NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Toledo Resident Agency Seeking Bank Robbery Suspect

    Source: US FBI

    On April 2, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the PNC Bank located at 735 South Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio, 43402, was robbed by an unknown subject. The unknown subject left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

    Subject Description:

    • Orange gloves
    • Yellow reflective vest
    • Yellow hooded sweatshirt
    • Dark colored ski mask
    • Dark black glasses

    FBI Toledo Resident Agency and the Bowling Green Police Department are working the crime collaboratively. Information can be submitted to either the FBI at 419-243-6122 or the Bowling Green Police Department at (419) 352-1131. Your identity can remain anonymous. PNC Bank is offering a $5,000.00 reward for any information leading to the identification and arrest of the unknown suspect.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Muskogee Residents Sentenced for Child Neglect

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Andrew Allen Maher, age 33, and Azalee Louellen Maher, age 28, both of Muskogee, Oklahoma, were sentenced to five years supervised release for child neglect in Indian country.

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

    On April 15, 2024, Andrew Maher and Azalee Maher each pleaded guilty to one count of Child Neglect in Indian Country.  According to investigators, on August 18, 2023, Muskogee officers responding to reports of an accidental firearm discharge at a Muskogee residence discovered a two-year old child with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the lower abdomen.  EMS workers successfully resuscitated and stabilized the child, who was transported for life-saving surgery.  As part of the plea, both defendants admitted failing to provide adequate supervision to the child in their care, resulting in the child accessing a firearm.

    The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessie Pippin represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Alan Chastain, age 52, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea of one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

    The Indictment alleged that on July 17, 2024, Chastain assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm. The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: December Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments Announced

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the December Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.

    The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

    Terrance Frank Buffalomeat. Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Simple Assault. Buffalomeat, 20, of Hominy and a member of the Osage Nation, is charged with breaking into Midwest Wraps with intent to steal. He is further charged with assaulting a victim. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goodrum is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-392

    Mark Verron Callshim, Jr. Robbery in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (superseding). Callshim, 37, of Tulsa and a member of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, is charged with taking something of value by force, violence, and intimidation. He is further charged with brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-159

    Tony Deanglio Davis. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Davis, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-393

    Keith Edward Enyart; Jennifer Barger Enyart. Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 4); Child Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 2 & 5); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 3). Keith Enyart, 52, a member of the Wyandotte Nation, and Jennifer Enyart, 44, of Wyandotte, are charged with willfully failing to provide appropriate medical care and supervision to protect a child under their care. They both are charged with willfully harming the safety and welfare of the minor victim. Jennifer is additionally charged with intentionally assaulting the minor child by tasing his testicles. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Ihler is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-394

    Sarai Jamila Nyasha Freeman. Passing and Uttering Counterfeit Obligations and Securities (Counts 1 & 2); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 3 & 4); Failure to Appear (Count 5) (superseding). Freeman, 40, of Aurora, Colorado, is charged with forging and cashing counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks. She is further charged with using the victim’s last name and social security number without lawful authority. Additionally, Freeman failed to appear for trial, knowing she was required under the conditions of her pretrial release. The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Treasury Inspector General are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-220

    Grant Stephen Goers. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor (Counts 1, 3, & 4); Production of Child Pornography (Count 2). Goers, 23, of Greenwood, Arkansas, is charged with knowingly persuading and enticing three separate minor victims under 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. He is further charged with enticing a minor victim to produce sexually explicit material. Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, the Sand Springs Police Department, and the Tahlequah Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-395

    Diana May Harjo. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Harjo, 39, of Tulsa and a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, is charged with assaulting the victim, which resulted in serious bodily injury. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele W. Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-403

    Ricky Troy Juarez. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Juarez, 32, of Tulsa and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with unlawfully killing Shane Thompson, Sr., with malice aforethought. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-404

    Jose Jesus Lozano-Gonzalez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Lozano-Gonzalez, 25, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2022. Further, Lozano-Gonzalez unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies in Oklahoma. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-374

    Stuwart Raymon Owens. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Owens, 39, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-405

    Rudi Reyes-Rosales. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Reyes-Rosales, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in July 2021. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-396

    Kyle Thomas Smith. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Smith, 33, of Claremore, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brasher is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-406

    Ryan Blake Still. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Still, 33, transient, is charged with knowingly failing to register
    as a sex offender from June 2024 through July 2024 after previously being convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in 
    Indian County in 2021. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-407

    Marcos Javier Suazo-Otero; Marcos Javier Suazo-Mancilla. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Suazo-Otero, 46, and Suazo-Mancilla, 23, both Mexican nationals, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 2024 through Nov. 2024. They are further charged with maintaining a residence for drug distribution. Suazo-Otero knowingly possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is additionally charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Aug. 2018. Lastly, Suazo-Mancilla knowingly possessed cocaine with intent to distribute and possessed firearms while drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-397

    Aristride Villatoro-Izaguirre. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Villatoro-Izaguirre, 32, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2018. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goodrum is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-398

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Bank Robbery Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for More Than a Decade

    Source: US FBI

    OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, AKIN ZHON WOFFORD, 29, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 135 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On February 7, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Wofford, charging him with armed bank robbery and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On August 21, 2024, a federal jury convicted Wofford on both counts.

    According to evidence presented at trial, on November 7, 2022, Wofford entered a branch of City National Bank and Trust in Oklahoma City. After he waited several minutes in the lobby, Wofford pulled out a firearm, jumped over the teller counter, pointed it at a bank employee, and demanded money. Wofford then opened the teller drawer and grabbed handfuls of cash before he exited the bank. An investigation into the vehicle used during the bank robbery ultimately led authorities to Wofford. He was arrested on November 18, 2022.

    At the sentencing hearing on January 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Wofford to serve 135 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the circumstances of the offense, including the risk of danger caused by the robbery, and Wofford’s history of violence.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Stanley J. West prosecuted the case.

    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.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: $6 Million Worth of Oregon Properties Forfeited in Connection to Interstate Marijuana Trafficking Organization

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that it has forfeited on behalf of the United States 14 real properties located in Oregon—together worth more than $5.7 million—that were used by an interstate drug trafficking organization to illegally grow marijuana for redistribution and sale in other states. The owner of a 15th property agreed to pay the government $400,000 in lieu of having their property forfeited.

    Beginning at an unknown time, and continuing until September 2021, the properties, located in Clatsop, Columbia, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties, were used as illegal marijuana grow houses by an interstate drug trafficking organization led by Fayao “Paul” Rong, 53, of Houston, Texas. On July 19, 2023, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, Rong was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    “This prosecution and yearslong effort to forfeit properties used by the Rong organization to grow and process thousands of pounds of marijuana demonstrate the long reach of our commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable and mitigating the damage these criminal organizations inflict on neighborhoods and communities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    “The goal of drug traffickers is to generate profits through their crimes,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Seattle Field Division. “The DEA and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon and the Oregon State Police worked hard in this case to investigate and forfeit the ill-gotten gains of this organization, benefiting our entire community.”

    “The Oregon State Police is committed to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations operating within our state. Our priorities include safeguarding Oregon’s natural resources and mitigating the impact illicit marijuana has on them,” said Tyler Bechtel, Oregon State Police (OSP) Lieutenant. “This case is a great example of the results that can be achieved when all levels of law enforcement work together toward our common goals.”

    According to court documents, Rong purchased numerous residential houses in Oregon using several different identities and, with others in his organization, used them to grow and process marijuana and prepare it for transport to states where its use remains illegal. In a 12-month period beginning August 2020, Rong’s organization trafficked more than $13.2 million dollars in black market marijuana.

    In early September 2021, a coordinated law enforcement operation led by DEA and OSP targeted Rong’s organization. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners executed search warrants on 25 Oregon residences and Rong’s home in Houston. During the precipitating investigation and ensuing search warrants, investigators seized nearly 33,000 marijuana plants, 1,800 pounds of packaged marijuana, 23 firearms, nine vehicles, $20,000 in money orders, and more than $591,000 in cash.

    The Rong organization takedown followed a 14-month investigation initiated by OSP after the agency learned of excessive electricity use at the various properties, which, in several instances, resulted in transformer explosions. Multiple citizen complaints corroborated law enforcement’s belief that Rong was leading a large black market marijuana operation. With the assistance of the Columbia and Polk County Sheriff’s Offices, OSP found associated marijuana grows in Clatsop, Columbia, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, and Polk Counties. On February 18, 2022, Rong was arrested by DEA agents in Houston.

    This case was investigated by DEA, OSP, and the U.S. Marshals Service with assistance from the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Oregon Department of Justice; Portland Police Bureau; the Yamhill, Clatsop, Marion, Multnomah, Columbia, and Polk County Sheriff’s Offices; Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team; and Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings were handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Division.

    The proceeds of forfeited assets are deposited in the Justice Department’s Assets Forfeiture Fund (AFF) and used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of other law enforcement purposes. To learn more about the AFF, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/afp/assets-forfeiture-fund-aff.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Central Oregon Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A Central Oregon drug trafficker who conspired with others to traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine to Madras and Redmond, Oregon, and surrounding areas, was sentenced to federal prison today.

    Israel Sarabia, 30, of Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, as part of a joint drug trafficking investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE), investigators learned that a Central Oregon drug trafficking organization was using a courier to transport bulk quantities of drugs from either Southern California or Mexico into Oregon. On December 10, 2022, investigators located and stopped the courier in Klamath Falls, Oregon. While searching the courier’s vehicle, investigators located three packages containing approximately 30,000 counterfeit Oxycodone pills that later tested positive for fentanyl.

    Further investigation revealed that the courier was traveling to Sarabia’s residence and that he had been tasked by Sarabia with bringing him fentanyl from Southern California or Mexico. On March 15, 2023, investigators located and arrested Sarabia near his residence in Culver. On the same day, investigators located and seized 519 grams of methamphetamine, more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, 41 grams of cocaine, and nine firearms from the residence of a co-conspirator who was working for Sarabia and storing drugs on his behalf.

    On March 15, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Sarabia and an accomplice with conspiring with one another to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. A third individual was also charged with conspiracy. 

    On August 21, 2023, Sarabia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

    This case was investigated by DEA and CODE. It was prosecuted by Lewis S. Burkhart, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. CODE includes members of the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments; the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department; the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices; the Oregon State Police; the Oregon National Guard; DEA; and the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Kwai Chung (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appeal for information on missing man in Kwai Chung  
         Wu Hoi-sing, aged 70, went missing after he left his caring home on Lei Muk Road this morning. Staff of the caring home then made a report to Police.
     
         He is about 1.65 metres tall, 72 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a square face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue and white striped shirt, black trousers and black shoes.
     
         Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 5239 7701 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station
    Issued at HKT 17:47

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea From Gallup Man in Navajo Nation Shooting

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man pleaded guilty today in federal court to shooting and seriously injuring another man during a confrontation on the Navajo reservation last year.

    According to court documents, on January 22, 2024, Arthur Chee Pat, 69, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, heard a commotion near his residence in Gallup and drove to investigate. Upon arriving at John Doe’s residence, where his son and three other men were gathered, Pat retrieved a firearm from his vehicle. He then fired three gunshots in the direction of one man and two more towards John Doe, striking Doe once in the knee.

    After the shooting, Pat fled the scene with his son. John Doe was initially transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center and later transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for treatment. Law enforcement apprehended Pat at his residence shortly after the incident and recovered the handgun from his vehicle.

    Pat will remain on condition of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Pat faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Pulaski County Men Convicted After Cocaine Conspiracy Trial

    Source: US FBI

         LITTLE ROCK—After a three-day trial, a federal jury has found two Pulaski County men guilty of their involvement in a cocaine distribution conspiracy. James “Richie Rich” Richards, 52, of Wrightsville, and Isaac May, 42, of Sweet Home, were found guilty on all counts when the jury returned their verdict late Wednesday evening. United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr., presided over the trial, and Judge Moody will sentence Richards and May at a later date. 

          Both Richards and May were charged with and convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and several counts of using a phone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime. Richards was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and one count of distribution of cocaine.

          Richards and May were originally charged in August 2018 with nine other defendants, all of whom have already pleaded guilty. The investigation revealed that in December 2017, Richards began supplying May with cocaine that Richards obtained from supplier and codefendant John Garner. In January 2018, Garner began dealing with May directly. Garner supplied May with cocaine two to three times per week until April of 2018.

          Garner had a longer relationship with Richards and began using Richards’ home in Little Rock as a base of distribution in 2010. Garner supplied Richards with cocaine on a daily basis, in significant amounts large enough for Richards to distribute to other sellers, including kilogram and ounce quantities. A confidential informant recorded transactions in which he bought cocaine from Richards, and Richards discussing his cocaine distribution activities, and those recordings were played at trial.

          At trial, Garner testified against his former customers. He stated that the approximately seven kilograms of cocaine found in his home and at his storage unit during the execution of a search warrants in June 2018 was part of the supply he was using to distribute to Richards and May, among other customers. Had Garner not been arrested, he would have continued distributing to Richards and May from this supply.

          In July 2020, Garner was sentenced to 180 months in prison. Other codefendants who have been sentenced in the case include Larry Clark, Jr. – 262 months, Antwan Hardaway – 12 months and 1 day, and Bridgette Williams – 36 months. All remaining defendants, including Richards and May, are awaiting sentencing.

          The statutory penalty for conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine is not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10 million, and not less than five years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for distribution of less than 500 grams of cocaine is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1 million, and not less than three years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for using a phone in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is not more than four years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not more than one year of supervised release. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas National Guard Counter Drug. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Peters and Chris Givens.

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

    # # #

    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: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentencing of Espanola Man for Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A repeat offender from Espanola was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for drug trafficking charges after being found in possession of multiple controlled substances.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on April 19, 2023, Jeremy Isaac Lopez, 29, was apprehended at the Cities of Gold Casino by the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department on a bench warrant that had been issued, after Lopez removed his GPS ankle monitor in violation of the pretrial release conditions put in place for his State of New Mexico charges related to an armed robbery.

    As officers approached, Lopez attempted to flee, crashing into a parked vehicle. A search of the vehicle he was driving revealed Lopez was in possession of pure methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, suspected suboxone, , and dozens of small clear baggies.

    Upon his release from prison, Lopez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, Chief Freddie Trujillo of the Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, and the Espanola Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Greene County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A former Greene County Sheriff’s Lieutenant has been sentenced to two years in prison after stealing over $30,000 used in a ruse undercover drug operation. Allen Scott Pillow, 56, of Paragould, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.

          Pillow pleaded guilty on December 21, 2020, to one count of theft of government funds. In addition to the term of 24 months’ imprisonment, Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Pillow to two years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment as well as a $15,200 fine.

          After receiving information that former Lieutenant Pillow might be abusing his role with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Special Agents and Task Force Officers conducted a ruse narcotics investigation and sought Pillow’s help with the investigation. Pillow had previously retired from Arkansas State Police, where he was suspected to be involved with multiple instances of theft. On November 4, 2019, FBI task force officers parked a rental vehicle in a commercial parking lot in Paragould and staged a glass drug pipe in the vehicle along with a red backpack containing $76,000. The cash was divided into ten bundles of $7,600 each, and investigators recorded the serial numbers.

          After staging the vehicle, two FBI Task Force Officers contacted Pillow on his cell phone and asked him to respond to the scene. The officers relayed to Pillow that they began a narcotics investigation in Tennessee and now needed Pillow’s help as the target had traveled into Arkansas. Pillow traveled to the scene in his Sheriff’s Department vehicle, searched the staged rental vehicle, and recovered the glass pipe, backpack, and currency.

          Later that day, Pillow called the officers and informed them that the backpack had contained $45,600, leading agents to believe Pillow had taken four bundles of $7,600 each, totaling $30,400 of stolen FBI funds. Agents obtained a search warrant for Pillow’s residence and found $2,300 in his possession and $27,820 in a safe in his attic. The serial numbers on the discovered currency matched the original FBI serial numbers. The remaining $280 in stolen funds was not located.

          Pillow was indicted in November 2019, and the case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.

    # # #

    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: White Supremacist President Sentenced to 35 Years in Violent Racketeering Case

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—Wesley Gullett, the president of a white supremacist organization which sold multiple kilograms of methamphetamine and committed numerous violent acts—including attempted murder—will spend the more than three decades in federal prison.

          On Wednesday, United States District Court Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Gullett, 31, of Russellville, to 35 years imprisonment, with five years of supervised release to follow, for Gullett’s leadership role in a violent drug conspiracy. There is no parole in the federal system. Gullett was president of New Aryan Empire (NAE), a white supremacist group founded by inmates in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

          Gullett was originally charged in October 2017, and a federal grand jury charged him along with 51 other defendants in a Second Superseding Indictment in September 2019. On February 3, 2021, Gullett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering and conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In his plea agreement, Gullett admitted to solicitation to commit murder and attempted murder, among other violent acts.

          At Wednesday’s hearing, before imposing the sentence, Judge Miller heard details of how Gullett attempted to murder Bruce Wayne Hurley, an individual who had purchased methamphetamine from NAE associates. Gullett attempted to murder Hurley because he believed Hurley was acting as an informant for law enforcement. Gullett also solicited other NAE members to murder Hurley.

          In addition, the NAE, under the direction of Gullett, carried out other retaliatory acts against those who they believed had provided information to law enforcement. Members of NAE retaliated against one alleged witness by kidnapping him, having people take turns beating him, branding his face with a hot knife, and having a dog bite him. Another alleged witness was kidnapped twice, beaten, and stabbed. For violating NAE’s code, the organization physically assaulted and battered, “X’ed” them out (also referred to as taking their patch), or killed violating members. 

          “This defendant used his corrupt white supremacist organization to commit heinous crimes of violence,” said Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “These despicable acts, which included trying to murder a witness, will now appropriately be punished with 35 years in prison, where this defendant can no longer wreak havoc and poison our community.”

          In addition to the violent acts, law enforcement officials investigated the NAE’s methamphetamine trafficking organization. During the coordinated federal and state investigation, law enforcement agents made 59 controlled purchases of methamphetamine, seizing more than 25 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as 69 firearms and more than $70,000 in drug proceeds.

          Three remaining defendants of the original 51 charged are awaiting trial, which is currently set for September 7, 2021. One defendant is still a fugitive, and all other defendants have pleaded guilty.

          Acting U.S. Attorney Ross, together with Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarad O. Harper, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Acting Resident Agent in Charge Clayton Merrell, announced today’s sentence.

          The investigation was conducted by FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force, Russellville Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Conway Police Department, and United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys in the Eastern District of Arkansas with assistance from the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

    # # #

    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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Arkansas Physicians Sentenced to a Total of 150 Months in Federal Prison for Prescription Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    FORT SMITH – Fort Smith physician and Rogers physician were sentenced today on one count each of Distribution of a Controlled Substance without an Effective Prescription. The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearings in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith.

    According to court documents, Cecil W. Gaby, 71, of Fort Smith,  a licensed physician in the State of Arkansas, pleaded guilty on December 18, 2019 to acting and intending to act outside the usual course of professional practice without a legitimate medical purpose in dispensing a Schedule II controlled substance namely, oxycodone, to an individual, thereby causing the death of the individual. Between January 2016 and July 2018, Gaby was an owner and operator of the Hinderliter Pain Clinic in Barling, Arkansas and from July 2018 through November 2018, was owner and operator of the Gaby Medical Clinic in Fort Smith, Arkansas. From January 2016 through November 2018, Gaby issued more than 11,000 prescriptions for opioids and/or benzodiazepines. Gaby prescribed approximately 1,156,044 dosage units of Schedule II controlled substances to 347 patients (3,332 pills per patient over the course of 2 years); 98% of Gaby’s patients were prescribed at least one opioid (hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, etc.); 94% of Gaby’s patients received either multiple narcotics or a combination of narcotics and sedatives; and 27% of Gaby’s patients were age 40 or younger. Evidence in the case revealed that Gaby issued a large number of prescriptions without a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice. From 2016 through 2018, several of Gaby’s patients died of drug overdose or related causes. As part of his plea, Gaby admitted that prescriptions he issued directly resulted in the death of one of his patients.  Gaby was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

    Robin Ann Cox, 64, of Rogers, was employed by the Arkansas Medical Clinic (AMC) in Rogers, Arkansas. Cox and the owner of AMC contacted the DEA by telephone to report that prescriptions from Cox‘s previous employment had been fraudulently written and filled. Cox specifically identified a prescription for a patient written and filled on May 17, 2019, and a prescription for a patient dated May 19, 2019 and filled on May 20, 2019. During the investigation into these prescriptions, the DEA discovered that the prescriptions were for Schedule II opioid medications, and that Cox had written one of the prescriptions while meeting with the patient in the parking lot of a restaurant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in the Western District of Arkansas, Fort Smith Division. The prescription was not written in conjunction with an appropriate medical examination and therefore was issued outside the course of a legitimate medical practice. Cox was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release

    “The abuse of opioids and other pain medications is an epidemic that is destroying the lives of many people across the Western District of Arkansas.  We will continue to use all the investigation and prosecution tools available to us to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for the over-prescription of these dangerous drugs.  It is my sincere hope that these cases today send a strong message to all of those in our District who would consider operating a “pill mill” or otherwise seeking to profit from the over-prescribing of opioid drugs and other pain-killers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes.

    “The abuse of prescription drugs remains a significant problem in our communities.  This abuse often leads to addiction, shattered lives, and even death.  For the health and safety of our citizens, DEA and our law enforcement partners in Arkansas and beyond will continue to target those who illegally distribute these potentially dangerous drugs.  It is particularly disappointing when trusted medical professionals are engaged in the diversion of controlled substances.  We hope that the convictions and sentencings of these Physicians will serve as a reminder to anyone who might illegally divert pharmaceuticals that they will be held accountable for the harm they cause,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), DEA Diversion Little Rock, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS), Arkansas State Medical Board, the Fort Smith Police Department, the Springdale Police Department, and the Rogers Police Department investigated the case.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Gardner prosecuted the case for the United States.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Lawrence County Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: US FBI

    Skyler Keleher to Serve 30 Years in Federal Prison for Livestreaming his Abuse of a 2-Year-Old Victim

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Skyler Keleher, age 23, of St. Lawrence County, was sentenced today to serve 30 years in federal prison for his conviction on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

    In his prior guilty plea, Keleher admitted that on at least two separate occasions in 2017 he sexually abused a two-year-old child and livestreamed the abuse to others over the Internet, using Facebook Messenger and Facebook Live.  Since then, video recordings of the abuse have been widely circulated over the Internet, and recovered by law enforcement in at least 26 separate investigations across the United States and abroad.  While the videos were first documented by law enforcement in 2018, Keleher’s identity was not confirmed until 2022, at which time he was arrested by authorities. 

    Following his term of imprisonment, Keleher will be placed on a term of supervised release for life, and will be required to register as a sex offender.

    This case was investigated by FBI Operation Rescue Me, the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the New York State Police, Troop B.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case.

    Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rutland Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Distribution of Cocaine Base

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 20, 2024, Bradley Saldi, 44, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 27 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Saldi previously pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine base.
      
    According to court records, between May 15, 2023, and June 14, 2023, Saldi made four sales of controlled substances, cocaine base or fentanyl, to a confidential informant at the Highlander Motel in Rutland, Vermont, where Saldi was employed as a handyman.  Prior to these controlled purchases from Saldi, court records indicate that Saldi was involved in the drug trafficking activities of Jose Maldonado and Edgar Correa, who were previously convicted and sentenced in the District of Vermont for their illegal activities.  Saldi also participated with Maldonado and Correa in the assault of an individual related to a presumed drug debt.
      
    United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Rutland City Police Department.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Jason Turner. Saldi was represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tonawanda Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael E. Swain, 36, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to production of child pornography, carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that between October 20 and November 1, 2021, Swain coerced five minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions. Specifically, Swain communicated with a 15-year-old minor female who resided in Colorado using Discord, a social media platform. The communications included sexually graphic conversations, during which Swain requested that the minor female take sexually explicit videos and images and send them to him. In addition, Swain engaged in numerous sexual communications with the minor female from approximately 2019 to 2022, during which other sexually explicit images and videos were sent to Swain. On February 28, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Swain’s residence and seized a desktop computer tower, a laptop computer, and an external hard drive, all of which were found to contain child pornography.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Buffalo Office Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Stanley Edwards III.     

    Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.

    # # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ventura Men Receive Prison Terms for Crime Spree in Which Taco Truck Vendor Extorted, Small Businesses Robbed Last Year

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – Two Ventura County men were sentenced today to federal prison terms for their roles in a crime spree late last year in which a taco truck vendor was extorted, two small businesses were robbed, and for fraudulently using debit and credit cards from a victim robbed at gunpoint.

    Oscar Aguirre Silva, 31, of Ventura, was sentenced to 72 months (six years) in federal prison by United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera, who also ordered him to pay $2,941 in restitution.

    Silva pleaded guilty on April 25 to one count of interference with commerce by extortion (Hobbs Act), two counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), three counts of bank fraud, two counts of attempted bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    At a separate hearing today, Judge Vera sentenced Edward Donaldo Ramirez Martinez, 28, of Ventura, a co-defendant, to 54 months (4½ years) in federal prison. Ramirez was ordered to pay $1,597 in restitution.

    Ramirez pleaded guilty on April 25 to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

    “The victims in this case were people just trying to make a living by operating a food truck when they were allegedly robbed at gunpoint,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Violent gun crime tears at the fabric of our society. Punishing those who engage in violent gun offenses is and will continue to be a priority for my office. Our community deserves no less.”

    On November 6, 2023, Silva threatened violence to extort a taco truck vendor in Oxnard. Four days later, Silva robbed a woman at gunpoint and stole her iPhone, and her purse, which contained a credit card and a debit card in the victim’s name as well as a debit card in the name of another victim. Ramirez served as the getaway driver during this armed robbery. Both men then traveled to a Walmart store in Ventura, where they used the stolen cards to purchase $524 worth of merchandise. Later, Silva and another co-defendant, David Ray Reyes, 30, of Ventura, then used and attempted to use the stolen cards to purchase other items at an Oxnard smoke shop.

    On November 25 and 26, 2023, Silva robbed two Oxnard businesses – a smoke shop and a grocery outlet.

    Finally, on December 2, 2023, Ramirez, while under the influence of methamphetamine, possessed an assault rifle that did not bear a serial number – commonly known as a “ghost gun.” The firearm carried four rounds of ammunition. Ramirez was not legally permitted to possess the ghost gun or the ammunition because of his February 2020 felony conviction in Ventura County Superior Court for carrying a loaded firearm.

    Reyes pleaded guilty on March 6 to one count of attempted bank fraud, one count of bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. On June 6, Judge Vera sentenced Reyes to 26 months in federal prison.

    All three defendants remain in federal custody.

    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 Ventura County Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Oxnard Police Department, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ventura Police Department, conducted this investigation.

    Assistant United States Attorney Lyndsi C. Allsop of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Prior Felon on Drug and Gun Charges

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a three-count indictment charging Robert L. Robinson with possession with intent to distribute cocaine,  possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of firearms. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on June 7, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Robinson’s Buffalo residence. During the search, investigators recovered quantities of suspected cocaine and marijuana, $35,869.00 in cash, two firearms, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. One of the firearms was reported as a duty weapon stolen from a member of the Miami Dade Police Department on July 18, 2019. After the execution of the search warrant, Robinson was taken into custody.

    Robinson was previously convicted of felony crimes in 2003 and 2011 and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

    The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia. 

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Cheektowaga Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Stuart, 35, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that in August 2019, the FBI received a lead indicating that in May 2019, an online user accessed child sexual abuse and exploitation material via a website on the Tor network. Subsequent investigation traced the IP address to Stuart. In October 2020, a search warrant was executed at Stuart’s residence, during which law enforcement seized multiple electronic devices, including two laptop computers, a cell phone, a hard drive, and a desktop computer tower. A forensic review recovered approximately 8,000 videos and approximately 2,000 images of child pornography on one of the laptops, and approximately 150 images and one video of child pornography on the second laptop. Approximately 90 images and 150 videos of child pornography were recovered from the cell phone and approximately 90 images and two videos on the hard drive. Some of the images included depictions of violence against children.

    Stuart also admitted during his plea that during the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered live marijuana plants, more than a pound of dried marijuana ready for consumption, and that he was a chronic user of marijuana. Stuart was also found to be in possession of three firearms. Because he was a user of controlled substances, Stuart was legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons. 

    Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.    

    # # # # 

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Buffalo Man for Selling Methamphetamine

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Mario Pittman Jr., 30, of Buffalo, NY, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, since March 2024, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Lackawanna Police Department have been investigating Pittman’s drug trafficking activities. The investigation included multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Pittman. The investigation also determined that Pittman has two prior violent felony convictions.

    The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

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

    # # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Women from California Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Allegedly Carried Multiple Weapons into Capitol Building Including a Short Sword, Whip, and Collapsible Baton

                WASHINGTON — Two women from California made their initial appearances before the District Court for the District of Columbia on multiple charges related to their actions 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.

                Kennedy Lindsey, 29, of North Hollywood, California, is charged in a criminal complaint with felony offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; and carrying or having a firearm, a dangerous weapon or explosives on the grounds or in any of the Capitol buildings. In addition to the felonies, Lindsey is charged with misdemeanor offenses of disorderly conduct in a capitol building or grounds and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

                Dianelle Lacy, 46, of Malibu, California, was also arrested and charged with four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

                Both defendants were arrested on July 28, 2024. The were released following a court appearance today.

                According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Lindsey and Lacy traveled from Southern California to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal Rally” at the Ellipse.  Upon their arrival, the two attended the rally and later made their way toward the U.S. Capitol building. Court documents say that Lindsey recorded videos of the events that day with her cell phone, including one such video in which she exclaimed, “the Capitol building is being stormed as we speak. We’re on our way there. . . God Bless America m—f—, let’s go.”

               The two were then seen in open-source video footage approaching the Capitol on a golf cart, while another rider encouraged the crowd to breach the building.

                Lindsey and Lacy then made their way to the Inaugural Stage on the West Front, where rioters had overrun police defenses.  By 3:30 p.m., the two women were at the Senate Wing Door, as alarms were blaring, and rioters were exiting the building through broken windows. Surveillance footage captured both women entering the Capitol, Lindsey through a broken window and Lacy through the door. Inside, Lindsey filmed videos in which she observed the presence of pepper spray and riot police. The two exited the building at about 3:36 p.m. while Lindsey continued recording the aftermath.

                Further, according to court documents, at about 5:25 p.m., a United States Secret Service (USSS) officer noticed Lindsey’s suspicious behavior near the Presidential Transition Office, where she was seen carrying a large metal pole. The USSS officer approached Lindsey and observed a weapon strapped to Lindsey’s leg that Lindsey described to the officer as a “short sword.” Lindsey informed the officer that she was carrying other weapons as well. The officer discovered multiple weapons on her person, including a short sword, a tactical whip, a collapsible baton, pepper spray, a butterfly knife, and a flashlight taser.

                The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Los Angeles and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Secret Service.

                In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 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.

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

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    Indictment Charges Nigerian Citizens Living in the New York City Area with Orchestrating Multi-Million Dollar Bank Fraud Conspiracy Using Stolen Identities from Across the U.S.

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sherry Ozmore, age 56, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in connection with her role as a “runner” for a nationwide conspiracy to impersonate customers of financial institutions to fraudulently obtain cash, checks, loans, and credit.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Ozmore was indicted in October 2024 as part of a superseding indictment charging the alleged ringleader of the conspiracy, Oluwaseun Adekoya, 39, a Nigerian citizen living in New Jersey, as well as David Daniyan, 60, a Nigerian citizen who according to prosecutors has lived in the United States under stolen identities for decades, with orchestrating a conspiracy to steal the identities of people who resided all over the country and impersonate those people at banks and credit unions to fraudulently obtain cash, checks, loans, and credit. According to documents previously filed in court, the conspirators also allegedly opened bank accounts in the names of identity theft victims, which were then used to deposit and access the funds from checks they had fraudulently obtained from banks and credit unions by impersonating other individuals.  The conspirators’ conduct allegedly involved nearly $3 million in intended losses, over $1.7 million of which was successful.

    Ozmore admitted that she was recruited to join the conspiracy as a runner in or around January 2023 and fraudulently obtained over $195,000 over a five-month period that year from banks and credit unions by impersonating identity-theft victims whose personal identifying information was supplied to her by supervisors.  Ozmore was paid a small portion of the money she fraudulently obtained.

    The following defendants are charged as follows in the superseding indictment: 

    • Adekoya is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and nine counts of aggravated identity theft;
    • Daniyan is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and four counts aggravated identity theft;
    • Kani Bassie, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
    • Davon Hunter, 27, of Richmond, Virginia, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft;
    • Jermon Brooks, 20, of Richmond, Virginia, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft;
    • Christian Quivers, 20, of Richmond, Virginia, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft; and
    • Crystal Kurschner, 44, of Brooklyn, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    The prosecution is the result of an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI-Albany, which began after the May 2022 arrest of Daniyan, Gaysha Kennedy, 46, of Brooklyn, and Victor Barriera, 64, of the Bronx, by the Cohoes Police Department after the trio had allegedly traveled to the Capital Region to commit bank fraud. 

    Adekoya, Daniyan, Kennedy, and Barriera were originally indicted, along with coconspirators Jerjuan Joyner, 50, of Brooklyn, Akeem Balogun, 56, of Brooklyn, Danielle Cappetti, 46, of the Bronx, and Lesley Lucchese, 53, of Brooklyn.

    At sentencing on May 6, 2025, Ozmore faces a maximum term of 30 years’ incarceration, an order of restitution in the amount of $195,500, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.

    Kennedy, Barriera, Joyner, Balogun, Cappetti, and Lucchese have pled guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and are pending sentencing.

    The charges in the superseding indictment are merely accusations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    FBI Albany is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in New York, Newark, Richmond and Resident Agencies in Westchester, New York; Brooklyn/Queens, New York; Garrett Mountain, New Jersey; and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  Additional assistance was provided by other law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement & Removal Operations (New York Field Office & Albany sub-office); U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (Buffalo Field Office & St. Albans Resident Office); U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General; New York law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police; Cohoes PD; Colonie PD; Elmira PD; Corning PD; Plattsburgh PD; Florida law enforcement agencies including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; Alabama law enforcement agencies including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Gasden PD, and Rainbow City PD; Georgia law enforcement agencies including the Georgia State Patrol, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow PD; Kansas law enforcement agencies including Lawrence PD and Overland Park PD; New Hampshire law enforcement agencies including Rochester PD, Manchester PD, and Amherst PD; the Delaware State Police; Maryland law enforcement agencies including the Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin law enforcement agencies including Onalaska PD and Eau Claire PD; and Indiana law enforcement agencies including the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Recidivist Sex Offender is Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A registered sex offender was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) yesterday, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Thomas Robert Boehm III, 36, of Charlotte, was also ordered to register, again, as a sex offender after his release from prison and to pay restitution to his victims.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making this announcement.

    According to court documents and court proceedings, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) referred a tip to law enforcement that a Dropbox account user had uploaded and maintained several video files containing CSAM.  Law enforcement determined that the Dropbox user was Boehm.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant for Boehm’s Dropbox account, and a forensic analysis of Boehm’s files revealed that Boehm possessed the equivalent of over 6,000 images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including children under the age of 12.  Some of the materials maintained by Boehm portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.  Court documents show that Boehm was a registered sex offender for state convictions related to taking indecent liberties with a child.

    On February 22, 2024, Boehm pleaded guilty to possession and access with intent to view child pornography involving prepubescent minors.  Boehm remains in federal custody.  He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    The FBI and CMPD investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Armstrong with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men from Ohio and Colorado Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Offenses During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON — Two men from Ohio and Colorado have been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and other offenses related to their alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Their alleged 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.

                Joseph Charles Valentour, 66, of Centerville, Ohio, and Jonathan Wayne “Duke” Valentour, 26, of Boulder, Colorado, are each charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder.

                In addition to the felonies, both men are charged with five misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings.

                The FBI arrested Joseph Valentour on Friday, January 3, 2025, in Ohio, where he made his initial appearance in the Southern District of Ohio. Jonathan Wayne Valentour was arrested on Monday January 6, 2025, in Colorado and made his initial appearance in the District of Colorado.

                According to court documents, police body-worn camera footage shows Joseph Valentour approaching a police line on the Lower West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, appearing to purposefully back into it. It is alleged that after Valentour made contact with the police line, an officer attempted to push him back, but other rioters grabbed the officer’s baton and dragged the officer into the crowd.  Shortly thereafter, amid the ensuing chaos, additional body-worn camera video captured Valentour pushing against the police line. It is alleged that Valentour touched an unknown police officer’s shield multiple times and appeared to be working with other rioters to disarm the officer of the shield. Court documents say that Valentour’s efforts were eventually successful, causing the officer to fall down a flight of stairs.

                Another officer then responded to the incident and went to assist the fallen officer; however, it is alleged that Valentour impeded the assisting officer’s forward movement by lowering his shoulder to hip height and forcibly using his body weight to charge at and push the assisting officer. Valentour’s efforts were successful as he moved the assisting officer away from the other officers. Additional police body-worn camera footage showed Valentour pushing the police line and making purposeful contact with yet another officer. Valentour then disengaged and moved into the crowd of rioters.

                Court documents say that Valentour’s son, Duke, was roughly in the same area as his father. Police body-worn camera footage showed Duke, at about 2:04 p.m., allegedly charging through other rioters toward the police line. As Duke approached police, he interfered with, and resisted officers along the police line by forcibly pushing other rioters in front of him into the police line. It is alleged that Duke simultaneously attempted to grab and interfere with the officers at this location. Officers eventually successfully repelled Duke down a flight of stairs.

                Shortly thereafter, it is alleged that Duke ran back up the stairs behind another rioter (who was carrying what appeared to be a police shield). Duke appeared to use this rioter for protection as he, again, attempted to interfere with officers along the police line by pushing this rioter into the officers. A nearby police officer deployed pepper spray in Duke’s direction, and Duke quickly retreated back down the stairs and into the mob.

                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 Offices for the Southern District of Ohio and the District of Colorado.

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cincinnati, Denver and Washington Field Offices. The FBI identified Joseph Valentour as BOLO AFO (Be on the Lookout Assault on Federal Officer) #494 on its seeking information images. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 48 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,583 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 600 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.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Columbus Police Officer Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Stealing Cocaine From Crime Scenes, Police Evidence Room

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus police officer was sentenced in federal court here today to 50 months in prison for crimes involving more than 15 kilograms of cocaine and money laundering.

    Joel M. Mefford, 35, of London, Ohio, was a Columbus police officer assigned to investigate drug crimes. On three occasions between February and April 2020, Mefford worked with another officer to steal and traffic cocaine.

    “Crimes like those that Mefford committed undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system. Mefford abused his official position for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Today’s substantial prison sentence is necessary to reflect the gravity of his offenses and to promote respect for the law. Corrupt public servants will be held accountable.”

    According to court documents, in February 2020, Mefford and the other officer were investigating a drug crime and unlawfully gained access to a detached garage belonging to the subject of the investigation. Without a warrant, they entered the garage and discovered two kilograms of cocaine in the rafters. They unlawfully seized one of the kilograms and left the other to be found during the execution of a search warrant the next morning. The other officer gave the stolen narcotics to another individual to sell.

    Similarly, in February and March 2020, Mefford and the other officer were investigating drug-trafficking activity at houses on Ambleside Drive and Kilbourne Avenue in Columbus. On March 7, 2020, the officers took a bag containing multiple kilograms of cocaine from the house on Ambleside Drive and arrested an individual there. They then traveled to the house on Kilbourne Avenue and removed a kilogram of cocaine. That same day, Mefford turned in one kilogram of cocaine to evidence, and the officers stole the other kilograms to be sold.

    In April 2020, Mefford and the other officer stole between 10 and 20 kilograms of cocaine from the Columbus police property room and replaced it with fake cocaine. Mefford transported the stolen cocaine in a police cruiser and the other officer later gave the drugs to another individual to sell. The drug proceeds were then given to the other officer, who provided Mefford his cut. Mefford personally received a total of approximately $130,000 from cocaine sales.

    Mefford deposited more than $72,000 of the cash derived from the cocaine sales into his personal bank account.

    A federal grand jury indicted Mefford in December 2023 and he pleaded guilty in August 2024 to two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of money laundering.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.

    The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.

    # # #

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kaikohe: Investigation continues into little girl’s death

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Northland Police are continuing to investigate the tragic death of a 3-year-old girl in Kaikohe on Wednesday evening.

    Police attended an address on Taraire Street where the girl was initially located unresponsive.

    “A scene examination has taken place today and will continue into tomorrow,” Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, of Northland CIB, says.

    “These are always difficult investigations, for the whānau, community and the police themselves.”

    At this stage the circumstances are still unexplained. A post-mortem was conducted today and Police are waiting on the results.

    “The investigators are determined to uncover the full facts and have a team of 20 working on the case,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.

    “The enquiry team is supported by staff who’ve arrived from other districts given a number of serious matters being investigated.”

    Investigations into the little girl’s death will continue across the weekend.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –