NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Committing Two Armed Carjackings, Shooting at Police During Car Pursuit, and Assaulting a Federal Corrections Officer

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 23 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for two carjackings during which he brandished a firearm and shot at one victim, shooting at police officers during the vehicle pursuit, and for assaulting a federal officer while in custody.

    Justin Venegas (41) pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of assault on a federal officer which inflicts bodily injury.

    According to court documents, on August 11, 2022, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (“LVMPD”) was pursuing Venegas for a robbery/carjacking that occurred on May 20, 2022.   While at an intersection, Venegas pointed a firearm at the  driver of another vehicle and to into the vehicle. He then put the firearm into the victim’s stomach and forcibly removed the victim from their vehicle. Venegas drove away in the victim’s vehicle. During the pursuit, Venegas reached out the driver’s window and fired several rounds at the front windshield of the pursuing officers’ patrol vehicle. Later, Venegas attempted to carjack a second victim. He shot at and struck the second carjacking victim using a firearm. While the pursuit continued, Venegas collided head on with a K9 police vehicle. He was placed under arrest. A search of the vehicle revealed a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield with an obliterated serial number. A National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) analysis showed that the firearm was the same gun that was discharged during the pursuit and at a police officer. Venegas is a convicted felon, and he is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

    Later, on October 1, 2022, at the Nevada Southern Detention Center, Venegas punched a detention officer in the face causing the officer to fall to the ground. The detention officer suffered facial fractures, lacerations, and a dislocated thumb.

    “The defendant will spend the next 23 years in prison for putting the public and police officers in danger with his senseless, violent actions in his attempt to evade apprehension, and for assaulting a detention officer while in custody,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “In this case, NIBIN crime gun tracing connected the gun used in the first and second carjackings by the defendant. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to combine resources to protect our communities and to bring violent offenders to justice.”

    “The defendants’ sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone who is considering terrorizing the safety and security of our community by committing armed carjackings,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “The sentence also reflects the severity of the crime and the commitment of the FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners, to reduce the potential of future carjacking offenses, a major driver of violent crimes.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Allison Reese prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Anthony Beverly, age 34, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 84 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person (convicted felon).

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

    As part of his previous guilty plea, Beverly admitted that on October 26, 2023, he knowingly possessed in his Onondaga County apartment three pistols, extended ammunition magazines, and approximately 615 rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Beverly further admitted that when he possessed the firearms and ammunition, he knew that he had previously been convicted of a felony. Specifically, in 2015 he was sentenced in Onondaga County Court to 2 to 6 years’ imprisonment as a result of his conviction of possession of a forged instrument in the first degree. Beverly further admitted that in his apartment he possessed various controlled substances which he intended to distribute to others, including cocaine base, powder cocaine, N,N-Dimethylpentylone (sold as “molly”), fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

    Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment.

    The FBI and Syracuse Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Baldwinsville Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    Kenneth Koegel, Jr. Has a Prior Conviction for Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree Involving a 6-Year-Old

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kenneth Koegel, Jr., age 40, of Baldwinsville, New York pled guilty today to seven (7) counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, one count of Commission of a Felony Offense Involving a Minor by a Registered Sex Offender, one count of Distribution of Child Pornography, and one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea today, Koegel admitted that he was previously convicted in 2004 in Monroe County (New York) Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree for exposing his penis to a 6-year-old girl in a public park and touching her vagina with his hand, and that he was required to register as a sex offender because of that conviction. He further admitted that starting in or about 2014 and continuing until October 2022, he sexually abused a girl from the time she was approximately 2 years old until she was approximately 9 years old. During that time, Koegel created numerous sexually explicit images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of his victim, including Koegel subjecting her to multiple sex acts. He also used a social messaging application to distribute the material he produced to someone else, with whom he also traded thousands of other child pornography files.

    Sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2025, before United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. If the Court accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition, Koegel will be sentenced to serve between 35 and 50-years imprisonment, with a lifetime term of supervised release to follow. Koegel also will have to pay restitution to the victim of his exploitation and to the victims in whose depictions he trafficked. He also will continue to be required to register as a sex offender upon release.

    The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force – comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapids Theatre Owner and Associate Named in Superseding Indictment for Defrauding the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Programs Out of More Than $750,000

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging John L. Hutchins, 70, of Lewiston, NY, and Roberto Soliman, 40, of Niagara Falls, NY, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, bank fraud, and wire fraud. In addition, defendant Hutchins is charged with making a false statement and defendant Soliman is charged with engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that the superseding indictment charges Hutchins and Soliman with filing fraudulent loan applications under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). The loans available for these programs were designed to provide emergency financial assistance pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act). The defendants applied for loans under the following companies owned by defendant Hutchins:

    •              Rapids Theatre Niagara Falls, USA, Inc.

    •              1711 Main, LLC

    •              Bear Creek Entertainment, LLC

    •              Hutch Enterprises, LLC

    •              The Hutchins Agency, LLC

    •              CWE Entertainment, Corp. (owned by defendant Soliman)

    Between March and August 2020, Hutchins and Soliman received four Economic Injury Disaster Loans totaling $749,500.00. In support of each of the loans, Hutchins and Soliman submitted false revenue and expense figures for the businesses on the loan applications. Hutchins and Soliman used the loan funding for their own personal expenses, such as payments for residential properties in North Tonawanda, NY, and Lewiston, NY, a 2020 BMW, a 2020 Cadillac, homeowner association fees on a Florida condominium, and payments to relatives.

    In addition, Hutchins and Soliman applied for and received two Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling $115,978.

    In November 2020, Hutchins is accused of making a false statement to a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and to an Investigator of the United States Attorney’s Office, falsely denying applying for, or authorizing anyone to apply for, any Economic Injury Disaster Loans or Paycheck Protection Program loans, with the possible exception of one PPP loan for Rapids Theater.

    Soliman is also accused of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property for using the fraudulent loan proceeds to pay personal expenses.

    The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Rose Brophy, Director of Field Operations, and the New York State Office of Professional Discipline. 

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lackawanna Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in Kidnapping Conspiracy Attempting to Force Sister to Marry in Yemen

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Waleed Abughanem, 32, of Lackawanna, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to misprision of felony, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who are handling the case, stated that Abughanem is the son of Khaled Abughanem and the brother of Adham Abughanem. Waleed Abughanem has several other siblings, including an adult sister (Victim). On September 1, 2021, the Victim traveled from Lackawanna to Guadalajara, Mexico, to temporarily stay with her fiancé, whom she had known for several years. The Victim did so out of fear that family members would require her to enter into a non-consensual arranged marriage. Khaled and Adham Abughanem, and the Victim’s  mother traveled to Guadalajara, and told the Victim that she would be allowed to marry her fiancé if she returned to the United States, which the Victim agreed to do. Waleed Abughanem knew that Khaled and Adham Abughanem did not intend to allow the Victim to marry her fiancé after she returned to the United States.

    After the Victim returned to the United States, Khaled, Adham, and Waleed Abughanem restricted her freedom of movement and forced her to stay in the Abughanem family’s Lackawanna residence for several weeks in September and October 2021. In October 2021, Khaled and Adham tricked the Victim into thinking that she would be permitted to marry her fiancé if she traveled with Khaled and Adham Abughanem, and other family members to Egypt, and later to Yemen. Waleed Abughanem drove the Victim and other family members to an airport in Cleveland, Ohio, for the purpose of traveling to Egypt. Khaled and Adham Abughanem intended to find a man for the Victim to enter into a non-consensual arranged marriage, which Waleed Abughanem was aware of.

    The Victim was held involuntarily in Cairo, Egypt and then in Sana’a, Yemen, from October 2021 until April 6, 2023. During this time, she did not have free access to her United States passport, and, as an unmarried woman, the Victim was not permitted to freely travel or leave Yemen without the approval of family members. Waleed Abughanem knew the Victim was being held involuntarily, and during some of this period, he was present in Yemen. When he was not present in Yemen, Waleed Abughanem instructed his wife to monitor and supervise the Victim. In December 2022, Waleed Abughanem traveled from Yemen to the United States. When questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as to the whereabouts of his siblings, Waleed Abughanem told the CBP Officer that the Victim was in the United States. By making a false statement, Waleed Abughanem concealed that the Victim had been kidnapped and was being involuntarily held in Yemen.

    Charges remain pending against Khaled and Adham Abughanem. They are scheduled to go to trial in October, 2024.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Diplomatic Security Director Carlos Matus and Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Houston. Additional assistance was provided by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and CPB in Boston, Massachusetts.

    Sentencing is scheduled for January 24, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Insurance Mogul Pleads Guilty to $2 Billion Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Florida man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud insurance regulators and policyholders through a web of companies based in North Carolina, Bermuda, Malta, and elsewhere, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    According to court documents, from no later than 2016 through at least 2019, Greg Lindberg, 54, of Tampa, conspired with others to defraud various insurance companies, other third parties, and ultimately thousands of insurance policyholders. Lindberg and others conspired to deceive the North Carolina Department of Insurance and other regulators, evaded regulatory requirements meant to protect policyholders, concealed the true financial condition of his companies, and improperly used insurance company funds for his personal benefit. Lindberg and his co-conspirators caused companies he controlled to invest more than $2 billion in loans and other securities with his own affiliated companies and laundered the proceeds of the scheme. As set forth in the indictment, Lindberg directed the scheme and personally benefitted from the fraud in part by “forgiving” more than $125 million in loans to himself from the insurance companies that he controlled.

    To carry out the conspiracies, Lindberg and others engaged in circular transactions among Lindberg’s web of entities using insurance company funds and made and caused to be made various materially false and misleading statements and representations to and omitted material information from regulators, various ratings agencies, insurance companies, insurance policyholders, and others regarding these transactions.

    As a result of Lindberg’s conduct, his insurance companies, third-party entities, and policyholders suffered substantial financial hardship, and some of his insurance companies have been placed in rehabilitation and liquidation.

    “Greg Lindberg and his co-conspirators misused $2 billion of company funds in their international scheme to defraud corporate victims, regulators, and policyholders,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thousands of policyholders suffered substantial financial hardship as a result of Lindberg’s fraud scheme, which left multiple companies in or on the brink of liquidation. The Justice Department will not hesitate to hold corporate executives accountable when they threaten critical sectors of the economy, like the insurance industry, to enrich themselves.”

    “Lindberg created a complex web of insurance companies, investment businesses, and other business entities and exploited them to engage in millions of dollars of circular transactions. Lindberg’s actions harmed thousands of policyholders, deceived regulators, and caused tremendous risk for the insurance industry,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Today’s guilty plea affirms our commitment to protecting the public from predatory financial schemes and bringing to justice those who betray public trust for personal gain.”

    “Lindberg’s elaborate network of investments, insurance companies, and financial deals was designed to exploit the insurance system and drain millions from policyholders to enrich himself at the public’s expense,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt of the FBI Charlotte Field Office. “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to root out financial fraud.”

    Lindberg pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, including wire fraud, investment adviser fraud, and crimes in connection with insurance business, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States count and 10 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy count. In addition to pleading guilty to these charges, on May 15, following a retrial, Lindberg was convicted by a federal jury in Charlotte of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds for orchestrating a bribery scheme involving independent expenditure accounts and improper campaign contributions, aimed at bribing the elected North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance to influence the regulation of Lindberg’s insurance companies. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine Lindberg’s sentence in both cases after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors in each case. Lindberg was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals.

    In December 2022, one of Lindberg’s top executives, Christopher Herwig, pleaded guilty in a related case to conspiring with Lindberg and others to commit offenses against the United States, including wire fraud, investment advisor fraud, and money laundering, as well as to the making of false statements in the business of insurance. Herwig is also awaiting sentencing.

    The FBI Charlotte Field Office is investigating the case. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Chicago Regional Office provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Ryan and Taylor Stout for the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Lyndie Freeman of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mooresville Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Multimillion-Dollar Investment Scheme and COVID-19 Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Steven Andiloro, 53, of Mooresville, N.C., pleaded guilty today to securities fraud and wire fraud for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar investment fraud scheme and fraudulently obtaining more than $2.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Jason Byrnes, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, and Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

    According to the plea agreement and documents filed in the case, from 2018 to 2021, Andiloro operated an investment fraud scheme and induced victims to invest money in businesses that were both real and fictitious, by making false representations about where and how the money would be invested. For example, some of Andiloro’s victims were told their money would be invested into his car service business. Other victims believed their money would be invested into a non-existent marijuana dispensary business. Contrary to representations made to victims, Andiloro did not invest the money as promised. Instead, Andiloro used the funds to pay for personal expenses and to make Ponzi-style payments to other investors.

    In addition to the investment scheme, Andiloro also engaged in COVID-19 fraud. Court records show that, from April 2020 to March 2021, Andiloro obtained funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by submitting fraudulent applications for disaster relief loans intended for businesses that suffered economic hardship due to the pandemic. To obtain the PPP funds, Andiloro submitted applications that contained false financial information about his businesses, including fake employment data and inflated revenues, costs, and payroll expenses. Andiloro received more than $2.6 million in disaster relief funds, which he used to fund his personal lifestyle and to make payments in furtherance of the investment fraud scheme.

    Andiloro was released on bond. The securities fraud and the wire fraud offense each carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been set.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, and the SBA-OIG for the investigation which led to the charges.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Graham Billings and Katherine Armstrong with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Centerville Man Who Made Online Threats to Commit School Shooting Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Possessing Machine Gun

    Source: US FBI

    DAYTON, Ohio – A Centerville, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court here today to 72 months in prison for possessing a machine gun. The defendant used an uzi-style weapon during a YouTube video in which he threatens to commit a mass shooting at a California school.

    The Court imposed an upward variance from the sentencing guidelines in the sentence imposed today against Alex Jaques, 23.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 15, 2022, the FBI National Threat Operations Center received a tip about a video Jaques posted on YouTube.

    In the video, Jaques uses multiple firearms to shoot a Chromebook computer and threatens to attack Washington Middle School in Salinas, California. The Chromebook has a Washington Middle School sticker affixed to it.

    Before shooting the computer, Jaques stabs it multiple times with a screwdriver and uses a power drill on it. The video shows an uzi-style weapon being discharged in rapid succession and multiple shots fired from a rifle-style weapon.

    Law enforcement communicated with school officials in Salinas, California, and discovered that Jaques had been a student at a school within the same county. Jaques says in the video that he plans to return to the area to “fill out my list of duties” and has kept “names and addresses of people who have wronged me.” Just before shooting the computer, Jaques says, “yeah okay so Washington Middle School you are next.”

    Other videos on Jaques’s YouTube page depict the defendant driving while shooting a pistol at street signs.

    Jaques also commented publicly on a YouTube video of family members of the mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida in which 17 people were killed. Jaques commented “Bullies families get their final day in court” and “I will do my own parkland.”

    While executing a search warrant on Jaques’s residence, vehicle and person, FBI agents seized eight firearms, including an uzi-style weapon, hand grenades and other explosives equipment.

    Jaques was arrested in November 2022. He pleaded guilty to a superseding bill of information in March 2023.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Christina Mahy and Nicholas Dingeldein are representing the United States in this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Business Partner of Former Cincinnati City Councilman Sentenced to Prison for Serving as Middleman in Bribery Schemes

    Source: US FBI

    CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man who served as a middleman for a former city councilman’s bribery schemes was sentenced in federal court here today to 12 months and one day in prison.

    Tyran Marshall, 38, conspired with then-councilmember Jeffrey Pastor. Marshall coordinated bribery payments and “sanitized” money through a non-profit he created. He pleaded guilty in December 2023 to money laundering.

    While serving as a city councilman in fall 2018, Pastor, 40, of Cincinnati, received a $15,000 cash bribe in return for his official action to advance development projects in the city. Pastor pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud and was sentenced in December 2023 to 24 months in prison.

    According to court documents, in September 2018, Marshall and Pastor flew to Miami, Florida, on a private plane to meet with investors regarding a real estate development project. During the trip, Pastor explained he would ensure favorable action on behalf of the city for the project and could receive money through Marshall’s non-profit entity (which had been incorporated two weeks prior). Pastor discussed “compensation” and agreed to accept $15,000 for helping with the project.

    In October 2018, Marshall met with an individual to discuss getting city council votes from Pastor and return compensation for Pastor. Marshall solicited payment from the individual on more than one occasion. He accepted a check made out to his non-profit entity knowing it was in exchange for bribery.

    Marshall also participated in soliciting corrupt base salaries of $200,000 per person for him and Pastor to continue working with the investors. Their solicitations were rejected.

    Marshall and Pastor were indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2020.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer are representing the United States in this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Armored Truck Company Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Cash Meant for ATMs

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – An employee of an armored truck company that delivered cash to bank branches and ATMs pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to embezzling money as a bank agent.

    Justin Eskridge, 37, of Reynoldsburg, admitted he took more than $220,000 from PNC ATMs. Eskridge was employed as an armed service technician for Loomis LLC and delivered cash for and to federally insured financial institutions. Loomis contracted with PNC Bank to transport money to various ATMs and bank branches. 

    Eskridge was employed with Loomis beginning in July 2021 and transported bags of money by armored vehicle to various PNC branches and ATMs. The thefts began around Dec. 14, 2022, and continued through Jan. 9, 2023.

    PNC bank tellers reported shortages totaling approximately $226,000 cash when they balanced the residual amounts on certain ATMs. An investigation by Loomis identified Eskridge as the technician servicing that route.

    Eskridge eventually admitted to Loomis that he had taken the money and led Loomis to recover approximately $144,000 cash hidden in his car. As part of his plea, he will pay the remaining balance to Loomis.

    Theft or embezzlement by a bank employee or agent is a federal crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence, and sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Damoun Delaviz is representing the United States in this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Longtime Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $1 Million in Campaign Funds

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man who served as a campaign treasurer for more than 100 candidates since the 1980s pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud related to stealing nearly $1 million in campaign funds.

    William Curlis, 76, was charged by a bill of information in April 2024. He pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud.

    According to the court documents, from 2008 until June 2023, Curlis defrauded candidates of approximately $995,231 of campaign funds.

    As part of his plea, Curlis admitted that he wrote checks from the bank accounts of certain candidates and one PAC to himself for personal use. The defendant transferred funds between campaign accounts without candidates’ knowledge to conceal the deficit he created.

    For example, from 2000 to 2023, Curlis was the primary signatory on at least 111 bank accounts, and of those, he was the only signatory on 108 accounts.

    Curlis wrote at least 179 checks to himself from campaign accounts belonging to 18 different candidates and one PAC.

    Curlis sold his home in 2016 to cover the cost of campaign expenses, including campaign media costs and account balances, to prevent the discovery of his theft.

    Wire fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. As part of his plea, Curlis will pay $995,231 in restitution.

    U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, FBI Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the guilty plea offered on May 8 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King.

    This case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes agents and officers from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Columbus Division of Police and Ohio Auditor’s Office. The Ohio Secretary of State’s office was also an integral part of the investigation.

    Deputy Criminal Chief Jessica W. Knight is representing the United States in this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Columbus Vice Detective Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Depriving Victims’ Civil Rights, Obstructing Justice

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus vice detective was sentenced in federal court today to 132 months in prison for crimes related to kidnapping victims under the guise of an arrest.

    Andrew K. Mitchell, 60, of Sunbury, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to two counts of depriving individuals of their civil rights while acting under color of law and one count of obstructing justice.

    Mitchell was employed by the Columbus Division of Police from 1988 until 2019 and was assigned to the vice unit from 2017 until 2019. As part of his duties in that role, Mitchell conducted law enforcement actions for solicitation offenses.

    “As a member of the vice unit and a long-serving police officer, Mitchell was well aware of the special vulnerabilities of the sex workers and often drug addicted females with which he came into contact,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Instead of helping them seek refuge, Mitchell was the type of predator who purposely targeted these women. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to upholding the community’s work to connect victimized women to services and to prosecuting those who prey on vulnerable victims, no matter who they are.”

    According to court documents, in July 2017, Mitchell picked up a sex worker who was working in the Hilltop near Sullivant and Whitethorne avenues. Mitchell was in plain clothes and an unmarked black sedan. He told the victim he was a police officer and acted as if he were doing a check for any outstanding warrants on the victim.

    Mitchell used this ruse to handcuff the victim to the doorknob of his vehicle. He drove the victim to a nearby parking lot with multiple dumpsters and forcible held and detained the victim against her will before dropping her off at her boyfriend’s residence.

    Similarly, in September 2017, Mitchell picked up a second sex worker in the Hilltop. Mitchell was again in plain clothes and was driving a dark SUV. He began discussing the victim’s rates for sexual activity before announcing that he was an officer with the vice unit and said she was going to jail.

    Mitchell kidnapped the victim and drove her to Lindbergh Park, holding her against her will.

    Mitchell was also sentenced today for obstructing justice. Specifically, during the federal investigation into Mitchell’s civil rights crimes, he directed several individuals to assist him in cleaning out one of the rental properties he owned, located on Denune Ave. The individuals disposed of evidence including photos, clothing, bedding and rental records, and used bleach extensively in the apartment to clean a bed, couch, ottoman and floor.

    Mitchell was charged federally and arrested in March 2019.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.K. National Sentenced for Fraudulent Wine and Whiskey Scam That Targeted Older Americans

    Source: US FBI

    Casey Alexander, 27, of London, England, was sentenced to three years of probation by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    Alexander was ordered to pay $202,195.58 in restitution for his role in the scam to the victim investors.

    According to court documents, Alexander and others involved, engaged in a cold-calling scheme to target elderly investors throughout the United States. They used aggressive and deceptive tactics and promised large returns if the victims participated in wine and whiskey investments. They told victims that they could buy a portfolio of fine wines and whiskeys on their behalf, and then hold the purchase in a bonded warehouse located in Europe until sold for a profit.

    Alexander and his team were able to convince the victims across the country to wire funds or make checks out to one or more suspect companies to participate in the investment opportunities. After the initial investments were made, victims were encouraged, and eventually convinced, to continue investing in order to secure larger returns.

    In 2020, a victim’s son notified the Highland Heights Police Department (HHPD) to report the scam which defrauded the victim out of more than $300,000 over an 18-month period. HHPD then discovered similar complaints from others throughout the United States who reported being victims of a “wine scam” after being asked to purchase wine as an investment.

    This case was investigated by the FBI.  To date, investigators have identified over 150 victims within the United States who collectively invested more than $13 million in the wine and whiskey fraud scheme.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio.

    The investigation and prosecution of this case is in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nation’s elderly population.

    If you observe something that you believe might be fraudulent conduct involving an older adult, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov to report it.

    Related Links:

    U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Month

    Public Service Announcement from U.S. Attorney Lutzko

    Stay Aware of the Latest Scams

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shawnee Resident Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault Charge

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dustin James Coggins, age 34, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Indictment charging him with one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

    The Indictment alleged that on August 2, 2024, Coggins assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, intending to do bodily harm.  The crime occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Okemah Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Coggins will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Soverly and Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Durant Resident Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Hr’Lee Wayde Hisaw, age 23, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm, in Indian country.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Ada Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    On September 26, 2024, Hisaw pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on February 18, 2024, Hisaw fired a semiautomatic handgun at the victim’s vehicle as it drove away from a residence.  The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee.  Hisaw will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Muskogee Resident Sentenced for Felony Assault

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Colby Eric Dean Ballard, age 29, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, and Dating Partner in Indian Country.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muskogee Police Department.

    On March 21, 2024, Ballard pleaded guilty to the charge.   According to investigators, on April 4, 2023, Ballard assaulted the victim, strangling the victim and causing injuries to the victim’s face, head, wrist, and stomach.  The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Ballard will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick M. Flanigan and Edith Singer represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Antlers Resident Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Clyde Park Crews III, age 34, of Antlers, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

    On September 4, 2024, Crews pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, between December 2022 and May 2023, Crews induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to produce and transmit images of that conduct on the internet.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding child sexual exploitation, trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography, or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement.  You can file a report through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com, through the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or through Homeland Security Investigations at 1-877-4-HSI TIP.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Crews will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twenty-Nine-Year-Old Pascua Yaqui Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Molesting Fellow Tribal Member 10 Years Earlier

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Orlando Miguel Valenzuela, 29, of Tucson, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 10 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. Valenzuela pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact on January 23, 2023.

    In August 2019, the victim reported several instances of sexual abuse committed by Valenzuela that had occurred between 2013-2014, when the victim was under 12 years old and Valenzuela was over 18 years old. Valenzuela was located by law enforcement and indicted in April 2022. When Valenzuela is released from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Micah Schmit, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           22-CR-0682-TUC-CKJ
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-173_Valenzuela

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign National Charged with International Drug Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    An indictment was unsealed in the District of Columbia today charging a foreign national with international fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana trafficking.

    According to court documents, between January 2017 and April 2021, Juan Carlos Morgan Huerta, aka Cacayo, conspired to import large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana from Mexico into the United States. 

    Morgan Huerta is charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, one kilogram or more of heroin, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana for importation into the United States. If convicted, Morgan Huerta faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram, and Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

    The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) supported the case.

    The FBI Tucson Field Office, OCDETF Strike Force, DEA Nogales Field Division, and HSI Tucson Field Office are investigating this case.

    Trial Attorneys Kirk Handrich and Lernik Begian of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance.  

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Arizona Scammers Charged in Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – On September 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a 55-count indictment against Luis Ortega, 42, of Litchfield Park, and Jeremie Sowerby, 45, of Fountain Hills, for Wire Fraud and Transactional Money Laundering.

    The indictment alleges that Ortega and Sowerby scammed hundreds of victims out of millions of dollars in a cryptocurrency investment scheme. Under the guise of three entities, Ortega and Sowerby marketed a “risk-free” investment opportunity in “leases” of purported Bitcoin mining machines located abroad (Now Mining); a direct investment in Bitcoin mining machines in Arizona (VIP Mining); and a real estate and technology company through which investors could purchase custom-built container houses using the defendants’ proprietary “Millennium” cryptocurrency. Each entity involved the promise of lavish giveaways and profits that could be accessed and liquidated immediately. In reality, the entire scheme was based on lies. Ortega and Sowerby siphoned the victim funds to bank accounts they controlled and used the money for themselves, including for the purchase of properties and a new vehicle, and extensive cash withdrawals.

    A conviction for wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or both. A conviction for transactional money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $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 and IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    A number of victims have been identified by the FBI and IRS CI. However, there is evidence that victims remain unidentified. Anyone who believes they were defrauded by the defendants in this case should contact the Victim Witness Section at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona at usaaz.victimassist@usdoj.gov or fill out the questionnaire at this link: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-potential-victims-of-jeremie-sowerby-luis-ortega-fraud-schemes. Victims can access information regarding the case status here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/us-v-luis-ortega-jeremie-sowerby.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-23-01321-PHX-SMB
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-180_Ortega/Sowerby

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman Ordered to Pay Over $38,000 in Restitution for Interference with Flight Crew on Hawaii-Bound Flight

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Cayla Farris, 29, of Hawaii, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to a time-served sentence of 3.6 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. During her term of supervised release, Farris will not be permitted to travel by commercial aircraft without prior approval. Farris was ordered to pay $38,952.00 in restitution to American Airlines for delay-related costs due to her actions. Farris pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to Interference with a Flight Crew Member.

    On February 13, 2022, Farris boarded an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu, Hawaii. During the flight, Farris used profanity and threatened the flight crew and passengers onboard. As a result of her behavior, the flight crew was unable to continue their duties. The captain ultimately decided to turn the plane back to Phoenix. For passengers onboard, this disturbance caused several flights to be re-routed to Hawaii.  

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

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-01393-PHX-SMB
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-176_Farris

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Drug Dealers Convicted of Conspiring to Murder Federal Witness

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—After almost two weeks of trial, a federal jury has found two drug dealers guilty of their involvement in conspiracy that resulted in the murder of a federal informant. Don Smith, 38, of Malvern, Arkansas, and Samuel Sherman, 38, of Batesville, Arkansas, were found guilty when the jury returned their verdict late Tuesday evening. Chief United States District Judge D. Price Marshall, Jr., presided over the trial, and Judge Marshall will sentence Smith and Sherman later.

          Both Smith and Sherman were convicted of conspiracy to cause witness tampering resulting in death. Smith was also convicted of witness tampering resulting in death, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime resulting in first degree murder.

          Smith and Sherman were originally charged in September 2019 in connection with the death of Susan Cooper, who had bought methamphetamine from Sherman but had begun working as an informant for law enforcement. In May 2016, Sherman was arrested and charged with selling methamphetamine to Cooper. As his case progressed, Sherman was released and permitted to work as an informant himself.

          Though Sherman was supposed to be working as an informant, he had not provided enough information to help his case, and in September 2016, Sherman learned he was facing a significant federal prison sentence. Evidence at trial showed that upon learning this, Sherman called Smith, who was a methamphetamine dealer in the Malvern area. Smith had sold drugs to Rachael Cooper, who was Susan Cooper’s sister-in-law (they were married to brothers).

          Cellular tower data presented at trial showed that shortly thereafter, Smith drove from Malvern to Batesville, where Sherman lived, and stayed in Batesville for approximately 40 minutes before returning to Malvern. On the way back to Malvern, Smith called Rachael. Rachael had been communicating with Susan about making arrangements for Susan to trade some hydrocodone pills for methamphetamine. Susan did not know the trade was with Smith.

          That night, Rachael picked Susan up and drove her to meet Smith for the drug exchange. Rachael testified at trial that as they waited, she heard a gunshot followed by Susan crying out “I’m shot—get me out of here!” Rachael jumped in the driver’s seat and saw Smith shoot Susan several more times. Smith pulled Susan from the truck as Rachael sped away.

          For a year and a half, Susan Cooper’s body had not been found. In July 2018, Smith was charged in state court with the murder, and after his arrest, a witness came forward to disclose Smith had demanded he help bury the body. This witness took federal agents to the location of Cooper’s body.

          “Rest assured that any attempt to harm a federal witness will be met with swift and forceful justice,” said Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Our entire system of justice is based on the ability of witnesses to speak truthfully in open court. Any attempt to prevent a witness from doing so—especially an attempt that results in a witness’s death—will be investigated and prosecuted. We appreciate the work of the many agencies who collaborated to bring this brutal crime to a resolution.”

          “The conviction of Sherman and Smith sends a clear message to all who conspire to commit murder in our district: we will work together with our federal, state, and local and law enforcement partners to see that anyone involved in this type of horrific crime is brought to justice. This case highlights the impact multiple agencies can have when they join forces,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarad Harper.

          “Smith and Sherman callously planned the brutal execution of Susan Cooper in an effort to protect their criminal activity,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James Dawson. “In response to the murder of a federal informant, FBI agents joined forces with DEA investigators, Malvern police detectives, and Hot Spring County Sheriff’s deputies to bring Smith and Sherman to justice. This case highlights the value of law enforcement partnerships and proves that the FBI and our partners will use every available resource to investigate and pursue criminals who harm or intimidate federal witnesses.”

          The statutory penalty for conspiracy to cause witness tampering resulting in death is life imprisonment, as is the penalty for witness tampering resulting in death. Neither Smith nor Sherman will be eligible for release.

          The investigation was conducted by the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office, Malvern Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI. The case involved significant collaboration between the Hot Spring County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anne Gardner and Bart Dickinson.

    # # #

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

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

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pope County White Supremacist Operative Convicted of Racketeering

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A two-week federal jury trial has resulted in the conviction of the financial backer of a white supremacist gang for his involvement in a racketeering and drug conspiracy. Marcus Millsap, 54, of Little Rock, was found guilty on all counts when the jury returned their verdict late Friday afternoon. United States District Judge Brian S. Miller presided over the trial, and Judge Miller will sentence Millsap later.

          Millsap was indicted in September 2019 for his involvement in a white supremacist prison gang known as the “New Aryan Empire,” or NAE. NAE’s slogan is “to the dirt,” referring to the fact that members must remain in the organization until they die. Millsap was charged with, and ultimately convicted of, conspiracy to violate racketeering influenced corrupt organization laws, or RICO, attempted murder in aid of racketeering,  and drug conspiracy. Evidence at trial established that Millsap and others used the NAE as a corrupt organization to conduct racketeering activities including drug distribution, solicitations of murder, and attempted murder.

          At trial, the prosecution presented evidence that in May 2014, Millsap sold methamphetamine to an individual named Bruce Hurley, who was working as a confidential informant. Once Hurley completed the controlled purchase of methamphetamine and reported back to law enforcement, a traffic stop located more methamphetamine in Millsap’s vehicle. Millsap was convicted in the methamphetamine case, and while on an appeal bond, Millsap solicited members and associates of NAE  to kill Hurley for his work in cooperating with law enforcement against Millsap. In January 2016, other NAE members attempted to murder Hurley. That attempt failed, and NAE members and associates continued attempting to arrange Hurley’s death.  This conduct resulted in Millsap’s conviction Friday for attempted murder in aid of racketeering.

          Another 54 defendants were indicted in the case, all of whom have pleaded guilty except for Millsap and Troy Loadholt, who is currently a fugitive. While some defendants are still awaiting sentencing, the highest sentence so far has been given to Wesley Gullett, who was the President of the New Aryan Empire. Gullett was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment.

          “The United States will not tolerate the vile and outrageous crimes committed by members and associates of the New Aryan Empire or any other white supremacist group,” said Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “If you are a member or associate of this or any other violent criminal organization, know that the United States will stop at nothing to dismantle and disrupt those who pose a threat to our communities and the future of our children.”

          The statutory penalty for conspiracy to violate racketeering laws is up to life imprisonment. The statutory penalty for attempted murder in aid of racketeering is up to 10 years imprisonment. The statutory penalty for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, based on the amount of methamphetamine involved in the case, is a minimum of 15 years and up to life imprisonment.

          The investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Pope County Sheriff’s Office; the Russellville Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Arkansas State Police; 5th Judicial Drug Task Force; the Conway Police Department, and the Arkansas Army National Guard’s Counterdrug Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Liza Brown and Stephanie Mazzanti.

    # # #

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

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

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: River Valley Group Sentenced to More Than 206 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    FORT SMITH, Ark. – The final members of an Arkansas River Valley group have been sentenced to federal prison for the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fort Smith.

    In the fall of 2019, Agents with the DEA and the FBI launched an investigation into drug trafficking and money laundering in the Western District of Arkansas. For approximately a year between September 2019 and September of 2020, agents conducted extensive investigative activities into a large, River Valley-based drug trafficking organization led by Manuel “Chuy” De Jesus Perez-Echeverria.

    This investigation resulted the arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment of twenty-two (22) individual drug traffickers and money launderers and the seizure of approximately 6.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 15 firearms, and $146,687 in funds derived from drug trafficking.

    The sentencings of the drug trafficking organization members are as follows:

    WDAR Case No. 2:20 CR 20014 – 001-004 – (Indictment issued July 28, 2020)

    Alexis Tirado – age 27, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced April 8, 2021 to 180 months BOP and $100 special assessment for Aiding and Abetting in the Distribution of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine.

    Emmanuel Miranda – age 25, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced April 1, 2021 to 78 months BOP and $100 special assessment for Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine.

    Israel Miranda-Zapata – age 30, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced April 1, 2021 to 108 months BOP and $100 special assessment for Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine.

    Brenda Golden Day – age 36, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced April 1, 2021 to 60 months BOP and $100 special assessment for Distribution of More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine.

    WDAR Case No. 2:20 CR 20017-001-018 (Original Indictment issued August 26, 2020, Superseding Indictment issued October 7, 2020)

    Manuel “Chuy” De Jesus Perez-Echeverria – age 36, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 22, 2021 to 360 months BOP, $100 special assessment, and $20,000 fine for Conspiracy to Distribute More Than Five Hundred (500) Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Humberto “Beto” Acosta-Martinez – age 33, Poteau, Oklahoma – sentenced October 12, 2021 to 48 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $300 fine for Conspiracy to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Shaun Michael Easton – age 40, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced November 9, 2021 to 108 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $900 fine for Distribution of More Than Five (5) Grams of Methamphetamine.

    Julio Ivan Enriquez-Munoz – age 41, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – sentenced November 8, 2021 to 51 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $400 fine for Conspiracy to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Alberto Ledesma – age 43, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 18, 2021 to 188 months BOP, $100 special assessment and $2,900 fine for Distribution of More than Fifty (50) Grams of Methamphetamine.

    Efrain Maciel-Martinez – age 54, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 14, 2021 to 78 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $300 fine for Possession of More Than Fifty (50) Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

    Makayla Nicole Martin – age 22, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 15, 2021 to 63 months BOP, $100 special assessment and $1,400 fine for Money Laundering.

    Traye Everett Martin – age 26, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 14, 2021 to 57 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $1,400 fine for Conspiracy to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Nicholas “Nico” Moron-Rivera – age 29, Fort Smith, Arkansas – plead guilty on September 16, 2021 to Distribution of Methamphetamine. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

    Julie Ann Pyles – age 42, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 13, 2021 to 78 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $1,400 fine for Money Laundering.

    Paula Lynne Rider – age 58, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 6, 2021 to 87 months BOP, $100 special assessment and a $900 fine for Conspiracy to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.           

    Ezequiel Rodriguez – age 43. Heavener, Oklahoma – sentenced October 21, 2021 to 210 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $14,653.19 in restitution to the DEA for methamphetamine laboratory cleanup/abatement for Conspiracy to Distribute More Than Five-Hundred (500) Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Ronal Salinas – age 24, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 5, 2021 to 33 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $900 fine for Distribution of More Than Five (5) Grams of Methamphetamine.

    Benjamin Valdez – age 38, Paris, Arkansas – sentenced October 21, 2021 to 262 months BOP, $100 special assessment and a $5,000 fine for Distribution of More Than Five (5) Grams of Methamphetamine.

    Amber Renee Vance – age 35, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced July 21, 2021 to 130 months BOP and a $100 special assessment for Conspiracy to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Richard James Vineyard – age 33, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced November 9, 2021 to 120 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $900 fine for Conspiracy to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Emily Elizabeth Williams – age 31, Fort Smith, Arkansas – sentenced October 5, 2021 to 70 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $900 fine for Conspiracy to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Michael Dean Wilson – age 38, Hot Springs, Arkansas – sentenced October 13, 2021 to 110 months BOP, $100 special assessment, $1900 fine for Conspiracy to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine.

    Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas, FBI Little Rock, Special Agent in Charge Jim Dawson, and DEA Little Rock, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarad Harper made the announcement.

    DEA – Fort Smith, AR; McAllister, OK; Atlanta, GA, FBI – Fort Smith, AR; Oklahoma City, OK; Miami, FL, U.S. Marshals Service, ATF – Fort Smith, AR, State & Local Agencies – Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Smith Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, Greenwood Police Department, Paris Police Department, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, 12th/21st Judicial District Drug Task Force, Arkansas State Police, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case for the United States.

    Today’s announcement is part of the Western District of Arkansas’ Operation Bear Mountain Bingo, which is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program.  The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy.  OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.  Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement.  The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illicit drug supply.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bismarck Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    HOT SPRINGS, ARK. – Aaron Edward Briggs, 28, formerly of Morgan City, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday to thirty (30) years in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via the Production of Child Pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.

    According to court documents, in 2019, Briggs met and began a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female. During the course of the sexual relationship, Briggs sent a picture of his genitals to the minor via Facebook Messenger. During a subsequent online conversation, Briggs requested that the minor take and send him sexually explicit images of herself. The evidence recovered during the investigation revealed numerous sexually explicit images of the minor that were sent to Briggs.

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Little Rock Division investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyra Jenner prosecuted the case for the United States.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Culver City Restauranteur Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $4 Million in COVID-19 Business-Relief Loans

    Source: US FBI

    SANTA ANA, California – A Culver City man and restauranteur who owns a hospitality company that has developed restaurants and hotels in California, Tennessee, and Kentucky pleaded guilty today to fraudulently obtaining more than $4 million COVID-19 economic-relief loans.

    Philip Frederick Camino, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    During the spring of 2020, Congress created these two federal programs to provide financial assistance to Americans suffering economic harm because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    According to his plea agreement, Camino owns several companies based in Hollywood, Westwood, Studio City, and Beverly Hills as well as in Arizona. From April 2020 to April 2021, Camino submitted and caused to be submitted false and fraudulent applications to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and banks for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

    In these applications, Camino made false statements, including inflating the number of employees to whom were paid wages, providing fictitious federal tax forms that were never filed with the IRS, and falsely certifying that the loan proceeds would be used for permissible business purposes.

    Relying on Camino’s false information, the SBA and lenders approved and funded these loans, the proceeds of which were transferred to a bank account under Camino’s control. Camino used most of the fraudulently obtained money for expenses prohibited under the PPP and EIDL programs, including paying more than $100,000 in kickbacks to his accomplice.

    For example, in June 2020, Camino emailed a bank containing false documentation to support a $144,270 fraudulent PPP loan application on behalf of a company controlled by a co-conspirator.

    In total, Camino submitted more than 20 fraudulent loan applications from which he obtained more than $4 million.

    United States District Judge Fred W. Slaughter scheduled a March 6, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Camino will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Waier of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former San Gabriel Valley Teacher Charged with Receiving and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A former elementary school teacher in the San Gabriel Valley is scheduled for arraignment today on a federal grand jury indictment charging him with receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.

    Steven Pilar, 47, of Las Vegas, is charged in a four-count federal indictment with two counts of receiving child pornography and two counts of possessing child pornography.

    A federal grand jury returned the indictment on July 19, 2024. Pilar was arrested on August 2 in Las Vegas, where he made his initial appearance. A federal magistrate judge in Nevada ordered Pilar jailed without bond. Pilar’s arraignment is scheduled for this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    According to the indictment, on February 8, 2020, and April 10, 2020, Pilar knowingly received and downloaded over 400 videos and images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) via BitTorrent for viewership. Pilar was employed as an elementary school teacher in La Puente at the time. He no longer works at the school.

    Pilar was arrested on state charges, which were later dropped so a federal case could be pursued.

    “This defendant, whose former job put him in a position of trust with children, is accused of participating in an underground market that trades on the sexual exploitation of kids,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Protecting children from sexual predators is critical and my office will be unrelenting in our efforts to punish those who commit these crimes.”

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

    If convicted, Pilar would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 80 years in federal prison.

    The FBI and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Joshua J. Lee of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder-in-Aid of Racketeering

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jason Corbett, 52, of Paradise, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to life in prison for murder in aid of racketeering, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, between 2011 and 2016, Aryan Brotherhood (AB) members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, committing multiple acts involving murder, conspiracies to murder, and drug trafficking crimes. AB members oversaw a significant heroin and methamphetamine trafficking operation from their California prison cells using smuggled cellphones to direct drug trafficking activities, order murders, and oversee other criminal activities inside and outside of the prisons.

    According to Corbett’s plea agreement, on July 28, 2018, Corbett murdered an inmate at High Desert Prison as part of an AB-related killing. Corbett admitted that he committed the murder because the victim falsely claimed to be an AB member and had run up a significant drug debt at his previous prison — both violations of the AB’s expected codes of conduct. Corbett willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation, murdered the victim in order to maintain his status within the gang.

    On Jan. 3, 2024, Corbett’s co-defendant in the murder, Pat Brady, 54, pleaded guilty to the same murder in aid of racketeering. He was sentenced to life in prison on Aug. 5, 2024.

    In April 2024, following a nine-week trial, a federal jury found three of Corbett’s co-defendants guilty of RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to murder, murder in aid of racketeering, and multiple counts of drug trafficking. Ronald Yandell, 62, and Billy Sylvester, 56, are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Mueller on Nov. 19, 2024. Danny Troxell, 71, will be sentenced at a date to be set by the Court.

    During a status conference today, Kathleen Nolan, 70, of Calimesa, entered a guilty plea for her part in the drug trafficking conspiracy with AB members and associates. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 17, 2024. Charges are pending against Kevin MacNamara, 44, of La Palma. The charges against him are only allegations; he is 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 the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Vallejo Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, Ross Pearson, and David Spencer are prosecuting the case.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former UC Davis and Davis Club Water Polo Coach Sentenced to Over Seven Years in Prison for Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Daniel Joseph Noble, 28, residing in San Diego County, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to seven years and three months in prison for knowing distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Noble was also ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.

    According to court records, between March 10, 2022, and April 12, 2022, Noble participated in a Kik private group chat dedicated to sharing videos of children being sexually abused or exploited. Noble shared over a dozen video files with the Kik group. Some of those files that Noble shared showed prepubescent minors being sexually and sadistically abused by adults. At the time he engaged in this conduct, Noble was working as the assistant water polo coach for UC Davis men’s team and the associated youth team.

    “This sentence of more than seven years sends a clear message that this content and the horrific abuse it depicts is neither legal nor acceptable in our society,” Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office stated. “The FBI continues to make the pursuit of individuals who produce, share, and consume content that is the result of abuse of a child a top priority. We are deeply committed to working with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors in an effort to protect children.”

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Sacramento and in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tehama County Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offense

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eduardo Castillo, 39, of Corning, was sentenced today to 19 years and seven months in prison for online enticement of a minor for sexual purposes, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    Castillo had previously fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution; however, he was returned to the United States in August 2023 thanks to the collaboration of the FBI, Mexican law enforcement officials, and Mexican immigration officials.

    According to court documents, between July 13, 2020, and Aug. 27, 2020, Castillo used a cellphone and the internet to entice at least five minor victims into sending him images and videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

    During that timeframe, Castillo posed as one or more teenage girls on social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. Using images of teenage girls that he had downloaded from the internet, Castillo initiated chats and then exchanges of images with his male victims. Castillo then asked for child sexual abuse material in return, assuring his victims that the images and videos would be deleted. In reality, Castillo screen-recorded the videos and images and saved them on his devices.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

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