NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI Security: Savanna Police Officer Sentenced to 40 Years After First Guilty Verdict Obtained Under 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act Enhanced Penalties

    Source: US FBI

    A federal judge sentenced former Savanna Oklahoma Police Officer (SPD), Jeffrey Scott Smith, 35, to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop and obstructing justice by turning off his body-worn camera and dash camera in an effort to avoid recording the assault. This case represents the first sexual assault conviction and sentence under the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that added enhanced penalties for civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct.

    Evidence presented at trial established that on Nov. 2, 2022, Smith, working his first solo shift for SPD, conducted a traffic stop of the victim, K.H., and her then-boyfriend, J.G. After running their licenses, Smith realized that J.G.’s license had recently expired. He had J.G. and K.H. get out of J.G.’s car to switch who was driving. Smith issued J.G. a speeding ticket, and then began asking personal questions, including how long they had been in their relationship. At this point, while still speaking to J.G. and K.H., Smith manually deactivated his SPD body worn camera (BWC).

    Smith then asked K.H. what she did for work. K.H. reluctantly admitted that she danced at a gentlemen’s club. Upon hearing K.H.’s answer, Smith asked to search J.G.’s car. During the search, Smith looked in K.H.’s purse and found a pre-rolled promotional marijuana cigarette from K.H.’s work. Rather than arrest her, or issue her a ticket, Smith walked back to his patrol car and manually deactivated his dashboard camera. Once the defendant had K.H. in his vehicle he sexually assaulted her.

    “Smith’s despicable acts traumatized the victim and soiled the reputation of the law enforcement community,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “The sentence imposed is just punishment, and I am thankful to the FBI, the OSBI, and the prosecutors for their exceptional work in holding the defendant accountable for his crimes.”

    “The entire law enforcement profession is disparaged when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve. That is exactly what Mr. Smith did on his first solo shift as a police officer,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “I am proud of the joint effort by the FBI, OSBI, and US Attorney’s Office to hold Smith accountable for his despicable actions. The sentence handed down today represents our commitment to pursuing justice for victims, and to protecting the reputation of those who wear the badge with integrity.”

    The Oklahoma City FBI Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

    Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Clay Compton for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – An Oregon man pleaded guilty today to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Andy Steven Oliva-Lopez, 27, of Milwaukie, Oregon, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers before U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan. Judge AliKhan will sentence Oliva-Lopez on Jan. 17, 2025.

                According to court documents, Oliva-Lopez drove from his home in Oregon with a friend to attend the Jan. 6, 2021, “Stop the Steal” rally scheduled to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. After attending the rally, Oliva-Lopez walked toward the Capitol and made his way to the West Plaza, which was, by that time overrun with rioters. At that location, United States Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers attempted to maintain lines of defense and were struggling to prevent rioters from advancing further to the building.

                At about 2:04 p.m., Oliva-Lopez, wearing a full-face respirator mask, sprayed streams of orange-colored bear spray at the faces and heads of police officers on the West Plaza. Over the course of several minutes, Oliva-Lopez did this on three distinct occasions. Sometime later, the crowd forced their way through, up, and over police barricades and past officers. The crowd then advanced to the exterior façade of the Capitol, where it was not lawfully authorized to remain. At such time, the certification proceedings were still underway, and the exterior doors and windows of the United States Capitol were locked or otherwise secured.

                Along with other members of the crowd, Oliva-Lopez climbed up the stone balustrade of a set of stairs adjacent to the temporary scaffolding erected for the Inauguration. This scaffolding was located well inside the restricted perimeter of the Capitol building and its grounds, and it was in an area that was not open to the public.

                The FBI arrested Oliva-Lopez on Jan. 23, 2024.

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

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Portland and Washington Field Offices, which identified Oliva-Lopez as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #285 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Pleads Guilty for Making Online Threats Against Public Servants Including Federal Officials

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Michael Lee Tomasi, 37, of Rio Verde, Arizona, pleaded guilty yesterday to making threats against federal officials. 

    From May 2021 through November 2023, while living in Colorado and Arizona, Tomasi used a social media platform to express a desire to incite violence and threaten a variety of individuals and groups, including a city district attorney, a state court judge, a member of Congress and other federal officials and law enforcement officers. Tomasi pleaded guilty to posting a threat on Aug. 26, 2023, to kill FBI agents in order to impede, intimidate, or interfere with FBI agents’ performance of their official duties. Specifically, Tomasi admitted that, on that day, he posted: “Shoot the FBI first and ask questions later. . . .  Any FBI [] have a problem with that[,] come to my house and see what happens. Shoot before they even pull their guns out of their trunk and you shoot to kill.” 

    “Threats of violence against elected officials, judges, and FBI agents pose immense danger to the physical safety of individual victims and undermine our very system of government,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will hold to account anyone who targets public servants with illegal threats of violence.”

    “Threatening law enforcement officers and elected officials strikes at the heart of our communities and our democracy,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The men and women of the FBI work tirelessly every day to defend our homeland and protect the American people. I am proud of their selfless spirit — putting themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe — and we will hold accountable anyone who threatens them.”

    “This disgruntled defendant threatened officials from all three branches of government,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Moreover, he was prepared to carry out his threats: when arrested he had a loaded handgun in his vehicle, as well as other firearms and body armor in his home. The prosecution of threats offenses makes Americans safer.”

    Tomasi pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond K. Woo and Abbie Broughton Marsh for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-23-01751-PHX-DWL
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-112_Tomasi

    # # #

    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: Midway Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    FAYETTEVILLE –A Midway, Arkansas, man was sentenced on June 7, 2023, to 240 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    According to court documents, on September 8, 2022, investigators with the State of Arkansas 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force assisted Arkansas Department of Community Corrections Parole Officers with a search of the residence of Bobby Joe Amescua Gray, II, age 34, in Midway, Arkansas.  Upon the arrival of investigators, Gray attempted to flee out of the rear of the residence but was quicky apprehended.  Gray’s vehicle was searched, resulting in the discovery of 4.467 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine, a firearm, packaging and scales associated with methamphetamine sales and over $5,000 in United States Currency derived from methamphetamine sales.

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

    The State of Arkansas 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force and Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 Home on Ice, 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.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov , WDAR Case No. 3:22 CR 30013-001.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Paragould Man Who Shot at Police Officers Sentenced to 10 Years In Prison

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A Paragould man who admitted to shooting at police officers was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky, the maximum sentenced allowed by law.

          On February 7, 2021, Paragould police officers observed Taj Harris, 23, walking near the area of Walnut Street and Second Street in Paragould. Officers knew Harris had an active warrant for his arrest. As an officer attempted to take Harris into custody, Harris pulled out a firearm and began shooting at the officer, forcing the officer to dive to the ground to avoid being shot. A second Paragould officer saw Harris shoot at the first officer and saw that officer dive to the ground. Believing the first officer had been hit, the second officer fired multiple shots at Harris, who then returned fire at the second officer.

          Officers then pursued Harris on foot, who fled the scene. A civilian trapped Harris between a house and a fence by threatening him with a golf club and flagged down officers to make the arrest. Officers then located a stolen firearm with a large capacity magazine next to Harris’s feet. Harris is a convicted felon. The next day, in a phone conversation with his mother from the Greene County Jail, Harris admitted to his mother that he shot at police officers, and that he intended on shooting them if they tried to put their hands on him.

          On July 6, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Harris for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a maximum of 120 months’ imprisonment. Harris pleaded guilty to the charge on November 15, 2022. In addition to the 10 years in prison Harris must serve, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.

          The case was investigated by the Paragould Police Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney J. William Crow prosecuted the case for the United States.

    # # #

    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: Part-Time Actor from O.C. Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Soliciting Investors for Shell Companies Peddling Bogus COVID Cure

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man and part-time actor was sentenced today to 98 months in federal prison for soliciting investors in companies that marketed what in fact were a bogus cure and treatment for COVID-19 during the pandemic’s early days.

    Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 57, of Huntington Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who also fined him $25,000 and ordered him immediately remanded to federal custody to begin serving his prison sentence. 

    At the conclusion of a three-day trial in May 2024, a jury found Middlebrook guilty of 11 counts of wire fraud.

    In March 2020, Middlebrook solicited potential investors in California, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Colorado via text messages, videos and statements posted on YouTube and Instagram about his purported cure for COVID-19. Middlebrook called this so-called cure “QC20,” and he also marketed a purported COVID treatment, which he called “QP20.”

    Middlebrook claimed to have personally developed a “patent-pending” cure and a treatment to prevent coronavirus infection. Middlebrook fraudulently solicited investments in various companies with a series of false promises. These fraudulent claims included miraculous results from the prevention product and the cure, risk-free and 100 percent guaranteed “enormous returns” on investments,” and that former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson was a director and officer of Middlebrook’s company. He induced victims to invest their money by promising them enormous returns. Judge Fischer based Middlebrook’s sentence in part on finding that he obstructed justice by his lying on the witness stand when he testified about his purported relationship and business dealings with Johnson.

    To bolster these claims, Middlebrook lied that a party in Dubai had offered to purchase his companies for $10 billion, and this offer would secure the victim-investors’ investments in the companies. He also lied that he had secured funding from seven investors who had each already invested between $750,000 and $1 million.

    The FBI arrested Middlebrook in this case in March 2020 after Middlebrook delivered pills – purportedly the treatment that prevents coronavirus infection – to an undercover agent who was posing as an investor.

    The FBI investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth R. Carbajal of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Joseph S. Guzman of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brentwood Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Insider Trading Scheme That Netted More Than $650,000 in Illegal Gains

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A man from the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for his role in an insider trading scheme that netted more than $650,000 in illicit profits.

     Shahriyar Bolandian, 36, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terry J. Hatter Jr. to 24 months in federal prison. A forfeiture order will be imposed at a later date.

    At the conclusion of a five-day trial, a jury in April 2024 found Bolandian guilty of six counts of insider trading. 

    “This defendant – now a convicted felon – illegally traded on inside information to enrich himself and others,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “All those who seek to get rich by manipulating the financial markets and taking advantage of others should think again – there will be consequences for this misconduct.”

    In 2012 and 2013, Bolandian received material non-public information about two upcoming corporate acquisitions by publicly traded companies. Bolandian then used the inside information to trade in advance of the public announcements of Integrated Device Technology Inc.’s April 2012 planned acquisition of PLX Technology Inc., and Salesforce.com Inc.’s June 2013 acquisition of ExactTarget Inc.

    As a result of his illegal trades, Bolandian’s personal share of the scheme’s illicit proceeds was $450,000, which he used, among other things, to cover previous trading losses and repay loans to family and friends. 

    The United States Securities and Exchange Commission in August 2015 filed a civil complaint against Bolandian and others in connection with the scheme. That litigation remains pending.

    Judge Hatter today also sentenced Kevan Sadigh, 37, formerly of Encino and now a Miami resident, to two years of probation and ordered forfeiture in the amount of $36,684 and a money judgment in the amount of $206,525. In a separate, six-day trial, a jury in July 2024 found Sadigh guilty of seven counts of insider trading. Sadigh’s personal share of the illicit proceeds was approximately $200,000. 

    The Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force is designed to expand and prioritize complex corporate and securities fraud investigations, some of which involves corporate executives and other individuals involved in criminal conduct. Members of the Strike Force examine accounting fraud, insider trading, and other matters that directly impact the financial system and trading markets. 

    The FBI investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew M. Roach of the General Crimes Section and Solomon D. Kim of the Major Frauds Section, and Trial Attorney Della Sentilles of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former State Government Employee and Her Former Boyfriend Plead Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining COVID Jobless Benefits

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A former employee of the California Employment Development Department (EDD), which administers the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) program, pleaded guilty this afternoon to fraudulently obtaining more than $750,000 in COVID jobless relief.

    Phyllis Hope Stitt, 61, of Carson, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud for filing at least 29 fraudulent UI claims that caused the EDD to suffer approximately $768,958 in losses. Also pleading guilty today to the same charge was Kenneth Earl Riley, 64, of South Los Angeles, Stitt’s former boyfriend.

    According to their plea agreements, Stitt and Riley had been in a relationship as domestic partners with each other for over a decade at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when Stitt was employed by the EDD as an employment program representative. Her job duties included determining claimant eligibility for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and performing claim processing activities.

    From March 2020 to September 2021, while using the access and information available to her in her position with the EDD, Stitt acquired the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifying information of victims that were used to submit fraudulent claims.

    Stitt then filed fraudulent applications for UI benefits without the victims’ knowledge or consent, and then increased the amount of UI benefits paid out by backdating the fraudulent requests to maximize the claims.

    Stitt certified the fraudulent applications alleging that the victims had submitted their employment history and driver’s license information, and she confirmed they were unemployed because of the pandemic and actively were searching for work.

    Many of the victims were ineligible to receive these benefits because they were currently employed, not unemployed because of the pandemic, or were deceased at the time.

    In filing the fraudulent applications, Stitt used mailing addresses that Riley had access to. Debit cards and accounts created as a result of these fraudulent applications were then accessed by Riley and others, who made cash withdrawals at ATMs, bank transfers and retail purchases.

    United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. scheduled sentencing hearings for May 9, at which time each defendant will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

    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 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 https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.

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

    The United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the California Employment Development Department – Investigation Division investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Steven M. Arkow of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chairman of High Times’ Parent Agrees to Plead Guilty in Scheme to Give Undisclosed Payments to Analyst Touting its Securities Offering

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – The founder and chairman of Hightimes Holding Corp., the company that publishes High Times magazine, has agreed to plead guilty to joining a criminal conspiracy to pay more than $150,000 in undisclosed compensation to an analyst for an investment newsletter that touted its stock and assisted Hightimes in raising at least $6 million.

    Adam Levin, 45, of Marina Del Rey, was charged last month with one count of conspiracy to tout securities for undisclosed compensation. In a plea agreement filed December 20, Levin agreed to plead guilty to that felony offense.

    Levin is scheduled to appear January 14 in United States District Court to make his initial appearance in this case.

    Levin is the fourth defendant to be charged in this scheme in which companies paid the analyst at “Palm Beach Venture,” an investment newsletter with subscribers nationwide. That analyst, Jonathan William Mikula – along with his associate, Christian Fernandez, who acted as a money launderer for the scheme; and Raj Beri, the CEO of a Beverly Hills company who brokered deals for undisclosed payments by other issuers, each received a portion of the payments. Mikula, Fernandez and Beri each pleaded guilty last year and are scheduled to be sentenced in July.

    The payments made by executives such as Levin were in exchange for Palm Beach Venture publishing promotional pieces for securities offerings, according to court documents.      

    Federal law requires full and public disclosure from anyone who has received payment – directly or indirectly – from an issuer for publishing, publicizing or circulating any advertisement or communication that describes the issuer’s security offered for sale.

    According to Levin’s plea agreement, in 2020 and 2021, “Hightimes raised approximately $20 million from more than 10 investor-victims, with at least $6 million in investment proceeds associated with Palm Beach Venture’s promotion.”

    In exchange for the favorable articles in the newsletter, Levin admitted he paid $150,000 via wire transfers, as well as tens of thousands of dollars for entertainment expenses.

    To conceal the scheme, Levin entered into a sham “marketing agreement” and routed the payments through a Canadian bank to a shell company in Canada, according to the plea agreement.

    Mikula then caused Palm Beach Venture to promote Hightimes’ securities offering on April 6 and September 23 in 2020 in articles that falsely stated, “Neither the Palm Beach Research Group nor its affiliates receive compensation for bringing this deal to you,” the plea agreement states.

    Levin also admitted that he lied to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission when he denied knowing that he entered into a “pay-for-play arrangement.”

    The FBI is investigating this matter.

    The SEC filed a civil action against Hightimes that was resolved in 2023 with Hightimes agreeing to a cease-and-desist order and paying a penalty of $558,071.

    Any investors who believe they are a victim of the crimes in this scheme are encouraged to go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/united-states-v-jonathan-william-mikula-christian-fernandez-and-amit-raj-beri for further information and updates regarding this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Adam P. Schleifer of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force is prosecuting this case.

    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: Member of Russian Cybercrime Group Charged in Ohio

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 28, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

    Additional defendants include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23CR2090-RBM                               

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

    Eduard Buse                                                    Age: 31           Transient, Romanian

    Leonard Miclescu                                           Age: 49           Transient, Romanian

    Constantin Iosif Constantin                            Age: 31           Transient, Romanian

    Florentina Sima                                              Age: 30           Transient, Romanian

    Filip Nicolae                                                   Age: 31           Transient, Romanian

    Florin Nicolae                                                 Age:  34          Transient, Romania

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

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    San Diego Police Department Economic Crimes Unit

    IRS Criminal Investigation

    California Employment Development Department Investigative Division

    Department of Labor Office of Investigator General

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sheng Thao Indictment
     

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Case Number: 23-cr-342-RMR

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Justice Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases

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

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

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

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

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

    Not Invisible Act Commission Response

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

    Addressing Violent Crime and the Fentanyl Crisis in Indian Country

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

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

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

    Accessing Department of Justice Resources

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

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

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

    # # #

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Underwood Introduces Health Coverage for IVF Act to Make Fertility Treatment More Affordable and Accessible

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON–This week, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced the Health Coverage for Inclusive and Valued Families (IVF) Act of 2025, legislation that would strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The legislation would amend the ACA to include fertility treatment and care as an essential health benefit, greatly expanding access to fertility services including IVF and making this essential care more affordable and accessible for families.

    “No one should be priced out of the treatment and health care that can help them have a baby. Millions of Americans use treatments like IVF to plan their families and find relief from the painful and often heartbreaking experience of struggling to conceive, and they deserve our support,” Underwood said. “At a time when our fundamental freedoms and health care are under relentless attack, we must strengthen the Affordable Care Act and make sure that families are able to access essential care.”

    A single cycle of IVF can range from $15,000 – 20,000 and most patients require 2.5 rounds to become pregnant.  These expenses are generally paid out-of-pocket. Amending the ACA to include coverage of IVF and other fertility services will significantly expand access to IVF and fertility treatment as well as dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for women and families seeking care. 

    The Health Coverage for IVF Act would require the vast majority of small and non-group insurance plans to cover fertility services without requiring a diagnosis of infertility. This bill also ensures that plans provide meaningful coverage by requiring that plans do not place any more limitations on fertility treatment and care than on other medical and surgical benefits. 

    In addition, it requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to monitor plans’ delivery of this benefit. 

    Covered fertility services under this bill would include:

    • Preservation of human oocytes, sperm, or embryos for later reproductive use.
    • Assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization.
    • Artificial insemination
    • Genetic testing of embryos.
    • Medications prescribed for fertility.
    • Gamete donation.
    • Such other information, referrals, treatments, procedures, medications, laboratory testing, technologies, and services relating to fertility as the HHS Secretary determines appropriate.

     

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

    Shawn Pryor and Cameron Lee were previously convicted.

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

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

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