NewzIntel.com

Category: Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jose Luis Ramos, 56, of Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Ramos was intercepted on a wiretap coordinating the delivery of 10 pounds of methamphetamine in Southern California. Two pounds of that methamphetamine was ultimately seized by the FBI in Sacramento.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Alstyn Bennett prosecuted the case.

    Ramos’ co-defendant, Jesus Celaya, was sentenced on Oct. 10, 2024, to 73 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Diego Man Indicted for Sending Threatening Communication to LGBTQ Victim

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 13, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – George Joseph Wellinger II of San Diego made his first appearance in federal court today to face charges that he sent a threatening email to a member of the LGBTQ community.

    The victim was targeted after being interviewed for a KTLA news report about a hate-inspired murder in Lake Arrowhead in 2023.

    According to the indictment, the email called the victim “another alphabet clown that wants to take a dirt nap, too,” and included a link to the KTLA news report which featured the victim and others discussing the murder of a Lake Arrowhead business owner who had been gunned down for hanging a Pride flag in her business.

    The email continued: “We know what you look like and know where are you are….only a matter of time….Love it….get ur ghey on sister….scissor it up….we coming for ur rainbow azz. Click Click!!!!;

    Wellinger was arraigned on an indictment charging him with Transmitting a Threatening Communication. The indictment alleges Wellinger targeted his victim because of her sexual orientation.

    “Hate crimes are designed to terrify both the victim and the community,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The U. S. Attorney’s Office works tirelessly on prosecuting these cases to send our own message: San Diego is no place for hate.”

    “Today’s indictment serves as a reminder there is no room for hate in our community,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Hate crimes remain one of the top FBI priorities and we will continue to protect and safeguard our communities.”

    Wellinger was taken into custody early today and at today’s hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major set a $50,000 bond and ordered home detention and electronic monitoring.

    If you or anyone you know believes you have been the victim of a hate crime, please contact the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/home. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline M. Jimenez and Alicia Williams are prosecuting this case.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number: 24-CR-1591                                       

    George Joseph Wellinger II                            Age: 48                                   San Diego, CA

    CHARGE

    Transmitting a Threatening Communication – Title 18 U.S.C., § 875(c)

    Maximum penalty: Five years in prison

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: San Diego Man Charged with Using Explosives to Burglarize ATMs

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 23, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – Son Nguyen of San Diego was arrested early today and charged in federal court with two counts of damaging property in connection with using explosives on two ATMs.

    Nguyen, who unsuccessfully attempted to steal money from the machines, was tracked through surveillance video, vehicle registration and facial features, the complaint said. He was taken into custody by the FBI at his Mira Mesa residence and is scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court Monday.

    According to the complaint, at approximately 3:24 a.m. on June 8, 2024, Nguyen drove up to an ATM outside of California Coast Credit Union on Governor Drive in San Diego. Nguyen got out of his car and brought a five-gallon blue plastic container with a white spout to the area in front of the ATM. He then appeared to insert a black polyvinyl chloride plastic (“PVC”) hose into the ATM. A short time later, a small explosion occurred inside the ATM. Despite efforts to pull money out of the machine, Nguyen left empty handed.

    San Diego Police officers responded to an alarm at the credit union and observed a white PVC pipe connected to a black PVC pipe with two batteries taped to it. They also observed pieces of what looked like a blue balloon around the ATM.  Approximately 20 feet from the ATM was another plastic pipe. 

    According to the complaint, a few weeks later, at approximately 2:10 a.m. on June 28, 2024, Nguyen drove up to another ATM in Rancho Bernardo outside of a First Citizen’s Bank branch in San Diego. He then repeated the same steps. After electrical components caught fire and smoke started coming out of the ATM, Nguyen returned and attempted to extract cash from the machine but was unsuccessful.

    Investigators used surveillance camera video to track the defendant and his vehicle. While serving a court-authorized search warrant at Nguyen’s home, investigators found gas, black powder, potassium nitrate sulfur, explosive pre-cursor chemicals, a paper that explains how to make black powder and a firearm in Nguyen’s residence, among other equipment and clothing items consistent with those used during the attempts.

    “Fortunately, neither of these incidents resulted in injury or successful theft of cash,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “With the discovery of chemicals and equipment in the search today, future attempts were also thwarted.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Shital Thakkar.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number                         24-mj-03215

    Son Thanh Nguyen                                         Age: 44                                   San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Use of an Explosive to Damage Property – 18 U.S.C., Section 844(i)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    San Diego Police Department

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad

    City of San Diego’s Hazmat Team

    A complaint itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Russian Cybercrime Group Charged in Ohio

    Source: US FBI

    CINCINNATI – A member of a Russian cybercrime group has been charged federally and appeared in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati today.

    A federal grand jury indicted Deniss Zolotarjovs, 33, of Moscow, Russia, charging him with conspiring to commit money laundering, wire fraud and Hobbs Act extortion.

    He was arrested by law enforcement in the country of Georgia in December 2023 and has remained in custody since. Georgia extradited Zolotarjovs to the United States this month.

    According to court documents, Zolotarjovs is a member of a known cybercriminal organization that attacks computer systems of victims around the world. Among other things, the Russian cybercrime group steals victim data and threatens to release it unless the victim pays ransom in cryptocurrency. The group maintains a leaks and auction website that lists victim companies and offers stolen data for download.

    It is alleged that Zolotarjovs was an active member of the Russian cybercrime group, communicating with other members, laundering cryptocurrency received from victims, and extorting victims. Zolotarjovs is the first alleged group member to be arrested and extradited to the United States.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. U.S. Attorney Parker and SAC Iatarola commend the FBI offices in Cleveland, San Diego, Richmond and Salt Lake City for their vital roles in the investigation and officials in Georgia for their role in the extradition. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Gaffney Painter is representing the United States in this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Zolotarjovs’s extradition from Georgia.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mastermind of $5 Million Unemployment Fraud Scheme and Accomplices Sentenced to Prison

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 28, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – David Constantin, mastermind of a scheme to steal more than $5 million in California unemployment benefits intended to help workers affected by the pandemic, was sentenced in federal court today to five years in prison and was ordered to pay $ $5,178,276 in restitution to the state.

    The co-mastermind of the scheme, Constantin Bobi Sandu, charged separately, was sentenced in 2023 to 40 months in prison.

    According to Constantin’s plea agreement, between July 2020 and August 2022, Constantin and Sandu conspired with 213 co-conspirators to fraudulently obtain at least $5,178,276 in California unemployment insurance benefits.

    Thirteen other defendants were charged on the same indictment as Constantin with wire fraud and money laundering related to the unemployment fraud scheme.  Four of the defendants were sentenced on July 31, 2024, and ordered to pay restitution to the state of California. They are:

    • Eduard Buse, 34 months and $244,050;
    • Constantin Iosif Constantin, 32 months and $281,000;
    • Leonard Miclescu, 15 months and $34,650; and
    • Filip Nicolae, 13 months and $26,250.

    Additional defendants include:

    • Florentina Sima, wife of Buse, who was sentenced on May 29, 2024 to 15 months in custody and $28,350 in restitution; and
    • Florin Nicolae, who pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2024, at 9 a.m.

    According to admissions in their plea agreements, these defendants submitted fraudulent applications to the California Economic Development Department, falsely claiming to be United States citizens who had been employed full time prior to the pandemic, and who had earned substantial income. To substantiate these claims, the defendants submitted false documents, including fake Forms W-2 purporting to be from their prior employers, phony health insurance cards, and fake utility bills to support their claimed residence in California.

    These defendants caused the California Employment Development Department to pay out hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent benefits to individuals who were not entitled to those benefits. Many of them laundered their fraudulent proceeds by transferring funds to Romania. 

    In some cases, while claiming that they needed the funds to take care of their families, the defendants used the proceeds of the fraud to purchase luxury items. Buse, for example, purchased a 2020 BMW for more than $100,000 and shipped it to Romania.

    Other defendants are being sought by the United States so that they can be held accountable. 

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Adeline Schulberg and Valerie H. Chu.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23CR2090-RBM                               

    David Constantin, Aka Vlad Alexandru         Age: 28           Transient, Romanian

    Eduard Buse                                                    Age: 31           Transient, Romanian

    Leonard Miclescu                                           Age: 49           Transient, Romanian

    Constantin Iosif Constantin                            Age: 31           Transient, Romanian

    Florentina Sima                                              Age: 30           Transient, Romanian

    Filip Nicolae                                                   Age: 31           Transient, Romanian

    Florin Nicolae                                                 Age:  34          Transient, Romania

    *Additional defendants are not in custody and their names are redacted

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Title 18, U.S.C.  § 1349 and 1343 – Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

    Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison, a fine of $1 million or both;

    Title 18 U.S.C. § 1943 – Wire Fraud

    Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison, a fine of $1 million or both;

    Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(A) — Laundering Monetary Instruments

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved in the transportation, transmission, or transfer, whichever is greater;

    Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(B)(i) – Laundering Monetary Instruments

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved in the transportation, transmission, or transfer, whichever is greater;

    Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 981(a)(1)(C) and 982(a)(1), and Title 28, U.S.C. § 2461(c) – Criminal Forfeitures 

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    San Diego Police Department Economic Crimes Unit

    IRS Criminal Investigation

    California Employment Development Department Investigative Division

    Department of Labor Office of Investigator General

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Indicted for Operating Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business, Conspiracy to Make False Statements to a Bank

    Source: US FBI

    SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury in Oakland indicted four individuals on charges of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and conspiracy to make false statements to a bank.

    According to the indictment filed Nov. 7, 2024, and unsealed Dec. 16, 2024, Gaston Kolker, 49, of Connecticut, Michael Goldfine, 66, of New York, Astrid Jasnis, 52, of Argentina, and Joanna O’Donnell, 56, of Sherman Oaks, California, allegedly made false statements to FDIC-insured banks in order to initiate and maintain a business transmitting money on behalf of others, many of whom were foreign nationals in Argentina.  The defendants allegedly opened and maintained numerous accounts under false pretenses, claiming the accounts were held in the names of companies engaged in the importing and exporting of goods, when the defendants were operating the accounts for an unlicensed money transmitting business that transferred funds on behalf of others.  The defendants are also charged with operating, and conspiring to operate, a money transmitting business without a license.

    Kolker was arrested in Connecticut on Dec. 13, 2024, made his initial appearance in Hartford that day, and was released on $250,000 bond.  Goldfine self-surrendered on Dec. 13, 2024, made his initial appearance in New York City that day, and was released on $100,000 bond.  Kolker and Goldfine are scheduled to appear in San Francisco on Jan. 21, 2025, for initial proceedings before Magistrate Judge Peter H. Kang.  O’Donnell self-surrendered and made her initial appearance in San Francisco on Dec. 16, 2024.  She is currently released on $100,000 bond following a hearing before Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim on Dec. 20, 2024.  Jasnis remains at large.

    United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner, and San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) made the announcement.

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, defendants each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 & 1014, conspiracy to make false statements to a bank, 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 & 1960, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and 18 U.S.C. § 1960, operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Assistant United States Attorney Robert David Rees is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske and Veronica Hernandez.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, FDIC-OIG, and USPIS.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault of Fellow Passenger Aboard International Flight to San Francisco

    Source: US FBI

    SAN FRANCISCO – Rajesh Kumar Kapoor, 57, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2024, to sexual assault of another passenger aboard an aircraft bound for San Francisco.

    Defendant was indicted on Mar. 13, 2024.  The indictment alleged that, while on a flight from the Republic of Korea to San Francisco on Jan. 16, 2024, Kapoor touched the victim’s breasts and inner thigh without permission.

    In connection with pleading guilty, Kapoor admitted that he intentionally touched the victim’s inner thigh without the victim’s permission and with the intent to harass her. Kapoor pleaded guilty, with no plea agreement from the government, to abusive sexual contact in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(b).

    “Sexual assault has no place in our society, not on the ground and not in the skies.  Airline passengers should not have to fear sexual assault while traveling.  These assaults are federal crimes, and I urge the public to report them to law enforcement so they can be investigated and prosecuted,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.

    “Sexual misconduct on an aircraft is a serious violation of federal law and public trust,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. “Everyone has the right to feel safe while traveling. The FBI will continue working with our partners to ensure justice for victims of such outrageous criminal behavior.”

    Kapoor’s sentencing is scheduled for Mar. 27, 2025, before the Honorable Edward M. Chen, Senior U.S. District Judge.  He faces a statutory maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Chou and Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas M. Parker are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Marina Ponomarchuk, Andy Ding, and Tina Rosenbaum.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the San Francisco Police Department Airport Bureau.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: East Bay Arsonist Admits to Attempting to Firebomb Oakland Federal Building and Firebombing University Police Car

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Admitted Actions Were Designed to Retaliate Against Government Conduct and Influence and Affect the Conduct of State and Federal Governments

    OAKLAND – Casey Robert Goonan, 34, of Oakland and Pleasant Hill, pleaded guilty today to federal arson charges in relation to a series of firebombings and arsons at the Oakland federal building and the University of California, Berkeley in June 2024.

    According to a plea agreement filed in open court, in the early morning hours of June 11, 2024, Goonan arrived at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland carrying a bag containing three explosive devices commonly known as “Molotov cocktails.”  Goonan threw rocks at the building, hoping to break a window in order to throw lit Molotov cocktails inside. That plan was disrupted by protective services officers; upon fleeing from the officers, Goonan placed the Molotov cocktails in a planter on the side of building and lit them on fire.

    Goonan also admitted to placing a bag containing six Molotov cocktails underneath the fuel tank of a marked University of California Police Department (UCPD) patrol car at UC Berkeley in the early morning hours of June 1, 2024, lighting the bag on fire and fleeing, causing the patrol car to catch on fire, as depicted below:

    In addition to these two attacks, Goonan admitted to setting other fires on the UC Berkeley campus on June 1, June 13, and June 16, 2024.

    Goonan admitted that these crimes were designed to influence and affect the conduct of governments by intimidation and coercion and to retaliate against the governments of the United States and the State of California for their conduct. Goonan also agreed that the Court should apply Section 3A1.4 of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the terrorism enhancement, in determining the appropriate sentence.

    “In America, we are all free to express our political views and petition the government. But we are not free to do so using violence,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “Politically motivated violence undermines our democracy, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in it.”

    “Protecting the public from acts of violence and terrorism is the FBI’s top priority,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin.  “Acts of arson and violence that seek to intimidate or coerce government institutions undermine democracy and the rule of law. We are grateful to our state and local law enforcement partners for their swift efforts in identifying and bringing Casey Goonan to justice before further harm could be done.”

    Goonan pleaded guilty to one count of Maliciously Damaging or Destroying Property Used in or Affecting Interstate Commerce by Means of Fire or an Explosive in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(i), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a minimum sentence of five years in prison.  Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Goonan, who has been in custody since being arrested, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2025, before the Honorable Jeffrey S. White, Senior United States District Judge.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikhil Bhagat is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, ATF, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, and UCPD. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dublin Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Damaging Former Employer’s Computers

    Source: US FBI

    OAKLAND – Dublin resident Vamsikrishna Naganathanahalli was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for damaging computers belonging to his former employer. The Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Judge, handed down the sentence.

    Naganathanahalli, 49, pleaded guilty on Aug. 15, 2024, to three counts of knowingly causing the transmission of a program, information, code, or command, and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causing damage without authorization, to a protected computer.  According to his plea agreement, defendant worked for MedAmerica, Inc., part of the Vituity group of companies, from October 2018 to June 2022. Vituity, based in Emeryville, Calif., included physician partners and other healthcare professional employees who worked as contractors in hospital emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, telehealth providers, and other clinical settings. The company also employed non-clinical healthcare personnel who worked with healthcare providers in various facilities. Vituity used the Oracle Human Capital Management (“HCM”) platform to organize core human resources data for its approximately 7,000 employees. The HCM platform contained records for current and past Vituity employees, including their Social Security numbers, salaries, and addresses. Naganathanahalli worked for Vituity as a Senior HCM Architect.

    Defendant admitted that, on May 28, 2022, the day after being told that his employment at Vituity was being terminated, he used his access to a privileged HCM service account to change the password for another employee’s privileged Vituity HCM account without authorization. On or about Sept. 6, 2022, after his employment had ended, he used that privileged HCM account to change the HCM password for a Vituity contractor. That same day, he used the contractor’s account to load files containing “dummy” or “masked” data, which replaced real data, to the Vituity HCM live production environment. As Naganathanahalli admitted, the generic masked data overwrote the real data for approximately 90 percent of Vituity employees, current and former. Defendant’s conduct caused a loss to Vituity of at least $400,930.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Gonzalez Rogers also ordered Naganathanahalli to pay $400,930 in restitution and a $300 special assessment and sentenced him to a three-year period of supervised release. The defendant will begin serving his sentence on July 20, 2025.

    United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin made the announcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle J. Kane and Nikhil Bhagat are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathy Tat.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, Thao’s Longtime Partner, and Two Local Businessmen Charged with Bribery Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    OAKLAND – An eight-count indictment was unsealed today charging former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her longtime romantic partner Andre Jones, and local businessmen David Trung Duong and Andy Hung Duong with bribery offenses, and charging Andy Duong with making false statements to government agents.

    According to the indictment filed Jan. 9, 2025, in the weeks leading up to the City of Oakland mayoral election in November 2022 and following her election as mayor, Thao promised to take official actions as the mayor of Oakland to benefit David Duong and Andy Duong, in exchange for the Duongs providing various benefits to Thao and Jones.  David Duong was the president and CEO of a recycling company that provided residential recycling collection services to Oakland households, and was also the chairman and co-owner of a housing company formed to develop and manufacture prefabricated modular homes.  Andy Duong, David Duong’s son, was an employee of the recycling company and also a founder and co-owner of the housing company.

    The indictment describes that Thao promised to commit the City of Oakland to purchase housing units from the Duongs’ housing company, extend the City’s contract with the Duongs’ recycling company, and appoint city officials selected by the Duongs.  In exchange, David and Andy Duong promised to and did fund a $75,000 negative mailer campaign targeting Thao’s opponents in the mayoral election, and made $95,000 in payments to Jones for a no-show job with their housing company, with the promise of additional payments, all intended for the benefit of Thao and Jones.

    Once Thao became Mayor of Oakland in January 2023, she allegedly took steps in furtherance of the corrupt relationship with the Duongs, including using her influence to help appoint a high-level City of Oakland official selected by David and Andy Duong, and requesting that members of her staff meet with and tour the Duongs’ housing company.

    Thao allegedly benefitted from the payments that the Duongs made to Jones.  Financial records indicate that before Jones began receiving payments as a result of the bribery scheme, Thao either paid the entirety of or split with Jones the rent for their shared residence.  However, starting in January 2023, soon after Jones began receiving payments as part of the bribery scheme, Jones began paying the entirety of their rent.  In addition, beginning in January 2023, Jones increased his contribution to, or paid the entirety of, shared bills with Thao, including household utility bills and mobile phone bills.

    Defendants allegedly took steps to conceal their bribery scheme by, among other actions: at Thao’s direction, making the bribe payments to Jones to avoid a paper trial to Thao; misrepresenting that Jones had a legitimate job with the Duongs’ housing company to mask the bribery payments; creating false invoices for the bribe payments from the Duongs’ recycling company; and failing to disclose benefits received on California Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests.

    “The public deserves honesty and transparency from City Hall.  When elected officials agree to a pay-to-play system to benefit themselves rather than work for the best interests of their constituents, that breaches the public trust,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.  “This indictment reaffirms the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to root out, investigate, and prosecute corruption in our local governments.”

    “Our communities are entitled to leaders who act in their best interest, free from the shadow of corruption,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin.  “Today’s actions demonstrate our resolute determination to protect the integrity of our government and ensure accountability for those who betray the public’s trust.”

    “To protect the public trust, Postal Inspectors worked closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) to investigate and prosecute those individuals responsible for fraud schemes committed against a government agency, businesses, and the public,” said San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

    “The alleged crimes committed against the citizens of Oakland by former Mayor Thao and her co-conspirators are a clear breach of public trust and cannot be tolerated,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen.  “Public corruption schemes are rooted in greed and typically leave a money trail behind.  IRS-CI specializes in following that trail and building cases that lead to justice.”

    The indictment charges each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(B) or 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(2); one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; one count of honest services mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1346; and two counts of honest services wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1346.  Andy Duong was also charged with one count of making false statements to government agents in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If convicted, defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count under 18 U.S.C. § 1349, 18 U.S.C. § 1341, and 18 U.S.C. § 1343, a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count under 18 U.S.C. §§ 666(a)(1)(B) and (a)(2), and a maximum of five years in prison for the count under 18 U.S.C. § 371.  Andy Duong faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the count under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    The defendants are scheduled to make their initial federal court appearance in Oakland at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Priedeman, Abraham Fine, and Lloyd Farnham are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James and Madeline Wachs.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, USPIS, and IRS-CI.

    Sheng Thao Indictment
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Denver Man Convicted on Five Counts Related to Denver Bank Robberies

    Source: US FBI

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Flozell Beasley, 72, of Denver, was convicted by a federal jury on four counts of bank robbery and one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce.

    According to the facts established at trial, Beasley robbed two banks, two credit unions, and a taco shop in Denver, between May and July 2023.  In each robbery, the defendant dressed like a construction worker and threatened employees with a high-quality replica gun before taking their money and fleeing. On July 11, 2023, the defendant robbed the Vectra Bank at 1001 E 17th Street and left with a GPS tracker inside the money stolen from the bank. He then boarded a nearby RTD bus and was arrested twelve minutes later sitting on the bus with the tracker, stolen money, replica gun, construction vest, and construction helmet in a bag at his feet.

    “Our office remains focused on stopping brazen, serial bank robbers who victimize bank employees,” said United States Attorney Matt Kirsch. “

    “This individual is a previously convicted felon who was released from prison and returned to robbing banks — and a restaurant when his chosen bank was closed,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “This is the kind of defendant that gets the attention of the FBI Denver Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, and with help from partners like the Denver Police Department and the Regional Transportation District, we tracked him down and ended his criminal activity in the community. “

    United States District Court Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the trial.

    The FBI Denver Field Office handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Dunn and Garreth Winstead handled the prosecution.

    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.

    Case Number: 23-cr-342-RMR

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Convicted for Kidnapping and Death of Woman Whose Body Was Found in Nevada Desert

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A federal jury convicted a Pennsylvania resident today for kidnapping a woman in Pennsylvania then driving her to Nevada and killing her in the desert.

    John Matthew Chapman, 44, was found guilty of one count of kidnapping resulting in death. United States District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled a sentencing hearing for August 2, 2024. Chapman faces the maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    According to court documents and evidence presented during the eight-day trial, on November 14, 2019, the Bethel Park Police Department in Pennsylvania conducted a welfare check on the victim at the request of a friend. During the welfare check, neighbors stated that they had not seen the victim in approximately two months, but they had observed a person whom they believed to be her boyfriend (Chapman) entering and leaving the victim’s residence. Inside the victim’s residence, officers found identification cards with Chapman’s name and photograph, the victim’s cellular telephone, multiple zip ties, and a roll of duct tape.

    On November 15, 2019, Bethel Park Police Department detectives arrested and interviewed Chapman. During the interview, Chapman admitted that in September 2019 he drove the victim from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, to Las Vegas, Nevada. He further admitted that he misled the victim to believe the trip was a vacation and they would potentially purchase a residence in Las Vegas. Chapman, however, had planned to kill the victim before their departure to Nevada. Chapman told investigators that he drove the victim out to the desert in Lincoln County, Nevada. Under the pretext of a bondage photo shoot, Chapman bound the victim’s hands and feet with plastic zip ties and affixed her to a signpost. Then he applied duct tape to her mouth and nose and watched her die from asphyxiation.

    The joint investigation revealed that Chapman returned to Pennsylvania. He pretended to be the victim, including using the victim’s Facebook messenger account, and he continuously used the victim’s residence and money following her death.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.

    The FBI Las Vegas Division, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada, and the Bethel Park Police Department in Pennsylvania investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady, Megan Rachow, and Steven Rose are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Strengthens Efforts, Builds Partnerships to Address the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day.

    In recognition of MMIP Awareness Day, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and human trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and other pressing public safety challenges, like the fentanyl crisis, in Tribal communities.

    “There is still so much more to do in the face of persistently high levels of violence that Tribal communities have endured for generations, and that women and girls, particularly, have endured,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “In carrying out our work, we seek to honor those who are still missing, those who were stolen from their communities, and their loved ones who are left with unimaginable pain. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. This day challenges all of us at the Justice Department to double down on our efforts, and to be true partners with Tribal communities as we seek to end this crisis.”

    “We know that government-to-government partnerships are critical to improving the safety and well-being of Tribal communities. This is why, throughout the year, our office meets with Tribal leadership, Tribal law enforcement, and community groups to hear challenges, share resources and information, and strengthen our relationships,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We remain dedicated in our commitment to address violence against indigenous women, fentanyl overdoses, human trafficking, and other public safety issues in Tribal communities. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to help ensure that all people in Indian Country are safe in their communities.”

    “The FBI remains unwavering in our pledge to work with our law enforcement partners to address the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities and families,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We will continue to prioritize our support of victims and will steadfastly pursue investigations into the crime impacting American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”

    “DEA’s top priority is protecting all communities from deadly drugs, like fentanyl, and drug related violent crime,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.  “We know that no community has been spared from these deadly threats and we are committed to keeping Tribal communities safe.”

    Justice Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases

    Last July, the Justice Department announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which permanently places 10 attorneys and coordinators in five designated regions across the United States to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people. The five regions include the Northwest, Southwest, Great Plains, Great Lakes, and Southeast Regions. 

    The MMIP Regional Outreach Program prioritizes MMIP cases consistent with the Deputy Attorney General’s July 2022 directive to U.S. Attorneys’ offices promoting public safety in Indian Country. The program fulfills the Justice Department’s promise to dedicate new personnel to MMIP consistent with Executive Order 14053, Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People, and the Department’s Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and respond to Violence Against American Indians and Alaska Natives, Including to Address Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons issued in July 2022.

    Nevada is home to 28 federally recognized tribes, bands and communities located on 31 Indian reservations and colonies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has resources, including a Tribal Liaison, dedicated to promoting safety and security on tribal lands and in tribal communities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady serves as the MMIP Coordinator for the District of Nevada. Information about resources may be found at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv/tribal-matters-indian-country-public-lands.

    Last year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada obtained a conviction after a jury trial:

    • U.S. v. Michael Burciaga – In September 2023, Burciaga was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to life in prison, plus 20 years in prison, for murdering his pregnant girlfriend, a registered member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in December 2020.

    Not Invisible Act Commission Response

    The Department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort. In March, the Departments of Justice and the Interior released their joint response to the Not Invisible Act Commission’s recommendations on how to combat the missing or murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking crisis. The NIAC response, announced by Attorney General Garland during a visit to the Crow Nation, recognizes that more must be done across the federal government to resolve this longstanding crisis and support healing from the generational traumas that Indigenous peoples have endured throughout the history of the United States. 

    Addressing Violent Crime and the Fentanyl Crisis in Indian Country

    As noted in the joint response to the NIAC, research suggests that certain public safety challenges faced by many American Indian and Alaska Native communities—including disproportionate violence against women, families, and children; substance abuse; drug trafficking; and labor and sex trafficking—can influence the rates of missing AI/AN persons.

    Further, fentanyl poisoning and overdose deaths are the leading cause of opioid deaths throughout the United States, including Indian County, where drug-related overdose death rates for Native Americans exceeds the national rate.

    Therefore, federal law enforcement components are ramping up efforts to forge stronger partnerships with federal and Tribal law enforcement partners to address violent crime and the fentanyl crisis, which exposes already vulnerable communities to greater harm.

    Accessing Department of Justice Resources

    Over the past year, the Department awarded $268 million in grants to help enhance Tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement responses. These awards have also gone toward improving the handling of child abuse cases, combating domestic and sexual violence, supporting Tribal youth programs, and strengthening victim services in Tribal communities.

    For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website.

    Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Final Defendant Sentenced for ATM Burglaries

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – The final defendant was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey for his role in a conspiracy to burglarize multiple bank automatic teller machines by forcibly ripping them open with pry bars, hammers, hooks, and chains connected to stolen Ford F-250 pickup trucks.

    According to court documents, from March 2020 to December 2020, Stanley Booker, Demarcus Dosewell, Dominique Owens, and Jecorian McCutcheon, all of Houston, and George Densley, of Las Vegas, conspired to burglarize ATMs and participate in three ATM burglaries in Las Vegas and one ATM burglary in Henderson. For the three Las Vegas ATM burglaries, defendants ripped apart the ATMs but were unable to open the safes containing cash. For the Henderson ATM burglary, Booker, Dosewell, and Densley stole $114,100. Booker, Dosewell, Owens, and McCutcheon also burglarized an ATM in Phoenix, stole $151,200, and transported that money to Las Vegas.

    Owens pleaded guilty to three counts of bank burglary and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property; he was sentenced Tuesday to 51 months in prison. Dosewell pleaded guilty to one count of bank burglary; on February 21, 2023, he was sentenced to 41 months in prison. Booker pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank burglary, four counts of bank burglary, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property; on March 11, 2024, he was sentenced to 84 months in prison. McCutcheon pleaded guilty to two counts of bank burglary and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property; on March 5, 2024, he was sentenced to 41 months in prison. After a five-day jury trial, Densley was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank burglary and two counts of bank burglary; on May 7, 2024, he was sentenced to 60 months in prison. In addition to imprisonment, the defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $485,554.77.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Brister and Steven Rose prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Reno Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a Child

    Source: US FBI

    RENO – A Reno resident was sentenced Monday to the mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison to be followed by lifetime term of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a child.

    According to court documents, Carlos Heringer Concha (45), between December 20, 2022 and March 2, 2023, he communicated with a 14-year-old child on Discord. The chats revealed that Concha initiated sexual conversations, requested photos from the victim, and sent photos and videos of himself to the victim. On March 2, 2023, he traveled from Reno to Truckee, Calif., in order to meet and engage in sexual intercourse with the victim. He was arrested by law enforcement. Concha was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023, and he pleaded guilty in February 2024, to one count of coercion and enticement.

    In a separate case in the Second Judicial District Court, on April 22, 2024, Concha was convicted of two counts of Luring/Attempting to Lure a Child with the Use of Computer Technology to Engage in Sexual Conduct for crimes he committed when he was on pretrial release for the federal case, and was sentenced on each count to 48 to 120 months imprisonment to run consecutive to each other. The sentence imposed in federal court was ordered to run partially consecutive to Concha’s state sentence. United States District Chief Judge Miranda M. Du ordered 84 months of his federal sentence to run consecutive to his state case.  

    In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), Concha must register as a sex offender and keep the registration current.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    The FBI, the Regional HEAT team, and the Truckee Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Men Convicted for Operating Major Illegal Streaming Service

    Source: US FBI

    Jetflicks Generated Millions in Revenue at Expense of Television Program Copyright Owners

    LAS VEGAS – A federal jury in Las Vegas convicted five men this week for their roles in running one of the largest unauthorized streaming services in the United States, which generated millions of dollars in subscription revenue while causing substantial harm to television program copyright owners.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning as early as 2007, Kristopher Dallmann, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, Jared Jaurequi, and Peter Huber operated an online, subscription-based streaming service known as Jetflicks. The Jetflicks group used sophisticated computer scripts and software to scour pirate websites for illegal copies of television episodes, which they then downloaded and hosted on Jetflicks servers. The group reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization, amassing a catalog larger than the combined catalogues of Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and Amazon Prime. Dallmann and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars streaming and distributing this catalogue of stolen content to tens of thousands of paid subscribers.

    “The defendants operated Jetflicks, an illicit streaming service they used to distribute hundreds of thousands of stolen television episodes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their scheme generated millions of dollars in criminal profits, while causing copyright owners to lose out. These convictions underscore the Criminal Division’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights by prosecuting digital piracy schemes and bringing offenders to justice.”

    “The defendants conspired to operate an online streaming service that unlawfully reproduced and distributed thousands of copyrighted television programs for their own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This case is another example of our steadfast commitment to combat intellectual property theft and to hold accountable those who violate intellectual property rights laws.”

    “The defendants ran a platform that automated the theft of TV shows and distributed the stolen content to subscribers,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “When complaints from copyright holders and problems with payment service providers threatened to topple the illicit multimillion-dollar enterprise, the defendants tried to disguise Jetflicks as an aviation entertainment company. Digital piracy is not a victimless crime. As these convictions demonstrate, the FBI will indeed investigate those who illegally profit from the creative works of others.”

    The jury convicted Dallman, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. The jury also convicted Dallmann of two counts of money laundering by concealment and three counts of misdemeanor criminal copyright infringement. Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and Dallmann faces a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.

    Trial Attorneys Michael Christin, Christopher Merriam, and Matthew Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Edward Veronda for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the CCIPS Paralegal Edie Britman.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Albany Update on Federal Investigation in Connection with the Fatal Shooting Involving a U.S. Border Patrol Officer in Coventry, Vermont

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI Albany Field Office continues to investigate an alleged assault on a federal officer in connection with the fatal shooting involving a U.S. Border Patrol Agent on the afternoon of January 20 on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont.

    At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Monday, January 20, U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland was involved in a traffic stop on Interstate 91 southbound near mile marker 168. During the course of the traffic stop, an exchange of gunfire occurred, and Agent Maland was struck. Additionally, one subject was killed, and one subject was injured and is currently being treated at an area hospital. We will not be releasing the identification of either subject at this time. However, our partners at the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the deceased subject is a German national in the U.S. on a current visa. 

    Agent Maland later succumbed to his injuries. We are heartbroken for our partners and share in their grief as they mourn the loss of their colleague, who also served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.   

    This investigation remains extremely active. 

    FBI Albany has numerous resources in the area, to include our Evidence Response Team (ERT), victim services, digital forensics, and dozens of special agents. We continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to piece the details of this incident together. We want to extend our sincere thanks to our law enforcement partners from the Newport Police Department; Orleans County Sheriff’s Office; Vermont State Police; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; and Border Patrol for their swift response to assist with securing the scene, processing evidence, and following investigative leads.  

    FBI Albany will not be releasing anything further tonight.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery County Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Mitchell, age 38, of Nelliston, New York, pled guilty on Friday to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a felon.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

    Mitchell admitted to working with another person to distribute over 350 grams of methamphetamine throughout August 2024.  A search warrant executed at Mitchell’s home on September 5, 2024, led to the recovery of two rifles and one shotgun, which the defendant agreed to forfeit as part of his plea agreement.   As a result of his prior felony convictions for attempted robbery and narcotics possession, Mitchell could not lawfully possess the firearms. 

    Mitchell faces a mandatory prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    The DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Las Vegas Honors Peter Guzman with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

    Source: US FBI

    On Friday, April 19, 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray presented Mr. Peter Guzman with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for his unwavering commitment to Nevada businesses and their success. Mr. Guzman believes strongly in youth mentoring and inspiring young people to follow their passion, offering several scholarships each year. He continuously promotes the economic health of the most under-resourced neighborhoods by aiding with caretakers of our senior citizens as well as providing resources to educate them on fraud and scams.

    The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence. Each year, one person or organization from each of the FBI’s 56 field offices is chosen to receive this prestigious award.

    “Our success as both a law enforcement and an intelligence agency hinges on our ability to foster and maintain genuine partnerships with people in all communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “People like this year’s Leadership Award recipients not only identify what others need, but they are willing to roll up their sleeves and provide services. They are building bridges and relationships while putting in the work to have hard conversations and find common purpose. They do it out of kindness and compassion with a sincere belief that justice—in its many forms—requires all of us to do the right thing in the right way.”

    “Because of Mr. Guzman our relationship has strengthened, and our outreach was broadened in the Hispanic/Latin communities. He sees the importance of building strong partnerships and connecting the community with law enforcement partners to promote dialogue and foster a relationship of positivity and understanding,” said Spencer L. Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “For any community to rely upon the service and protection the FBI is sworn to provide, the community must trust and believe that local agents and other personnel are committed to providing services and protection that are equitable and safe. Our office is proud of the mutually respectful and professional interactions we regularly engage in with Mr. Guzman & the Latin Chamber of Commerce.”

    Director Wray hosted the 2023 DCLA winners in a special ceremony at FBI Headquarters today, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in keeping our shared communities safe. These partnerships—as exemplified by the breadth of the work by the DCLA recipients—have led to a host of crime prevention programs that protect the most vulnerable in our communities, educate families and businesses about cyber threats, and work to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods.

    Learn more about the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award program and the FBI’s general outreach efforts.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former New Mexico House of Representatives Candidate Convicted for Shooting Spree

    Source: US FBI

    WASHINGTON — A former candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury for a shooting spree targeting the homes of four elected officials and a subsequent plot to murder multiple witnesses to prevent their testimony at trial.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Solomon Peña, 40, ran for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 mid-term elections. After his November 2022 electoral defeat, Peña pressured members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election, but despite Peña’s pressure, the commissioners certified the results. Peña then organized and participated in shootings on the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners who voted to certify the election and two New Mexico state legislators. The shootings, one of which involved a machine gun, were carried out between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, 2023, with assistance from co-conspirators Demetrio Trujillo, 41; and Jose Trujillo, 24.

    Jose Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2024, to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jose Trujillo’s sentencing is set for April 14.

    Demetrio Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2024, to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. Demetrio Trujillo’s sentencing is set for May 21.

    After his arrest, Peña solicited several inmates in jail to coordinate the murder of multiple witnesses in order to prevent their testimony at trial.

    The jury convicted Peña of one count of conspiracy; four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities; four counts of using or carrying a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, including a machinegun in one instance; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and three counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. Peña faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 60 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico, and Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

    Trial Attorney Bill Gullotta of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from former Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Robert McLane Imprisoned for Defrauding Auto Dealer Employer

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Robert McLane, 36, of Websterville, Vermont was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to 18 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge of mail fraud. Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss ordered that McLane serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term and also pay restitution in the amount of $566,000. The court ordered McLane to surrender to the United States Bureau of Prisons on April 4, 2025 to begin serving his sentence.

    According to court records, between approximately March 2019 and September 23, 2022, McLane was employed by Formula Nissan, Inc., an automobile sales and service dealership located in central Vermont, where McLane served as the Parts Manager and then the Director of Parts and Service. In his positions, McLane oversaw the parts and service departments; supervised other employees; and ordered, received and paid for automotive parts needed in the dealership’s operations. In ordering, receiving and paying for parts, McLane typically communicated with Formula Nissan’s parts supplier, Nissan North America, using the Dealer Management System software.

    Beginning in about January 2021 and continuing until September 2022, McLane defrauded the dealership by ordering certain vehicle parts from the dealership’s parts supplier, including vehicle suspension lift kits. The cost to the dealership of each lift kit was in the $2300 to $2900 range. The supplier billed, and the dealership subsequently paid, for the lift kits McLane had ordered.

    As part of the scheme, McLane caused the lift kits not to be entered into the dealership’s inventory of parts-on-hand.

    Instead of selling the lift kits for the benefit of the dealership, McLane advertised them for sale on Facebook at prices substantially discounted from their wholesale cost to the dealership. Over the course of the scheme, McLane sold more than 200 lift kits to persons around the United States, and he shipped the kits to his own customers by using the dealership’s Federal Express account. Purchasers paid McLane for the lift kits via transfers of funds to a personal PayPal account that McLane maintained in his own name and for his own benefit.

    As a result of McLane’s fraud, Formula Nissan and its insurance company suffered an out-of-pocket loss of at least $575,000.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    McLane is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Resident Sentenced to 151 Months for Traveling to Capital Region Intending to Sexually Abuse a 10-Year-Old

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Martin Connearney, age 35, of Lenox, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration, following his guilty plea earlier this year to traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of Connearney’s guilty plea last February, he admitted that between April 6, 2022 and May 5, 2022, he communicated with an individual to discuss and plan Connearney’s sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl with speech and hearing difficulties who lived in the Capital Region.  The individual Connearney communicated with was actually an undercover agent (“UC”).  Connearney ultimately borrowed a car and on May 5, 2022, drove from Lenox to the Capital Region intending to meet with the UC and sexually abuse the child.  Connearney was encountered by law enforcement officials at a prearranged meeting location and arrested. 

    In imposing sentence today, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci found that Connearney was subject to an enhanced prison range under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines because he had intended to take advantage of a vulnerable victim.  According to court documents, while planning the sexual abuse of the child, Connearney repeatedly told the UC that there was less of a risk he would be caught because of the child’s hearing and speech difficulties.  As part of the sentence imposed today, Connearney must also serve a 20-year term of supervised release, which will begin after he is released from prison.  Connearney will also be required to register as a sex offender.

    The FBI Albany Division’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case.  The task force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. 

    Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Health Care Executive Sentenced for Mail Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kevin Harrington, age 50, of Oneonta, New York, was sentenced to serve a three-year term of federal probation and ordered to pay over $150,000.00 in restitution to his former employer in relation to his previous guilty plea to two counts of mail fraud, United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced.

    At his previous change of plea hearing, Harrington admitted that he was the former executive director at First Community Care of Bassett, LLC (an affiliate of Bassett Healthcare Network). During his employment, Harrington submitted fraudulent expense reports seeking reimbursement for the purchase of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. As part of the scheme, Harrington provided invoices to his employer that falsely claimed he had paid thousands of dollars for medical equipment when no such equipment was ever purchased. Unaware that the invoices were fraudulent, First Community Care of Bassett issued and mailed checks to Harrington for reimbursement.  In total, Harrington admitted to stealing over $150,000.00 from his former employer.

    In addition to his term of probation, Harrington was ordered to serve six months of home confinement and was fined $5,500.00.   

    The FBI investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Indicted for ATM Theft

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – David Degrasse, age 54, of West Warwick, Rhode Island, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with interstate transportation of stolen property. 

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

    The indictment alleges that on April 27, 2023, Degrasse transported, from Greene County to Connecticut, approximately $9,300 stolen from an ATM machine in Greene County.  The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

    The charge filed against Degrasse carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    Degrasse was arraigned today in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and ordered detained pending a trial scheduled before Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr.

    The FBI and State Police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Niagara Falls Crips Member Sentenced on Drug Charges

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Pryor, 27, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, and distribution of fentanyl within 1,000 feet of public housing property, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that between June and October 21, 2022, Pryor conspired with co-defendants Shawn Pryor, Cameron Lee, and others to sell cocaine. Pryor, Shawn Pryor, and Cameron Lee, identified as members/associates of the Crips Gang, assisted each other with the distribution of narcotics by selling drugs to one another when one of them needed some drugs to sell to a customer. In addition, on October 7, 2022, Michael Pryor sold fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer within 1,000 feet of the Anthony Spallina Towers, a housing facility owned by the Niagara Falls Municipal Housing Authority, a public housing authority. He also sold cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl to the undercover officer and an individual working with law enforcement  during the course of the conspiracy.

    On October 16, 2022, in furtherance of the conspiracy, Pryor, Shawn Pryor, and another individual drove to a convenient store on Ashland Avenue in Niagara Falls and beat up a rival drug dealer, who was selling drugs in their area. They later chased the victim into the convenience store before leaving the area. The victim was treated for a laceration to his right hand and a chip fracture of a wrist bone.

    Shawn Pryor and Cameron Lee were previously convicted.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Niagara Falls Police Department, Superintendent Nick Ligammari, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Man Accused of Threatening and Stalking a Police Officer

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Orlando Justice, 37, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with transmission of threats in interstate commerce and stalking, which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on November 23, 2024, a Rochester Police Officer (Victim) participated in the arrest of Justice at the RTS Bus Terminal on St. Paul Street for Trespass and Resisting Arrest. Justice was intoxicated at the time of arrest and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. While at Strong, he threatened the arresting officers, spit at them, and told officers that he would find them and come to their houses. Justice was charged and issued an appearance ticket. The following day, the Victim received a series of phone calls on his personal cell phone from an unknown number, which he did not answer. After receiving yet another call, the Victim answered, and Justice identified himself as the caller. Justice said, “I told you that I would find you,” and that he knew the Victim’s personal information and where he lived, reciting the Victim’s home address. Justice told the Victim he “messed with the wrong one” and that he was “a different breed of human.” The Victim told Justice not to call him again and hung up the phone. A few minutes later, the Victim received a FaceTime video call from Justice, who was demanding that the Victim give him the names of the other RPD officers who were present during his arrest.

    On the evening of November 23, 2024, Greece Police and Rochester Police went to Justice’s residence in an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him. Moments later, the Victim answered a Facetime video call from Justice, who asked, “Why your friends come to my house?” A few minutes later, Justice called 911 and asked to speak with a sergeant, falsely claiming that the Victim was contacting him and harassing him. Justice asked to file a complaint against Victim 1 for use of excessive force. The sergeant, who was unfamiliar with Justice’s prior conduct and interactions with the Victim, offered to send officers to take his complaint, but he refused and insisted he would only meet with the sergeant one-on-one.

    Justice made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Payson and was detained pending a detention hearing.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Major Kevin Sucher.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Level Three Registered Sex Offender Going Back to Prison on Multiple Child Pornography Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Donald Campbell Sr., 62, of Elmira, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under the laws of New York State relating to the possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that between July 25, 2022, and January 9, 2023, he possessed digital devices including a cell phone and an SD card, both of which contained images and videos of child pornography. Campbell downloaded and distributed the images via the internet. In total, he possessed more than 600 images and videos, some of which depicted prepubescent children less than 12 years old being subjected to violent sexual abuse, and the sexual abuse of an infant. Campbell is a registered level-three sex offender (the highest risk level) following two prior felony child pornography offenses in New York State Court in December 2004 and March 2019.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Prior Felon Going Back to Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cameron Stroke, 43, of Depew, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 124 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in October 2019, Stroke was convicted on a federal charge of possession of child pornography and  sentenced to five years’ probation. On May 23, 2023, U.S. Probation Officers conducted a home inspection at Stroke’s residence and found an unauthorized cell telephone in his possession. A forensic review recovered approximately 181 images and 12 videos of child pornography stored on the device. Some images depicted prepubescent minors.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo Man Going to Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Patrick Malloy, 34, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. He was also ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution and must register as sex offender.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who handled the case, stated that on June 24, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Malloy’s residence and several electronic devices were seized. The devices contained approximately 28,000 images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Beach Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Attempting to Coerce Children to Send Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for attempted production of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and distribution of CSAM.

    According to court documents, on March 10, 2024, Andrew Joseph Fernandez, 33, a married Machinist’s Mate in the U.S. Navy, contacted a victim, identified as Minor Victim 1 (MV1), by private message on TikTok and later continued to engage with her by text messages. The victim told Fernandez that she was 10 years old and Fernandez told her that he was under 13 years old, that his name was Levi, and that he previously attended her school before he moved to another state.

    Fernandez’s text messages quickly turned sexual, sending a sexually graphic message within one minute of his first text and a video exposing himself two minutes later. Fernandez continued to engage the child in sexual conversations and sending graphic images, even after the victim declined his offers to send more. He also made the victim promise to keep their conversations a secret.

    On March 14, 2024, a school bus driver overheard MV1 describing sexually explicit subjects and alerted the school principal, who contacted MV1’s parent. Law enforcement began an investigation and learned that MV1 was actually nine years old. An FBI agent assumed the victim’s identity and continued to engage with Fernandez, who continued to send sexually explicit images, which he directed the victim to delete. Fernandez attempted to persuade MV1 to produce CSAM depicting herself by telling her that the images would lead to a lucrative modeling audition.

    On Oct. 3, 2023, Fernandez engaged Minor Victim 2 (MV2), a 14-year-old girl, in text and WhatsApp messages, introducing himself as 13-year-old “Levi.” Less than four minutes after his first text message to MV2, Fernandez sent her a video of himself engaged in a sexual act. MV2 reacted negatively, and no messages were exchanged for about two months. When their messages resumed, Fernandez offered to send more sexual images of himself, which the victim declined. On Dec. 3, 2023, Fernandez asked MV2 to produce CSAM, and she declined. When MV2 expressed concern after Fernandez threatened to end their relationship, Fernandez took the opportunity to again send sexually graphic images of himself and pressured her to provide CSAM.

    On July 13, 2023, Fernandez began engaging in text messages with Minor Victim 3 (MV3), a friend of MV1 who was eight years old, but told Fernandez that she was 10. Fernandez told MV3 that his name was Levi and that he attended her school. Less than one minute after his first message, Fernandez asked MV3 whether she was dating anyone and if she wanted “to go out.” Then, after asking MV3 if she could keep a secret, Fernandez began sending sexually graphic messages.

    On Aug. 19, 2023, after asking her age again, Fernandez sent to MV3 a video depicting himself in a sexual act, then became angry that she did not want to see images of that type of content. He nonetheless sent similar images and videos and requested that MV3 send him CSAM.

    Messages found on Fernandez cellphone show that he engaged in similar conduct with several other victims, including sending sexually explicit images of himself, sending CSAM, and requesting CSAM from the victims, some of whom acquiesced to his requests.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. The FBI New York Field Office and Dutchess County (New York) Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Dutchess Child Advocacy Center provided valuable assistance in this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Marek prosecuted 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. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-55.

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