NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Security: Medical Billing Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Newcombe, age 40, of Plattsburgh, New York, pled guilty today to health care fraud. 

    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 Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), New York Regional Office, made the announcement.

    Newcombe admitted that from approximately April 2020 through April 2023, he acted as the office manager and health care claims biller for two physicians’ practices in Plattsburgh through a company that he formed called SJ Healthcare Management Services, LLC (SJHMS).  SJHMS charged a fixed monthly fee under which Newcombe performed various management, administrative, and billing services for the practices.  He admitted that he submitted false and fraudulent claims to public and private insurers on behalf of those practices for services that, in some instances, were never provided and, in other instances, were provided at lower reimbursement rates than the amounts billed.  For example, Newcombe admitted that he submitted claims to insurers for medical procedures that were purportedly performed by a provider on him but which, in fact, never occurred. 

    Newcombe is scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2025.  He faces up to 20 years in prison and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years.  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 and HHS investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Adam J. Katz are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Troy City Council Member Sentenced for Identity Theft

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kim McPherson, age 63, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 1 year of probation, and to pay a $1,500 fine, for identity theft in connection with her casting of absentee ballots in two other people’s names in elections held in 2021.

    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.

    McPherson successfully ran for re-election to the Troy City Council in 2021, first in the Working Families Party primary and then in the general election.  In pleading guilty in June 2022 to the unlawful possession and use of a means of identification of another person, she admitted that in the primary election, she unlawfully cast an absentee ballot in the name of another person, and that in the general election, she unlawfully cast absentee ballots in the names of two people other than herself.

    As part of her plea agreement, McPherson resigned from the Troy City Council.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Heroin Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Kindred sentenced an Anchorage man on April 19, 2023, to 10 years and 5 months imprisonment followed by eight years of supervised release for distributing heroin.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jason McAnulty, aka “Snoop,” 40, distributed approximately 126 grams of heroin to a law enforcement source during two undercover operations in June 2020, netting himself $6,300.  Law enforcement began investigating McAnulty after learning that he was a source of heroin supply in the Anchorage area. In July 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McAnulty’s residence where they found more than $34,000 cash and other distribution contraband. An Alaska jury convicted McAnulty of the heroin distribution following a five-day trial in March 2022. 

    McAnulty was previously convicted in 2004 for first-degree robbery, a serious violent felony, that mandated a minimum 10-year prison sentence. The United States also presented evidence of McAnulty’s extensive and violent criminal history at the sentencing hearing in support of the sentence, including McAnulty’s 2015 federal conviction for attempted witness tampering in another federal criminal trial.

    “Dangerous opiates such as heroin pose an ongoing threat to communities throughout Alaska,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska.  “This sentence serves as a reminder that we will prosecute and hold accountable those who are harming our communities, and with our law enforcement partners, will persist in our disruption of heroin trafficking operations in this district.”

    “McAnulty supported the opioid and heroin epidemic through his illegal drug distribution activities, posing a significant threat to communities in Alaska,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI and the Anchorage Police Department will continue working together to hold drug traffickers accountable, and to stop the flow of deadly drugs into our communities.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD), in support of Alaska’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Tran and Stephan Collins prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Alaska’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). 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: Washington Man Charged with Three Counts of Assault on Flight to Anchorage, Alaska

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment today charging a Washington man with three counts of assault in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

    Adam David Seymour was arrested on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, and was originally charged by complaint. The Complaint charged that on April 5, 2023, while aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 49 inbound to Anchorage, Alaska from Seattle, Washington, Adam David Seymour of Seattle, Washington, 37, assaulted a female passenger intending to make sexual contact, and assaulted two male passengers. According to court documents, flight crew had to remove Seymour from his seat and restrain him in the jump seat at the front of the airplane for the remainder of the flight.

    On April 19, 2023, the grand jury indicted Seymour with one count of assault in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, with the intent to commit abusive sexual contact, and two counts of assault in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the count of assault with intent to commit abusive sexual contact, and 6 months in prison on the two assault counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney is 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: North Tonawanda Man Going to Prison for 14 Years for His Role in Drug Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Johnny Williams, 32, of North Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas T. Cooper and Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that between June and October 2021, Williams conspired with others, including Lairon Graham, to sell fentanyl and crack cocaine from a residence on Liddell Street in Buffalo. While doing so, Williams possessed a firearm on multiple occasions. In August 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Davey Street residence in Buffalo, which was also used by members of the conspiracy to sell fentanyl and crack cocaine. During the search, investigators recovered approximately 44 grams of fentanyl, approximately 37 grams of crack cocaine, approximately $2,500 cash, and assorted drug paraphernalia. In March 2022, Williams a semi-automatic pistol to fire multiple gunshots at an individual, striking the victim in the upper arm. The Government contends that the shooting was intended to discourage another person from providing information to law enforcement about the narcotics conspiracy. Williams contends that was not his motivation for firing gunshots at the victim.

    Lairon Graham was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 264 months in prison.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Gummo; and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Haines Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    JUNEAU – A Haines man was sentenced today to 2 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release for drug conspiracy.

    According to court documents, Fredrick Daniel Folletti, 63, of Haines, Alaska pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy involving the transportation of 79.67 grams of actual methamphetamine from Washington state to Haines, Alaska. Folletti facilitated and arranged the travel of a drug courier located in Washington to acquire methamphetamine to deliver it to Folletti in Haines, Alaska.

    “Drug trafficking has a disproportionate effect in small rural communities in Southeast Alaska,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker, District of Alaska. “This sentence serves as a reminder that we will prosecute and hold accountable those who are harming our communities, and with our law enforcement partners, will persist in the disruption of narcotics into this district.”

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ketchikan Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    JUNEAU – A Ketchikan man pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography charges.

    According to court documents, Walter William Onstad, of Ketchikan, plead guilty to a charge of  distribution of child pornography.  Onstad admitted in court that he was an administrator of a Kik group “Anything Goes,” which was used exclusively for the purpose of distributing child pornography.  As administrator of the group, Onstad solicited images of child pornography to be posted to the group from others as a requirement to be admitted to the group. Once images were verified and approved by Onstad, those individuals were admitted to the group where they had complete access to images of children being sexually exploited on the Kik group “Anything Goes.”

    Onstad was detained at his change of plea hearing pending his sentencing scheduled on August 17, 2023. Onstad faces a mandatory minimum of five years and/or maximum penalty of life in prison and five years to life on supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt is prosecuting the case.

    This case is 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 visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Alaska Couple Charged in $700,000 Investment Fraud Scheme Based on Fictitious Alaska Marijuana ‘Bud and Breakfast’

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a husband and wife from Delta Junction, Alaska, with conspiracy and wire fraud for perpetrating a years’ long scheme that defrauded nearly two-dozen investors out of over $700,000 dollars.

    According to court documents, from 2017 until 2020, Brian Keith Corty, 52, and his wife Candy Corty, 47, used false and fraudulent claims to solicit investors to buy shares of stock in Ice Fog Holdings, LLC, a company purportedly established to grow, extract, develop, manufacture, and sell products in the medical and recreational marijuana markets in Alaska and other future markets. The defendants purchased the Midway Lodge along the Richardson Highway near Delta Junction, Alaska, and represented to investors that their money would be used to turn it into a “Bud and Breakfast” that would be a “marijuana theme park” and include glass ceilings so Ice Fog’s customers could lie in bed and watch the northern lights. Defendants also represented that they would grow, cultivate, and sell marijuana from the location.

    The defendants and their co-conspirators made numerous material misrepresentations to Ice Fog investors, including that Ice Fog was already generating income via contracts for security services, that Ice Fog would make over $3.85 million in annual sales by year one; over $13.05 million in annual sales by year two; and over $23.24 million by year three with an expected return to investors of 30 times their initial investment. The defendants also represented that inspectors from the Alaska Marijuana Control Office had performed inspections on the Midway Lodge to create the impression that their application to become a licensed marijuana grow and dispensary was in the final stages of approval. Defendants made these representations while knowing that Ice Fog had no meaningful current or prospective revenue stream and little to no prospect to obtain a license from the Alaska Marijuana Control Office.

    Over the course of the scheme, the defendants caused at least 22 individuals to invest in Ice Fog, and raised approximately $722,000 dollars through the sale of “shares” in Ice Fog Holdings, the majority of which the defendants misappropriated for their own personal use.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case with assistance from investigators at the Alaska Department of Law. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Tansey and Tom Bradley for the District of Alaska 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: Montana Man Sentenced for Assault on Flight Crew on Flight to Juneau, Alaska

    Source: US FBI

    JUNEAU – A Montana man was sentenced on May 19, 2023, for assaulting a flight crew member on a commercial airline flight while the plane was landing at the Juneau airport. 

    According to court documents, on April 1, 2023, Eric Richard Bruns, 42, was a passenger aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 67 with service from Sitka, Alaska to Juneau, Alaska. While the aircraft was in flight, Bruns started acting erratically and refused crew members instructions to remain seated while the plane was on approach to the Juneau airport. Bruns remained standing in the aisle and began moving towards the front of the aircraft and was physically obstructed by the flight crew member. Bruns made verbal threats to assault the flight crew member and physically tried to shove his way past the flight crew member, striking the crew member with his hands. At that time, while the aircraft was landing at the Juneau airport, two federal law enforcement officers and a civilian assisted the flight crew member and physically restrained Bruns in an unoccupied seat until the plane arrived at the gate.      

    The defendant pled guilty on May 17, 2023, before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew S. Scoble to an Information charging Assault in the Special Aircraft Jurisdiction of the United States, in violation 49 U.S.C. § 46506 and 18 U.S.C. § 113. He was sentenced to time served.

    “The safety and security of air travel is paramount, and we will continue to prosecute offenders in order to ensure that all passengers are able to travel without fear of assault or harm,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker. “We hope that this case will serve as a warning to others who may consider committing similar acts in the future, and that it will encourage everyone to follow the rules and regulations designed to keep our skies safe and secure.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

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

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  • PM Modi inaugurates Rising North East Investors Summit 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the holistic development of the North Eastern region. Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, industry leaders, and stakeholders, the Prime Minister expressed pride and confidence in the region’s vibrant future.
     
    Welcoming participants to the summit, the Prime Minister recalled the recently held Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at the same venue, saying that today’s event is not just a meeting of minds but a celebration of investment and opportunity in the Northeast.
     
    Highlighting the enthusiastic participation of industry leaders, PM Modi praised the collaborative efforts of ministries and state governments in creating an investor-friendly environment. “The presence of so many industry leaders reflects the growing interest in the Northeast’s potential,” he said, extending his best wishes to all stakeholders involved.
     
    Describing India as the world’s most diverse country, the Prime Minister said that the Northeast represents the most diverse part of this diversity. He underlined the region’s strengths across sectors—trade, tradition, textiles, and tourism—and identified it as a hub of bio-economy, bamboo, tea, petroleum, sports, skill development, eco-tourism, organic products, and energy.
     
    Referring to the Northeast as Ashtalakshmi, symbolising prosperity and opportunity, he said that each Northeastern state is now asserting itself as ready for investment and leadership.
     
    Underscoring the strategic importance of Eastern India in the mission to build a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), the Prime Minister said, “For us, EAST is not just a direction—it is a vision: Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform. This is the guiding framework of our policy for Eastern India.”
     
    The Prime Minister also highlighted the transformation witnessed in the Northeast over the past 11 years. He stressed that this progress is not confined to statistical achievements but is visible in real, on-ground development. He said the government’s engagement with the region goes beyond policy—it is rooted in an emotional connection with its people.
     
    “Infrastructure projects in the region are not just about roads and bridges; they are about emotional connectivity,” he said.
     
    He further stated that the government’s transition from a “Look East” to an “Act East” policy has brought tangible results. “The Northeast was once seen as a frontier region; today, it is emerging as a front-runner in India’s growth story,” the Prime Minister concluded.
     
    The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 is a two-day event being held on May 23 and 24. The agenda for the two-day summit includes ministerial sessions, Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, and a dedicated exhibition zone. 
     
    Key sectors identified for focused investment promotion include Tourism and Hospitality, Agro-Food Processing and allied industries, Textiles, Handloom and Handicrafts, Healthcare, Education and Skill Development, IT and IT-enabled Services, Infrastructure and Logistics, Energy, as well as Entertainment and Sports.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: G7 finance ministers call for solidarity in tackling global challenges

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    OTTAWA, May 23 (Xinhua) — Finance ministers and central bank governors of the Group of Seven (G7) countries called for unity to address current global challenges on Thursday following their annual meeting in Banff, Canada.

    According to a press release from the Department of Finance Canada, a communiqué was issued following the meeting, stressing the importance of G7 unity in the face of complex global challenges.

    The meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors took place ahead of the June G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. The participants had productive and frank discussions on the global economy, unsustainable global imbalances, development assistance and productivity, the press release said.

    “Canada approaches this 50th meeting with clear priorities, such as stimulating growth and restoring stability to the global economy,” said Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne.

    The G7 is an informal grouping of major global economies designed to coordinate responses to global crises. It includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    The Group of Seven finance ministers and central bank governors meet annually to discuss key economic policy issues. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Statement of the Special AEM-Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    1. The Special AEM-Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation was held on 20 May 2025 via videoconference. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia; Senator the Honourable Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, Australia; and the Honourable Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, New Zealand. The Meeting also welcomed the participation of H.E. Filipus Nino Pereira, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer.
     
    2. The Meeting exchanged views on recent regional and global economic developments and their implications for trade, investment, and economic integration, and discussed ways to strengthen ASEAN-CER economic partnership amid the emerging global economic landscape.
     
    Download the full statement here
    The post Joint Statement of the Special AEM-Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Statement of The Special AEM-METI Consultation

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    1. The Special ASEAN Economic Ministers- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (AEM-METI) Consultation was held on 20 May 2025 virtually. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, and H.E. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. The Meeting also welcomed the participation of H.E. Filipus Nino Pereira, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer.
     
     
    2. The Meeting expressed our deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand for the tragic loss caused by the devastating earthquake on 28 March 2025. The Meeting extended heartfelt thoughts to the affected communities during this difficult time, and we stand in solidarity with them as they recover and rebuild.
     
    Download the full statement here.
    The post Joint Statement of The Special AEM-METI Consultation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping Resulting in Death

    Source: US FBI

     BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury today convicted a Birmingham man for kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap a minor victim, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Felix A. Rivera-Esparra.

    The jury returned its guilty verdict against Patrick Devone Stallworth, 42, after three days of testimony before Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler.  Stallworth was convicted of one count of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to kidnap a minor victim arising out of events which occurred in October 2019. The jury further found that the minor victim’s death resulted from the kidnapping. Stallworth faces life in prison.

    According to evidence presented at trial, on October 12, 2019, Stallworth traveled in a Toyota Sequoia with a co-conspirator to the Tom Brown Village Housing Development located in Birmingham, Alabama and kidnapped 3-year-old Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney.  Her body was found 10 days later. 

    “Today, the jury held the defendant accountable for his actions in victimizing one of the most vulnerable victims in our community, a 3-year-old child. This office remains dedicated to prosecuting those criminals who prey on children,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Just as the search for the victim involved many of our local, state, and federal partners, the trial this week also would not have been successful without these agencies.  I am grateful for their hard work and dedication.”

    “While today’s verdict does not take away the pain for Kamille’s family, or the void in their life that they can never fill, they at least know we are one step closer to justice being served on those responsible,” Acting SAC Rivera said.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Birmingham Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service.  Chief of the Criminal Division Lloyd C. Peeples and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blake Milner and Brittany Byrd prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Attorney Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Chase Tristian Espy, 36, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography arising out of events that occurred from March 2021 to August 2021, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Felix A. Rivera-Esparra.

    U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon accepted the plea and set sentencing for January 24, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

    The plea agreement filed states the investigation was initiated when Espy engaged in online chats with undercover law enforcement whom Espy believed was a 15-year-old girl.  Upon being arrested, Espy’s cell phone was seized, and a search warrant was obtained.  From this search, approximately 69 videos and four images of child sexual abuse material were found.

    “The hard work of the agents involved in this case reflect how local, state, and federal law enforcement are committed to protecting children from predators,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said.  “Possessing child pornography is not a ‘victimless’ crime. Each time images of the innocent are shared or viewed, the child is re-victimized.”

    “The FBI is committed to protecting our children from sexual abuse and exploitation, and we will continue to work with our partners to bring to justice those who would prey on our most vulnerable,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Rivera said. “I want to thank the members of the FBI Birmingham Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force and our partners for their outstanding work in this case.”

    Possession of Child Pornography carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek imprisonment of Espy consistent with the high end of the advisory United States Sentencing Guideline range as calculated by the Court at the time of sentencing.

    The FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF), the Homewood Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) participated in this investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Leann White and Jonathan Cross are prosecuting the case.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 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, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tuscaloosa Man Sentenced to Seven Years on COVID-19 Program Fraud Charges

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Tuscaloosa man for defrauding the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation  Acting Special Agent in Charge Felix A. Rivera-Esparra. 

    Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Quincy T. Doss, age 41, to 60 months in prison for the underlying PPP loan fraud and an additional 24 months for having committed the offense while on supervised release for other unrelated federal crimes.   Doss will serve his terms consecutively, resulting in a total custodial sentence of 84 months followed by three years of supervised release.  Doss pleaded guilty to wire fraud in June 2022. 

    According to the plea agreement, between April 2021 and November 2021, Doss submitted false and fraudulent PPP loan applications and received two separate PPP loans totaling more than $220,000.  In the loan applications, Doss falsely represented that his business was in operation and had employees for whom it paid salaries, that the funds would be used to retain workers, and that the information provided in the loan applications was true and accurate. 

    “The defendant defrauded a program intended to assist small business owners and their hard-working employees who suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said.  “My office remains committed to investigating, prosecuting, and seeking stiff custodial sentences for those who took advantage of a national crisis to line their own pockets.” 

    “Greed drove Doss to enrich himself by defrauding a government program intended to provide relief  and ease the pain of COVID-19 economic restraints on working Americans,” Acting SAC Rivera said. “The sentence handed down today should serve as a message that the FBI and our partners will not relent in holding accountable those who exploit the PPP and other federal programs for personal gain.”

    FBI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan “Jack” Harrington prosecuted the case. 

    Throughout the country, federal, state, and local law enforcement are on high alert to investigate reports of individuals and businesses engaging in a wide range of fraudulent and criminal behavior related to coronavirus assistance programs.  For more information about these scams visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.

    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: Kodiak Man’s Murder Convictions Upheld by Court of Appeals

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld James Wells’ murder convictions which were handed down by a trial jury in October 2019 for the April 2012 murders of two U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) employees, Electrician’s Mate First Class James Hopkins and retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate Richard Belisle at a United States Coast Guard base on Kodiak Island, Alaska.

    In February 2013, Wells was arrested for the murders of Hopkins and Belisle, who were both Wells’ co-workers at the USCG antenna maintenance facility, located at the USCG Communication Station (COMMSTA) on Kodiak Island. Wells was convicted in 2014 and the case was reversed for retrial by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2017. After a three-week retrial that ended in October 2019, a federal jury quickly convicted Wells of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of murder of an officer or employee of the United States and two counts of possession and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Wells appealed. In a ruling issued last week, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Wells’ murder convictions, thus Wells sentence of life imprisonment remains in place. The court of appeals issued two separate rulings: 1) affirming the convictions and dismissing Wells’ arguments for a new trial and 2) the court remanded the sentencing court’s decision on valuing how restitution to the spouses of the men Wells murdered would be paid, along with upholding that Wells interview by investigators was done lawfully.

    “The court’s ruling, solidly affirming Wells two murder convictions at trial, puts an end to this saga for the wives of Messrs. Belisle and Hopkins, the colleagues of the murdered men, the community of Kodiak and the United States Coast Guard,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker. “Justice has been served. James Wells took the stand and attempted to explain away what he did that day, an explanation that was quickly rejected by the trial jury and by the court of appeals. Wells will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of these two men.”

    “We are all relieved to bring final closure on this heinous and heartless crime. Our hearts continue to go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, and to the community of Kodiak for having the strength to endure this lengthy process,” said Paul Shultz, CGIS Special Agent in Charge, CGIS Northwest Region.

    “I’m proud of the trial team’s tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice on behalf of the Hopkins and Belisle families. Now with the Appellate Court’s decision, comes a sense of some closure for all,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. 

    Evidence at trial established that on April 12, 2012, between 7:09 a.m. and 7:14 a.m., Wells had shot and killed Hopkins and Belisle with a .44 revolver while working at their duty stations in the Rigger Shop at COMMSTA. First responders noted no evidence of a break-in or robbery and both men appeared to be victims of a targeted killing. Wells was due to arrive at the Rigger Shop the same time as Hopkins and Belisle, but instead left two phone messages for Hopkins and Belisle, noted to be after the victims’ time of death, stating Wells was running late due to a flat tire. Wells arrived to the Rigger Shop over an hour after his normal start time, immediately claiming to have had a flat tire.

    USCG security videos captured Wells passing the Main Gate at Base Kodiak at 6:48 a.m. in his white Dodge truck on his way toward the Kodiak Airport, and returning toward his residence at 7:22 a.m. However, a small blue SUV, owned by Wells, was captured on USCG security videos passing the Rigger Shop front entrance. The evidence showed Wells drove his white Dodge truck to the airport, where he swapped vehicles and drove Nancy Wells’ blue Honda CR-V to COMMSTA to commit the murders. There was a 34-minute period of time for which James Wells could not account and that unexplained discrepancy captured the attention of the interviewing agents. Additionally, a tire with a nail in it was seized and through extensive testing, the examiner concluded that the nail had been manually inserted into the tire, undermining the foundation of Wells’ alibi that he had picked up a nail while driving to work on the morning of the murders.

    At Wells’ sentencing hearing after the second trial in 2019, U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason made specific findings for the record that Wells threatened or unlawfully interfered with witnesses and that during the trial, Wells testified on several occasions in a “materially false manner.” The ruling of the Ninth Circuit equally found that Wells’ alibi at trial was not credible.

    “I want to thank all of our partner agencies that were involved in the prosecution of this case through the decade of sentencing, retrial, and appeals,” said Rear Adm. Nathan Moore, 17th Coast Guard District, Commander. “Your continued dedication to this case ensured justice was met, and that James’ and Richard’s loved ones and our Coast Guard family can move one step closer to closure.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case, with support from the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), and the Alaska State Troopers (AST). 

    In 2019 the Deputy Criminal Chief Steven Skrocki prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Sherman, and U.S. Coast Guard Commander Kelly Stevens, who was appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. 

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Members and Associates of White Supremacist Gang Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering, Kidnapping, and Murder

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – Filthy Fuhrer, formerly Timothy Lobdell, 46; Roy Naughton, aka Thumper, 44; Glen Baldwin, aka Glen Dog, 41; Colter O’Dell, 30; and Craig King, aka Oakie, 57, were sentenced this week in Alaska to life in prison without the possibility of parole. All five defendants were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, and kidnapping conspiracy. Fuhrer and Naughton were also each convicted of an additional two counts of kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping, and assault in aid of racketeering.

    Evidence presented at trial showed that the defendants were leaders, members, and associates of the 1488s, a violent, prison-based Neo-Nazi gang that operated inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska. The 1488s used Nazi-derived symbols to identify themselves and their affiliation with the gang, including a 1488 “patch” tattoo that depicts an Iron Cross superimposed over a swastika. The tattoo was awarded to members who gained full membership by committing acts of violence on behalf of the gang. The gang enforced discipline through written rules and a code of conduct, including the boast that “the only currency we recognize is violence and unquestionable loyalty.”

    The trial testimony established that Fuhrer founded and led the 1488 gang from inside a maximum-security prison, where he was serving a 19-year sentence for the attempted murder of an Alaska State Trooper. In addition to directing acts of violence aimed at establishing the gang’s dominance in the prison hierarchy, Fuhrer ordered members of the gang to commit violent kidnappings and assaults in the “free world” outside of prison. As part of a plan to impose greater organization and structure among non-incarcerated members, Fuhrer insisted on punishing members that he perceived to be defying the 1488 code of conduct thereby diminishing the power, influence, and reputation of the gang. Fuhrer sent out a trusted lieutenant with a list of directives, which culminated in the kidnapping and assault of two lower-level gang members on April 2, 2017, and July 20, 2017, and the kidnapping, assault, and murder of Michael Staton on Aug. 3, 2017.

    According to the trial evidence, on April 2, 2017, defendant Roy Naughton and other 1488 members, acting at the direction of Fuhrer, lured a victim to a gang meeting at Naughton’s residence.  Once there, the victim was taken into a basement where he was held at gun point, tied up, and assaulted. As part of the assault, the gang members shattered a light bulb in his mouth and tattooed him with a racial epithet. The victim was threatened with more violence if the incident was reported to police.

    In addition, the evidence at trial demonstrated that on July 17, 2017, Fuhrer called Naughton from prison. During the call Naughton boasted about the April 2 assault and reported to Fuhrer that another member would be assaulted in the next few days. On July 20, 2017, a second victim was similarly assaulted and had his 1488 membership patch burned off.

    Evidence also showed that in 2016 Naughton asked for and received permission from Fuhrer to impose exceptionally severe discipline on 1488 member Michael Staton, who held himself out as a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, for stealing from both the 1488’s and defendant Craig King.  Naughton, King, and defendants Glen Baldwin and Colter O’Dell worked with other 1488 members to locate, kidnap, and murder Staton. On August 3, 2017, 1488 members, including Baldwin and O’Dell, lured Staton to Wasilla where they beat him and took him to King’s duplex. After arriving, Staton was taken to an empty room which had been lined with plastic sheeting. Inside the room King and the 1488s beat and tortured the victim, including cutting off his 1488 tattoo with a knife that had been heated with a propane torch. The defendants wrapped Staton in the plastic and carpeting, and Baldwin and O’Dell drove him to a remote section of Wasilla where they shot him and set fire to his body. O’Dell was awarded full membership in 1488s for his role in the murder.

    “The United States Attorney’s Office will use every tool at its disposal to combat and dismantle violent criminal enterprises,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “These life sentences reflect the seriousness of the defendants’ conduct in the maiming of two individuals and the brutal murder of a third, all in order to strengthen their hate-based criminal enterprise. We will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state and local investigative partners to ensure those engaging in such loathsome crimes are caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

    “With federal life sentences imposed on five defendants who were associated with a violent, hate-driven gang, Alaska’s law enforcement community has delivered a devastating blow to the 1488 criminal enterprise,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Dismantling violent, criminal organizations is a priority for the FBI, and a goal that is shared among our law enforcement and prosecution partners across Alaska.”

    The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, and the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation, investigated the case in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska and the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). Investigative assistance was provided by the IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), and the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor, James Klugman and Chris Schroeder and Trial Attorney Jeremy Franker of OCGS prosecuted the case.

      usao/ak/23-03

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Chugiak Man Indicted for Sexually Exploiting Children

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on February 23, 2023, charging Jeremy Scott Daniels, 37, of Chugiak for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

    The indictment and additional details set out in court documents filed by the government allege that, in December 2021, Daniels used social media to entice and induce a minor to engage in sexually explicit activity and produce child pornography with him. The filings further allege that in October 2010, Daniels communicated online with undercover law enforcement, unbeknownst to him, and attempted to entice a fictitious child, whom he believed to be an 8-year-old girl, to engage in sexually explicit activity with him. The same filings also allege that Daniels distributed, received, and possessed child pornography at various points throughout 2020 and 2022. Between May and June 2020, on ten occasions, Daniels used the messaging application Kik to transmit child pornography videos to other users. On January 28, 2022, the date of Daniel’s arrest, the FBI also recovered child pornography involving prepubescent minors on Daniel’s cellphone.

    If the public has any further information regarding Daniels’s activities, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441.

    Daniels was previously taken into federal custody on January 28, 2022, following the government’s filing of a complaint. The indictment charges Daniels with production of child pornography; coercion and enticement; and distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography. The defendant previously made his initial court appearance on the complaint on February 2, 2022, before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, Daniels faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Lane S. Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney George Tran 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 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 visit www.justice.gov/psc.  

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

    ###

    usao/ak/23-011

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Assault on Border Patrol Agents Results in Lengthy Sentence

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Jorge Zazueta-Miranda, 51, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 90 months in prison. The sentence is to run consecutive to a previous Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed Alien conviction and sentence from New Mexico. Zazueta-Miranda pleaded guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer with a Dangerous Weapon on June 23, 2023.

    On April 1, 2020, U.S. Border Patrol agents near Douglas observed two yellow, cloned “construction” trucks with construction company logos on the sides. Agents stopped one truck, which contained 19 undocumented non-citizens. The second truck, driven by Zazueta-Miranda, failed to stop and sped up. Zazueta-Miranda drove at high speeds through the city of Douglas to the airport area, then continued along the border road into the rugged desert area. A Border Patrol agent attempted to intercept the truck, but Zazueta-Miranda deliberately turned towards the agent’s vehicle and collided with it striking the rear quarter panel. Zazueta-Miranda backed up and then drove towards a break in the U.S. border wall, striking a second agent’s vehicle. Zazueta-Miranda and several undocumented non-citizens jumped out of the truck and fled through the break in the border wall, successfully fleeing into Mexico. Agents recovered a latent print from the driver’s side door belonging to Zazueta-Miranda. A witness, who had been abandoned in the second cloned construction truck, identified Zazueta-Miranda, by a photo, as the driver, and an arrest warrant was issued. Almost two years later, on February 9, 2022, Zazueta-Miranda was arrested in New Mexico after being caught near the New Mexico – Mexico border.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista field office, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol, conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Serra M. Tsethlikai and Evan N. Wesley, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-00681-TUC-RM
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-206_Zazueta-Miranda

    # # #

    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: Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to 109 Months

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Vivian A. Earle, 42, of Phoenix, was sentenced yesterday to 109 months in prison by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow. Earle was convicted on five counts of Bank Robbery by a jury on June 30, 2023.

    Between April and August of 2019, while in Phoenix, Earle robbed five banks, including Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America, taking over $34,000. After the last robbery, a bank customer followed Earle’s vehicle from the parking lot and called 911. Phoenix Police responded and followed Earle until they apprehended him.  

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Phoenix Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Gayle Helart and Anthony Church, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-19-01121-PHX-GMS
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-207_Earle

    # # #

    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: Money Launderer Sentenced to Prison for Role in Online Scams

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Whitney Adams, 27, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution to 17 victims. Adams pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering on May 16, 2023.

    Between January 2021 and April 2022, Adams laundered money for scammers who lured victims into various online frauds. In some instances, the victims believed they were sending money to support an online romantic partner who falsely stated they needed to pay taxes and fees to release an inheritance or gold bars. The stories told to the victims by the scammers were fraudulent. The scammers directed the victims’ monies into accounts controlled by Adams and her co-conspirator. When Adams and her co-conspirator received the fraudulent monies, they kept a fee for themselves, and then transferred the funds, via trade-based money laundering or other means, to Ghana. Adams and her co-conspirator set up phony businesses and then opened business bank accounts to hide the transfer of the fraudulently obtained funds. The FBI traced $4,437,604, sent by 106 victims, through Adams’ and her co-conspirator’s bank accounts. One Arizona victim lost nearly $5 million to the scams, sending over $1 million to Adams’ and her co-conspirator’s accounts and the remaining money to multiple other individuals. Adams’ co-conspirator pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2024.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This DOJ hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step and can help authorities identify fraudsters and recoup losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-00893-JCH-2
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-002_Adams

    # # #

    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: Serial Bank Robber Arrested After String of Robberies

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Justin Eric Lindsay, 28, was arrested Saturday morning by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a string of bank robberies committed between August 12, 2023, and January 6, 2024. Lindsay was charged by federal criminal complaint with committing five bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery.

    The complaint alleges that, since August 2023, Lindsay has robbed five banks, including branches of Chase and U.S. Bank. According to the complaint, Lindsay would enter a bank and hand a teller a demand note for money. At four of the robberies, Lindsay claimed he had a gun, although no firearm was ever shown. On Saturday, Lindsay was arrested shortly after robbing a U.S. Bank branch in Mesa.  

    A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The United States will have up to 30 days from arrest to seek an indictment of Lindsay.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Mesa and Tempe police departments. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Goldberg, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           24-09042MJ
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-004_Lindsay

    # # #

    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: Internal Revenue Service Special Agent Indicted in Shooting Death of Fellow Agent

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – On Wednesday, a federal grand jury indicted Larry Edward Brown, Jr., 42, of Peoria, on one count of Involuntary Manslaughter of an Officer of the United States.

    The indictment alleges that on August 17, 2023, Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) used the firearm range at the Federal Correctional Institution – Phoenix for standard pistol qualifications and classroom training. Brown, who has served as a special agent for IRS-CI for over 12 years, is a trained Use of Force Instructor.

    After all training had concluded for the day, Brown entered a building known as the “Tower,” a small, one-room structure with an interior measuring approximately eight feet by nine feet, located on the range where firearms instructors can observe and command live-fire trainings. The only other occupant inside the Tower was Special Agent Patrick Bauer, a 15-year veteran of IRS-CI and a trained Use of Force Instructor, who had led the live-fire pistol qualifications that day. As alleged in the indictment, while inside the Tower, Brown handled his firearm without due caution and with reckless disregard for human life, striking Special Agent Bauer in the torso with a single gunshot.

    Despite life-saving efforts by agents at the scene, EMTs, and hospital staff, Special Agent Bauer died as a result of the penetrating gunshot wound.

    Brown had his initial court appearance today and has been released. The matter has been set for trial on April 2, 2024.

    Involuntary Manslaughter of an Officer of the United States carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-00355-PHX-SPL
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-024_Brown

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Arkansas Men Sentenced to More Than 23 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Fraud and Money Laundering in Connection with Proposed Elm Springs, Arkansas Wind Farm

    Source: US FBI

    FAYETTEVILLE – Two Arkansas men were sentenced today to federal prison for Wire Fraud, Aiding and Abetting Wire Fraud, Money Laundering and Aiding and Abetting Money Laundering in connection with the development of a wind turbine that was never operational and a proposed wind farm project in Elm Springs, Arkansas, that was never constructed. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    Jody Douglas Davis, 47, of Searcy, Arkansas, was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,138,845.28 in restitution and Phillip Vincent Ridings, 64, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,138,845.28 in restitution.

    “This case represents some of the most important work that we do,” said United States Attorney Clay Fowlkes.  “These defendants developed a scheme for the purposed of stealing large sums of money from innocent investors.  The defendants in this case used lies and misrepresentations to trick investors into paying them large amounts of money that they converted for their own, personal use.  We will continue to work with our Federal Law Enforcement partners at the FBI and the IRS to investigate and prosecute cases like this.  We will also continue to work tirelessly to protect others from similar schemes to defraud.” 

    “Mr. Davis and Mr. Ridings callously defrauded members of our community through a fictional investment opportunity,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “Even after being federally indicted, these men continued to advance their criminal scheme through blatant falsehoods and deceit. Today’s sentencings send a clear message to other fraudsters: preying upon our Arkansas communities will not stand.”

    “Davis and Ridings stole money from investors and used it for their personal use with no intention of building the wind farm project.,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr., IRS-CI Dallas Field Office. “This sentencing should detour criminals from committing similar crimes.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Davis, and Ridings, formed a limited liability company in Texas in 2014 called Dragonfly Industries International, LLC (“Dragonfly”) and Arkansas Wind Power (“AWP”), an Arkansas limited liability company located in Springdale, Arkansas, to develop what they told investors was a revolutionary wind turbine design that was to be installed on a 311-acre wind farm proposed for construction in Elm Springs, Arkansas.  

    According to the superseding indictment, Davis and Ridings conspired with Cody Fell of Springdale, Arkansas, and others, beginning as early as June 2014 and continuing through and including March 2018, to obtain money from investors who were told that the investors’ money would be used to build a prototype of the wind turbine and develop wind farms in Elm Springs, Arkansas, in Iowa, and other states.  The evidence presented at trial showed that Davis and Ridings used most of the $700,000 they obtained from investors for Davis’ and Ridings’ personal use.  Specifically, evidence at trial revealed that investors were told that Dragonfly’s wind turbine could produce more energy than the traditional three-blade wind turbines commonly used on existing wind farms;  that nationally recognized engineering firms and a University of Memphis mechanical engineering professor had “validated” the Dragonfly wind turbine’s design; that the Department of Defense has expressed strong interest in acquiring Dragonfly’s wind turbines for use in combat zones; that a prototype of the wind turbine was nearing completion; that leaders of underdeveloped countries were ready to buy Dragonfly’s wind turbines; and that a $10 million grant from the Department of Energy was soon to be awarded to Dragonfly, when in truth and fact, none of these representations were true.

    A federal jury convicted Davis and Ridings on September 3, 2021.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyra Jenner and Kenneth Elser prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Harrell, Arkansas Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    EL DORADO – A Harrell man was sentenced today to 140 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in El Dorado.

    According to court documents, on or about August 12, 2020, investigators with the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Antonio Bush, age 40. The methamphetamine field tested positive and was sent to the crime lab for further testing.      

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Kim Harris and Graham Jones prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Magnolia Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    EL DORADO – A Magnolia man was sentenced today to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in El Dorado.

    According to court documents, on or about September 4, 2020, investigators with the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Rasheed Rahid Muhammad, age 50. The methamphetamine field tested positive and was sent to the crime lab for further testing.      

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Kim Harris prosecuted the case.

    This case was prosecuted as 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Santa Maria Man Charged in Federal Complaint Alleging He Injured Five People in Bomb Attack in Lobby of County Courthouse

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County man was charged today in a federal criminal complaint alleging he committed a bomb attack at a courthouse in Santa Maria on Wednesday, in which at least five people were injured.

    Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, is charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive. 

    McGuire, who was arrested Wednesday shortly after the attack, is expected to make his initial appearance Friday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. 

    According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, on September 25, McGuire entered a courthouse of Santa Barbara County Superior Court and threw a bag into the lobby. The bag exploded and McGuire left the courthouse on foot. The explosion injured at least five people who were present at the courthouse at that time.

    Shortly thereafter, McGuire was apprehended and detained by Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies as he was trying to access a red Ford Mustang car parked outside the building. McGuire allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel.

    Inside the car, a deputy saw ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks. A search of the car revealed a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe.

    A search of McGuire’s residence revealed an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material.

    “This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed a cache of weapons that would have allowed him to wreak even greater destruction had he not been stopped. Attacks on our courts, law enforcement officers, and other public servants are unacceptable, and it is critical that those who carry out such assaults be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

    “The idea of intentionally setting off an explosive device to do harm and avoid justice in the process shocks the conscience,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Make no mistake, we are committed to holding Mr. McGuire accountable for this blatant act of violence. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety.”

    “This was a shocking and unprecedented crime in our county, but, in spite of its audacity, the security of the Santa Maria courthouse was maintained,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. “The suspect was swiftly apprehended by a court security officer, a sheriff’s deputy, two California Highway Patrol officers, and a district attorney’s investigator; we are proud of their resolute actions that almost certainly prevented further violence. We are also grateful for the substantial investigative assistance that has been provided by our colleagues with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and from U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada and his office.”

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

    If convicted, McGuire would face a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.

    The FBI and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: International Trafficker of Counterfeit Apple Products Sentenced to Prison

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 25, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – Zhiwei “Allen” Liao was sentenced in federal court today to 51 months in prison for his role as an organizer and leader of an international conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit Apple products. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit two residences along with $120,370 in U.S. currency and more than 200 Apple devices seized during the investigation.

    According to court documents, Zhiwei Liao and his brothers, Zhimin Liao and Zhiting Liao, led an international exchange fraud scheme involving more than 10,000 counterfeit iPhones and iPads. The Liaos imported counterfeit iPhones and iPads from China that looked genuine and included identification numbers (IMEI and serial numbers) matching identification numbers on real iPhones and iPads that were under warranty and had been previously sold to customers in the United States and Canada.  At the direction of the Liao brothers, co-conspirators traveled to hundreds of Apple Stores across the United States and Canada, and attempted to exchange counterfeit iPhones and iPads for genuine iPhones and iPads resulting in a loss of $6.1 million to Apple, Inc. Zhiwei Liao then sent the fraudulently obtained, but genuine Apple products primarily to China where they were sold at a premium.       

    In court today, U.S. District Judge Cynthia Ann Bashant said that a significant prison sentence was appropriate because Zhiwei Liao was the organizer and leader of an extensive international criminal organization that trafficked in counterfeit goods throughout North America for several years.

    The scheme was sophisticated and dynamic, involving counterfeit devices imported from China that looked like genuine devices under warranty. Zhiwei Liao micromanaged the operations and created a moving target for law enforcement by directing counterfeit Apple products and criminal proceeds to be sent to different co-conspirators, companies, and family members throughout the scheme. Co-conspirators supported these efforts to avoid law enforcement by exchanging the counterfeit products using a variety of false names and email accounts.

    The defendant’s brothers, Zhimin Liao and Zhiting Liao, who were also leaders of the conspiracy, were previously sentenced to 41 months in custody in October 2023. 

    This case is part of a multi-year investigation led primarily by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Diego Police Department that resulted in 12 felony convictions, the forfeiture of five residences in San Diego with an estimated value of more than $4.1 million, over $250,000 in cash, and more than 200 Apple products that were either counterfeit, fraudulently obtained, or used during the criminal operations.

    “This was a massive, sophisticated fraud that victimized not only Apple, Inc., but thousands of Apple product owners across North America,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Theft of intellectual property and the sale of counterfeit goods are growing global problems with serious economic implications.” 

    “Mr. Liao’s sentencing closes a major chapter in a multi-year investigation that exposed an international, elaborate scheme to sell counterfeit goods worldwide,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “This investigation would not have been successful without the unwavering dedication and persistence of our law enforcement partners. We remain diligent in the pursuit of justice to help maintain the integrity of our economy.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Salel.

    DEFENDANTS                                 Case Number 19cr4407-BAS                                               

    Zhiwei Liao, aka “Allen”                   San Diego, CA                                    Age:    34

    Zhimin Liao, aka “Jimmy”                 San Diego, CA                                    Age:    36

    Zhiting Liao, aka “Tim”                     San Diego, CA                                    Age:    33

    Dao Trieu La, aka “Selena”                San Diego, CA                                    Age:    32

    Mengmeng Zhang, aka “Aria”           San Diego, CA                                    Age:    31

    Tam Nguyen, aka “Kelly,”                 San Diego, CA                                    Age:    39

    Charley Hsu                                        San Diego, CA                                    Age:    41

    Danny Tran Chan                               San Diego, CA                                    Age:    32

    Phillip Pak, aka “Teddy”                    San Diego, CA                                    Age:    33

    Deedee Zhu, aka “David,”                  San Diego, CA                                    Age:    35

    Jiaye Jiang, aka “joejoekong”            San Diego, CA                                    Age:    34

    Hyo Yang, aka “Will”                        San Diego, CA                                    Age:    33

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Traffic in Counterfeit Goods – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2320

    Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison, $2 million fine, mandatory restitution, and forfeiture.

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    San Diego Police Department

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    Homeland Security Investigations

    U.S. Marshals

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Current and Former Minor League Baseball Players Indicted for Insider Trading in Del Taco Stocks

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 26, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – An indictment was unsealed today charging current and former minor league baseball players Jordan Qsar, Grant Witherspoon and Austin Bernard with insider trading in Del Taco, Inc. stocks after they received advanced notice of the acquisition of Del Taco by Jack in the Box, Inc. on December 6, 2021.

    According to the indictment, Qsar learned from a close friend who worked at Jack in the Box that the company was acquiring Del Taco. The friend was a senior associate in Jack in the Box’s strategic finance department who personally worked on the acquisition project. The disclosure was a violation of duties to Jack in the Box and its shareholders.

    The indictment states that Qsar fraudulently shared the inside information with Witherspoon and Bernard, who were connected to Qsar through collegiate and minor league baseball teams at Pepperdine University and the Tampa Bay Rays.

    In the following months, after learning the inside information, Qsar, Witherspoon, and Bernard purchased Del Taco stocks, discussed when and how many shares they were purchasing, and tipped others with the inside information.

    According to the indictment, after Jack in the Box and Del Taco went public with the acquisition on December 6, 2021, Del Taco stocks jumped in price from $7.53 to $12.51 per share—representing a 66 percent increase from the prior trading day’s closing price. In the days following, Qsar, Witherspoon, and Bernard sold all their Del Taco stocks, earning them illegal profits of approximately $56,000, $41,800, and $64,600, respectively.

    “The system has to be fair for everyone, or the market fails,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Those who seek to undermine this system for personal gain will face consequences.”

    “Insider trading directly affects the integrity of our economy,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure people who intentionally undermine and threaten our economy will be brought to justice.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald Sou.

    DEFENDANTS                                 Case Number: 24-CR-0385-DMS

    Jordan Joseph Qsar                             Age: 28

    Grant Lee Witherspoon                      Age: 27

    Austin Lane Bernard                          Age: 28

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Title 18 U.S.C. 371 – Conspiracy

    Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison; $250,000 fine

    Title 15 U.S.C. 78j(b), 78ff & Title 17 C.F.R. 240.10b-5 and 240.10b5-1 – Securities Fraud

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison; $5 million fine

    Title 18 USC 1343 – Wire Fraud & Title 18 USC 2 – Aiding and Abetting

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison; $250,000 fine

    Title 18 USC 981(a)(1)(C) and Title 28 USC 2461(c) – Criminal Forfeiture

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau Investigation

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –