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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – FISC mission to Abu Dhabi and Dubai – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from 26 to 28 May 2025 in order to discuss developments in the area of international taxation and the fight against tax avoidance and evasion. The mission, led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with Mr Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Mr Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council; and Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuami, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the FNC.

    The delegation will also meet with other Members of the Federal National Council, the UAE’s Parliament. Further meetings are scheduled with Mr Hamed Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office; Mr Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority; and Mr Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, along with other key stakeholders.

    Discussions will notably focus on the implementation of the OECD/G20 international tax reform and the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to combat tax evasion and avoidance and enhance transparency for taxation purposes. The country’s attractiveness for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and high-net-worth individuals will also be addressed, as well as the UAE’s readiness to enhance standards on good tax governance and to comply with anti-money laundering standards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – FISC mission to Abu Dhabi and Dubai – 26-05-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from 26 to 28 May 2025 in order to discuss developments in the area of international taxation and the fight against tax avoidance and evasion. The mission, led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with Mr Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Mr Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council; and Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuami, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the FNC.

    The delegation will also meet with other Members of the Federal National Council, the UAE’s Parliament. Further meetings are scheduled with Mr Hamed Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office; Mr Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority; and Mr Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, along with other key stakeholders.

    Discussions will notably focus on the implementation of the OECD/G20 international tax reform and the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to combat tax evasion and avoidance and enhance transparency for taxation purposes. The country’s attractiveness for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and high-net-worth individuals will also be addressed, as well as the UAE’s readiness to enhance standards on good tax governance and to comply with anti-money laundering standards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Minors, Child Pornography, and Illegal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 35 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release by Senior U. S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline on five counts of sex trafficking minors, three counts of production of child pornography and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. In handing down the sentence, Judge Beistline noted the defendant’s complete lack of respect for the law as well as the absence of any remorse or empathy for the victims whom he controlled and were significantly damaged by his conduct.

    According to court documents, between October and December 2018, Tristan Jamal Grant, aka “Goo,” 35, conspired with another person to traffic two minors, a 15-year-old female and a 17-year-old female. Both minors were runaways who stayed with Grant at his co-conspirator’s apartment. While at the apartment, they created online advertisements that were used to market the minors. Grant then trafficked his victims by persuading them to perform sex acts for money; serving as protection for the minors; and driving one of the minors to a date to perform commercial sex acts. Additionally, Grant produced child pornography with one of the minors on two separate occasions.

    Grant was arrested by Anchorage Police Department following a shooting on December 12, 2018. When arrested Grant was in possession of two weapons. Because Grant had previously been convicted of a felony, possession of those guns was illegal.

    Grant remained in custody and was indicted by a federal grand jury. He escaped from custody during a court ordered release to meet with his attorney at the attorney’s office. Grant was captured and later sentenced to three years of imprisonment for charges relating to his escape, which he will serve consecutively to the above sentence. Grant was convicted of the charges following a bench trial in April 2021.

    “The sex trafficking of minors is a horrific crime, often wreaking terrible physical and emotional harm upon vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “The facts in this case reflect an unfathomable disregard for the welfare of the minors involved.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to bring to justice anyone who exploits children, and we will seek fitting punishments to deter this tragic crime and protect the most vulnerable members of our society.”

    “Tristan Grant used violent, manipulative means to force minors into performing commercial sex acts, while at the same time producing CSAM online and terrorizing our communities with other egregious acts of violence,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Peters of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “His conduct caused immeasurable harm to the survivors and to the community of Anchorage, and for that, he will now spend over 35 years in federal prison. The FBI is grateful for our collaborative partnerships across the state as we continue to combat violent crime and crimes against Alaska’s youth.”

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Anchorage Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, working together through the FBI’s Safe Streets/Crimes Against Children/Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children through sex trafficking, as well as to identify and recover victims.

    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, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visitwww.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Businessman Agrees to Pay $397,990 for COVID-Relief Loan Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage businessman has entered into a global resolution with the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Alaska to resolve federal investigations into his fraudulently obtaining $164,000 in small business loans and advances under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The global resolution includes a criminal non-prosecution agreement and civil settlement agreement.

    According to the settlement documents, Robert Gross, 65, submitted fraudulent and misleading information to obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) loans and advances, a source of relief under the CARES Act. While applying for the EIDL program between April 6 and September 3, 2020, Gross made false statements about the revenue, number of employees and related wages of the six entities in which he had ownership interests, specifically:

    • Glacier State Services, Inc.
    • Bistro IT, LLC
    • RB Enterprises, LLC
    • Meritage Management Co.
    • AK Denali Group, LLC
    • 32 Mile Investments, LLC. 

    As part of the criminal non-prosecution agreement, Gross admitted making fraudulent statements and agreed to terms in lieu of criminal prosecution. In the civil settlement agreement, Gross agreed to repay the loans in full, plus damages in the amount of $242,990 to the United States.  

    “During a global pandemic, the defendant took advantage of aid programs designed as a lifeline providing critical relief for hardworking people in our communities impacted by COVID,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “Our office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who exploit the CARES Act.”

    “Making false statements to fraudulently gain access to SBA program funds is deplorable,” said SBA Office of Inspector General’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “SBA OIG will relentlessly pursue evidence of fraud against SBA’s programs aimed at assisting the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its leadership and dedication to pursuing justice.”

    “While small businesses across the nation, including here in Alaska, continue to suffer due to the ongoing pandemic, the defendant chose to exploit the relief programs designed to help businesses in time of need,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI and our federal partners will continue to work closely to detect and hold accountable those who take advantage of public health emergencies.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Inspector General, Western Regional Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Fonstad and Michael Heyman prosecuted the case.

    Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-Relief can report it to the Department of Justice by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or filing an online complaint form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

    The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL program funds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses. The CARES Act was enacted on March 27, 2020, to provide emergency assistance to individuals, families and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Among other things the CARES Act simplified the EIDL program application process and allocated additional funding to the EIDL program.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Alaska Wildlife Trooper Agrees to Resign and Permanently Relinquish Law Enforcement Credentials for Making False Statements to the FAA

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – An Alaska Wildlife Trooper has entered into an agreement with the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Alaska to resolve investigations into false and misleading statements he made to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2019.

    According to the agreement and other court proceedings, Timothy Abbott, 39, of North Pole, Alaska, has agreed to permanently resign from the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and to relinquish his law enforcement credentials based on conduct surrounding his personal acquisition and registration of an aircraft.

    In November 2019, Abbott, then an Alaska Wildlife Trooper, submitted an application to the FAA to register a Kitfox Series 5 airplane. In the application, Abbott submitted a bill of sale to transfer the title of the aircraft to himself in exchange for $1.00 based on the signature of a previous owner of the aircraft, David Miller. Abbott falsely represented to the FAA that Miller had the authority to sell the aircraft. He did not disclose to the FAA that Miller had previously sold the aircraft to another individual more than 10 years ago and no longer had any personal ownership interest in the airplane. After Abbott removed the aircraft from its location at Clear Airport (PACL) Alaska, the actual owner of the aircraft contacted the Alaska State Troopers and reported the aircraft as stolen. During the investigation into the theft, Abbott contacted the Troopers and returned the aircraft to Clear Airport.

     “Making false statements to a federal agency is against the law no matter who you are or who you work for,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “There is no excuse for those who deceive federal regulators for the sake of personal gain. To anyone contemplating providing false information to a federal agency, know that the Justice Department will pursue the facts and hold you accountable.”

    “We take any allegation of criminal wrongdoing by an Alaska Wildlife Trooper very seriously and will take appropriate steps to hold that Trooper accountable through the criminal justice system,” said Colonel Doug Massie, Director of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers. “I would like to thank our partners at the FBI and US Attorney’s Office for their careful review of this case and bringing it to a resolution. We know that the public places a lot of trust in the Troopers that work across our great state. This was a very unfortunate incident, but the Alaska Department of Public Safety maintains a very high standard for our Alaska State and Wildlife Troopers and that includes conduct that takes place both on and off duty. We are committed to restoring any trust that was lost by the actions of this Trooper and working consistently to meet our mission of ensuring public safety and enforcing fish and wildlife laws.”

    Abbott appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec and agreed to the terms of the agreement. If Abbott violates the agreement, he could face a felony conviction for making a false statement to the FAA, which carries up to three years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If Abbott abides by the terms of the agreement, the United States has agreed to dismiss the charges against him.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Local Bank Robbery Fugitive Captured in Arizona

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS, MO—Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) St. Louis Division announces Daniel Harris, 65, was captured in Phoenix, Arizona, after more than six years on the run.

    https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/known-bank-robbers/daniel-harris

    Through consistent investigations over the years, the FBI St. Louis Division was able to track down Harris to Phoenix, Arizona. The FBI Phoenix Division narrowed down the location of Harris within hours and arrested him without incident on August 9, 2023. “It may take years and it may not be a high-profile crime, but the FBI never gives up on bringing fugitives to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Greenberg. “I commend our St. Louis team as well as our colleagues at FBI Phoenix Division.”

    Harris is charged federally with robbing the St. Louis Community Credit Union on March 15, 2017, in St. Louis, Missouri. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Harris on October 11, 2017. Harris is scheduled to be arraigned on August 29, 2023, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Kotzebue Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Incessant Stalking

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – A Kotzebue man was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to seven years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for cyberstalking two individuals who were carrying out their professional responsibilities to protect a child from abuse or neglect. 

    According to court documents, Louis Holger Eklund, 41, relentlessly stalked and threatened two victims and their family members for nearly three years causing them to fear being attacked in their homes and seriously harmed. The victims are an attorney with the Alaska Attorney General’s office and the then-President of the Native Village of Kotzebue. Following a report from the Alaska Office of Child Services that Eklund had abandoned his infant son, the victims followed their professional responsibilities initiating the Child in Need of Aid (CINA) proceedings. Since the CINA proceeding involved an Alaska Native child, the Native Village of Kotzebue became involved per the Indian Child Welfare Act.

    Eklund caused extreme emotional distress to both victims through dozens of phone calls, voicemails and emails in an effort to intimidate their conduct in the proceedings and retaliate against the work they had already done. Even after his indictment and arrest and while trial was pending, Eklund made it clear that he believed his crimes were justified by the victims’ actions and that the laws did not apply to him. Eklund also has a criminal history and a pattern of violence, violating court orders and actively resisting law enforcement.

    Eklund is the second person to recently be sentenced for terrorizing people working in child protection. In March, the U.S. District Court sentenced Peter Lee Norris, also known as Bjorn Erik Happaniemi, to nine years in prison for stalking and threatening an Office of Children’s Services case worker, her attorney and an FBI agent who investigated the case.

    “The defendant’s incessant harassment and threats to both victims and their family members was terrifying,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “There is perhaps no higher calling than protecting children who may be in harm’s way. Stalking and threatening these individuals for carrying out their professional responsibilities is detestable and a criminal act for which we will always seek justice.”    

    “Using online tools to scare and disrupt their daily lives, the defendant tormented and caused substantial distress to both victims, who were merely fulfilling their professional responsibilities,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “In Alaska, no one should feel unsafe in their own home, workplace or community, and the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who engage in such conduct.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the case.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairbanks Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Stalking and Murder for Hire Plot

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – A Fairbanks man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline for stalking and attempting to arrange a murder for hire.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at his sentencing, Roger Keeling, 55, devised and solicited a murder for hire plot targeting his former girlfriend while he was in custody on stalking charges. He was indicted in January 2021 and found guilty by a federal jury in August 2021.

    At sentencing, the United States underscored the physical, emotional and mental abuse suffered by Keeling’s former girlfriend. In both her testimony and her victim impact statement, she described the terrifying and traumatic ordeal. As she became increasingly frightened by Keeling’s actions and mental state, she left him. He tried winning her back but when that didn’t work, his anger began to consume him as he stalked her and found someone to murder her.  

    In October 2020 Keeling placed his hands around his girlfriend’s neck, told her he should rip her heart out and threatened to burn her house down. Keeling pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in state court. The victim applied for and was granted a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) and it was served on Keeling before his release on the assault charges. Over the next six weeks, Keeling was arrested – and released by the state court – for violating this DVPO multiple times in an escalating pattern that included following the victim, slashing her tires, sending dozens of threatening emails from various “disguised” email accounts and planting disturbing handwritten notes along her usual running route.

    Keeling was arrested for stalking the victim in December 2020. While in custody, Keeling told his cellmate he wanted to find someone to harm his girlfriend. During the next few days, Keeling agreed to pay his cellmate $1,500 to arrange for a hitman to kill her, and after being released by a state court judge, he made an initial payment of $500. During a search of Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see her harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

    “While no sentence can atone for the sense of security his victim lost, she no longer has to live in fear always looking over her back and worried about her personal safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “Every citizen has the right to feel safe as they go about their daily life and we will continue to seek justice for victims of such appalling acts.”   

    “This investigation and disruption of Mr. Keeling’s deadly plot should serve as a reminder that the FBI and our partners will vigorously hold those accountable who plan such actions,” said Antony Jung, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Soliciting a murder for hire is a federal crime, and the defendant will now spend the next 12 years in federal prison.”

    The Alaska State Troopers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fairbanks Police Department conducted the investigated the case.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Doty and Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

    Domestic violence is a crime. If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, it is normal to feel scared, helpless and vulnerable. You are not alone. Help is available through local and state police departments as well as through national entities such as the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). 

    During a search of Roger Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the murder for hire plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see his former girlfriend harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Drunk Driver Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Second-Degree Murder

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Derwin Davis Tsosie, Jr., 26, of Tuba City, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge Douglas L. Rayes on Monday to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Tsosie pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder. 

    On November 14, 2022, Tsosie was driving at approximately 135 miles per hour when he hit the victims’ car from behind, killing the driver and seriously injuring the passenger. Tsosie’s blood alcohol concentration was .323, more than four times the legal limit. At the time of the crash, Tsosie’s license was suspended for a previous DUI arrest. The crime occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, where Tsosie is an enrolled member.

    The Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR 23-8019-PCT-DLR
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-124_Tsosie

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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 Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Goose Creek Correctional Center Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Bribery Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – A correctional officer at Goose Creek Correctional Center (GCCC) pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribery charges for smuggling contraband into the prison in Wasilla, Alaska.  

    According to court documents, Angela Lincoln, 43, was a correctional officer at the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC) facility from 2014 through mid-2020. Beginning in about 2019 she began smuggling contraband into GCCC including Suboxone strips and cell phones for an inmate who is serving a 100-year sentence. The inmate distributed the drugs within the prison and paid tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments to Lincoln. 

    With support from his family members and non-inmate associates, who he called “grinders,” this inmate secretly arranged to deliver the contraband and cash payments to Lincoln. His associates would secretly visit Lincoln’s home and drop the contraband and bribe payments near her fence while no one was looking. They would hide the controlled substances inside books, plastic bottles or candy wrappers to avoid suspicion when dropping the package at the fence. Lincoln would then smuggle the contraband into Goose Creek using her official position to evade security screening, knowing that doing so was in violation of her official duties and knowing that she would be paid in exchange for delivering the contraband and drugs inside GCCC. To deliver the bribe payments to Lincoln, the “grinders” would launder the funds and hide cash in phony trinkets, greeting cards and stuffed animals. Lincoln continued to conceal the conspiracy when initially questioned by FBI agents, falsely reporting that the money was payments for old DVDs, video games and an old meat grinder. None of that was true, and the payments were really bribes paid in exchange for her smuggling efforts.

    As a correctional officer she was required to protect inmates and staff by, among other things, ensuring that contraband – including drugs and cell phones – did not enter or remain in the facility where inmates could access them. 

    Goose Creek Correctional Center is an Alaska DOC-run medium-security prison for men located in Wasilla, Alaska. The facility houses up to approximately 1,300 inmates and employs approximately 333 staff members. 

    Lincoln’s sentencing hearing has not yet been set.  She faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison for the bribery and conspiracy charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case with valuable assistance provided by the Alaska Department of Corrections.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Allen, Kelly Cavanaugh and Ryan Tansey are prosecuting the case.
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  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Couple Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Drugs and Money Laundering

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – Two people were sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to federal prison for distributing drugs and money laundering.

    May Saelee, aka “The First Lady,” 47, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty in August 2019 to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. Saelee’s husband, Cher Vang, aka “The President,” 47, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Vang pleaded guilty in July 2019 to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. The couple was arrested in August 2018 as part of a months-long federal investigation into a drug ring operating out of Mountain View.

    According to court documents, between August 2011 and 2018, Saelee and Vang distributed methamphetamine from their home and other locations in Anchorage. Through multiple drug sales during this seven-year period, they sold more than 306 grams of actual methamphetamine. The couple then used the proceeds of their drug sales to purchase various items including jewelry and personal property. Additionally, between March 2015 and August 2018, Saelee and Vang structured bank deposits totaling more than $150,000 into their accounts to avoid federal banking requirements and to conceal that the source of the money was from drug proceeds.

    As part of the plea agreement, Saelee and Vang will forfeit to the United States any property derived from their illegal activities including but not limited to: jewelry, money, guns and personal property.

    “With today’s sentencing, we have put an end to another drug trafficking ring responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Anchorage and the surrounding area,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “These dangerous drugs are destructive poisons that threaten the health and safety of our communities. We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that drug traffickers are held responsible for the harm they cause.”

    “Drug trafficking and money laundering cause immense harm to our communities,” said Bret Kressin, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “IRS-CI will continue to use our expertise to investigate those who knowingly traffic these damaging substances and will continue to bring these individuals to justice.”

    The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan Collins prosecuted the case.

    This case is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian Man Charged in Scheme to Commit Cyberattacks

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – A federal indictment unsealed today charges a Canadian national with committing cyberattacks.

    According to court documents, Matthew Philbert, 31, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, conspired with others known and unknown to the United States to damage computers, and in the course of that conspiracy did damage a computer belonging to the State of Alaska in April 2018.

    In a separate and parallel investigation, the Canadian authorities today also announced cybercrime charges against Philbert. He was arrested on Nov 30, 2021, by Ontario Provincial Police where he remains in custody.

    “Today’s unsealed indictment is a great example of the importance of international partnerships to combat the evolving and growing threat of cybercrimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “Cybercriminals are a dangerous threat and together with our law enforcement partners, we will use all our available resources to bring cybercriminals who target Alaskans to justice, wherever they are.”

    “Cyber criminals are opportunistic and will target any business or individual they identify as vulnerable. The OPP continues to demonstrate its ability to seamlessly collaborate on integrated police investigations to combat cybercrimes and other illegal activities.” Deputy Commissioner Chuck Cox, Provincial Commander, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigations and Organized Crime

    Philbert is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers and one count of fraud and related activity in connection with computers. This indictment in the District of Alaska is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address cybercrimes that target U.S. citizens from abroad.

    Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska, and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant Attorney General Polite and Acting U.S. Attorney Wilson thanked the Canadian and Dutch authorities for their assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander and Trial Attorney Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: A Las Cruces, New Mexico, Drug Leader Sentenced to 270 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking in Sitka, Alaska

    Source: US FBI

    JUNEAU – A Las Cruces, New Mexico woman was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess today to 270 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

    According to the plea agreement, Christina Quintana aka “Lete,” 35, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in Sitka, Alaska and she possessed and discharged a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  

    Beginning about May 2, 2017, and continuing until April 3, 2018, Quintana, along with her co-conspirators Andrea Avalos, Peter Krovina, Porter Treadway, Holly Chambers, Aaron Didrickson and Eric Morisky distributed methamphetamine and heroin in Sitka. Quintana and Avalos, who did not reside in Alaska, were responsible for the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine and heroin as well as coordinating and collecting drug debts. The other members of the conspiracy assisted Quintana and Avalos in their illicit activities. All member of the drug organization possessed firearms to facilitate their drug trafficking activities, as well as to extract retribution against members who owed drug debts. For example, the defendants organized and perpetrated a violent home invasion and robbery where Quintana shot an individual in both legs and Treadway attacked another individual with a claw hammer, to collect a drug debt owed to them. In issuing today’s sentence Chief Judge Burgess said Quintana’s conduct was beyond the pale on that day.  

    “Illicit narcotics are a cancer in our society and many Southeast Alaska communities have suffered at the hands of this epidemic for years,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “The violence committed in this case has shaken the community of Sitka and is one of the worst drug offenses committed in Southeast Alaska in the last few decades.”

    “The defendant came to Alaska for the sole financial motivation of trafficking illicit narcotics,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office.  “Drug traffickers who believe they can operate with impunity, while bringing poison and violence to Alaska’s communities, will be held accountable by the FBI and our local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners.” 

    “The brazenness of Quintana’s actions clearly warrant this significant sentence,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Olson. “She showed a complete disregard for the law and jeopardized the community as a whole.  The removal of Quintana and her co-conspirators from the streets will help make our communities safer.” 

    Quintana’s co-conspirators also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced:

    • Andrea Avalos, aka “Josie,” 25, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
    • Peter Krovina, aka, “Lil’ Pete,” 42, of Sitka pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and firearms charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.   
    • Holly Chambers, 28, of Sitka pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to time served.    
    • Aaron Didrickson, 32 of Sitka pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to time served.    
    • Eric Morisky, aka “Curly,” 33, of Juneau pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to four years in prison.    
    • Porter Treadway, 39, of Sitka pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2022.    

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Sitka Police Department investigated the case with assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN) initiative’s ongoing efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities. The case is also part of Alaska’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the South East Alaska Cities Against Drugs (SEACAD) task force. HIDTA was established in 2018 to enhance and coordinate efforts among local state and federal law enforcement agencies, providing equipment, technology and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of Alaska. 

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures 19-Year Sentences for Defendants in 2020 Murder Case

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – Two defendants have each been sentenced to 19 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $5,355.60 for their roles in the brutal 2020 murder of Jane Doe.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    On January 23, 2020, Stacey Yellowhorse, 53, and her then-boyfriend Timothy Chischilly, 51, both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, invited Jane Doe to Chischilly’s home in Mexican Springs. That night, they restrained Doe by nailing her hands and head to the floor and then bludgeoned her to death before burning her remains and scattering them across various locations in the Navajo Nation.

    Following the murder, Yellowhorse and Chischilly misled Doe’s family about her whereabouts, falsely claiming that Yellowhorse had dropped Doe off at a local restaurant. They visited Doe’s family a few days after the murder, and Yellowhorse assured them that they would find her safe, including telling Doe’s seven-year-old daughter that Yellowhorse was going to look for the girl’s mother and would bring her back safe.

    On January 27, 2020, after Jane Doe was reported missing, Chischilly confessed to his family, detailing how he and Yellowhorse had killed Doe. This confession led to their arrest on February 1, 2020.

    Chischilly pled guilty to second-degree murder in February 2024. Shortly before trial was set to begin in March 2024, Yellowhorse also pled guilty to second-degree murder.

    Upon their release from prison, Yellowhorse and Chischilly will be subject to five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department, Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the Gallup Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Brawley and Tavo Hall are prosecuting the case.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mineral Springs Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    Texarkana, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Andre Scoggins, 50, of Mineral Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for Distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.  The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court’s Texarkana Division.

    According to court records, Detectives with the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Department conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Scoggins in November 2018.  The substance purchased from Scoggins was submitted to the DEA Crime Laboratory, which found to contain 69.7 grams of pure methamphetamine.

    Scoggins was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in October of 2020. 

    This case was investigated by the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texarkana Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    Texarkana, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Gerson Eduardo Magana, 25, of Texarkana, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for the Distribution of more than 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine.  The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, in the United States District Court’s Texarkana Division.

    According to court records, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Magana in June of 2018.  The substance purchased from Magana was submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, which found it to contain at least 70.8 grams of pure methamphetamine.

    Magana was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019. 

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bi-State Narcotics Drug Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Sentenced to 63 Months for Illegally Possessing Ammunition

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Derbie Michel, age 33, formerly of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. 

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    In previously pleading guilty, Michel, who has three prior felony convictions, admitted that he possessed five rounds of ammunition on October 15, 2022. According to court documents filed by the Government, Michel threw these rounds of ammunition from a car while fleeing from members of the Troy Police Department on October 15, 2022.  He also threw a privately made firearm, or “ghost gun,” from the car during the same pursuit. 

    In imposing the sentence, Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. found that Michel recklessly endangered others by instructing the driver of the car to engage in the car chase and later obstructed justice by making materially false statements about that conduct in connection with his sentencing.  Judge Scullin also ordered Michel to serve a 3-year term of supervised release upon Michel’s release from prison.  

    The FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Troy Police Department, investigated the case.  The U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) assisted in the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Allen J. Vickey prosecuted the case.   

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Slingerlands Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Fuino, age 75, of Slingerlands, New York, pled guilty today to sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Fuino admitted that between the summer of 2022 and April 2023, he babysat a young female child at his residence.  During this period, Fuino used the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.  The victim was 6 years old when the conduct began.

    If United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing on November 26, 2024, Fuino will receive a prison term of 180 months, at least 15 years of supervised release to follow that term of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.  He will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim, forfeit the device used in the offense, and will be required to register as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force – comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department – investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Albany Man Sentenced to Prison for Pandemic Relief Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Solomon, age 38, of Albany, was sentenced today to 13 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for defrauding a loan program meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    In previously pleading guilty to two counts of bank fraud, Solomon admitted that in 2020, he fraudulently applied for and obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for two restaurants in Saratoga Springs, New York, that he had once operated. Solomon submitted false and forged tax documents as part of each loan application, and lied about each restaurant’s number of employees and payroll.

    At the time Solomon applied for the loans, neither restaurant was operational, and Solomon used the loaned funds, totaling $163,993, in ways he knew were prohibited by the PPP. Solomon also fraudulently obtained forgiveness of one of the loans, in the amount of $87,500, by falsely telling the lender that he used the loaned funds for payroll.

    PPP loans, which were issued by financial institutions in 2020 and 2021 and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, needed to be used by the borrowing business only on certain, permissible expenses, such as payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. 

    Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also ordered Solomon to pay $163,993 in restitution and to forfeit that same amount as proceeds of his crimes.

    Solomon has two prior felony convictions for grand larceny, as well as a prior misdemeanor conviction for possession of a forged instrument.

    The FBI investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted this case.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Co-Conspirator of Tucson Amtrak Shooter Sentenced to 10 Years

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Devonte Okeith Mathis, 24, of Mesquite, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 10 years in prison (60 months on Count 2, consecutive to 60 months on Count 1), followed by 60 months of supervised release. Mathis pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

    On October 4, 2021, Mathis and his co-conspirator were traveling together aboard an Amtrak train in Tucson, Arizona, when his co-conspirator shot and killed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Michael Garbo aboard the train. His co-conspirator also shot and injured a second DEA Special Agent and a DEA Task Force Officer. The co-conspirator died on the scene after a shootout with a Tucson Police Department Sergeant. In pleading guilty, Mathis admitted that he knew that his co-conspirator possessed two handguns. He also admitted that it was reasonably foreseeable that his co-conspirator would possess the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking conspiracy, and that he would carry and use the two handguns during and in relation to their drug trafficking conspiracy.

    “Today we honor resilience,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “We commemorate the strength of a fallen hero’s family; the courage and recovery of a TPD officer and a DEA agent injured in the line of duty; the esprit de corps of our law enforcement partners at DEA and TPD; the dedication of the FBI in its investigation; and the renewed commitment by local, state, and federal law enforcement to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe. Most of all, we honor DEA Group Supervisor Michael G. Garbo for being an agent who made everyone around him better.”

    “Every day, law enforcement officers face dangerous situations to keep our communities safe. Supervisory Special Agent Michael Garbo made the ultimate sacrifice to protect everyone on that train and prevent others from being harmed,” said Akil Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “Today is for Michael Garbo, and his loved ones and colleagues. We hope this sentence will bring a degree of comfort and closure knowing that Mr. Mathis has been held accountable for his criminal conduct.”

    “Supervisory Special Agent Michael Garbo dedicated himself to DEA’s mission and gave his life in service to his country,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Today, we remember him as a hero, mentor, and friend and, each and every day, we honor his legacy by continuing our fight to keep Americans safe. His daughter Alexis and wife Vida are in our thoughts, as well as our DEA Special Agent and Task Force Officer who were injured during the tragic events of October 4, 2021. We want to thank the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona for their dedicated work on this case and pursuit of justice.”

    “That day is seared in our collective memory as an agency and as a law enforcement community,” said Tucson Chief of Police Chad Kasmar. “We will never forget our fallen colleague, DEA Group Supervisor Mike Garbo, and we are thankful that more lives were not lost that day – due to the heroic actions of many of our TPD members. Two others were seriously injured, a DEA agent and a TPD officer. I remain extremely proud of TPD’s response and I hope that today’s decision brings closure and peace to the family of GS Garbo, and to all who were affected by this event.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-21-2714-TUC-RM-MSA
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-096_Mathis

    # # #

    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 Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mountain Home Couple Plead Guilty to Charges in Connection with Obtaining COVID-19 Relief Funds

    Source: US FBI

    Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that James Read, age 44, and his wife, Crystal Payne, age 42, both of Mountain Home, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from their attempts to obtaining pandemic relief funds unlawfully.  The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III accepted the pleas in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith.

    According to the plea agreement in his case, Read applied to the Small Business Administration for Payment Protection Program (PPP) funds, which, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, are forgivable loans intended for businesses struggling with essential expenses, such as payroll, during the pandemic. In that application, Read provided inflated wage and employee data about his business, SnowbirdBob LLC, and provided falsified tax documents. He further admitted to laundering the PPP loan proceeds by purchasing a new vehicle.

    Read also pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for attempting to obtain unemployment benefits for himself and others in Louisiana. He falsely represented that he lived and worked in Louisiana to Louisiana’s state unemployment administrator.

    Payne pleaded guilty to a single count for false statements made in her own PPP loan application.

    Read and Payne’s sentencings will be later determined by the court, following the U.S. Probation Office’s completion of a presentence investigation.Based on his guilty plea, the maximum penalties Read faces include imprisonment for up to 30 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000.  Payne faces up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

    The PPP allows qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses. 

    The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

    The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Hunter Bridges is prosecuting the case for the United States.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Seven Kilograms of Cocaine

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brian Scott, age 44, of Albany, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and to distributing cocaine.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

    Scott admitted that between June 2020 and October 2023, he was involved in a drug trafficking organization that trafficked cocaine and marijuana in the Capital Region and the North Country. Scott admitted that he and a co-conspirator routinely sent drug couriers, whom they referred to as “horses,” between the Capital Region and the North Country to transport cocaine to the North Country and marijuana to the Capital Region. Scott also admitted that he had obtained at least seven kilograms of cocaine from another co-conspirator and sold over 400 grams of cocaine to another person between May and September 2023.

    At sentencing on November 26, 2024, Scott faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life. Scott has also agreed to forfeit $4,865 in seized drug money and to the entry of a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $17,180. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. 

    FBI, HSI, and the New York State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Joseph Hartunian are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Phoenix Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Alien Smuggling and Firearm Offense

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – John Edward Crenshaw, 40, of Phoenix, Arizona was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 40 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On January 19, 2023, Crenshaw pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

    On March 3, 2022, Crenshaw was encountered at a United States Border Patrol checkpoint, which he approached while erratically driving a Ford Fusion. After he stopped, Border Patrol agents discovered that he was transporting five passengers, who were determined to be undocumented noncitizens that Crenshaw was smuggling further into the country. Four of the passengers were in the rear of the vehicle, which did not have seats or seat belts. Crenshaw was in possession of a knife and a loaded .380-caliber pistol. He was later determined to be a convicted felon who could not legally possess a firearm.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           22-CR-00595-TUC-RM (JR)
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-102_Crenshaw

    # # #

    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 Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tucson Man Will Serve 78 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Glen Adam Romero, Jr., 42, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced on June 27, 2023, by United States District Judge James A. Soto to 78 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Romero also was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Romero pleaded guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl.

    In October 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation initiated an investigation into the Southside Murder Gang Killaz (SMGK) criminal street gang in Tucson, Arizona. The investigation revealed individuals associated with SMGK were involved in the smuggling of aliens, narcotics, and firearms in the Tucson area. Romero, Jr. conspired to distribute 1.7256 kilograms of fentanyl.  

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Bolling and Adam Rossi, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-00979-JAS-1
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-103_Romero

    # # #

    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 Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oneonta Man and Former Health Care Executive Convicted of Mail Fraud for Stealing from his Employer

    Source: US FBI

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kevin Harrington, age 50, of Oneonta, New York, pled guilty to a federal indictment charging him with two counts of mail fraud, United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced.

    At his change of plea, Harrington admitted that he was the former executive director at First Community Care of Bassett, LLC (an affiliate of Bassett Healthcare Network). During his employment, Harrington submitted fraudulent expense reports seeking reimbursement for the purchase of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. As part of the scheme, Harrington provided invoices to his employer that falsely claimed he had paid thousands of dollars for medical equipment when no such equipment was ever purchased. Unaware that the invoices were fraudulent, First Community Care of Bassett issued and mailed checks to Harrington for reimbursement.  In total, Harrington admitted to stealing over $150,000 from his former employer.

    At sentencing on November 21, 2024, Harrington faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    FBI is investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Florida Woman on Four Counts of Wire Fraud for Operating Illegal Debt Collection Businesses

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted Angela Burdorf, 44, of New Port Richey, Florida of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Franz M. Wright and Aaron J. Mango, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that between March 2016 and May 2017, Burdorf conspired with others to operate various illegitimate debt collection businesses in Western New York, from Kenmore, Buffalo, Lackawanna, to the Town of Niagara. The businesses employed fraudulent means to collect on debts, to re-collect on debts already collected, to over-collect on debts actually owed, and to process and transfer payments related to the collection of such debts. Burdorf’s businesses, and the businesses she associated with, used false and threatening statements during collection telephone calls in an effort to induce the payment of debts, including referencing criminal statutes, and threatening to file criminal complaints and/or arrest warrants. Debtors were routinely routed to employees who posed as attorneys during the calls, in order to intimidate debtors and collect payment.

    The verdict is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso; the Federal Matthew Miraglia; and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.

    Sentencing is scheduled for November 26, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial.

    # # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Analyst Indicted for Alleged Scheme to Manipulate Stock Market Via Media Campaigns Then Trading Contrary to His Public Positions

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A stock analyst and frequent guest on business television news channels has been charged in a 19-count indictment alleging he used his public platform to illicitly profit by manipulating stock market activity and trading contrary to the position he presented to the public, the Justice Department announced today.

    Andrew Left, 54, formerly of Beverly Hills but who now resides in Boca Raton, Florida, is charged with one count of engaging in a securities fraud scheme, 17 counts of securities fraud, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators.

    Left is expected to be arraigned in the coming weeks in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    “This defendant allegedly used his platform as a securities commentator to manipulate the markets and enrich himself in the process,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The integrity of our securities markets is essential to the health of our financial system, and those who undermine that integrity imperil the savings of hard-working people. My office’s Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force will continue to protect the public by rooting out malfeasance by corporate insiders who believe they are above the law.”

    “Mr. Left’s presence on financial television networks and his significant online following provided him with a credible platform to allegedly disguise his intentions and manipulate the investing public for personal gain,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and our partners at the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to holding accountable individuals who manipulate stocks for personal benefit at the expense of others.”           

    “Mr. Left allegedly used his influence and platform to manipulate the market for his own gain, while lying to investors and the public to maintain his clout in front of his viewing audience and unsuspecting followers,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen, Criminal Investigations Group, United States Postal Inspection Service. “Postal Inspectors believe the market should be fair and equal for all investors, based on truth, and not fiction; when it is not, we will spare no resource to bring those to justice who violate the public trust placed in advisors in the financial field.”

    According to the indictment returned on Thursday, Left is a securities analyst, trader, and frequent guest commentator on business cable news channels such as CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg Television. He also conducted business under the name “Citron Research,” an online moniker he created as a vehicle for publishing investment recommendations. Citron’s online presence included a website and a social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Using Citron’s online platform, Left commented on publicly traded companies and asserted that the market incorrectly valued the companies’ stock, advocating that the current price was too high or too low. Left’s recommendations often included an explicit or implicit representation about Citron’s trading position and a “target price,” which he represented as his own view of the security’s true future value. As alleged in the indictment, Left used his social media following and public platform to earn at least $16 million in quick profits by fraudulently manipulating the stock market from at least March 2018 to October 2023.

    Knowing that Citron’s reputation with investors had the power to move markets, Left allegedly selected a publicly traded company about which he intended to publish commentary with the intention of manipulating its share price. Left prepared commentary about the company for dissemination through Citron. Sometimes, the commentary represented Left’s own work. Other times, Left disseminated as his own the commentary of third parties. The commentary routinely included sensationalized headlines and inflammatory language to maximize the immediate impact their publication would have on the stock market.

    In the leadup to publication of Citron’s commentary, Left allegedly established long or short positions in a company in his trading accounts, so he profited by taking advantage of the intended short-term movement in the company’s share price caused by his commentary. To exploit his advance knowledge of the timing and subject of the forthcoming commentary on the company, Left allegedly often built his positions using inexpensive, short-dated options contracts that expired the same day that he published his commentary. 

    According to the indictment, he also submitted limit orders to close his positions as soon as the company’s shares reached a certain price – often at prices vastly different from the target prices Citron’s commentary touted. Though Left represented to the public that his recommendations were to be trusted, behind the scenes, Left allegedly took contrary trading positions to reap quick profits off the stocks he either promoted or pilloried through Citron.

    To maintain the illusion of Citron’s independence and the credibility of its commentary, Left allegedly concealed Citron’s financial relationships with hedge funds. According to the indictment, for example, Left lied to law enforcement that Citron “never” exchanged compensation with a hedge fund or coordinated trading with a hedge fund in advance of the issuance of its commentary.

    For example, in November 2018, Left allegedly wrote a portfolio manager about Nvidia Corp., a publicly traded technology company based in Santa Clara, California. In the message, Left wrote, “Do you want to make some fast money[.] Put together a thesis why nvda is oversold . . . We can destroy it . . . Just read the analyst notes from this past quarter and assemble the best of the ideas.”

    Later that morning, Left took financial positions in Nvidia, including short-dated call options that expired three days later. Short-dated options can offer quick profits if a stock suddenly moves in the narrow timeframe before expiration.

    Left then promoted Nvidia as a favorable investment on Citron’s Twitter account, stating, “Citron buys $NVDA. This is the first time in 2 years stock offers an appealing risk-reward to investors . . . We see $165 before we see $120.” At the time, Nvidia’s stock was trading at approximately $143.64. The tweet was reported on by major media outlets.

    Despite his representation that he expected Nvidia’s share price to rise to $165, less than two hours after announcing “Citron buys $NVDA,” Left sold all his pre-tweet positions Nvidia was trading within a range of approximately $150 – $151, for a profit of at least than $960,000. Nvidia closed at a high of $154 on the day of Left’s tweet and fell to $144 the next day.

    According to the indictment, Left also furthered his scheme by misrepresented his trading positions during public appearances on news programs. After denouncing one company as a “fraud” on CNBC’s “Fast Money,” for example, Left allegedly falsely claimed to have covered only a “small size” of his position in the company’s stock when, earlier that same day, he had already closed out the majority of his position following the publication of commentary through Citron.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    If convicted, Left would face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison for the securities fraud scheme count, up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of securities fraud, and up to five years in federal prison for the false statements count.

    The FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander B. Schwab and Brett A. Sagel of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force, and Trial Attorneys Lauren Archer and Matthew Reilly of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting this case.

    The Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section uses the Victim Notification System (VNS) to provide victims with case information and updates related to this case. Victims with questions may contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Assistance Unit by calling the Victim Assistance phone line at 1-888-549-3945 or by emailing victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/victim-rights-derechos-de-las-v-ctimas.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Corning Sex Offender Facing New Child Pornography Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ryan M. Newman, 33, of Corning, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. As a convicted sex offender at the time of the alleged crimes, Newman faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years in prison, of maximum penalty of 50 years, and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Newman was convicted of child pornography crimes by New York State in 2012, sentenced to serve a local jail term and 10 years’ probation, and required to register as a Level 3 Sex Offender, which is someone considered to be at high risk of re-offending and a threat to public safety. 

    In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Snapchat that a user had uploaded a video of child pornography. NCMEC sent the tip to the New York State Police, who executed a search warrant on Newman’s person and residence in 2022. The search determined that Newman uploaded the child pornography video to Snapchat and possessed other child pornography on his electronic devices. Newman remained out of custody following the 2022 search warrant by the State Police. 

    In April 2024, the FBI Corning received a tip that pornography involving a child in the Corning area, was distributed to an undercover agent in Illinois. Subsequent investigation determined that Newman sexually abused the child and produced the child pornography. Newman was taken into custody by the FBI and Corning Police. In addition, to federal charges, he is also facing charges in Steuben County Court.

    Newman made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and is being held without bail.     

    The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Corning Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Corning Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kenzie Spaulding.

    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.  

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tucson Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Eric David Marrufo, 43, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to life in prison. Marrufo was convicted of five counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child.

    A jury convicted Marrufo on August 19, 2022, of sexually abusing the victims at his home on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation between August 1, 2006, and August 1, 2008. Marrufo is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pascua Yaqui Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew C. Cassell and Rui Wang, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-17-0976-TUC-CKJ-EJM
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-113_Marrufo

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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 Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Going to Prison for 35 Years for Production of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Charles Porterfield, 37, of Springville, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of production of child pornography and committing the offense as a registered sex offender, was sentenced to serve 420 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J Arcara.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that in 2011, Porterfield was convicted in Erie County Court of Engaging in a Course of Sexual Conduct in the 2nd Degree and sentenced to five years in prison and three years post release supervision. Porterfield was also required to register as a sex offender for life. Less than one month after completing his post release supervision, Porterfield paid a 13-year-old girl (Victim) to engage in an online sexual relationship. Porterfield used the Victim to produce images and videos of child pornography.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Northern York County Regional Police Department.  

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