendants were part of an international and nationwide ring involved in the widespread theft of electronic device shipments from FedEx and other carriers.  The ring identified valuable packages to steal through two primary means:  (1) the creation and use of automated computer scripts, developed by Reyes Martinez and others, to scrape data from the public and customer-facing tracking systems of FedEx and Victim-1, a major U.S. cellular provider; and (2) bribing corrupt Victim-1 employees such as Then Castillo and Peralta Tavares to provide confidential information about Victim-1 customers, including orders, names, tracking numbers, and delivery addresses.

    This criminal network operated in layers with some members, referred to as “dispatchers,” obtaining and selling the delivery information and others, referred to as “runners,” purchasing this delivery information and stealing the packages.

    Jerez, Cabrera De Leon, and Marte Tavares operated a major “fence” location out of a residential building in the Bronx, where an almost constant stream of people brought stolen devices for sale.  Suriel ran a fence location in Brooklyn where he received bulk deliveries of devices stolen across the country, including by Ecker Montero, Nunez, and Diaz Dominguez, who traveled around the country stealing iPhones, iPads, Samsung phones and other electronic devices.  On one occasion where FedEx security seized stolen iPhones from a shipment sent by Nunez and Diaz Dominguez, Nunez complained to FedEx customer service that his iPhones had been stolen.

    Then Castillo and Peralta Tavarez were Victim-1 retail store employees who accepted bribe payments in exchange for providing confidential customer information from Victim-1’s order tracking system.

    Lora Castillo, Duverge Guzman, and Vasquez Sanchez were dispatchers who sold and provided runners with delivery addresses, tracking numbers and customer names.  They also directed runners to fence locations to sell the stolen devices.

    Count One carries a maximum prison sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense.  Count Two carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense.  Counts Three and Four each carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense.

    “These defendants are alleged to have worked together as part of an international ring to steal thousands of expensive electronic devices, which caused millions of dollars of losses to the victims. They are alleged to have done so by harnessing technology through the use of computer scripts which gave them access to shipping information, including individuals’ names and their home addresses.  My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue these types of criminals no matter where in the world they are and seek justice for their victims.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna

    “As alleged, the defendants, both here and abroad, victimized American customers and businesses alike by targeting, tracking, and stealing their valuable electronic shipments. The new-age ‘porch pirates,’ these accused criminals tailored their alleged scheme to the modern times, but were stopped short of doing so successfully. HSI New York and our law enforcement partners continue to adapt as brazen bad actors relentlessly try — and fail — to find new illicit money-making methods. I thank HSI Newark, the NYPD, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the FBI, and our many counterparts for their unified and unwavering support,” stated Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), New York Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso.

    “These alleged members of this international crime ring traveled the country stealing goods, for monetary profit; compromising customers’ privacy and hijacking the cellular providers’ business flow.”  FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly warns that “No matter how elaborate or invasive a criminal ring may be, we will break the chain of criminality and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office, under the direction Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, the New York City Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor William Daniel and Chief Harvey Barnwell with the investigation leading to these charges.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna also thanked the Dominican Republic’s Procuraduría Especializada Contra los Crímenes y Delitos de Alta Tecnología (PEDATEC), (Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for High Technology Crimes and Offenses) and HSI’s Newark Field Office for their collaboration in this matter.

    In 2024 New Jersey experienced a surge of over 400 identified package thefts targeting cellular devices.  To combat this threat, Union County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ) partnered with New Jersey State Police Real Time Crime Center North and FBI Newark to spearhead a task force of investigators from impacted jurisdictions along with federal, state, and county agencies to collaborate on emerging intelligence. Through private sector partnerships, collusive employees were identified. Prospective delivery information was also shared amongst the task force to proactively identify, surveil, and arrest individuals involved in package theft within New Jersey. The following agencies are credited with contributing:

    Cranford Police Department, Sparta Police Department, Moorestown Police Department, Barnegat Police Department,  Paterson Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Department of Homeland Security-U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, Port Authority Police Department, Edison Police Department, Woodbridge Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Kenilworth Police Department, Plainfield Police Department, Westfield Police Department, Summit Police Department, Linden Police Department, Scotch Plains Police Department, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Union County Police Department, Mountainside Police Department, Hillside Police Department, Fanwood Police Department, Clark Police Department, New Providence Police Department, Roselle Police Department, Roselle Park Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Union Police Department, Wayne Police Department, South Amboy Police Department, Brick Police Department, Wyckoff Police Department, Rutherford Police Department, Carlstadt Police Department, Oakland Police Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Fort Lee Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Little Falls Police Department, Wallington Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Leonia Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Fair Lawn Police Department, Closter Police Department, Verona Police Department, Elmwood Park Police Department, Clifton Police Department,  Woodcliff Lakes Police Department, Cresskill Police Department, Palisades Park Police Department, Hillsdale Police Department, Franklin Lakes Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Fairview Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Bergenfield Police Department, Branchburg Police Department, Wayne Police Department, Paramus Police Department, Jersey City Police Department, Secaucus Police Department, Randolph Police Department, Teaneck Police Department, Middlesex Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Toms River Police Department, Riverdale Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Dover Police Department, Roxbury Police Department, Montville Police Department, Parsippany Police Department, Denville Police Department, Chatham Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, North Brunswick Police Department, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

    Defendants Andrickson Jerez, Edickson Lora Castillo, Luis Marte Tavares, Raimond Cabrera De Leon, Alejandro Then Castillo, Wilson Peralta Tavares, Ecker Montero Hernandez, and Joel Suriel, a/k/a “La Melma,” are scheduled to appear before Hon. José R. Almonte, U.S.M.J. this afternoon at the U.S. District Court in Newark.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Malagold of the Cybercrime Unit and Trevor A. Chenoweth of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark

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

    25-057                        

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pitt County Man Pleads Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme that Defrauded Eastern North Carolina Investors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – Willard Timothy Sutton, age 64, pled guilty to one count of mail fraud today for running a Ponzi scheme that resulted in more than 60 investors suffering net losses in excess of $8 million.  At sentencing later this year, Sutton faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.  Sutton will also be required to pay restitution to victims.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, between approximately 2019 and 2023, Sutton operated a largescale Ponzi scheme in connection with an investment program offered through Greenville Auto World, LLC (GAW), a car dealership located in Greenville.  GAW was a “buy here pay here” (BHPH) dealership.  BHPH dealerships enable customers with poor or no credit history to finance the purchase of a vehicle directly through the dealership, rather than through a bank or credit union.  Such loans typically carry significantly higher interest rates than traditional car loans.  Between approximately 2012 and 2023, as part of an investment program sponsored, promoted, and administered by GAW, Sutton sold BHPH finance contracts to outside investors through direct solicitation, referrals, and word-of-mouth advertisement.

    Beginning in approximately 2019, Sutton falsely and fraudulently led BHPH investors to believe that their investments were safe and secure, and that GAW was collecting sufficient repayments from loan customers to be able to fully pay the principal and interest owed to them.  In truth, GAW was collecting millions from investors, but it did not have the means to service the debt through BHPH revenue or any legitimate business income.  Between approximately October 2018 and August 2023, the FBI estimates that GAW collected investor funds in excess of $60 million.  However, GAW’s gross receipts were a small fraction of the total.

    In order to conceal GAW’s financial condition, and avoid the collapse of the business, Sutton operated the BHPH program as a Ponzi scheme in which he would (in a typical transaction) sell a legitimate loan contract to one investor and then sell one or more false and fabricated versions of that same contract to other investors without their knowledge.  Sutton then used the proceeds of the fraudulent sales to pay off earlier investors.  Among other things, Sutton forged loan customer signatures to the fake contracts and, in some instances, provided fake title documents to investors to convince them that their investments were appropriately secured.   

    In approximately 2022, in order to generate additional funds to meet GAW’s mounting debts to investors, Sutton solicited some BHPH investors to help finance GAW’s vehicle inventory.  Sutton falsely and fraudulently represented to these investors that he was using their funds to purchase vehicles when, in fact, Sutton was using their funds to conceal and perpetuate the Ponzi scheme.

    “Over the course of years, instead of helping so-called investors, this defendant bilked his victims out of millions of dollars of their hard earned money,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “Fraudsters should know that they will be held accountable for their crimes in the Eastern District of North Carolina.”

    “Mr. Sutton ran a local business for many years, purporting to help those with poor or no credit get much needed vehicle loans. When he ran into financial trouble, rather than admitting his business was failing, he resold those loans over and over again to outside investors to protect his own reputation at the expense those who trusted he was legitimately investing their hard earned money,” said Robert M. DeWitt the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.    

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief Judge Richard E. Myers, II accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig 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. 4:24-CR-83-M.

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Executive Director Is Sentenced For Stealing Thousands of Dollars From Gastonia Non-Profit

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Stephanie L. Roberts, 55, of Gastonia, N.C., was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for stealing thousands of dollars from a non-profit corporation for cancer patients, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Roberts was ordered to serve two years under court supervision, and to pay $157,722.69 in restitution to the non-profit victim and $62,612 to the Internal Revenue Service.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron is joined by Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI), Jason Krizmanich, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which oversees Charlotte, and Chief Trent Conard of the Gastonia Police Department in making today’s announcement.

    According to court documents and court proceedings, Roberts was the executive director of Cancer Services of Gaston County, a non-profit corporation that provides support and resources for cancer patients. Beginning no later than January 8, 2016, through January 21, 2022, Roberts embezzled more than $136,000 from the non-profit corporation. Roberts also admitted that she failed to pay more than $200,000 withheld from the paychecks of the non-profit corporation’s employees for federal income, Medicare, and Social Security taxes to the IRS. In addition to the embezzlement scheme, Roberts made and subscribed, under penalty of perjury, U.S. Income Tax Returns that falsely stated the amount of tax withheld from her wages, and falsely claimed that amount was paid to the IRS.

    On March 22, 2024, Roberts pleaded guilty to theft in connection with health care; failure to truthfully account for and pay over trust fund taxes; and making and subscribing a false tax return. Roberts will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron commended IRS-CI, USPIS, and the Gastonia Police Department for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Savage of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

     

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Call for Investigation into Potential Criminal Leaks, Violations of FBI Information Sharing Policies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – Today, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter requesting Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate potential criminal leaks to the media of sensitive and classified information ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The senators are also requesting Bondi and Patel investigate former Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Timothy Thibault, and his associates’ potential breach of FBI information sharing policies, in light of legally protected whistleblower disclosures revealing Thibault shared sensitive, non-public investigative information from his FBI email account with a private citizen with whom he was romantically involved.
    “The FBI repeatedly lectures Congress, without any legitimate basis, that it can’t share information with Congress because the matter is an ongoing investigation. The FBI has asserted to Congress that [For Official Use Only] information and FBI email accounts and personnel names should remain non-public. Yet, here, Thibault sent all of that type of information to a private citizen while the FBI stiff-arms Congress and the American people,” the senators wrote.  
    “Thibault’s conduct exemplifies the FBI’s ‘do as I say, not as I do’ hypocrisy and why its repeated complaints to Congress when it makes government information public should fall on deaf ears,” the senators concluded. 
    Sens. Johnson and Grassley pointed to news reporting released shortly before the November 2024 election containing potentially “classified U.S. intelligence,” as a further example of DOJ and FBI officials sharing non-public investigative information while ignoring congressional requests for the same. Accordingly, the senators are requesting DOJ and FBI open a criminal media leak investigation to hold accountable those responsible for sharing potentially classified and other sensitive information with the press.
    The senators also made public an award given to Special Agent Walter Giardina, an FBI employee who worked on aspects of the Mueller and Jack Smith investigations, which he received for investigating Trump. 
    Read more about Chairman Johnson’s letter on Daily Mail.
    The full text of the letter and legally protected whistleblower disclosures can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI and SSA OIG Charge Decades-Long Fugitive with Fraud Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A fugitive wanted for over four decades on attempted first-degree murder charges was apprehended in Weed, New Mexico, on February 19, 2025, following an investigation that uncovered his decades-long use of a deceased man’s identity to evade authorities and fraudulently obtain government benefits.

    According to court documents, Stephen Craig Campbell, 76, allegedly assumed the identity of Walter Lee Coffman, who died in 1975 at the age of 22. Coffman had graduated from the University of Arkansas just two months before his death. University records showed Campbell attended the same institution during that period, where both he and Coffman pursued engineering degrees, suggesting a likely connection between the two.

    It is alleged that Campbell first applied for a passport under Coffman’s name in 1984 and renewed it multiple times, always providing a photograph of himself and his current address.

    Campbell also obtained a replacement Social Security card in Coffman’s name in 1995, using an Oklahoma driver’s license in Coffman’s name.

    In approximately 2003, Campbell relocated to Weed, New Mexico where he allegedly purchased property in Coffman’s name. Campbell continued renewing the fraudulent passport under Coffman’s name in 2005 and 2015. Each time, he submitted an updated photograph and listed his current address in Weed, New Mexico.

    The scheme began to unravel when, in September 2019, Campbell visited the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department in Cloudcroft, presenting fraudulent documents to renew his driver’s license. He submitted a previously issued New Mexico driver’s license with his photograph bearing the name “Walter L Coffman,” Coffman’s birthdate, and a Weed, New Mexico address. Campbell also provided a Social Security card and a U.S. passport, both in Coffman’s name.

    After a renewed New Mexico license was issued to Campbell under Coffman’s name, agents from the National Passport Center’s Fraud Prevention Unit discovered Coffman’s death and the suspected decades-long fraudulent use of his identity.

    The resulting investigation revealed that Campbell allegedly applied for and was awarded Social Security Title II Retirement Insurance Benefits under Coffman’s identity. As a result of the alleged scheme, Campbell is suspected of receiving approximately $140,000 in U.S. government funds administered by the Social Security Administration in Coffman’s name.

    Investigators uncovered that Campbell was arrested in Wyoming in 1982 for attempted first degree murder. He allegedly planted an explosive device at the doorstep of his estranged wife’s boyfriend. When his wife opened the toolbox containing the bomb, it exploded, causing her to lose a finger and suffer other injuries. The blast also set fire to the residence and a neighboring unit. Campbell was reportedly released on bond in 1983 but failed to appear in court, resulting in an active warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder.

    On February 14, 2025, authorities obtained warrants to arrest Campbell for and search the 44-acre property in Weed, New Mexico registered under Coffman’s name. The arrest operation involved a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies.

    During the arrest, Campbell allegedly greeted law enforcement armed with a scoped rifle, positioning himself in an elevated, partially concealed spot.

    After repeated orders and the deployment of flashbangs, Campbell emerged from the wood line and was detained. When recovered, the rifle was loaded with high-powered ammunition capable of piercing standard body armor and ready to fire, with the scope caps flipped open, the selector lever set to fire, and a round chambered.

    After Campbell‘s arrest, agents fingerprinted him, confirming his true identity and fugitive status, including the active attempted first-degree murder warrant from Wyoming. Prior to his arrest, Campbell had remained on the United States Marshals Most Wanted List for over four decades.

    A subsequent search of the property yielded 57 firearms and large quantities of ammunition. As a fugitive, Campbell is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Campbell was charged by criminal complaint with misuse of a passport and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charge, Campbell faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Law enforcement officials are conducting a thorough review of evidence collected during the execution of a search warrant at the subject’s residence. Based on these findings, investigators are evaluating the possibility of additional charges.

    Following Campbell’s arrest, the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office in Green River, Wyoming, notified the U.S. Marshals and requested a detainer be placed on him in connection with the pending attempted first-degree murder charges.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin, Special Agent in Charge of the SSA OIG Jason Albers and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    This case was co-investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office and the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. It was originally initiated by the Diplomatic Security’s El Paso Resident Office and the National Passport Center’s Fraud Prevention Unit. Enforcement assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, as well as the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Clara Nevarez Cobos.

    A criminal complaint 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: Sex Predator Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexually Abusing a Minor Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Damon Michael Dozier, 41, for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Judge Hill ordered Dozier imprisoned for 180 months, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon release, he will be required to register as a sex offender.

    In June 2023, Dozier took a minor child behind a shopping mall to engage in sexually explicit activity. Dozier admitted that he knew the child was only 13 years old.

    Dozier is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Scaife and Steve Briden prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Farrell Resident Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Prison for Armed Cocaine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Tylon Cousin, 39, who previously pleaded guilty in this case to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Stickman also ordered Cousin to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    According to information presented to the Court, in January and February 2023, Cousin engaged in armed cocaine dealing from his Farrell residence. Cousin previously served a 60-month federal prison sentence on a 2012 conviction for similar cocaine dealing that took place between 2009 and 2011.

    Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cousin.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Missoula credit union employee sentenced to prison for embezzling $389,000 by swapping real money for fake currency

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA — A former Missoula credit union employee who admitted to embezzling approximately $389,000 from the vault by swapping real money with fake funds was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $389,000 restitution, Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot said.

    The defendant, Edward Arthur Nurse, 35, of Missoula, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to an indictment charging him with theft from a credit union.

    U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also sentenced Nurse to six months of home confinement and to perform 600 hours of community service. The court allowed Nurse to self-report to prison.

    In court documents, the government alleged that from about July 2023 to June 2024, Nurse embezzled from his employer, Park Side Credit Union in Missoula. In June 2024, an employee discovered $340,000 in cash in the credit union’s vault had been replaced with fake funds from a company that provides fake currency as props for movies and entertainment productions. Nurse used his position as “team lead” for the vault to swap the credit union’s cash with fake money he purchased specifically for this purpose. Nurse hid his conduct from security cameras, auditors and his colleagues by putting real money at the front and back of bundles of fake money. Nurse made multiple purchases of fake money and stole the real cash from his work at different times over a seven-month period.

    After the credit union discovered the thefts, Nurse claimed to an FBI special agent that he did not usually carry much cash and, aside from a vacation to Las Vegas, Nevada, he had not made any recent large purchases or cash deposits. However, records show that Nurse made at least nine cash deposits of over $10,000 each in 2024 into his personal account.  The investigation also determined that during the first six months of 2024, Nurse had purchased $410,000 in fake currency from a prop money company. The credit union was later informed that approximately $50,000 in fake money had been received by the Federal Reserve in July 2024. Those funds were returned and determined to be fake bills from the prop money company.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, with assistance from the Missoula Police Department, conducted the investigation.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, FBI arrest illegally present criminal alien in Coachella, Calif.

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, arrested Isidro Jimenez, 51, a national of Mexico and illegal alien with criminal convictions, in Coachella, California, Feb. 24 as part of a targeted enforcement action.

    Jimenez entered the U.S. at an unknown location or date without being admitted by an immigration official. He was convicted by the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, Aug. 18, 1994, for possession of a controlled substance for sale. The defunct Immigration and Naturalization Service arrested Jimenez and removed him to Mexico after an immigration judge ordered him removed March 28, 1995. Jimenez re-entered the U.S. at an unknown location or date without being admitted by an immigration officer.

    The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, convicted Jimenez for inflicting corporal injury to a spouse June 4, 1998, following his illegal re-entry into the U.S. Additional convictions by the same court include DUI on Sept. 11, 2007, and assault with a deadly weapon on Feb. 16, 2013.

    Jimenez will remain in custody pending removal proceedings.

    Members of the public can report crimes and/or suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @EROLosAngeles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Check Fraudster Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Memphis, TN – Kenyata Wilson, 36, of Memphis, has been sentenced to federal prison for leading a check fraud ring in Memphis from 2022 to 2023.  Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

    According to information presented in court, between May 2022 and February 2023, Wilson obtained stolen checks and deposited them into the bank accounts of his co-conspirators.  His co-conspirators would transfer most of the funds back to Wilson and retain a small portion as their payment. Wilson was seen in surveillance footage at different ATM locations in Memphis depositing the stolen checks into an account used to receive the stolen funds. Wilson was responsible for passing over $42,000 in stolen checks.

    On November 18, 2024, Wilson pled guilty before United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and eleven counts of bank fraud.  He was sentenced on February 20, 2025 to 24 months in federal prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, Memphis Resident Agency.

    Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorney William Bateman, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, and the law enforcement partners who assisted in the investigation of the case.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Wausau Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Leading Methamphetamine and Cocaine Trafficking Organization

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tommie L. Haney, 44, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced February 20 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 14 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of both methamphetamine and cocaine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Haney pleaded guilty to this charge on December 2, 2024.

    In February 2022, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force officers began investigating a methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking organization operating in Wausau, Wisconsin. The multi-year investigation involved the seizure of drug-laden packages from the mail, controlled purchases of narcotics, and seizures of firearms and large quantities of drugs from residence searches. From the investigation, officers believe the drug trafficking organization was distributing kilograms quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.

    Haney was identified as a local leader of the drug trafficking organization. He worked closely with sources of supply, he arranged bulk purchases, and he accompanied others traveling to obtain drugs. He also helped set drug prices and recruited additional members to the organization. Haney supplied and directed the activities of several regional drug distributors. He also distributed drugs himself. He sold 226 grams of methamphetamine on February 24, 2022, 29 grams of cocaine on January 19, 2023, and 115 grams of methamphetamine on March 16, 2023.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley said Haney was part of a substantial drug conspiracy that caused harm to the Wausau community. Judge Conley also said that the quantity of drugs involved in the case warranted a lengthy sentence.

    Eight others were also charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Teala L. Kumbera was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and sentenced to 54 months in federal prison. Shandel L. Mohr was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison. Quo Vadis Lewis was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of both methamphetamine and cocaine and possessing firearms as a felon and was sentenced to 12 ½ years in federal prison. Shelby Gutch pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine on January 7, 2025, and entered into a 24-month diversion agreement. Troy C. Olsen was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison. Craig C. Gates was convicted of possessing cocaine intended for distribution and possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 106 months in federal prison. Edwin Lewis and Samuel A. Teague have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months.

    The charges against Haney and the others in his organization were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.

    This case has also been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

    In addition, this operation 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: King County Man Who Dealt Narcotics on the Dark Web and Kept a Cache of Weapons at His RV Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Law enforcement was already investigating dark web drug trafficking when defendant was shot near Olallie State Park

    Seattle – A King County man, arrested after law enforcement discovered a drug lab and cache of firearms and explosives inside an RV near a state park, was sentenced today to eight years in prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and unlawful possession of destructive devices, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Braiden F. Wilson, 29, and his partner, 30- year-old Chandler B. Bennett were arrested following a May 12, 2024, shooting in rural King County.  At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Lauren King said, the crimes “were egregious… You distributed a large amount of drugs that cause a danger to our community.”

    “Mr. Wilson used the dark web to advertise his potentially deadly wares, shipping fentanyl pills across the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “He further placed the lives of the community in danger by stockpiling a cache of weapons and explosives, which he stored adjacent to a state park frequented by the public.”

    According to records filed in the case, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) was investigating Wilson for dealing drugs on the dark web, when King County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the RV near Olallie State Park when Wilson was shot. The deputies noticed that the RV had surveillance cameras and asked to get access to the recorded video to identify the assailant. Bennett refused to allow law enforcement to enter the RV, so they sought a warrant from a King County Judge.

    When law enforcement entered the RV, they found a large cache of weapons as well as fentanyl powder, tablets containing fentanyl, and sundry items associated with the manufacture of tablets, including a manual pill press. Law enforcement located more than two and a half kilograms of fentanyl-laced pills. Law enforcement seized 16 firearms, body armor, silencers, and ballistic shields. They also found gun parts made from 3D printers – making them untraceable. There were multiple destructive devices and literature on the chemistry and manufacturing of explosives, as well as literature on how to convert firearms to fully automatic capability.

    Agents and officers also searched two storage units associated with Wilson and found two additional pill presses, more controlled substances, and mailing supplies. In all law enforcement seized more than two kilos of fentanyl-laced pills, nearly a kilo of fentanyl powder, and more than three kilos of methamphetamine. Computer and bank records reveal that Wilson distributed controlled substances via his dark web identity more than 2,000 times and he took in more than $287,000 in crypto currency.

    Wilson pleaded guilty in October 2024.

    Asking for an eight-year prison sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “Wilson engaged in a comprehensive enterprise to distribute fentanyl-laced pills throughout the country by offering his products for sale on dark web 

    marketplaces…  He maintained a veritable armory while engaged in his drug distribution business. Inside the motorhomes Wilson shared with his co-defendant, investigators found an operable machinegun; silencers designed to muffle the report of a discharged firearm; a shotgun stored in a case designed to look like it carried a musical instrument; destructive devices commonly called pipe bombs; and materials to make more destructive devices.”

    “This is another example of great work by our patrol deputies, as they went above and beyond on a call that resulted in taking two dangerous criminals off the street,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “Additionally, I am so proud of the work done by our Gun Violence Reduction Unit.  That team was able to ensure the proper steps were taken in this investigation, and in partnership with several federal agencies, were able to hold these people accountable and ensure justice was served.”

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Washington State Patrol.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of New York Man for Role in Scheme Defrauding Bernalillo County

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    strong>ALBUQUERQUE – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded Bernalillo County of over $447,000.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, Oscar Kipikirui Ngeno, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Kenya, was involved in a business email compromise scheme targeting the government of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Between October and December 2019, while residing in New York on an immigrant visa, Ngeno allowed others to have access to his bank account, which was used for fraudulent transfers.

    The scheme involved a spoofed email sent to Bernalillo County, purportedly from a legitimate vendor, containing falsified payment information and a phone number controlled by Ngeno. As a result, the county transferred a total of $447,372.89 to Ngeno‘s account over several months.

    Ngeno became aware of the illegal nature of these transfers and the criminal origin of the funds in his account. On November 6, 2019, he used approximately $13,090.82 of the fraudulently obtained money to pay off a personal vehicle loan with Capital One Auto.

    On November 15, 2024, Ngeno pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, acknowledging his role in the scheme. Ngeno was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000 to Bernalillo County.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Buffalo Field Office, the Rochester Resident Agency, Richmond FBI Field Office and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crescent Township Resident Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant remains detained after searches also revealed more than 20 firearms and evidence of antisemitic and violent extremist ideologies

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The one-count Indictment named Aidan Harding, 20, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment and other information presented to the Court, on or about December 11, 2024, Harding possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, including videos containing the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors.

    On January 27, 2025, Harding was charged by criminal complaint and, at a February 12, 2025, detention hearing, ordered to be held without bond pending trial after the United States introduced evidence that Harding committed the charged offense and possessed additional materials depicting violent sexual assaults. In addition, in support of its contention that Harding presented an unacceptable danger to the community, the United States presented testimony and documentary evidence that Harding adhered to a racially-motivated violent extremist ideology, possessed more than 20 firearms, had targeted Pittsburgh’s Jewish community with antisemitic fliers, and made statements online about his interest in “political and revenge driven” mass casualty events, including references to the shooter who murdered 11 congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The evidence also established that Harding, who had been previously adjudicated delinquent for terroristic threats after discussing online his desire to commit a “high kill count” attack, possessed videos of mass shootings from the United States and other countries, and had filmed himself re-enacting the Columbine mass shooting at a memorial honoring the victims of that attack.

    The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Over $20 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina collected over $20 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, over $14 million was collected in criminal actions and over $6 million was collected in civil actions.

    Additionally, the Eastern District of North Carolina worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $27,680.71 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.

    The Eastern District of North Carolina’s successful collection efforts included the identification and recovery of over $800,000.00 transferred and concealed by criminal defendant Shephard Spruill, who participated in fraudulent billings to Medicaid by abusing his access to patient information.  In another example of successful enforcement, the Eastern District of North Carolina recovered over $500,000 from civil defendant Michael Robinson for amounts fraudulently obtained from farm assistance programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The recovery of funds fraudulently obtained from such government programs is vital for ensuring the preservation of important public resources.

    The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    The Eastern District of North Carolina also aggressively pursued criminal and civil asset forfeiture remedies to disgorge criminals of their ill-gotten gains and recover funds that can subsequently be remitted to the victims of financial crime.  Working with partner agencies and divisions, this office collected over two million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

    In addition to those deposits, during Fiscal Year 2024, the Eastern District of North Carolina, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seized and processed for forfeiture nearly $5 million in Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency that is alleged to be proceeds of cryptocurrency confidence investment schemes, a type of fraud scheme in which fraudsters develop romantic or other personal online relationships with a victim and then convince them to invest substantial sums of money through fake apps that are designed to look like legitimate cryptocurrency exchange apps, but instead  deceive the victim into believing that they are earning high rates of return on their investments while really funneling the cryptocurrency directly to the fraudsters’ personal wallets.  Even larger cryptocurrency seizures and forfeitures are anticipated and in progress in the coming year as law enforcement works aggressively to combat this devastating form of criminal activity.

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    MIL Security OSI –