NewzIntel.com

Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Charges 37 Florencia 13 Members and Associates with Federal Crimes, Including Three Murders, One of Them a Beating Death

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – Federal and local law enforcement officials today announced the unsealing of federal grand jury indictments charging a total of 37 members and associates of the South Los Angeles-based Florencia 13 (F13) street gang, alleging a series of crimes, including fentanyl trafficking, extortion, and three murders, including that of a man beaten to death outside a bar in the gang’s “territory.”

    Today’s takedown resulted in the arrests of 23 F13 members and associates who are expected to be arraigned on 11 indictments this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Six of the defendants were already in state or federal custody, and authorities continue to search for eight other defendants charged in these cases, including multiple defendants currently believed to be fugitives in Mexico.

    As part of this investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 21 pounds of methamphetamine, nine pounds of fentanyl, and 6.5 pounds of heroin. Authorities also have seized 25 firearms and approximately $70,000 in cash connected to this investigation.

    “Through murder, drug trafficking, violent robberies, and other criminal behavior, street gangs bring devastation upon our communities,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We must stand united against gang violence. Today’s arrests and seizures demonstrate that we will be relentless in combating these criminal organizations.”

    “Florencia-13 is known for its barbaric tactics which, tragically, resulted in several murders alleged in the indictment,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field office. “Residents of the community in which Florencia-13 operates deserve to live their lives without fear from violence and extortion, and this joint investigation demonstrates our shared commitment to that goal.”

    “Today’s coordinated take down of gang members associated with the ‘Florencia 13’ criminal street gang creates safer neighborhoods by removing dangerous individuals from our communities and disrupting their criminal network that fuels this violence,” said Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “By removing key offenders from our streets who instill fear and terrorize our communities, we are taking decisive action to restore safety and enhance the quality of life for all residents. Our commitment to reducing gang violence remains unwavering as we work together to build safer, stronger communities.”

    The bulk of the charges in today’s takedown comes from two federal grand jury indictments targeting Florencia 13. The first indictment charges 19 defendants – including Celerino Jaramillo, 30, a.k.a. “Bizzy,” of South Los Angeles, a “shot caller” in one of F13’s cliques – with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

    Among a series of alleged racketeering-related crimes, during one incident on October 17, 2022, a mob of F13 members – including Jonathan Reyes, 19, a.k.a. “Creeper,” of South Los Angeles – beat one victim to death in the early morning outside a bar in the Florence-Firestone neighborhood of Los Angeles. The victim repeatedly was stomped, kicked, and punched, and beaten with a baseball bat.

    The indictment further alleges that Jaramillo and co-defendant Oscar Hernandez, 30, a.k.a. “Drex,” of South Los Angeles, on June 19, 2023, murdered a victim identified in court documents as “R.A.,” an F13 member who had violated the gang’s rules. The day after R.A.’s was shot and killed, Jaramillo allegedly told fellow gang members that he wanted Hernandez inducted into F13’s Jokers clique because he “proved [Jaramillo] solid.”

    The following month, Jaramillo and Hugo Armando Pineda, 36, a.k.a. “Menace,” of South Los Angeles, allegedly murdered “D.E.,” another F13 member in bad standing.

    The rest of this superseding indictment alleges a series of criminal activity by Jaramillo and others, including the running of “casitas,” or illegal after-hours bars and clubs, including collection of extortionate “taxes” from them, trafficking of narcotics such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, and illegal use and possession of firearms.

    A second indictment unsealed today charges eight Florencia 13 associates – including Saul Ayon Quintero, 50, of Bellflower – with drug-related crimes, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, and illegally using and possessing firearms and ammunition.

    Finally, nine additional Florencia 13 members and associates are charged in eight separate indictments with methamphetamine distribution counts, and another Florencia 13 member is charged in a separate indictment with possession of an unregistered firearm and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

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

    If convicted, most of the defendants would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

    The FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Marshals Service are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher C. Kendall and Daniel H. Weiner of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting these cases.

    This case 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: El Salvadoran National Indicted for Firearm Possession

    Source: US FBI

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpsonannounced that EDGAR YOVANI PEREZ-GUTIERREZ (“PEREZ-GUTIERREZ”), age 27, a native of El Salvador, was indicted on April 24, 2025, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8).

    According to court documents, on or about April 10, 2025, PEREZ-GUTIERREZ, an individual unlawfully present in the United States, was found in possession of a Glock handgun.  He was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations officers, for violating immigration and federal gun control laws.

    If convicted, PEREZ-GUTIERREZ faces a maximum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpsonpraised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USAO’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit Ends 2024 with Notable Achievements

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND – The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio is responsible for prosecuting criminal organizations whose members violate federal laws in any of the 40 northern counties in the state of Ohio that the district serves.

    As an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice, OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. Its mission is to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations using a nationwide strategy, led by prosecutors, that combines targeting, coordination, intelligence-sharing, and directed resourcing to have the greatest impact in disrupting the operations of organized crime.

    The task force approach facilitates coordination among various federal and local agencies to solve crimes, with agents and officers working side-by-side in the same location, led by a federal prosecutor. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to share information and collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi­-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle large-scale criminal operations. Such criminal networks include all forms of transnational crime, including but not limited to drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security.  They may involve, among other illegal activity, the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio.

    In the Northern District of Ohio, agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, USMS, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, and USBP investigate OCDETF cases with ties to the District, working with task force officers from numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Cleveland Division of Police. Prosecutions are led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

    “No one group or agency can effectively combat organized crime, and particularly transnational organized crime, while working in a silo. The OCDETF framework allows our federal investigative agents to coordinate with each other and local law enforcement, sharing both resources and intelligence,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “This model allows us to come together and build the best cases possible that put the members of large-scale criminal networks behind bars and bring their criminal operations to a halt.”

    Notable operations and cases prosecuted by the OCDETF Unit in 2024 include:

    U.S. v. Ojeda-Elenes, et al. – Four individuals, including two individuals with direct connections to the Sinaloa Cartel based in Culiacán, Mexico, were sentenced to prison for a drug conspiracy involving more than 240 pounds of fentanyl and nearly 100 pounds of cocaine.

    U.S. v. Mullins, et al. –Twenty-one members and associates of a Cleveland-based, violent street gang known as the Fully Blooded Felons were arrested and charged between December 2023 and November 2024. The defendants are alleged to have committed numerous federal crimes, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, firearms violations, conspiracy, and drug trafficking.  To date, three defendants have pled guilty.

    U.S. v. Whittaker, et al. – Fifteen people in Lorain County were charged in a 19-count indictment after authorities seized large quantities of fentanyl that included more than 42,000 fentanyl pills.

    U.S. v. Bryant, et al. – According to court documents, Brandon Bryant was one of 24 members of a large-scale fentanyl trafficking organization that operated on Cleveland’s eastside between September 2019 and February 2022. He was sentenced to more than 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility in furtherance of a drug felony. Bryant was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release following his release from prison. The other 23 co-defendants have also been convicted and sentenced. Some of the more notable prison sentences for his co-defendants include the following: Devon Fair, 35 years; Ramel Drew, 27 years; and Branea Bryant, 24 years.

    U.S. v. Lumbus et al. – Eleven people were charged in an international drug trafficking conspiracy that involved the importation of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and synthetic cannabinoids into the United States, and the distribution of those drugs in Ohio and other states.

    To report crimes, visit https://tips.fbi.gov/home.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 23, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 230601

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0101 AM CDT Fri May 23 2025

    Valid 241200Z – 251200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    THE SOUTHERN PLAINS AND WESTERN OZARKS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe storms are likely across part of the southern Plains and
    western Ozarks on Saturday. Severe wind gusts, large hail and a
    couple tornadoes will be possible. Hailstones greater than 2 inches
    in diameter could also occur. Marginally severe storms will also be
    possible across parts of the central High Plains, and Southeast.

    …Southern and Central Plains…
    At mid-levels, a low will move slowly eastward across the
    Intermountain West on Saturday, as a ridge moves eastward across the
    south-central U.S. At the surface, a low will remain over west
    Texas, with a moist and unstable airmass extending from the southern
    Plains into the lower Mississippi Valley. Elevated convection is
    forecast over part of the southern Plains and Ozarks Saturday
    morning, but this convection should move southeastward during the
    day, allowing for moderate to strong instability to develop over
    parts of Oklahoma and north Texas by afternoon. Scattered
    thunderstorms are expected to form during the late afternoon within
    this maximum of instability. Some of the storms could be severe.

    Model forecasts suggest that a pocket of strong instability will
    develop by Saturday afternoon across parts of southwest and central
    Oklahoma. ECMWF and NAM forecast soundings near the expected maximum
    of instability increase MLCAPE into the 4000 to 5000 J/kg range. 0-6
    km shear is forecast in the 35 to 40 knot range, with 700-500 mb
    lapse rates around 9 C/km. This thermodynamic environment will be
    favorable for large hail with supercells that form in the late
    afternoon. The more intense cores could produce hailstones greater
    than 2 inches in diameter. As a low-level jet strengthens across
    central Oklahoma, NAM forecast soundings increase 0-3 km
    storm-relative helicity to over 400 m2/s2. This suggest an isolated
    tornado threat will be possible with the more dominant supercells. A
    wind-damage threat should also develop. A cluster of strong to
    severe storms is expected to move eastward toward the Ozarks during
    the evening.

    …Southern and Central High Plains…
    A mid-level anticyclonic flow pattern is forecast across the Rockies
    and High Plains on Saturday. The western edge of a moist airmass
    will be in place from west Texas north-northwestward into eastern
    Colorado. As surface temperatures warm during the day, cells will
    initiate in the higher terrain of southern and central Colorado and
    in eastern New Mexico. This convection will spread eastward into the
    High Plains. The environment over the southern and central High
    Plains is forecast to have steep mid-level lapse rates and moderate
    deep-layer shear. This, along with sufficient instability, should be
    enough for a marginal severe threat during the late afternoon and
    early evening. Hail and severe gusts will be the primary threats.

    …Southeast…
    West-northwest mid-level flow is forecast over the southeastern U.S.
    on Saturday. At the surface, a moist airmass will be in place, with
    dewpoints in the upper 60 to lower 70s F. As instability increases
    during the day, isolated thunderstorm development is expected along
    corridors of enhanced low-level convergence. Although forcing will
    be weak, enough directional shear in the low to mid-levels should
    exist for a marginal severe threat. Hail and isolated damaging wind
    gusts will be possible.

    ..Broyles.. 05/23/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Drug Conspiracy Involving More Than 240 Pounds of Fentanyl and Nearly 100 Pounds of Cocaine

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND – Ronald Rendon-Luna, 37, a Mexican national residing in Painesville, Ohio, has been sentenced to 151 months in prison by U.S. District Chief Judge Sara Lioi, after he pled guilty to engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and being an alien in possession of firearms. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

    According to court documents, the Cartel, Gangs, Narcotics and Laundering Task Force of the FBI-Cleveland Division conducted a long-term drug-trafficking investigation that led to the arrest and successful prosecution of Rendon-Luna and three other co-conspirators, including two individuals with direct connections to the Sinaloa Cartel based in Culiacán, Mexico.

    During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that, from about June 2022 through January 2023, the leader of the conspiracy, Nefer Ojeda-Elenes, 32, of Upland, California, conspired with Rendon-Luna to use residences in Cleveland and Painesville, and two storage units in Cleveland and Middleburg Heights, to store illegal drugs and proceeds from the sales of the illegal substances. Rendon-Luna, on behalf of Ojeda-Elenes, traveled to area hotels to meet a third co-conspirator, Cameron Harris, 29, of Dayton, who further distributed the drugs in the Dayton, Ohio area. A fourth individual, Trino Alexander Briceno-Matheus, 31, of Miami Beach, Florida, also participated in the conspiracy and is known to have met with Rendon-Luna at an area hotel to pick up approximately $149,640 in proceeds earned from illegal drug activities.

    This organization was responsible for distributing approximately 111 kilograms of fentanyl, and approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine during the course of the conspiracy.

    “These criminals used their Mexican Cartel connections to bring millions of doses of fentanyl—each one potentially fatal—into our communities and distribute those poisons across our state,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Every day, dangerous drugs like the fentanyl and cocaine that these defendants imported and peddled on our streets destroy lives. Those who seek to expand their illegal drug trade to our District should know that we will use all tools available to stop them from endangering our residents’ lives and the safety of our neighborhoods.”

    During a federal search warrant executed at the related residences and storage units, law enforcement officials found illegal drugs in a storage unit, and confiscated several weapons, including an AK-47 and an AR-15 from Rendon-Luna’s Painesville home.

    Rendon Luna’s co-conspirators were previously sentenced.

    Ojeda-Elenes was sentenced Sept. 17, 2024, to 228 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release.

    Harris was sentenced Aug. 20, 2024, to 151 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release.

    Briceno-Matheus was sentenced July 23, 2024, to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and interstate transportation in aid of racketeering.

    This case was investigated by the FBI-Cleveland Division, with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services, Moreland Hills Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Bedford Police Department, Internal Revenue Service, Parma Police Department, Solon Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole, Ottawa County Drug Task Force, Shaker Heights Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Brooklyn Police Department, North Royalton Police Department, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Painesville Police Department, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio HIDTA, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi­-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is composed of agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, USMS, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, and USBP, along with task force officers from numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Cleveland Division of Police. Prosecutions are led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Bullard for the Northern District of Ohio.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kidnapper Who Abducted Six-Year-Old to Peru Pleads Guilty

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Edwin Alonso Cuadros Bravo, 54, formerly residing in Sacramento, pleaded guilty to interstate and international kidnapping conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in November 2021, Cuadros Bravo and his wife and co‑defendant Yulisa Alexsandra Guevara Wintong abducted their six-year-old grandchild from Sacramento and took the victim to Peru. Despite pleading from the mother, Cuadros Bravo and Guevara Wintong did not return the victim to the United States. In December 2022, the victim was returned to Sacramento as a result of government intervention.

    Cuadros Bravo was detained following his first appearance and he remains in custody. Guevara Wintong has not yet appeared to answer the charges against her. The charges are only allegations; she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría is prosecuting the case.

    Cuadros Bravo is scheduled for sentencing on April 21, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. Cuadros Bravo faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • 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: 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.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twenty-Eight Leaders and Members of the Valentine Avenue Crew Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Racketeering

    Source: US FBI

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Frank A. Tarentino, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”); Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Jessica S. Tisch, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging EDWIN CARRASQUILLO, a/k/a “Malo”; HECTOR HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Hec”; JOSE HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Nene,” a/k/a “Little”; NATHANIEL MANNING, a/k/a “Tio”; DAMEL MARCUS, a/k/a “Shank”; EDWARDO MORENO, a/k/a “AR”; JERMAINE SAMUELS, a/k/a “Maine”; CHRISTIAN SERRANO, a/k/a “Chris”; JOHNNIE CAPELES a/k/a “Jon Boy”; JAMIL BANKS a/k/a “Mel”; EMILIO BARRERA, a/k/a “Colombia,” a/k/a “E”; JASON RIVERA, a/k/a “Colombo”; HECTOR CEREZO, a/k/a “Red”; JOSUE VARGAS, a/k/a “Leo”; JUAN KUANG, a/k/a “Jo Jo,” a/k/a “Jay,” a/k/a “Blanco”; STEVEN SANTIAGO, a/k/a “Swizz”; VICTOR MENDENG, a/k/a “Cali”; ANGEL VILLAFANE, YADIRA REYNOSO, a/k/a “Yadi”; ERIKA DAWSON; ARIYAN LABELLA, a/k/a “Ari”; DELILAH CARRIEL; ROSEMARIE SANCHEZ, a/k/a “Rosie”; JOHANA ALCANTARA; JUAN CALDERON, a/k/a “Jazzo,” a/k/a “Juanito”; KAREEM SMITH, a/k/a “K”; and CHRISTOPHER MEADOWS with participating in a racketeering enterprise, committing multiple violent crimes in aid of racketeering, including murder, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, distributing narcotics, and carrying and using firearms in connection with an armed drug trafficking operation based on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx, New York for well over three decades from 1993 to the present.  CARASQUILLO and ALCANTARA are also charged with the June 25, 2020, murder of Jozei Hullex.

    CARRASQUILLO, HECTOR HERNANDEZ, JOSE HERNANDEZ, MANNING, MARCUS, MORENO, BANKS, RIVERA, CEREZO, VARGAS, KUANG, SANTIAGO, MENDENG, VILLAFANE, CARRIEL, SANCHEZ, ALCANTARA, CALDERON, and MEADOWS were previously taken into custody on related charges.  SAMUELS, SERRANO, CAPELES, REYNOSO, DAWSON, LABELLA, and SMITH were arrested either yesterday evening or earlier today.  BARRERA is still at large.  All seven of the defendants arrested yesterday or today are expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger later this afternoon.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Today, we have filed charges against twenty-eight alleged members of a violent drug trafficking gang that held an entire neighborhood of this city hostage for over three decades.  On a daily basis, this street crew, including those arrested today, allegedly distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack along several blocks on Valentine Avenue, creating an open-air drug market in the middle of a Bronx neighborhood.  And to protect their territory, they allegedly carried guns, extorted people with substance abuse issues through violence, and attacked rivals and anyone else attempting to weaken their control on their block. This violence resulted in multiple shootings, as well as the murder of Jozei Hullex.  It is a brutal reality that has lasted for far too long.  It ends now.  The streets of this great city belong to its people, and the career prosecutors of this Office will not stop until our streets are returned to the law-abiding people of New York City and their families.”

    DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said: “Today’s indictment against the Valentine Avenue Crew and its members, shows the commitment the Drug Enforcement Administration and our law enforcement partners have when targeting drug trafficking organizations and individuals who routinely use threats, violence, extortion, robbery, and murder in order to run their criminal enterprise and flood our neighborhoods with illicit and synthetic drugs. The DEA remains committed to ensuring our citizens and communities remain healthy and safe.”

    FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backschies said: “For over three decades, these 28 Valentine Avenue Crew members allegedly protected their illicit narcotics distribution scheme and the enterprise’s dangerous reputation through violent gunfights and murder. Their alleged commandeering of a Bronx neighborhood allowed criminality and violence to flourish, threatening the lives of innocent residents. The FBI remains committed to dismantling all criminal organizations that utilize our city as their personal playground to promote illegal racketeering operations and endanger our communities.”

    NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “The Valentine Avenue Crew created immense fear within their community for decades, fueling our streets with senseless gun violence, polluting our sidewalks with deadly poisons, and costing lives through their ruthless gang behavior. These indictments send a clear message: this era of lawlessness ends today. The NYPD remains steadfast in its mission to remove illegal firearms from the hands of criminals—having already seized over 1,000 firearms this year alone—and to dismantle the illicit drug trade they are so often associated with. I commend the relentless NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners in the FBI, DEA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their unwavering commitment to placing members of organized networks such as these behind bars.”

    As alleged in the Indictment:[1]

    CARRASQUILLO, HECTOR HERNANDEZ,  JOSE HERNANDEZ, MANNING, MARCUS, MORENO, SAMUELS, SERRANO, CAPELES, BANKS, BARRERA, RIVERA, CEREZO, VARGAS, KUANG, SANTIAGO, MENDENG, VILLAFANE, REYNOSO, DAWSON, LABELLA, CARRIEL, SANCHEZ, ALCANTARA, CALDERON, SMITH, and MEADOWS are charged for their involvement in an armed drug trafficking organization (the “Valentine Avenue Crew”) that took over the block of Valentine Avenue between East 194th Street and East 196th Street in the Bronx (the “Block”) and its surrounding neighborhood.

    Since the mid-1990s, for multiple decades, the members and associates of the Valentine Avenue Crew, including the defendants, operated as a drug trafficking gang that was organized in a hierarchal structure and that took over and controlled the Block, working in shifts throughout the day and night to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base, in a form commonly known as “crack.”  These drugs were often manufactured and packaged elsewhere and then delivered to the Block, where members and associates of the Valentine Avenue Crew, many of whom were typically armed with firearms and other weapons, sold them to a large base of end-user customers.  In control of the sidewalks and the street of the Block, as well as the public spaces of multiple buildings along the Block, the Valentine Avenue Crew and its members and associates, including the defendants, worked freely, creating an open market for drugs, in which they extorted payments, including in-kind sexual acts, from customers through violence and the threat of violence. The members and associates of the Valentine Avenue Crew, including the defendants, also used violence—including multiple shootings—to compete with rival drug traffickers and within the Valentine Avenue Crew itself, principally to maintain dominance over the drug trade on the Block and control of the Valentine Avenue Crew.

    On or about June 25, 2020, CARRASQUILLO, one of the leaders of the Valentine Avenue Crew, and ALCANTARA used fentanyl to poison and murder Jozei Hullex, a disfavored member of the Valentine Avenue Crew.

    On or about June 25, 2020, CARRASQUILLO, HECTOR HERNANDEZ, JOSE HERNANDEZ, MANNING, MARCUS, and SAMUELS participated in a shootout for control of the Valentine Avenue Crew and in turn the Block.

    On or about September 22, 2020, CARRASQUILLO and CEREZO participated in shooting at a rival gang member.

    On or about January 1, 2021, CARRASQUILLO, MARCUS, MORENO, and SAMUELS used a chain and one or more firearms to assault a disfavored member of the Valentine Avenue Crew, who was seriously injured and hospitalized following the attack.

    In addition, VILLAFANE remains charged for his commission of two non-fatal shootings in Manhattan in July 2020 and January 2021.  Specifically, in or about July 2020, VILLAFANE paid a co-conspirator (“CC-1”) to lure a victim to a location in Manhattan where VILLAFANE attempted to murder the victim over a drug debt, resulting in personal injury to the victim.  Additionally, on or about January 8, 2021, VILLAFANE committed another non-fatal shooting in Manhattan.

    *                *                *

    A chart containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, FBI, and NYPD.  Today’s operation was conducted by the Trident Task Force, a joint task force of the DEA and FBI, among other federal, state, and local law-enforcement authorities, which is working on this case together with the NYPD.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael R. Herman, Timothy Ly, and Thomas John Wright are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    COUNT

    CHARGE

    DEFENDANTS

    MAX. PENALTIES

    1

    Racketeering

    conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)

    		 All DEFENDANTS Life in prison

    2

    Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering

    18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,” and

    JOHANA ALCANTARA

    		 10 years in prison

    3

    Murder in aid of racketeering

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,” and

    JOHANA ALCANTARA

    		 Death or mandatory sentence of life in prison

    4

    Attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec,”

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little,”

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,” and

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    		 20 years in prison

    5

    Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec,”

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little,”

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,” and

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison

    6

    Attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,” and

    HECTOR CEREZO,

    a/k/a “Red”

    		 20 years in prison

    7

    Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison

    8

    		 Assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,”

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR,”

    and JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    		 20 years in prison

    9

    Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,”

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR,”

    and JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison

    10

    Narcotics conspiracy

    21 U.S.C. § 846

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec,”

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little,”

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,”

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR,”

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine,”

    CHRISTIAN SERRANO,

    a/k/a “Chris,”

    JOHNNIE CAPELES

    a/k/a “Jon Boy,”

    EMILIO BARRERA,

    a/k/a “Colombia,”

    a/k/a “E,”

    JASON RIVERA,

    a/k/a “Colombo,”

    HECTOR CEREZO

    a/k/a “Red,”

    JOSUE VARGAS,

    a/k/a “Leo,”

    JUAN KUANG,

    a/k/a “Jo Jo,”

    a/k/a “Jay,”

    a/k/a “Blanco,”

    STEVEN SANTIAGO,

    a/k/a “Swizz,”

    VICTOR MENDENG,

    a/k/a “Cali,”

    ANGEL VILLAFANE

    YADIRA REYNOSO,

    a/k/a “Yadi,”

    ERIKA DAWSON,

    ARIYAN LABELLA,

    a/k/a “Ari,”

    DELILAH CARRIEL,

    ROSEMARIE SANCHEZ,

    a/k/a “Rosie,”

    JOHANA ALCANTARA,

    JUAN CALDERON,

    a/k/a “Jazzo,”

    a/k/a “Juanito,”

    KAREEM SMITH,

    a/k/a “K,” and

    CHRISTOPHER MEADOWS

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison

    11

    		 Continuing criminal enterprise

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec,”

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little,”

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,”

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR,”

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine,”

    CHRISTIAN SERRANO,

    a/k/a “Chris,”

    JOHNNIE CAPELES,

    a/k/a “Jon Boy,”

    JAMIL BANKS,

    a/k/a “Mel,”

    EMILIO BARRERA,

    a/k/a “Colombia,”

    a/k/a “E,”

    JASON RIVERA,

    a/k/a “Colombo,”

    JOSUE VARGAS,

    a/k/a “Leo,”

    JUN KUANG,

    a/k/a “Jo Jo,”

    a/k/a “Jay,”

    a/k/a “Blanco,”

    and STEVEN SANTIAGO,

    a/k/a “Swizz”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory sentence of life in prison for CARRASQUILLO and HERNANDEZ

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison for other defendants

    12

    Murder while engaged in a narcotics conspiracy

    21 U.S.C. § 848(e)(1)(A)

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,” and

    JOHANA ALCANTARA

    Death or life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison

    13

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    14

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    15

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    16

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    17

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    18

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    19

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    20

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    HECTOR CEREZO,

    a/k/a “Red”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    21

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime ANGEL VILLAFANE

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    22

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    CHRISTIAN SERRANO,

    a/k/a “Chris,”

    JOHNNIE CAPELES,

    a/k/a “Jon Boy,”

    JAMIL BANKS,

    a/k/a “Mel,”

    EMILIO BARRERA,

    a/k/a “Colombia,”

    a/k/a “E,”

    JASON RIVERA,

    a/k/a “Colombo,”

    JOSUE VARGAS,

    a/k/a “Leo,”

    JUAN KUANG,

    a/k/a “Jo Jo,”

    a/k/a “Jay,”

    a/k/a “Blanco,”

    STEVEN SANTIAGO,

    a/k/a “Swizz,”

    VICTOR MENDENG,

    a/k/a “Cali,”

    YADIRA REYNOSO,

    a/k/a “Yadi,”

    ERIKA DAWSON,

    ARIYAN LABELLA,

    a/k/a “Ari,”

    DELILAH CARRIEL,

    ROSEMARIE SANCHEZ,

    a/k/a “Rosie,”

    JOHANA ALCANTARA,

    JUAN CALDERON,

    a/k/a “Jazzo,”

    a/k/a “Juanito,”

    KAREEM SMITH,

    a/k/a “K,” and

    CHRISTOPHER MEADOWS

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    23

    		 Murder for hire ANGEL VILLAFANE 20 years in prison

    24

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime ANGEL VILLAFANE

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    25

    		 Felon in possession of ammunition ANGEL VILLAFANE 10 years in prison

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Venezuela, US Resume Talks Despite Differences – Interior Minister

    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

    CARACAS, May 23 (Xinhua) — Negotiations between Venezuela and the United States have resumed and are advancing in the interests of both countries, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Wednesday.

    On his weekly television program, D. Cabello said that US President Donald Trump has instructed his special envoy at large, Richard Grenell, to lead a dialogue aimed at reaching mutually beneficial agreements with Caracas.

    Over the past month, the process of rapprochement between the two countries has progressed very slowly, the minister added.

    He said senior U.S. and Venezuelan officials recently held talks in Antigua and Barbuda, where they reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to continuing to build trust despite deep ideological differences.

    The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to strip the temporary protected status of thousands of Venezuelan migrants, drawing criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. A day later, Venezuela released a former U.S. Air Force soldier from jail in what was seen as an attempt to ease tensions. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lead Defendant in Long Running Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Extradited to the United States From Mexico

    Source: US FBI

    Justice Department Recognizes Mexican Government for Significant Assistance
     

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Rodrigo Paez-Quintero, a Mexican national, has been extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking. Paez-Quintero’s surrender to U.S authorities after an extradition proceeding in Mexico demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Mexico to combat the influx of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States.

    Paez-Quintero made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in Tucson.

    “Our fight against international drug traffickers who spread poison into our communities requires all hands on deck,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This extradition is yet another example of our partnership with Mexican law enforcement to dismantle deadly cartels and bring drug kingpins to justice.”

    “This indictment alleges coordinated conduct to traffic fentanyl and other illicit drugs into Phoenix,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Many thanks to our federal, foreign and sovereign tribal partners for their teamwork and dedication.”

    Paez-Quintero is charged in an indictment with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl and multiple counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl. Each count carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. In the year prior to March 2019, the indictment alleges defendant’s involvement in at least nine drug trafficking events from the Lukeville Port of Entry, through Ajo and up to Phoenix. According to numerous open sources, Paez-Quintero is the nephew of jailed Mexican drug kingpin Rafael Caro-Quintero.

    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.

    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 Drug Enforcement Administration – Tucson, Homeland Security Investigations – Sells, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Tucson conducted the investigation in this case, with substantial assistance from the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department. The United States Marshals Service assisted with the extradition efforts. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Paez-Quintero. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-19-2042-TUC-JAS
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-094_Paez-Quintero

    # # #

    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: Mexican National Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Orlando Torres Angulo, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to 12 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distributing methamphetamine, and use of a cellphone in aid of racketeering, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in February 2021, Torres Angulo conspired with other individuals in both Mexico and California to distribute methamphetamine in pound quantities. Torres Angulo arranged for the delivery of 4 pounds of methamphetamine to a customer, who was in fact an undercover officer in Fresno. Torres Angulo later delivered another 2 pounds of methamphetamine to the undercover officer in Roseville. While discussing this deal, Torres Angulo told the undercover officer that he would set aside 15 pounds of methamphetamine if the undercover officer came to his place in Tulare. Torres Angulo then helped coordinate a third deal for 10 pounds of methamphetamine in Terra Bella.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer prosecuted the case.

    This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final Defendant Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Distribute Over 1,000 Pounds of Methamphetamine

    Source: US FBI

    RENO – The final defendant involved in a large methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy was sentenced Monday by United States Chief District Judge Miranda M. Du to 145 months in prison for his role in a large methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.

    According to court documents, in 2014, Nassrollah Behmard fled to Mexico to avoid being arrested for his involvement in a Washoe County drug trafficking case. In March 2022, the FBI learned that Behmard, who was still in Mexico, was conspiring with co-conspirators located in Reno and Los Angeles to distribute multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine in the Reno area. From March 2022 to June 2022, Behmard and his co-conspirators were responsible for distributing over 140 pounds of methamphetamine.

    On June 6, 2022, Behmard arranged with co-conspirator Ramon Guadalupe Sanchez Maldonado to deliver 100 pounds of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Reno. Law enforcement intercepted the methamphetamine and traced it back to a clandestine lab located in the Los Angeles area. Law enforcement dismantled the lab and seized approximately 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine.

    In June 2022, a federal grand jury in Reno charged Behmard, also known as “Benny” and “Michael Holt,” and his co-conspirators Sanchez Maldonado, Melissa Ann Longo, Owen Eugene Dick, and Jesus Sanchez Vargas with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and related offenses including money laundering. Maldonado was sentenced to 120 months in prison, Longo was sentenced to 57 months in prison, and Dick was sentenced to 57 months in prison.

    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.

    The FBI Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, comprised of the FBI, Reno Police Department, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Gaming and Control Board, Nevada Department of Corrections, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, the San Bernardino Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    If you have information of potential drug trafficking, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit an anonymous tip online at TIPS.FBI.GOV.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgian National and Son Charged with Laundering More Than $500,000 They Believed to Be Drug Cartel Proceeds

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Yohanan Eligoola Also Attempted to Sell Surface-to-Air Missiles to People He Believed Were Acting on Behalf of the Cartel

    Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Spencer L. Evans, the Special Agent in Charge of the Las Vegas Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the arrest of YOHANAN ELIGOOLA and DAVID ELIGOOLA in connection with a conspiracy to launder money that the defendants believed to be narcotics proceeds.  The individuals who purported to be operatives of a narcotics cartel were in fact undercover law enforcement officers (the “Undercover Agents”), and YOHANAN ELIGOOLA also attempted to sell those individuals various weapons, including surface-to-air missiles.  YOHANAN ELIGOOLA was arrested on April 15, 2024, in New York, New York, and presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in the Southern District of New York.  DAVID ELIGOOLA was arrested yesterday in Miami, Florida, and presented before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Florida.

    U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Yohanan Eligoola worked with individuals he believed to be representing a drug cartel to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars and to sell them deadly weapons, including surface-to-air missiles.  Unbeknownst to him, those cartel members were in fact undercover FBI agents.  Our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office work relentlessly to disrupt dangerous criminal activity.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans said: “FBI Las Vegas would like to thank our partners at the SDNY U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI New York, and FBI Miami for their diligent work leading to these arrests.  We are committed to working collaboratively and utilizing our partnerships to combat organized crime groups to stem the illegal flow of weapons that endangers U.S. national security.”

    As alleged in the Complaints:[1]

    The Undercover Agents represented to YOHANAN ELIGOOLA that they worked for a drug cartel, and YOHANAN ELIGOOLA arranged to launder their narcotics proceeds.  Over the course of 2023, YOHANAN ELIGOOLA, DAVID ELIGOOLA — YOHANAN ELIGOOLA’s son — or their co-conspirators received large quantities of cash from the Undercover Agents on five separate occasions.  In total, they received more than $500,000 in cash, and returned all of it — minus their fee — back to the Undercover Agents in the form of laundered cryptocurrency and bank wires.

    YOHANAN ELIGOOLA informed the Undercover Agents that he could launder up to $1 million in cash per day on behalf of the cartel and that “the bank will never ask you a question” when YOHANAN ELIGOOLA transferred the laundered funds back to them.

    Before he had received any money from the Undercover Agents, YOHANAN ELIGOOLA asked one of them if the money was “from drugs.”  The Undercover Agents told him that it was and that they were “dealing with Colombians.”

    YOHANAN ELIGOOLA also offered to sell the Undercover Agents various munitions and bragged that he controlled a large fraction of the defense industry in a particular country.  YOHANAN ELIGOOLA further claimed that he marked up munitions he sold by approximately 500% because they were “black market.”  The Undercover Agents informed YOHANAN ELIGOOLA that they “have issues with aircraft,” referred to “the fucking helicopters,” and asked for “stingers.”  Because the Undercover Agents represented that they worked for a drug cartel, the Undercover Agents meant that government helicopters had been interdicting the operations of the cartel, and the Undercover Agents wanted Stinger missiles — which are man-portable surface-to-air missile systems that are effective in shooting down helicopters — in order to shoot down those helicopters. 

    YOHANAN ELIGOOLA asked the Undercover Agents to send him a list of the type of munitions they wanted to purchase and offered to let the Undercover Agents visit him in other countries to see the munitions firsthand.

    The Undercover Agents subsequently requested a number of weapons, including rifles, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank weapons, suicide drones, and Stinger missiles.  YOHANAN ELIGOOLA responded that he could provide most of those weapons and listed the prices he would charge.  As to the Stinger missiles, YOHANAN ELIGOOLA offered FN-6 and FN-16 man-portable surface-to-air missile systems as alternatives.

    On April 15, 2024, the Undercover Agents met with YOHANAN ELIGOOLA at a restaurant in New York, New York, in order to make a down payment on the surface-to-air missiles.  The Undercover Agents provided YOHANAN ELIGOOLA with $690,000 in cash as a down payment for approximately eight such missiles.  YOHANAN ELIGOOLA was then arrested by the FBI.

    *                *                *

    YOHANAN ELIGOOLA, 58, of the nation of Georgia, and DAVID ELIGOOLA, 34, of Hallandale Beach, Florida, are each charged with conspiracy to launder money, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

    The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI.

    The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah Fergenson and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaints and the description of the Complaints set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • 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: Leader of International Drug Trafficking Organization Operating in Lane County Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, Ore.—The leader of an international drug trafficking organization operating in Lane County, Oregon, responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine into the state between 2018 and 2020, was sentenced to federal prison today.

    Victor Diaz-Ramirez, 33, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    “While communities across our state continue to struggle with the ongoing drug crisis, there are criminal enterprises, like the Diaz-Ramirez drug trafficking organization, whose sole purpose is to profit from addiction and suffering. This far-reaching investigation demonstrates the deep commitment of all involved law enforcement agencies to combatting drug trafficking and keeping our communities safe,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices.

    “Drug traffickers like Mr. Diaz-Ramirez prey on our communities by peddling large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, often to our most vulnerable,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division. “I am gratified that the hard work of DEA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our many partners from law enforcement agencies across Oregon led to the lengthy sentence Mr. Diaz-Ramirez received in this case. Justice was truly served.”

    According to court documents, from at least March 2018 through August 2020, while operating out of Mexico, Diaz-Ramirez helped lead an international drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine from Mexico into the United States. Diaz-Ramirez’s organization used a network of associates to transport the drugs from Southern California to Oregon and deliver them to local distributors in exchange for cash. 

    As part of this investigation, law enforcement seized more than 178 pounds of methamphetamine, 12 pounds of heroin, six pounds of fentanyl, 18 rifles, three rifle optics, and ammunition. Investigators also forfeited approximately $1.2 million from the organization, including more than $400,000 in cash. In total, 35 people—including sources of supply in Mexico, couriers, local cell operators in Lane County, and first and second level distributors responsible for sales in and around Eugene—were charged and have been convicted for their roles in Diaz-Ramirez’s organization.

    On August 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Diaz-Ramirez with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On November 1, 2023, Diaz-Ramirez pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding criminal information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    This case was investigated by DEA, FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, Lane County Sherriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (LINE), and Douglas Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (DINT). It was prosecuted by Joseph Huynh and Judi Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of International Drug Trafficking Organization Operating in Lane County Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon member of an international drug trafficking organization operating in Lane County, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison.

    Rodolfo Arroyo-Segoviano, 38, was sentenced to 145 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. 

    According to court documents, between April and August 2020, Arroyo-Segoviano managed the local distribution network for an international drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine from Mexico into the United States. While the organization leaders operated out of Mexico, Arroyo-Segoviano was responsible for the local operations in Oregon. He coordinated the receipt, storage, and distribution of methamphetamine, the collection of drug proceeds, and payment to organization leadership in Mexico. Arroyo-Segoviano also supervised the local associates, including recruitment, pay, and directing activities.    

    As part of this investigation, law enforcement seized more than 178 pounds of methamphetamine, 12 pounds of heroin, six pounds of fentanyl, 18 rifles, three rifle optics, and ammunition. Investigators also forfeited approximately $1.2 million from the organization, including more than $400,000 in cash. In total, 35 people—including sources of supply in Mexico, couriers, local cell operators in Lane County, and first and second level distributors responsible for sales in and around Eugene—were charged and have been convicted for their roles in the drug trafficking organization.

    “The prosecution of this international drug trafficking organization represents the tireless dedication of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners combatting the drug trafficking plaguing our communities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    On July 31, 2020, Arroyo-Segoviano was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On April 3, 2024, Arroyo-Segoviano pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding criminal information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    This case was investigated by DEA, FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, Lane County Sherriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (LINE), and Douglas Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (DINT). It was prosecuted by Joseph Huynh and Judi Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oro Valley Man Indicted for Assaulting a Border Patrol Agent with a Firearm

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Erik Alberto Beal, 26, of Oro Valley, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Tucson on May 1, 2024, on two counts of Assault of a Federal Officer with a Dangerous Weapon, that is, a Firearm, and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. 

    The indictment alleges that, on April 11, 2024, in Nogales, Arizona, Beal assaulted a United States Border Patrol Agent with a firearm while the agent was on duty. Border Patrol agents were working near the United States-Mexico Border when a subject jumped the International Boundary Fence and ran onto a nearby property. The victim agent ran in search of the suspected undocumented non-citizen. During the search, Beal came out of a residence adjacent to the border fence and confronted the agent. Beal pointed his firearm, a Sig Sauer, Model P250, .45 caliber pistol, at the victim agent before eventually being subdued and arrested.

    A conviction for Assault of a Federal Officer with a Dangerous Weapon carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction for Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years up to life imprisonment, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of United States Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, is conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Serra M. Tsethlikai, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-24-02352-TUC-SHR
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-064_Beal

    # # #

    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: Tucson Woman Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Trafficking Approximately 453,000 Fentanyl-Laced Pills and One Kilogram of Fentanyl Powder

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Alegria Pompeya Mendoza-Castro, 30, of Tucson, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 60 months in prison. Mendoza-Castro pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl on November 16, 2023.

    On April 20, 2023, Mendoza-Castro traveled from Mexico through the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales. During the inspection of her vehicle, approximately 453,000 fentanyl-laced pills and one kilogram of fentanyl powder were discovered in the spare tire. 

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force operation. The OCDETF Strike Force Initiative 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 investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR 23-00692-TUC-JCH
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-073_Mendoza-Castro

    # # #

    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: 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virtual Kidnapping Schemes Target Spanish-Speaking Arkansans

    Source: US FBI

    Press release available in both English and Spanish.

    FBI Little Rock is warning of a virtual kidnapping scam targeting Spanish-speaking individuals in Arkansas. The scheme tricks victims over the phone into paying a ransom to “free” a loved one they believe has been kidnapped, when in fact, the scammers have not kidnapped anyone. Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to quickly pay the ransom before the scheme is discovered. On average, families send thousands of dollars to criminals before contacting law enforcement.

    “Virtual kidnappings depend on speed, fear, and the expectation that victims won’t contact law enforcement,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “Scammers know they only have a limited time to receive a ransom before their plot unravels. We want potential victims to contact the FBI immediately so we can identify and disrupt these criminal enterprises.”

    Over the past several months, FBI offices across the United States have seen numerous calls originating out of Central America and Mexico targeting specific area codes in different states. The FBI’s investigation into these calls has determined that criminals are scanning social media accounts for people traveling out of the country. These scammers then call the traveler’s loved ones, stating that the traveler is in danger or has been kidnapped. The criminals then request victims to send money as soon as possible. If you get this type of call— whether you think it’s an extortion scheme or a legitimate international kidnapping— contact the FBI immediately.

    To avoid becoming a victim of this scheme, be aware of these warning signs:

    • Calls are usually made from an international phone number or display an out-of-state area code.
    • Scammers may call multiple times in an effort to speak with their targeted victims.
    • Scammers will go to great lengths to keep you on the phone.
    • Virtual kidnappers play recorded screams in the background to make the call sound more realistic.
    • Criminals will try to prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim.
    • Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service.

    To counter this scam, consider the following advice:

    • Stay calm and avoid sharing information about you or your family during the call.
    • Request to speak to the victim directly; ask for “proof of life.”
    • Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim and ask questions only the victim would know.
    • Request the kidnapped victim call back from their personal cell phone.
    • Attempt to contact the victim via their legitimate social media accounts.
    • Don’t agree to pay a ransom and never give out any financial information.

    FBI Little Rock believes numerous virtual kidnappings remain unreported as many Spanish-speaking Arkansans are hesitant to contact law enforcement due to concerns about their immigration status. FBI investigators are only working to stop these scams. Our main priority is to help victims of federal crimes and bring justice to the criminals perpetrating these schemes.

    The FBI continues to work with state, federal, and international law enforcement partners to locate and arrest the criminals responsible for these schemes. If you encounter or fall victim to this scheme, please report it to the FBI at www.ic3.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Sacramento Men Plead Guilty to Fentanyl Pill Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Jose Guadalupe Lopez-Zamora, 30; Joaquin Alberto Sotelo Valdez, 27; and Jose Luis Aguilar Saucedo, 28, all of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to fentanyl trafficking and related crimes, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, Lopez-Zamora was the leader of a Sacramento-based drug trafficking organization. From at least May 2019 until January 2021, the organization was responsible for importing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone “M-30” pills from Mexico and distributing them in northern California and elsewhere. The group also distributed cocaine and methamphetamine. Sotelo Valdez was fentanyl pill distributor for the organization. Aguilar Saucedo sold hundreds of fentanyl pills on each of three separate occasions in March, April, and July 2020.

    Lopez-Zamora and Sotelo Valdez each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Lopez-Zamora also pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to launder money. Sotelo Valdez also pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Aguilar Saucedo pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Eight other co-defendants have pleaded guilty, and seven have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 27 months to over 10 years. Co-defendant Alejandro Tello is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025.

    Charges are pending against the following defendants: Rosario Zamora Rojo, Luis Lopez Zamora, Leonardo Flores Beltran, Erika Gabriela Zamora Rojo, and Sandro Escobedo. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Yuba-Sutter Narcotic and Gang Enforcement Task Force (NET 5), the California Highway Patrol, the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF), the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the Roseville Police Department, the Manteca Police Department, the Yuba City Police Department, and the West Sacramento Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Mexican authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Luis Lopez Zamora to the United States from Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.

    Lopez-Zamora, Sotelo Valdez, and Aguilar Saucedo are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on March 10, 2025. Lopez-Zamora and Sotelo Valdez face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. Aguilar Saucedo faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    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 OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tulare Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    Aaron Iribe, 35, of Tulare, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to five years and 10 months in prison and for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, on July 27, 2020, Iribe coordinated the delivery of 16 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover officer. The methamphetamine was seized from a vehicle driven by Iribe’s co-defendant, Daniel Lopez. The undercover officer arranged to purchase 20 pounds of methamphetamine for $80,000 from Iribe’s Mexico-based co-conspirator.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.

    Co-defendant Daniel Lopez pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2024.

    This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Arraigned on Terrorism Indictment

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Directed MS-13’s Transnational Criminal Operations and Coordinated Criminal Activity in the United States

    Earlier today, Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, also known as “Lucky de Park View” and “Lacky de Park View,” a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, was arraigned at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, New York by United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione.  Jandres-Parada and 13 other high-ranking MS-13 leaders were indicted in December 2020 on terrorism offenses relating to their direction of the transnational criminal organization’s criminal activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico and elsewhere over the past two decades.  Specifically, Jandres-Parada is charged with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to finance terrorism and narco-terrorism conspiracy.  For more than three years, Jandres-Parada was a fugitive, but he was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) earlier this month and made an initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of California, where he was ordered to be transferred in custody to the Eastern District of New York.

    Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY); Mehtab Syed, Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, HSI’s New York Field Office announced Jandres-Parada’s arrest and arraignment.

    “As alleged, Jandres-Parada, a high-ranking leader in MS-13, engaged in drug trafficking, public and private displays of violence, and terrorism — all in pursuit of power for the organization,” said United States Attorney Peace.   “This arrest is a monumental achievement for our Office and international partners, highlighting our dedication to dismantling MS-13 and their reign of terror wherever they hide.”

    Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and Criminal Investigative Division’s Safe Streets Gang Unit, and HSI’s National Gangs and Violent Crime Unit and New York Field Office for spearheading the MS-13 leadership investigations.  Additionally, he thanked the FBI Legal Attachés in Mexico City and San Salvador, FBI and HSI’s San Diego Field Offices, HSI Attaché Mexico City and Assistant Attaché Tijuana, USMS Legal Attaché in Mexico City and the United States Customs and Border Protection Officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry for the critical support provided in connection with the arrest, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the United States Marshals Service for the Southern District of California for coordinating the defendant’s initial appearance in San Diego.  Mr. Peace also thanked the numerous Department of Justice components that contributed to this indictment, including the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Executive Office.

    “The arrest of Jandres Parada demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to protecting the American public by proactively targeting MS-13’s highest ranking leaders in order to dismantle this transnational criminal organization, which is among the most violent in the world,” said Mehtab Syed, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.  “This collaborative effort among many agencies spanned coast to coast and led to this successful capture.”

    “Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, (a/k/a “Lucky”) has been a fugitive on HSI’s Most Wanted list since 2021.  As one of the founding members of the MS-13 street gang, Jandres-Parada is alleged to be responsible for ordering acts of violence against gang rivals, law enforcement, and civilians alike.  However, Jandres-Parada’s reign of violence came to an end when he was arrested in a joint operation by HSI and FBI,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo.  “With the apprehension of one of HSI’s most wanted, I commend HSI New York, our Long Island Division, and our law enforcement partners for their steadfast commitment and resolve to securing justice for the countless victims whom have been impacted by MS-13’s violence.”

    As set forth in the indictment and related court filings, Jandres-Parada and his co-defendants are part of MS-13’s command and control structure, consisting of the Ranfla Nacional, Ranfla en Las Calles, and Ranfla en Los Penales. They play significant leadership roles in the organization’s operations in El Salvador, Mexico, the United States, and throughout the world.  In total, 27 of the highest-ranking leaders of MS-13 have been charged in the Eastern District of New York in this indictment and the related indictment of United States v. Arevalo-Chavez, et al.

    As further alleged, in approximately 2002, Jandres-Parada, his co-defendants, and other MS-13 leaders began establishing a highly-organized, hierarchical command and control structure as a means to effectuate their decisions and enforce their orders, even while in prison.  They directed acts of violence and murder in El Salvador, the United States and elsewhere, established military-style training camps for MS-13 members and obtained military weapons such as rifles, handguns, grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket launchers.  Further, beginning in approximately 2012, Jandres-Parada and other members of the Ranfla Nacional negotiated with officials from the government of El Salvador (GOES) to obtain benefits and concessions from the government.  In order to extort those benefits and concessions, MS-13 engaged in public displays of violence to threaten and intimidate civilian populations, target GOES law enforcement and military officials, and manipulate the electoral process in El Salvador.

    Additionally, as alleged, the Ranfla Nacional directed the expansion of MS-13 activities around the world, including the United States and Mexico, where Jandres-Parada and other high-ranking leaders were sent to organize operations, make connections to obtain narcotics and firearms from Mexican drug cartels such as the Zetas, Gulf Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel, and engage in human trafficking and smuggling. The Ranfla Nacional also directed MS-13’s large membership in the United States to engage in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and extortion to raise money to support MS-13’s terrorist activities in El Salvador and elsewhere.  Jandres-Parada, who previously resided in the Los Angeles area before being deported to El Salvador, played a key role coordinating communication and criminal activity between the Ranfla Nacional and MS-13 leaders in the United States, Mexico and elsewhere.

    Finally, the Ranfla Nacional and MS-13’s transnational leadership structure is alleged to have directed members in the United States to commit acts of violence to further its goals and implement rules enabling MS-13 to entrench itself in parts of the United States, including within the Eastern District of New York where, under the defendants’ leadership and rules, MS-13 has committed murders, attempted murders, assaults, kidnappings, drug trafficking, extortion of individuals and businesses, and obstruction of justice, and has sent dues and the proceeds of criminal activity by wire transfer to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador.  For example, this Office’s Long Island Criminal Division has prosecuted hundreds of MS-13 leaders, members and associates for carrying out more than 70 murders in the Eastern District of New York between 2009 and the present.

    One of Jandres-Parada’s co-defendants, Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, also known as “El Grenas de Stoners” and “Oso de Stoners,” and two related defendants from the Arevalo-Chavez indictment, Jorge Alexander De La Cruz, also known as “Cruger de Peatonales,” and Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, also known as “Veterano de Tribus,” remain at large.  Members of the public with information concerning their whereabouts are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI’s toll-free MS-13 tip line, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or HSI’s tip line at (866) 347-2423 or https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.  Together, FBI and HSI have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the fugitives. 

    These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  If convicted, Jandres-Parada faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

    This case was brought by Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created to combat MS-13, led by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Durham of the EDNY, and comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of New York; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division.  Additionally, the FBI; HSI; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the USMS; the U.S. Bureau of Prisons; and the United States Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General have been essential law enforcement partners and spearheaded JTFV’s investigations.

    The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, and Megan E. Farrell from the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division.

    Newly Arrested Defendant in U.S. Custody:

    FREDY IVAN JANDRES-PARADA (“Lucky de Park View” and “Lacky de Park View”)
    Age:  47

    Previously Arrested Defendant in U.S. Custody:

    ELMER CANALES-RIVERA (“Crook de Hollywood”)
    Age:  48

    Fugitive Defendants:

    CESAR HUMBERTO LOPEZ-LARIOS (“El Grenas de Stoners” and “Oso de Stoners”)
    Age:   45

    BORROMEO ENRIQUE HENRIQUEZ (“Diablito de Hollywood”)
    Age:  45

    EFRAIN CORTEZ (“Tigre de Park View” and “Viejo Tigre de Park View”)
    Age:  54

    RICARDO ALBERTO DIAZ (“Rata de Leewards” and “Mousey de Leewards”)
    Age:  51

    EDUARDO ERAZO-NOLASCO (“Colocho de Western” and “Mustage de Western”)
    Age:  51

    EDSON SACHARY EUFEMIA (“Speedy de Park View”)
    Age:  49

    JOSE FERNANDEZ FLORES-CUBAS (“Cola de Western”)
    Age:  49

    LEONEL ALEXANDER LEONARDO (“El Necio de San Cocos”)
    Age:  44

    JOSE LUIS MENDOZA-FIGUEROA (“Pavas de 7-11” and “Viejo Pavas de 7-11”)
    Age:  59

    HUGO ARMANDO QUINTEROS-MINEROS (“Flaco de Francis”)
    Age:  51

    SAUL ANTONIO TURCIOS (“Trece de Teclas”)
    Age:  45

    ARISTIDES DIONISIO UMANZOR (“Sirra de Teclas”)
    Age:  46

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 20-CR-577 (JMA)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brothers Plead Guilty to Hostage-Taking of Unauthorized Immigrants

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 23, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – Virves Pablo-Francisco, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he and his younger brother, Nicolas Pablo-Francisco, kidnapped three unauthorized immigrants, including a boy from Afghanistan and a father and son from Ecuador, and held them for thousands of dollars in ransom in June 2023. Nicolas Pablo-Francisco pleaded guilty to similar charges in February.

    In his plea agreement, Virves Pablo-Francisco admitted that on June 13, 2023, he, his brother and others abducted a 16-year-old boy from Afghanistan and held him hostage in a residence in Escondido along with two other foreign nationals—the father and son from Ecuador who were kidnapped the day before. The defendants demanded ransom payments ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per person for their release.

    Additionally, Virves Pablo-Francisco admitted that he provided the Ecuadorian father and son no food and told them they were required to pay extra if they wanted to eat.

    Nicolas Pablo-Francisco, who pleaded guilty in February, admitted holding the boy hostage and demanding ransom from his family.  He also admitted assisting his older brother Virves in the continued detention of the Ecuadorian father and son pending payment of a ransom by their family.

    Federal authorities first learned of the abductions late in the day on June 13, 2023, when the Pablo-Francisco brothers contacted the 16-year-old’s family member in the United States, claiming to have the boy and demanding $4,000 for his release. The family member reported the contact to law enforcement, which led to an overnight, multi-agency effort to locate the boy and identify his kidnappers.

    By morning, agents with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force – with support from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office – had identified a residence in Escondido where they suspected the boy was being held. With assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI agents obtained and executed a federal search warrant for the residence.

    Upon entering the home, agents located Nicolas Pablo-Francisco and the boy, along with the Ecuadorians who agents learned were also being held for ransom. All three migrant hostages entered the United States illegally in the days leading up to their rescue. Virves Pablo-Francisco, who was not present at the Escondido house on the day of the raid, was arrested later pursuant to a warrant.

    “These victims are safe because a family member was brave enough to seek help from law enforcement officials,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Always report crime. We are standing by to hold those accountable who commit crimes, and to support victims and their families. Also, I urge anyone who is considering a dangerous journey into the United States: Please don’t risk your life by trusting smugglers. It could be a very costly mistake.”

    “These guilty pleas demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to bringing kidnapping victims home safely,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge John Kim. “Criminals involved in alien smuggling may think they will get away with taking migrants hostage because of the unique vulnerability of their victims. They are wrong.”

    Nicolas Pablo-Francisco is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant. Virves Pablo-Francisco’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on July 15, 2024.  

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Miller, Jordan Arakawa, and David Eugene Fawcett.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23cr01355-BAS                                            

    Virves Pablo-Francisco                                  Age: 22                                   Guatemala/Escondido, CA

    Nicolas Pablo-Francisco                                 Age: 20                                   Guatemala/Escondido, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Hostage Taking – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1203(a)

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $250,000 fine

    Harboring Aliens – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii)

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

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Sophisticated Sinaloa Cartel Money Laundering Organization Sentenced to 120 Months

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 20, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – Luis Reinaldo Ramirez of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court today to 120 months in prison for his role as a leader in a transnational criminal organization that laundered $16.5 million dollars in narcotics proceeds for the Sinaloa Cartel.  Ramirez was also sentenced for his role in an extortion plot.

    Ramirez was one of 12 people indicted on charges ranging from money laundering, narcotics trafficking, and extortion as part of a two-year investigation by FBI and DEA. The investigation resulted in the takedown of the organization that laundered millions of dollars for the Sinaloa Cartel, and the rescue of two victims of an extortion plot in February of 2021. To date the investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than $1.3 million in illicit assets. 

    According to his plea agreement, Ramirez played a key role in the day-to-day operations of the organization. He created a network of incorporated shell companies in Wyoming that were used to launder illicit bulk cash. Ramirez directed and facilitated employees of the money laundering organization to travel to cities throughout the United States to pick up bulk cash belonging to narcotics traffickers. The employees picked up the bulk cash in Chicago, Omaha, Boston, New York City, Baltimore, Charlotte, and Philadelphia.

    Narcotics traffickers delivered bulk cash in amounts of up to $200,000 to the employees in hotel rooms and parking lots. Following the delivery of the illegal monies, the criminal organization laundered the funds through the shell companies and transferred the monies to bank accounts in Mexico. To demonstrate the drug money connection, in November 2020 the FBI conducted surveillance on a bulk cash delivery from Idsel Valenzuela and Sugey Caro Salazar in Chicago.  The operation led to a subsequent search of Caro and Valenzuela’s home and vehicle, which led to the discovery and seizure of 368 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 10 kilograms of heroin, and $97,390 in bulk cash.   

    Earlier this year, several of Ramirez’s co-defendants were sentenced to prison, including Cristian Amaya Nava, 60 months; Christian Cruz Polanco, 30 months; Sugey Caro Salazar, 48 months; and Idsel Valenzuela, Cheliann Rivera Vazquez and Kimberly Reyes to probationary sentences. Additional co-defendants — Hector Vizcaino Moreno, Ricardo Torres, and Luis Armando Avila — are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months. Three of Ramirez’s indicted co-defendants remain fugitives in Mexico, including the alleged former Mexico-based leader of the organization, Enrique Esparragoza Rosas of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico.  

    The FBI’s investigation, in partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office, pursued an aggressive strategy of asset seizures in order to disrupt the money laundering organization’s activities.  In total, dozens of bank accounts used by the organization were targeted, resulting in the seizure of more than $1 million from U.S.-based bank accounts. Agents also conducted operations that resulted in the seizure of $197,430 in bulk cash and a Volvo tractor-trailer that was purchased with drug money. Agents also seized illicit funds that were used to purchase aircraft and aircraft engines for export to Mexico in several instances.

    The FBI’s efforts also resulted in a successful rescue of two victims who were being extorted by the money laundering organization in February 2021. Prior to the extortion, one of the victims, an employee of the money laundering organization, began stealing illicit funds from a bank account he controlled for the organization. In February 2021, when Esparragoza and Ramirez learned of the theft, they conspired to threaten and extort the pair to repay the funds. Esparragoza sent Cristian Amaya-Nava to threaten the men and their families. Amaya-Nava then drove the two men around Imperial and San Diego counties to collect money from accounts they controlled. Esparragoza also directly threatened the men and their families during several phone conversations that day, telling them that two truckloads of men from Tijuana would “take care of them” if they did anything stupid. 

    Once the FBI learned of the ongoing extortion, they began tracking the victim’s and Amaya Nava’s movements. FBI agents coordinated with the National City Police Department to conduct a traffic stop wherein Amaya Nava was arrested and the two victims were rescued.

    “In cases like this we strike at the life blood of the drug trafficker,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath.  “Money launderers provide the means for cartels to produce and import their deadly poison into the United States.”

    “The sentencing of Mr. Ramirez is a major step toward dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “We remain committed to working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle organized crime activity not only in San Diego, but wherever our investigations may lead.”

    “There is no place for drug trafficking in San Diego,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis. “Drug trafficking is a violent crime that harms our citizens and weakens our communities. The DEA and our partners will continue to be vigilant in dismantling these operations.”

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

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Mellor.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 22cr2185-BAS                           

    Luis Reinaldo Ramirez                                   Age: 41                                   Mesa, Arizona

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine

    Hobbs Act Extortion – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951(a)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Men Charged with Offenses Related to the Sex Trafficking of Minors in Danbury

    Source: US FBI

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that the following four individuals have been charged by federal criminal complaint with offenses related to the sex trafficking of minors:

    • OSWALDO ORDONEZ-ORTEGA, 39, of Danbury
    • MARCO ROBLES, 40, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Brookfield
    • EDWIN QUILLI-TACURI, 40, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury
    • BRYAN ISMAEL VASQUEZ-SALINAS, 23, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in February 2025, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and Danbury Police began investigating a Danbury-based organization believed to be involved in the sex trafficking of minors.  On March 11, 2025, after seeing a communication on a WhatsApp messaging account advertising the sale of two 15-year-old females for sexual encounters, investigators executed a state warrant at a residence in Danbury, found a 15-year-old female victim and a 16-year-old female victim, and arrested Ordonez-Ortega, Robles, Quilli-Tacuri, Vasquez-Salinas, and a fifth individual.  Quilli-Tacuri was located in a locked bedroom with the 15-year-old victim, and the fifth individual was found in a locked bedroom with the 16-year-old victim.  Ordonez-Ortega and Vasquez-Salinas were found together in the kitchen, and Robles was stopped after attempting to leave the area in his vehicle.

    It is alleged that the minor victims were briefly interviewed by law enforcement and Connecticut Department of Children and Families investigators before being transported to a local hospital for medical care and evaluation.  The investigation, which has also included analysis of cell phones seized at the time of the defendants’ arrests, revealed that Ordonez-Ortega coordinated the transportation of the minor victims to Danbury, made appointments with Robles, Quilli-Tacuri, Vasquez-Salinas, and others to engage in sexual activity with the minors, and received payment from the men, a portion of which he returned to the minors.  Ordonez-Ortega scheduled 13 men to engage in sexual activity with the 15-year-old victim, and 11 men to engage in sexual activity with the 16-year-old victim, on March 10 and 11, 2025, in Danbury.

    It is further alleged that Robles caused physical injury to the 15-year-old victim during his sexual encounter on March 11.

    Each of the four defendants is charged with sex trafficking of children, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

    In addition, Ordonez-Ortega and Vasquez-Salinas are charged with attempted sex trafficking of children and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children.  Ordonez-Ortega is also charged with coercion and enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity, and with transportation of minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

    Robles and Quilli-Tacuri were arrested on the federal charges yesterday.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and currently are detained.  Ordonez-Ortega, who is in state custody, and Vasquez-Salinas, who is in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, will be presented in federal court at a later date.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Danbury Police Department, with the assistance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Brookfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Mary G. Vitale.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wilver Villegas-Palomino Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List

    Source: US FBI

    The ELN uses proceeds from Villegas-Palomino’s drug trafficking enterprise to fund terrorist attacks, launch sabotage operations, buy political influence, and engage in other malign activities designed to destabilize government institutions and subvert U.S. national security and law enforcement interests in the region. 

    A federal arrest warrant was issued for Villegas-Palomino in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, on February 13, 2020, after he was charged with narcoterrorism, international cocaine distribution conspiracy, and international cocaine distribution. 

    “Villegas-Palomino continues to present a grave threat to the community through his cocaine and narcoterrorist empire,” said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Nick Zarro, who is overseeing the investigation out of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Cocaine produced in Villegas-Palomino’s laboratories ultimately ends up on U.S. streets, plaguing local communities and driving spikes in violent crime.” 

    The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a federal drug enforcement program overseen by the U.S. Attorney General and the Department of Justice, has named Villegas-Palomino a consolidated priority organization target (CPOT), which is reserved for those involved in the most significant international drug trafficking operations affecting the United States. 

    Zarro hopes the poster and publicity will move hesitant associates to come forward with tips. “Continued publicity of Villegas-Palomino’s status on this list will disrupt his ability to travel abroad, restrict his ability to meet with international drug trafficking associates, and hamper his ability to recruit new members—and will generate leads and intelligence for law enforcement,” he said.

    Villegas-Palomino is 41 years old and has black hair and brown eyes. He is between 5’7” and 5’9” tall and weighs about 190 pounds. He is a Colombian national and speaks Spanish. Aliases include Carlos El Puerco (“Carlos the Hog”), El Puerco, Wilver Villegas, and Wilver Palomino. 

    If you have any information concerning Villegas-Palomino, please contact the FBI via WhatsApp (neither a government-operated nor government-controlled platform) at (281) 630-0330. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –