NewzIntel.com

Category: Federal Bureau of Investigation

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian Extradited from Switzerland to the United States to Face Indictment Charging Involvement in $290M+ Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tens of thousands of investors deposited bitcoin expecting an investment strategy – Instead, new investor bitcoin used to pay off other investors in a Ponzi scheme

    SEATTLE – A citizen of Brazil appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today, after being extradited from Switzerland to face a 13-count indictment for wire fraud and conspiracy regarding his bitcoin investment scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Douver T. Braga, 48, lived in Florida between approximately 2016 and 2021 during the bulk of the alleged fraud. The indictment alleges Braga operated a bitcoin investment scheme that was really a Ponzi scheme, as well as an illegal multilevel marketing scheme.

    The grand jury returned the indictment in October 2022. It was unsealed last week following Braga’s arrest in Switzerland. Today Braga pleaded “Not Guilty,” and trial was scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on April 28, 2025.

    “Mr. Braga allegedly ran a fraud scheme that harkens back more than a century, but he updated his ‘Ponzi’ scheme with the hot new thing: bitcoin,” said U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “The victim investors have waited years to see justice. I commend our federal partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation for their diligent work on this case.”

    According to the indictment, Braga conspired with others to create a cryptocurrency trading platform called Trade Coin Club (TCC) with an office in Belize. As early as 2016, Braga worked with others to promote TCC, claiming that investors would make money because the TCC had a sophisticated software program that allowed investors to profit on the fluctuating price of bitcoin. Braga also promised that investors could make money by referring other investors to the platform. In reality, there was no investment platform and no sophisticated software. Those who invested early were paid off by later investors as in a Ponzi scheme.

    Braga traveled the world promoting TCC: In Thailand in March 2017, in Nigeria and Macau in May 2017.  TCC was promoted on social media and in videos. At various events Braga claimed TCC had as many as 126,000 members in 231 different countries.

    Through his false promises of sophisticated investments and high returns, Braga induced tens of thousands of people to entrust over 82,000 bitcoin, valued at over $290 million at the time of investment, and to deposit it with TCC. Braga continued the false representations, creating an “online portal” where investors could track the supposed activity of their investment accounts. The site was a fiction as there was no trading activity.

    Braga withdrew and misappropriated investor funds. Between December 2016 and July 2019, at least $50 million in bitcoin was transferred to accounts Braga controlled.

    However, by late 2017 and early 2018, investors had trouble accessing their funds. In January 2018, TCC announced to investors that it was ceasing to operate in the United States and was cancelling their accounts.  Many investors were located in the Western District of Washington.

    Braga allegedly profited handsomely, while failing to report the earnings to the IRS. In 2017, he received bitcoin worth $30.5 million, but only reported income of $152, 298. In 2018, he reported $73,473 in income but got $13.1 million in bitcoin and in 2019, reported $72,870 in income while he received $10 million in bitcoin.

    “The type of scheme Mr. Braga is charged with operating is not new, he just used the allure of a flashy new technology to obscure the well-worn scam.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While the victims in this case waited and wondered about the fate of their investments, he siphoned off millions of dollars for his personal use. This case demonstrates the determination of the FBI and our partners in IRS Criminal Investigation to hold fraudsters accountable, no matter where in the world they may be.”

    “The charges against Mr. Braga and his co-conspirators reflect a well-designed scheme to solicit investment in a fake cryptocurrency trading platform from victims around the globe,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI), Los Angeles Field Office.  “Furthermore, Mr. Braga is alleged to have knowingly ignored and circumvented laws regulating multi-level marketing programs in the U.S.- laws that exist to protect investors from becoming victims in pyramid schemes.  Despite the complexity of this scheme, IRS Criminal Investigation and our partners at the FBI successfully uncovered the evidence necessary to bring forth these charges.”

    Braga is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud reflecting 12 wires investors sent to TCC for deposits in their “accounts.” Braga is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

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

    The case was investigated by the IRS-CI and the FBI.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Phillip Kopczynski. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the extradition.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three New Haven Men Guilty of Charges Related to Counterfeit Pill Production, Narcotics Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a jury in Hartford has found AQUARIUS GUMBS, also known as “Q,” “Ice,” and “Diamond,” 50; GORDON LAURIA, 54; and MARKOS PAPPAS, also known as “Speedy,” 51; all of New Haven, guilty of offenses related to the large-scale trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine pills disguised as legitimate prescription medication, as well as other controlled substances.

    According to court documents and the evidence presented during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation by the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force targeting the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit oxycodone tablets containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall tablets containing methamphetamine, and the distribution of heroin and cocaine, in the New Haven area.  The investigation revealed that Willis Taylor, with the assistance of Lauria, Pappas, Gumbs, and others, coordinated the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit narcotic pills.  Taylor distributed the pills to others and arranged counterfeit pill transactions between second and third parties, sometimes using Gumbs as a source of supply.  Gumbs also distributed controlled substances to his own customers.  After Taylor’s arrest in November 2022, Pappas conspired with others, including Lisa Fausel, of New Haven, to distribute controlled substances.

    During the investigation, investigators seized more than two kilograms of fentanyl, including thousands of counterfeit Oxycodone tablets; approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, including thousands of counterfeit Adderall pills; three kilograms of cocaine and other drugs; four pill-press machines; one industrial mixer; five firearms; and more than $200,000 in cash.  Two of the firearms and $13,250 in cash were seized from Gumbs, a previously convicted felon, on November 18, 2022.

    Fourteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.

    Today, the jury found Lauria and Gumbs guilty of one count, and Pappas guilty of two counts, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.  Gumbs was also found guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

    The jury found a fourth defendant, Julio Echevarria, of New Haven, not guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.

    Gumbs, Lauria, and Pappas are detained pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

    Taylor previously pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.  On October 21, 2024, Fausel was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment.

    This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA, the Connecticut State Police, and the West Haven, Hamden, Manchester, Bristol, Fairfield, and Seymour Police Departments.  The FBI Task Force includes participants from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. 

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten, John T. Pierpont, Jr., Konstantin Lantsman, and Katherine Boyles through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nevada Woman Indicted In Romance Scheme To Defraud Seniors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas, Nevada, woman has been charged in a 21-count superseding indictment for allegedly luring older men she met through online dating services and stealing their monies for her personal benefit.

    Aurora Phelps, 43, with residences in Las Vegas and Guadalajara, Mexico, is charged with seven counts of wire fraud; three counts of mail fraud; six counts of bank fraud; three counts of identity theft; one count of kidnapping; and one count of kidnapping resulting in death. Phelps is currently in custody in Mexico.

    According to allegations contained in the superseding indictment, from July 1, 2021, to December 9, 2022, Phelps would meet older men on dating websites or services, then meet them in-person. It was part of her scheme to drug the older men to gain unauthorized access to and steal money from their financial accounts to personally benefit herself and her family members.

    The superseding indictment stems from a two-year investigation by the FBI Las Vegas Division. The superseding indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in September 2023.

    Photo of defendant Aurora Phelps, from court document in United States of America v. Aurora Phelps, number 2:23-cr-0167-CDS-DJA, in U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.

    In romance scams, the scammer gains an unsuspecting individual’s affection and trust, then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. These schemes not only cause significant financial losses, but also deeply impact the lives of victims.

    If convicted on all counts, Phelps faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison.

    The charges were announced by Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division.

    The investigation is a result of the close cooperation between the United States and Mexican authorities. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is providing significant assistance in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Schiess and Steven J. Rose are prosecuting the case.

    An FBI website has been established seeking to identify potential victims. Any individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been victimized by Phelps or otherwise have information related to the case are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or complete a survey via this website https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-victim-information-in-aurora-phelps-investigation.

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

    More information about the department’s efforts to help older Americans is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage, which can be found at elderjustice.gov. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.

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

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Engineer Pleads Guilty to Possessing Trade Secrets of Oregon Semiconductor Manufacturer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.– Varun Gupta, 44, who previously lived and worked in Oregon, pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing trade secrets taken from his previous employer.

    According to court documents, from July 2010 to January 2020, Gupta was employed as a product marketing engineer for an American technology company headquartered in California, with its largest concentration of facilities and employees located in Oregon. The company is one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, supplying semiconductor products to companies globally.

    As part of his employment, Gupta signed an agreement prohibiting him from disclosing, retaining or making unauthorized copies of proprietary information or trade secrets without authorization from the company. Throughout his employment, Gupta had access to valuable and protected information including pricing structures and strategies and product development and manufacturing capabilities. To secure this information, the company used multiple layers of protection.

    In early January 2020, Gupta announced his intent to resign and take a job with a domestic technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington.  While still employed at the company in Oregon, Gupta downloaded approximately 4,000 files, many of which contained trade secrets and proprietary materials, from his company-issued computer to personal portable hard drives.

    Between February and July 2020, while employed by the company in Washington, Gupta possessed and accessed his previous employer’s trade secrets and proprietary information without authorization. Gupta accessed information related to customized product design and pricing for significant purchases of computer processors, which Gupta used, as a representative of the Washington company, during head-to-head negotiations with his previous employer.

    On December 26, 2024, Gupta was charged by criminal information with possessing stolen trade secrets.

    Gupta faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 12, 2025, by a U.S. District Judge.

    This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by William M. Narus, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Geoffrey A. Barrow, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Anand B. Patel, Senior Counsel for the Criminal Division.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Carlos Man Charged with Arson for Causing Watch Fire on San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Keanu Rudy Dude, 25, an enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and a San Carlos, Arizona resident, was arrested today on an outstanding indictment issued by a federal grand jury in Phoenix. He is charged with Arson for the July 2024 Watch Fire on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.

    The Watch Fire burned over 2,000 acres of land owned by the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Twenty-one homes identified in the indictment were destroyed by the fire. Four hundred families had to be evacuated from their homes and the areas surrounding San Carlos. Dude will have his initial appearance on Monday, February 24, 2025.

    An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the San Carlos Apache Police and Fire Departments and the San Carlos Ranger and Forestry Departments conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-1579-PHX-DJH
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-022_Dude

    # # #

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

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wenatchee Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Justin Boyd Renteria, age 34, of Wenatchee, Washington, to 15 years in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed a lifetime of supervised release.

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in summer 2023, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Department learned Renteria was in possession of several videos depicting young children being sexually abused by adults. At the time, Renteria was on supervised release for his federal conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material.

    On October 13, 2023, United States Probation executed a supervised release search of Renteria’s property. Officers seized a knife, drug paraphernalia, and multiple electronic devices. On a phone seized in the search, the FBI located more than 200 images and videos of adults sexually abusing young children.

    “Mr. Renteria’s case highlights the serious consequences of repeat criminal behavior and U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to holding accountable those who repeatedly possess or receive child sex material,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker. “I am grateful for the prosecutors and law enforcement agents, who devote their careers to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”

    “Tragically, Mr. Renteria did not learn his lesson from his previous conviction and continued to possess harmful child sexual abuse material,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “These photos and videos are extremely damaging to vulnerable minors, now more than ever because digital copies are so difficult to completely eliminate in the internet age. We hope this sentence sends a message to would-be predators that the FBI and our law enforcement partners take these crimes seriously, and engaging in them can have serious consequences.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alison L. Gregoire and Rebecca R. Perez.

    2:24-cr-00023-SAB

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Rock Hill Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Their Role in Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Emmanuel Deon Foster, 36, and Bobby Antoinios Hall, 41, both of Rock Hill, have been sentenced for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.   

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Foster and Hall had a close relationship with the leader of the conspiracy. Based upon law enforcement efforts, they learned both Foster and Hall purchased fentanyl-lased pills during the time of the conspiracy from the leader.  These pills were then sold to other dealers in the Rock Hill area. Foster also purchased and sold cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine. These drugs were purchased from other members of the conspiracy and sold to other dealers. This operation has been responsible for the arrest and conviction of more than 20 individuals during its existence.

    United States District Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Foster to a total of 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. Hall was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

    This joint law enforcement activity and prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Convicted Child Sex Offender Arrested And Indicted For Using The Internet To Access Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the arrest and indictment of Sean-Michael Smith (36, Jacksonville) for using the internet to access child sexual abuse materials. If convicted, Smith faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Smith is a registered child sex offender who was convicted in 2014 of distributing child pornography. Smith was arrested on December 18, 2024, and is detained pending trial.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

    It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin Debunks Media Narrative on Kash Patel and President Trump’s Ukraine-Russia Posture on CNN

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin Debunks Media Narrative on Kash Patel and President Trump’s Ukraine-Russia Posture on CNN

    Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper to discuss the importance of confirming Kash Patel for Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and America’s response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On the mistakes of President Zelensky:

    “I believe Zelensky and Ukraine has made some mistakes. I believe they made some mistakes with the ambassador when they went on the campaign trail with Harris. I think that was a problem, and now I would say with President Zelensky being less than grateful to President Trump and the United States for their help in the last few meetings that they’ve had. It has been difficult for the support to still stay there.”

    On how the war in Ukraine wouldn’t have happened under President Trump:

    “President Trump is the only one that could have prevented this war from taking place, and President Trump now is cleaning up the mess that President Biden left behind. And President Trump will get it done, he will negotiate an end to this war. He wants to see the war ended, regardless of how that takes place. He wants to see a win for Ukraine and a win for Russia at the same time, because there’s a lose-lose going on for both countries right now. People are dying, and the president said he wants people to stop dying.”

    On how Kash Patel uncovered the FBI’s bias:

    “What he was doing was exposing what he felt was truth and I don’t think he was far off-base. He’s also the one that exposed the hypocrisy coming out of the FBI and exposing what Director Wray was doing by weaponizing the FBI to go after political enemies. You’ve got to remember this is the same FBI that was going after Catholic churches saying that they could be domestic terrorist organizations. They’re the same people who went after parents for going to school board meetings during Covid. This is an organization that should be mission-focused on keeping all Americans safe, not weaponizing themselves after political foes…”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dauphin County Man Sentenced to 97 Months’ Imprisonment for Receipt of Images Containing the Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dylan Ruppert, age 29, formerly of Halifax, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 20, 2025, to 97 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, for receiving images containing sexual exploitation of a child.  

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on August 11, 2023, law enforcement recovered approximately 65 electronic files of child pornography from Ruppert’s phone during a search of his home. Law enforcement also recovered electronic communications from Ruppert to another individual in which Ruppert discussed his desire to groom a child to engage in sexual activity.

    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, 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.usdoj.gov/psc.

    The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Varley prosecuted the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to 10+ Years in Federal Prison for Robbery Committed While on Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A serial bank robber who robbed three banks while on supervised release for a prior bank robbery conviction was sentenced Thursday to more than 10 years in federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham. 

    Taurick Demon Walker, 43, was charged via criminal complaint in August 2023 and indicted the following month. He pleaded guilty in October 2024 to bank robbery and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 105 months for the bank robbery plus 24 months for violating the conditions of his supervised release – which prohibited committing any felonies – for a total of 129 months in federal prison. 

    According to court records, Mr. Walker was convicted of bank robbery in March 2018 and sentenced to six years in federal prison. He served his time and was released in March 2023. 

    Just five months after his release, on Aug. 10, 2023, Mr. Walker entered a Regions Bank in Irving, passed a teller a note, and demanded “all your money now.”  The teller handed over a wad of cash and Mr. Walker fled the scene. 

    Eight days later, on Aug. 18, Mr. Walker robbed two other banks: a Truist Bank in Dallas and a Wells Fargo in Garland. On both occasions, he approached a teller and pressed a note against the glass that read “Bank Robbery 20,000.”

    Investigators were able to link Mr. Walker to both robberies using a network of FLOCK license plate readers.

    In an interview with law enforcement, a family member told police she recognized a cowboy hat worn during one of the robberies as Mr. Walker’s. 

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Dallas, Garland, and Irving Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Withers prosecuted the case..

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orleans Parish Resident Guilty of Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced today that DAVID KELLUP JR., (“KELLUP”), age 45, of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 13, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to Counts 2, 4, 5, and 8 of the indictment pending against him.  Sentencing is scheduled for May 24, 2025.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 2 with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  At sentencing, he faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 4 with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1).  At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment. Any sentence on Count 4 must run consecutive to any other sentence.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 5 with possessing firearms after being convicted of certain felonies, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). At sentencing, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 8 with maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 856(a) and Title 18 U.S.C. § 2.  Count 8 carries up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment. All four counts also carry a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, KELLUP and other individuals, maintained three residences in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans for the purpose of packaging and distributing narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.  Several of these individuals furthered this drug trafficking conspiracy by possessing firearms.

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

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colorado City Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Role in Child Sexual Abuse Ring

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr., 46, of Colorado City, was sentenced on Wednesday by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to life in prison. On October 2, 2024, a jury convicted Bistline of one count of Receipt of Child Pornography; one count of Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor; two counts of Persuading or Coercing Travel to Engage in Sexual Activity; two counts of Using a Means of Interstate Commerce to Persuade or Coerce a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity; and two counts of Transportation of a Minor for Criminal Sexual Activity.

    Bistline’s charges are based on his participation in a years-long child sexual abuse conspiracy that spanned several states and victimized at least 10 children. Bistline committed his crimes with others, including co-defendant Samuel Rappylee Bateman, the self-proclaimed leader of a religious sect based in Colorado City. Bateman and 10 of his other followers previously pleaded guilty to charges related to the child sexual abuse conspiracy and were not part of the trial against Bistline.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bistline delivered two of his own daughters to Bateman to become child “brides” and be sexually abused when the girls were nine and 11 years old. Bistline and others transported the victims between states including Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona to facilitate the sexual abuse. Bistline also participated in group sexual activity involving children, including one event he watched over a video livestream.

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

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-8092-006-PHX-SMB
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-021_Bistline

    # # #

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

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Israeli Freight Forwarder Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Violating Export Restrictions Imposed on Russia

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Gal Haimovich, 49, of Israel, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to illegally ship aircraft parts and avionics from U.S. manufacturers and suppliers to Russia, including for the benefit of sanctioned Russian airline companies. In addition, Haimovich paid the full forfeiture amount of $2,024,435.44 at today’s sentencing.

    As part of his plea agreement, Haimovich admitted that his scheme involved deceiving U.S. companies about the true destination of the goods at issue, and that the defendant and others attempted to conceal the scheme by submitting false information in export documents filed with the U.S. government.

    According to court documents, Haimovich owned an international freight forwarding company that was an affiliate in a group of companies that did business in various countries, including the United States and Israel. Haimovich, through those companies, operated as a freight forwarder of choice for individuals and entities seeking to illegally export goods to Russia in violation of U.S. export control laws. Between approximately March 2022 and May 2023, Haimovich facilitated the export of aircraft parts and avionics, including those with missile technology applications, from the United States through the Southern District of Florida, to various third-party transhippers on behalf of Russian customers. These Russian-end customers routinely instructed Haimovich to deceive the U.S.-based manufacturers and suppliers about the ultimate destination of the goods.

    For example, between April 2022 and April 2023, after the United States imposed additional restrictions on the export of goods to Russia in response to the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Haimovich arranged for more than 160 shipments to companies in the Maldives and United Arab Emirates that were responsible for the illicit transshipment of the goods to Russia. One such shipment, of an air data module, occurred in August 2022. Haimovich, who had been hired by Siberia Airlines (doing business as S7 Airlines) to deliver the aircraft component to Russia, directed a co-conspirator to falsely inform the U.S. supplier that the part was destined for the Maldives; in fact, Haimovich knew that the part was destined for Russia for the benefit of S7 Airlines.

    Haimovich also agreed that, between March 2022 and May 2023, he billed Russian customers, including Siberia Airlines (doing business as S7 Airlines), more than two million dollars to have aircraft parts and avionics illegally exported from the United States to Russia. In connection with Haimovich’s plea, he agreed to the entry of a forfeiture money judgment in the sum of $2,024,435 and to forfeit various aircraft parts and components.

    Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Kevin J. Kurland of the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, and Assistant Director Kevin Vorndran of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division made the announcement.

    BIS and FBI investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Christopher M. Rigali of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster for the Southern District of Florida handled the asset forfeiture component of the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Ambridge Water Authority Manager Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay Restitution of More Than $1 Million for Defrauding Utility

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on February 20, 2025, to 27 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,073,185 on his conviction of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Michael Dominick, 44, who pleaded guilty to the mail fraud charge on October 8, 2024 (read the plea news release here).

    According to information presented to the Court, Dominick was a former manager at the Ambridge Water Authority (AWA), where, during the period of January 2020 through August 2022, Dominick defrauded AWA of money and property totaling approximately $1,073,185. As manager of AWA, Dominick was responsible for overseeing all daily business and financial activity and had access to AWA’s bank accounts as well as cash and check payments made to AWA for water and related services. Dominick secretly diverted AWA’s money into his own personal bank accounts by writing checks to himself, depositing cash and checks issued to AWA into his personal bank accounts, using the AWA debit card to make purchases of personal items, and adjusting or failing to report the true location of AWA’s funds on critical financial records. As part of his sentencing, Dominick was ordered to pay restitution to the AWA and one of its insurers in the full amount stolen.

    Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that the sentence imposed would reflect Dominick’s significant abuse of public trust in perpetrating the fraud.

    Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and investigators with the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dominick.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TWO TALLAHASSEE MEN FOUND GUILTY IN LARGE-SCALE CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE MARIJUANA

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tyquan M. Watson, 28, and Dezaneil D. Cosby Jr., 27, both of Tallahassee, Florida, were found guilty by a federal jury of conspiring to distribute marijuana as part of a large-scale conspiracy distributing hundreds of pounds of marijuana per week. The guilty verdict, returned at the conclusion of a four-day trial, was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that Watson was purchasing hundred-pound quantities of marijuana per week from farms and brokers in California and reselling the marijuana in Tallahassee and surrounding areas. Evidence demonstrated that Watson had purchased at least 3169 pounds of marijuana between September 24, 2023, and January 10, 2024, with proceeds of at least $2.4 million during that period.

    The long-term investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). On October 13, 2022, FDLE conducted a controlled purchase of 28 pounds of marijuana from a subsequently charged codefendant. During the surveillance, FDLE agents observed the codefendant obtaining the marijuana from Cosby’s residence immediately prior to the controlled purchase. Both the codefendant and Watson’s fingerprints were identified on packaging material associated with the purchased marijuana. On October 28, 2022, DEA executed a federal search warrant at Cosby’s residence and seized 238 pounds of marijuana and a firearm.

    Watson and Cosby were both convicted of distribution of marijuana related to the October 13, 2022, controlled purchase. Cosby was also convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana for the October 28, 2022, search warrant.

    Watson and Cosby were arrested together on federal arrest warrants on March 11, 2024, at another residence in Tallahassee. During that arrest, law enforcement seized another 183 pounds of marijuana and a firearm.

    Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2025, at 11:00am (Watson) and 2:00pm (Cosby) at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.

    This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Harley Ferguson prosecuted the case.

    This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. More information about OCDETF may be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stowe Man Charged with the Deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Theodore Bland, 29, of Stowe, Vermont, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, possession of cocaine base and fentanyl with intent to distribute, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging that firearm during the commission of the offense, and through his use and carrying of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime causing the deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White in circumstances that constitute murder under federal law.

    Bland’s arraignment on the new charges will occur on a date to be determined by the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. Bland is currently detained pending trial on charges included in the original indictment in the case.

    According to court records, on October 12, 2023, Bland used, carried, and discharged a firearm, in relation to his drug trafficking activities. Also according to court records, Bland’s October 12 firearm discharges caused the deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White. Bland used social media messaging to communicate with his co-conspirators regarding, among other topics, the procurement of controlled substances for distribution, the pricing of controlled substances for sale to drug customers, and the distribution of controlled substances to drug customers. Bland also used social media messaging to communicate with his co-conspirators following the homicides of Solomon and White on October 12, 2023, including communications about his attempts to conceal the homicides. Court documents also state that Bland induced others to help him move the bodies of Solomon and White to two wooded areas in Eden, Vermont, where the bodies were discovered by law enforcement on October 24 and 25, 2023.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Bland is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted of the new charges in the superseding indictment, there is a possibility the federal death penalty could apply. The United States has not yet reached a decision whether it will pursue the death penalty against Bland. If convicted of the new charges Bland also faces a potential prison term of up to life. Any prison sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Morristown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department.

    The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Paul Van de Graaf. Bland is represented by David Sleigh, Esq.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Businessmen Receive Prison Sentences in COVID-19 Mask and Glove Sale Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Brian H. Sperber and Edmond S. Norkus have received prison sentences for conspiring to commit wire fraud in a scheme in which the men tricked expectant purchasers of personal protective equipment out of more than $14 million. 

    “Sperber and Norkus cashed in on the unprecedented scarcity and skyrocketing price of personal protective equipment to get rich quick at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was exploding,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Now they justifiably confront prison terms for their cynical, illegal cash grab.”

    “These sentences underline the FBI’s commitment to holding those who exploit federal relief programs for personal gain accountable,” said FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke.

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began, Brian H. Sperber became an authorized distributor for a Georgia-based personal protective equipment (“PPE”) manufacturer. Edmond S. Norkus operated warehouse space in Florida and was Sperber’s longstanding business associate. As the pandemic worsened, demand for, and market value of, PPE steeply increased. Even though Sperber was only authorized to sell to customers in a specific geographic sales territory and manufacturers had only extremely limited supplies available, Sperber and Norkus promised to sell large quantities of PPE to a wide range of would-be buyers. 

    But to make it appear that they could deliver on their promise, Sperber and Norkus diverted and showcased products already earmarked for other customers. They also provided customers with a variety of altered and counterfeit documents, designed to deceive customers into believing the products they had ordered were on the way. Ultimately, there were no products to supply and Sperber and Norkus pocketed the money while providing the victims with nothing.

    United States District Judge Michael J. Brown sentenced Brian H. Sperber, 48, of Plantation, Fla., to two years, two months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,231,605.36. Sperber was convicted on May 28, 2024, after he pleaded guilty.

    Judge Brown sentenced Edmond S. Norkus, 61, of Deerfield Beach, Fla., to three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Norkus was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,821,605.36. Norkus was convicted on May 28, 2024, after he pleaded guilty.

    Sperber used proceeds from the scheme to purchase a multi-million dollar waterfront mansion in Boca Raton, Florida. In a related civil forfeiture action, the United States and Sperber agreed to sell the property, netting approximately $4 million, and resolve the forfeiture in the criminal prosecution. As part of Sperber’s sentence, the district court forfeited Sperber’s interest in the funds. The United States, in Sperber’s plea agreement, agreed to recommend that the funds seized from the sale of the property be restored to the victims named in the restitution order. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Alana R. Black and C. Brock Brockington prosecuted the case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus

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

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Washington, D.C., FBI Richmond arrest illegal Egyptian national during enhanced operation in Virginia

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ABINGDON, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI apprehended an illegally present citizen of Egypt and Turkey when officers and agents arrested Noareleslam Abdelrahman, 27, during an at-large, targeted enforcement action in Abingdon.

    “Noareleslam Abdelrahman was illegally present in Virginia in blatant and knowing violation of U.S. immigration laws,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. acting Field Office Director Patrick Divver. “ICE remains dedicated to our mission of ensuring safety and security through the arrest and removal of individuals who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws. We take this mission extremely seriously, and we will continue to arrest and remove alien offenders.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Abdelrahman June 23, 2023, after he illegally entered the United States near Yuma, Arizona, and served him a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

    An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review in Eloy, Arizona, granted Abdelrahman an immigration bond August 10, 2023. ICE released Abdelrahman from Eloy Federal Correctional Facility after he posted his $8,000 immigration bond.

    Abdelrahman violated the terms of his bond by moving from New Jersey to Virginia on an unknown date without notifying EOIR of his move.

    ICE served Abdelrahman with a notice of custody determination and canceled his immigration bond after his arrest and he remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROWashington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Jacksonville Locates Remains of Missing Man from the UK

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

    The FBI Jacksonville Division, with support from state and local law enforcement partners, located the remains of 32-year-old Alex Hodgson Doughty on Tuesday, February 4, in a wooded area on private land near Kingsland, Georgia. FBI Jacksonville’s Evidence Response Team led the search. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation medical examiner confirmed Mr. Doughty’s identity. No criminal charges are expected.

    Mr. Doughty was a citizen of the United Kingdom and was visiting North Florida in September 2022 when his mother contacted local police and reported that she could not reach him and was concerned for his well-being. Investigators from multiple federal, state, local, and international agencies have contributed to the search for answers since that time.

    “While we had hoped to bring Mr. Doughty’s family better news, we are thankful to be able to provide them with some closure,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler. “This discovery is the direct result of our partnerships and special agents from FBI Jacksonville’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), who were relentless in their efforts to narrow down potential search locations.”

    The FBI’s CAST supports law enforcement investigations through the analysis of historical and realtime mobile communications and geolocation data. CAST experts receive extensive training and are highly proficient at analyzing location data from mobile devices. Throughout fiscal year 2024, CAST experts assisted with more than 6,100 investigations, 54% of which were in support of state and local investigations. The search for Mr. Doughty was among those.

    In addition to the efforts of law enforcement, the Doughty family thanks the volunteer search teams who contributed their time and resources in six additional searches.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Jacksonville Division and State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Thames Valley (UK) Police Department, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and Kingsland (Georgia) Police Department. Additional local law enforcement provided resources to aid in the search.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston, law enforcement partners arrest illegal Brazilian gang member convicted of assault, battery in Massachusetts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BELLINGHAM, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives apprehended an illegally present Brazilian national and validated gang member convicted of assault and battery against a Massachusetts resident with the arrest of Caio Vitor Guimaraes-Silva, 21, during an immigration enforcement operation in Bellingham, Feb. 3.

    “Caio Vitor Guimaraes-Silva has not only shown a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws, but he also presented a significant danger to the residents of Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “As a documented member of a violent street gang and an alien convicted of a violent crime, we could no longer abide Mr. Guimaraes’ presence in our community. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our New England neighborhoods.”

    Guimaraes lawfully entered the United States September 3, 2017, and later violated the terms of his lawful admission.

    ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Guimaraes with the Middlesex County House of Corrections Feb. 16, 2024, following his arrest by local authorities.

    The Milford District Court found Guimaraes guilty of two counts of assault and battery against a Massachusetts resident Sept. 9, 2024. The court sentenced Guimaraes to one year in prison but suspended all but 90 days of time served. The court then released Guimaraes from state custody, ignoring the ICE immigration detainer.

    Guimaraes is in ICE custody following his arrest.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Founder of Haitian Orphanage Convicted for Sexually Abusing Boys in his Care

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A federal jury in Miami convicted a Colorado man yesterday for sexually abusing numerous boys at the orphanage he founded and directed in Haiti.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Karl Geilenfeld, 73, most recently of Littleton, founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys — a home for orphaned, impoverished, and otherwise vulnerable children in Haiti — in 1985 and operated it for more than two decades. During this time, Geilenfeld repeatedly traveled from the United States to Haiti, where he sexually abused the boys entrusted to his care.

    The jury convicted Geilenfeld of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, between 2005 and 2010. Each of the six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place relates to a particular victim who was a child at the time of the offense. Each of the six victims testified about the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Geilenfeld, as did four other victims who were not the subject of the charged offenses. Geilenfeld is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the seven total counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Miami and the FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Jessica L. Urban and Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Founder of Haitian Orphanage Convicted for Sexually Abusing Boys in his Care

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    A federal jury in Miami convicted a Colorado man yesterday for sexually abusing numerous boys at the orphanage he founded and directed in Haiti.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Karl Geilenfeld, 73, most recently of Littleton, founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys — a home for orphaned, impoverished, and otherwise vulnerable children in Haiti — in 1985 and operated it for more than two decades. During this time, Geilenfeld repeatedly traveled from the United States to Haiti, where he sexually abused the boys entrusted to his care.

    The jury convicted Geilenfeld of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, between 2005 and 2010. Each of the six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place relates to a particular victim who was a child at the time of the offense. Each of the six victims testified about the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Geilenfeld, as did four other victims who were not the subject of the charged offenses. Geilenfeld is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the seven total counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Miami and the FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Jessica L. Urban and Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Former KC Police Officer of $200,000 Charity Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., police officer who ran an anti-crime charity has been convicted in federal court of a scheme in which he spent more than $200,000 in donations for his own personal expenses.

    Aaron Wayne McKie, 47, was found guilty on Thursday, Feb. 20, of nine counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. McKie worked as a police officer for the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department for 24 years, assigned as a police officer to the Crime Free Multi-Housing section from 2002 through 2023.

    McKie served from 2009 to 2023 as president of Mid-America Crime Free, Inc. (MACF), a non-profit organization that claimed to provide training to persons in the rental housing industry and promote anti-crime programs. He was an officer of the charity for three years prior, from 2006 to 2009.

    Evidence produced during the trial indicated that McKie devised a scheme to defraud MACF and its donors that began in July 2009 and lasted until October 2023. Individuals and businesses contributed $387,620 to MACF, not including in-kind donations. McKie spent at least $200,060 for his own personal purposes.

    The biggest source of MACF funds was an annual golf tournament, “Fairways 4 Fuzz Golf Tournament.” Individuals and businesses donated both money and in-kind donations, such as food and beverages, to MACF via the golf tournament. At least 121 donors have been identified.

    From 2009 to 2023, the flyers soliciting donations and players for the tournament claimed the funds raised would enable MACF to provide free seminars to owners of rental properties and train police officers. In reality, those claims were false. The Kansas City Police Department paid the salaries and expenses of Crime Free Multi-Housing unit officers who may have provided training to landlords; McKie used the majority of MACF funds for personal spending; and the IRS had revoked the organization’s tax-exempt status in 2010.

    Under federal statutes, McKie is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the 10 counts on which he was convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for nine hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips, ending a trial that began Monday, Feb. 10.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Hanson. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Drug Trafficking Associated with Street Gang

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Derrick Bailey, 44, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, by Senior U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough to 180 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his role in a wide-spread drug conspiracy involving a Springfield street gang, Boss Playas, lasting from approximately May 2020 through November 2020.

    At the sentencing hearing, Bailey was held accountable for trafficking over 10 kilograms of cocaine as a member of the conspiracy. Also during the hearing, Judge Myerscough noted that the group of conspirators were responsible for distributing large amounts of controlled substances in the Springfield area, which had a negative effect on the community.

    Co-defendants in the case have received the following sentences of imprisonment: Denziel Witherspoon, 240 months; James Cooper, 180 months; Christopher Wallace 120 months; Isadore Montgomery, 120 months; Rashaud Brown, 84 months; Paul Davis, 40 months; and Taylor Cockrell, 36 months. Additional defendants Dorothy Jackson, Shelton Witherspoon, Lavar Maney, Haley Riley, and Haylee Vaughn have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

    Bailey was indicted on December 15, 2020, and pleaded guilty on September 18, 2024. He has remained in the custody of the United States Marshal since his arrest on December 1, 2020.  

    The statutory penalties for the most serious charge of conviction include up to life in prison, up to a $20,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.

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

    The case against Bailey was part of an investigation of the Springfield-based Boss Playas street gang and was 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Career Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

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

    RICHMOND, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute parafluorofentanyl and fentanyl.

    According to court documents, on the evening of September 17, 2023, Jaron James Starkey, 35, of Charlotte, and formerly of New Castle County, Delaware, was driving erratically southbound on I-95 in Caroline County. Other drivers traveling on I-95 called 911 to report the erratic driving. Virginia State Police (VSP) responded to the area and upon arrival observed that Starkey had crashed his Jeep. Starkey, who was alone in the car, was speaking incoherently and his eyes were bloodshot. He was transported to the Mary Washington Hospital emergency room.

    Upon approaching the vehicle, the responding VSP officers also observed thousands of glassine baggies, each of which appeared to contain a white powder, scattered throughout Starkey’s car. A total of 4,497 blue glassine baggies collected contained Parafluorofentanyl, with a net weight of over 122 grams. Also in the vehicle were 120 white glassine baggies containing fentanyl.

    Starkey has 21 prior convictions as an adult, including two previous drug trafficking convictions, convictions for possessing firearms as a convicted felon, and conspiracy to commit burglary, among others.   

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Lt. Colonel Matt Hanley, Virginia State Police Interim Superintendent; and Brian Layton, Chief of Fredericksburg Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. The Fredericksburg Regional Narcotics Task Force assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-58.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Convicted of Supplying Cocaine and Fentanyl to Fredericksburg Drug Trafficker

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

    RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Maryland man today of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, over 40 grams of fentanyl, and a detectable amount of p-fluorofentanyl.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least July 1, 2022, through June 8, 2023, Sean Shaka Myles Sr., 50, of Baltimore, supplied Omar Jermel Dixon, 48, of Fredericksburg, with cocaine, fentanyl and p-fluorofentanyl, which Dixon then supplied to a number of individuals for redistribution in and around Fredericksburg.

    Myles faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on June 18. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the verdict. The Fredericksburg Regional Narcotics Task Force assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gilliland, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office are prosecuting the case.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-95.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Taney County Official Pleads Guilty to Stealing $260,000

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

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former official with the Taney County Health Department pleaded guilty in federal court today to a scheme to embezzle approximately $260,000 from the agency.

    Hugo Ricardo Huacuz, 51, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a five-count federal information. Huacuz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, two counts of stealing federal funds, one count of money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    Huacuz was the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer of the Taney County Health Department until he resigned on Nov. 14, 2023. Huacuz had been employed by the health department since 2011.

    By pleading guilty today, Huacuz admitted that he stole from the Taney County Health Department in a scheme that lasted from March 23, 2022, to Nov. 14, 2023. Huacuz caused the health department to write checks to Argon Investments, LLC, a company organized by Huacuz and his wife. Huacuz forged the signatures of health department members, using their identities without their permission. Huacuz caused the health department to issue 15 checks totaling approximately $259,000, which were deposited into the bank account of Argon Investments.

    Huacuz used the stolen funds for personal expenses charged to his personal credit card, including automobile insurance, maintenance, repair and parts; restaurants; home construction items; gasoline; airline tickets and travel, including to Chicago, Illinois, New York State, San Diego, California, College Station, Texas, Nashville, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Portland, Oregon; utilities; dry cleaning; clothing; dental and medical care; and payments to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office for Argon’s LLC fees.

    Health board members were not aware of the existence of Argon Investments or that any checks had been issued to Argon Investments. In order to conceal his scheme from the board, Huacuz caused these checks to be coded as payments to Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., a multinational pharmaceutical company. Huacuz falsely reported to the health department’s board that some of the checks written to Argon Investments were for items purchased from Sanofi, and created false invoices from Sanofi purportedly for the purchase of pharmaceutical and medical items, including COVID-19 testing kits.

    In November 2023, the director of the Taney County Health Department received information concerning Huacuz’s job performance. The information stated that Huacuz was frequently absent from his job and that he had other businesses he was operating independent from his job at the health department. After reviewing the information, the director met with Huacuz on Nov. 13, 2023, and placed him on administrative leave. Huacuz went to the bank immediately afterward and withdrew more than $24,000 from the Argon bank account, leaving a balance of $100 in the account.

    Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Huacuz agrees that he embezzled at least $258,976 and, at the very least, this amount is subject to forfeiture and restitution. The government will recommend a sentence of no more than four years and six months in federal prison without parole while Huacuz will seek a sentence of three years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services and the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indian National Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Victims of Nearly $6 Million

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

    AUSTIN, Texas – An Indian national was sentenced in a federal court in Austin today to 97 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to court documents, Moinuddin Mohammed, 34, engaged in a conspiracy to launder proceeds of a scheme to defraud elderly victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold. Mohammed was a courier who picked up the cash and gold from vulnerable elderly people. The international conspiracy originated from India and involved the impersonation of government officials in order to convince the victims to turn over millions of dollars from their retirement and savings accounts.

    Multiple victims were contacted by a person claiming to be the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, who told the victims that they were under investigation or at risk of financial loss. The victims were told that they would need to deposit cash, gold or other items of financial value in order to resolve the investigation or prevent the loss. One victim was defrauded of more than $300,000, another was defrauded of approximately $151,500, and a third victim lost a total of approximately $470,000 to the fraud scheme. Nationwide, investigators identified 21 victims who lost a total of nearly $6 million to the scheme.

    In addition to his imprisonment, Mohamed will pay full restitution in the approximate amount of $960,000, forfeits $20,000 in cash that was seized by investigators, and forfeits a money judgement in the amount of $16,000.

    “The significant sentence of this courier for an international fraud scheme sends a strong message that we will investigate and prosecute those at every level of the organization,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Mohammed illegally used the likeness of government officials to prey on and victimize the vulnerable, elderly people in our community, and fraudsters like him will be held accountable.”

    “Mohammed targeted some of our most vulnerable elderly citizens in an effort to line his own pockets and the pockets of foreign fraudsters,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office.  “The FBI continues to see an uptick in financial scams targeting our elderly population and we work every day to bring awareness to our victims and justice to those who perpetuate these devastating schemes. We want to thank our U.S. Attorney’s Office for aggressively pursuing justice for those who fell victim to this scammer. Cases like this are a priority for the FBI and we encourage anyone who has been a victim of a financial scam to contact your local FBI office or go to www.IC3.gov. We also encourage the public to review the FBI’s last report on Elder Fraud to educate yourselves and protect those you love.”

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Charged With Conspiracy To Commit Bank Fraud And Theft Of $1 Million In Federal Grants For HIV Programs

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Yesterday, a complaint was unsealed charging an Arizona man for his role in a conspiracy to misappropriate government funds used to support low-income individuals with HIV, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Brent Lee, 51, of Phoenix, Arizona, was charged by complaint with one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of theft of government funds. Lee appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah M. Fine in the District of Arizona.

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

    In January 2023, a municipality in Hudson County, New Jersey, issued five checks totaling approximately $1M to a nonprofit charitable organization.  The funds for four of the checks originated from a federal grant program that funds a comprehensive system of primary medical care, medications, and essential support for low-income people with HIV.  Yet, as alleged in today’s complaint, the nonprofit organization never received the checks.

    Instead, as alleged, in February and March 2023, Lee conspired with others to use a fraudulent business entity to misappropriate nearly all of the funds derived from the checks.  In February 2023, Lee filed articles of incorporation in Wyoming for a business entity with a name nearly identical to the nonprofit’s, and opened a bank account for that entity.  From February to March 2023, the checks were deposited into that account, and Lee paid himself, a family member, and various other individuals nearly all the proceeds via cash withdrawals, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers.  As a result, the bank recorded a loss of approximately $1M.

    The charge of bank fraud conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.  The charge of theft of government funds carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents and members of the FBI’s Public Corruption and Civil Rights Unit in Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, and the New Jersey Field Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Hardin of the U.S. Attorney’s Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement 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.

                                                               ###

    Defense Counsel: Jazmin Alagha, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –