NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Found Guilty of Armed Robbery of Armored Vehicle Courier at Gunpoint While on Supervised Release for Bank Robbery

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – An Inglewood man, who in 2022 was granted compassionate release after serving 26 years in federal prison for armed robberies of armed couriers, has been found guilty by a jury of robbing a Brinks courier at gunpoint in a bank parking lot near LAX in August 2023, the Justice Department announced today.

    Markham David Bond, 61, was found guilty late Thursday of one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

    Bond has been in federal custody since November 2023.

    “After being given a second chance in life, this defendant sadly chose a path of violent crime,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Through our strong partnerships with federal and local law enforcement, we will continue to use our resources to protect our community by holding accountable violent offenders who use guns.”

    According to evidence presented at a five-day trial, on the morning of August 18, 2023, Bond stole approximately $145,000 in cash from a Brinks armored carrier outside a Chase bank near LAX. The armored vehicle was parked in the bank parking lot as one of its employees got out of the vehicle with a blue duffle bag on a rolling cart and which contained the cash. Bond approached the driver, pointed a handgun at him, and demanded the money.

    Fearing for his life, the Brinks employee dropped the duffle bag. Bond then ordered the victim to get down on the ground. After the victim complied with this order, Bond grabbed the blue Brinks duffle bag then fled the area.

    Bond was arrested on November 22, 2023, and police seized at his residence a .40-caliber pistol containing 10 rounds of ammunition, the shirt he used during the robbery, and cash hidden inside of a mini-refrigerator. Police also found the robbery getaway car parked around the block from Bond’s residence. Inside the car, police found the empty Brinks bag and the hat Bond used during the robbery, among other evidence linking Bond to the robbery.

    Bond has multiple felony convictions dating from the 1980s and 1990s, including for Hobbs Act robbery, armed bank robbery, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. As a convicted felon, Bond is not permitted to possess firearms or ammunition.

    In January 1995, Bond was sentenced to 562 months (46 years and 10 months) in prison after being convicted of bank robbery and firearms offenses by a federal jury in Los Angeles. But in January 2022, Bond was granted compassionate release and was released early from prison. He was on supervised release when he robbed the Brinks employee at gunpoint on August 18, 2023.

    United States District Judge Wesley L. Hsu scheduled a July 11, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which point Bond will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.

    The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division investigated this case.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Haoxiaohan H. Cai of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force and Daniel H. Weiner of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Orange County Resident Linked to White Supremacy Group Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Rioting at Political Rallies

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A former resident of Huntington Beach who has been linked to a white supremacy extremist group was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for planning and engaging in riots at political rallies across California.

    Robert Paul Rundo, 34, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton. 

    Rundo pleaded guilty on September 13 to one count of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Riot Act.

    “This defendant sought to further his white-supremacist ideology by plotting riots and engaging in violence at political rallies,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Hate and violence are antithetical to American values and tear at our community. It is therefore critical that we protect the civil and constitutional rights of our community against those who promote divisiveness.”

    “After a lengthy investigation, during which the defendant became an international fugitive, Mr. Rundo has now been held accountable for his criminal activity which was motivated by his extremist dogma,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Mr. Rundo’s movement did not ‘rise above’ whatever differences Americans may have, but was divisive, harmful to others and ultimately led him to prison. The FBI will continue to pursue those whose ideology leads to violence and lawlessness.”

    From March 2017 to May 2018, Rundo and others participated in an organization that ultimately was rebranded as the “Rise Above Movement” (RAM). RAM representing itself as a fighting group of a new nationalist and white supremacy identity movement. As part of their membership in RAM, Rundo and others attended rallies with the intent to provoke and engage in violence.

    To prepare for violent physical conflicts, Rundo and others held hand-to-hand and other fighting training sessions, which they organized through telephone calls, social media, and text messages. Rundo organized and attended several such training sessions in 2017. On various social media platforms, Rundo and others posted messages and photographs of themselves preparing for or engaging in violence, accompanied by statements such as “#rightwingdeathsquad.”

    In March 2017, Rundo and other RAM members held a training in San Clemente to prepare to engage in violence at political events, including a rally on March 25, 2017, in Huntington Beach. At the Huntington Beach rally, Rundo and other RAM members pursued and assaulted other persons, including one protestor whom Rundo tackled and punched multiple times. Following the event, Rundo and his co-conspirators posted online photographs and videos celebrating the assaults they had committed.

    Rundo also helped organize training for RAM members in anticipation of a rally scheduled to occur on April 15, 2017, in Berkeley. At the Berkeley rally, there were several violent clashes throughout the day. In one such instance, Rundo and several of his co-conspirators crossed a police barrier erected to separate opposing groups. They then punched and kicked several people. Following the event, Rundo and his co-conspirators again posted online photographs and videos celebrating the assaults they had committed.

    On June 10, 2017, Rundo and others attended a rally in San Bernardino, at which they confronted and pursued protesters.

    In the months following these events, Rundo and his co-conspirators continued to publicly celebrate their assaults, including through online posts with photos and videos of RAM members assaulting people.

    Two other defendants have been charged in this case:

    • Robert Boman, 31, of Torrance, who has pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act and one count of rioting, and has a trial date of February 18, 2025, scheduled; and
    • Tyler Laube, 28, of Redondo Beach, who pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of interfering with a federally protected right and later was fined $2,000 and sentenced to time already served in custody.

    The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated this case.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Kathrynne N. Seiden and Anna P. Boylan of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Yuba County Man Sentenced to Two Years and 11 Months in Prison for Submitting False Claims Against the United States in Relation to a COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jason Toland, 44, of Wheatland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to two years and 11 months in prison for submitting false claims against the United States related to COVID-19 pandemic tax credits, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Toland was also ordered to pay $2,078,462 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

    According to court documents, Toland attempted to obtain more than $13.4 million in COVID‑19 pandemic relief funds by filing multiple false tax returns with the IRS seeking refunds for the Employee Retention Credit and the COVID Sick and Family Leave Credit. Toland used shell companies that had no real employees and no actual business activity to seek more than $11 million in such tax refunds to which he was not entitled. In addition, between 2020 and 2023, Toland used the shell companies to fraudulently obtain a total of more than $1.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds. All these tax credits and programs were intended to alleviate the economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on real businesses with real employees and operating expenses.

    Of the more than $13.4 million that he sought through false tax returns and fraudulent loan applications, Toland successfully obtained more than $1.95 million. All the funds Toland received went to his own personal enrichment.

    “The COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force continues to pursue pandemic fraud, including the abuse of tax credits for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that false claims targeting credits meant for real businesses suffering real consequences of the pandemic will be identified and prosecuted.”

    “Mr. Toland’s fraudulent and nefarious scheming took aim at funds designated to help both small businesses and American citizens in the midst of a global pandemic,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley. “IRS-CI does not and will not sit idly by while financial criminals seek to exploit the American tax system. We are the experts in financial investigations, and we build cases that result in justice.”

    This case was the product of an investigation by IRS-Criminal Investigation in collaboration with the IRS’s Nationally Coordinated Investigation Unit with assistance from the SBA Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case.

    This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. 

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Madera Man Previously Convicted in Washington D.C. for January 6 Capitol Breach Offenses Sentenced in Fresno for Illegally Possessing Firearms and Ammunition

    Source: US FBI

    FRESNO, Calif. — Benjamin Martin, 46, of Madera, was sentenced today to three years and two months in prison today for illegally possessing several firearms and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today.

    Martin was convicted of the firearms charges following a one-day trial in Fresno. According to evidence presented at the trial and other court records, in September 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant at Martin’s residence in Madera and arrested him on charges filed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for the breach of the United States Capitol that occurred on Jan. 6, 2021. During the search, the FBI found eight firearms, including an AR‑15‑style rifle, multiple high-capacity magazines for the AR-15, and more than 500 rounds of ammunition. Martin was prohibited from possessing these items because of his prior domestic violence conviction, and resulting restraining order, for choking his then girlfriend and dragging her back into the house after she tried to flee.

    Shortly after his arrest, Martin was caught on a recorded jail call where he instructed his current fiancée to lie to authorities and tell them that the firearms seized from his residence belonged to her and her father and that he did not know about them. She agreed to do so. Martin received an enhancement to his sentence for this witness tampering.

    Martin also recently went to trial in the Capitol breach case in Washington, D.C., where the evidence showed that he held a door to the Capitol open while officers tried to close it. He kept the door open so that other rioters could spray chemical irritants and throw objects at the officers. Martin was convicted on five counts.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton, Robert Veneman-Hughes, and Michael Tierney prosecuted the case.

    Martin is scheduled to be sentenced in the Capitol breach case in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 20, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. Martin faces additional imprisonment and fines in that case. The actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    The press release for Martin’s conviction in the Capitol breach case can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/california-man-convicted-felony-and-misdemeanor-charges-actions-during-jan-6-capitol. 

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Obtains Consent Decree with Kings County Man for Alleged Mail and Wire Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    FRESNO, Calif. — The United States has entered a consent decree with Dale Lake of Hanford to resolve a lawsuit brought by the United States pursuant to the Anti-Fraud Injunction Statute, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today.

    The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleged that Lake was a “money mule” who was facilitating a mail and wire fraud scheme that primarily victimized senior citizens. According to the complaint, Lake received funds or gift cards obtained via fraud, then transmitted those funds to accomplices in Jamaica. Other participants in the fraud scheme contacted potential victims; falsely claimed that those victims had won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize; and induced victims to transmit money to Lake, supposedly in order to receive the falsely promised winnings.

    The consent decree announced today, approved by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston, permanently prohibits Lake from assisting, facilitating, or participating in any prize promotion fraud or any money transmitting business. The decree also authorizes the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to monitor Lake’s incoming mail for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the decree.

    “Money mules facilitate fraud against vulnerable populations,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable anyone who engages in schemes to defraud the public. Our office is committed to educating the public about how fraudsters use money mules to receive and transfer money to third parties.”

    “Postal Inspectors will continue to use all the tools of law enforcement, including civil remedies, to protect the public from fraud schemes employing money mules,” said Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood of the USPIS San Francisco Division.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the USPIS. It is part of a larger effort by the Justice Department, USPIS, FBI, and other federal law enforcement agencies to identify, disrupt, and prosecute networks of individuals who transmit funds from fraud victims to international fraudsters. Such fraudsters rely on money mules to facilitate a range of fraud schemes, including those that predominantly impact older Americans, such as lottery fraud, romance scams, and grandparent scams, as well as those that target businesses or government pandemic funds. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Fuentes handled this case for the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Madera Pharmacist Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Illegally Trafficking Hundreds of Thousands of Opiate Pills

    Source: US FBI

    FRESNO, Calif. — Ifeanyi Vincent Ntukogu, 49, of Fresno, was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison for illegally distributing oxycodone and hydrocodone, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    Ntukogu was a pharmacist in Madera who dispensed more than 450,000 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills based on fraudulent prescriptions, all in exchange for cash.

    “This defendant displayed a blatant disregard for public safety and the law,” U.S. Attorney Talbert said. “It took the effort of agents, investigators, undercover officers, and medical professionals to bring an end to this illicit prescription-writing racket. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue our pursuit of those who fuel the opioid epidemic for their own personal benefit.”

    “As a licensed pharmacist, Mr. Ntukogu was trusted to dispense medications safely, supporting positive health outcomes. He intentionally exploited his trusted role, dispensing hundreds of thousands of fraudulently prescribed oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, knowing his greed-fueled actions would put opioids in the hands of drug dealers and could cause grave harm to the public. Working closely with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we dismantled this operation and held those who chose profit over public safety accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel, who leads the FBI Sacramento field office.

    “Ntukogo thought he could outsmart the system by rejecting red flag prescriptions all while conducting drug deals on the side for cash. His illicit scheme led to the distribution of nearly half a million highly addictive opioids in Tennessee, Texas and beyond; fueling the fire of prescription drug misuse and endangering American lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris. “This lengthy sentence underscores the serious consequences for medical practitioners who place profits above people. DEA will continue to work with our counterparts to investigate, arrest and prosecute individuals who abuse their positions and threaten public safety.”

    According to court records, from December 2014 through November 2018, Ntukogu dispensed more than 450,000 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills based on fraudulent prescriptions delivered to him by his co-conspirators and co-defendants in the case, Kelo White and Donald Pierre. The prescriptions were from more than 10 different physicians whose signatures were forged.

    Ntukogu reviewed each prescription and rejected the ones that he believed regulators may deem suspicious. For example, he rejected prescriptions that were supposedly written by certain doctors or that were written for individuals who were having prescriptions filled at other pharmacies because he believed those prescriptions may raise red flags.

    Ntukogu dispensed the pills through his New Life Pharmacy in Madera. Upon doing so, he required cash payments from White and Pierre and increased the price that he charged over time. White and Pierre then illegally sold the pills in Tennessee, Texas, and elsewhere.

    Ntukogu received hundreds of thousands of dollars for his participation in the scheme. His sentence was also enhanced because he used his special skills as a pharmacist to help commit the crime.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Department of Health Care Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antonio Pataca and Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.

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

    This case was also part of the DOJ’s Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), which is a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.

    White is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 24, 2025. He faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years 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.

    Pierre, the remaining defendant in the case, was previously convicted and sentenced to nine years and four months in prison.

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Newly Arrested Defendant in U.S. Custody:

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

    Previously Arrested Defendant in U.S. Custody:

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

    Fugitive Defendants:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendant Charged with Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in Overdose Deaths of Two People

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 25, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – Scott Anthony Sargent of San Diego appeared in federal court today to face charges that he distributed the fentanyl that resulted in the deaths of two victims in North Park in 2022. During the same incident, Sargent and another person also overdosed but survived.

    Sargent is also charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. At today’s hearing, Sargent was detained without bond.

    San Diego Police officers along with investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team responded to a 911 call just before 6 a.m. on November 10, 2022. When they arrived, four individuals were found lying on the floor of a bedroom. Two of the individuals, identified in court records by the initials Z.W. and M.L., were pronounced dead at the scene, while Sargent and another individual were treated with Narcan and transported to nearby hospitals where they recovered.

    Sargent allegedly brought and then distributed the fatal mix of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl (a common fentanyl analogue) to a residence in North Park. Investigators linked Sargent to the overdoses through the fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl mixture found at the overdose location. The mixture was also found inside Sargent’s backpack and duffel bag recovered from the scene. A subsequent search by investigators of Sargent’s storage unit also turned up additional baggies containing the same combination of fentanyl/para-fluorofentanyl.

    “Fentanyl kills indiscriminately,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Yet as was accomplished in this case investigators will leave no stone unturned in the effort to identify and charge distributors of this poison.”

    “Mr. Sargent’s alleged actions cost two people their lives,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis. “The San Diego DEA and its partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that sell, traffic, or provide fentanyl in our community.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Gordon and Sarah Goldwasser.

    Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24-CR-807-RSH                                            

    Scott Anthony Sargent                                    Age: 63                                   San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death – Title 18, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C)

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum: Twenty years in prison

    Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine – Title 18, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1), and 846

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison

    Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Homeland Security Investigations

    San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

    San Diego Police Department

    State of California Department of Health Care Services

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Los Angeles Man Sentenced to More Than Nine Years in Federal Prison for Robbery Spree That Ended in High-Speed Crash and Freeway Foot Pursuit

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A South Los Angeles man was sentenced today to 110 months in federal prison for committing a string of robberies of businesses throughout Los Angeles County – a series of crimes that ended with a high-speed chase that resulted in him and other defendant crashing their getaway car before running across a freeway last year.

    Anthony Flores, 28, a.k.a. “BabyGfar,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera, who also ordered him to pay $10,439 in restitution. Flores has been in federal custody since September 2023.

    At the conclusion of a three-day trial, a jury on July 18 found Flores guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and two counts of Hobbs Act robbery.

    “This defendant’s careless disregard for the law put lives at risk,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Today’s sentence highlights that my office – through the Operation Safe Cities initiative – will make sure that violent criminals face real consequences. The public deserves no less.” 

    From May 27, 2023, to May 31, 2023, Flores and other co-conspirators robbed BevMo! liquor stores in Long Beach and Lakewood and conspired to rob other stores in West Covina and Pasadena, and on June 5, 2023, attempted to rob a BevMo! store in Canyon Country. During the robberies, Flores and others stole high-end liquor stored behind security glass and, in some instances, threatened employees with violence.

    In total, Flores and his co-conspirators stole approximately $14,143 in merchandise during this spree.

    On June 5, 2023, Flores and co-defendant Ivin Kitu Sanford, 32, formerly of South Los Angeles but now a resident of Las Vegas, attempted to rob the Canyon Country BevMo! store. Flores and a co-conspirator subdued a store employee and attempted to steal high-end bottles of liquor. They fled in a stolen gray Dodge Charger with a stolen license plate and attempted to evade officers during a traffic stop. Flores and Sanford led law enforcement on a chase before crashing into a tree. After the crash, they ran on foot across the 14 Freeway during rush hour traffic. Flores and Sanford were later found in bushes in a desolate area and arrested.

    At the same July trial, Sanford was found guilty of one count of Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2025, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

    Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.

    The FBI, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the West Covina Police Department, and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 23, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23cr01355-BAS                                            

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

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

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

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

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

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

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

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 20, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 22cr2185-BAS                           

    Luis Reinaldo Ramirez                                   Age: 41                                   Mesa, Arizona

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

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

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

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

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

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Francisco Man and New York Man Charged in Scheme to Defraud Investors

    Source: US FBI

    OAKLAND – A federal grand jury indicted Avi Fogel, now known as Avi King, and Christos Chrestatos each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud.  Fogel was also charged with one count of false writings to a government agency and an additional count of wire fraud.

    Fogel, 47, of San Francisco (who was also known as, in addition to Avi King, Aaron Rose, Aaron Rothchild, and Aaron Gilman), self-surrendered on Nov. 7, 2024, and made his initial appearance in federal court in Oakland that same day.  Chrestatos, 45, of Long Island, N.Y., also known as Chris Silverman, was arrested today, and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of New York.

    According to the indictment filed Oct. 3, 2024, and unsealed Nov. 7, 2024, defendants allegedly engaged in an investment fraud scheme wherein they purported to be producers in the entertainment industry with close ties to “A-list” actors, directors, and other celebrities.  Fogel allegedly met potential victims in a variety of places, such as dating websites and shared taxi rides.  At various times, defendants claimed to be producers at “Universal.”  The indictment alleges that the men lied to victims about their ability to arrange investment and product integration deals in feature films, documentaries, and television series when they knew they had no actual connection to the productions and no affiliation with Universal.

    Defendants allegedly created entities, including Suzy and the Sock Dragon Media Group, LLC, Rhinoheart Films, LLC, and The Book Media Group, LLC, to entice investors to invest in their fraudulent scheme.  According to the indictment, Fogel and Chrestatos fraudulently obtained investments from multiple victims totaling approximately $167,100, and used the funds for purposes other than as represented to investors.

    Additionally, the indictment alleges that Fogel submitted a fraudulent loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, ultimately receiving $52,400. Fogel allegedly claimed that his company, Suzy and the Sock Dragon Media Group, LLC, was engaged in “entertainment services,” had $125,000 in gross revenues and sold $20,000 in goods, amounts that were derived from the money obtained through defendants’ investment fraud scheme.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp.

    Both defendants were released on bond. Fogel’s next scheduled appearance is on Dec. 9, 2024, for a status hearing before the Honorable Araceli Martínez-Olguín, U.S. District Judge.

    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 each face a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture for the charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in counts one to five.  Additionally, if convicted, Fogel faces a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture for the wire fraud charge in count six, and five years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture for the false writings to a government agency charge in count seven.  However, 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 U.S. Attorney Benjamin K. Kleinman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

    Avi Fogel Indictment
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Investment Fraud Schemes and Conspiracy to Launder Money

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Also Admitted to Disaster Relief Loan Fraud and Destroying Evidence to Obstruct Government Investigation

    SAN FRANCISCO – Thomas Aaron Signorelli pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of theft of government property, one count of destruction of records, and one count of conspiracy to launder money.

    Signorelli, 46, of West Palm Beach, Fla., was charged by information on Sept. 19, 2024.  In pleading guilty to all seven counts in the information, Signorelli admitted that beginning in January 2021 to around December 2023, he falsely claimed he could assist individuals and entities in need of capital by raising funds, obtaining loans, and securing profitable investments through his company WS Capital, which was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  In fact, Signorelli did not raise capital, obtain loans, or secure profitable investments, and instead used the victims’ funds to pay his personal and living expenses, as well as to pay back other victims.

    Signorelli engaged in one of the fraud schemes with his co-conspirator David Scott Cacchione.  As part of that scheme, Signorelli and Cacchione convinced investors that their money would be used to purchase accounts receivables that did not exist.  Rather than use the funds as promised, Signorelli typically shared a portion of the funds with Cacchione and used the remainder to pay personal and living expenses and repay other victims.  Through his various schemes, Signorelli defrauded individuals and entities of more than $2,500,000.  Signorelli further admitted that he conspired with an attorney in Florida to launder fraud proceeds through the attorney’s client trust account in order to disguise the source and nature of the fraud proceeds.

    The plea agreement also describes that, in December 2021, Signorelli was introduced to an individual who claimed to be looking for someone to launder large sums of drug trafficking proceeds.  Signorelli offered to use WS Capital accounts to launder the supposed drug trafficking proceeds and accepted approximately $150,000 in government funds from an undercover government agent.  Instead of laundering those funds, Signorelli stole the money and used it to pay his personal expenses.

    Signorelli further admitted that he caused applications for a Paycheck Protection Program loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan to be submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of a Napa real estate venture that he had formed.  Signorelli made false representations about the venture’s revenues, payroll, and employee count in order to obtain over $50,000 in disaster relief loans.

    Finally, in August 2022, Signorelli learned that the FBI had obtained a warrant to search his mobile phone.  As detailed in his plea agreement, prior to turning in his mobile phone, Signorelli deleted electronic communications on his device in order to obstruct the government’s investigation.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp, IRS-CI Oakland Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley, and Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special Agent in Charge of the Western Region Weston King.

    Signorelli remains free on a $200,000 appearance bond imposed on Sept. 20, 2024.  His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Mar. 24, 2025 before the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Court Judge.  The maximum statutory penalty for each count is set forth below.

    OFFENSE

    STATUTE

    MAXIMUM PENALTY
    Bank Fraud 18 U.S.C. § 1344 30 years’ imprisonment; $1,000,000 fine; 5 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitution
    Wire Fraud 18 U.S.C. § 1343 20 years’ imprisonment; $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitution
    Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud 18 U.S.C. § 1349 20 years’ imprisonment; $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitution
    Theft of Government Property 18 U.S.C. § 641 10 years’ imprisonment; $250,000; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitution
    Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in  Federal Investigations 18 U.S.C. § 1519 20 years’ imprisonment; $250,000; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitution
    Conspiracy to Launder Money 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h) 20 years’ imprisonment; $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitution

    However, 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.

    Signorelli’s co-conspirator Cacchione pleaded guilty on Aug. 14, 2024, and was sentenced by Judge Donato on Nov. 4, 2024, to a 40-month term of imprisonment.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS-CI, and SBA OIG.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay Area Home Health Agency Owner Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Health Care Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Submitted False Claims for Medicare Payment and Attempted to Thwart FBI Investigation

    SAN FRANCISCO – Veronica Katz was sentenced today to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $543,634.34 in restitution for committing health care fraud.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Judge.

    Katz, 36, of San Francisco, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 17, 2023, along with two co-defendants.  Katz pleaded guilty on Apr. 18, 2024, to one count of health care fraud.  Katz was the owner and operator of HealthNow Home Healthcare and Hospice (HealthNow), a home health agency that provided in-home medical care to patients in the Bay Area.  HealthNow billed Medicare and private insurance companies for in-home medical care.  In the course of operating HealthNow, Katz submitted false documentation to Medicare in order to obtain reimbursements in violation of Medicare’s rules and regulations.

    According to Katz’s plea agreement, she participated in a scheme to defraud Medicare that took a number of forms, including using the identities of licensed medical practitioners on electronic medical records and billing information without the practitioners’ knowledge or consent; directing certain individuals to prepare “Start of Care” (SOC) forms even though the individuals were not Registered Nurses (RNs), as required by Medicare; manipulating electronic patient medical records in order to make it appear as if RNs had completed the patient SOCs; and billing Medicare for physical therapy services that Katz knew had not been provided.

    In addition, Katz admitted that she took steps to thwart law enforcement’s investigation into HealthNow.  In October 2019, Katz met with one of her HealthNow employees, who informed Katz that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents had questioned the employee regarding the company’s billing practices and SOC assessments.  Katz instructed the employee to lie to the FBI and falsely state that the employee had been trained and supervised by an RN in the course of conducting SOC assessments.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, and Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG).

    In addition to the term of imprisonment and restitution, Judge Donato also sentenced Katz to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered her to pay a $50,000 fine.  Defendant will begin serving her sentence on Jan. 6, 2025.

    Co-defendant Vennesa Herrera pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2021, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud, and will be sentenced on Mar. 17, 2025.  Co-defendant Simon Katz’s trial is scheduled for May 12, 2025.

    Assistant United States Attorney Christiaan Highsmith is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Helen Yee and Mark DiCenzo.  The prosecution is the result of a lengthy investigation by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the California Department of Public Health.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Denver Men Sentenced for String of Area Bank Robberies

    Source: US FBI

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Mitchell Leland Baca, 33, of Denver, and Jaki Ravion Joseph Martin-Birch, 28, of Denver, were sentenced to 224 months and 170 months in prison respectively for their roles in a series of bank robberies in the Denver area.

    Baca pled guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and four counts of bank robbery. Martin-Birch pled guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and four counts of bank robbery.

    The plea agreements show that between June 14, 2023, and July 24, 2023, Baca and Martin-Birch robbed five banks in Denver and Aurora in which they used weapons to threaten employees for cash.  Baca and Martin-Birch left each bank robbery with thousands of dollars.

    “Bank robberies are violent, brazen crimes that we will not tolerate,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “These sentences should send a message to other potential bank robbers that they will be caught and prosecuted.”

    “Together, the defendants are responsible for at least five bank robberies involving handguns across the metro area,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force is uniquely positioned to investigate these types of cross-jurisdictional crimes and leverage federal prosecution to ensure violent offenders are kept off our streets, preventing further harm to the public.”

    The defendants were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nina Y. Wang.  The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Denver Police Department handled the investigation. Special United States Attorney Leah Perczak 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-00370-NYW

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Third Member of Multi-State Gas Pump Skimming Device and Fuel Theft Ring Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges

    Source: US FBI

    Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Deyvis Hernandez (37, Miami) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud. Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the wire fraud count, up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy count, and payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendants defrauded. No sentencing date has been set.

    According to court documents, Hernandez and his co-conspirators worked together to install skimmers on gas pumps, including gas stations in Alabama, Louisiana, and Northern Florida. The conspirators used the skimmers to illegally obtain credit and debit card account numbers involved with the purchase of fuel by customers at the gas pump. Using the account numbers stolen by the skimmers, they subsequently made counterfeit credit and debit cards and then, used them to purchase large amounts of diesel fuel.

    During the conspiracy the conspirators drove vehicles that contained a fuel bladder system. This system allowed the conspirators to fake pumping gas into the vehicle’s gas tank when in fact the diesel fuel was being pumped into the fuel bladder system. Analysis by law enforcement of fuel purchases, vehicle tracker data, gas station video surveillance, and real time surveillance of the conspirators determined that the conspirators drove to multiple gas stations throughout Northern Florida. After obtaining the gas, the conspirators offloaded the stolen fuel into 9,500-gallon tanker trucks at a fuel yard. The tanker trucks were arranged in part by Hernandez who was part owner of a gas station in south Florida. Hernandez coordinated the sale of the stolen diesel fuel to locations designated by him to include in south Florida. 

    Deonelky Tabares Cid (36, Tampa) previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy, four counts of wire fraud, six counts of access device fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Luis Edel Trujillo Pena (29, Miami) previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. No sentencing date has been set for either defendant.

    Co-defendants Luis Ernesto Vigil Ochoa (32, Miami) and Isvaldo Guerra Perdomo (38, Jacksonville) are scheduled for trial in May 2025.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: The Diamond Desk Corp. and PetersenLowe, LLC Operators Sentenced in Multimillion-Dollar Diamond Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    Note: This press release was corrected to reflect the proper announcing officials.  

    MIAMI – On May 15, 2025, Adam Jonathan Lowe, 43, of West Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to over 6 years in federal prison by the Honorable David Leibowitz, stemming from his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, mail fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341, and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived proceeds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957.  Upon release from custody, Lowe must serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution to the victims of his offense.

    Previously, on May 13, 2025, co-defendant Murray Todd Petersen, 73, of Fair Oaks, California, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison by the Honorable James I. Cohn stemming from his conviction after a seven-day jury trial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.  Upon release from custody, Petersen must serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution to the victims of his offense.

    On October 18, 2024, co-defendant Scott Schafer, 62, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, was sentenced to five years probation stemming from his stemming from his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.

             As outlined in court documents and trial testimony, Adam Jonathan Lowe, as the president of The Diamond Desk and as the manager of PetersenLowe, LLC., was the supplier of fancy-colored diamonds sourced worldwide.  Murray Todd Petersen worked as a salesman for PetersenLowe, LLC., who induced investors to purchase Lowe’s fancy-colored diamonds using materially false and fraudulent representations concerning the safety and security of the investments, the value of the investments, the expected profits and rates of return, and the use of investors’ funds. After selling his victims expensive fancy-colored diamonds supplied with fraudulent overvalued appraisals from co-defendant Scott Schafer, Petersen instructed his clients to hold onto their investments often for one to two years prior to looking to liquidate. When trying to cover his investors cash out demands at the overpriced appraisal prices, Petersen and Lowe used another false representation of a China investment program, where they would purportedly invest the victims’ money into the Chinese diamond market with a purported guaranteed five to eight percent monthly dividend return on investment. Unbeknownst to their victims, this new investment program was really a Ponzi scheme in disguise designed to pay off his first round of investor clients. When customers began to complain about missing promised returns and highly inaccurate overvalued appraisals, the scheme pivoted again to a theft model, where investors prepaid for diamonds that were never delivered by either Lowe or Petersen. Petersen took approximately $850,000 in sales commissions from his victims, which he used to pay off his high IRS tax liens and cover his business operating expenses.  In total, the scheme netted approximately $13 million and defrauded in excess of 100 victims.

             U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami made the announcement.   

             FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc Anton and Latoya Brown prosecuted the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon is handling asset forfeiture.

             You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

             Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov  or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60225.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: North Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Child Sex Trafficking Charges and Witness Tampering

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A North Las Vegas resident who recruited his victims over social media pleaded guilty Thursday to 10 federal charges related to child sex trafficking and exploitation.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in April 2017 through December 2017, Jacques Anton Lanier, also known as “John Dupree,” coerced and solicited nine girls under the age of 18 years old to engage in sexual activities with him for money and drugs. Lanier engaged in commercial sex acts with at least four of the girls. He also requested and received sexual images from some of the victims and took a sexually explicit image of at least one victim constituting child pornography. Lanier traveled to California and engaged in sex acts with a victim.

    In 2018, while Lanier was in custody pending related criminal charges, he tampered with one of the victims through intimidation and threats, and persuaded that victim to evade legal process, refrain from testifying, and prevent communication between the victim and law enforcement regarding federal offenses.

    Lanier pleaded guilty to four counts of coercion and enticement; four counts of sex trafficking of children; one count of sexual exploitation of children; and one count of tampering with a witness, victim or informant.

    United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro scheduled sentencing for March 27, 2024. Lanier faces the maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

    The case was investigated by the FBI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Bianca R. Pucci and David Kiebler are prosecuting the case.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or https://report.cybertip.org.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking Large Quantities of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Near Elementary School

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced Thursday by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to 10 years in prison for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine from his home, which was located across the street from an elementary school.

    According to court documents, Daniel Thorndal, 51, conspired with others to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and five grams or more of methamphetamine in Las Vegas. On April 15, 2022, Thorndal sold methamphetamine and fentanyl at his residence. On April 21, 2022, Thorndal sold fentanyl at the same residence again. On May 6, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant on the residence and recovered approximately 422 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 127 grams of fentanyl. In addition to the drugs, law enforcement officials also recovered a .380 caliber pistol that was possessed in furtherance of the drug conspiracy.

    Thorndal pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. In addition to imprisonment, he was sentenced to four years of supervised release.

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

    The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Operskalski prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Nevada CPA Sentenced to Three Years in Prison in False Tax Return Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison for willfully aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns, in connection with a scheme to sell purported investment opportunities to clients that he falsely claimed would entitle them to IRS tax deductions.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Lance K. Bradford, of Henderson, was a certified public accountant and founder and manager of LL Bradford & Company (LLB). LLB performed accounting-related work, including tax preparation, audit and consulting services. Bradford also operated a real estate business that developed office buildings and other real property. In connection with Bradford’s real estate development activities, he operated and controlled a real estate investment partnership entity.

    In 2011, Bradford began offering LLB’s high-net-worth clients an “investment opportunity” through which the clients would make a payment to his partnership entity and, in exchange, receive a large tax deduction of approximately five to seven times the amount of money the client “invested.” Bradford advised that the clients’ payments would entitle them to claim the large tax deduction based on losses derived from the partnership entity, even though he knew the tax laws did not permit the sale of such deductions in exchange for an investment of money, and the partnership did not incur the losses or depreciation in the amounts represented by Bradford. Bradford also did not report the purported investments as losses on the clients’ tax returns as promised. Instead, he caused the clients’ returns to report large false deductions for cost of goods sold, professional and consulting fees or nonpassive losses. In total, Bradford’s scheme caused a tax loss to the IRS of at least $8 million.

    As one example from his investment scheme, in 2014, Bradford asked a client to make a $417,780 “investment” to his partnership entity in exchange for purported depreciation-based losses to be placed on his client’s 2013 corporate tax return (Form 1120S). But instead of reporting depreciation related to the investment, Bradford caused LLB to prepare and file a Form 1120S that falsely inflated the company’s cost of goods sold by $2,110,000, causing a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $860,627.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Gloria M. Navarro ordered Bradford to serve one year of supervised release and pay $6,734,338 in restitution to the United States.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI.

    Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mercer County Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearms, Fentanyl, and Cocaine

    Source: US FBI

    TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was arrested and charged with illegally possessing firearms and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

    Jose Colon-Matos, 33, of Trenton, is charged by complaint with one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of two firearms, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He made his initial appearance on January 6, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On May 15, 2024, following an investigation into narcotics activity in Hamilton Township in Mercer County, law enforcement officers conducted a court-ordered search of an apartment used by Colon-Matos during which they recovered from a safe in the apartment two loaded firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number, distribution quantities of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, and approximately $9,000.00 in United States currency. The narcotics were subsequently tested by the New Jersey State Police forensic laboratory, which returned positive results for fentanyl and cocaine.

    The charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm carries a potential maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Driscoll in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Hamilton Township Police Division, under the direction of Chief Kenneth R. DeBoskey, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, for their assistance in the investigation.

    The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

    The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Defense counsel: Andrea G. Aldana, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Office of the Federal Public Defender.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Announce Five-Count Indictment in Violent Crime Spree on Navajo Nation

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Rydell Happy for his alleged involvement in a violent crime spree on April 24, 2024. Happy, who was already in custody awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge, now faces charges for first degree murder, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

    According to court documents, on April 24, 2024, Happy, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly shot John Doe in the head with a revolver and then repeatedly beat his head with a baseball bat, resulting in Doe’s death.

    The indictment further alleges that on the same day, Happy assaulted Jane Doe with a revolver and discharged the firearm during the incident.

    The indictment further alleges that Happy, who was previously convicted of domestic violence, is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    If convicted of the current charges, Happy faces a mandatory life sentence or death for the first-degree murder charge, and 10 to 15 years for the other charges.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.

    This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous victims and their families.  

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Vice Ranking Member Amo Introduces R.U.B.I.O. Act After Secretary Rubio Obscures Dire State of Food Aid for Starving Kids

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    The Reaffirming Unified Boundaries for Integrity and Oversight (R.U.B.I.O.) Act would ensure the Secretary of State is only doing one job.

    WASHINGTON, DC – House Foreign Affairs Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI), introduced the Reaffirming Unified Boundaries for Integrity and Oversight or R.U.B.I.O. Act to prohibit the Secretary of State from taking on additional roles in the Federal government while serving as Secretary.

    To ensure that Secretaries of State have adequate time and attention to manage our nation’s foreign policy, this legislation requires that the Secretary of State do only the job the Senate confirmed them to do – serve as Secretary of State.

    “Foreign aid should be a foreign policy priority, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is dropping the ball. In my questioning yesterday in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, our Secretary didn’t know the true state of the delayed contracts for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food aid manufactured by Rhode Island nonprofit, Edesia Nutrition, meant to save the lives of starving children around the world” said Vice Ranking Member Amo (D-RI). “To ensure Secretary Rubio can focus on preventing children from starving while supporting American jobs, I’m introducing the R.U.B.I.O. Act toprevent the Secretary of State from holding more than one job. This bill just makes sure our food aid programs don’t fall through the cracks and the Secretary has the time and energy to do his job well.”

    Watch Vice Ranking Member Amo’s Questioning of Secretary Rubio Here.

    BACKGROUND

    On May 21, 2025, Amo questioned Secretary Rubio about the ready-to-use therapeutic food aid program that has been impacted by the Department’s work stoppage orders and disorganization. In the hearing, Rubio confirmed Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) produced by Rhode Island’s Edesia Nutrition is lifesaving aid and Amo pressed the Secretary to do everything to keep starving children from dying.

    Amo has been trying to hold Rubio accountable to solve State Department administrative problems that threaten Rhode Island jobs and prevent life saving aid from reaching starving children for months.

    On January 31, 2025, Amo asked Secretary Rubiofor information on the Trump administration’s unilateral foreign aid pause impact on the production and delivery of Rhode Island-made RUTFs. Amo called outSecretary Rubio for missing a deadline to provide clarity on foreign aid distribution on February 7.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Deal impossible if US pushes Iran to stop enriching uranium – FM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TEHRAN, May 23 (Xinhua) — There will be no nuclear deal if the United States seeks to stop Iran’s uranium enrichment, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said live on state television IRIB on Thursday, ahead of the fifth round of proxy nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Rome on Friday.

    “There are still fundamental differences between us. The American side does not believe in uranium enrichment in Iran. If this is their goal, there will be no agreement,” Araghchi said, responding to recent demands by American officials that Tehran completely stop enriching uranium on its territory.

    “However, if they want Iran not to move towards nuclear weapons, that can be achieved. We do not want nuclear weapons,” he stressed.

    A. Araghchi noted that the nuclear agreement signed between Iran and several other countries in 2015 is no longer in effect, “but that does not mean the deal is dead.” He said the agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, could be revived.

    A. Araghchi also stressed that Iran will not abandon its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment.

    Since April, Iran and the United States have held four rounds of indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of American sanctions. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Civil Disorder and Assaulting Federal Officers

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that JohnMichael Santiago, 25, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of civil disorder and assaulting a federal officer, was sentenced to serve 33 months by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that on September 4, 2020, following the release of information by the Rochester Police Department (RPD) regarding the death of Daniel Prude, a group of protesters damaged property and turned over tables at two restaurants in Rochester, causing numerous patrons to leave. During the evening of September 5, 2020, Santiago was part of a group of approximately 1,500 protesters that gathered at Broad Street and Exchange Boulevard, about a block north of RPD headquarters, where they blocked all lanes of traffic on nearby streets. Over the next few hours, some protesters hurled rocks, bottles, lit fireworks, and other objects at police officers in the area. Some also shined flashlights and pointed lasers at officers. Protesters were repeatedly asked to move onto the sidewalks and leave the area or be subject to arrest. Many disregarded the requests, remained in the streets, and continued to block traffic. Santiago threw an ignited firework in the direction of a line of uniformed RPD officers, which detonated in the immediate vicinity of the officers. Santiago was not arrested that night, but was later interviewed by law enforcement about the incident. Santiago admitted that he attended the protests, brought fireworks to the protests, and threw an ignited mortar-style firework at police officers.

    While in custody at the Livingston County Jail, after being charged with civil disorder, Santiago assaulted two corrections officers, throwing a hard plastic cup at one, and striking the other in the face with his fist.  Officers began to wrestle Santiago to secure him, during which one officer suffered contusions and a concussion, and a second suffered a back injury.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the United States Marshall’s Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Zoe Mafia Family, Other Gang Members Convicted on Firearms and Narcotics Charges in South Florida Federal Court

    Source: US FBI

    MIAMI – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, ATF Miami, and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), in collaboration with other federal and local law enforcement agencies, secured federal convictions and prison sentences against 18 members of violent South Florida street gangs – including Zoe Mafia Family (ZMF), the 3rd World gang, and several sects of the Bloods gang.

    The joint operation involved charges of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine trafficking; carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm. It led to the recovery of 23 firearms, three kilograms of fentanyl, and seven kilograms of cocaine, as well as methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.

    The defendants, former residents of South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties) were convicted and sentenced to prison terms as follows: 

    Andre Allen, 37, was sentenced to 120 months for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (22-cr-20190);

    David Brown,41, was sentenced to 151 months for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (22-cr-60177);

    Tirell Caldwell,26, was sentenced to 57 months for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon (22-cr-60220);

    Johnnie Gibson,51, was sentenced to 175 months for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine (23-cr-60205); 

    Brionne Griffin,35, was sentenced to 60 months for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine (22-cr-60082);

    Joseph Johnson, Jr.,46, was sentenced to 120 months for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl (23-cr-60131);

    Timothy Neil Lewis, Jr.,26, was sentenced to 60 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (22-cr-60083);

    Makinson Moise,35, was sentenced to 248 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base (23-cr-60004);

    Arnicious Odom,48, was sentenced to 30 months for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine (23-cr-60205);

    Wendy Previl,33, was sentenced to 120 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl (23-cr-60089); 

    Joshua Robinson,38, was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (24-cr-60132);

    Robert Roseme,28, was sentenced to 42 months for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl (23-cr-60089); 

    Nolan Setoute,43, was sentenced to 12 months for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon (22-cr-60124);

    Terrance Stanley,40, was sentenced to 60 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (22-cr-60120);

    Dorshawn Tate,20, was sentenced to 8 months for possession with intent to distribute alprazolam (23-cr-60051);

    British Wilkerson,42, was sentenced to 60 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (22-cr-60125);

    Byron Felecio Williams, Jr.,40, was sentenced to 60 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (22-cr-80136); and

    Kevin Williams,31, was sentenced to 18 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (24-cr-60132).

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; acting Special Agent in Charge Gordon Mallory of the ATF Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office announced the results of the operation.

    This case was investigated by ATF Miami and Broward Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from DEA Miami, HSI Miami, and FBI Miami.

    Southern District of Florida Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Brown and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason McCormack prosecuted these cases.

    Several of the defendants, are associated with Zoe Mafia Family (ZMF), a South Florida Haitian street gang.

    Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department designated two Haitian gangs (Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

    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.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

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    MIL Security OSI –