NewzIntel.com

Category: Federal Bureau of Investigation

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Government Employee Arrested for Attempting to Provide Classified Information to Foreign Government

    Source: US State of Vermont

    An IT specialist employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was arrested today for attempting to transmit national defense information to an officer or agent of a foreign government.

    Nathan Vilas Laatsch, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested today in northern Virginia, and will make his initial court appearance in the Eastern District of Virginia tomorrow.

    According to court documents, Laatsch became a civilian employee of the DIA in 2019, where he works with the Insider Threat Division and holds a Top Secret security clearance. In March 2025, the FBI commenced an operation after receiving a tip that an individual — now known to be Laatsch — offered to provide classified information to a friendly foreign government. In that email, the sender wrote that he did not “agree or align with the values of this administration” and was therefore “willing to share classified information” that he had access to, including “completed intelligence products, some unprocessed intelligence, and other assorted classified documentation.”

    After multiple communications with an FBI agent — who Laatsch allegedly believed to be an official of the foreign government — Laatsch began transcribing classified information to a notepad at his desk and, over the course of approximately three days, repeatedly exfiltrated the information from his workspace. Laatsch subsequently confirmed to the FBI agent that he was prepared to transmit the information.

    Thereafter, the FBI implemented an operation at a public park in northern Virginia, where Laatsch believed he would deposit the classified information for the foreign government to retrieve. On or about May 1, 2025, FBI surveillance observed Laatsch proceed to the specified location and deposit an item. Following Laatsch’s departure, the FBI retrieved the item, which was a thumb drive later found to contain a message from Laatsch and multiple typed documents, each containing information that was portion-marked up to the Secret or Top Secret levels. The message from Laatsch indicated that he had chosen to include “a decent sample size” of classified information to “decently demonstrate the range of types of products” to which he had access.

    After receiving confirmation that the thumb drive had been received, on May 7, Laatsch allegedly sent a message to the FBI agent, which indicated Laatsch was seeking something from the foreign government in return for continuing to provide classified information. The next day, Laatsch specified that he was interested in “citizenship for your country” because he did not “expect[] things here to improve in the long term.” Although he said he was “not opposed to other compensation,” he was not in a position where he needed to seek “material compensation.”

    On May 14, the FBI agent advised Laatsch that it was prepared to receive additional classified information. Between May 15 and May 27, Laatsch again repeatedly transcribed multiple pages of notes while logged into his classified workstation, folded the notes, and exfiltrated the classified information in his clothing.

    On May 29, Laatsch arrived at a prearranged location in northern Virginia, where Laatsch again allegedly attempted to transmit multiple classified documents to the foreign country. Laatsch was arrested upon the FBI’s receipt of the documents.

    Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, and Executive Director Lee M. Russ of Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Office of Special Projects made the announcement.

    The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Air Force OSI and with thanks to the Defense Intelligence Agency for its cooperation.

    Trial Attorneys Christina Clark and Mark Murphy of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Kromberg for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Government Employee Arrested for Attempting to Provide Classified Information to Foreign Government

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    An IT specialist employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was arrested today for attempting to transmit national defense information to an officer or agent of a foreign government.

    Nathan Vilas Laatsch, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested today in northern Virginia, and will make his initial court appearance in the Eastern District of Virginia tomorrow.

    According to court documents, Laatsch became a civilian employee of the DIA in 2019, where he works with the Insider Threat Division and holds a Top Secret security clearance. In March 2025, the FBI commenced an operation after receiving a tip that an individual — now known to be Laatsch — offered to provide classified information to a friendly foreign government. In that email, the sender wrote that he did not “agree or align with the values of this administration” and was therefore “willing to share classified information” that he had access to, including “completed intelligence products, some unprocessed intelligence, and other assorted classified documentation.”

    After multiple communications with an FBI agent — who Laatsch allegedly believed to be an official of the foreign government — Laatsch began transcribing classified information to a notepad at his desk and, over the course of approximately three days, repeatedly exfiltrated the information from his workspace. Laatsch subsequently confirmed to the FBI agent that he was prepared to transmit the information.

    Thereafter, the FBI implemented an operation at a public park in northern Virginia, where Laatsch believed he would deposit the classified information for the foreign government to retrieve. On or about May 1, 2025, FBI surveillance observed Laatsch proceed to the specified location and deposit an item. Following Laatsch’s departure, the FBI retrieved the item, which was a thumb drive later found to contain a message from Laatsch and multiple typed documents, each containing information that was portion-marked up to the Secret or Top Secret levels. The message from Laatsch indicated that he had chosen to include “a decent sample size” of classified information to “decently demonstrate the range of types of products” to which he had access.

    After receiving confirmation that the thumb drive had been received, on May 7, Laatsch allegedly sent a message to the FBI agent, which indicated Laatsch was seeking something from the foreign government in return for continuing to provide classified information. The next day, Laatsch specified that he was interested in “citizenship for your country” because he did not “expect[] things here to improve in the long term.” Although he said he was “not opposed to other compensation,” he was not in a position where he needed to seek “material compensation.”

    On May 14, the FBI agent advised Laatsch that it was prepared to receive additional classified information. Between May 15 and May 27, Laatsch again repeatedly transcribed multiple pages of notes while logged into his classified workstation, folded the notes, and exfiltrated the classified information in his clothing.

    On May 29, Laatsch arrived at a prearranged location in northern Virginia, where Laatsch again allegedly attempted to transmit multiple classified documents to the foreign country. Laatsch was arrested upon the FBI’s receipt of the documents.

    Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, and Executive Director Lee M. Russ of Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Office of Special Projects made the announcement.

    The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Air Force OSI and with thanks to the Defense Intelligence Agency for its cooperation.

    Trial Attorneys Christina Clark and Mark Murphy of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Kromberg for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests 100+ illegal aliens during targeted enforcement operation in Tallahassee

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    TALLAHASSEE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 100 illegal aliens during a targeted enforcement operation at construction sites in the in Tallahassee during a joint agency operation May 29.

    The multiagency operation, directed by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee, with significant assistance from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Florida Highway Patrol, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, U.S. Marshals Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, led to the arrest of illegal aliens from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuelans, Colombia, and Honduras to name a few.

    One was taken into state custody for resisting arrest and is being charged with four counts of assault on law enforcement officers. Another attempted to pull a weapon on officers.

    “These types of enforcement actions aim to eliminate illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for America’s lawful workforce,” said ICE HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI Tallahassee, working alongside our state, local, and federal partners, will continue protecting public safety by enforcing the immigration laws of our nation.”

    ICE officials have continually emphasized the agency’s continued focus to identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

    Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

    For more information about ICE HSI Tallahassee and its efforts to enhance public safety in Florida, follow us on X at @HSITampa.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ocala Woman Indicted For Bank Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Christina Gates Thagard (40, Ocala) with bank robbery. If convicted, Thagard faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Thagard was arrested on May 24, 2025. She is currently detained pending the resolution of the case. 

    According to the indictment, on May 3, 2025, Thagard took money belonging to TD Bank by using force, violence, and intimidation. The bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

    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 Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Facing Up To Life In Federal Prison For Firearm And Drug Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of a six-count indictment charging Darius Reshodd Alexander (29, Eustis) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. He faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment on possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, up to 5 years in prison on the controlled substances offenses, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to life, for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, which must be served consecutively to one another and to any other prison term imposed in the case. 

    According to the indictment, Alexander has five previous felony convictions. On December 3, 2023, and on October 16, 2024, he was in possession of marijuana and firearms, which he carried during and in relation to the marijuana-trafficking crimes. At the time of the December 2023 offenses, Alexander had three prior felony convictions. At the time of the October 2024 offenses, however, he had five felony convictions—two of which he had just received the month prior. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    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 Daytona Beach Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo and Jamestown man going to prison for selling cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nicholas Gaskin, 37, of Buffalo and Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that in March 2022, Jamestown Police officers stopped a vehicle in which Gaskin was a passenger. Gaskin was arrested because of an active arrest warrant. Officers searched Gaskin and recovered approximately 12 grams of crack cocaine and $1,766.00 in cash. Following Gaskin’s arrest, investigators searched his Jamestown residence and recovered a semi-automatic pistol, ammunition $158 in cash, a quantity of suboxone pills and strips, six grams of suspected and drug paraphernalia. The investigation also included four controlled purchases of cocaine from Gaskin.

    The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Browning man found guilty of attempted strangulation and assault charges on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who assaulted a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was found guilty today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, a federal jury found William Alvin Potts, 62, guilty of attempted strangulation and assault by striking, beating, or wounding. Potts faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for October 8, 2025. Potts will remain released on conditions pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that on June 28, 2024, Potts physically assaulted Jane Doe. That morning a verbal argument escalated to name-calling. Potts then threw a chair to the side and grabbed Jane Doe by the neck. He pushed her backward while applying pressure to her throat and neck. Eventually he pushed her into the corner of the entry wall to the living room. Potts pushed her backward for approximately ten feet, at which point, their legs tangled, and Doe fell to the ground. Potts landed on top of Jane Doe and proceeded to physically strike her with his fists. A witness stopped the assault and physically pulled Potts off Jane Doe. Jane Doe experienced significant pain after the assault and sought treatment at the Browning Community Hospital. Doe suffered a spinal fracture and continues to experience pain.

    Potts was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted to pushing Doe. He said he pushed her to make her go down the hall and they then both fell. He denied striking her.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man charged with possession of a machinegun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Mercado a/k/a Yvng Fabii, 24, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a machinegun and possession of a firearm with a removed, altered and obliterated serial number. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Louis M. Testani, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 9, 2024, Buffalo State University police officers responded to an altercation during a men’s basketball game. While officers were trying to identify the parties involved, Mercado began to run away. When confronted by law enforcement, he stopped running, raised his arms, and stated, “I got the thing on me.” When questioned as to what he had, Mercado stated, “I got the joint on me.” During a pat down on Mercado, officers found a loaded pistol with a suspected machine gun conversion device and extended magazine. Law enforcement later learned that the firearm had a defaced serial number.

    Mercado made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr. and was held pending a detention hearing.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tampa Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years For Possessing A Firearm And Ammunition As A Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Brandon Palmore (30, Tampa) to six years and six months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Palmore to forfeit a Sig Sauer firearm and assorted rounds of ammunition possessed during the commission of the offense. Palmore pled guilty on March 12, 2025.

    According to court records, agents were conducting surveillance on Palmore at an apartment complex in Tampa in relation to an outstanding arrest warrant and observed him walking to his vehicle. As Palmore was given commands to exit the vehicle, he was seen reaching toward the center console and passenger floorboard areas of the vehicle. A Sig Sauer handgun was found where Palmore was seen reaching. The handgun was loaded and had previously been reported stolen. Prior to the offense, Palmore knew he had been convicted of multiple felonies, including convictions for aggravated assault and shooting at, within, or into a vehicle in 2019. The 2019 convictions resulted from an incident where Palmore fired a handgun into an occupied vehicle. As a convicted felon, Palmore is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

    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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Sentenced To More Than 29 Years For Possession With Intent To Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, And Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – U.S. District Court Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Brendan Wells (29, Tampa) to 29 years and 5 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Wells pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024.

    According to court documents, on February 14, 2023, law enforcement searched a storage unit that Wells, along with his co-conspirator, Emmanuel Dourthe, used to store narcotics they were selling and intending to sell. Inside the storage unit, law enforcement located 408 grams of methamphetamine, 399.7 grams of fentanyl, and 27.7 grams of cocaine. In addition, numerous bottles and baggies with various powders suspected to be cutting agents, as well as mixing tools, were found. Law enforcement also located a Smith & Wesson M&P semiautomatic rifle along with numerous gun cases, magazines, and ammunition. Earlier that day, law enforcement had recovered a backpack belonging to Wells, a search of which revealed what the DEA laboratory would later confirm to be 143.98 grams of methamphetamine.

    Both Wells and Dourthe are previously convicted felons and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    Dourthe pled guilty to the same charges and was previously sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man arrested on meth charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Demetrius Parker, 43, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 28, 2025, investigators executed search warrants at two residences, one in the City of Buffalo, and one in the Town of Cheektowaga, as well as on Parker’s vehicle. During the searches, they recovered 124 grams of suspected cocaine, 86 grams of methamphetamine, 50 grams of suspected fentanyl, $1,762.00 in cash, a loaded magazine, a Digital Video Recording (DVR) system, drug paraphernalia, a gold necklace with diamonds, and three cellular phones.

    Parker made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.

    The complaint is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Exposes Biden-Harris Backlog of Criminal Complaints in Unaccompanied Migrant Children Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) summary revealing thousands of concerning reports were identified in the Biden-Harris administration’s unaccompanied alien children (UC) program, but left unresolved, including cases of potential trafficking and fraud. 
    The Trump administration is now working to process 65,605 reports concerning migrant children, which were ignored or dismissed during the previous administration. These reports include 56,591 notifications of concern, 7,346 reports of human trafficking and 1,688 fraud leads. In a little over 100 days, the Trump administration has processed over 28 percent of the Biden-Harris backlog, resulting in 528 investigative leads, 36 investigations accepted for prosecution by U.S. Attorneys, seven indictments, 25 arrest warrants, 11 arrests and three convictions.
    “My oversight exposed the Biden-Harris administration for placing unaccompanied migrant children with dangerous sponsors and actively obstructing law enforcement and Congress’ efforts to rescue vulnerable kids. I applaud the Trump administration for its swift action to protect unaccompanied migrant children by addressing the concerning reports the Biden-Harris administration shelved,” Grassley said. “I look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to ensure justice is served.”
    Read Grassley’s full letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. HERE.
    Background:
    Grassley has spearheaded efforts to protect unaccompanied migrant children from exploitation and abuse for more than a decade.
    Last year, he submitted a law enforcement referral, including legally protected whistleblower disclosures, to the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation flagging potentially criminal activity in the UC program. Homeland Security Investigations used this referral to identify over 100 suspicious UC sponsors. However, the Biden-Harris administration failed to fully respond to two thirds of the subpoenas issued by law enforcement as a result of Grassley’s referral. At Grassley’s request, President Trump’s HHS has pledged to review compliance with those subpoenas to help law enforcement find and rescue children, and shut down possible trafficking networks. 
    This Congress, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General published a report which validated Grassley’s findings and confirmed the Biden-Harris administration lost track of hundreds-of-thousands of migrant children, placed children with dangerous sponsors and restricted information sharing with law enforcement. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Who Fired Gun Outside Crowded San Francisco Bar Sentenced to Three Years and Nine Months for Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

    Source: US FBI

    SAN FRANCISCO – Fernando Aguilera was sentenced yesterday to 45 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition.  Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup handed down the sentence.

    Aguilera, 37, a national of Honduras, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2023.  On Feb. 12, 2025, Judge Alsup found Aguilera guilty of being a felon in possession of ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) after a bench trial.  According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Aguilera took a gun out of his waistband on two occasions at a crowded bar in San Francisco.  He then left the bar and fired into the air two separate times with people and cars nearby.  When law enforcement arrived, Aguilera fled from the police before being apprehended in the garden area of a nearby residence.  Law enforcement found a firearm with the wrong caliber bullet stuck in the chamber next to Aguilera and ammunition in his bag.  At the time of his arrest, Aguilera had four prior felony convictions for being an accessory, being a prohibited person with ammunition, and second-degree burglary.

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

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Alsup also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release.  The defendant has been in custody since the offense.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Davidson and Sophia Cooper prosecuted the case with the assistance of Kevin Costello and Marina Ponomarchuk.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and San Francisco Police Department. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Francisco Man Sentenced to Seven and One Half Years in Federal Prison for Tenderloin Carjacking and Firearms Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    SAN FRANCISCO – Lafayette Davenport was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison for carjacking a San Francisco AIDS Foundation vehicle in the Tenderloin in August 2023, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup handed down the sentence.

    Davenport, 30, of San Francisco, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2024, on charges of carjacking in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119(1), brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1), and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  Davenport pleaded guilty on Feb. 11, 2025, to all three counts.  

    According to the plea agreement and court documents, on the morning of Aug. 24, 2023, Davenport saw an employee of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation driving in the Tenderloin neighborhood in a vehicle marked with the nonprofit organization’s logos.  As the victim driver completed a pickup of discarded needles and returned to the car, Davenport, wearing a ski mask, ran up to the victim and pointed a pistol at him, saying “Don’t make me shoot you” and “I swear I’ll shoot you right here.”  Davenport stole the victim’s watch and car keys and drove the San Francisco AIDS Foundation vehicle several feet before fleeing on foot to a nearby apartment building.

    On Feb. 22, 2024, San Francisco Police Department officers arrested Davenport in the Tenderloin neighborhood.  Officers found Davenport with the ski mask and the loaded pistol that he had used during the carjacking.  At the time of his arrest, Davenport was on probation and had been convicted of prior felonies, including second-degree burglary of automobiles while on parole.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Alsup also sentenced the defendant to a five-year period of supervised release and ordered $500 in restitution.  

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

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara E. Henderson prosecuted the case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Alycee Lane, and Janice Pagsanjan.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and San Francisco Police Department. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Inmate And Visitor Sentenced In Scheme To Introduce Contraband Into Prison Facility

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced a federal inmate, Jessie Wooden (36, Miami), to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. A co-defendant, Janai Chanel Stephens (38, Opa Locka), also was sentenced to 18 months’ probation for her role in introducing contraband into a federal prison and making false statements to a federal agent. A federal grand jury indicted Wooden and Stephens on May 28, 2024. Both defendants entered guilty pleas to the charges in January 2025.

    According to the court records, on March 10, 2024, Wooden was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County, Florida. On that date, Stephens visited Wooden at the prison. She entered FCC Coleman with a bag containing contraband 78 grams of methamphetamine and tobacco cigarettes that she intended to give to Wooden. Federal inmates are prohibited from possessing such items because they threaten the order, discipline, and security of the prison.

    Prior to the visitation, Stephens falsely represented to a corrections officer on a written form that she did not have any contraband in her possession. When she subsequently met with Wooden in a visitation room, however, she threw him the bag containing the contraband. After being confronted by law enforcement, Stephens confessed to bringing in the contraband for Wooden, though she claimed only to know about the tobacco products. Wooden admitted that he had planned to distribute the methamphetamine and other items to inmates inside FCC Coleman.

    “Individuals who smuggle contraband into federal prisons put lives at risk,” said Eric Fehlman, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Southeast Region. “The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep federal prisons safe and hold those who would exploit our correctional system for personal gain accountable.”

    This case was prosecuted as part of a United States Department of Justice (DOJ) task force aimed at rooting out contraband and misconduct in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The task force was led by the BOP and the DOJ – Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to child exploitation offenses.

    Kyle Joyner, 40 pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 10, 2025. Joyner was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 6, 2024.

    On various dates between Jan. 3, 2023, through Sept. 17, 2023, Joyner sexually exploited a minor victim known to him by producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Additionally, two cell phones seized from Joyner in October 2023 were found to contain over 700 CSAM images that included prepubescent females.

    The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: West Columbia Man Indicted for Directing the Sex Abuse of Children in Brazil by Livestream, Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence has returned a 13-count indictment charging Stephen Todd Greene, 55, of West Columbia, with conspiracy to produce child sexual abuse material, two counts of production of child sexual abuse material, four counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material, three counts of receipt of child sexual abuse material, possession of child sexual abuse material, and two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor into illegal sexual conduct.

    The indictment alleges that from June 2023 through September 2024, Greene worked with a woman in Brazil, referred to in the indictment as C0-Conspirator 1, to sexually exploit her nieces, who are 3 years old and 9 years old as of the date of the indictment. Co-Conspirator 1 abused the children in person and Greene abused the children virtually, including by livestreaming their sex abuse to his home in West Columbia and by directing Co-Conspirator 1 to engage in certain abuse over livestream, according to the indictment.

    Greene and Co-Conspirator 1 used Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and FaceTime to facilitate the scheme, as well as a series of cameras installed in Greene’s home and in Co-Conspirator 1’s home in Brazil, which allowed a livestream from both locations.  According to the indictment, Greene produced, received, distributed, and possessed child sexual abuse material, and he engaged in sexually explicit conduct on video and caused the minor victims to watch.  During the scheme, Greene travelled twice to Brazil, where he gained direct access to the children, and he transferred money during the scheme to Co-Conspirator 1 through a wire service, according to the indictment.

    Agents with the FBI Columbia field office arrested Greene and he was arraigned in federal court earlier this afternoon. He was ordered detained pending a bond hearing.

    Greene faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.  He also faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years on the conspiracy to produce child sexual abuse material and the production of child sexual abuse material charges, a mandatory minimum of 10 years on the coercion and enticement charges, and a mandatory minimum of five years on the receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material charges. Greene also faces up to a $250,000 fine, restitution payable to the minor victims for damages incurred as a result of the conduct, a special assessment of $5,000, lifetime supervision by the U.S. Probation Office following any term of incarceration, and potential sex offender registry requirements.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia field office and the Brazilian Federal Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case.

    The FBI’s Columbia field office is seeking any information regarding additional potential victims in this investigation. Tips can be provided at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

    U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    ###

    * The term “pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland woman sentenced to four years in prison for scheme to use stolen identities to purchase vehicles

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland woman was sentenced yesterday to four years in prison for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 23, 2022, Loryn Michelle Dorsey, 36, of Elkridge, Maryland, fraudulently obtained the personal identifying information (PII) of two victims, identified as K.R. and Z.B, due to their high credit scores, which she needed to fraudulently obtain a loan from a bank to purchase a vehicle. Dorsey also assumed the fake identity of “Julia Ball,” who is not a real person.

    On December 6, 2022, Dorsey used K.R.’s PII to apply online for financing to purchase a vehicle from a car dealership in Fairfax, falsely presenting herself as K.R., a female. The dealership then submitted the information to financial institutions to provide the requested credit. Ally Bank, among others, received but rejected the application, but no loan was awarded, and no vehicle was purchased.

    Later that day, Dorsey again attempted to obtain approval for financing to purchase a vehicle from the same dealership, this time applying with Z.B. as the co-purchaser and “Julia Ball” as the co-owner. Through the dealership’s website, Dorsey was granted conditional approval of a loan from Ally Bank based on Z.B.’s good credit rating. Because Z.B. had to be present to complete the purchase, and because Z.B. is a man, Dorsey asked a coconspirator to accompany her to the dealership and fraudulently present himself as Z.B. Dorsey also arranged for someone to create a fraudulent identification document with Z.B.’s information and the co-conspirator’s photograph.

    Dorsey and the co-conspirator, at Dorsey’s direction, completed paperwork to purchase a 2015 Cadillac Escalade for $48,629.20, with $1,000 cash downpayment provided by Dorsey and the remaining sum of $47,629.20 to be financed by Ally Bank. Fairfax County Police (FCPD) arrived at the dealership after the paperwork was completed. When Dorsey was arrested, she was in possession of a firearm. In 2016, Dorsey was convicted of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance in Maryland. As a previously convicted felon, Dorsey cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Emily Odom, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga.

    FCPD Auto Crimes Enforcement and the FBI WFO TOC-E/Major Theft Task Force investigated this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Durham prosecuted the case.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-7.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Russian National and Leader of Qakbot Malware Conspiracy Indicted in Long-Running Global Ransomware Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges a Russian national with leading a group of cyber criminals that developed and deployed the Qakbot malware that infected thousands of computers worldwide, installing ransomware and demanding payment from victims.

    Rustam Rafailevich Gallyamov, 48, of Moscow, Russia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is believed to be in Russia and is not in custody.

    In connection with the charges, the Justice Department filed today a civil forfeiture complaint against more than $24 million in cryptocurrency seized from Gallyamov over the course of the investigation. These actions are the latest step in an ongoing multinational effort by the United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Canada to combat cybercrime.

    “The criminal charges and forfeiture case announced today are part of an ongoing effort with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and hold accountable cybercriminals,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “The forfeiture action against more than $24 million in virtual assets also demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to seizing ill-gotten assets from criminals in order to ultimately compensate victims.”

    “Today’s announcement of the Justice Department’s latest actions to counter the Qakbot malware scheme sends a clear message to the cybercrime community,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will not stop holding cybercriminals accountable, even over a course of years, and we will use every legal tool at our disposal to identify you, charge you, forfeit your ill-gotten gains, and disrupt your criminal activity.”

    “Mr. Gallyamov’s bot network was crippled by the talented men and women of the FBI and our international partners in 2023, but he brazenly continued to deploy alternative methods to make his malware available to criminal cyber gangs conducting ransomware attacks against innocent victims globally,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The charges announced today exemplify the FBI’s commitment to relentlessly hold accountable individuals who target Americans and demand ransom, even when they live halfway across the world.”

    According to the indictment, Gallyamov developed, deployed, and controlled the Qakbot malware beginning in 2008. From 2019 onward, Gallyamov allegedly used the Qakbot botnet to infect thousands of victim computers around the world to establish a network or “botnet” of infected computers. Once Gallyamov gained access to victim computers, he provided access to co-conspirators who infected the computers with ransomware, including Prolock, Dopplepaymer, Egregor, REvil, Conti, Name Locker, Black Basta, and Cactus. Gallyamov was paid a portion of the ransoms received from ransomware victims.

    The announcement of charges today is the latest step taken by the Justice Department against the Qakbot conspiracy. In August 2023, a U.S.-led multinational operation disrupted the Qakbot botnet and malware. At that time, the Justice Department announced the seizure of illicit proceeds from Gallyamov, including more than 170 bitcoin and more than $4 million of USDT and USDC tokens.

    According to the indictment, after the disruption and takedown of the Qakbot botnet, Gallyamov and his co-conspirators continued their criminal activities. Instead of a botnet, they allegedly used different tactics, including “spam bomb” attacks on victim companies, where co-conspirators would trick employees at those victim companies into granting access to computer systems. The indictment alleges that Gallyamov orchestrated spam bomb attacks against victims in the United States as recently as January 2025. It also alleges that Gallyamov and his co-conspirators deployed Black Basta and Cactus ransomware on victim computers.

    On April 25, pursuant to a seizure warrant, the FBI seized additional illicit proceeds from Gallyamov, including more than 30 bitcoin and more than $700,000 of USDT tokens. Today, the Department filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Central District of California against all the illicit proceeds seized from Gallyamov – worth more than $24 million as of today – to forfeit and ultimately return those funds to victims.

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

    If convicted, Gallyamov would face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.

    The investigation of Gallyamov was led by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, which worked closely with investigators from Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), the Netherlands National Police, the French Police Cybercrime Central Bureau, and Europol. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the FBI Milwaukee Field Office provided significant assistance.

    The case against Gallyamov is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Khaldoun Shobaki and Lauren Restrepo of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) Senior Counsel Jessica Peck. Assistant United States Attorney James Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is prosecuting the forfeiture case.

    These law enforcement actions were taken in conjunction with Operation Endgame, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling and prosecuting cybercriminal organizations around the world.

    Resources for victims can be found on the following website, which will be updated as additional information becomes available: Qakbot Resources.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Exec at Orange County Company and Illegal Alien Arrested on Federal Complaint Alleging He Embezzled $7 Million From His Employer

    Source: US FBI

    SANTA ANA, California – A former executive at a Newport Beach company that specializes in the purchase of classic cars – who also happens to be an illegal alien from Mexico – was arrested today on a federal complaint alleging he embezzled approximately $7 million from his employer.

    Alexander G. Ramos, 62, of Newport Beach, is charged with wire fraud, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

    A federal magistrate judge ordered Ramos jailed without bond and scheduled an arraignment for June 30.

    According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Ramos was employed at the victim company since 2017 until his termination in September 2024 in the company’s Risk Management Department. Through his positions, he knew his employer’s loans and held relationships with title agents or other partners nationwide. He also oversaw requests by the company’s Title and Risk Department to its Accounting Department for payment to title agents, sometimes submitting the requests himself.

    Ramos allegedly caused checks to be issued from the victim company to certain parties, including a Las Vegas DMV services business. The checks were supposed to cover expenses for tax, titling, and licensing associated with car purchases.

    However, Ramos purposely caused his employer to send too much money to the outside entities. He then directed those entities on how to dispose of the extra money, including by sending the funds to bank accounts that he controlled.

    A law enforcement review of financial records revealed that approximately $7 million in checks and wires were deposited into Ramos-controlled bank accounts from the outside entities in the car industry. The origin of some of the funds deposited into Ramos’s bank accounts showed the checks and wires were made out to the victim company and were intended as refunds to that company’s clients who had overpaid for vehicle registration fees.

    Instead of being returned directly to the Ramos’s employer, Ramos allegedly moved the funds to other accounts he controlled for his personal use, including buying a home in Irvine. The illegal transfers date back to at least January 2020, according to the complaint.

    Ramos is an illegal alien from Mexico who was removed from the United States in 2017 but later returned.

    A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

    The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fu of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixteen Defendants Federally Charged in Connection with DanaBot Malware Scheme That Infected Computers Worldwide

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury indictment and criminal complaint unsealed today charge 16 defendants who allegedly developed and deployed the DanaBot malware which a Russia-based cybercrime organization controlled and deployed, infecting more than 300,000 victim computers around the world, facilitated fraud and ransomware, and caused at least $50 million in damage.

    The defendants include Aleksandr Stepanov, 39, a.k.a. “JimmBee,” and Artem Aleksandrovich Kalinkin, 34, a.k.a. “Onix”, both of Novosibirsk, Russia. Stepanov was charged with conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information, unauthorized impairment of a protected computer, wiretapping, and use of an intercepted communication.

    Kalinkin was charged with conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to a computer to obtain information, to gain unauthorized access to a computer to defraud, and to commit unauthorized impairment of a protected computer. Both defendants are believed to be in Russia and are not in custody.

    According to the indictment and complaint, DanaBot malware used a variety of methods to infect victim computers, including spam email messages containing malicious attachments or hyperlinks. Victim computers infected with DanaBot malware became part of a botnet (a network of compromised computers), enabling the operators and users of the botnet to remotely control the infected computers in a coordinated manner. The owners and operators of the victim computers are typically unaware of the infection.

    The DanaBot malware allegedly operated on a malware-as-a-service model, with the administrators leasing access to the botnet and support tools to client coconspirators for a fee that was typically several thousand dollars a month. The DanaBot malware was multi-featured and had extensive capabilities to exploit victim computers. It could be used to steal data from victim computers, and to hijack banking sessions, steal device information, user browsing histories, stored account credentials, and virtual currency wallet information.

    DanaBot also had the capability to provide full remote access to victim computers, to record keystrokes, and record videos showing the activity of users on victim computers. DanaBot has further been used as an initial means of infection for other forms of malware, including ransomware. The DanaBot malware has infected over 300,000 computers around the world, and caused damage estimated to exceed $50 million.

    DanaBot administrators operated a second version of the botnet that was used to target victim computers in military, diplomatic, government, and related entities. This version of the botnet recorded all interactions with the computer and sent stolen data to a different server than the fraud-oriented version of DanaBot. This variant was allegedly used to target diplomats, law enforcement personnel, and members of the military in North America, and Europe.

    “Pervasive malware like DanaBot harms hundreds of thousands of victims around the world, including sensitive military, diplomatic, and government entities, and causes many millions of dollars in losses,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “The charges and actions announced today demonstrate our commitment to eradicating the largest threats to global cybersecurity and pursuing the most malicious cyber actors, wherever they are located.”   

    “The enforcement actions announced today, made possible by enduring law enforcement and industry partnerships across the globe, disrupted a significant cyber threat group, who were profiting from the theft of victim data and the targeting of sensitive networks,” said Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Cyber Field Office. “The DanaBot malware was a clear threat to the Department of Defense and our partners. DCIS will vigorously defend our infrastructure, personnel, and intellectual property.”

    “Today’s announcement represents a significant step forward in the FBI’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the cyber-criminal ecosystem that wreaks havoc on global digital security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of our domestic and international law enforcement partners in holding cyber criminals accountable, no matter where they operate.”

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

    If convicted, Kalinkin would face a statutory maximum sentence of 72 years in federal prison, and Stepanov would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

    As part of today’s operation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) agents effected seizures and takedowns of DanaBot command and control servers, including dozens of virtual servers hosted in the United States. The U.S. government is now working with partners including the Shadowserver Foundation to notify DanaBot victims and help remediate infections.

    These law enforcement actions were taken in conjunction with Operation Endgame, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling and prosecuting cybercriminal organizations around the world.

    Amazon, Crowdstrike, ESET, Flashpoint, Google, Intel 471, Lumen, PayPal, Proofpoint, Spycloud, Team CYMRU, and ZScaler provided valuable assistance.

    The investigation into DanaBot was led by the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, working closely with Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), the Netherlands National Police, and the Australian Federal Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

    Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Frumkin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section is prosecuting these cases. Assistant United States Attorney James E. Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the forfeiture case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Insurance Brokerage Executive Agrees to Plead Guilty to Making Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Illegal Campaign Contributions

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – An insurance brokerage executive was charged today with breaking federal campaign laws by making so-called “conduit” campaign contributions –contributions illegally made in the name of another person – to a joint fundraising committee that included a U.S. Senator’s principal campaign committee.      

    Teena Maria Hostovich, 66, of La Cañada Flintridge, is charged in a single-count information with making contributions in the name of another aggregating to more than $10,000 in a year, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of two years in federal prison.

    In a related filing today, Hostovich has agreed to plead guilty to the federal criminal charge and agreed to pay a fine of $43,500.

    Hostovich is expected to make her initial appearance in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks.

    According to her plea agreement, from May 2020 through 2023, Hostovich knowingly and willfully made a total of $75,700 in contributions to federal candidates’ principal campaign committees and federal joint fundraising committees in the names of other people. For the calendar years 2021 through 2023, Hostovich’s conduit contributions aggregated to more than $10,000 during each of those years.

    To make these illegal campaign contributions, Hostovich used 11 different people – including employees at the insurance brokerage that employed her, family members of those employees, and individuals who performed personal services for Hostovich and her family.

    As part of the scheme, Hostovich contacted one of these individuals or their family members and asked them to contribute individually or have one of their family members contribute to a particular candidate’s campaign or fundraising committee. Hostovich then paid the person the funds via PayPal either before the contribution was made or reimbursed them afterward. 

    To execute these conduit contributions, Hostovich sometimes explicitly stated that she would advance the money for the contribution or pay the person back for that contribution. Other times, the person had an implicit understanding that Hostovich would advance the money or reimburse them based on her history of advancements and reimbursements of political contributions. Hostovich generally advanced or reimbursed these individuals in amounts that exceeded the exact contribution amount but often the amounts were very close to the contribution amount. 

    Hostovich admitted in her plea agreement that one of the reasons she engaged in conduit contributions was to secure an appointment to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees in Washington, D.C. She did not obtain this position.

    The recipients of the illegal contributions included a joint fundraising committee that included a United States senator’s principal campaign committee, a principal campaign committee for a U.S. senatorial candidate, principal campaign committees for two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a joint fundraising committee that included the principal campaign for a presidential candidate.

    At no time did Hostovich reveal to any of these candidate committees or joint fundraising committees that she was the true source of the funds donated by the 11 individuals. Hostovich further admitted that she knew it was unlawful to make conduit contributions and that, before executing this scheme, she made numerous political contributions to federal candidates and served as a host for political fundraisers.

    The FBI investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Thomas F. Rybarczyk of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Placer County Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation

    Source: US FBI

    Paul Hughes, 42, of Colfax, was sentenced today to 24 years and four months in prison for sexual exploitation of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, between September 2018 and June 2019, on three separate occasions Hughes created visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Hughes used a cellphone to surreptitiously record at least three videos containing child sexual abuse material and saved them on an external hard drive. In addition to these videos, agents recovered more than 3,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse material on Hughes’s external hard drive and Google account.

    Further, agents located on Hughes’ devices hundreds of videos and photographs that were taken by Hughes of females between the ages of five to 55 in various public venues in Colfax. In each image, Hughes was attempting to obtain images of the female’s private parts by angling the camera in an upwards direction towards her groin.

    “This defendant preyed on the most innocent and vulnerable members of our society—children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith. “Keeping children safe from sexual exploitation is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to investigate the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and bring them to justice.”

    “Paul Hughes exploited children, forever damaging the memories of their childhood,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “The FBI has no tolerance for any adult who preys upon the innocence of children and anyone who exploits a child faces severe consequences for their actions.”

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case.

    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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former MBTA Transit Police Officer Convicted of Aiding and Abetting the Filing of False Report Related to Assault at MBTA Station

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A former Sergeant with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Transit Police Department (Transit Police) was found guilty today by a federal jury in Boston following an eight day trial, of aiding and abetting the filing of a false arrest report regarding another Transit Police Officer’s assault on a man at the Ashmont MBTA Station.

    David S. Finnerty, 49, of Rutland, was convicted on one count of aiding and abetting the filing of a false report. In August 2023, Finnerty was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    Finnerty was the Transit Police Officer in Charge and the supervisor of Transit Police Officer Dorston Bartlett. At 1:47 a.m. on July 27, 2018, at the Ashmont MBTA station, Bartlett, while acting in his role as an officer, physically assaulted a man without legal justification. Finnerty helped Bartlett draft a false arrest report regarding the incident, with the intent to impede any federal investigation of Bartlett’s unconstitutional use of force.

    The charge of false reports provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Julien M. Mundele are prosecuting the case.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Man Sentenced to More than Three Years in Prison for Robbery

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man has been sentenced for his role in the robbery of a Hibbett Sports Distribution Center, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Mario Autwun Scott, 42, to 45 months in prison. In November 2024, Scott pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by threats or violence.

    Michael Anthony Pippens, 42, of Birmingham, Scott’s co-conspirator in the robbery, was previously sentenced to 30 months in prison. In January 2025, Pippens pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. 

    According to court documents, in October 2022, Scott robbed the Hibbett Sports Distribution Center in Shelby County, stealing two trailers full of sporting goods merchandise worth over $84,000.  Prior to the robbery, Pippens provided a box truck to Scott so that he could transport the stolen goods.  

    The FBI investigated the case along with the Alabaster Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darius C. Greene and Lloyd C. Peeples prosecuted the case. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

    Source: US FBI

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    James Paden, 63, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Tuesday, May 27, to 12 years in federal prison without parole. Paden was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.

    On Nov. 18, 2024, Paden pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    On Feb. 22, 2024, investigators of the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department executed a search warrant on Paden’s residence after a confidential informant purchased tablets labeled “M30”, which contain fentanyl, from Paden on three occasions.  Investigators found a total of over 60 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of cocaine, and 1 gram of methamphetamine.  Investigators also found a Smith & Wesson, .38 caliber revolver, a Taurus, G2 Millenium, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a privately manufactured 9mm semi-automatic pistol with no serial number, with a Louis Vuitton design, and $1,000 in cash.

    This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings.  It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the FBI.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Medicare Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to orchestrating a scheme to defraud Medicare by unlawfully billing millions of dollars in claims for cancer genetic testing and cardiovascular genetic testing. 

    According to court documents, Jamie P. McNamara, 49, of Kansas City, operated several laboratories in Louisiana and Texas, which obtained doctors’ orders for genetic testing from telemarketers and call centers that used aggressive telemarketing campaigns to induce Medicare beneficiaries to agree to receive genetic testing. Orders for genetic testing were signed by purported telemedicine doctors who were not the beneficiaries’ treating physicians, did not perform consultations with the beneficiaries, and did not follow up with the beneficiaries after the testing was performed. To obtain the orders, McNamara paid illegal kickbacks and bribes, which he disguised through sham contracts. In furtherance of the scheme, he also shifted the billing between his laboratories to evade scrutiny from Medicare and law enforcement and concealed his ownership and control of the laboratories by falsely listing the names of his family members as owners and company representatives on Medicare and other documents. In approximately one and a half years, the laboratories operated by McNamara submitted over $174 million in claims to Medicare for genetic testing and received over $55 million in reimbursements. The government previously seized several luxury vehicles and over $7 million in bank accounts.

    “The defendant used illegal payments and lies to fraudulently bill Medicare over $174 million,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Health care fraud harms patients, drains government resources, and violates the public trust. The Criminal Division is fully committed to uncovering and aggressively prosecuting these schemes.”    

    “This guilty plea marks the conclusion of a meticulous and complicated prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Medicare fraud schemes profoundly erode taxpayer confidence and faith in our medical institutions. Schemes such as these must be rooted out, investigated and prosecuted, not only for the monetary loss triggered by the fraud, but also to preserve the public’s trust. Our office, along with our investigative partners, will continue to work diligently to maintain taxpayer confidence in our federal institutions and seek justice for all victims of fraud.”

    “McNamara lined his pockets by preying on vulnerable Americans concerned about their health. The genetic tests Medicare patients were lured into receiving did not provide them with any answers on their predisposition to life threatening illnesses and cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today’s plea is the culmination of thorough investigative work and partnership between the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) to protect the public and ensure that justice is served.”

    “Misleading patients with fraudulent genetic testing schemes to exploit the Medicare program is not just unethical — it’s criminal,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of HHS-OIG. “Today’s plea reflects HHS-OIG’s steadfast commitment to holding those who deceive patients and seek to cripple the integrity of our nation’s federal health care programs accountable. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to investigate such schemes and bring those responsible to justice.”

    While on pretrial release, McNamara violated his bond conditions by, among other things, fleeing from a DUI arrest and cutting off an ankle monitor. He was subsequently detained.

    McNamara pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    HHS-OIG and the FBI are investigating the case.

    Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Medicare Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to orchestrating a scheme to defraud Medicare by unlawfully billing millions of dollars in claims for cancer genetic testing and cardiovascular genetic testing. 

    According to court documents, Jamie P. McNamara, 49, of Kansas City, operated several laboratories in Louisiana and Texas, which obtained doctors’ orders for genetic testing from telemarketers and call centers that used aggressive telemarketing campaigns to induce Medicare beneficiaries to agree to receive genetic testing. Orders for genetic testing were signed by purported telemedicine doctors who were not the beneficiaries’ treating physicians, did not perform consultations with the beneficiaries, and did not follow up with the beneficiaries after the testing was performed. To obtain the orders, McNamara paid illegal kickbacks and bribes, which he disguised through sham contracts. In furtherance of the scheme, he also shifted the billing between his laboratories to evade scrutiny from Medicare and law enforcement and concealed his ownership and control of the laboratories by falsely listing the names of his family members as owners and company representatives on Medicare and other documents. In approximately one and a half years, the laboratories operated by McNamara submitted over $174 million in claims to Medicare for genetic testing and received over $55 million in reimbursements. The government previously seized several luxury vehicles and over $7 million in bank accounts.

    “The defendant used illegal payments and lies to fraudulently bill Medicare over $174 million,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Health care fraud harms patients, drains government resources, and violates the public trust. The Criminal Division is fully committed to uncovering and aggressively prosecuting these schemes.”    

    “This guilty plea marks the conclusion of a meticulous and complicated prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Medicare fraud schemes profoundly erode taxpayer confidence and faith in our medical institutions. Schemes such as these must be rooted out, investigated and prosecuted, not only for the monetary loss triggered by the fraud, but also to preserve the public’s trust. Our office, along with our investigative partners, will continue to work diligently to maintain taxpayer confidence in our federal institutions and seek justice for all victims of fraud.”

    “McNamara lined his pockets by preying on vulnerable Americans concerned about their health. The genetic tests Medicare patients were lured into receiving did not provide them with any answers on their predisposition to life threatening illnesses and cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today’s plea is the culmination of thorough investigative work and partnership between the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) to protect the public and ensure that justice is served.”

    “Misleading patients with fraudulent genetic testing schemes to exploit the Medicare program is not just unethical — it’s criminal,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of HHS-OIG. “Today’s plea reflects HHS-OIG’s steadfast commitment to holding those who deceive patients and seek to cripple the integrity of our nation’s federal health care programs accountable. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to investigate such schemes and bring those responsible to justice.”

    While on pretrial release, McNamara violated his bond conditions by, among other things, fleeing from a DUI arrest and cutting off an ankle monitor. He was subsequently detained.

    McNamara pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    HHS-OIG and the FBI are investigating the case.

    Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitestown Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Federal Prison for Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

     

    INDIANAPOLIS— Kyle Vincent Rogers, 32, of Whitestown, Indiana, has been sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of child sexual abuse material. Rogers has also been ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.

    According to court documents, between March 2023 and October 2023, Rogers knowingly distributed and received child sexual abuse material using uTorrent, a peer-to-peer file-sharing software that he had downloaded to his laptop.

    On November 9, 2023, investigators located at least 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse on Rogers’ laptop. The images involved sadistic or masochistic conduct and sexual abuse of prepubescent minors, including toddlers and infants. Rogers’ collection included not only images of children being sexually abused, but graphic videos of very young children forced to engage in sex acts with adults, including intercourse, bondage and bestiality.

    “The children in these images and videos will be revictimized for years to come because the defendant possessed and recirculated the material, allowing an unknown number of additional predators to gain unrestricted access,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our office is committed to leveraging law enforcement partnerships and tools to secure justice for the most vulnerable. Today’s sentence should send a clear message that there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message that those who trade in the exploitation of children will face serious consequences. Behind every image and video is a real child who has endured unimaginable harm that will haunt them the rest of their lives,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “The FBI will continue to relentlessly work to identify and track down those who commit such heinous crimes and ensure they can never victimize another innocent child.”

    The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. Rogers must also register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Haney and Meredith Wood, who prosecuted this case.

    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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

    If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Guilty Of Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on May 27, 2025, BRANDON TURNER (“TURNER”), age 39, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to Counts One, Two, and Three of the indictment pending against him.  Count One charged TURNER with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  Count Two charged TURNER with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Count Three charged TURNER with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

    According to court documents, on January 30, 2024, TURNER was arrested for suspected narcotics trafficking.  Law enforcement officers searched TURNER’s apartment and found a detectable amount of fentanyl.  Law enforcement officers also found ammunition and a Glock, Model 43, nine-millimeter caliber pistol.  TURNER knew he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition.

    At sentencing, TURNER faces a minimum 5-year term of imprisonment up to 40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to 4 years of supervised release for Count One; a minimum 5-year term of imprisonment up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release for Count Two; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count Three.  TURNER also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to all three counts.

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

    Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –