NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Arrested for Assault on Law Enforcement During January Six Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Accused of Spraying Officers with Pepper Spray and Throwing Metal Rod at Them

                WASHINGTON — An Alabama man has been arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

                Christian Matthew Manley, 26, of Birmingham, is charged with engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, civil disorder, and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, among other charges. He was arrested on Oct. 15, 2021, in Anchorage, Alaska and made his initial court appearance today in the District of Alaska. A detention hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2021.

                According to court documents, Manley was captured on video in the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol, approaching the archway entrance. At approximately 2:53 p.m., he can be seen spraying pepper spray at officers from the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department, who were defending the entrance. He threw the empty pepper spray container at officers a few seconds later, then used a second cannister to again spray the officers. He then threw this cannister, too, at the officers. Then, at 2:55 p.m., he accepted a metal rod from another rioter and threw it at the officers.

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

                The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office, as well as the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Manley as #81A in its seeking information photos, and the Metropolitan Police Department. Significant assistance was provided by the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office and the U.S. Capitol Police.

                In the nine months since Jan. 6, more than 650 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 190 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

                The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Kidnapping

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced today for kidnapping and collecting ransom money, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis. 

    U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced Matthew Amos Burke, 35, to 204 months in prison for kidnapping, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.  Burke pleaded guilty to the charges in April.

    According to the plea agreement, on September 11, 2020, Burke unlawfully entered the home of the victim. Burke then abducted the victim and transported him to Burke’s residence, where the victim was forced to transfer $250,000 from his bank account  into another bank account as directed by Burke.  Once $250,000 was transferred, Burke drove the victim back to his residence and released him. The victim then contacted the Birmingham Police Department and the Mountain Brook Police Department.

    The FBI and Secret Service investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and the Mountain Brook Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys John Camp and William Simpson prosecuted the case. 

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Islanders invited to celebrate 75 years of the Fire and Rescue Service in Jersey23 May 2025 Islanders are invited to join firefighters for a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service. Fire HQ in Rouge Bouillon, St Helier, will be open to visitors… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    23 May 2025

    Islanders are invited to join firefighters for a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service. 

    Fire HQ in Rouge Bouillon, St Helier, will be open to visitors on Saturday 31 May 2025, to mark the day that the States of Jersey took over responsibility for the Island’s protection in 1950. It replaced the St Helier Fire Brigade, which had been in service since 1902. 

    There will be demonstrations throughout the Open Day, where firefighters will showcase their skills, and the equipment used in their day-to-day role. These include rope rescues, RTC extractions and ladder rescues and firefighting demonstrations. 

    In addition to the fire appliances, a dam of water will be built around the Service’s inshore rescue boat, and the aerial ladder platform will be on display. 

    We will be fundraising for the SJFRS Benevolent Fund and the Fire Fighter’s Charity. 

    A museum exhibit will also be set up inside the station, for Islanders to learn about the Service’s rich history and some of the major incidents faced over the decades, and firefighters will share their top fire safety tips, to educate Islanders and encourage them to stay safe. 

    We will also be joined by the States of Jersey Police, who are our partners at many incidents. 

    The open day will take place from 10am until 3pm. 

    Demonstrations will take place at: 

    10:30: Ladder rescue and firefighting 

    11:30: Rope rescue 

    12:30: RTC extraction 

    13:30: Rope rescue 

    14:30: Ladder rescue and firefighting 

    Parking is limited, so we encourage all visitors to walk or use alternative transport.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lowell Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Money Laundering

    Source: US FBI

    Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas announced that, Jonathan Terry, age 35, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Money Laundering. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing today in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    Beginning in July of 2019, Terry began fraudulently obtaining the banking and personally identifying information of individuals throughout the Fayetteville Division of the Western District of Arkansas through various means, primarily from stealing mail from unattended mailboxes.  After he obtained that information, Terry opened financial accounts at various financial institutions, to include TD Ameritrade and Fidelity, and funded those accounts with stolen checks.  Terry also attempted to take advantage of the “pending” status of large deposits to transfer funds amongst the various accounts he opened.  In all, the Court found that Terry attempted $2,256,727.50 in transactions on those fraudulent accounts, though he and his coconspirators only obtained approximately $4,000 in the overall scheme.  The Court found that Terry was an “organizer or leader” of the scheme, that he victimized over 10 individuals, and that he obstructed justice during the investigation.        

    Terry was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2020 and entered a guilty plea in June of 2020. 

    This case was investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayetteville Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, IRS, the FBI and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).  Assistant United States Attorney Ben Wulff prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced for Financially Benefiting from Forced Labor

    Source: US FBI

    FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Mexican National illegally residing in Lexington, Serafin Bayona, 35, was sentenced on Wednesday to 135 months by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove for financially benefiting from forced labor.

    According to his plea agreement, Bayona participated in a venture to financially benefit through the forced labor of others. Specifically, Bayona would loan money to the victims, all Mexican nationals then living in Mexico, to be smuggled into the United States.  He would then coordinate the smuggling of these victims and arrange transportation to Lexington, where they would be housed in one of several properties he maintained. The victims would repay Bayona, after they obtained work in the United States, with interest that was added to their debt.  Bayona also would charge the victims other fees, including fees for rent, transportation, cleaning, food, clothing, and obtaining employment and false identification documents.  Ultimately, the amounts owed by the victims resulted in an endless cycle of debt. When the victims protested paying the continued fees, Bayona used threats of force on victims and the victims’ families, including instances of brandishing a firearm, to compel the victims to continue to work in order to pay him.  During the execution of search warrants at properties Bayona maintained, over $50,000 in cash was discovered, which he admitted was generated through his participation in this forced labor venture. 

    Under federal law, Bayona must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI, HSI, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    – END –

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison for Their Roles in the Robbery and Fatal Shooting of Off-Duty LAPD Officer

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – Three members of a South Los Angeles street gang each were sentenced today to decades in prison for their roles in the robbery and fatal shooting in 2022 of Los Angeles Police Officer Fernando Arroyos.

    In separate hearings today, United States District Judge Percy Anderson sentenced Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, 30, a.k.a. “Lil J” and “Lil Malo,” to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution. Judge Anderson also sentenced Ernesto Cisneros, 25, a.k.a. “Gonzo” and “Spooky,” to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $28,604.07 in restitution. Finally, Jesse Contreras, 36, a.k.a. “Skinny Jack” and “Flaco,” was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution.

    At today’s hearing, Judge Anderson said, “The senseless loss of life is all too frequent in our community. It is literally ripping apart the fabric of our society. The sentence imposed today must send a message, not only to this defendant but to everyone, that if you choose to endanger our community by murdering, robbing, and trafficking in narcotics, there will be significant consequences.”

    Rios, Contreras, and Cisneros – all members of the South Los Angeles-based Florencia 13 (F13) street gang – pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

    “Gangs bring death and destruction, most often upon the very communities they claim to represent,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “These defendants coldly and callously murdered an innocent man who grew up in our community and returned home to give back to the city he loved. I hope the major sentences we announce today bring some degree of solace to Officer Arroyos’ family, friends, and colleagues. My office will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute gang violence.”

    “Fernando Arroyos should be with us today, helping to protect a city he was ready and willing to give his life for. Yet he died in a way none of us could have imagined” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “With Officer Arroyos’ senseless killing, we lost a protector, and most importantly, his family lost someone who meant the whole world to them. The sentences handed down today are just and reinforce our commitment to ensuring public safety and holding those who terrorize our communities accountable.”

    “Gang violence tears at the very fabric of our communities, causing immeasurable harm and suffering,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence, especially against our dedicated law enforcement officers, will be met with the full force of justice. Officer Arroyos had a promising life ahead of him and chose to serve the community where he was raised, and we will forever remember his commitment and sacrifice. We are grateful for our local and federal partners’ collaborative efforts in bringing these brazen criminals to justice and preventing them from preying on others in our communities.”

    On the night of January 10, 2022, the defendants were driving in Rios’ truck around F13’s “territory” in the Florence-Firestone area of South Los Angeles, looking for people to rob. The defendants decided to rob Officer Arroyos because he was wearing gold chains around his neck. Arroyos was accompanied by his girlfriend – another victim who is identified in court documents as “A.M.” Contreras handed Rios a loaded gun. Cisneros, who accompanied Rios and Contreras in Rios’s truck, already possessed a loaded gun. Rios and Cisneros, both armed, then exited Rios’ truck.

    Cisneros approached the off-duty officer, patted him down, and then took his chains and wallet, which contained Arroyos’ LAPD identification card. Rios approached A.M., patted her down and stole her property.

    After robbing Arroyos, Rios and Cisneros opened fire. Arroyos was struck by a single bullet, which killed him.

    Earlier the same day, Rios and Contreras committed armed robberies against two victims outside a bar within F13’s “territory” in the Florence-Firestone area.

    Haylee Marie Grisham, 21, an F13 associate who was Rios’ girlfriend, pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering for participating in the fatal robbery of Arroyos. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 9, at which time she will face a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

    The FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter. The Los Angeles Police Department provided substantial assistance.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu, Chief of Ethics and Post-Conviction Review, and Christopher C. Kendall of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rap Artist Sentenced for Carrying a Loaded Semiautomatic Pistol with Extended Clip in Carry-On Bag at LAX

    Source: US FBI

    An Atlanta man and known rap artist was sentenced today to 20 months in federal prison for attempting to carry a loaded weapon in his carry-on bag as he attempted to board a flight to Atlanta.

    Tiwan Raybon, 36, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced this afternoon by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. to one year and 8 months in federal prison.

    Raybon, also known as “Fat Money” was indicted by a federal grand jury in United States District Court in Los Angeles on June 27, 2022, for knowingly possessing a Glock 9mm-caliber semiautomatic pistol and several rounds of ammunition—which were contained in his carry-on luggage—while attempting to board a flight from Los Angeles destined for Atlanta, Georgia. In April 2024, Raybon pleaded guilty to one federal count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

    At the time of the offense, Raybon fled after officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) found the firearm and ammunition during a routine luggage inspection. TSA then contacted the FBI for further investigation. Raybon was in possession of the weapon illegally as he had been convicted previously of multiple felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in Cook County, Illinois.

    It is unlawful for a person convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, receive, or possess a firearm or ammunition.

    The FBI’s Task Force located at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) investigated this case. The FBI’s Task Force at LAX is comprised of FBI Agents and detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles World Airport Police Department.

    The case against Raybon was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chou with the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Firearms Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Supplying Weapons and Ammunition to Sinaloa Cartel

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 18, 2023

    SAN DIEGO – Alfredo Lomas Navarrete, a prolific firearms trafficker, was sentenced in federal court today to 15 years in custody for his role in supplying hundreds of high-powered weapons and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to the Sinaloa Cartel.

    This case is part of a long-running investigation targeting the Valenzuela Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO), which is a significant component of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Valenzuela TCO is one of the largest importers of cocaine into the United States. The TCO sources cocaine and other controlled substances (including fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana) from South America and Mexico, transports the drugs to multiple locations along the U.S.-Mexico border using commercial trucking companies, smuggles the narcotics into the country, and distributes them throughout the U.S. The TCO then smuggles the bulk cash proceeds from its drug trafficking activities back to the TCO’s leadership in Mexico.

    According to court records, throughout 2020, the Valenzuela TCO, including one of its leaders, Jorge Alberto Valenzuela Valenzuela (“Jorge”), was engaged in violent conflict with another component of the Sinaloa Cartel led by Ivan Archivaldo Guzman-Salazar. During this conflict, Jorge’s brother and previous TCO leader, Gabriel Valenzuela-Valenzuela, was killed. This led the Valenzuela TCO to procure large quantities of firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, armored vehicles, and ballistic vests. A considerable number of these items were sourced from within the United States and clandestinely smuggled into Mexico, using numerous arms trafficking networks.

    During the multi-year investigation, agents identified Alfredo Lomas Navarrete as a major firearms trafficker for the TCO. Agents recovered hundreds of messages between Jorge and Lomas in which they discussed firearms trafficking. Lomas worked closely with Jorge and other high-ranking organization members to supply hundreds of firearms to the TCO. These firearms ranged from .50 caliber rifles, submachine guns, and grenade launchers, to assault rifles (AK-47s, AR-15s, FN SCARs) and handguns. In addition to the weapons, Lomas and his co-conspirators supplied tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to the TCO. Some of these weapons and ammunition were acquired in the United States, including in California, Arizona, and Nevada, and then smuggled through the Ports of Entry in San Diego and Arizona into Mexico

    To date, this investigation has resulted in the charging of 109 defendants and the seizure of approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl, over $16 million in cash, and 21,000 rounds of ammunition.

    Lomas pleaded guilty in April 2023 to conspiring to import cocaine, distribute cocaine, commit money laundering, and to smuggle goods from the United States.

    “The amount of cash, ammunition, and narcotics seized in this case is staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The collaboration in this case sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will attack every facet of drug trafficking organizations from money to drugs to firearms. We will stay after it for as long as it takes to bring them to justice.”

    “The Venezuelan transnational criminal organization has brought death and suffering to countless people through their once prosperous criminal enterprise,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “The sentencing of this firearms trafficker sends a resounding message to traffickers and criminals around the world that HSI and the law enforcement community will vehemently pursue those who seek to harm not only Americans, but humanity as a whole with their brutality and deadly drugs.”

    “Drug cartels use drug proceeds to purchase weapons and ammunition, fueling violence in our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe.  “DEA and our federal, state, and local partners will continue to hold drug traffickers and the cartels responsible for the carnage and destruction they cause.”

    “The sentencing of Mr. Navarrete is a major milestone in federal law enforcement’s efforts to disrupt and dismantle illegal trafficking operations of all kinds,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “We are proud to support our law enforcement partners in all efforts that target and take down crime organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States of America.”

    “Mr. Navarrete’s enablement of violence on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border is over,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “Crime leaves a money trail, and when we pool our resources we are able to find the evidence necessary to lead to conviction. Navarrete is going to prison because of a well-coordinated joint investigation we are proud to have been part of.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton and Mikaela Weber.

    This prosecution is part of an 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. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 21-cr-2960-AGS                              

    Alfredo Lomas Navarrete                                           Age: 33                                   Culiacan, Mexico

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963.

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine.

    Conspiracy to Import Cocaine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963.

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine.

    Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine.

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. 1956(h).

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved.

    Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §§ 371 and 554(a).

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

    AGENCY

    Homeland Security Investigations

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation

    United States Marshals Service

    Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations

    Customs and Border Protection, Office of Border Patrol

    Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

    Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations

    Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

    San Diego Police Department

    Border Crime Suppression Team

    San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Mafia Associate Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 13, 2023

    SAN DIEGO – Juan Castro of San Diego was sentenced today in federal court to 10 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for selling 109 grams of methamphetamine to a cooperating individual. 

    A government memorandum submitted for Castro’s sentencing described him as a high-ranking member of the San Ysidro (or “Sidro”) street gang and an associate of the Mexican Mafia. Castro oversaw day-to-day operations for Sidro which included collecting payments in exchange for allowing others to commit crimes in the San Ysidro area. The payments, or taxes, were then distributed to high-ranking Mexican Mafia members. In sentencing Castro, U.S. District Judge Larry Alan Burns called him a “hand puppet for the Mexican Mafia.”

    Castro was apprehended after a long-term investigation by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and Gang Group.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 23-cr-00371-LAB                                        

    Juan Castro                                                     Age: 38                       San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Distribution of Methamphetamine – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1)

    Maximum penalty: Forty years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years, and $5 million fine

    AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation – Violent Crimes Task Force – Gang Group (VCTF-GG), which currently includes investigators from the following agencies:

    • Federal Bureau of Investigation
    • San Diego Police Department
    • Homeland Security Investigations
    • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
    • California Department of Corrections
    • San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
    • Chula Vista Police Department
    • National City Police Department

    Although not currently part of VCTF-GG, during the investigation of this case, VCTF-GG also included investigators from the following:

    • Bureau of Prisons
    • San Diego District Attorney’s Office of Investigations

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Defendants Indicted in $5 Million California State Unemployment Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 16, 2023

    SAN DIEGO – An indictment partially unsealed today charges 14 defendants with fraud and money laundering offenses for a scheme centered around fraudulent unemployment applications submitted to the California Employment Development Department during the pandemic. The indictment alleges the fraud netted the defendants almost $5.2 million in funds from the state of California.

    According to the indictment, David Constantin and Constantin Bobi Sandu, who was arrested and charged separately in March 2023, helped hundreds of applicants apply for EDD benefits using fraudulent documents. Constantin and Sandu recruited potential applicants through Facebook and met applicants at parks throughout Southern California to complete the application process. Applicants paid Constantin or Sandu a partial fee up front for assisting with fraudulent applications and another fee after applicants received EDD payments.

    The indictment alleges that from July 2020 to August 2022, Constantin transmitted more than $128,000 in fraud proceeds to associates in Romania. Another defendant who fraudulently obtained EDD benefits with Constantin’s help, Eduard Buse, transmitted almost $129,000 to Romania in the same period. Buse also purchased a 2020 BMW X6 with over $105,000 in cash fraud proceeds in December 2022 and shipped the vehicle to Romania. Several other defendants also transmitted fraud proceeds to accounts in Romania.

    David Constantin was arrested in Romania at the request of the United States on November 13th by Romanian authorities who also served search warrants and seized, among other things, the BMW with California license plates. The Department of Justice will seek Constantin’s extradition to the United States. Buse and defendants Leonard Miclescu, Constantin Iosif Constantin and Florentina Sima were arrested in California and Texas. Nine other defendants remain at large.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Adeline Schulberg and Valerie Chu with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, FBI’s Legal Attaché in Bucharest, and Romanian authorities including the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DCCO) Service for Countering of Organized Criminal Groups, Brigade for Combating Organized Crime (BCCO) – Pitești, County Service for Countering Organized Crime – Teleorman, Romanian Gendarmerie Battalion, Romanian Ministry of Justice, and Romanian Criminal Investigative Directorate – Fugitive Unit.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23CR2090-LAB                                

    David Constantin                                            Age: 27                                   Arges County, Romania

    aka Vlad Alexandru                           

    Eduard Buse                                                    Age: 30                                   Transient, Romanian

    Leonard Miclescu                                           Age: 49                                   Transient, Romanian

    Constantin Iosif Constantin                            Age: 30                                   Transient, Romanian

    Florentina Sima                                              Age: 29                                   Transient, Romanian

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

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Title 18, U.S.C. § 1349 — Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

    Title 18, U.S.C. § 1343 — Wire Fraud

    Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison, $1 million fine

    Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h) — Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments

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

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

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

    AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    San Diego Police Department Economic Crimes Unit

    IRS Criminal Investigation

    California Employment Development Department Investigative Division

    Department of Labor Office of Inspector General

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security

    *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: Fairbanks Man Convicted for Stalking and Murder-for-Hire Plot

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – A federal jury today convicted a Fairbanks man for stalking and attempting to arrange a murder for hire. 

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Roger Keeling, 55, devised and solicited a murder for hire plot targeting his former girlfriend while he was in custody on stalking charges.   

    In October 2020 Keeling placed his hands around his girlfriend’s neck, told her he should rip her heart out and threatened to burn her house down. Keeling pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in state court. The victim applied for and was granted a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) and it was served on Keeling before his release on the assault charges. Over the next six weeks, Keeling was arrested – and released by the state court – for violating this DVPO multiple times in an escalating pattern that included following the victim, slashing her tires, sending dozens of threatening emails from various “disguised” email accounts and planting disturbing handwritten notes along her usual running route.

    Keeling was arrested for stalking the victim in December 2020. While in custody, Keeling told his cellmate he wanted to find someone to harm his girlfriend. During the next few days, Keeling agreed to pay his cellmate $1,500 to arrange for a hitman to kill her, and after being released by a state court judge, he made an initial payment of $500. During a search of Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see her harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

    “Every citizen has the right to feel safe as they go about their daily life. With today’s conviction, the victim will no longer live in fear always looking over her back and worried about her personal safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska.

    “The Alaska State Troopers are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to keep the citizens of our great state safe,” said Colonel Bryan Barlow, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Investigations like these should serve as a warning to anyone considering soliciting a murder; the Alaska State Troopers and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone that perpetrates these unconscionable acts.”

    Keeling faces up to a five year sentence on the stalking conviction and up to a 10 year sentence on the murder for hire conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Alaska State Troopers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fairbanks Police Department conducted the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Doty and Ryan Tansey are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nineteen-Year-Old Woman Charged for Assaulting TSA Officers

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman, 19, of Glendale, Arizona, was indicted on May 17, 2023, by a federal grand jury in Phoenix. The six-count indictment included three counts of assault on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and three counts of Interference with Airport Security Screening Personnel. 

    The indictment alleges that, at approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 25, 2023, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, Coleman interfered with TSA officers who were conducting security screenings at Security Checkpoint D of Terminal 4. The indictment further alleges that during her interference with TSA officers, Coleman inflicted bodily injury on two TSA officers; specifically, she grabbed one officer by the hair, forcing the officer’s head down against a table, and hitting the officer in the head multiple times, and elbowed the other TSA officer in the head. Coleman also is alleged to have bit the hair of a third TSA officer who had come to the aid of the other two officers who were struggling with Coleman during the altercation.

    Each conviction for Assault on a Federal Officer resulting in Bodily Injury carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Assault on a Federal Officer with contact and during the commission of another felony carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Each conviction for Interference with Airport Security Screening Personnel carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Coleman has been released from detention on personal recognizance with conditions pending trial.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Phoenix Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Glenn McCormick, U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           23-00780-PHX-DLR
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-080_M. Coleman

    # # #

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

    2023-080_M. Coleman

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Additional Oath Keepers Sentenced for Seditious Conspiracy Related to U.S. Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

    Four members of the Oath Keepers were sentenced this week on seditious conspiracy and other charges for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

    Roberto Minuta, 39, of Prosper, Texas, was sentenced June 1 to 54 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release.

    Edward Vallejo, 64, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced on June 1 to 36 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release, including the first 12 months to be served on home confinement.

    David Moerschel, 45, of Punta Gorda, Florida, was sentenced on June 2 to 36 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release.

    Joseph Hackett, 53, of Sarasota, Florida, was sentenced on June 2 to 42 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release.

    The four defendants were found guilty of seditious conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to prevent Members of Congress from discharging their official duties on Jan. 23, following a seven-week trial. Hackett was also found guilty of destruction of evidence.

    According to the evidence, in the months leading up to Jan. 6, the defendants and their co-conspirators plotted to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power, including by amassing an armed “quick reaction force” on the outskirts of the District of Columbia. Beginning in late December 2020, via encrypted and private communications applications, the defendants and various co-conspirators coordinated and planned to travel to Washington, D.C., on or around Jan. 6, 2021, the date of the certification of the electoral college vote. The defendants made plans to bring weapons to the area to support the operation. The co-conspirators then traveled across the country to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in early January 2021, with paramilitary gear and supplies including firearms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, and radio equipment.

    The defendants conspired through a variety of manners and means, including: organizing into teams that were prepared and willing to use force and to transport firearms and ammunition into Washington, D.C.; recruiting members and affiliates to participate in the conspiracy; organizing trainings to teach and learn paramilitary combat tactics; bringing and contributing paramilitary gear, weapons, and supplies – including knives, camouflaged combat uniforms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, eye protection and radio equipment – to the Capitol grounds; breaching and attempting to take control of the Capitol grounds and building on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to prevent, hinder and delay the certification of the electoral college vote; using force against law enforcement officers while inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; continuing to plot, after Jan. 6, 2021, to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power and using websites, social media, text messaging and encrypted messaging applications to communicate with co-conspirators and others.

    The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s National Security and Criminal Divisions. Valuable assistance was provided by numerous U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the FBI’s New York, Dallas, Tampa and Phoenix Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Secret Service.

    In the 28 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Craighead County Clerk Federally Indicted

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK – A federal grand jury has indicted former Craighead County Clerk Jacob Kade Holliday for allegedly taking more than $1.4 million in county money for his personal use. Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, announced the indictment of Holliday, 32, of Jonesboro.

          The indictment, which was returned by the grand jury late on December 1, 2020, alleges that Holliday, as the elected County Clerk in Craighead County, served as the official bookkeeper of county government. In that capacity, Holliday was tasked with keeping an accurate account of all financial transactions within the county. The funds Holliday controlled included county payroll tax obligations as well as employment retirement contributions.

          According to the indictment, from January 29, 2020, to June 24, 2020, Holliday transferred money from the Craighead County Clerk’s banking account to his own personal and business accounts. He then allegedly obtained cashier’s checks in approximately the same amounts and further converted them to his own use.

          “We take all allegations of undermining public trust very seriously,” stated U.S. Attorney Hiland. “In this case and in all potential cases, any reports of public corruption will be thoroughly investigated by our office with the help of our law enforcement partners.”

          “Without the diligent efforts of our partners at the Arkansas State Police, Mr. Holliday’s alleged theft of over $1.4 million from the citizens of Craighead County would not have been uncovered,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Upchurch. “Every day, we work closely with our state partners to protect Arkansans from crimes like the ones alleged in this case.”

          Holliday is charged with 11 counts of wire fraud; one for each of the 11 transactions he made during the time alleged in the indictment. Holliday will appear before United States Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe for plea and arraignment on December 17, 2020. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not more than three years of supervised release.

          The FBI and the Arkansas State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Allison W. Bragg is prosecuting the case.

          An indictment only contains allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    # # #

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

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

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Los Angeles Duo Found Guilty for 10-Day Liquor Store Robbery Spree Ending in Police Chase, Car Crash and Foot Pursuit

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – Two Los Angeles men have been found guilty today for committing a string of robberies in a 10-day span that ended in the duo leading law enforcement in a chase in Los Angeles County before crashing a stolen car into a tree then running across six lanes of highway traffic during rush hour.

    At the conclusion of a three-day trial, a jury convicted the two defendants with Hobbs Act robbery. They will be sentenced by United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera on October 24:

    Anthony Flores, a.k.a. “BabyGfar”, 28, of Los Angeles; and

    Ivin Kitu Sanford, 32, of Los Angeles.

    According to court documents, beginning in May 2023, the defendants conspired to rob and robbed two BevMo stores, stealing high-end liquor stored behind security glass and, in some instances, threatened employees with violence. Flores and Sanford would then sell the liquor to individuals on Instagram. The incidents involved the following locations:

    • Long Beach: Flores stole approximately $2,604 worth of liquor.
    • Lakewood: Flores stole approximately $800 worth of liquor. Additionally, Hardgraves allegedly threatened to shoot a store employee if he attempted to interfere with the robbery.

    Furthermore, Flores and Sanford conspired to rob two additional BevMo stores located in Pasadena and West Covina.

    After the robberies, Flores was surveilled and seen selling the bottles. Flores was arrested and released. On June 5, 2023, the two defendants again attempted to rob the Canyon Country BevMo store. Flores and Sanford physically subdued a store victim-employee and attempted to steal high-end bottles of liquor. The defendants fled in a stolen silver 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 through Los Angeles County before crashing into a tree. After the crash, defendants ran on foot across the California State Route 14, a 65-mile-per-hour highway, during rush hour traffic. Flores and Sanford were later found in bushes in a desolate area.

    “Callous disregard for the law undermines our community’s sense of safety,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “These defendants’ violent robberies and attempts to evade officers put lives at risk.  Our Operation Safe Cities initiative aims to ensure that violent crimes are met with serious consequences, and today’s convictions demonstrate our steadfast commitment to that goal.”

    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 case against the third defendant, Jabco Hardgraves, a.k.a. “Jacob Hardgraves,” Baby Monster,” “Lil Turtle”, 27, of Los Angeles is still pending and is not currently set for trial.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, West Covina Police Department, and Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian National Sentenced for Using Debit Card Skimming Devices on ATMs to Steal Nearly $150,000 from Victims Throughout California

    Source: US FBI

    FRESNO, Calif. — Christos Mavrokelos, 37, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution for illegally using counterfeit debit cards and skimming devices, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court records, from July 2021 through November 2023, in Fresno and Madera Counties and elsewhere, Mavrokelos knowingly and with intent to defraud, used counterfeit debit cards that contained victims’ stolen account information to make unauthorized cash withdrawals from the victims’ accounts. The victims’ account information was stolen through the use of skimming devices, which are devices that can be surreptitiously installed on bank ATMs and card readers that are used to record victims’ information.

    In total, Mavrokelos made unauthorized cash withdrawals on at least 40 victims’ accounts. The withdrawals were made from banks whose deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Mavrokelos’s misconduct resulted in a total loss of approximately $149,000.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph D. Barton and Cody C. Chapple prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine

    Source: US FBI

    FRESNO, Calif. — Dario Mata-Manzo, 32, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, in June 2022, Mata-Manzo negotiated for the sale of crystal methamphetamine for $1,200 per pound and subsequently delivered 8 pounds of the drug to undercover officers in Fresno.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative (HIDTA), which consists of personnel from the California Department of Justice, the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

    Mata-Manzo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Nov. 20, 2024. Mata-Manzo faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, and a $10 million 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.

    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: Former San Diego Police Officer and Three Others Sentenced for Crimes Stemming From Years-long Operation of Illicit Massage Businesses

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 13, 2023

    SAN DIEGO – Peter Griffin, a retired San Diego police vice detective, attorney, and private investigator, was sentenced in federal court today to 33 months in custody for his central role in a conspiracy to operate five California- and Arizona-based illicit massage businesses that profited for years by selling commercial sex under the guise of offering therapeutic massage services. 

    Griffin’s three co-defendants – Kyung Sook Hernandez, Yu Hong Tan, and Yoo Jin Ott – who managed the illicit massage businesses in Griffin’s network and actively concealed the scheme from law enforcement, were each sentenced to six months in custody.

    According to court documents and admissions in plea agreements, the defendants owned and operated “Genie Oriental Spa,” “Felicita Spa,” “Blue Green Spa,” “Maple Spa,” and “Massage W Spa,” located in the greater San Diego area and in Tempe, Arizona, between 2013 and August 2022.  The criminal scheme included incorporating their businesses with state agencies, managing the businesses’ illicit proceeds, advertising commercial sexual services online, recruiting and employing women to perform commercial sex services in the businesses, and benefiting financially from the illegal enterprises. 

    The defendants leased multiple commercial properties as storefronts, leased and bought residential properties to use as housing for employees, and secured credit card processing equipment to facilitate the illegal businesses. Griffin oversaw nearly every aspect of the illicit businesses, making himself indispensable to their operation, and assumed the role of “boss.” 

    Through the course of the scheme, the defendants exploited the victims, mostly vulnerable, non-English speaking immigrants from Korea and China with limited employment opportunities and financial resources; pressured and expected the employees to perform commercial sex services inside the businesses; and made substantial financial profits from the illegal commercial sexual activity. When one employee initially refused to perform commercial sexual services, one of the defendants instructed her to “leave [her] morals in China” in order to “make the customers happy.” 

    Griffin, who left the department in 2002, previously worked as a detective with the Vice Operations Unit of the San Diego Police Department, a unit tasked with dismantling the very businesses he operated and promoted for personal profit.  Throughout the nine-year criminal scheme, Griffin used the experience and skills he acquired through his work as a vice detective – skills honed by his education as an attorney and work as a private investigator – and his reputation as a former police officer to help the businesses evade law enforcement; conceal evidence; pressure employees to engage in commercial sex; maintain a façade of legitimacy; and thwart regulatory inspections, investigations, and any official action against the businesses. 

    According to his plea agreement, on several occasions, Griffin used his status as a former law enforcement officer to falsely assure local authorities that his businesses would be operated legitimately. On another occasion, Griffin flashed his badge to a local officer responding to a citizen complaint regarding one of his illicit businesses.  Additionally, Griffin told an employee that he was a former police officer and instructed her not to “open [her] mouth” about working at the illicit massage business. Griffin’s co-defendants similarly informed employees of Griffin’s law enforcement background and his resulting “connections” and promised he would protect the illegal businesses from law enforcement detection. Griffin also abused resources he had access to by virtue of his private investigator license to obtain information on customers and employees on behalf of the illicit massage businesses.

    “Illicit massage businesses hide in plain sight in many communities in America, including our district,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath.  “Operators of these businesses often profit through exploitation. For years, Peter Griffin used his connections as a former police officer for his own criminal profiteering. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting these kinds of offenses, protecting our communities, and ensuring that legitimate local businesses are not tarnished by criminal activity.”

    “No one is above the law. I’m appalled that someone who once took an oath to protect our community could prey on the vulnerable,” said San Diego Chief of Police David Nisleit. “I’m proud of our own SDPD officers who helped make this investigation possible and I commend our partner agencies for their diligence in holding Peter Griffin and his accomplices accountable. This is an important step toward justice for the survivors of these crimes.”

    “Law enforcement professionals swear an oath to protect and defend our communities, and the spirit of that oath should live on even when we stop carrying a badge,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “Mr. Griffin preyed on people who should have felt safer because of his presence. He and his co-conspirators failed in their attempts to conceal their illicit activities because of our special agents’ unique ability to follow the money and a strong cross-agency effort to find the evidence to bring these predators to justice.”

    “Peter Griffin abused and exploited vulnerable women by pressuring them into providing commercial sex for profit while taking advantage of his status in the community,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “This sentence sends a clear message to those who mistakenly believe they can get away with such repugnant crimes. HSI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work vigorously to bring to justice those who exploit and victimize vulnerable members of our community.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill S. Streja, Trial Attorney Caylee Campbell of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, and Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 22cr1824-JO                              

    Peter Griffin                                                    79

    Kyung Sook Hernandez                                 59

    Yu Hong Tan                                                  57

    Yoo Jin Ott                                                     46

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy, Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering (ITAR),

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

    Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

    Maximum Penalty: Thirty years in prison, $1 million fine

    Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity

    Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison, $250,000 fine or twice amount of criminally derived property

    Misprision of a Felony

    Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison, $250,000 fine

    AGENCIES

    Homeland Security Investigations

    Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation

    San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, a regional, multi-agency effort led by the California Department of Justice dedicated to supporting survivors and holding traffickers accountable.  The task force is comprised of numerous federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. 

    U.S. Department of Justice, Money Laundering Asset Recovery Section, Special Financial Investigations Unit

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    San Diego Police Department

    San Diego Sheriff’s Department

    Escondido Police Department

    San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

    Tempe, Arizona Police Department. 

    Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens Participated in European Police Congress 2025 Panel on Migration and Security

    Source: Frontex

    The Executive Director of Frontex, Hans Leijtens, took part in the 2025 European Police Congress in Berlin, highlighting the Agency’s growing role in shaping a united European approach to migration and internal security. 

    Hans Leijten’s participation in the high-level panel “Asylum Policy and Homeland Security” reflected the evolving role of Frontex as more than an operational body. The Agency is becoming a key strategic partner for Member States, law enforcement and European institutions alike. 

    “In the face of growing migration pressures and shifting geopolitical realities, it is vital that Europe acts with unity, foresight and shared responsibility,” said Leijtens. “Managing migration is not just about reacting to arrivals at our borders. It is about building trust, fostering partnerships and ensuring our actions reflect our values.” 

    Moderated by Rainer Wendt, Chairman of the German Police Union, the panel brought together leading voices from law enforcement, government and academia. It addressed how Europe can maintain both internal security and respect for fundamental rights amid ongoing migration challenges. 

    Frontex also hosted an information stand at the Congress, offering insight into its work on border surveillance, returns, anti-smuggling operations and support for national authorities. 

    The presence of the Frontex Executive Director at the European Police Congress underlines a broader shift. European border management today is not only about protecting borders. It is also about working together to build a coherent, rights-based approach to migration and security across Europe. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Minnesota Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – Michael Thompson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been charged by complaint with one count of production and attempted production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, on December 29, 2024, Michael Benjamin Thompson, 37, drove from Minnesota to Iowa to visit a teenage minor, whom he had met online.   While there, Thompson engaged the minor in various sexual activities. Thompson and the minor continued messaging and on January 30, 2025, Thompson induced the minor victim to send him sexually explicit images.  

    Thompson was charged via criminal complaint in U.S. District Court. He had his detention hearing on May 2, 2025 before Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright and was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

    “We are experiencing an epidemic of online-facilitated sex abuse in Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.  “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute predators who use the internet to prey on our vulnerable children.”  

    “Crimes against children violations are among the most reprehensible crimes we investigate,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that those who exploit or harm children are brought to justice. We will continue to work closely with our partners to pursue offenders and safeguard our communities.”

    This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Ankeny Police Department.

    If you believe you or your child may be a victim of Michael Thompson, please call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth S. Shnider is prosecuting the case.

    A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine Within the Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City

    Source: US FBI

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2025.

    Phil Pond, age 42, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    A federal grand jury indicted Pond in January 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024.

    From 2022 to 2024, Pond and others conspired to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine in South Dakota. Some of the co-conspirators traveled to the Denver area, and/or acquired the methamphetamine locally from Pine Ridge and Rapid City. Pond knew some of this methamphetamine he was selling would be further distributed. Evidence presented at Pond’s sentencing established that he acted as the enforcer and used intimidation, force, and threats of violence against others to acquire money to satisfy their drug debts. Pond was a leader and organizer of the conspiracy and also provided methamphetamine to a person under the age of 21.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

    Pond was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Pierre Residents Sentenced to Substantial Terms in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

    Source: US FBI

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced four Pierre, South Dakota, residents convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencings took place on May 5, 2025.

    Whitney Marrowbone, age 30, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

    Wendy Mealer, age 49, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    Brent Larvie, age 36, was sentenced to four years and six months in federal prison, followed by three of supervised release.

    David Rinehart, age 33, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    All four defendants were each also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    These convictions stemmed from a drug distribution conspiracy beginning in June 2023 and continuing until September 2024.  Marrowbone, Mealer, Larvie, and Rinehart were involved in an extensive conspiracy with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around Pierre and surrounding areas. The four co-defendants received significant quantities of methamphetamine from two other co-defendants, Heather and Misty Stahlhoefer, and then further distributed it. During the course of the investigation law enforcement recovered over 550 grams of pure methamphetamine.

    Heather Stahlhoefer is scheduled to be sentenced May 14, 2025, and Misty Stahlhoefer is scheduled to be sentenced July 14, 2025.

    This case was investigated by the FBI North Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department, the Chamberlain Police Department, and the Lyman County Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Dilges.

    Marrowbone, Rinehart, Mealer, and Larvie were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Former Memphis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights and Conspiracy Charges Tied to Death of Tyre Nichols

    Source: US FBI

    Memphis, TN – A former Memphis, Tennessee, Police Department (MPD) officer facing federal civil rights charges for the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols pleaded guilty in federal court today.

    Emmitt Martin III, pleaded guilty to civil rights and conspiracy charges arising out of the Jan. 7, 2023, incident. Martin is the second MPD officer to plead guilty in this case.

    On Sept. 12, 2023, a federal jury returned a four-count indictment against Martin and four co-defendants. The charges included using excessive force resulting in the death of Nichols; aiding and abetting each other in using that excessive force; failing to intervene to stop the excessive force; failing to render medical aid; and conspiring or taking action to cover up their misconduct. On Nov. 2, 2023, co-defendant Desmond Mills entered a guilty plea to civil rights and conspiracy charges.

    The remaining three defendants will face a federal trial scheduled for Sept. 9.

    In today’s court appearance, Martin pleaded guilty to counts one and three of the indictment. Count one charged Martin with using excessive force and failing to intervene in the unlawful assault. Count three charged Martin with conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force by omitting material information and by providing false and misleading information to his supervisor and to others. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated this case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pritchard and Elizabeth Rogers for the Western District of Tennessee and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert, Trial Attorney Andrew Manns and Deputy Chief Forrest Christian of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. 

    ###

    Topic

    CIVIL RIGHTS

    Components

    Civil Rights Division 

    Civil Rights – Criminal Section 

    Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 

    USAO – Tennessee, Western

    Press Release Number: 24-1049

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Ritz Announces 10 Federal Indictments for Firearm and Violent Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced today the indictments of ten individuals who were charged with federal gun and violent crime offenses in West Tennessee.  United States Attorney Ritz also reinforced his office’s commitment to federal prosecution of individuals who commit violent crimes, illegally possess machine-gun conversion devices (also known as “switches”), or commit other federal firearm offenses. 

    “As alleged, these individuals have committed serious federal crimes involving firearms or violent activity,” said United States Attorney Ritz.  “Our office will continue to work with the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force and other law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in our community.  The citizens of Memphis and Shelby County deserve to feel safe.” 

    The following defendants were charged with federal crimes involving switches: 

    • Wayne Sanders, 31. Sanders was charged in June 2024 with being a felon in possession of firearms and possessing a machine gun on February 24, 2024.  A superseding indictment returned on August 29, 2024, charged Sanders with four additional counts related to his arrest by officers in April 2024:
      • Possession of a machine gun;
      • Being a felon in possession of a firearm;
      • Assault of a Task Force Officer with the U.S. Marshals Service; and
      • Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the assault on a federal officer. 
    • Myles Bowens, 22. Bowens was indicted on August 29, 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a gun with an attached machine-gun conversion device. 
    • Taveon Earnest, 20. Earnest was indicted on August 29, 2024, for possessing a gun with an attached machine-gun conversion device. 
    • Actavious Ellis, 30. Ellis was indicted on August 29, 2024, for possessing a gun with an attached machine-gun conversion device. 

    The following defendants were charged with other firearm or violent crime offenses: 

    • Nathenael Tekle, 23. Tekle was indicted on August 29, 2024, for four separate armed business robberies in Memphis, committed over a 10-day span in October and November 2023.  He is charged with four counts of robbery of a business affecting interstate commerce and four counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robberies. 
    • Caran Stokes, 26. Stokes was indicted on August 29, 2024, on one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking.  
    • Tony Thomas, 27. Thomas was indicted on August 29, 2024, on one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking.  
    • Pierre Jones, 34. Jones was indicted on August 29, 2024, for possession of a firearm after having at least three prior convictions for serious drug offenses or violent felonies.  
    • Marcus Oher, 26. Oher was indicted on August 29, 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm on two different occasions. 
    • Jermaine Cooper, 35. Cooper was indicted on August 29, 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

    These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force; the Project Safe Neighborhoods Gun Task Force; the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.  Anyone with information about switches or other federal gun crimes can call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.  If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. 

    These indictments are 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, using data-driven methods to set focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

    United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked the Assistant United States Attorneys prosecuting these cases, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the cases.   

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Graduate from the FBI National Academy

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, graduated 254 law enforcement officers, including five from Tennessee:

    • Lieutenant Clayton Charles Cates, Franklin Police Department
    • Lieutenant Jennifer Caruthers, Dickson County Sheriff’s Office
    • Assistant Chief of Police James Raymond Colvin, Brentwood Police Department
    • Major Daniel Benjamin Jones, Chattanooga Police Department
    • Lieutenant Robert Nelms, Sevierville Police Department

    These officers were among the men and women from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam, who completed the 10 weeks of training and became the 291st class to graduate. The class also included members of law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, seven military organizations, and seven federal civilian organizations.

    The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. The 10-week program—which provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science—serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.

    The FBI Memphis Field Office and the FBI Knoxville Field Office congratulate the five members of the law enforcement community in Tennessee for completing this comprehensive training.

    A total of 55,440 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Father and Son Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement with a Weapon During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON— A Father and son from Tennessee were sentenced to prison today after they were both previously convicted of assaulting law enforcement and other charges stemming from their conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Mark Waynick, 53, of Charlotte, Tennessee, was sentenced to 54 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

                Jerry McKane Waynick, 21, also of Charlotte, Tennessee, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

                Both men were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly.

                Mark and Jerry Waynick were each convicted of 11 felony offenses and three misdemeanors, including, among other charges, assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous weapon. The men were found guilty following a bench trial before Judge Kelly.

                According to the evidence presented during the trial, on Jan. 6, 2021, the Waynicks attended the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C., near the Ellipse. After the rally, the two men made their way to the U.S. Capitol building wearing helmets, tactical vests, gloves, and goggles. The pair then entered the closed U.S. Capitol grounds shortly after the initial breach of the Peace Circle at 12:55 p.m. The men then made their way to the West Front, where a line of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers were attempting to prevent rioters from breaching the Capitol.

                On the West Front, the Waynicks joined other rioters’ efforts to push against a line of police officers just before 1:36 p.m.  During that time, McKane Waynick saw that police officers were attempting to detain another rioter and rushed to the barricade to grab the rioter and pull him away from the officers, interfering with the detention. While grabbing the other rioter, Jerry Waynick swiped at an officer’s riot baton.

                At the same time that McKane Waynick reached for the baton, Mark Waynick swung an American flag attached to a metal pole with a metal finial into the line of police officers. Before the pole hit any officers, an officer intercepted the pole by grabbing it from Mark and throwing it behind the line of police officers. Minutes later, McKane Waynick returned to the metal barricades and joined with at least four other rioters to separate one metal bicycle rack from the others and pull it into the crowd to create an opening in the barricade; however, police prevented them from achieving their intent.

                Less than a minute later, at 1:40 p.m., McKane Waynick picked up a large plastic construction marker, aimed it at police, and hurled it with both hands, striking two officers. Court documents say that this marker weighed approximately ten pounds and was three feet tall. After hurling the object at police, McKane Waynick retreated back into the crowd.

                The Waynicks entered the Capitol building from the Senate Wing Door at 2:20 p.m., just minutes after the initial breach at 2:13 p.m. Once inside, they moved throughout the building for approximately 35 minutes, entering the Will Rogers Hallway, which was outside the House Chamber, and joining with a mob of rioters who pushed past the handful of officers guarding that hallway.

                At approximately 2:35 p.m., the mob pushed through police officers and entered the House Chamber’s Main Door. The Waynicks followed the advancing rioters and moved to within a few feet of the House Chamber as the mob repeatedly chanted, “Break it down!” An individual recording video captured the scene afterward and asked McKane Waynick about what he had seen, to which he replied that he saw “guns” and said, “We’re an imminent threat to the people inside.”

                The Waynicks exited the Capitol building at 2:55 p.m. via the Upper House Door.

                The FBI arrested the Waynicks on Feb. 17, 2022, in Tennessee.

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

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Memphis Field Office and the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Jerry McKane Waynick as #157 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

                In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Altana Federal Credit Union Employee Sentenced to More Than One Year in Prison for Embezzlement and Ordered to Pay Over $65,000 in Restitution

    Source: US FBI

    BILLINGS – A Billings woman who formerly served as the Operations Manager for Altana Federal Credit Union in 2023 was sentenced yesterday to 12 months and 1 day in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release and ordered to immediately pay full restitution of $65,046.37, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Kelly Jo Muzzana, 40, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to embezzlement by a credit union employee.

    U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that throughout 2023, Muzzana served as the Operations Manager for Altana Federal Credit Union in Billings, Montana. In that role, Muzzana had access to customer data and was responsible for managing Altana’s entire fraud-alert process. This included supervising the employees who documented customers’ fraud claims and facilitating what funds were reimbursed by Altana. Muzzana also managed the fraud reporting system and was entrusted to independently authorize bank cards that were re-issued to customers or returned to the bank through the mail.

    During her time as Operations Manager, Muzzana created duplicate bank cards for customers’ accounts and took them home with her. She did the same with cards that Altana received in the mail that were undelivered to customers. Muzzana took numerous bank cards from Altana and used them to make purchases online and in retail stores around Billings, Montana such as Target and Walmart. After using their cards to finance her private spending, Muzzana personally handled many of the subsequent fraud claims to prevent detection by law enforcement.

    Eventually, an Altana customer reported one of Muzzana’s fraudulent purchases to law enforcement. When a detective called Altana to investigate, Muzzana downloaded a recording of the call and, upon learning of the investigation, fled the building and never returned.

    Altana reimbursed its customers all of the money Muzzana stole. In a victim impact statement, Altana’s CEO, Jason Hagadone explained that the credit union “suffered significant reputation risk from this incident. As a financial institution, our members entrust us with one of the most important aspects of their life: their finances. Kelly breached that trust by stealing and using their debit cards.”

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Billings Police Department and FBI.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Chattanooga Man Sentenced for Firearm and Explosives Violations

    Source: US FBI

    CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On November 1, 2024, Anthony Christopher Lively, 41, of Chattanooga, was sentenced to 54 months in prison by the Honorable Travis R. McDonough, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  Following imprisonment, Lively will be on supervised release for three years.

    As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Lively agreed to plead guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm silencer and unregistered destructive devices, in violation of the National Firearms Act (“NFA”), 26 U.S.C. §§ 5841. 5861(d), and 5871.

    According to filed court documents, in August of 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lively’s Chattanooga home.  Investigators located and seized a Grand Power Stribog, Model SP9A1, 9-millimter, short-barrel rifle (8-inch barrel length) equipped with a foldable stock and a fully loaded magazine; multiple firearm magazines; multiple lists detailing explosive components and parts; and assorted ammunition.  Further investigation revealed that prior to the execution of the warrant, Lively enlisted a family member to remove contraband from his home.  From that family member’s home, law enforcement located and seized a firearm silencer; improvised explosive devices, commonly referred to as “pipe bombs” and “Molotov cocktails”, an improvised incendiary device, commonly referred to as a “Molotov cocktail”, and various fuzes, initiators, and other explosives-related components.  Lively later admitted to purchasing and modifying the short-barrel rifle and firearm silencer and constructing the pipe bombs and Molotov cocktail.  He also admitted that he directed his family member to remove the items from his home.  The firearms and devices were not registered, to Lively or otherwise, in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by the NFA.

    U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. 

    The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations-Chattanooga Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Chattanooga Field Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chattanooga Police Department Bomb Squad and Special Victims Unit; and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office

    Assistant United States Attorney Kevin T. Brown represented the United States.

    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.

                                                                                                                               ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Man Convicted of Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – A Tennessee man was convicted of assaulting law enforcement and other felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Edward Kelley, 35, of Maryville, Tennessee, was found guilty of three felonies, including civil disorder, one count of destruction of government property in an amount over $1,000, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.

                In addition to the felonies, Kelley was convicted of eight misdemeanor offenses, including of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, entering and remaining in the Gallery of Congress, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings, destruction of government property under $1,000, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

                Kelley was convicted of these charges following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly and will be sentenced on April 7, 2025.

                According to evidence presented during the trial, Kelley was identified in open-source images and video footage outside the West Front of the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. There, Kelley is seen moving to the scaffolding over a set of stairs and becomes involved in an altercation with a United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer where he and two other men throw the officer to the ground.

                Kelley then moves to the top of the stairs with a crowd of rioters before being stopped by law enforcement. However, Kelley is seen in open-source video footage pushing and pulling on a metal barricade with police on the other end. The crowd and Kelley eventually pushed past police and made their way closer to the Capitol building. Kelley arrived just outside the Senate Wing Door and is then seen in an open-source video using a piece of wood to smash and breach the window adjacent to the door. Kelley then entered the building through this window at approximately 2:13 p.m. Evidence showed that Kelley was the fourth person to enter the building through this breached window.

                After entering into the building, Kelley moved to the still-closed Senate Wing Door and kicked it open. As the crowd of rioters poured into the building, Kelley moved further into the building and can be seen in an open-source video confronting Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman. Kelley then made his way through several areas of the Capitol, including the Ohio Clock Corridor, the Crypt, the Senate Gallery, and the Rotunda. In another open-source video, Kelley is identified in the Senate Gallery.

                Kelley exited the Capitol through the Rotunda Door at 2:54 p.m. and was inside the building for approximately 40 minutes.

                Kelley was arrested on May 5, 2022, in Tennessee.

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

                The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Knoxville and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Salt River Woman Sentenced to 15 Years for Fentanyl Overdose Death of Her Baby

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz.– Sarah Caitlin Burnette, 23, of the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community, was sentenced on June 12, 2023, by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan to 180 months in prison. Burnette previously pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter.

    On February 27, 2021, Burnette’s 18-month-old baby boy died of acute fentanyl toxicity after ingesting the drug. On October 19, 2021, Burnette was charged with murder and child abuse for the fentanyl overdose death of her son, and exposing another child to the same risk of death by fentanyl overdose.

    The Salt River Police Department and FBI jointly conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer E. LaGrange and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alane Breland, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. SAUSA Breland is also the Chief Prosecutor for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-21-00867-PHX-SPL
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-093_Burnette

    # # #

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

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