HAMMOND- Yesterday, Brandon Romand Parks “Baywatch,” age 46, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after being found guilty of racketeering conspiracy following an 18-day jury trial, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Parks was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to the Second Superseding Indictment, the Sin City Deciples, originally formed in 1967 in Gary, Indiana, is an outlaw motorcycle organization in which its members and associates engaged in acts of violence, extortion, and narcotics distribution in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere.
Parks served as a National President of the entire club and was involved in the conspiracy to commit acts of racketeering activity between 2016-2018. As National President, Parks was 2nd in command behind the founder of the club.
The agencies involved in this prosecution were: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Griffith Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents, the Merrillville Police Department, the Munster Police Department, and the Schererville Police Department. Also providing assistance were the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of Indiana, the Western District of Kentucky, and the Western District of Pennsylvania.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Michael J. Toth.
This case 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.
This case was also 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.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Aliyah Robyn Stalder, 24, of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced last week to three years of probation by United States Magistrate Judge Alison S. Bachus for assaulting a flight attendant while on board a commercial flight. During her term of probation, Stalder will not be permitted to travel by commercial aircraft without prior approval and must pay a $5,000 civil penalty imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Stalder was also ordered to pay over $8,000 in restitution for her actions. Stalder pleaded guilty on November 14, 2024, to Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding on an Aircraft.
On February 9, 2023, Stalder boarded a commercial flight from Seattle to Phoenix. During the flight, Stalder attempted to open multiple cabin doors and ultimately had to be restrained by members of the flight crew and other passengers. During the struggle to restrain Stalder, she assaulted one of the flight attendants.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Phoenix Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-00031-PHX-ASB RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-011_Stalder
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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_AZfor the latest news.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
CLEVELAND – A grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio, has returned a six-count indictment related to cyberstalking and making online threats. The indictment charges Logan Stanford, 28, of Shelby, Ohio, with cyberstalking at least three individuals. He is also charged with making interstate threatening communications.
According to the indictment, from Sept. 1, 2021, through May 31, 2024, Stanford used various electronic communication methods to stalk his victims online, known as cyberstalking. This form of threatening behavior can include unwarranted emails, instant and direct messaging, or liking and commenting on social media posts. Stanford allegedly created many accounts under different names on various online platforms. He found victims to target and repeatedly sent them numerous harassing comments. Many of the electronic messages Stanford sent his victims were sexual or violent in nature or threatened to cause them physical harm. He also created multiple email accounts under different names to send similar intimidating messages.
The FBI Cleveland Division is the investigating agency on the case which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Joyce and Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
A Florida man who assaulted a gate agent at DFW Airport pleaded guilty to interfering with security personnel, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.
Keith Charles Owens, 53, was charged via criminal complaint in November 2024. He pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging interference with security screening personnel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton on Wednesday.
In plea papers, Mr. Owens admitted that he assaulted an American Airlines gate agent at DFW Airport on Oct. 5, 2024. Security footage showed Mr. Owens repeatedly punched the gate agent in the head.
According to court documents, around 4:42 p.m., Mr. Owens approached the gate agent at gate A36, explained he was late, and attempted to scan his boarding pass. When the gate agent informed him he was at the wrong gate, Mr. Owens cursed and walked away. The agent then radioed the correct gate, A35, to inform airline personnel that Mr. Owens was headed their way and appeared to be intoxicated.
Mr. Owens then walked onto the A35 jet bridge without scanning his boarding pass. Airline personnel removed him from the jet bridge.
A few moments later, at 4:48 p.m., Mr. Owens again approached gate A36. He began yelling at the gate agent, grabbed him by the shoulders, and punched him repeatedly in the face and neck. Eventually, airline personnel were able to restrain him.
Both the gate agent and the personnel who assisted in restraining Mr. Owens sustained minor injuries. The flight departing from gate A36 was delayed.
Mr. Owens now faces up to 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing has been set for May 2, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation with the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Beck is prosecuting the case.
Mexican Drug-Trafficking Organization Distributed Over 335 Kilos of Meth, 22 Kilos of Heroin
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three Mexican nationals were sentenced in federal court this week for their roles in a $4.7 million conspiracy to distribute more than 335 kilograms of methamphetamine and 22 kilograms of heroin.
Jesus Morales-Garcia, also known as “Don Jesus,” 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips on Wednesday, Jan. 29, to 18 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Santiago Raul Mendieta-Sanchez, 43, also was sentenced to seven years in federal prison without parole.
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, co-defendant Baltazar Flores-Norzagaray, 53, was sentenced to 16 years and three months in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 28, 2024, Morales-Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of participating in a continuing criminal enterprise, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and one count of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported. Mendieta-Sanchez and Flores-Norzagaray also have pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy that continued from Feb. 28, 2020, to Sept. 20, 2022. Flores-Norzagaray also pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Morales-Garcia admitted that he was a chief local operative of a drug-trafficking organization that distributed hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs sourced from Mexico into the Kansas City region.
Morales-Garcia also admitted that he was found in the United States after having been deported twice in 2016.
Flores-Norzagaray also admitted that he was in possession of a Hammerli .22-LRcaliber rifle, a Taurus 9mm handgun, and a Taurus .38-caliber revolver when he was arrested on Oct. 7, 2021. Flores-Norzagaray sold hundreds of grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on at least four separate occasions.
The conspiracy involved the distribution of more than 335.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an average street price of $300 per ounce, and more than 22.1 kilograms of heroin, with an average street price of $1,500 per ounce.
On June 8, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led an operation that involved 140 officers and agents from 14 state, local and federal law enforcement agencies. On the day of the takedown, officers executed 16 search warrants and seized 84.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, 10.4 kilograms of fentanyl, 7.6 kilograms of cocaine, 10.5 kilograms of marijuana, 687 Xanax pills, 3.1 kilograms of unknown pills, a quantity of bulk cash, five firearms, a 3D printer with manufactured ghost gun parts, and a liquid methamphetamine conversion lab.
With these sentencings, 24 defendants have now been sentenced in this case in which 44 defendants were indicted.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Olmsted County, Minn., Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the FBI, the Clay County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force
This case 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.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
HOUSTON – A clothing business owner has admitted he made fraudulent and false statements on his federal tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Philip Ogbeide made his initial appearance and immediately pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan.
Ogbeide signed false U.S. individual income tax 1040 forms from 2018 through 2022 to receive inflated refunds to which he was not entitled.
Ogbeide’s tax returns included false entries claiming fraudulent itemized deductions and credits for which he was not entitled. He also omitted income from his clothing business and from the proceeds of a fraud scheme.
Ogbeide admitted that because of the false deductions and unreported income, he owes the U.S. Treasury $166,929 for tax years 2018 through 2022.
Sentencing has been set for April 15 before U.S. District Judge George Hanks. At that time, Ogbeide faces up to three years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI – Bryan Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Thomas Carter are prosecuting the case.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 204 months in prison for four armed robberies of Postal carriers.
Thierno S. Bah, 22, of Columbus, used firearms and robbed postal carriers of their U.S. Postal Service keys on four occasions between December 2022 and May 2023. He was arrested in August 2023.
“Seventeen years in federal prison is a serious consequence in line with the seriousness of this type of violent crime. We have held numerous individuals accountable in the Southern District of Ohio in recent years for their crimes against United States Postal Service carriers who are simply doing their jobs. As a result of our focused efforts and the vigorous investigations by our federal law enforcement partners, we’ve seen a decrease in new assaults,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.
Bah, who is also known as “Wopo” and “Wopoonese,” worked with others to steal service keys, which are then used to steal mail from USPS receptacles (a process known as “fishing”). Individuals then “cook” the mail by washing personal and business checks and other financial instruments to reflect new payees and new payment amounts. Bah and others would then recruit third parties to deposit the newly washed checks in their own accounts and split the profit.
The thefts occurred in Central Ohio on:
Dec. 29, 2022
Jan. 3, 2023 (two separate robberies on this date)
May 11, 2023
Bah pleaded guilty in November 2023 and admitted to using a handgun to rob a postal carrier in German Village on Dec. 29, 2022. Bah pointed the handgun at the victim’s stomach and demanded his vehicle and service keys.
On Jan. 3, 2023, Bah pushed a postal carrier into her mail truck while she was sorting mail in the back of the truck on East Columbus Street. He then pushed a gun into the victim’s side before stealing her keys.
Later that day, Bah committed another armed postal robbery, this time in Whitehall. Bah approached the victim and pushed the handgun into her stomach before stealing her personal car keys and the USPS service keys.
On May 11, 2023, Bah robbed a Postal worker at the Post Office Retail Store on West Broad Street. Bah approached the victim while she was outside on a break. Bah asked the victim for her keys, and when she asked, “What keys?” he pistol-whipped her in the head with his handgun. Bah forcibly accompanied the victim into the post office to retrieve her service keys.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler; and Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.
CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted the getaway driver in the robberies of three banks and a credit union in the Chicago suburbs.
TARANDLE LEE served as the driver while his friend, CHARLES LAWLER, entered the financial institutions and presented demand notes. Together the pair robbed three banks and a credit union, while Lawler also robbed an additional bank by himself.
The robberies were as follows:
Sept. 22, 2021: Lawler robbed BMO Harris Bank in Naperville, Ill.
Sept. 28, 2021: Lawler and Lee robbed Old Second Bank in Lisle, Ill.
Oct. 6, 2021: Lawler and Lee robbed Bank Financial in Westmont, Ill.
Jan. 3, 2022: Lawler and Lee robbed BMO Harris Bank in Woodridge, Ill.
April 14, 2022: Lawler and Lee robbed DuPage Credit Union in Downers Grove, Ill.
After a week-long trial in federal court in Chicago, the jury on Wednesday convicted Lee, 45, of Bolingbrook, Ill., on all four robbery counts against him. Lawler, 54, of Villa Park, Ill., pleaded guilty prior to trial to the first three robberies and stipulated to his role in the final two.
Lee faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the four robberies he committed, while Lawler faces up to 20 years for each of the three robberies to which he pleaded guilty. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman has not yet set Lee’s sentencing date. Lawler is set to be sentenced on March 11, 2025.
The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Downers Grove, Ill. Police Department, Bellwood, Ill. Police Department, Woodridge, Ill. Police Department, and Villa Park, Ill. Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandro G. Ortega and Jonathan L. Shih.
LOS ANGELES – A Culver City man agreed to plead guilty to recklessly operating a drone that crashed into and damaged a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft fighting the Palisades Fire earlier this month, the Justice Department announced today.
Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft. This morning federal prosecutors filed a criminal information charging Akemann with the misdemeanor offense that carries a prison sentence of up to one year in federal prison.
In a plea agreement also filed this morning, Akemann agreed to plead guilty to the criminal offense and admitted to his reckless and illegal conduct in flying the drone that posed an imminent safety hazard to the Super Scooper crew. As a result of the drone collision, the firefighting aircraft was taken out of service for a period of time and was not able to continue its firefighting mission. As part of the plea agreement, Akemann agreed to pay full restitution to the Government of Quebec, which supplied the plane, and an aircraft repair company that repaired the plane. Akemann also agreed to complete 150 hours of community service in support of the 2025 Southern California wildfire relief effort.
“This defendant recklessly flew an aircraft into airspace where first responders were risking their lives in an attempt to protect lives and property,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “This damage caused to the Super Scooper is a stark reminder that flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people and compromises the overall ability of police and fire to conduct operations. As this case demonstrates, we will track down drone operators who violate the law and interfere with the critical work of our first responders.”
“Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Please respect the law, respect the FAA’s rules and respect our firefighters and the residents they are protecting by keeping your drone at home during wildfires.”
Akemann is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to the plea agreement, while the wildfire was burning in and around Pacific Palisades on January 9, Akemann drove to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and parked his vehicle on the top floor of the parking structure. He then launched a drone and flew it towards Pacific Palisades to observe damage caused by the Palisades Fire.
Akemann flew the drone at least 2,500 meters (more than 1.5 miles) toward the fire and lost sight of the drone. As Akemann was flying the drone, it collided with a Government of Quebec Super Scooper carrying two crewmembers attempting to fight the blaze. The impact caused an approximately 3-inch-by-6-inch hole in the left wing. After landing, maintenance personnel identified the damage and took the aircraft out of service for repairs.
At the time of the collision, the Federal Aviation Administration had issued temporary flight restrictions that prohibited drone operations near the Los Angeles County wildfires that erupted earlier this month.
As a result of the collision, the Government of Quebec and an aircraft repair company incurred costs of at least $65,169 to repair the plane.
The FBI investigated this matter. The Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kedar S. Bhatia and Ian V. Yanniello of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Corey Wilkerson (30, Lake Panasoffkee) on an indictment charging him with possession of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. If convicted, Wilkerson faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, between October 20, 2023, and July 10, 2024, Wilkerson possessed an obscene visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Specifically, Wilkerson possessed animated images depicting the sexual abuse of infants and young girls.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
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 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.
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Noel Daniel Simonca (47, Jacksonville) with attempting to entice a minor child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Simonca faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Simonca was arrested on January 19, 2025.
According to court documents, on December 10, 2024, an undercover FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an online undercover operation to identify adult individuals who were seeking to make contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, the UC posted a short message in a public chatroom of a particular online social messaging app. A short time later, an individual using the app name “mdesase” contacted the UC using a private text messaging feature of the app. User “mdesase” confirmed that he would “love to see [the 11-year-old child],” and indicated that he had a preference for children aged “8-13.” On December 11, 2024, the UC and user “mdesase,” who was subsequently identified as Simonca, discussed meeting to have a “play date” and “trade [daughters].”
Between December 12, 2024, and January 19, 2025, there were more online text conversations between the UC and Simonca during which they discussed meeting in person. On December 26, 2024, Simonca texted the UC and described the sexual activity that he intended to engage in with UC’s “child.” Simonca and the UC ultimately agreed to meet at a specific location in Jacksonville Beach so that Simonca could meet the “child” and take photos of “her.” On the afternoon of January 19, 2025, Simonca drove to the agreed meeting location where he was arrested by FBI agents.
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. 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.
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jorge Serrano Espinoza (20, Clearwater) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robbery. Espinoza was convicted at trial on September 11, 2024.
According to evidence presented at trial, on the morning of June 9, 2023, Espinoza, James Battle, and Carlos Keanu Smith met for the purposes of robbing an armored truck. They followed the armored truck along its route from Pinellas County to eastern Hillsborough County before reaching a gas station in Ellenton. Florida Department of Transportation toll records showed the vehicle following seconds behind the targeted armored truck that morning. Surveillance video showed the vehicle also following the armored truck to other locations before conducting the robbery at the gas station in Ellenton. As the driver returned to the armored truck, Battle and Smith approached pointing pistols at the victim, forcing him to the ground. Espinoza served as the lookout. The trio stole more than $150,000 from the armored truck.
Battle was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Smith was previously sentenced to 9 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
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.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
CINCINNATI – A New Jersey man pleaded guilty in federal court in Cincinnati today to conspiracy related to his involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing “animal crush” videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
According to court documents, Giancarlo Morelli, of Wharton, conspired with others to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys. The conspirators used encrypted chat applications to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to commit the requested acts of torture on camera.
According to a statement of facts signed by Morelli, the videos in question included depictions of monkeys having their genitals burned and cut off.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio made today’s announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam C. Cullman of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
WASHINGTON – Kelvin Sanker Jr., 42, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 65 months in federal prison for his participation in a major fentanyl and PCP trafficking ring that operated in Washington, D.C.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.
Sanker pleaded guilty October 22, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Phencyclidine (PCP). As part of the four-member conspiracy, between August 2023 and February 2024, Sanker assisted in the preparation, storage, and sale of approximately two kilograms of PCP to two undercover officers. In addition to the 65-month prison-term, Judge Friedrich ordered Sanker to serve five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Sanker supplied the PCP for at least seven sales of the illegal drug to undercover officers. Sanker stored the PCP at the home he shared with his elderly mother in a residential area of Washington, D.C. He prepared it for sale by placing it in 8 or 16 oz. water bottles or juice bottles. He then distributed it to his co-conspirators for further sale.
On March 6, 2024, FBI and DEA agents executed search warrants on five residences associated with the conspiracy including Sanker’s home where law enforcement found approximately 1 pound of marijuana, about $1,000 in cash, body armor, and a Glock gun box with two empty magazines and one 30-round extended magazine. In Sanker’s backyard, officers found trace amounts of PCP in a paint can, his patio littered with cans of starter fluid, a substance he used to cut pure PCP prior to distribution, plastic funnels used for pouring liquids, and empty water bottles — materials often used to prepare and store PCP for distribution. On Sanker’s phone, investigators found photographs of the paint can with the PCP residue, a Draco semi-automatic pistol similar to the one found in a co-defendant’s car, and other apparent firearms.
Sanker was arrested on April 17, 2024, and has been held since.
Co-conspirator Jamar Bennett, 45, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, to 121 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Co-defendant Lamont M. Langston, 44, pleaded guilty December 19, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Langston’s sentencing is pending. A third co-conspirator, Norman Morris, 44, is being held pending trial.
This investigation is part of Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) Washington Area Group Initiative, which seeks to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations; reduce drug-related crime and violence; and identify and respond to emerging drug trends.
The case is being investigated by FBI. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Stempel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Roman of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section (VRTO).
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
ALBUQUERQUE – Federal law enforcement arrested two Albuquerque men on Tuesday after executing search warrants that uncovered a significant cache of weapons, drugs, and evidence of an ongoing drug trafficking operation linked to the Cibola County Correctional Center.
According to court records, Michael “Gomer” Ernest Garcia, 46, was arrested on outstanding federal and state warrants. A second man, Eric Edwards, 36, was taken into custody on a state warrant.
Garcia was the final defendant sought in connection with an investigation into a conspiracy involving both incarcerated and non-incarcerated individuals who formed a drug trafficking network that was introducing contraband into the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, NM.
During the operation, authorities seized weapons and illegal substances from Garcia’s residence, including:
Sixteen firearms, among them one pistol with a machine gun conversion device, five AR-15 rifles, two AR-15 pistols, and one AK-47 rifle
More than two dozen high-capacity magazines
Hundreds of rounds of ammunition in various calibers
Controlled substances including methamphetamine and heroin
Garcia had been evading law enforcement for over two years and was featured on the “METRO 15” wanted poster.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Division Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) and United States Marshals Service jointly investigated this case with assistance from the CoreCivic Intelligence Unit and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and David Hirsch are prosecuting the case.
The VGTF is an FBI led task force comprising of agents and officers from the New Mexico State Police, Rio Rancho Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Albuquerque Police Department.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Stefan Sweeney, 36.
According to information presented to the Court, Sweeney produced a video depicting the sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old girl.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Wiegand stated that a 20-year term of imprisonment reflected a balance between the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility and the serious nature of his crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr Moulton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Kennedy Township Police Department; Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and other local police departments for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sweeney.
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.justice.gov/psc.
VALDOSTA, Ga. – The head of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) based out of Cook County, Georgia, and two co-conspirators were found guilty this week of numerous federal charges following a two-and-a-half-week trial in Valdosta.
Calvin James Smith, Sr., aka “Rollo,” 56, of Adel, Georgia, was found guilty of all 23 counts he was charged with in the 44-count indictment: one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; 14 counts of distribution of methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; two counts of distribution of cocaine base; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Smith is facing a maximum of life in prison.
Bobby Leon Kaiser, 54, of Adel, was found guilty of nine of 12 counts he was charged with: one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; two counts of distribution of methamphetamine; five counts of distribution of cocaine base; and one count of distribution of cocaine. Kaiser is facing a maximum of life in prison.
Vernardo Henley, 44, of Valdosta, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Henley is facing a maximum of life in prison.
The trial began on Monday, Jan. 13, and concluded on Wednesday evening, Jan. 29. Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presided over the cases. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Federal, state and local law enforcement marshaled significant resources to stop the distribution of a large amount of deadly illegal drugs from a small town in South Georgia. Our dedicated trial team worked tirelessly to hold the leader and his co-conspirators accountable for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Armed drug trafficking organizations have no place in our communities, and we will continue working together to make Middle Georgia safer for everyone.”
“The success of this large-scale investigation and the arrests of these drug dealers demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting the drug trafficking organizations responsible for driving addiction and destroying communities,” said FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Rich Bilson.
“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that criminal organizations operating in Georgia, especially those trafficking in dangerous drugs and using firearms to further their operations, will be held accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This conviction is a testament to the tireless work of our law enforcement partners, who have dedicated countless hours to ensuring that those who threaten our communities with violence and illegal substances will face justice.”
“Investigations and prosecutions like this one are great examples of the ongoing effort between local agencies and our federal partners to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics into our communities,” said Hahira Police Chief Stryde Jones. “We are thankful to see this effort come to a close successfully.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the FBI undertook a significant investigation beginning as early as December 2020 of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Smith and centered in Adel, a small town in South Georgia. During the course of the investigation, agents determined that Smith and Kaiser were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, as well as marijuana, working with several associates. Kaiser and others were operating an open drug market at Kaiser’s gazebo and storage shed in Adel, where Smith was a major seller. Henley was released from federal prison on Jan. 20, 2022, and was heard over wiretap trying to locate Smith and purchase up to four kilograms of methamphetamine and sell the drugs. Beginning in Oct. 2021 and continuing through Nov. 10, 2022, agents developed confidential sources (CS) who provided information regarding drug activity at the gazebo and storage shed and conducted more than 25 controlled evidence purchases of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. As part of a wiretap, agents discovered 13 locations used by the DTO. Search warrants were executed at these locations on Nov. 10, 2022, and methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and 15 handguns and rifles were seized. Agents recovered more than five kilograms of pure methamphetamine, more than ten pounds of marijuana and several hundred grams of crack cocaine and cocaine.
Smith was recorded hundreds of times discussing purchases and sales of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, and directing others to distribute the drugs. Smith has a lengthy criminal history including aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and controlled substance distribution. Henley has many prior convictions including a 2015 conviction in the Middle District of Georgia for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kaiser has prior felony convictions, including false imprisonment and drug possession.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), the Hahira Police Department, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Adel Police Department and the Moultrie Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Daniels and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case for the Government.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on January 30, 2025, to 25 years in prison for his conviction of sex trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Eric Jefferson, 41.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2019 to in and around April 2022, Jefferson coerced and forced at least four women to perform commercial sex work for his monetary gain. Jefferson provided the women with drugs for meeting clients and would withhold the drugs if the women—who were addicted to narcotics and could become ill with withdrawal symptoms—refused to meet with clients. Jefferson also used violence and threats of violence to coerce and force the women to engage in commercial sex work.
“Eric Jefferson forced these women to earn money on his behalf, controlling the victims both through physical force and exploiting their dependence upon narcotics,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively prosecute human traffickers such as Jefferson in order to protect and rescue the most vulnerable victims in our district.”
“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community will always be among the highest priorities for the FBI,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The message this sentencing sends is clear: the FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue criminals who think they can prey on others.”
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan heard from the victims of the charged crimes and stressed the heinousness of Jefferson’s conduct and its devastating impacts upon the victims.
Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr Moulton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jefferson.
This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community, and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation across agencies and service providers, thereby enhancing the office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.
The path around the South West’s glorious coastline is further enhanced thanks to improvements to the Marsland Mouth to Newquay section in Cornwall.
Walking the coast path from Pentire Point towards Polzeath
These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.
Stretching from Marsland Mouth on the North Cornwall coast down to Newquay, some 75 miles in total, the path follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail, beginning at the border with Devon and stretching to the railway station in Newquay.
For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, with towns and villages such as Bude, Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Polzeath, Padstow and Mawgan Porth. Plus, the path passes by the historic highlights of Crackington Haven, Tintagel Castle, the Rumps at Pentire with its Bronze age burial mounds, the Camel Estuary (including the ferry), Trevose Head and its lighthouse and Bedruthan Steps. In addition, there are glorious sandy beaches to stop off throughout the route.
Making the path line up with the sea
In establishing the new trail, Natural England has sought to improve the alignment of the SWCP where possible or move it closer to the sea. For example, at Penhalt Cliff it has been taken off road on to farmland, improving safety for walkers and drivers. For the first time wider coastal access rights on foot have been established between the trail and the sea, including cliff tops and beaches.
It also brings legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now. You will still encounter steep climbs and descents as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops.
Andrea Ayres, Deputy Area Director for Natural England said:
This improved stretch of path takes in some of the best views in the South West and much-loved places that have been attracting visitors for many years.
With the improvements to the path and the additional access rights, we hope it will continue to give people the chance to get out and enjoy nature, as well as continue to bring visitors to the county, since tourism is so vital to the local economy.
While much of Cornwall’s 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path is owned by private landowners and organisations, the path is managed by Cornwall Council. The council and Cormac have worked to deliver the improvements on this stretch.
Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for environment, said:
The South West Coast Path is a wonderful asset popular with local residents and visitors alike, but by its very nature, is susceptible to the elements and coastal erosion.
This funding has meant we have been able to make significant improvements to the path in Cornwall, bringing forward many projects which may otherwise have been many years away from happening.
We’ve been able to move inland sections closer to the coast, improve surfacing and drainage, repair paths and realign hazardous sections. It is fantastic to see completion of the Marsland Mouth to Newquay section and I’m sure it will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.
Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) said:
The King Charles III England Coast Path creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature. It also gives us new powers to manage the National Trail in the face of coastal erosion, helping us continue to improve the South West Coast Path as one of the world’s great trails.
What is the King Charles III England Coast Path?
The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails and other regional walks make up parts of the KCIIIECP and this newly improved stretch of the South West Coast Path forms part of the KCIIIECP.
You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Marsland Mouth to Newquay, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.
Background
The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.
Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP. By the end of 2024 it had opened 1,400 miles. Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.
To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions on the National Trails website. And can check for any restrictions to access on Natural England’s Open Access maps.
You can promote your business, service, event or place of interest for free on the National Trails website, inspire people to spend more time in your area and benefit from the economic impact of visitors.
National Trails, marked by the acorn symbol, pass through spectacular scenery, support local tourism and offer a range of routes from short circular walks to long distance challenges.
The King Charles III England Coast Path will be our longest, National Trail, passing through some of our finest countryside, maritime and industrial heritage, coastal settlements and rural locations.
It will also be the world’s longest managed coastal trail (i.e. the trail is maintained to National Trail standards). It will secure legal rights of public access for the first time to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs that lies between the trail and the sea.
Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:
a clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time
targeted adjustments to make the trail more accessible for people with reduced mobility, where reasonable
uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIIIECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast – and making a true coastal path practicable
the legal provision for roll back is proposed to sections of the trail where a need has been foreseen but can be retrospectively applied to other parts of the route if deemed necessary
the route of the trail can also be altered through planning proposals and where coastal and flood defence works or habitat creation would impact on the proposed or open route of the KCIIIECP
we work closely with a broad range of national and regional stakeholders around the country including wildlife trusts, National Trust, RSPB, NFU, CLA, RA, OSS, Environment Agency and local authorities
The Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.
Established in 2006, Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved,
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks and National Landscapes , and advising widely on their conservation.
We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
The South West Coast Path Association is a charity (Registered Charity Number 1163422) that works to ensure the South West Coast Path is one of the best walks in the world and protects it for all to enjoy. Supporting the charity helps the South West Coast Path Association to improve the South West Coast Path and keeps the way open to beautiful coastal places.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla Questions FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel on Lack of Independence, Experience During Nomination Hearing
WATCH: Padilla slams Patel for dodging questions on background checks and civilian machine gun ownershipWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned Kash Patel, nominee for Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Padilla raised serious concerns about Patel’s fitness to lead the FBI independently, citing his lack of law enforcement experience, history of spreading falsehoods, and threats to weaponize the Bureau against political opponents.
Patel has published a political enemies list, threatened to prosecute journalists, and has even said he plans to “shut down the FBI Hoover Building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the “deep state.” Padilla directly challenged Patel on his past public statements that FBI agents and officials are “corrupt gangsters.”
As FBI Director, Patel would oversee the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and regulate machine gun distribution. Yet Patel repeatedly dodged questions on the constitutionality of universal background checks for firearm purchases and on whether civilian ownership of machine guns should be legal. His nomination has been praised by Gun Owners of America, a group that opposes background checks and claims that machine guns are protected under the Second Amendment — positions far outside the mainstream of law enforcement and public safety policy.
Padilla also confronted Patel about his role in financially supporting insurrectionists convicted for their roles in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He has raised money for the families of convicted January 6th rioters — yet he has not made similar efforts to support the police officers who were beaten, tased, and attacked defending the Capitol that day. Patel’s selective advocacy raises serious concerns about where his loyalties lie and whether he would prioritize law enforcement or political extremists as FBI Director.
Padilla called out Patel for his reckless actions during a high-stakes national security operation. While serving as Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, Patel provided false information to senior leadership during a SEAL Team hostage rescue mission in Nigeria. According to former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Patel falsely claimed that the United States had secured permission to fly over foreign airspace, a misrepresentation that delayed the mission and put American lives at risk. When confronted by Padilla, Patel failed to own up to his serious lapse in judgement in this situation.
Key Excerpts:
PADILLA: Mr. Patel, do you believe that background checks for firearm purchases are constitutional?
PATEL: I don’t know the in-depths of it, but I think that’s what the Supreme Court has said, Senator.
PADILLA: So the word would be Y-E-S, yes. Can you say yes, are background checks constitutional?
PATEL: I can say whatever the Constitution and the Supreme Court ruled is the rule of the land.
PADILLA: And what is the rule, the law of the land at the moment?
PATEL: I’m not an expert on state-by-state background checks.
PADILLA: … Let me ask you another question. Do you believe that civilian ownership of machine guns are protected by the Second Amendment?
PATEL: Universal background checks are different. That’s not–
PADILLA: I asked you a separate question. Do you believe civilian ownership of machine guns is protected by the Second Amendment?
PATEL: Whatever the courts rule in regards to the Second Amendment is what is protected by the Second Amendment.
PADILLA: Yet another telling response, colleagues, on another important issue.
PADILLA: … Colleagues, we’ve been hearing a lot of partial responses and lack of recollections throughout the day, and I can’t help but identify the pattern of Mr. Patel calling FBI leadership corrupt, labeling agents as gangsters, accusing them of being part of a criminal “Deep State” conspiracy. We’ve heard of his experience with the J6 prison choir, a group of individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 insurrection. We’ve heard his false claims that the U.S. has secured airspace permissions during a high stakes SEAL team hostage rescue mission in Nigeria. I can go on and on. These positions are inconsistent with the role of FBI director, a position that demands independence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Mr. Patel, your loyalty to President Trump and the MAGA movement may score you points in some quarters, but they are certainly not the qualities necessary to serve as director of the FBI.
Video of Padilla’s first round of questioning is available here. His second round of questioning is available here.
Yesterday, Senator Padilla joined all Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee in requesting urgent access to critical materials directly pertaining to Kash Patel’s nomination.
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) today secured the commitment of Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to end the Biden-era FBI attacks on Christians and parents and seek accountability for those responsible.
During his Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing, Patel assured Senator Hawley that he would, “[F]ully utilize, if confirmed, the investigative powers of the FBI to give you the information you require and also to hold those accountable who violated the sacred trust placed upon the FBI.”
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Watch the full exchange here, or click on the image above.
Senator Hawley highlighted the FBI’s political persecutions of pro-life Christians exercising their faith, parents speaking out at school-board meetings, and Americans posting about politics on social media.
“Do you think it’s appropriate for the FBI to single out and target people of faith in order to discourage the exercise of their First Amendment rights?” Senator Hawley asked Patel.
The Senator continued, asking “Do you think it’s appropriate for the FBI to try to pressure the largest technology corporations in the world . . . to censor the political speech of everyday American citizens to try and violate the First Amendment?”
Patel unequivocally condemned the Biden Administration’s miscarriage of justice and vowed to deliver Americans the “new brand of justice” they deserve.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are releasing legally protected whistleblower disclosures that prove the genesis of the federal election interference case brought against President Trump began at the hands of a prolific anti-Trump FBI agent who acted outside of established protocol for opening cases.
Internal FBI emails and predicating documents provided to Grassley and released jointly by the two senators show Timothy Thibault, a former FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) who was forced to retire from the Bureau after Grassley exposed his public anti-Trump bias, authored the initial language for what ultimately became Jack Smith’s federal case against Trump regarding the 2020 presidential election. Records show Thibault essentially opened and approved his own investigation. The FBI titled the ensuing investigation “Arctic Frost.”
Records further reveal Richard Pilger, an official in the Justice Department (DOJ)’s Public Integrity Section, reviewed and approved the FBI’s Arctic Frost investigation, authorizing DOJ to move forward with a full field criminal and Grand Jury investigation that ultimately transformed into the Trump elector case. Grassley published a 2021 report that raised concerns regarding Pilger’s troubling record at DOJ.
Grassley in 2022 additionally questioned Thibault’s role at the FBI, writing, “I remain very concerned that political bias by a select group of Justice Department and FBI officials has infected the Justice Department’s and FBI’s usual process and procedure to open and pursue high-profile and politically charged investigations.” Grassley and Johnson in November called on Jack Smith to preserve all records related to Trump-targeted investigations.
The records released by Grassley and Johnson are linked below:
Grassley provided an overview of the records in his opening statement during the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Kash Patel’s nomination to be FBI Director. Excerpts from Grassley’s opening statement follow:
“In my hand are a series of FBI emails.
“The first is an email that Thibault sent to a subordinate agent on February 14, 2022.
“He said, ‘Here is draft opening language we discussed.’ The draft opening was attached, and it included material that would later become part of Jack Smith’s elector case.
“The second email is a February 24, 2022, email from Thibault to John Crabb, a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, saying, ‘I had a discussion with the case team and we believe there to be predication to include former President of the United States Donald J. Trump as a predicated subject.’ This FBI case would later be codenamed Arctic Frost.
“The third email is a February 24, 2022, email from Thibault to John Crabb noting that Attorney General and FBI Director approval will be sought to open the case.
“The fourth email is a February 25, 2022, email from Thibault’s subordinate agents saying they added Trump, and others, as a criminal subject to the case. Thibault responded ‘Perfect.’
“The fifth email is a March 22, 2022, email from Thibault emailing a version of an investigative opening for approval. This didn’t include President Trump as a criminal subject.
“The sixth email is an April 11, 2022, email from Thibault approving the opening of Arctic Frost.
“The seventh email is an April 13, 2022, email from an FBI agent to Thibault stating that the FBI Deputy Director approved its opening.
“The eighth email on that same date had Thibault emailing John Crabb that the elector case was approved. Crabb responded, ‘Thanks a lot. Let’s talk next week.’
“Between March 22 and April 13, other versions of the document opening the investigation existed, because a ninth email shows that the FBI General Counsel’s office made edits on March 25.
“Was Trump still removed as an investigative subject? If so, which Justice Department and FBI officials – other than Jack Smith – later added him for prosecution?
“I expect the production of all records on this matter to better understand the full fact pattern and whether other records exist.”
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Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
“They are all outstanding choices and should be confirmed to President Trump’s cabinet as soon as possible.”
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke on the Senate floor about the need to quickly confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard to key roles in President Trump’s cabinet. Sen. Tuberville defended each nominees’ qualifications and their commitments to making America healthy, more just, and secure again. During the speech, Sen. Tuberville denounced the baseless attacks aimed at these nominees by the media and career politicians as nothing but dishonest attempts to tank President Trump’s nominations.
Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.
“Mr. President,
I’d like to start by thanking Leader Thune for President Trump’s cabinet nominees so far. President Trump is on the verge of having his full team. We’ve confirmed Pete Hegseth, Kristi Noem, Scott Bessent and many others who are doing an outstanding job implementing President Trump’s America First agenda, but there are more critical nominees that President Trump still needs to confirm. This includes Robert Kennedy, Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard, along with a few others.
I’ve gotten the chance to meet with each of these nominees. I’ve been very impressed. They are all outstanding choices and should be confirmed to President Trump’s cabinet as soon as possible.
First, I’d like to express my complete and total support for Robert F. Kennedy’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. You know, last November, we saw millions of Americans, especially young Americans, flock to the MAGA movement after Bobby Kennedy endorsed President Trump.
Both my sons, 28 and 30, Tucker and Troy, were huge fans of RFK and I know there’re just millions of young people who RFK [has] brought to the table and into the fold, opening our eyes towards something they had never really been involved in, and that’s the health of their generation and all generations across the country.
As we know, Bobby started [the] Make America Healthy Again movement, known as MAHA, which eventually joined forces with President Trump. MAHA isn’t just a political slogan. It’s not just a political slogan. It’s a movement. That has swept our Nation. For the first time, important issues like the effectiveness of vaccines, the dangers of prescription medicines, and the chemicals in our food and household products are part of our national political [discourse], as it should be. And it’s all because of the work of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
You know, before entering the arena, Bobby spent four decades, environmental law, and in healthcare policies, specializing in issues like water pollution, vaccines, and food safety. Four decades. He is an accomplished attorney who attended Harvard, the London School of Economics, and the University of Virginia. And he’s authored multiple best-selling books that I would suggest anybody, that’s concerned about the health of our country, should read.
Throughout his career, he has committed to discovering the truth about what is causing the chronic disease epidemic in America today. And his presidential campaign exposed the fact that we have a serious, a very serious public health crisis facing our country today and in the future.
For example, in his hearing yesterday, Bobby Kennedy laid out that over seventy percent of adults and one third of our children are overweight or obese. The rate of diabetes is ten times more prevalent today than it was in 1960. Cancer among our young people is rising by one or two percent every year. Auto immune diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and addiction cases are hugely on the rise. Depression and anxiety rates are absolutely through the roof. Meanwhile, more Americans are reliant on pharmaceutical drugs than ever before.
I saw that in my formal life of being a coach of players years ago, very few on any kind of drug such as Adderall or Ritalin for attention deficit. But the last few years, it was a huge uptick in prescription drugs and many, many young people across the country. These findings are alarming, and they should, and they had better shock, all of us.
Thank God, Bobby has dedicated his life to getting to the bottom of what’s causing these trends. As he did in his hearing yesterday, Bobby is an expert on the health issues facing our country and has the facts, the data, and the evidence to prove it. And he will bring his commitment to evidence-based science, transparency to our national health agencies. And it’s simple: Americans want access to all the facts so they can decide what’s best for themselves and for their families. Bobby is committed to giving Americans the information that they need to be informed and make informed decisions.
Recently, I’ve seen the mainstream media, and some politicians attempt to smear Bobby Kennedy as anti-vax, anti-industry, or an enemy of food producers. All of this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s just a political attack. We’ve even heard from prominent Republicans like former -Vice President Mike Pence who is running ads on TV criticizing Bobby Kennedy for not being sufficiently pro-life.
Bobby addressed this himself yesterday. He believes every abortion is a tragedy, and he will work with President Trump to implement his pro-life policies. These attacks are nothing more than dishonest attempts by the DC establishment to tank his nomination. We’ve seen that in the last couple of weeks on all nominees.
Sure. Bobby Kennedy may not be the typical pick for the job, but the American people don’t want a typical pick. The one we picked four years ago for President Biden was a lawyer, lived in California, and very seldom came to Washington D.C., worked from home. We got nothing done in health and human services.
They gave us a mandate in November, 77 million people, to deliver Trump, President Trump’s agenda. And that includes Making America Healthy Again. As far as I’m concerned, Bobby is not part of being the healthcare establishment class. That’s a really good thing. We don’t need that. Look where it’s got us. The pharmaceutical industry and industrial food complex won’t be running the show anymore when Bobby Kennedy is confirmed. Instead, he will restore our health agencies to the gold standard of [scientific] research and explore [holistic] healthcare alternatives as part of our efforts to end chronic disease epidemics across this country.
Ultimately, this will lower cost for Americans and ease the burden on our entire healthcare system, which is being overrun by all of the conditions that we have popping up today. With the many public health crisis we’re facing as a country, we have no time to waste. Hope my colleagues will join me in supporting Bobby for HHS Secretary and help President Trump Make America Healthy Again.
Our next nominee, I’d like to turn to Kash Patel.
He is on the Hill today going through his confirmation hearings. Kash is President Trump’s pick to be the FBI Director, who testified in front of the Senate all morning long. Kash is an excellent choice, and he has my full support.
It’s clear to the American people that the culture at the top of our top police agency in this country, the FBI, is rotten. It’s rotten to the core. We have some good people. But the people in charge have made devastating decisions against a lot of people across this country. It is far past time to clean house at the FBI.
Over the last four years, we’ve seen the Bureau become politicized and weaponized. The Biden administration turned the FBI into the ‘fake bureau of investigation.’ The scales of justice were never fair and balanced under the last administration. Christopher Ray, the director, went after parents at school boards [and] pro-lifers. He went after Catholics. He went after grandmas who peacefully protested right outside this building on January the sixth. He went to their homes and arrested them. Not to mention the unprecedented raid on President Trump’s home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
What we’ve seen unfold at our nation’s premiere law enforcement agency over the last four years is a complete and absolute disgrace to the American people and to our Constitution.
Not only has the public’s trust in [the] FBI been completely eroded, it’s been a disservice to all the great men and women in the FBI, who commit every day to defending the Constitution and protecting us as American citizens. It’s going to take a lot of hard work to right this ship. Trust has to be put back into the FBI. Kash Patel is the right man to do [the] job.
He’s qualified and has an impressive resume. He served in several national security and intelligence roles, as [a] federal prosecutor, and as a public defender. Not only is Kash qualified, but he also has the courage and the resolve needed to restore our faith in the FBI. Despite the media’s lies, Kash won’t have his enemies list when he takes a job, unlike the Biden administration. If crimes are committed, he will open an investigation, follow facts wherever they lead. No bias, no partiality.
Kash will bring back truth and transparency, uphold the rule of law and the Constitution, and protect Americans against its enemies, foreign, and domestic. He will ensure that the government works for the American people and not the other way around.
Let’s confirm Kash quickly and give President Trump an important component of his national security team. I look forward to supporting Kash Patel, and I hope my Republican colleagues will do the same.
Finally, we need to confirm Tulsi Gabbard to be our next Director of National Intelligence. Like Kash, Tulsi will play a critical role on President Trump’s national security team.
She just had her hearing in front of the Senate Intel Committee this morning. Her hearing only further confirmed to me that Tulsi is the perfect candidate for the DNI role. She is a decorated lieutenant colonel, over twenty years of service in the military. Tulsi served in combat in the Iraq War and is currently active in [the reserves]. She has a top security clearance, having passed five background checks to receive it.
Tulsi served in Congress for eight years, where she sat on the Homeland Security, Armed Services, and Foreign Relations Committee. And as a member of Congress, she consistently participated in high-level intelligence briefings. [As] she has displayed throughout her entire career in the military and as an elected official, Tulsi will bring a fearless spirit to the DNI role.
I have to tell you my meeting with Tulsi is one of the most impressive meetings I’ve had since I’ve been in this office going on five years. [Her] knowledge and expertise is unmatched. I have no doubt she will keep our country secure while protecting the Constitution and the constitutional rights of all Americans. She will help us return to peace through strength and put an end to Americans costly foreign wars.
The attacks on her, questioning her loyalty to the United States are absolutely disgusting. It’s insulting. Tulsi has devoted her entire life to serving this country, [in] the military, and in public service.
To the Senators criticizing Tulsi for not fitting the typical mold of a DNI director, [it] might just be a good thing. Have the last several years shown us that the status quo is working? No. I don’t think so. And I don’t think the American people think so either, and they’re the ones that count.
Tulsi brings a fresh perspective to the job in the America that we all want and deserve. We do not need another James Clapper. Like the FBI, we’ve seen our intelligence community weaponized to target opponents of the regime. The IC conspired to take down President Trump in 2016 and 2020. And maybe most recently [in] the election a couple months ago.
For that reason, I think Tulsi is exactly the change agent we need leading our intelligence community. Like Bobby Kennedy, Tulsi switched her party affiliation because she saw the status quo as a threat to the American people and our constitutional rights. As Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi will check her politics at the door just like she’s done the last twenty years serving in our military.
She will come to DNI without any bias. She will fix our broken intelligence community, and folks, it is broken. I look forward to confirming Tulsi to DNI.
I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for Tulsi. She will play a major role in President Trump’s team in restoring faith in our intelligence community.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.
Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) questioned President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Army, Daniel Driscoll, in his Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) confirmation hearing. Sen. Tuberville and Mr. Driscoll discussed delays in military construction at Redstone Arsenal. Sen. Tuberville also discussed the need to better incentivize new military recruits, following the announcement of his new Chairmanship of the SASC Subcommittee on Personnel.
Read excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.
ON ARMY PILOT TRAINING PROGRAMS:
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Driscoll, thanks for being here. Thanks for your service. I wanna echo the thoughts about what’s happened last night here [in] our home territory is devastating. […] Fort Novosel in my state of Alabama, you know, we train all the vertical lift Army pilots, as you well know. […] I wanna get your thoughts on what you think about the new curriculum for a flight school that the Army has proposed. This affects all the pilots in the Army. And I wanna get your commitment continuing an open dialogue about the Army’s intent on how best to leverage existing resources. We’re cutting back on sorties. We’re not putting money in training like we used to—like we need to do. We’re undertrained in some areas. So, I’d like to get your thoughts on the curriculum and your thoughts about the future of vertical lift, especially with the new vertical lift that the Army is purchasing for the future fights that we might have.”
DRISCOLL: “Senator, to your comment on what occurred last night, I think we’re all collectively gonna have to take a deep dive and figure out what occurred there. The early indicators from what I’ve seen on television—I have no other access to information—is that it might have been a training exercise gone wrong that had catastrophic outcomes. And so, we’re going to have to work together to make sure that never occurs again or at least to mitigate the odds that it could ever occur again. And then specifically the future of vertical flight—if you look at the contested airspace with our peer China and what we will have to do. Our vertical assets are going to have to be able to get further and faster with lower signature than they do today. That being said, if you look at FARA, the current push for the Army, it is early in its development, it is incredibly expensive, and we are likely going to have to work with the Black Hawk’s and the Chinook’s and the assets that we have today. And so, if confirmed, I would wanna get briefed on this and do a deep dive with the team to figure out how are we going to position ourselves and what training do we need for the next one day to five years until we can get to a better state.”
ON MILCON DELAYS:
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. I want to discuss an issue that affects many of our installations, including mine in Huntsville, [Alabama] at Redstone, Arsenal. The issue is military construction—MILCON as we know it—we need to move fast, and the traditional military construction process is far too slow. Back at Redstone Arsenal, there are two warehouses as we speak being constructed, one for military by the [Army] Corps of Engineers and one by the FBI. These warehouses are roughly the same […], but the FBI has got a huge amount of bells and whistles, more than the military warehouse. The military warehouse is going to cost almost $56 million and it’s going to take 48 months—four years—to build this. Where the FBI facility is going to cost $40 million and [should take] take only basically a year and a half. We [have] got a problem. Okay? How on earth does this make any sense? The Army is currently running a repair by replacement pilot program that is being tested at a couple of installations to demolish older barracks and replace them with new modern facilities. The key part of this program is that it is using operations and maintenance dollars versus traditional MILCON dollars. Are you familiar with this?”
DRISCOLL: “Senator, I had the opportunity to talk with you about in your office. Yeah—and this is the type of thing that makes my blood boil on behalf of soldiers. The Army has a limited budget to begin with. We have to be good stewards of the American taxpayer’s dollars. And when we are not, it is both the taxpayer and the soldier—and these soldiers are my friends—it is my friends that live in these barracks and raise their families there. And we need to stretch these dollars as far as we can.”
ON MILITARY RECRUITING:
TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. And the other small point I want to bring up, we’ve talked about recruiting. I won’t get into that. The new recruit in the army makes $25,000 a year before taxes. We just gave [them] a raise, but we can’t expect to attract the best and the brightest young men and women in the military unless we do something else […]. I know we give them a lot of perks at the end of the day, but we have got to understand [that] $25,000 [is not enough]. I mean, most of them can make that in two months’ time in some kind of big tech [job] or whatever. So, just keep that in mind as you get into recruiting. We have got to start taking care of these young men and women if we’re gonna build the fighting force that we need. Thank you.”
DRISCOLL: “Yes, Sir.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today questioned Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), at his Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing.
On the politicization of the FBI:
GRAHAM: “The reason you’re here is because most of the public, almost every Republican, believes that the FBI has been used continuously in a political fashion, ignoring evidence, making up evidence, lying to get Donald Trump. And when it came to the Hunter Biden laptop, [the FBI] told every social media company, ‘oh that’s Russian disinformation.’ That was BS too… do you promise all of us those days are over at the FBI?”
PATEL: “Yes Senator, they are.”
GRAHAM: “…Do you think that’s why you’re here today, to make sure that never happens again?”
GRAHAM: “[Former FBI agent Lisa Page] responds [to former FBI agent Peter Strzok] a couple months later, ‘[Trump] is not ever going to be president, right?’ …Strzok [responded]: ‘No. No he won’t. We’ll stop him.’ Is it fair to say that the people in charge of investigating Crossfire Hurricane hated Trump’s guts?”
PATEL: “Well you don’t have to take my word for it…”
GRAHAM: “Are those days over in the FBI, you hope?”
GRAHAM: “Do you believe that Crossfire Hurricane was one of the most disgusting episodes in FBI history of a corrupt investigation led by corrupt people who wanted to take Donald Trump down?”
PATEL: “Yes, sir.”
GRAHAM: “Do you think that’s why you’re here in this chair today? To fix that?”
PATEL: “I think that’s a big reason.”
On Democrats’ attacks on Patel’s character:
GRAHAM: “Have you ever been subject to racism as an individual?”
PATEL: “Unfortunately, Senator, yes. I don’t want to get into those details with my family here.”
GRAHAM: “Let’s get into a few of them. Tell me about it.”
PATEL: “Well, if you look at the record from January 6th, where I testified before that committee, because of my personal information being released by Congress, I was subjected to a direct and significant threat on my life. And I put that information in the record. I had to move. In that threat, I was called a detestable, and I apologize if I don’t get it all right, but it’s in the record, a detestable [expletive] who had no right being in this country. ‘You should go back to where you came from. You belong with your terrorist home friends.’ That’s what was sent to me. That’s just the piece of it, but that’s nothing compared to what the men and women in law enforcement face every day, and that’s why they have my support.” https://youtu.be/KoHclcynkNI?si=RkOg1tDKXzfFDO8_&t=7
Click here to watch Graham question Kash Patel
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on X after Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) falsely claimed he did not know about Senator Blackburn’s requests to subpoena the Jeffrey Epstein flight logs when he was Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn’s remarks during the confirmation hearing of Federal Bureau of Investigation Director nominee Kash Patel.
Earlier today and throughout the past few weeks, in federal court in Brooklyn, five members and associates of the Luchese organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra pleaded guilty to multiple crimes, including racketeering, money laundering and illegal gambling related to criminal activities throughout New York City. The proceedings were held before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. Today, Luchese crime family soldier Anthony Villani pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering and illegal gambling. As part of Villani’s plea agreement, he will pay $4 million in forfeiture. His co-defendants have agreed to pay an additional approximately $1 million in forfeiture. Villani and his co-defendants operated a large-scale, illegal online gambling business (the Gambling Business) that operated under the protection of the Luchese crime family across the New York metropolitan area. The gambling business, known as “Rhino Sports,” operated since the early 2000s and brought millions in illicit profits annually.
John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty pleas.
“These guilty pleas represent a victory for the rule of law over the pernicious activities of organized crime that undermine the safety of our communities,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “Illegal gambling businesses require enforcement and protection from mob rivals that carry the persistent threat of violence. However, the defendants’ luck ran out and, thanks to the hard work of the team of prosecutors and investigators, they will be held accountable for their crimes and pay their debt to society.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy stated: “Our investigations involving members of the Five Families don’t make the same headlines as they have historically. However, the men pleading guilty in this case illustrate how entrenched the traditional mafia are in their noxious and familiar criminality. They are less flashy these days – and a lot of that is due to the incredible cunning and tenacity agents and investigators on our FBI New York Westchester Organized Crime Task Force use to pursue members of these organizations.”
As detailed in the indictment and court filings, for over 25 years, Villani has been involved in significant gambling operations, principally based in the Bronx and Westchester, New York, that were affiliated with multiple organized crime families. Villani owned and operated the Gambling Business since at least 2004. The Gambling Business was hosted using servers in Costa Rica and employed local bookmakers to pay and collect winnings. Villani’s bookmakers included members and associates of the Luchese crime family and other La Cosa Nostra families. As part of the scheme, Villani employed trusted individuals, including defendants Louis Tucci, Jr. and Dennis Filizzola, to assist in operating the business and collecting at least $1 million annually. Records obtained of the Gambling Business’s website indicated that Villani’s illegal gambling operation regularly took bets from between 400 and 1,300 bettors each week, most of whom were based in New York City and the metropolitan area. At Villani’s direction, Filizzola took proceeds from the Gambling Business and used them to purchase U.S. Postal Service money orders in false names, which were then made payable to one of Villani’s property companies to appear as legitimate rental payments.
When sentenced, Villani faces up to 20 years in prison. Louis Tucci, Jr., pleaded guilty on January 27, 2025 to illegal sports betting and faces up to five years in prison. Filizzola pleaded guilty on January 21, 2025 to illegal sports betting and money laundering and faces up to five years in prison and up to 20 years in prison on those counts respectively. James Coumoutsos pleaded guilty on January 21, 2025 to illegal sports betting and faces up to five years in prison. Michael Praino pleaded guilty on January 10, 2025 to illegal sports gambling and faces up to five years in prison. A sixth defendant remains at large.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel is in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
ANTHONY VILLANI Age: 60 Elmsford, NY
JAMES COUMOUTSOS (also known as “Quick”) Age: 62 Bronx, NY
DENNIS FILIZZOLA Age: 61 Cortlandt Manor, NY
MICHAEL PRAINO (also known as “Platinum”) Age: 47 Lake Worth, Florida
LOUIS TUCCI, JR. (also known as “Tooch”) Age: 61 Tuckahoe, NY
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) are releasing legally protected whistleblower disclosures that prove the genesis of the federal election interference case brought against President Trump began at the hands of a prolific anti-Trump FBI agent who acted outside of established protocol for opening cases.
Internal FBI emails and predicating documents provided to Grassley and released jointly by the two senators show Timothy Thibault, a former FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) who was fired from the Bureau after Grassley exposed his public anti-Trump bias, authored the initial language for what ultimately became Jack Smith’s federal case against Trump regarding the 2020 presidential election. Thibault took this action despite being unauthorized to open criminal investigations in his ASAC role. The FBI titled the ensuing investigation “Arctic Frost.”
Records further reveal Richard Pilger, an official in the Justice Department (DOJ)’s Public Integrity Section, reviewed and approved the FBI’s Arctic Frost investigation, authorizing DOJ to move forward with a full field criminal and Grand Jury investigation that ultimately transformed into the Trump elector case. Grassley published a 2021 report that raised concerns regarding Pilger’s troubling record at DOJ.
Grassley in 2022 additionally questioned Thibault’s role at the FBI, writing, “I remain very concerned that political bias by a select group of Justice Department and FBI officials has infected the Justice Department’s and FBI’s usual process and procedure to open and pursue high-profile and politically charged investigations.” In November, Sens. Johnson and Grassley called on Jack Smith to preserve all records related to Trump-targeted investigations.
The records released by Johnson and Grassley are linked below:
Grassley provided an overview of the records in his opening statement during the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Kash Patel’s nomination to be FBI Director. Excerpts from Grassley’s opening statement follow:
“In my hand are a series of FBI emails.
“The first is an email that Thibault sent to a subordinate agent on February 14, 2022.
“He said, ‘Here is draft opening language we discussed.’ The draft opening was attached, and it included material that would later become part of Jack Smith’s elector case.
“The second email is a February 24, 2022, email from Thibault to John Crabb, a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, saying, ‘I had a discussion with the case team and we believe there to be predication to include former President of the United States Donald J. Trump as a predicated subject.’ This FBI case would later be codenamed Arctic Frost.
“The third email is a February 24, 2022, email from Thibault to John Crabb noting that Attorney General and FBI Director approval will be sought to open the case.
“The fourth email is a February 25, 2022, email from Thibault’s subordinate agents saying they added Trump, and others, as a criminal subject to the case. Thibault responded ‘Perfect.’
“The fifth email is a March 22, 2022, email from Thibault emailing a version of an investigative opening for approval. This didn’t include President Trump as a criminal subject.
“The sixth email is an April 11, 2022, email from Thibault approving the opening of Arctic Frost.
“The seventh email is an April 13, 2022, email from an FBI agent to Thibault stating that the FBI Deputy Director approved its opening.
“The eighth email on that same date had Thibault emailing John Crabb that the elector case was approved. Crabb responded, ‘Thanks a lot. Let’s talk next week.’
“Between March 22 and April 13, other versions of the document opening the investigation existed, because a ninth email shows that the FBI General Counsel’s office made edits on March 25.
“Was Trump still removed as an investigative subject? If so, which Justice Department and FBI officials – other than Jack Smith – later added him for prosecution?
“I expect the production of all records on this matter to better understand the full fact pattern and whether other records exist.”
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
January 30, 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today again questioned Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), during his nomination hearing. Durbin first asked Mr. Patel about political violence and his promotion of the “J6 choir.”
Mr. Patel co-produced, promoted, and sold a record recorded by the so-called “J6 prison choir” – a group of January 6 rioters who were incarcerated in the D.C. jail in February 2023. He has described the choir’s members as, “political prisoners.” Notably, he has declined to identify the members of the choir. According to one analysis of D.C. Corrections records, there were only 20 January 6 offenders in D.C. jail as of March 2023. Of these, 17 were accused of or already convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. A recent Special Counsel report identified six members of the choir, five of whom had already pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers before Patel promoted their recording.
“When it comes to violence and politics, I personally believe [violence] has no place in politics. Whether it’s violence against Donald Trump or violence against Nancy Pelosi’s husband in her home, period. Those people, [the] Proud Boys, whatever they call themselves, have no place in this country as far as I’m concerned if they espouse violence in any form, do you agree?” Durbin asked.
Mr. Patel replied, “yes.”
“Why are we so concerned about this choir singing a song? The question is who are you going to care about, who are you going to help? Are you going to help the victims of January 6—the police and their families, or are you going to help the people arrested for assaulting [the Capitol Police officers]? I think the J6 choir looks like a tribute to them—characterizing them as ‘political prisoners’ and unlucky and just patriotic people who may have gotten out of hand. Do you see the difference?” Durbin asked.
Mr. Patel responded that “his track record” shows which side he falls on. Yet despite this statement, he co-produced, promoted, and sold this “J6 choir” record.
Durbin then asked Mr. Patel about his conspiracy theory that the FBI planned the January 6 attack. The conspiracy theory that January 6 was a false flag operation conducted by the FBI has been repeatedly debunked, including, most recently, in a lengthy report from the Justice Department’s Inspector General.
“Let me ask you about one of the major conspiracy theories that I’ve heard, and you’re associated with—that the FBI planned January 6. Why did you say that?” Durbin asked.
Mr. Patel denied stating this conspiracy theory even though on one episode of his podcast he asked, “What was the FBI doing planning January 6th for a year?”
“Did you really think the FBI was planning January 6 for a year?” Durbin asked again.
Mr. Patel again repeatedly denied spewing this conspiracy theory despite evidence to the contrary.
Video of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Clark Lake, Michigan, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025.
Jamie Lee, age 40, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Lee was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2024. She pleaded guilty on November 13, 2024.
Beginning around March 2023, Lee began obtaining fentanyl along with her boyfriend, Jacob Denker. They picked up fentanyl in Colorado and then brought it to South Dakota. In Rapid City, Lee and her boyfriend had sub-distributors who further distributed fentanyl throughout the Rapid City area and the Pine Ridge Reservation. This activity continued through September 2023. Overall, Lee and co-conspirators were responsible for bringing over 400 grams of fentanyl to the area. Jacob Denker was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Co-defendant Eugene Giago is scheduled for trial on March 11, 2025.
This case was investigated by the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Lee was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing.