NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooklyn Podcaster and Cryptocurrency Personality Known as ‘T.J. Stone’ Sentenced to 45 Months’ Imprisonment

    Source: US FBI

    Thomas John Sfraga Swindled Individual Real Estate and Cryptocurrency Investors Out of Over $2 Million Using Business Named After Fictitious “Seinfeld” Company

    Thomas John Sfraga, also known as “T.J. Stone,” was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn by United States District Judge Frederic Block to 45 months in prison for wire fraud.  As part of the sentence, Sfraga was ordered to pay $1,337,700 in forfeiture. The restitution amount will be determined at a later date.  Sfraga pleaded guilty in May 2024.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.

    “Sfraga callously stole from friends, next-door neighbors, and the parents of children who played on teams with his own children, as well as from individual cryptocurrency investors,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “There was nothing funny about his use of a Seinfeldian company, Vandelay Industries, to carry out this fraud, which caused severe financial and emotional harm to the hard-working men and women who trusted him.”

    As set forth in the information and court filings, from at least 2016 to 2022, Sfraga held himself out as the owner and principal of multiple businesses, including Build Strong Homes LLC and Vandelay Contracting Corp.  The latter company had a name similar to the fictional “Vandelay Industries,” which the character George Constanza falsely claimed to have interviewed with for a job in the television show “Seinfeld.” Sfraga held himself out as “T.J. Stone,” a serial entrepreneur with experience in real estate development, media relations, podcasting, and cryptocurrencies, which included acting as the emcee of many cryptocurrency events in New York.

    Sfraga defrauded at least 17 victims, including victims in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island, by convincing them to loan him money for, or to invest in, multiple sham investments including purchasing, renovating, and “flipping” homes.  On one occasion, Sfraga convinced a victim to lend him $100,000 in cash as start-up costs for a non-existent construction project.  On yet another occasion, Sfraga convinced a victim to invest in a fictitious cryptocurrency “virtual wallet.”  He promised the victims returns on their investments as high as 60% in three months.  In reality, however, Sfraga used the money entrusted to him by the victims for his own benefit, to pay expenses, and to pay earlier victims and business associates.  When law enforcement began investigating Sfraga after victims filed lawsuits, he fled to Arizona to live under a false identity. Sfraga was eventually apprehended in Las Vegas after being arrested for running out on his bill at the Wynn Casino.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States Attorney John Vagelatos is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Madison Bates.

    The Defendant:

    THOMAS JOHN SFRAGA (also known as “T.J. Stone”)
    Age:  56
    Brooklyn, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-194 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Durham Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Support to Terrorists

    Source: US FBI

    RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint against a Durham man charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Alexander Justin White, age 29, was arrested on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, as he was preparing to board an international flight from RDU Airport to Morocco. The complaint alleges that White was traveling overseas intent on joining ISIS. If convicted, White faces up to 20 years in prison.

    As alleged in the complaint, between May and October of 2024, White used an online account under the name “Sulaiman Al-Amriki” to make numerous posts supporting ISIS and the concept of violent jihad.  This allegedly included videos commonly used to recruit new members and to generate a passion for fighting as well as fundraising videos and several posts and reposts in reference to well-known ISIS supporters and scholars.  The complaint alleges that White’s online communications with like-minded individuals displayed an active effort to find a way to join ISIS overseas so that he could become a mujahideen with ISIS.  In addition, the complaint alleges that White was engaged in financial transactions to refugee camps which are well known for acting as a front to funnel money to ISIS members and their supporters.  White allegedly made online comments noting that he regretted not having traveled to join ISIS earlier, when it may have been easier through certain overseas routes which were now viewed suspiciously.  Believing that his opportunity had come to fruition, White allegedly took steps to make his intended travel appear as nothing more than a vacation when he in fact claimed that he would rather die than return to the United States.  After allegedly making various preparations, to include purchasing a personal combat medical kit, on December 4, White made efforts to board a flight bound for Morocco which he intended to use as a jumping point from which to join ISIS members in Africa.

    “We work closely with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force to shut down suspected terrorist activities in the United States, including American citizens willing to commit violence against our troops,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “We couldn’t do our work without strong local partners, willing to share their resources to protect our homeland.”   

    “The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces across the country leverage the resources, skills, and authorities of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify and combat terrorism threats, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In many ways, our JTTFs are our nation’s first line of defense against terrorism. The threats we face are bigger than any one law enforcement or intelligence agency can tackle, requiring not only a law enforcement partnership, but working with our communities to keep people safe,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina. The investigation into White is a result of the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Raleigh-based Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The JTTF is a group of highly trained, locally based investigators, analysts, linguists, and other specialists from dozens of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies that gather evidence, make arrests, provide security for special events, collect and share intelligence, and respond to threats and incidents at a moment’s notice. There are about 200 JTTFs across the country, including one in each field office, with hundreds of participating state, local and federal agencies.

    The Raleigh-based JTTF includes the Cary, Raleigh, and Durham Police Departments, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, the N.C. State Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Critical to this case was also the assistance of the Morocco General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).

    Michael F. Easley Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The FBI JTTF is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Gabe Diaz and Jason Kellhofer, along with Trial Attorney David Andrew Sigler from the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section, are prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:25-CR-00009-M.

    A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Tulsa Men Sentenced for Armed Robbery

    Source: US FBI

    TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Raul M Arias-Marxuach sentenced three Tulsa men for armed robberies in Catoosa and Owasso, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

    “These three defendants were sentenced for violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “They robbed the victim in an occupied hotel and shot at others recklessly in a neighborhood. They were violent and dangerous. The Northern District of Oklahoma is safer with them behind bars.”

    Yonaton Perez, 20, was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

    Anthony Gabriel Calvillo-Rodriguez, 20, to 190 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying and Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

    Anthony Alexander Bernal-Perez, 23, to 121 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

    Court records show that on April 7, 2023, Perez was parked in a private parking lot behind a bar in Tulsa. Tulsa Police officers approached the vehicle. During the investigation, officers found that Perez possessed more than 660 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to sell. 

    In September 2023, Perez directed another person to get a hotel room in Catoosa with the intent of robbing the victim. While the victim was in the hotel room, Perez, Calvillo-Rodriguez, and Bernal-Perez robbed the victim. The victim was targeted because he was a drug dealer, wore flashy jewelry, and routinely carried drug proceeds on him. The defendants robbed the victim of more than $100k in jewelry and cash.

    In a third incident in October 2023, Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez were waiting in a parking lot in Owasso when four juveniles pulled up to their vehicle and robbed Calvillo-Rodriguez. When the juvenile robbers drove off, Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez followed the robbers and blocked their vehicle. Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez opened fire on the juvenile robbers in a neighborhood, striking several homes and vehicles. 

    All three men will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, the Owasso Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore and John Brasher prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brothers from Oregon Plead Guilty to Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – Brothers from Oregon pleaded guilty today to felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from their conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Jonathanpeter Allen Klein, 24, of Pendleton, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of civil disorder and one count or assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss.

                Matthew Leland Klein, 27, of Pendleton, Oregon, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder and a misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds also before Judge Moss.

                The two men will be sentenced on Nov. 15, 2024.

                According to court documents, the brothers traveled from Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021. After attending the rally, the brothers made their way toward the Capitol building and entered into the restricted perimeter before separating.

                At about 2:00 p.m., a group of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the Northwest edge of the grounds in order to assist and reinforce the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), who were outnumbered by the amassing crowd on the West Plaza of the Capitol. The MPD officers had organized themselves into a two-line formation and then attempted to make their way through the crowd to reach other law enforcement on the West Plaza police line.

                As the MPD officers were attempting to move through the crowd of rioters, Jonathanpeter Klein threw a piece of audio-visual equipment at the officers. The object directly hit an MPD officer in the helmet, causing the officer to stumble.

                At approximately 2:18 p.m., Matthew Klein and Jonathanpeter Klein entered into the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door and separated. Matthew Klein was carrying a Gadsden flag and left the building approximately ten minutes later through a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door. Jonathanpeter Klein traversed most of the building through the crypt, Rotunda, and House side of the Capitol. Jonathanpeter then left the building and reunited with his brother.

                After exiting the building, the two men joined with a group of other rioters struggling against police to open the North Door of the Capitol. Through these combined efforts, the rioters, including Matthew and Jonathanpeter, were able to force the door open. Immediately after breaching the North Door, Matthew positioned himself in front of the North Door to obstruct police officers who were emerging from the building to disperse the rioters. Matthew also used his flag to interfere with the officers who were attempting to resecure the door.

                The FBI arrested the two men on March 23, 2021, in Oregon.  

                This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of Oregon.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Portland and Washington Field Offices. Jonathanpeter was identified as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #127L and Matthew was identified as BOLO #127R. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. 

                In the 42 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,470 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 530 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eastern Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting Girlfriend on the Burns Paiute Indian Reservation

    Source: US FBI

    EUGENE, Ore.—A Baker City, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for assaulting his then-girlfriend on the Burns Paiute Indian Reservation in March 2023.

    Skyhawk Teeman Garcia, 29, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, on March 11, 2023, Garcia went to his then-girlfriend’s house on the Burns Paiute Indian Reservation while intoxicated and demanded access to her phone. When she refused, Garcia, a former mixed martial arts fighter, became angry and put the victim in a chokehold, strangling her. The victim’s child intervened, causing Garcia to release the victim, and then called 911. Garcia punched multiple holes in a wall before leaving the residence.

    Police arrived as Garcia was walking away from the house. He told the officer he had an argument with his girlfriend and punched some walls, but denied assaulting the victim. 

    On April 20, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Garcia with one count of assault by strangulation. One year later, on April 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to the single charge.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet.

    Domestic violence can include both physical and emotional abuse, and it is frequently hidden from public view. Many survivors suffer in silence, afraid to seek help or not knowing where to turn. The traumatic effects of domestic violence also extend beyond the abused person, impacting family members, friends, and communities.

    If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.

    If you need assistance or know someone who needs help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Many communities throughout the country have also created support networks to assist survivors in the process of recovery.

    The StrongHearts Native Helpline offers culturally specific support and advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence. Please call 1-844-762-8483 or visit www.strongheartshelpline.org for more information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owners of Local Real Estate Investment Company Indicted in Federal Court for Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, Ore.—An indictment was unsealed in federal court today charging the owners of a local real estate investment company with defrauding individual investors and commercial lenders out of more than $18 million.

    Robert D. Christensen, 54, of Sherwood, Oregon, and Anthony M. Matic, 55, of Damascus, Oregon, have been charged in a 21-count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

    According to the indictment, from approximately January 2019 through June 2023, Christensen and Matic are alleged to have devised and carried out a scheme wherein they convinced individual investors to fund the purchase and renovation of undervalued residential real estate properties. After renovating the properties, Christensen and Matic claimed they would rent the properties to generate income and then refinance them to extract their increased value from the renovations. The pair further misled investors into believing they would be repaid their full principal investment along with interest as high as eight to fifteen percent and a large lump sum payout, all within periods as short as 30 to 90 days.

    Christensen and Matic’s scheme failed to generate the promised returns almost immediately and they began using new investments to repay earlier investors to keep their business afloat. When they were unable to raise enough money from new investors, Christensen and Matic are alleged to have devised a separate scheme to defraud commercial lenders. By December 2020, the pair began submitting loan applications with false financial information to different commercial lenders and, based on their misrepresentations, received millions of dollars in loans.

    In total, Christensen and Matic’s two schemes defrauded individual investors out of more than $11 million and commercial lenders out of more than $7 million.

    Christensen and Matic made their initial appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Both were arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released on conditions pending a 7-day jury trial scheduled to begin on October 29, 2024.

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Money laundering in punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. All three charges may also result in fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto.

    An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Jitendra Singh unveils cutting-edge polar, ocean research hubs in Goa

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday inaugurated Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa. These are the first-of-their-kind integrated facilities in India and among the few such infrastructures globally dedicated to polar and ocean research.
     
    The inauguration comes at a time when global discourse on ocean geopolitics is intensifying. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Singh expressed confidence that the enhanced capabilities at NCPOR would strengthen India’s role in global ocean governance and scientific collaboration. “Institutions like NCPOR will be pivotal in positioning India as a key player in ocean geopolitics,” the Minister said.
     
    He added that the new facilities would also enhance India’s capacity to monitor weather patterns and respond to climate change challenges effectively.
     
    The newly inaugurated Polar Bhavan is the largest building on the NCPOR campus, spread across 11,378 square metres and constructed at a cost of ₹55 crore. It houses cutting-edge laboratories for polar and ocean research, 55 accommodation units for scientists, conference and seminar halls, a library, and a canteen. It is also home to the “Science On Sphere (SOS)” platform – a state-of-the-art 3D visualization system for displaying climate and earth system data – and will soon host India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum.
     
    Sagar Bhavan, built over 1,772 square metres at a cost of ₹13 crore, includes ultra-low temperature laboratories with -30°C ice core storage and +4°C sample preservation units. It features 29 specialised rooms, including a Class 1000 clean room for trace metal and isotope studies.
     
    During his visit, Dr. Singh, dressed in Antarctica-specific cold weather gear, also toured the Minus 20°C lab section of the facility.
     
    The inauguration coincided with the Silver Jubilee of NCPOR. As part of the celebrations, the Minister unveiled a documentary chronicling the institute’s 25-year journey and participated in a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming science museum.
     
    Dr. Singh underscored the significance of polar research in the context of global climate change. He cited expert assessments indicating that nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater is stored in polar ice. “Uncontrolled melting could lead to rising sea levels, posing serious threats to low-lying coastal areas, including India’s extensive coastline of over 1,000 km,” he said.
     
    Highlighting the importance of ocean sciences in national development, the Minister referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent focus on the Blue Economy. He noted that the Deep Ocean Mission, led by NCPOR, aligns with the government’s broader “Viksit Bharat by 2047” vision.
     
    Dr. Singh also referenced India’s policy initiatives such as the Arctic Policy (2022) and the Indian Antarctic Act (2022), which provide a structured legal and ethical framework for India’s polar engagement, ensuring adherence to international standards.
     
    India maintains a robust research presence in polar and high-altitude regions through its permanent stations in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharati), the Arctic (Himadri), and the Himalayas (Himansh). Recent Indian scientific expeditions have also extended to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and the Central Arctic Ocean.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Putin announced the creation of a buffer zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border

    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

    Moscow, May 23 /Xinhua/ — A decision has been made to create a security buffer zone along the border between Russia and Ukraine. The Russian Armed Forces are currently solving this problem, actively suppressing enemy firing points. This was announced on Thursday by Russian President Vladimir Putin at an operational meeting with members of the government.

    As reported on the official Kremlin website, during the meeting the Russian president noted that “given the situation in the Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, it is necessary to launch work to restore and rebuild everything that was destroyed, to help people return to their native villages and settlements, where safety conditions allow it. In addition, it is necessary to restore all transport and other infrastructure, the stable operation of industrial and agricultural enterprises, and to support entrepreneurs and their teams.”

    “In this regard, I instruct the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, together with colleagues from the Presidential Administration, to prepare, as soon as possible, a program for the comprehensive restoration of the affected areas of the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions. This program must be provided with the necessary financial and material resources, and additional equipment and specialists must be involved, including from other subjects of the Federation,” V. Putin noted.

    The Russian President visited the Kursk region on May 20. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

               WASHINGTON — An Arizona man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Jason Robert Tasker, 43, of Glendale, Arizona, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. In addition to the felonies, Tasker is charged with four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

               Tasker was arrested on July 30, 2024, in Arizona, and he will make his initial appearance in the District of Arizona.

               According to court documents, Tasker attended the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, and afterward made his way toward the west side of the Capitol building. Tasker then climbed the Northwest Stairs and helped other rioters lower down and remove a bike rack. Tasker then climbed down to the Northwest Lawn and joined a group of rioters that surrounded some United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers.

               Tasker followed the officers around the Capitol building, yelling at them, including, “All of you are dismissed; go home!” Tasker later arrived at the North Screening Entrance on the east side of the Capitol. Here, a group of USCP officers were stationed behind a line of bike rack barricades. Tasker screamed at these officers, and within a few minutes, a group of rioters, including Tasker, broke through the barriers and entered the East Plaza.

               Tasker then walked to the Senate Carriage Door and forced his way to the front of a crowd of rioters attempting to gain entrance into the building. Tasker then flung himself toward a group of police officers guarding the entrance to the building, who pushed him back. These officers then began to attempt to clear rioters from the building. Tasker then lunged at the officers a second time and grabbed onto two USCP officers.

               After Tasker’s alleged second lunge, an officer deployed OC spray that caused him to retreat. Tasker later joined a mob on the East Stairs at around 2:43 p.m. and allegedly entered the Capitol building. Inside, Tasker went through the East Foyer and into the Rotunda. In the Rotunda, Tasker began to take pictures with his cell phone as a police line formed to direct the mob of rioters out of the Rotunda. Tasker approached the police line, confronted the officers, and remained in the building until approximately 3:13 p.m.

               After Tasker left the building, it is alleged that he remained on the Capitol stairs and made a phone call. Tasker can be overheard in a third-party video saying, “I was like the first person in, Momma.” Tasker allegedly remained outside the Rotunda doors for over an hour and continued to confront police.

               This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

               The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Phoenix and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

               In the 42 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,470 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 530 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

               Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Doctor Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Accepting Kickbacks, Defrauding TRICARE, and Failed Attempts to Obstruct Investigation

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—An Arkansas doctor at the heart of a $12 million scheme to defraud TRICARE will spend the next 102 months in federal prison. Earlier today, United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker sentenced Joe David May, a.k.a. Jay May, 42, of Alexander, to 102 months’ imprisonment and ordered him to pay more than $4.63 million in restitution to TRICARE, the health insurer for our nation’s military.

          A 2020 indictment charged May with twenty-two counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, violating the anti-kickback statute, lying to the FBI, falsifying records, and aggravated identity theft. After a six-day trial in June 2022, a jury convicted May on all twenty-two counts.

          Proof at trial showed May stood at the center of a bogus prescription-drug assembly line and, later, went to great lengths in a failed bid to cover it up.

          As part of the scheme, recruiters found military personnel and veterans with TRICARE and filled out prescriptions for compounded drugs in their names—selecting which drugs to supply (usually the most expensive) and how many refills to authorize. All that was missing were prescriber signatures. So, middlemen routed the pre-filled prescriptions to medical professionals, like May, to be rubber stamped without consulting the ‘patient’ or any regard for whether drugs were needed.  TRICARE paid over $12 million for prescriptions generated in this scheme, part of a wave of fraudulent schemes around the country that saw TRICARE spend over $2 billion for compounded prescription drugs in 2015.

          In exchange for thousands in cash kickbacks, May rubber stamped 226 prescriptions for which TRICARE paid over $4.63 million. All but one of his prescriptions were for ‘patients’ May did not know, never treated, and knew nothing about.

          Following the execution of search warrants at compounding pharmacies around the country, May visited the FBI to answer questions about his prescriptions. May lied by claiming he only signed prescriptions for people he evaluated and denying he received kickbacks. Obstruction continued when May got a subpoena for prescriptions and related ‘patient’ records. May turned over but a fraction of the prescriptions he signed and fabricated medical records to make it seem like the drug recipients were really his patients. Finally, as trial approached, May tried to mischaracterize a $5,000 cash kickback as Oaklawn winnings from the 2015 Arkansas Derby.

          All nine of May’s co-conspirators pled guilty to conspiracy and elected to cooperate with federal law enforcement, with several testifying at trial. All but one co-conspirator has been sentenced:

    Name

    Age

    Hometown

    Case No.

    Sentence

    Derek Clifton

    41

    Alexander, Ark.

    4:20-CR-25

    51 mos. imprisonment, $1.1M forfeiture

    Albert Glenn Hudson

    42

    Sherwood, Ark.

    4:20-CR-129

    48 mos. imprisonment, $1.5M forfeiture

    Donna Crowder

    68

    North Little Rock

    4:20-CR-130

    12 mos. 1 day imprisonment, $18K fine

    Jennifer Crowder

    40

    Little Rock

    4:20-CR-131

    12 mos. home confinement, $89K forfeiture

    Keith Benson

    52

    North Little Rock

    4:20-CR-132

    15 mos. imprisonment, $727K forfeiture

    Kenneth Myers, Jr.

    44

    Maumelle, Ark.

    4:20-CR-25

    3 years probation, $68K forfeiture

    Keith Hunter

    54

    Little Rock

    4:20-CR-235

    TBD

          Through the prosecution of May and his nine co-conspirators, the United States has recovered nearly $8 million in restitution, forfeiture, and fines.

          “Our healthcare system is built on trust, and those who abuse it do so at their peril,” said Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Dr. May accepted kickbacks, cheated TRICARE, and tried to deceive federal agents investigating his crimes. Now, he will trade hospital scrubs for a prison uniform. Let his case serve as a warning to others in the medical industry. Our office and our partners at the FBI and HHS-OIG are committed to rooting out anyone who succumbs to the temptation of ‘easy money.’”

          “By defrauding TRICARE, Dr. May stole from our service men and women, military retirees, and their families. He robbed Americans who had sworn an oath to defend our nation, and he pickpocketed American taxpayers,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “Today’s sentencing induces accountability, and demonstrates there is no place in our society for the behavior exhibited by Dr. May. The FBI and its partners will continue to aggressively investigate those who undermine the integrity of our nation’s healthcare system.”

          “Federal healthcare programs rely on the honesty and integrity of doctors to prescribe medically necessary medications to their patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “On the contrary, Dr. May signed pre-filled prescriptions filled out by a pharmaceutical rep for patients he had no doctor-patient relationship with and all on the backs of the American taxpayer. HHS-OIG is laser-focused on investigating doctors and other medical professionals who lie, cheat, and steal from American taxpayers for their own personal benefit, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold them accountable.”

          In addition to the 102-month prison sentence, Judge Baker sentenced May to three years’ of supervised release following imprisonment. May was also ordered to pay more than $4.63 million in restitution and a $2,200 special assessment.  The investigation was conducted by the FBI and HHS-OIG. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander D. Morgan and Stephanie G. Mazzanti.

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Preschool Teacher’s Assistant Sentenced to 90 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant abused preschool-aged children in his care at Miss Selma’s School.

          LITTLE ROCK— Augustus “Gus” Shenker, 23, of Little Rock was sentenced to serve the next 90 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. Shenker was sentenced earlier today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.

          In May 2021, FBI received a cyber tip that Dropbox user Augustus Shenker, using an email address that contained his name, possessed seven videos containing child pornography. Investigators determined Shenker’s address and learned that he was employed at Miss Selma’s School in Little Rock, an early education school with children from 18 months old to fifth grade.

          FBI agents obtained a search warrant for Shenker’s home and made contact with him at the school where he worked. Law enforcement seized Shenker’s iPhone and advised him a search warrant was being executed at his residence.

          A review of items seized from Shenker’s residence revealed six videos created in March 2021 that showed Shenker touching the buttocks and vagina of a preschool-age child in a classroom at Miss Selma’s School. His iPhone contained a hidden folder with 19 additional videos, all of which were taken in the same preschool classroom where Shenker worked. Shenker’s face is visible in several of the videos. In addition to the videos of abuse that Shenker produced himself, law enforcement located more than a thousand images of child sexual abuse on Shenker’s phone and other devices. Shenker later admitted making the videos of the preschool-age children during nap time.

          Shenker was first charged in a criminal complaint on May 18, 2021, when the FBI received the initial cyber tip. On June 1, 2021, after the discovery of the videos on his phone, a federal grand jury returned an indictment, charging Shenker with 22 counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Shenker pleaded guilty to three counts of production of child pornography in December 2022. Judge Rudofsky sentenced Shenker to the maximum of 30 years on each count, to run consecutively, for a total of 90 years. In addition to the 90-year prison term, Shenker was sentenced to life of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

          “We are grateful that Judge Rudofsky imposed the maximum sentence allowed by the law against Mr. Shenker,” said United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. “This sentence ensures that Mr. Shenker will spend the rest of his life in prison, which means he will never harm another child.  In the Eastern District of Arkansas, we will not waste time empathizing with adults who have a sexual interest in children, but rather resolve to fully investigate and prosecute each and every child predator. Our office, the FBI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children will maintain our commitment to make sure that every criminal that harms and exploits children will be brought to justice.”

          “As an educator, Mr. Shenker was entrusted to support and protect our children,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “Instead, he chose to exploit and manipulate the very children he was hired to teach. Today’s sentence ensures he will never again victimize our community. FBI Little Rock will continue to utilize all resources to protect innocent youth from predators who seek to harm them.”

          The investigation was conducted by the FBI Little Rock Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Sentenced on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Related to Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Illegally Entered the Office of the Speaker of the House

                WASHINGTON – An Arkansas man was sentenced today in the District of Columbia on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Breach. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

                Richard Barnett, 62, of Gravette, Arkansas, was sentenced to 54 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and a $2,000 fine, following a sentencing hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 3, 2023. Barnett was found guilty, on January 23, 2023, of all charges including: obstruction of an official proceeding, interfering with a police officer during a civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous or deadly weapon, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon, all of which are felonies.  He was also found guilty of entering and remaining in certain rooms in a capitol building, disorderly conduct in a capitol building, theft of government property, parading or demonstrating in a capitol building.

                According to the government’s evidence, U.S. Capitol Police learned that an individual had entered the restricted office area of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and was photographed with his feet propped up on furniture. Those photos were circulated on numerous news media platforms which identified the individual as Barnett. A search of law enforcement databases confirmed that the individual in the news photographs did in fact appear to be Barnett. 

                Evidence established that Barnett carried a Zap Hike ‘N Strike Walking Staff with spike electrodes with him as he traveled through the Capitol, and that he exposed those spike electrodes as various points that day, including during a face-to-face encounter with a Metropolitan Police Officer. During that encounter, Barnett threatened to call in the mob and push through the line of officers if the officer did not go and retrieve Barnett’s flag, that he had left in the officers of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi. 

                This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

                This case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI’s Little Rock, Arkansas and Washington Field Offices, with the assistance of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

                In the 28 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rancho Cucamonga Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Operating ‘Birth Tourism’ Scheme for Affluent Chinese Clients

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County man was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison for operating a “birth tourism” scheme that charged Chinese clients tens of thousands of dollars to help them give birth in the United States to obtain birthright U.S. citizenship for their children.

    Michael Wei Yueh Liu (刘维岳), 59, of Rancho Cucamonga, was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner.

    At the conclusion of a four-day trial, a jury on September 13 found Liu and Jing Dong, (董晶), 47, of Rancho Cucamonga, guilty of one count of conspiracy and 10 counts of international money laundering. Dong is expected to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

    From at least January 2012 to March 2015, Liu and Dong ran a maternity house in Rancho Cucamonga. Liu and Dong rented apartments in Southern California to provide short-term housing and provided other services to pregnant women from China who traveled to the United States to give birth so their children would acquire U.S. citizenship. Typically, within one or two months after giving birth, the women returned to China.

    Among the services Liu and Dong provided were assistance on how to obtain visas to enter the United States, customs entry guidance, housing, and transportation in the United States, as well as assistance applying for U.S. legal documents for the children of their customers.

    Liu and Dong advised their customers on how to hide their pregnancies from the immigration authorities. Liu and Dong also knew – or deliberately avoided learning – that their customers lied on their visa applications submitted to immigration authorities to enter the U.S.

    Generally, their customers’ visa applications falsely stated that the purpose of the trip to the United States was for tourism, when it was to give birth, and the length of the stay was days or weeks, when it was in fact months. The visas also misstated the location where the customers intended to stay, which was defendants’ maternity hotel.

    Liu and Dong or their agents also advised their customers to fly to ports of entry with perceived less customs scrutiny, such as Hawaii, before flying to Los Angeles, to wear loose fitting clothing, to favor certain lines at customs that they perceived to be less strict, and on how to answer the customs officials’ questions.

    Liu and Dong received money from overseas and used that money to promote their scheme.

    Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the FBI investigated this matter. The Irvine Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department provided substantial assistance.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory W. Staples and Kevin Y. Fu of the Orange County Office prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kern County Woman Sentenced to Five Years for $825,000 Credit Card Fraud Scheme Where She Used Identities Stolen From Health Care Providers

    Source: US FBI

    FRESNO, Calif. — Karina Arceo, 34, of Wasco, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in a long-running credit card fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today.

    “The defendant used patient healthcare files to commit fraud and identity theft instead of treating those files with the care and sensitivity they deserve,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Let this case serve as a warning those who consider abusing such access to patient files: my office will work tirelessly with the FBI and our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute fraud and identity theft crimes committed with sensitive patient information.”

    “Arceo violated her employer’s trust by abusing her access to personally identifiable information, fueling an elaborate, greed-driven scheme that she and her partner enjoyed until they were taken into custody,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “This case should serve as a reminder to all to freeze and routinely check your credit to ensure accounts are not opened without your knowledge. It is also a reminder to would-be criminals that the FBI will identify and pursue anyone who abuses a position of trust to exploit others for personal gain.”

    According to court records, from February 2016 through August 2022, Arceo and her partner and co-defendant, Miguel Leyva, stole the personally identifiable information (PII) for more than 125 victims. They stole much of the PII from patient files at health care providers in Kern County where Arceo worked.

    As part of their fraud scheme, Arceo and Leyva used the stolen PII to open thousands of fraudulent credit cards in the victims’ identities and made hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases on the credit cards in Fresno County, Kern County, the Bay Area, and elsewhere. The fraudulent purchases included home appliances, furniture, wall art, automobile accessories, designer clothing and shoes, luxury camping equipment, tickets to concerts and sporting events, and travel, among other items. Indeed, they used fraudulent purchases to remodel their home kitchen and their child’s room.

    Arceo and Leyva also resold many of the items that they fraudulently purchased for cash and reaped a windfall because they did not actually pay for the items. They also used checks that had been stolen from companies in Kern County to access the companies’ bank accounts and make fraudulent payments towards the credit cards so as to keep their scheme going. Altogether, their scheme caused a total actual loss of more than $825,000.

    Selfie of defendants celebrating after fraudulent purchase at Bed, Bath, & Beyond

    Arceo’s sentence was enhanced because text messages that she exchanged with Leyva showed that she was the leader of the scheme. Arceo would pull the stolen PII used to open the fraudulent credit cards from her cloud account and send it to Leyva. The text messages also showed that Arceo would coach Leyva on how to make the fraudulent purchases. For example, she would tell him which cashiers to target at the stores and what to say if the cashiers started asking questions. Finally, the text messages showed that Arceo used lyrics from a popular hip-hop song at the time to describe herself as being “the boss” of the scheme who “makes money move” and to Leyva as just being a “worker.”

    Leyva was previously sentenced to 65 months in prison.

    At the sentencing hearing, Arceo submitted a letter to the court that Leyva wrote from prison where he tried to minimize her role in the scheme and identified himself as being the leader. That argument was rejected by the court.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph D. Barton and Arelis M. Clemente are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes the Contributions of State, Local, and Federal Law Enforcement Partners to the Mission of the U.S. Department of Justice

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Eastern District of California Law Enforcement Awards. These awards are presented annually to law enforcement agencies and investigators in the District’s Sacramento and Fresno divisions to recognize outstanding collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement in addressing public safety issues in this region.

    “Congratulations to all of our award recipients on being chosen and for their efforts to address dangerous crimes that threaten the residents of the Eastern District of California,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “We owe a debt of gratitude to these agencies, detectives, and agents who conduct extensive investigations to seek justice for victims and for the public. It is a privilege for our office to work alongside them to keep our communities safe.”

    Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Awards

    The Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Award is presented to a local or state law enforcement agency that has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, commitment to public safety partnerships, and strong support for the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s initiatives.

    The Fresno Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) is the 2023 recipient of the Eastern District of California Law Enforcement Award for Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency in the Fresno Division. MAGEC received the award for two investigations. The first led to the arrest and charging of more than 25 Norteño gang members in Parlier and surrounding communities for murder, drug trafficking, gun trafficking, and witness and victim intimidation. The second led to the charging of 10 members of the MS-13 gang for six different murders committed in and around the Mendota area. MAGEC is composed of personnel from the Clovis Police Department, the Fresno Police Department, the Kerman Police Department, the Kingsburg Police Department. the Parlier Police Department, the Sanger Police Department, the Selma Police Department. the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, working in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Fresno County Probation, the California Department of Justice’s Special Operations Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, and FBI. MAGEC demonstrates our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe from violent criminal gangs through teamwork among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.

    The Sacramento Hi-Tech Crimes / Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is the 2023 recipient of Eastern District of California Law Enforcement Award for Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency in the Sacramento Division. The ICAC Task Force received the award for investigations that led to the successful charging and prosecution of some of the Sacramento region’s most serious sexual offenders in 2023, including multiple defendants who produced child pornography and sexually abused minors. Those defendants included a physician, a nurse practitioner, and an adoptive and foster father who sought to sexually exploit young children. The ICAC Task Force is composed of personnel from the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the Citrus Heights Police Department, the Elk Grove Police Department, the Folsom Police Department, the Rocklin Police Department, the Tracy Police Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the California Department of Justice, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, as well as from Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. The ICAC Task Force exemplifies commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our community by thoroughly investigating internet-facilitated crimes against children.

    Outstanding Individual Awards

    The Outstanding Investigator and Outstanding Federal Agent awards are presented to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism; timely, thorough, quality investigations; exceptional knowledge and investigative skill; energy and commitment to public safety; and commitment to law enforcement partnerships and teamwork.

    The Outstanding Investigator award for the Sacramento Division was given to Yuba County Sheriff’s Office Peace Officer Sixto Torres for his work as a DEA Task Force Officer on Operation Splazh Down, an investigation into a large-scale, poly-drug distribution organization in the Sacramento Area. During Operation Splazh Down, TFO Torres identified the leadership structure of a drug trafficking organization. As a result of his efforts and that of his team, DEA seized more than 500 pounds of methamphetamine and large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, heroine, and firearms. Torres dedicates exceptional energy to his investigations and consistently exemplifies professionalism and service before self.

    The Outstanding Investigator award for the Fresno Division was given to Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Scott Schwamb for his work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. One case where Schwamb was the lead investigator culminated in a 21‑year prison sentence for the defendant. That case began when Schwamb received information that hidden cameras were recording a minor in her bedroom and bathroom. Despite having already worked a full shift, Schwamb reviewed the evidence and assembled an investigative team that evening and applied for a search warrant. By early the next morning, evidence had been collected at the suspect’s home and work and the suspect had been interviewed. Schwamb continued to work on the case by preparing for trial and was the prosecution’s key law enforcement witness at trial. While working on the Task Force, Schwamb has assisted in the investigation of hundreds of leads involving child sexual exploitation, and as a result, dozens of cases have been prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

    The Outstanding Federal Agent award for the Sacramento Division was given to FBI Special Agent Jessi Groff for her work as a member of FBI’s international terrorism squad. She has led the investigations into some of the most important cases in the District, using her unique ability to master details of a case while never losing sight of the big picture. Her work is often unheralded and tedious, yet Special Agent Groff maintains a positive demeanor and attitude. Throughout her years of service, she has become a bedrock of federal law enforcement.

    The Outstanding Federal Agent award for the Fresno Division was given to Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Jackie Lovato for his work on the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team (FORT). Agent Lovato has spearheaded the investigation into dozens of fentanyl traffickers in the Central Valley, including some who caused overdose injuries and deaths. One of his cases led to charges against 20 fentanyl and cocaine traffickers, including the self‑proclaimed counterfeit M-30 fentanyl “King of Fresno.” Special Agent Lovato has also offered support to overdose victims and their families and played a key role in educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl in schools, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lee Jae-myung leads poll for S. Korean presidential election

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

    Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party, led a poll for the June 3 snap presidential election, Flower Research survey showed Friday.

    Lee came out on top with a support rate of 50.5 percent, taking a big lead over Kim Moon-soo, the second-biggest conservative People Power Party’s presidential candidate, who garnered 30.3 percent of support.

    The human rights lawyer-turned-politician maintained his position as a presidential frontrunner in the June 3 election, triggered by the removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol from office over his botched martial law imposition last December.

    Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by the country’s narrowest margin of 0.73 percentage points.

    Lee Jun-seok of the minor conservative New Reform Party took 9.1 percent of support for the upcoming presidential vote.

    The Democratic Party won an approval score of 50.0 percent, while 31.8 percent supported the People Power Party, the survey showed.

    The result was based on a poll of 4,012 voters conducted from Monday to Thursday. It had a plus and minus 2.2 percentage points in margin of error with a 95 percent confidence level. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Queen Wen courts Paris once more

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

    Even without the strength in numbers, the Chinese tennis contingent, led by Paris Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and rising men’s ace Buyunchaokete, is approaching this year’s French Open with major ambitions.

    With the memories of her golden finish at Paris 2024 still fresh, Zheng returns to Roland Garros touted as one of the title favorites for this year’s French Open, but insists that she will keep her expectations in check, noting that it’s a different challenge to go all the way at the clay-court major compared to her Olympic triumph.

    Zheng Qinwen returns a shot during the women’s singles round of 16 match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Bianca Andreescu of Canada at the WTA Italian Open in Rome, Italy, May 12, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

    “I will say that I always feel confident going back to Roland Garros. But, at the same time, I know it is still a bit different,” Zheng said in her pre-tournament interview.

    “Because the Olympic Games were one week, while the French Open is two weeks, so you need to prepare your body for a longer time and you need to win seven matches in a row, one more match than the Olympics.

    “You have to be prepared for every type of player. This year, I will try to be more complete with my clay court game,” said Zheng, who was eliminated by unseeded Ukrainian Elina Avanesyan in the third round last year.

    The 22-year-old world No 8, who described the Olympic gold medal as her biggest career achievement so far, has backed up her French Open credentials with a series of resurgent performances on clay recently.

    Zheng’s Rome Open quarterfinal win against bitter rival Aryna Sabalenka last week, having previously lost to the Belarusian star six times in a row, has certainly served up an extra confidence boost.

    Still, she needs to step it up a gear if she is to break out from a strong and open field in the French capital.

    “I always tell my team that, if I could choose which Slam to win first, it would be Roland Garros,” said Zheng, who made an immediate mark by fighting into the fourth round on her Roland Garros debut in 2022 in her first full year on the WTA Tour.

    “It’s the major where I reached my first Grand Slam round-of-16. I have a lot of special memories here.

    “But, last year, the result didn’t go the way I wanted. So, this year, I will come back with a stronger mindset and more fight.”

    A surging group of international stars, led by the mighty No 1 seed Sabalenka, four-time Roland Garros winner Iga Swiatek and red-hot Rome Open champion Jasmine Paolini, suggests that Zheng will need to dig deeper on the tricky and unpredictable surface.

    “It’s not easy to finish a point (on this surface). Everybody has to fight so hard, which makes tennis on clay more interesting,” she said.

    “I don’t think there is any player that I don’t want to play against, or that I want to avoid, because, in my head, I’ve already prepared. If I want to win the title, I have to be able to beat everyone there.

    “It doesn’t matter who I face, because if I finish the whole tournament without beating a player that I have never beaten before, that’s not fun. I love the challenge.”

    Alongside Zheng, only one other Chinese woman, world No 42 Wang Xinyu, has made it into the main draw through rankings, while 89th-ranked Yuan Yue also qualified as a substitute.

    Men’s solo entry

    On the men’s side, only world No 70 Buyunchaokete appears in the draw, with 71st-ranked teen star Shang Juncheng and No 81 Zhang Zhizhen both having withdrawn due to injuries.

    The quartet makes it the smallest Chinese contingent in three years at Roland Garros, which seems to be an almost sacred place for Chinese tennis, thanks to Zheng’s Olympic victory and retired legend Li Na’s groundbreaking 2011 French Open win.

    China’s Olympic mixed doubles silver winner Wang (pairing with Zhang) will also need to draw on her own sweet memories at Paris 2024 to change her fortunes and fuel her first deep run in this year’s clay court swing.

    The 23-year-old power hitter has lost three out of four matches on clay this season, with her only W being a straight-sets victory over German qualifier Eva Lys in the first round at WTA 500 Strasbourg, France, on Monday.

    She was stopped by Kazakhstan’s 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina the following day, and has not yet rediscovered her best form on clay, it seems.

    In the men’s draw, China’s sole entry Buyunchaokete, known as “Little Bu” by fans, has raised his fair share of expectation by overcoming a strong field to reach the final of an ATP Challenger event in Turin on clay.

    Bu’s first run to a final on clay at an ATP tournament saw him upset Italy’s former world No 9 Fabio Fognini in the second round, and Argentina’s No 52 Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the semis, before being stopped by Kazakhstan’s eighth seed Alexander Bublik in the title match.

    That deep run, though, has helped Bu overtake his compatriot Zhang as China’s top-ranked player on the ATP Tour, further consolidating his career upswing since his breakthrough results last fall, when he reached back-to-back Tour-level semifinals on home soil, first at the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open, and again at the ATP 500 China Open.

    “Gradually, I think I’ve become more confident and comfortable facing this level of competition on the Tour,” said Bu.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Umar Koon Sentenced to Prison on Federal Drug Charge

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Umar Koon, 46, of The Bronx, New York, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington, to six months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he possessed fentanyl, cocaine base and cocaine with intent to distribute. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III ordered that Koon serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. The court ordered Koon to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 21, 2025 to begin serving his sentence.

    According to court records, the Northwestern Vermont Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began an investigation of Koon in the summer of 2023 after obtaining information that Koon was selling fentanyl in the Chittenden County area. Between September and November 2023, investigators, utilizing a confidential informant, made seven controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine base from Koon. Investigators arrested Koon on November 14 after he returned to Burlington from New York City on a bus. Agents seized a suitcase Koon was carrying, obtained a state warrant to search the bag, and recovered distribution quantities of cocaine, cocaine base and fentanyl. They also seized $1500 in cash from Koon’s person.

    Koon was held without bail on state drug charges until December 6, 2023 when he was released to live in New York City. On December 7, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Koon with seven counts of distributing narcotics and one count of possessing other narcotics with intent to distribute. Federal agents arrested Koon at his home in The Bronx on December 12. The State of Vermont has dismissed its case in favor of this federal prosecution.

    Koon is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twenty-Five Metropolitan Detention Center Inmates, Their Associates and a Former Correctional Officer—Charged in a Dozen Criminal Cases at the Federal Jail in Brooklyn

    Source: US FBI

    Charges Include a Range of Violent Assaults and Contraband Smuggling in Continued Effort by Law Enforcement to Combat Crime Inside the Prison

    Today the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced criminal charges against 25 defendants in 12 separate cases relating to violence and contraband smuggling at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC-Brooklyn) in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. These include charges against 15 inmates for violent assaults against other inmates from May 2024 to the present; a former correctional officer for attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility on January 21, 2025; an inmate for orchestrating a contraband smuggling operation between April and June 2024; an inmate for smuggling ceramic scalpels into the facility on October 12, 2024; an inmate for possession of contraband and continuing to commit fraud while detained at MDC-Brooklyn; and an MS-13 gang associate for attempting to smuggle a large package of contraband, including 18 cellphones and marijuana, to other MS-13 gang members incarcerated at MDC-Brooklyn.

    Previously, nine inmates at MDC-Brooklyn were charged by the Office in September 2024 for violence and contraband smuggling.  In addition, the Office, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (USAO-SDNY) and more than a dozen law enforcement partners, assisted in October 2024 with a week-long multi-agency operation aimed at detecting and seizing contraband from MDC-Brooklyn.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Kathleen Toomey, Associate Deputy Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons, announced the charges.

    “The safety and security of our federal detention facilities is paramount,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “As alleged, in several separate charging instruments, inmates viciously attacked fellow detainees, a correctional officer betrayed his duty by attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility, several inmates orchestrated elaborate contraband smuggling operations and yet another inmate continued to engage in fraud schemes while detained.  These actions undermine the order and security of MDC-Brooklyn and endanger everyone within its walls.  My Office is working tirelessly to hold accountable those who commit violent acts or introduce contraband into the prison, whether they are inmates or staff.  These charges serve as a warning to those who would engage in criminal conduct behind bars, and anyone else who facilitates those crimes: your conduct will be uncovered, and you will be held accountable.”

    Mr. Durham thanked the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and the FBI New York Field Office for their investigative work in these cases, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General for their assistance.

    “These 25 defendants, an array of inmates and a former correctional officer, allegedly committed numerous violent attacks against fellow inmates and orchestrated various schemes to smuggle contraband into the prison,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Backschies. “These cases reflect the alleged extreme disregard for adhering to the rules designed to protect the other inmates and correctional staff within the institution. The FBI will never tolerate any individual, regardless of their incarceration status, who engages in deviant behavior that threatens the safety and stability of our federal facilities.

    “The Federal Bureau of Prisons would like to thank the FBI and the EDNY for their partnership and support to further prevent and prosecute violence and contraband in our facilities, through our unified efforts we are making our facilities safer for our employees and those in our custody,” stated Federal Bureau of Prisons Associate Deputy Director Toomey.   

    A summary of the cases follows:

    U.S. v. Mike Josie

    Mike Josie has been charged by indictment with assault in a federal detention facility in connection with his participation in an assault of another inmate at MDC-Brooklyn on May 26, 2024.  As alleged, Josie brutally attacked another inmate in his housing unit who was sitting at a table in a common area of the unit.  Josie approached the victim from behind and made several slashing motions towards the victim’s face.  After the assault, the victim was taken to a nearby hospital to treat lacerations to his neck and face. If convicted, Josie faces up to10 years in prison.  Josie is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Fern is in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Daryl Campbell, Ian Diez, Jonathan Guerrero, Abel Mora and Mayovanex Rodriguez

    Daryl Campbell, Ian Diez, Jonathan Guerrero, Abel Mora and Mayovanex Rodriguez are charged by complaint with conspiracy to smuggle contraband into MDC-Brooklyn.  As alleged, between April and June 2024, Campbell used a contraband cell phone to conspire with others to smuggle contraband into MDC-Brooklyn.  In several voice recordings found on the phone, Campbell explained his method of throwing a “line” out of a window of MDC-Brooklyn for a co-conspirator on the outside to “hook” or attach contraband, which could then be pulled back inside.  On June 30, 2024, Diez, Guerrero, Mora, and Rodriguez attempted to execute Campbell’s scheme by pulling a rope through the window of the recreation room in their housing area.  At the other end of that rope, correctional officers found what appeared to be suboxone, marijuana, a scalpel, a phone charger, lighters, and cigarettes.  If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorneys Russell Noble and Elizabeth D’Antonio are in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Sean Smith, Rasheed Chapman and Antwan Mosley

    Sean Smith, Rasheed Chapman and Antwan Mosley have been indicted by a grand jury for the June 2, 2024 assault of another inmate at MDC-Brooklyn.  The defendants violently assaulted the victim, slashing him across the face and neck and causing serious lacerations.  The victim was then chased through the housing unit and struck repeatedly by his assailants. If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorney Kamil Ammari is in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Adil Duran

    Adil Duran has been charged in an indictment with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and possessing contraband in prison.  As captured on video surveillance footage, on July 11, 2024, Duran slashed another inmate in the face and neck with a sharpened weapon, causing serious lacerations that required sutures.  If convicted, Duran faces up to 20 years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorney Kate Mathews is in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Erik Steadman and Javaughn Horton

    Erik Steadman and Javaughn Horton have been charged by complaint with assault in a federal detention facility for the September 5, 2024 assault of another inmate at MDC-Brooklyn.  As alleged, Horton and Steadman approached another inmate in their unit and began punching him repeatedly in the face until he fell to the ground.  The defendants continued punching and kicking the victim in the face, causing a significant laceration to his face.  If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorney Molly Delaney is in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Angel Villafane

    Angel Villafane, a member of the gang Valentine Avenue Crew, has been indicted for possession of 21 ceramic scalpels smuggled into MDC-Brooklyn on October 12, 2024.  As alleged, while sitting in the visiting room at MDC-Brooklyn, Villafane removed a ball full of ceramic scalpels from a bag of Doritos chips and placed them in his shirt.  Correctional officers later discovered the scalpels during a search.  If convicted, the defendant faces up to five years in prison. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Margaret P. Mortimer is in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Juan Lopez and Jose Rivera

    Juan Lopez and Jose Rivera have been indicted for assaulting another inmate and possessing contraband weapons.  As alleged, on November 11, 2024, Lopez and Rivera slashed and stabbed another inmate in their housing unit.  The victim was seated at a table when Rivera snuck up behind him and slashed him multiple times in the head and neck with a sharp object. As the victim ran to seek help, Lopez tried to prevent him from reaching the correctional officers’ station by swinging his own weapon, stabbing the victim in the arm.  The victim suffered three lacerations to the back of his head, one laceration to his neck and a puncture wound to his forearm.  If convicted, the defendants face up to 15 years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorney Russell Noble is in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Tyquan Robinson

    Tyquan Robinson has been charged in a five-count superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of contraband in prison.  Robinson was originally detained at MDC-Brooklyn for his alleged role in defrauding a court-appointed criminal defense attorney by obtaining a stolen $125,000 Treasury check issued to the attorney as payment for representing indigent defendants and stealing his identity.  In October 2024, officers at the MDC performed a search of Robinson’s cell. Inside his locker, the officers discovered that Robinson had hidden a contraband cellphone inside of a box of Raisin Bran cereal. An examination of this contraband cellphone revealed that even while incarcerated at the MDC, Robinson was participating in a separate fraud scheme from his original charges by discussing stealing checks issued to others, opening multiple bank accounts, and exchanging third parties’ personally identifiable information.  If convicted, Robinson faces up to 30 years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorney James R. Simmons is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Special Agent Anthony Cunder.

    U.S. v. Jairon Ortega-Corea

    Jairon Ortega-Corea, an MS-13 gang associate, was charged by indictment with attempting to provide contraband to inmates at MDC-Brooklyn.  He was arrested on March 3, 2025 in Minnesota.  The charges stem from the December 2, 2024 discovery, by MDC-Brooklyn employees, of a package on the fourth-floor roof of the jail containing 18 cellular telephones, approximately 345 grams of marijuana and one liter of drinking alcohol, among other items.  The prior evening, a witness had observed the attempted smuggling of the package into MDC-Brooklyn, when it was pulled up by a rope dangled out of the window of an empty cell within the unit that houses MS-13 members.  An investigation subsequently revealed that the defendant, who is related to a high-ranking MS-13 member housed at MDC-Brooklyn, purchased several of the contraband items at a local Walmart the day prior to the discovery.  At the time of the purchase, Ortega-Corea was communicating with MS-13 inmates at MDC-Brooklyn who were using a different contraband phone.  If convicted, Ortega-Corea faces up to 20 years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorneys Megan E. Farrell, Paul G. Scotti and Justina L. Geraci are in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Najee Jackson

    Najee Jackson, a former correctional officer at MDC-Brooklyn, has been indicted by a grand jury for attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility.  On January 21, 2025, Jackson, who was employed as a correctional officer, arrived at MDC-Brooklyn to begin working a night shift. After making several failed attempts to clear the metal detector in the staff screening area, Jackson removed his Bureau of Prisons-issued protective vest, which was found to contain vacuum‑sealed bags of marijuana and cigarettes. Jackson resigned from the Bureau of Prisons two days later.  If convicted, the defendant faces up to five years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorneys Turner Buford and Russell Noble are in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Devone Thomas

    Devone Thomas, who was previously charged with the June 7, 2024 killing of Uriel Whyte inside of the MDC Brooklyn, is now additionally charged by complaint with possession of a contraband weapon.  On February 28, 2025, Thomas was transported to federal court in Brooklyn for a status conference in connection with his murder case. Upon his return to MDC-Brooklyn after the court appearance, a blade was found in Thomas’s groin area.  If convicted, the defendant faces up to five years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth D’Antonio is in charge of the prosecution.

    U.S. v. Brian Castro, Franklin Gillespie, Juan Lopez, Jowenky Nunez Jr., Hugo Rodriguez and Elvis Trejo

    Brian Castro, Franklin Gillespie, Juan Lopez, Jowenky Nunez Jr., Hugo Rodriguez, and Elvis Trejo have been charged by complaint with assault in a federal detention facility for their roles in what became a unit-wide fight between inmates at MDC-Brooklyn. As alleged, on February 22, 2025, Castro, Lopez, Nunez, Rodriguez and Trejo, along with other as-yet uncharged individuals, approached another inmate in their unit, armed with weapons, and began chasing and stabbing him.  The victim was stabbed 18 times and required hospitalization for his injuries. The brawl ultimately resulted in at least five inmates, including the victim, requiring transportation to a local hospital for further treatment.  Gillespie, who was not a part of the initial group attacking the victim, joined the brawl after it began, and, also armed with a weapon, assaulted a fellow inmate in the course of the fight.  The fight resulted in more than 20 inmates requiring medical assessments, and at least 10 inmates appeared to have wounds consistent with being stabbed or slashed.  If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in prison.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Petraeus is in charge of the prosecution.

    *          *          *

    The Office’s General Crimes Section is principally responsible for handling these cases, with substantial contributions from the Public Integrity Section, the Organized Crime and Gangs Section and the Office’s Long Island Criminal Section.  In addition to the Assistant United States Attorneys and Special Agent listed above, Special Agent Danielle Williams, Law Enforcement Coordinator Specialist Herbert Martin and Paralegal Specialists Matias Burdman and Erin Payne have provided substantial support on these cases.

    The charges in the indictments and complaints described above are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The Defendants:

    MIKE JOSIE
    Age: 25

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-76 (FB)

    ————–

    DARYL CAMPBELL
    Age: 39

    IAN DIEZ
    Age: 20

    JONATHAN GUERRERO
    Age: 34

    ABEL MORA
    Age: 23

    MAYOVANEX RODRIGUEZ
    Age: 30

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-72

    ————–

    SEAN SMITH
    Age: 34

    RASHEED CHAPMAN
    Age: 21

    ANTWAN MOSLEY
    Age: 23

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-58

    ————–

    ADIL DURAN
    Age: 23

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-9 (ARR)

    ————–

    ERIK STEADMAN
    Age: 24

    JAVAUGHN HORTON
    Age: 30

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-70

    ————–

    ANGEL VILLAFANE
    Age: 40

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-71 (HG)

    ————–

    JUAN LOPEZ
    Age: 26

    JOSE RIVERA
    Age: 20

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-72 (CBA)

    ————–

    TYQUAN ROBINSON
    Age: 30

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-51 (AMD)

    ————–

    JAIRON ORTEGA-COREA
    Age: 23

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-83

    ————–

    NAJEE JACKSON
    Age: 32

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-67 (OEM)

    ————–

    DEVONE THOMAS
    Age: 25

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-360 (EK)

    ————–

    BRIAN CASTRO
    Age: 24

    FRANKLIN GILLESPIE
    Age: 34

    JUAN LOPEZ
    Age: 68

    JOWENKY NUNEZ JR.
    Age: 22

    HUGO RODRIGUEZ
    Age: 29

    ELVIS TREJO
    Age: 24

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-73

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Police Lieutenant and Son Sentenced to a Combined 14 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Charles Page, age 52, and his son Treyvon Ladonte Page, age 29, were sentenced to 48 months and 120 months in prison, respectively, for their drug trafficking crimes in 2021 and 2022. At the time of Charles Page’s crimes, he was a law enforcement officer with the Ayden Police Department.

    “This police lieutenant, a 13-year veteran of the force, used his official position to access confidential databases and share intelligence to advance his son’s drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr.  “We won’t tolerate public officials breaching the public’s trust to help criminals, whether they are family or not.  When law enforcement officers breach the public’s trust it undermines the rule of law and puts the entire community at risk.  Many thanks to the FBI and the countless other honest officers who worked tirelessly to bring this scheme to light.”

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, in July of 2021, law enforcement received information that Treyvon Page was distributing cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana in Pitt County. Law enforcement launched an investigation that included conducting 15 controlled purchases from Treyvon Page between November 2021 and August of 2022. The purchases consisted of varying amounts of heroin and fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

    In 2022, surveillance showed that Treyvon Page was visiting a residence in Grifton, close in time to the controlled purchases occurring. The residence belonged to his father, Charles Page, who was serving as a lieutenant with the Ayden Police Department at the time.

    On September 20, 2022, law enforcement executed several search warrants across Pitt County in conjunction with the ongoing investigation. A search warrant was executed at Charles Page’s house and the following items were seized: 167 grams of pure methamphetamine; 72 grams of cocaine; 15 grams of cocaine base (crack); and three shotguns.

    As part of the investigation, law enforcement conducted interviews with several cooperating sources and defendants. These interviews revealed that Charles Page was aware of Treyvon’s drug trafficking and that Treyvon would often contact his dad for confidential law enforcement information related to drug trafficking investigations.  A search of Charles Page’s phone corroborated this information. In several instances, Charles Page advised Treyvon Page whether Treyvon had active warrants and told Treyvon confidential information from investigations, such as the identity of victims.

    Charles Page resigned from his law enforcement position shortly after the search warrant was executed. Additionally, continued investigation revealed that Charles Page repeatedly queried Treyvon’s name and Treyvon’s drug dealing associates across confidential law enforcement databases in violation of North Carolina law.

    Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, the N.C. State Highway Patrol, the Pitt, Jones and Onslow County Sheriff’s Offices, the Jacksonville and Greenville Police Departments, and the Greenville Regional Drug Taskforce.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number: 4:22-CR-00050-FL.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus Woman Sentenced to More Than 23 Years in Prison for Kidnapping Infant Twins

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 280 months in prison for two counts of kidnapping a minor.

    Nalah T. Jackson, 26, kidnapped two infants in December 2022 and traveled interstate with one of them.

    “Jackson left one five-month-old twin baby alone and strapped in a car seat in an airport parking lot in subzero temperatures. Then, she left the other twin baby strapped in his car seat in an abandoned vehicle in another state. Even if her crime had started as a crime of opportunity to steal a running vehicle, Jackson’s blatant disregard for the lives of two helpless infants is heinous,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Today’s sentence represents the serious and significant nature of harm Jackson caused to these children and our community.”

    According to court documents, close to 10pm on the night of Dec. 19, Jackson walked out of Donatos Pizza on North High Street in Columbus and drove away in a black Honda Accord that had been left running in the parking lot. Two twin five-month-old infants were buckled in the back seat. The infants’ mother was inside Donatos to pick up a delivery order at the time.

    Over the next several hours, Jackson drove from Columbus to Dayton and to various other locations in central and western Ohio.

    Jackson arrived at the Dayton International Airport close to 3am. She parked in an economy lot and left the infants in the car while she entered the airport. Jackson attempted to hire an Uber to find the stolen car in the economy lot, but could not pay, and ultimately found the stolen car on foot. After finding the vehicle, Jackson left one of the infants in the parking lot at approximately 4am. A passerby parking their vehicle saw the baby in his car seat wrapped in a quilt between two vehicles and alerted security.

    After Jackson left the Dayton International Airport parking lot at high speeds, she traveled to Indianapolis with the second baby still in the vehicle.

    She arrived at a Papa Johns Pizza on Indiana Avenue near the university district at approximately 8am on Dec. 20, and exited the stolen car on foot. She never returned to the vehicle, leaving the second baby strapped in his car seat in the back seat of the car.

    The baby remained strapped in the car seat for the next two-and-a-half-days while family members, concerned citizens and law enforcement officers continued to search for him.

    By happenstance, an Indianapolis woman encountered Jackson after she abandoned the stolen vehicle on Dec. 20. Jackson was selling stolen merchandise outside of a local gas station. The woman gave Jackson a ride to a nearby shopping plaza and gave Jackson her cell phone number in case Jackson came across any more holiday gifts for resale.

    That night, the woman noticed several social media posts regarding the kidnapping and recognized Jackson as the alleged kidnapper. The woman called her cousin, and together they formulated a plan to meet up with Jackson to confirm her identity, recover the infant if possible and lead Jackson to law enforcement.

    On Dec. 22, the women met up with Jackson, whom they traced to a local residence through a phone number Jackson had previously used to call one of them. The women confirmed that Jackson was the same person identified as the kidnapping suspect and drove her to several shopping centers in Indianapolis, all-the-while surreptitiously attempting to contact law enforcement in Columbus and Indianapolis.

    Eventually, one of the women was able to route local law enforcement to their vehicle over the phone by pretending that she was speaking with her boyfriend and providing updates on her location. The women tried to signal to Indianapolis police that Jackson was the kidnapping suspect, and eventually told officers when they were removed from Jackson’s immediate presence.  Jackson provided a false name and another individual’s identification card to the officers. After some time, the officers confirmed Jackson’s identity and arrested her for kidnapping. After the arrest, they let the two women go without interviewing them about their time spent with Jackson.

    The two women decided to continue searching for the missing infant. They discovered a bus schedule that Jackson left behind in the backseat of their vehicle and decided to focus their search on a bus route near the university district.

    While driving around searching that area to no avail, and with driving conditions worsening quickly due to an impending snowstorm, the women decided to get something to eat before heading home. As they were pulling into a Blaze Pizza, they noticed a black Honda Accord at the nearby Papa Johns and noticed snow had already accumulated on the car.

    They drove up to the stolen car and attempted to open the back door, which was locked. The driver’s door did open. Due to an overwhelming foul smell coming from the car, and the silence of the baby, one of the women screamed, assuming the baby was deceased. Upon hearing the scream, the baby alerted and began crying. One of the women removed the baby from his car seat and began comforting him.

    The women then noticed an empty Indianapolis police cruiser parked nearby and began looking for officers, who they found on their lunch break inside the Blaze Pizza. Indianapolis police then relocated to Papa Johns Pizza and took custody of the baby, taking him to a local hospital. The infant was treated for dehydration, heart abnormalities due to the dehydration, extreme diaper rash and skin deterioration due to him being buckled in a car seat for three days while sitting in his own excrement.

    Jackson was charged federally in January 2023.

    U.S. Attorney Parker acknowledged the numerous law enforcement agencies who have assisted in this case, including FBI offices in Columbus, Dayton and Indianapolis; the Columbus, Dayton, Huber Heights, Riverside, Vandalia, Dayton International Airport and Indianapolis police departments; the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Ohio State Highway Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST).

    Assistant United States Attorneys Emily K. Czerniejewski and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Woman Sentenced on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

              WASHINGTON – An Ohio woman was sentenced to prison on Sept. 4, 2024, on felony and misdemeanor charges related to her conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Her actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

              Therese Borgerding, 61, of Piqua, Ohio, was sentenced to 50 days in prison, 130 days of home confinement, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly.

              A federal jury previously convicted Borgerding of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, a felony, and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

              According to court documents, Borgerding and her codefendant and husband, Walter Messer, traveled from their home in Ohio to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, and arrived on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol building by approximately 7:00 a.m. while the crowd was sparse. Borgerding carried with her a large homemade ‘Q” sign.

              After reaching the barricades, Borgerding and her husband remained immediately outside the restricted perimeter for several hours. At about 1:59 p.m., a large crowd had gathered and overrun the barricades at the East Front. Borgerding then approached the nearest barricades, unhooking, and pushing them apart, parting the way for herself and other rioters to run towards the Capitol. Borgerding then stood on the east steps near the Rotunda Doors for several minutes, joining chants and waving her sign.

              At approximately 2:41 p.m., police officers inside the Rotunda Doors attempted to shut the doors to the Capitol building, which rioters inside and outside had previously opened; however, the officers were confronted by rioters outside who forced the doors back open and pushed their way into the building. Court documents say that Borgerding was near this confrontation.

              Still holding her “Q” sign, Borgerding pushed her way through the Rotunda Doors and walked straight into the Rotunda, where she remained for approximately two minutes. She then joined the large crowd near the Senate Wing Doors and later exited through one of the smashed windows onto the Northwest Courtyard around 2:49 p.m. Borgerding remained in the Northwest Courtyard at length, chanting and waving her large sign.

              The FBI arrested Borgerding on Aug. 6, 2021, in Dayton, Ohio.

              Walter Messer was previously sentenced on Sept. 11, 2023, to 24 months of probation for his role in the events of January 6th.

              The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio provided valuable assistance.

              The FBI’s Cincinnati and Washington Field Office investigated this case. The United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance.

              In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

              Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dayton Men Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of DEA Task Force Officer

    Source: US FBI

    DAYTON, Ohio – Two Dayton men were sentenced in federal court here today to life in prison for their roles in the narcotics case that caused the 2019 death of Dayton Police Detective and DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio.

    While attempting to prevent federal agents from seizing approximately half-a-million dollars in fentanyl and other drugs, Nathan Goddard, 44, murdered Det. DelRio. Goddard was sentenced today to life plus 10 years in prison.

    Goddard was convicted of murder following a jury trial in March 2024. He and Cahke Cortner, 44, were also convicted of multiple narcotics and firearms charges. Cortner was sentenced today to life plus five years in prison.

    “Every day DEA Special Agents and Task Force Officers put their lives on the line to protect their communities against dangerous and violent drug traffickers who threaten the safety of the American people. On November 7, 2019, DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the city of Dayton,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.  “Today’s sentences mean these two defendants will never walk free or hurt an innocent person again. DEA is as committed as ever to continuing this fight against violent drug traffickers.  We do it in honor of TFO DelRio and all the other narcotics officers who have given their lives for the pursuit of justice.” 

    “We stand with the DelRio family and our law enforcement partners, and we recognize that DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio sacrificed his life to protect this community. As was stated by Deputy Criminal Chief Tabacchi at today’s sentencing, Task Force Officer DelRio ‘was a son of the Dayton community – serving with dignity and selflessness.’ We will never forget his ultimate sacrifice,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “This case is a reminder that, as public servants, law enforcement officers do a dangerous job every day. Today’s sentences should also serve as a reminder to perpetrators of violent crime that we see these matters through to the end and we will hold you accountable.”

    “The Dayton Police Department is pleased to see the sentences imposed against Nathan Goddard and Cahke Cortner in the tragic shooting of Detective Jorge DelRio,” said Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal. “They mark a significant step of closure for Detective DelRio’s loved ones, our department, and our community. We extend our gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their diligent efforts throughout this case. It is imperative that those who inflict harm in our community are held accountable.”

    “Every day, members of law enforcement put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public. Mr. Goddard’s actions resulted in the tragic loss of Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio. While this verdict does not bring him back, we hope his family and our community as a whole can find comfort in knowing that Mr. Goddard will spend the rest of his life in a federal prison,” said DEA Detroit Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene.

    “While the FBI is pleased that Goddard and his accomplice will be held accountable for this murder, nothing can make up for the loss of Detective DelRio,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners continue to mourn his death and honor his legacy of service and sacrifice.”

    “These individuals are responsible for the death of Detective Jorge DelRio, who was working to keep our community safe from dangerous drug traffickers,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “As a Dayton Police Detective and DEA Task Force Officer, Det. DelRio was a selfless hero who gave his all, and ultimately his life, to protect the citizens of this nation. ATF is honored to have played a role in holding to account those responsible for Det. DelRio’s sacrifice. I hope these sentences bring some measure of closure to the family of Det. DelRio and send a message to criminals that law enforcement will be relentless in our pursuit of justice.”

    According to court documents and trial testimony, on Nov. 4, 2019, Goddard murdered Det. DelRio while Det. DelRio and others were executing a federal search warrant at 1454 Ruskin Road in Dayton.

    During the execution of the search warrant, Det. DelRio and other officials announced themselves and entered the home at approximately 6:50pm. Det. DelRio descended the stairway to the basement of the residence, immediately came under gunfire from the basement, and was struck and killed.

    As the government proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial, from 2018 until November 2019, Goddard and Cortner participated in a narcotics conspiracy involving kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana.

    The defendants kept firearms – including handguns fitted with laser sights – to protect the illegal drugs and their illicit proceeds. Goddard and Cortner acquired handguns on the black market referred to as “cop killers” because the firearms discharge bullets that can penetrate body armor. The defendants fitted these guns with high-capacity magazines.

    In the residence they used, officials discovered 10 kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, 50 to 60 pounds of marijuana, and more than $55,000 in cash. As the government’s sentencing memorandum notes, the amount of fentanyl recovered from the basement represented millions of potential street sales of fentanyl – enough poison to cause the overdose of almost every person in the Miami Valley.

    Goddard and Cortner were originally charged in this case on Nov. 6, 2019, and were charged by superseding indictment in July 2022.

    Their co-defendant Lionel Combs III, 45, pleaded guilty just before the start of trial to maintaining a drug premises, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck, Jr. announced the sentences imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. U.S. Attorney Parker recognized the critical assistance of the Criminal Interdiction Team of Central Oklahoma (CITCO).

    Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi, Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith and Christina E. Mahy, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claypoole from the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Allegedly Created Large “Trump” Sign Used as a Battering Ram Against Police

                WASHINGTON — An Ohio man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and other charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Jeffrey Newcomb, 41, of Polk, Ohio, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder.  In addition to the felonies, Newcomb is charged with misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a capitol building or grounds.

    The FBI arrested Newcomb today in Polk, Ohio, and he will make his initial appearance in the Northern District of Ohio.

                According to court documents, it is alleged that Newcomb created a large 13ft by 10ft custom metal sign, which read “Trump” and was supported by large casters about the size of a person’s head. Newcomb brought this sign with him as he traveled from Ohio to Washington. D.C., and participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

                Court documents say Newcomb was identified in video footage on the morning of January 6th carrying the sign onto the U.S. Capitol grounds. Images from that day depict Newcomb moving the sign around Constitution Avenue, NW, and other areas near the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. Later, Newcomb pulled the sign toward the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds with the help of several other rioters along the way. Newcomb and others then carried the sign up the Maryland Walkway, closer to the Capitol building.

                It is alleged that Newcomb and others then carried the sign into a mob of rioters facing off against a police line on the West Plaza. Court documents say that Newcomb, with the assistance of others, passed the giant metal framed sign from the southwestern portion of the West Plaza mob toward the center front of the crowd. Rioters cheered the sign’s arrival, and many in the crowd helped pass it closer and closer to the police line as Newcomb carried the sign by one of its large casters.

                At approximately 1:40 p.m., Newcomb and the sign reached the police line on the West Plaza. At this point, it is alleged that Newcomb still carried the sign by one of its casters. It is further alleged that Newcomb and other rioters then started pushing the sign on a path in order to ram it into the police line. At one point, Newcomb fell as he began to walk up the plaza’s steps, and the sign’s progression temporarily paused.

                Newcomb got back up and grabbed the sign once again as the mob resumed pushing it forward. Just before the mob was about to hit the police line with the sign, Newcomb released the sign, allowing it to move further forward with the mob like a battering ram. As police officers struggled to address the danger caused by the sign, Newcomb dropped back and, at one point, supported rioters continuing to shove the sign toward the police line by pushing on rioters’ backs. The sign eventually struck police.

                According to court documents, the sign could have easily knocked over police due to the frame’s sheer size and the sharp edges and corners, which were readily capable of causing slicing or splitting injuries. Police worked quickly to pull the sign away from the mob. It ultimately took over a dozen officers to completely remove the sign.

                Newcomb remained on the West Plaza for some time until well after the West Plaza police line fell at approximately 2:30 p.m., and rioters swarmed onto the Inaugural stage.

               This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.                                       

                In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Sector – Financial close for Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 – Equinor

    Source: Equinor

    23 MAY 2025 – The project joint venture partners Equinor (50%) and Polenergia (50%) have reached financial close for the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects. Two project financing packages of over EUR 3 billion for Bałtyk 2 and over EUR 3 billion for Bałtyk 3 including ancillary facilities, have been secured.

    The offshore wind projects were awarded Contracts for Difference (CfD) in 2021, securing power prices at approximately EUR 71 per MWh (2021 price) for 25 years, with inflation indexation. The wind farms are project financed with gearing of approximately 80%. The projects support Equinor’s expected double-digit nominal equity rate of return for renewables and low carbon investments.

    Equinor is responsible for the construction phase and will be the operator of the two offshore wind farms. Onshore construction work is ongoing, fabrication of key components has started, while marine operations will start next year. Total power capacity of the projects is 1440 MW, enough to power 2 million Polish homes. Full commercial power production is expected in 2028. The individual project finance packages will fund the capital investment and the other expenses of each of the projects during the construction process totaling approximately EUR 7.2 billion.

    Danske Commodities, an Equinor subsidiary, will provide route-to-market services including balancing and power offtake for the first three years of operations.

    Following strong interest from lenders, Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 have secured competitive terms and conditions. The final group, comprising of around 30 financial institutions, includes the most experienced in the sector along with many of Equinor’s core banks, the Nordic Investment Bank and the European Investment Bank.

    Final investment decisions for Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 were taken by the project joint venture partners, 19 May.

    Senior vice president for Renewables in Europe, Trine Borum Bojsen:

    “Building a profitable renewables business through safe execution and operations is key to delivering on Equinor’s strategy. With financial close reached for Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3, the last important milestone is passed ahead of full-scale construction. We appreciate the strong interest and support from lenders. This underpins the attractiveness of the projects and the confidence in Polenergia and Equinor as developers.”

    Country Manager in Poland, Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk:

    “Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 represent the beginning of a new era in Poland’s offshore wind energy development. These wind farms are set to contribute to Poland’s industrial future by producing renewable electricity for Polish households, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing both energy security and the energy transition. We will collaborate with industry partners to ensure their delivery is safe and efficient.”

    About Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3

    Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3, developed by Equinor (50%) and Polenergia (50%), the largest private energy group in Poland, are two offshore wind projects with a total capacity of 1440 MW (720 MW each). The two wind farms, developed in parallel, largely within the same time schedule, will consist of 100 fixed bottom turbines, placed 22-37 km off the Polish coast. All key suppliers have been selected and contracted and are among the most experienced in the industry. The operations and maintenance base will be situated in Łeba, located in the region of Gdańsk in northern Poland. The base will serve as a centre for marine operations and support during the construction phase. Equinor is the owner of the base and will be the operator of the projects.

    Equinor in Poland

    Equinor is among the leading renewables energy developers in Poland. In addition to Bałtyk 2 and 3, the company together with Polenergia is maturing Bałtyk 1 (up to 1560 MW) for the second phase of Poland’s offshore wind development where an auction is expected late 2025. Equinor’s subsidiary, Wento, is a multi-tech power producer operating three solar plants and one onshore wind park in Poland with a total capacity of ~200 MW. It has also a >3GW pipeline of onshore renewables and battery storage projects. Equinor also supports Poland’s energy transition and security through the supply of natural gas via the Baltic Pipe.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Man Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A man was arrested early Saturday morning in Anchorage on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement with attempted enticement of a minor, attempted production of child pornography and possession of child pornography depicting a minor under 12 years of age.

    According to court documents, Benjamin Roundy, aka “Aleks” or “Alekzander Marko”, 41, of Anchorage, attempted to produce child pornography and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit actions through communications on a messaging app and text messages. He is also charged with allegedly possessing child pornography on his cell phone.

    Roundy is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422(b), attempted production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2251(a), and possession of child pornography depicting minors who have not attained 12 years of age in violation with 18 U.S.C. §2252A(a)(5)(b) and (7)(b)(2). If convicted, Roundy faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum life term in prison following conviction on all 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 for the District of Alaska; and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is actively investigating the case. If anyone has any information concerning Roundy’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone using the name “Aleks” in person, via text message or on an online messaging app, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously online at tips.fbi.gov.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander 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.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Men Arrested, Indicted for Trafficking Fentanyl to Alaska

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Two Arizona men were arrested over the last three weeks on warrants from a federal indictment charging them with trafficking fentanyl to Alaska.

    According to court proceedings, a federal grand jury returned an indictment on July 18 charging Odarious Shaw, 24, and Corrion James, 25, with allegedly distributing large amounts of fentanyl to Alaska from their home state of Arizona over a four-month period. James was arrested at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport when he arrived carrying a package of 40,000 fentanyl pills, and Shaw was arrested in Arizona.

    James and Shaw are charged with one count conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846 and 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and one count possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A). If convicted, Shaw faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 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 S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska; Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Captain Cornelius Sims of the Alaska State Troopers; and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department and the FBI are investigating the case as part of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Alaska High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Schroeder 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.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Anchorage Man on Child Pornography, Attempted Enticement Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment today charging an Anchorage man with allegedly attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

    According to court documents, Peter Joseph Hickel Jr., 33, was arrested on July 25 near Sunset Park in Anchorage after communicating with and attempting to meet an individual that he believed to be a 12-year-old girl.

    Hickel is charged with attempted production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2251(a), attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422(b), and possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2251A(a)(5). If convicted, Hickel faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 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 S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska; and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case. If anyone has any information concerning Hickel’s alleged actions or may have encountered him in person, via text message or on an online messaging app, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously online at tips.fbi.gov.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Charged with Selling Guns for Use in Mass Shooting

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Mark Adams Prieto, 58, of Prescott, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on Firearms Trafficking, Transfer of a Firearm for Use in a Hate Crime, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.

    The indictment alleges that, between January 2024 and May 2024, Prieto had discussions with two individuals working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to devise a plan to commit a mass shooting of African Americans and other minorities to incite a race war prior to the 2024 United States Presidential Election. Prieto did not know the individuals were working with the government, but instead believed that they shared his racist beliefs and wanted to commit a mass shooting to incite a race war. The targeted event was a concert in Atlanta that was going to be held on May 14 and May 15, 2024.

    The indictment further alleges that, having discussed specific details about the planned attack, Prieto sold two rifles to one of the individuals, an AK-style rifle on February 25, 2024, and an AR-style rifle on March 24, 2024. During the entire investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation closely monitored Prieto’s movements. On May 14, 2024, Prieto was stopped by law enforcement driving east from Arizona through New Mexico along Interstate 40. Prieto was in possession of seven firearms and was taken into federal custody. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at his home in Prescott. Law enforcement found more firearms in his residence, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

    Each conviction for Firearms Trafficking and Transfer of Firearm for Use in a Hate Crime carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. A conviction for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

    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 Phoenix Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Albuquerque Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and the Prescott Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution, along with the U.S Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Department of Justice, National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-074_Prieto

    # # #

    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: Kayenta Resident Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Making Hoax Calls to Elicit SWAT Responses

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – James Thomas Andrew McCarty, 21, of New Mexico, was sentenced last week to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to charges in two separate indictments relating to hoax calls that elicited police SWAT responses. 

    With respect to the indictment originating from the District of Arizona, McCarty pleaded guilty on February 1, 2024, to making two hoax calls to high schools in Indiana and Oklahoma using the names of real students at the high schools he called. McCarty also pleaded guilty to two separate crimes of aggravated identity theft since he used the identity of an actual individual during these calls. On January 25, 2021, McCarty made repetitive hoax calls to two different high schools. In the first series of hoax calls to a high school in Indiana, McCarty called school officials representing that he was a student at the school, while using the real name of a student there, and that he was outside the school with an AR-15 rifle, a Glock handgun, and propane bottles ready to shoot at the school. In the second series of hoax calls about 20 minutes later to a high school in Oklahoma, McCarty called school officials representing that he was a student at the school, while using the real name of a student there, and that he was outside of the school with an AR-15 rifle, a Glock handgun, and propane tanks ready to shoot the propane tanks before coming into the school. McCarty also pleaded guilty to two hoax calls he made on April 16, 2021, and May 20, 2021. He used the name of the same homeowner in both calls, stating to police that he had killed his wife, would kill everyone, blow up the residence, and had four bombs planted outside of a retail location. McCarty was a resident of Kayenta and made all his calls while residing there.

    With respect to the indictment originating from the Central District of California, McCarty pleaded guilty on February 1, 2024, to conspiracy by working with others to access Ring doorbell accounts. On November 13, 2020, McCarty made an unauthorized intrusion into a victim’s Ring doorbell account in Florida, called the police in that Florida community where the victim lived, and represented himself to be the victim’s husband who had just killed her, was holding a hostage, and had rigged explosives at the residence. McCarty then livestreamed the law enforcement response and posted a message that he thought it was funny. McCarty also made multiple calls to victims in California.

    This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Arizona and Los Angeles, California offices. Valuable assistance was provided by South Plainfield (New Jersey) Police Department, Snellville (Georgia) Police Department, Forsyth County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, Westfield (Indiana) Police Department, Vinita (Oklahoma) Police Department, and Parma (Ohio) Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR 22-08133-PHX-SPL (Original District of Arizona Indictment)
                                          CR 24-00122-PHX-SPL (Originally Central District of CA—Rule 20)
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-082_McCarty

    # # #

    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 –