NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Americus Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Under Investigation for Fentanyl Distribution, Armed Defendant Attempted to Evade Police

    ALBANY, Ga. – An Americus, Georgia, resident who was under investigation for distributing fentanyl in the community was sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing several firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime as he attempted to evade arrest.

    Juan Antonious Boone, 36, of Americus, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 181 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner on May 21. Boone previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Oct. 9, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Armed repeat felons distributing fentanyl and other dangerous illegal substances will find their cases in federal court,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “We are grateful that no one was injured when the defendant recklessly sped away in his car while attempting to evade arrest. I want to thank the teams from the Americus Police Department, GBI and ATF for helping us hold the defendant accountable for his crimes and their tireless efforts to make our communities safer.”

    “Let me be clear—if you’re a convicted felon pushing fentanyl and carrying illegal firearms, the ATF will find you, and you will face the full force of federal prosecution,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka of the Atlanta Field Division.

    “Fentanyl distribution and armed criminal activity pose a grave threat to public safety,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This sentencing sends a clear message: individuals who choose to traffic deadly drugs and illegally possess firearms will be met with the full force of the law. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect Georgia communities through strong partnerships and relentless investigative work.”

    “The Americus Police Department appreciates the teamwork between local, state and federal law enforcement partners that helps to get dangerous criminals like this off our streets. We are all in the fight together against violent offenders who are flooding our streets with fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics,” said Americus Police Chief Mark Scott.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) utilized a confidential informant (CI) between June 13, 2023, and Aug. 7, 2023, to purchase small quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl, from Boone in the Americus area. On Jan. 8, 2024, GBI conducted surveillance of Boone at the Days Inn in Americus as he departed the hotel. Boone, who was wanted on an active probation warrant, was pulled over by Americus Police Department (APD) officers. Rather than exiting the vehicle as instructed, Boone placed the vehicle in drive and drove away at a high speed, almost striking an APD officer. APD officers pursued Boone to a nearby apartment complex; when he got to a dead-end, he got out of the car and ran away. Boone had a firearm in his hand and one in his waistband; he was safely apprehended. Boone, who has several felony convictions, was illegally possessing two stolen 9mm pistols. Inside his car, police found approximately 24 grams of fentanyl, 79.743 grams of methamphetamine, 251 grams of cocaine, a large quantity of marijuana and a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Boone has several prior felonies, including two convictions for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and a conviction for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

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

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Americus Police Department (APD).

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former IRS Employee Ordered to Repay Funds From PPP Loan Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FORT WAYNE – Rakita Davis, 45 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to federal felonies for wire fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Davis was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay $55,213.61 in restitution to the Small Business Administration.

    According to documents in the case, Davis falsely claimed gross income for a business that did not exist when she applied for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in 2021. The PPP program provided loans to small businesses for job retention and other expenses as part the CARES Act and for emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Davis, who was employed by the IRS when she applied for the loans, falsely claimed that she was the sole proprietor of a catering business when in reality, no such business existed. As a result of her fraudulent representations, Davis received PPP funds which she used for her own benefit on personal items such as jewelry, airfare, luxury car rentals, and vacations.

    “This sentencing demonstrates the commitment of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to investigate and bring to justice those who victimize the American taxpayer,” said Kelly Moening, TIGTA Special Agent-in-Charge. “Fraudulently applying for loans through a federal program meant to assist Americans in need will be met with aggressive investigation and prosecution. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their commitment to this goal.”  

    This case was investigated by the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration with assistance from IRS Criminal Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin C. Sheridan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Salvadoran National Currently Serving State Prison Sentence for Child Rape Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Salvadoran national living in Methuen, Mass. was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

    Agustin Landaverde-Romero, 57, was sentenced by U.S.  District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 21 months in prison to be served concurrently with Landaverde-Romero’s unrelated state prison sentence. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In February 2025, Landaverde-Romero pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Landaverde-Romero was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.

    On July 6, 1999, Landaverde-Romero entered the United States without inspection near Brownsville, Texas. He was identified by authorities in July 1999 and ordered to be removed to El Salvador on Sept. 23, 1999. On Oct. 7, 1999, he was removed from the United States.

    Sometime thereafter, Landaverde-Romero illegally reentered the United States. In July 2020, he was arrested and charged with rape of child and rape of child by force in Essex County Superior Court. He was subsequently convicted of the charges and, in May 2023, was sentenced to 20-25 years in state prison. On June 23, 2023, while serving his sentence, Landaverde-Romero was encountered by immigration authorities during a screening of inmates and determined to have unlawfully reentered the United States.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Money Couriers for Colombian-Based Drug Money Laundering Organization Sentenced

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – Two Jamaican nationals were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for their involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering organization that laundered more than $6 million in drug trafficking proceeds from Colombian cartels through the United States, Caribbean and European banking systems.

    St. Devon Anthony Cover, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 42 months in prison. In January 2025 Cover was convicted of one count of money laundering conspiracy and seven counts of laundering of monetary instruments. Dennis Raymond Rowe, 60, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 52 months in prison. In January 2025 Rowe was convicted of one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of money laundering and two counts of laundering of monetary instruments. Both defendants are subject to deportation upon completion of their imposed sentences.

    The defendants were among 20 individuals from Colombia, Jamaica and Florida who were indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2022 in connection with the money laundering conspiracy.

    Over the course of the investigation, $1 million was seized from corporate bank accounts and other investigative activity. Nearly 3,000 kilograms of cocaine – with a street value of over $90 million – was traced back to the money laundering organization. This includes approximately 1,193 kilograms of cocaine seized at sea 60 miles south of Jamaica in July 2019, as well as 1,555 kilograms of cocaine seized in nine scrap metal shipping containers at the Port of Buenaventura, Colombia in March 2019.

    In or about October 2016, law enforcement began an investigation into a sophisticated money laundering organization located primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia. During an extensive five-year investigation, the organization laundered over $6 million in drug proceeds through intermediary banks in the United States, including banks in Massachusetts, as well as additional proceeds through banks in the Caribbean and Europe by use of the Colombian Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE). By using the BMPE, the defendants and their co-conspirators sought to conceal drug trafficking activity and proceeds from law enforcement as well as evade currency exchange requirements in the United States and Colombia through the illegal currency exchange process. As part of the conspiracy, members of the organization held roles and responsibilities relative to the needs and opportunities of the scheme, such as drug suppliers, peso brokers, money couriers and business owners/dollar purchasers.

    Through the BMPE, Colombian drug trafficking organizations with drug proceeds generated in the United States use third parties – generally referred to as “peso brokers” that are also based in Colombia – who agree to exchange Colombian pesos they control for the drug supplier’s dollar proceeds. Peso brokers then use money couriers in the United States and elsewhere to physically secure the drug proceeds, often in suitcases or bags on the street, and transfer the proceeds into the United States banking system. To avoid detection, peso brokers deposit the drug proceeds into bank accounts in company or individual names intended to appear as legitimate business activity, or through multiple small deposits into different bank accounts which are then consolidated into larger accounts. As a result, Colombian peso brokers control a pool of drug-derived proceeds in United States bank accounts. These dollar proceeds are then purchased by individuals or companies in Colombia seeking to exchange pesos for United States dollars at a favorable exchange rate and in a manner that avoids currency exchange and income reporting requirements. The dollar drug proceeds are transferred at the direction of the purchaser, and often end up in bank accounts of individuals or companies who appear to have no direct involvement in drug trafficking crimes.

    During the course of the conspiracy, Cover laundered approximately $268,000 and Rowe laundered over $600,000 by delivering bulk cash drug proceeds to undercover law enforcement.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Aura Liliana Trujillo Rojas, Delegate for Criminal Finance for the Colombian Attorney General’s Office; Ricardo Sánchez Silvestre, Brigadier General of the Colombian National Police Anti-Narcotics Directorate; Jervis Moore, Chief of the Narcotics Division for the Jamaica Constabulary Force; and Colonel Geoffrey Noble of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of Cover, Rowe, and other co-defendants from Colombia and Jamaica. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New police search guidance following Supreme Court decision

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Police chiefs have been reviewing the implications of last month’s UK Supreme Court judgment in relation to the scope of the Equality Act on sex and gender.

    Police chiefs have been reviewing the implications of last month’s UK Supreme Court judgment in relation to the scope of the Equality Act on sex and gender.

    The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has today (Thursday) published draft interim guidance on searches of members of the transgender community, as well as searches carried out by transgender police officers and staff.

    It makes clear that thorough police searches, such as those which expose intimate body parts, should be carried out by police officers and staff of the same biological sex as the detained person.

    There may be very limited exceptions considered where someone requests to be searched by an officer of their gender.

    The guidance is explicit that any search not conducted in line with biological sex must have the written consent of the detainee, the officer carrying out the search as well as the authorising officer.

    The guidance has been circulated to every police force in the country.

    The interim guidance is based on legal advice and has been developed after seeking views across policing as well as those of other agencies.

    It reflects working practice which already happens every day across policing, where officers and detainees make requests about searches for a multitude of reasons.

    Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the NPCC, said: “Our aim has been to implement the Supreme Court judgment in a pragmatic and consistent way across policing.

    “We have moved at pace to develop this interim guidance, as it is important that officers and staff have guidance on how searches should be conducted in light of the Supreme Court ruling.

    “We are keen to work with the Home Office to consider the impact of the Supreme Court decision on legislation and help ensure there is consistency and clarity for policing and our partners.

    “We understand the depth of feeling there is on these issues, both among transgender communities as well as those who hold gender critical views. Policing remains committed to treating everyone with fairness, dignity and respect.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Santa Barbara County Investment Advisor Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Stealing Nearly $2.3 Million From Elderly Clients

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County investment advisor was sentenced today to 121 months in federal prison for stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients of her investment advisory business, including clients that were receiving end-of-life care.

    Julie Anne Darrah, 52, of Santa Maria, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who will schedule a restitution hearing at a later date.

    Darrah pleaded guilty on March 4 to one count of wire fraud.

    During the scheme, Darrah stole approximately $2.25 million from her firm’s clients. She did so by obtaining control of her victims’ assets, and then – without the victims’ knowledge or consent – she liquidated their security holdings and transferred the proceeds to accounts she controlled. As part of this, she convinced victims to sign documents making her the trustee of their trusts or a signatory on their bank accounts or giving her power of attorney over their brokerage accounts and allowing her – as their investment advisor – to transfer funds from their accounts to other bank accounts, including to her own accounts.

    Darrah took advantage of trust victims placed in her – often convincing them she would take care of them in their older years like a daughter, and she used this trust to convince them to sign the documents that she then used to steal money from them. In this way, Darrah stole money from victims from approximately November 2016 to July 2023. She used stolen funds to buy properties for herself, pay other personal expenses, buy luxury vehicles, and operate other business ventures. Some victims were left in desperate circumstances, without the money to pay for end-of-life care, when the fraud was discovered.

    Darrah also convinced a company identified in the plea agreement as “Business Victim 1,” a Minnesota-based investment advisor firm, to acquire VFM based on false and misleading statements and the concealment of material facts, including not telling that firm about her theft of individual client funds. After the fraud was discovered, Business Victim 1 incurred approximately $5.4 million in losses.

    In October 2023, the SEC filed a civil complaint against Darrah in connection with this scheme. In December 2024, United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer found Darrah liable to pay $2,416,511, including interest.

    The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vacaville Man Charged with Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Michael Keith Rubino, 39, of Vacaville, charging him with producing child sexual abuse material, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in October and November of 2024, Rubino engaged in multiple sex acts with a 17-year-old female victim. Rubino exploited his minor victim at a residence in Vacaville where Rubino lived. Rubino recorded numerous instances of his sexual abuse of his minor victim using his iPhone.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Vacaville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Rubino faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Delivery Driver Pleads Guilty to Defrauding San Francisco Food Delivery Company of More Than $2.5 Million

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    SAN JOSE – Sayee Chaitanya Reddy Devagiri pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiring to steal more than $2.5 million from DoorDash, Inc., a San Francisco-based delivery company.

    Devagiri, 30, of Newport Beach, Calif., and three other defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024.  Devagiri was charged with a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349.  He pleaded guilty to that count today.

    In pleading guilty, Devagiri admitted to working with others in 2020 and 2021 to cause DoorDash to pay for deliveries that never occurred.  At the time, Devagiri was a delivery driver for DoorDash orders.  Under the scheme, Devagiri used customer accounts to place high value orders and then, using an employee’s credentials to gain access to DoorDash software, manually reassigned DoorDash orders to driver accounts that he and others controlled.  Devagiri then caused the fraudulent driver accounts to report that the orders had been delivered, when they had not, and manipulated DoorDash’s computer systems to prompt DoorDash to pay the fraudulent driver accounts for the non-existent deliveries.  Devagiri would then use DoorDash software to change the orders from “delivered” status to “in process” status and manually reassign the orders to driver accounts he and others controlled, beginning the process again.  This procedure usually took less than five minutes, and was repeated hundreds of times for many of the orders.

    The scheme resulted in fraudulent payments exceeding $2.5 million.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    Devagiri is the third defendant to be convicted for his role in this conspiracy.  Co-defendant Manaswi Mandadapu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on May 6, 2025.  Tyler Thomas Bottenhorn, who was separately charged, pleaded guilty on Nov. 7, 2023.

    Devagiri is next scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman for a status hearing on Sept. 16, 2025.  He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.  Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbia Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm and Ammunition

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a privately made firearm and 9mm ammunition.

    Victor S. Kee, 26, was charged in a one-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.

    Today’s indictment alleges that Kee was in possession of a privately made firearm, identified as a Polymer80, Model PF940SC, 9mm pistol, with no serial number, and 9mm ammunition.  Kee is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Kee has prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, burglary, assault, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Lafayette County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 80 arrests and more than 37,700 cultural goods seized in major art trafficking bust

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    22 May 2025

    Europol, INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported investigators from 23 countries in the fight against criminals who exploit humanity’s cultural heritage

    LYON, France – The ninth edition of Operation Pandora, an international operation targeting the trafficking of cultural goods, has led to 80 arrests and the seizure of 37,727 items including archaeological pieces, artworks, coins and musical instruments.

    Codenamed Pandora IX and carried out throughout 2024, the operation involved law enforcement and customs authorities from 23 countries. It was coordinated by Spain (Guardia Civil), with operational support from Europol, INTERPOL and the WCO through its Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Central Europe. 

    Authorities also confiscated 69 metal detectors and 23 tools commonly used for illegal excavations, underlining the persistent threat of looting to cultural sites.

    In total, 258 cases were reported by the participating countries. Many investigations are still ongoing, with further arrests and seizures expected.

    Operational highlights

    The Italian Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC) in coordination with the Italian Customs and Monopolies agency (ADM) seized a painting attributed to renowned artist Jannis Kounellis during a joint border operation. Upon inspection, it was determined to be inauthentic. Had it been genuine, its estimated value would have been around EUR 100,000. In a separate investigation, the Carabinieri TPC seized more than 300 items, including coins, metal and ceramic fragments such as arrowheads and spearheads dating back to the Roman and Punic periods. These artifacts were being offered for sale on e-commerce platforms and were discovered in a private apartment.

    Two icons of Saint Seraphim of Sarov were discovered by Ukraine Customs.

    Both icons of Saint Seraphim were found in the luggage of a passenger travelling by bus during a control at the border with Poland.

    One of 36 coins found by Ukraine Customs while controlling a private vehicle at the border with Poland.

    The Spanish Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting

    Spanish Guardia Civil: During the operation authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins

    Italian Customs and Monopolies agency (ADM) seized a painting attributed to artist Jannis Kounellis, which turned out to be inauthentic.

    The Carabinieri TPC seized more than 300 items, including coins, metal and ceramic fragments.

    Since its launch in 2016, Operation Pandora has become a key global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking.

    The Spanish Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting in the province of Cáceres. Six individuals were arrested, and three others are under investigation. During the operation authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins minted in the Celtiberian city of Tamusia. These artifacts had been looted from protected archaeological sites in the province of Caceres using metal detectors and were being sold illegally through social media platforms.

    Also in Spain, the Guardia Civil intercepted a passenger attempting to fly from Palma de Mallorca to Germany carrying 55 ancient coins and a ring. A subsequent investigation led to an indictment for crimes against cultural heritage and plundering underwater wrecks and archaeological sites. In total, 64 objects of historical value and 1,576 ancient coins were confiscated.

    In Greece, the Department of Cultural Heritage and Antiquities of Athens recovered five Byzantine icons. Acting on intelligence and using special investigative techniques, including an undercover officer, three individuals were arrested while attempting to sell the icons for EUR 70,000.

    Ukrainian customs authorities seized 87 cultural goods that were being illegally transported out of the country to Poland, Moldova and Romania.

    Cyber patrols uncover additional cases

    In addition to on-the-ground actions, dedicated cyber patrols were carried out during the operation to identify potential illicit online sales of cultural property. These virtual investigations led to the opening of new cases, demonstrating how digital platforms are quickly becoming a channel of choice by traffickers to market and sell looted artefacts. A total of 4,298 cultural goods were seized as a result of the cyber patrols.

    Built on international cooperation

    Operation Pandora IX was carried out in the framework of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT). Europol facilitated the exchange of information and provided analytical and operational support to the national investigations. Furthermore, one cyber patrol week was hosted by Europol.

    INTERPOL coordinated cross-border actions and offered tools such as its Stolen Works of Art database and on the ground ID-Art mobile application.

    The WCO’s secure communication tool, CENcomm, was made available to all participants while its Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Central Europe compiled, refined and shared information provided by Customs administrations

    Since its launch in 2016, Operation Pandora has become a key global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking.

    Participating countries in Pandora IX (2024):

    Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine, United States.

    Participating agencies:

    Europol, INTERPOL, World Customs Organization

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. and Philippine Coast Guards Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SULU SEA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, May 20.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Reacts to Activist Judge Ruling to Halt the Deportation of Barbaric Criminal Illegal Aliens Including Murderers, Rapists, and Pedophiles

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    All eight of these heinous convicted criminals have final orders of removal 

    WASHINGTON – DHS conducted a deportation flight to remove some of the most barbaric, violent individuals illegally in the United States. All of these individuals had final orders of removal.  Now a federal judge in Massachusetts is halting their deportation and trying to force President Trump to bring these criminals back to American soil.  

    “This ruling is deranged. These depraved individuals have all had their day in court and been given final deportation orders. A reminder of who was on this plane: murderers, child rapists, an individual who raped a mentally & physically disabled person,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “The message this activist judge is sending to victims and their families is we don’t care. President Trump and Secretary Noem are working every day to get vicious criminals out of our country while activist judges are fighting to bring them back onto American soil.” 

    Below are the individuals ICE removed from American communities:  

    Enrique ARIAS-Hierro, a Cuban national, was arrested by ICE Miami on May 2, 2025. His criminal history includes convictions for homicide, armed robbery, false impersonation of official, kidnapping, robbery strong arm. He was issued a final order of removal on September 13, 1999.  

    On April 30, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Cuban national, Jose Manuel RODRIGUEZ-QUINONES. He has been convicted of attempted first degree murder with a weapon, battery and larceny, cocaine possession and trafficking. He was issued a final order of removal on December 4, 2012.  

    Thongxay NILAKOUT, a citizen of Laos, was arrested by ICE Los Angeles on January 26, 2025. NILAKOUT is Convicted of first-degree murder and robbery; sentenced to life confinement. He was issued a final order of removal on July 12, 2023.  

    On May 12, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Mexican national, Jesus MUNOZ-Gutierrez. He is Convicted of second-degree murder; sentenced to life confinement. He was issued a final order of removed on June 16, 2005.  

    Dian Peter DOMACH, a citizen of South Sudan, was arrested by ICE St. Paul on May 8, 2024. DOMACH is convicted of robbery and possession of a firearm, of possession of burglar’s tools and possession of defaced firearm and driving under the influence. He was issued a final order of removal on July 19, 2011.  

    Kyaw MYA, a citizen of Burma was arrested by ICE St. Paul on February 18, 2025. MYA is convicted of Lascivious Acts with a Child-Victim less than 12 years of age; sentenced to 10 years confinement, paroled after 4 years. He was issued a final order of removal on March 17, 2022.   

    Nyo MYINT, a citizen of Burma was arrested by ICE St. Paul on February 18, 2025. MYINT is convicted of first-degree sexual assault involving a victim mentally and physically incapable of resisting; sentenced to 12 years confinement. MYINT is also charged with aggravated assault-nonfamily strongarm. He was issued a final order of removal on August 17, 2023.   

    On May 3, 2025, ICE Seattle arrested Tuan Thanh PHAN, a Vietnamese national. PHAN is Convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree assault; sentenced to 22 years confinement. He was issued a final order of removal on June 17, 2009.  

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Military Sealift Command Changes Commanders in Far East [Image 2 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE—Rear Adm. Todd F. Cimicata, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73, presents Capt. Robert R. Williams, outgoing commander, Military Sealift Command Far East, with the Legion of Merit medal during a change of command ceremony at the Singapore Naval Installation in Sembawang, April 30, 2025, recognizing his achievements over the past two and a half years as Commodore of MSC Far East. (Photo by MC2 Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 04.30.2025
    Date Posted: 04.30.2025 02:09
    Photo ID: 9003796
    VIRIN: 250430-N-YV347-1001
    Resolution: 8495×5663
    Size: 32.58 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 131
    Downloads: 3

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Military Sealift Command Changes Commanders in Far East [Image 3 of 3], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rear Adm. S.M. Waddell Visits COMLOG WESTPAC [Image 1 of 2]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (May 8, 2025) Rear Adm. S.M. Waddell, Deputy Commander, Royal Canadian Navy, signs a guest book during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation, May 8, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 supports deployed maritime forces, along with regional allies and partners, to sustain Western Pacific operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 05.08.2025
    Date Posted: 05.21.2025 22:17
    Photo ID: 9053728
    VIRIN: 250508-N-YV347-1022
    Resolution: 6395×4568
    Size: 4.74 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 6
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Rear Adm. S.M. Waddell Visits COMLOG WESTPAC [Image 2 of 2], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    GALLERY

    MORE LIKE THIS

    CONTROLLED VOCABULARY KEYWORDS

    TAGS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 and the Republic of Korea Navy’s Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit conclude SALVEX Korea 2025 [Image 3 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    JINHAE NAVAL BASE, Republic of Korea (April 11, 2025) U.S. Navy Divers assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, tour a Republic of Korea submarine museum during a joint dive and salvage exercise at Jinhae Naval Base, Republic of Korea, April 11, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 04.11.2025
    Date Posted: 04.18.2025 01:49
    Photo ID: 8981205
    VIRIN: 250411-N-YV347-1076
    Resolution: 7705×5137
    Size: 21.12 MB
    Location: JINHAE, KR
    Web Views: 14
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 and the Republic of Korea Navy’s Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit conclude SALVEX Korea 2025 [Image 3 of 3], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    GALLERY

    MORE LIKE THIS

    CONTROLLED VOCABULARY KEYWORDS

    TAGS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73 Attend SEACAT 2025

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (May 15, 2025) Participants of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) 2025 hold a final planning conference in Singapore, May 15, 2025. SEACAT is a multilateral, multi-platform exercise including ashore and at sea training evolutions that emphasizes real-world engagements to enhance cooperation and maritime security capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 05.15.2025
    Date Posted: 05.21.2025 22:04
    Photo ID: 9053710
    VIRIN: 250515-N-YV347-1008
    Resolution: 7507×5005
    Size: 19.4 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 0
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73 Attend SEACAT 2025, by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    MORE LIKE THIS

    CONTROLLED VOCABULARY KEYWORDS

    TAGS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nicaraguan National Charged With Assaulting Deportation Officer At Ice Facility In San Jose

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JOSE – Francisco De-Jesus Morales has been charged with one count of forcibly assaulting a deportation officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

    According to a criminal complaint and court documents filed today, Morales, 25, a national of Nicaragua, assaulted the deportation officer at an ICE facility in San Jose on May 2, 2025, when the deportation officer and two other officers attempted to take Morales into custody pursuant to a warrant for Morales’s removal and deportation from the United States.  Morales allegedly physically resisted arrest and attempted to flee from the deportation officers, resulting in a struggle and injuries to Morales and the officers.  All three deportation officers and Morales received medical treatment for injuries sustained during the physical altercation. The deportation officers’ injuries include bruising, scrapes, an ankle stress fracture/strain, a chest contusion, and a groin injury.  Morales is charged with forcibly assaulting one of the deportation officers, causing significant groin bruising.  

    Morales is currently in ICE custody pending removal pursuant to his deportation order.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.

    A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of assault on a federal officer inflicting bodily injury in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 111(a)(1) and (b).  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Lord and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Nedrow are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Susan Kreider.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI.  
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced To Over Three Years In Federal Prison For Stealing More Than $1.3 Million From San Francisco Law Firms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Tony Archuleta-Perkins, 49, of Palm Springs, was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentence.

    Archuleta-Perkins, who was indicted in June 2024, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of bank fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(2) and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (money laundering) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957.  

    Archuleta-Perkins was hired in 2017 by a San Francisco law firm and eventually became the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of that firm as well as a related law firm.  As the CFO, Archuleta-Perkins was in a position of trust and had access to the law firms’ payroll systems and end-to-end payments automation platforms.  He used his position to embezzle more than $1 million while he worked at the firms.  From 2017 through 2023, Archuleta-Perkins stole more than $1.3 million and used that money for, among other things, improvements to and mortgages on three houses he owned.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.  

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Corley also sentenced Archuleta-Perkins to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $1,321,752.72.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikhil Bhagat is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Great Falls man sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug and money laundering charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man who distributed significant amounts of methamphetamine was sentenced today to 240 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Daniel Allen Wakeford, 61, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of money laundering.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned Daniel Wakeford had been involved in the distribution of methamphetamine in Great Falls and elsewhere for several years. A witness informed law enforcement they received methamphetamine from Wakeford for resale since 2020. Prior to 2021, the witness had received approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from Wakeford. In March 2021, however, law enforcement learned Wakeford provided the witness with roughly five pounds of methamphetamine for resale. Surveillance conducted by law enforcement corroborated the witness’s account.

    Law enforcement spoke with numerous individuals who received methamphetamine from Wakeford between approximately 2020 and 2024. Those individuals outlined how Wakeford and others would provide them with methamphetamine for resale. In February 2024, an individual referred to here as John Doe was apprehended in Billings, Montana with approximately 78 grams of methamphetamine in his possession. He outlined how, among other things, he had recently assisted Wakeford with packaging several hundred thousand dollars in cash, how John Doe received the methamphetamine from Wakeford in Great Falls, and that Wakeford made statements indicating he was conspiring to distribute a significant amount of methamphetamine.

    Law enforcement determined that during the time of the conspiracy Wakeford did not have a significant source of legitimate income. However, on November 21, 2022, Wakeford paid $16,534 in cash for a new 2022 snowmobile in Great Falls.

    Following the original indictment in this case, law enforcement conducted a search of Wakeford’s home in Great Falls, Montana and located paperwork for a storage unit that Wakeford leased in Phoenix, Arizona. Wakeford was arrested in Utah on a federal warrant while driving a motorhome valued at over $40,000. Inside the motorhome, officers located over $62,000 in cash, as well as additional paperwork related to the storage unit in Arizona. Federal agents in Arizona obtained a warrant to search the storage unit and located over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm (both pictured below).

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Russell Country Drug Task Force.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage attorney arrested, charged with drug trafficking, firearm offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The FBI is seeking additional information.

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A suspended member of the Alaska Bar was arrested today after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging him with maintaining a drug-involved premise for the purpose of distributing and using controlled substances, and with possessing firearms as a prohibited person and in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    According to court documents, in June 2023, law enforcement became aware of Justin Facey, 44, and his alleged facilitation of a drug trafficking organization run by a California prisoner, Heraclio Sanchez-Rodriguez.

    Sanchez-Rodriguez was indicted on federal drug trafficking and murder charges in October 2023, and to date, over 60 other defendants have been charged in connection with the Sanchez-Rodriquez drug trafficking organization.

    Facey allegedly continued his own drug trafficking operations after the indictment of Sanchez-Rodriguez and other co-conspirators. The indictment against Facey alleges that between April 2024 and 2025, he utilized his residence in Anchorage to distribute and use controlled substances, namely fentanyl and methamphetamine. It also alleges that on April 30, 2025, Facey possessed four firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

    The indictment further alleges that Facey unlawfully possessed firearms knowing that he was addicted to methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

    Court documents explain that Facey was suspended from practicing law on Feb. 24, 2025, following numerous bar complaints.

    Facey is charged with one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of firearms by a prohibited person. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on May 22, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces between five years to life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus of the District of Oregon, Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases.  He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.

    The DEA Anchorage District Office and FBI Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department, are investigating the case.  If anyone has information concerning Facey’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Alexander and Jennifer Ivers are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment 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: U.S. Marshals Arrest Woman in Florida Wanted for Money Laundering in Texas Since 2015

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Corpus Christi, TX – On May 16, 2025, the Cold Case Unit of the U.S. Marshals Service, Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force – Corpus Christi Division and the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force (FCRFTF) joined to arrest Olga Escamilla for Failure to Appear on a Money Laundering charge originating in Kenedy County, Texas.

    On September 19, 2012, Escamilla was indicted for Money Laundering, involving a sum between $20,000 and $100,000, by a Grand Jury in Kleberg County, Texas. While on bond, Escamilla fled to Mexico.

    On June 19, 2015, the 105th Judicial District Court for Kenedy County, Texas issued a fully extraditable arrest warrant for Failure to Appear, involving the Money Laundering charge.

    Utilizing various investigative methods, along with working with multiple law enforcement partners, the Cold Case Unit was able to determine Escamilla’s location. Investigators collaborated with senior inspectors assigned to the FCRFTF, who arrested Escamilla in Florida.

    The Cold Case Unit was formed to devote specialized investigative efforts to capturing fugitives who have been on the run for several years. The United States Marshals Service is committed to expediently investigating the locations of, and ultimately apprehending, fugitives regardless of how many years they have been on the run.

    The U.S. Marshals led Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force with base in Corpus Christi, Texas, is integrated by remarkable agents from Texas Department of Public Safety, Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, Aransas County Sheriff, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Corpus Christi Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Kleberg County Attorney Office and other partner federal agencies that work together for the protection of our communities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office recovers approximately $450,000 for victims of Missoula fraudster

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS  — The U.S. Attorney’s Office recently recovered approximately $450,000 from a Missoula man who defrauded his victims out of almost $1 million by fraudulently inducing them to invest in his transportation and logistics companies, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said today.

    The defendant, Jason L. Matheny, was convicted of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 on November 22, 2019. The court sentenced him to five years of probation, subject to several conditions, and ordered him to pay $994,521.16 in restitution to his victims. In late 2024, Matheny sold a commercial property in Missoula and, because of its restitution lien, the government secured $448,965.36 to be paid to his victims.

    “The collection of restitution for victims of fraud is an essential part of the criminal justice system and a priority for the Department of Justice. Collection from convicted felons can be exceedingly difficult because money is often spent, invested, and moved around. Through the dedication and hard work of the Financial Litigation Program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office was able to execute against Mr. Matheny’s business property. This allowed the proceeds of that sale to be routed to Mr. Matheny’s victims rather than to him.” U.S. Attorney Alme said.

    In September 2024, U.S. Probation requested a summons for revocation of Matheny’s term of probation, alleging he had violated the terms of his sentence by failing to provide requested financial information. Matheny admitted the violation in November 2024 and the Court extended his probation for an additional year.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamestown man going to prison for selling meth

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Richard S. Dean, 49, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 500 grams of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was a drug trafficking associate of co-defendant Douglas Beardsley. During the conspiracy, Dean would go over to Beardsley’s residences on Linden and Forest Avenues in Jamestown several times a week and pick up ounces of methamphetamine and grams of heroin to sell for Beardsley. At times, Beardsley would “front” the narcotics to the defendant to sell. Dean and Beardsley would often communicate about their drug trafficking, including through their Facebook accounts.

    On January 6, 2019, local law enforcement observed a suspicious male, later identified as the defendant. Dean became evasive and ran from officers. Shortly thereafter, the defendant was taken into custody and arrested on an outstanding warrant. Dean was transported to the Jamestown City jail where a subsequent search revealed that he possessed methamphetamine, heroin, plastic baggies, a digital scale, and Dimethyl Sulfone, a common cutting agent for methamphetamine. On March 21, 2019, the defendant pleaded guilty in Chautauqua County Court to Criminal Possession Controlled Substance-5th: Intent To Sell and Criminal Sale Controlled Substance-5th Degree.

    Douglas Beardsley was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 176 months in prison.

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

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division; and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.

    # # # #

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: City of Miami Police Officer Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Yesterday, Tramaine Liptrot, 43, a police officer with the City of Miami Police Department (MPD) who has been relieved of duty, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with fraudulent applications for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling over $200,000. Liptrot entered his guilty plea in Miami before U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom.

    According to the facts admitted at the change of plea hearing, Liptrot, along with being an MPD Police Officer, was the owner and President of Liptrots Tax Services L.L.C (Liptrots Tax). With the assistance of an associate, Liptrot fraudulently obtained two PPP loans in the name of Liptrots Tax.

    On June 22, 2020, working with the associate, Liptrot caused the submission of a false and fraudulent PPP loan application on behalf of Liptrots Tax, falsely claiming that Liptrots Tax had an average monthly payroll of $36,700 for four employees, and a fraudulent IRS Form 944 in support thereof, falsely claiming that Liptrots Tax paid its employees $440,397 during 2019. As a result of this fraudulent PPP application, Liptrots Tax obtained approximately $91,750 in PPP loan proceeds from an SBA approved PPP lender.

    On March 3, 2021, again working with the associate, Liptrot caused the submission of a false and fraudulent second-draw PPP loan application on behalf of Liptrots Tax, falsely claiming that Liptrots Tax had an average monthly payroll of $43,369, and including as part of the application process, a fraudulent IRS Form 944, falsely claiming that Liptrots Tax paid $496,428 in wages and other compensation in 2020. As a result of this fraudulent second-draw PPP application, Liptrots Tax obtained approximately $108,422 in PPP loan proceeds from a different SBA approved PPP lender. 

    Liptrot is scheduled for sentencing on August 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., where he faces a possible maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Eastern Region, announced the guilty plea.

    FBI Miami’s Area Corruption Task Force, which includes task force officers from the City of Miami Police Department’s Internal Affairs Section, and SBA-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward N. Stamm is prosecuting the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabrielle Raemy Charest-Turken is handling asset forfeiture.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred.  EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA.

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

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here.

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

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-20155.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three time convicted federal felon sentenced for wire fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Steven D. Blumhagen, 74, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve five years in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that between April 2016, and January 2020, Blumhagen defrauded three investors out of $400,000, by soliciting the victims to purchase interests in entities he claimed to own, manage, or control. Blumhagen told victims that their investments would enable those entities to finance legal marijuana operations, real estate developments, and an investment technology, and that they could expect significant returns on their investments. Instead of using the money as promised, Blumhagen used some or all of the money for personal expenses. He also used the investment of one victim to pay back previous victims. Part of the scheme involved a limited liability company allegedly owned by Blumhagen’s children, which they knew nothing about.

    As a result of the scheme, at least one victim experienced a substantial financial hardship, withdrawing funds from a retirement account, resulting in substantial penalties.

    Blumhagen has two prior federal convictions in the Western District of New York. In 2006, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for bilking investors out of more than $10,000,000 related to his sale of shares in the golf course project Tee-to-Green, and was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $10,000,000 in restitution. In 2018, Blumhagen pleaded guilty to bank theft for his involvement in a bond scheme, which raised more than $1,400,000 from potential investors. Blumhagen was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $1,200,000 in restitution. Blumhagen was on pre-trial release for the bank theft charge when he committed the wire fraud.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Charges Eastchester Man With Sexual Exploitation Of A Child And Receipt And Distribution Of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the arrest of THOMAS JAMES PUCCINI, 28.  PUCCINI is charged with the sexual exploitation of three minors and with receiving and distributing child pornography.  PUCCINI was arrested today and presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court and detained.

    “Thomas James Puccini’s alleged crimes are every parent’s nightmare,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Puccini, a football coach, held himself out as a trusted member of his school community, yet he was preying on our most innocent and vulnerable. The women and men of the Southern District will use every tool available to bring to justice those who exploit our children.”

    HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge James Manning said: “As alleged, the defendant violated parents’ and students’ trust through his vile acts against children. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, he worked closely with kids and teenagers nearly every day, all allegedly while hiding his shameful dark side of exploitation, and committing crimes against the same minors placed under his care. The abhorrent crimes of which he is accused have no place in our society, and I commend HSI New York’s Hudson Valley investigators, alongside our law enforcement partners, for placing the safety of vulnerable New Yorkers above all else.”

    Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said: “For months, our criminal investigators worked hard to build the strongest possible case against the defendant, and today’s federal charges are the product of these efforts. I extend my thanks to U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton for his collaboration and partnership on this case. Our office will continue to assist S.D.N.Y. throughout all phases of Mr. Puccini’s prosecution.”

    As alleged in the Complaint filed on May 20, 2025 in White Plains federal court and statements made in court[1]:

    THOMAS JAMES PUCCINI worked as a football coach for a high school (“School-1”) in Westchester County. In July of 2024, PUCCINI became the interim athletic director for the school district in which the high school was located. 

    Victim-1:  In November 2021, Victim-1, who was 17 years old and a student at School-1, was contacted by a Snapchat account with the name “alex_fundi2.”  Victim-1 received a nude image of a female from “alex_fundi2” and believed that he was communicating with a female.  “She” told him that she knew him and went to School-1. Victim-1 sent “her” nude photos of himself, including photos showing his penis. After sending images for approximately a week or two, Victim-1 blocked the “alex_fundi2” account.  Then, Victim-1 received messages from a CashApp account (“CashTag-1”) directing Victim-1 to add “alex_fundi2” back. The messages stated, among other things, “I have your pics and vids,” and told Victim-1 to “add me or I send your pics.”  Victim-1 unblocked “alex_fundi2” and sent “alex_fundi2” sexually explicit images of Victim-1. 

    Victim-1 continued to send sexually explicit images to “alex_fundi2” until in or about 2023, when Victim-1 was a freshman in college. 

    The user of CashTag-1 provided CashApp with the name “Thomas Puccini,” PUCCINI’s date of birth, and PUCCINI’s address in Westchester. Records from Snapchat relating to the “alex_fundi2” account show that an IP address that returned to PUCCINI’s residence in Westchester County was used over 13,000 times to access the “alex_fundi2” account. Further, the “alex_fundi2” account is associated with an email that begins with “puccini01” and ends in “.edu.”

    Victim-2: Victim-2 and other middle-schoolers used School-1’s weight room to prepare for Junior Varsity football. PUCCINI supervised them in the weight room. Beginning when Victim-2 was 13 years old and in eighth grade, PUCCINI communicated with Victim-2 through Snapchat, using a Snapchat account with the user name, “tommytutts66,” and requested that Victim-2 take and send PUCCINI photos and videos of Victim-2’s penis.  PUCCINI also sent Victim-2 photos of his penis. PUCCINI specified exactly what he wanted Victim-2 to show him, and, based on his instructions, Victim-2, on numerous occasions, took and sent PUCCINI photos and videos showing various angles of Victim-2’s penis, showing Victim-2 masturbating, showing Victim-2 “finishing” (i.e., ejaculating) with the audio on, and showing Victim-2 laying with his semen on his chest. On numerous occasions, at PUCCINI’s request, PUCCINI and Victim-2 would “race” to see who could masturbate to ejaculation first. The winner would have to send a video or photo capturing the “finish.” 

    A search warrant executed at PUCCINI’s residence on November 1, 2024 resulted in the seizure of, among other things, PUCCINI’s desktop computer. The computer contained an iCloud backup with approximately 8000 messages to or from Victim-2 between January 2017 and December 2020.  In hundreds of these messages, PUCCINI referred to masturbating, to Victim-2’s penis, and/or requested that Victim-2 take and send him photos of his penis.

    Victim-3: Victim-3, who was 16 years old, and “alex_fundi2” communicated via Snapchat in 2023.  Victim-3 took and transmitted sexually explicit images to “alex_fundi2” in exchange for the promise of expensive gifts.  On January 10, 2023, at approximately 11:24 p.m., “alex_fundi2” told Victim-3, “If I send you for the jacket, I’m going to need you to send those 2 vids and then…. As many vids as I want and of anything that I want until Monday.”  At 11:25 p.m., Victim-3 responded, “monday” and “jesus” and “and as long as it doesn’t involve ass stuff.” Thereafter, Victim-3 transmitted numerous files to “alex_fundi2” containing sexually explicit images of Victim-3.

    Victim-4: Victim-4 and “alex_fundi2” communicated via Snapchat in 2023.  Victim-4 told “alex_fundi2” that he was 18 years old and “alex_fundi2” told Victim-4 that he was similarly aged.  “Alex_fundi2” asked Victim-4 for sexually explicit images of Victim-4 when he was 15 or 16.  On June 11, 2023, at approximately 1:50 p.m., Victim-4 transmitted a sexually explicit photo and a sexually explicit video of Victim-4 to “alex_fundi2.”  In both the photo and video, Victim-4 was 15. 

    In November 2024, PUCCINI was charged in Westchester County, New York with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree.

    On an occasion in February 2022, the “alex_fundi2” account engaged in a conversation with a user (“User-1”) on Snapchat and asked, “Can I give you a snapchat to add and you try to get pics/vids from the account?” User-1 told “alex_fundi2,” “Sure” and “I don’t mind being yo undercover bud.” Thereafter, “alex_fundi2” transmitted a Snapchat user name to User-1.  The Snapchat user name belonged to a student who had attended School-1 from 2015 to 2019.  PUCCINI’s desk top computer contained thousands of messages with that student from in or about August 2015 to September 2020. Many of the messages contained requests for sexually explicit images from the student.         

    PUCCINI changed the display name of the “alex_fundi2” account on multiple occasions and the various display names he used included, Young & Horny,” “Young NY Vers Bottom Horny,” “Zach,” “Alexandra Fundi,” “Alex Fundi,” “Horny Twink,” and “zach _parker0.”

    There may be more victims of this alleged conduct. If you have information to report or you had contact with the Snapchat accounts, “alex_fundi2,” “tommytuts66,” or any of the display names described above contact Homeland Security Investigations through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form.  Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199.  Hearing-impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

    *                *                *

    PUCCINI, 28, of Eastchester, New York is charged in Counts One, Two and Three with sexual exploitation of a minor. Counts One, Two and Three each carry a maximum sentence of thirty years’ imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of fifteen years’ imprisonment. Count Four carries a maximum of twenty years’ imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of five years. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

    Mr. Clayton praised the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the Westchester County Police Department, the Eastchester Police Department, the Rockland Police Department, the Lake Forest Police Department, and the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office. 

    The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.   

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Defense Contractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Admits to Concealing 50% Ownership of $7B Defense Contracting Business to Evade Taxes

               WASHINGTON – Douglas Edelman, 73, a former defense contractor, pleaded guilty today to tax crimes related to a scheme to defraud the United States and evade taxes on income he earned from his contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.

               The sentence was announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter with IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office. 

               Edelman pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, seven counts of tax evasion, and two counts of making a false statement.  U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a hearing on issues related to sentencing on Nov. 17, 2026. Trial on the remaining counts of the indictment will be in 2026.

               According to court documents and statements made in court, Edelman founded and owned 50% of Mina Corp. and Red Star Enterprises (Mina/Red Star), a defense contracting business that received more than $7 billion from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide jet fuel in the United States’ post-9/11 military efforts in Afghanistan and the Middle East. 

               Working with others, Edelman engaged in a lengthy scheme to hide his Mina/Red Star profits to evade U.S. taxes, including by concealing his income in undisclosed foreign bank accounts, creating false documents and making false statements that one of his co-conspirators — a French citizen residing abroad and without U.S. tax obligations — founded and owned Mina/Red Star. 

               For example, when the company became profitable in 2005, Edelman began taking distributions which he deposited into Swiss bank accounts, primarily at Credit Suisse, in the name of other companies he owned. In 2008, Credit Suisse informed Edelman that he had to either close his accounts or disclose them to U.S. authorities. Rather than come into compliance with his tax and reporting obligations, Edelman closed his accounts and opened new ones at Bank Julius Baer in Singapore in the name of a nominee entity, the beneficiaries of which were purportedly Edelman’s daughters. He then directed the subject income he earned from Mina/Red Star to those bank accounts. 

               In 2010 the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs began investigating allegations of corruption in connection with Mina/Red Star’s contracts with the Department of Defense. As part of this inquiry, the subcommittee became interested in the identity of Mina/Red Star’s owners. At this time, Edelman had not filed U.S. tax returns to report the millions of dollars he had earned from Mina/Red Star and had not paid U.S. taxes on his income. 

               Rather than disclose his ownership, Edelman caused his attorneys to tell Congress a false story that a French co-conspirator who had no U.S. tax or reporting obligations founded and co-owed Mina/Red Star with another individual. To corroborate the false story, Edelman and a co-conspirator caused false and backdated paperwork to be created. 

               To continue the scheme, Edelman conveyed the false story about Mina/Red Star’s ownership to other arms of the U.S. government, including to the Department of Defense during contract negotiations in 2010 and 2011, to the IRS in a 2016 application to the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, and to the Justice Department in a 2018 presentation. 

               In conjunction with his 2016 application to the IRS’s Voluntary Disclosure Program, Edelman filed false tax returns for several prior years that only reported income from gifts or purported consulting payments, continuing to conceal the millions he had earned from his company. On the returns, he also concealed profits he had earned from a separate business to provide internet service to members of the armed forces at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan. 

               Instead of paying the taxes that he knew he owed, Edelman used the money to fund his lifestyle and additional investments. He invested in a music television franchise in Eastern Europe, a land venture in Tulum, Mexico, and a farm in Kenya, and purchased property around Europe, including a home in Ibiza, Spain, and a townhouse in London.

               Edelman faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each of the 10 counts to which he has pleaded. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

               This case is being investigated by special agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., that is dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, along with the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the investigation. His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs of the United Kingdom also provided assistance, as did the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Guardia Civil of Spain assisted with the arrest. 

               This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia and Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division.

    24cr239

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Student Pilot in Highway 76 Emergency Plane Landing Sentenced to 30 Months for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Troy Othneil Smith, a student pilot whose drug trafficking activity was discovered when his plane was forced to make an emergency landing on State Route 76 in Oceanside last fall, was sentenced in federal court today to 30 months in prison.

    Smith pleaded guilty in January to two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute – one count in connection with the emergency landing that occurred around 1:39 a.m. on September 26, 2024 and his attempt to hide a package of cocaine from responding officers; and the other in connection with Smith’s mailing of cocaine through the United States Postal Service in 2023.

    In his plea agreement, Smith also admitted to relevant conduct discovered during the course of the investigation of at least two other occasions wherein Smith mailed cocaine through the U.S. Postal Service.

    “Aviation privileges come with immense responsibility,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “When those privileges are abused to facilitate drug trafficking, it undermines public safety and the trust placed in those who operate in our skies. We remain committed to working with our partners to detect, disrupt, and prosecute this kind of criminal activity wherever it occurs.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndzie M. Carter and Joseph Orabona.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24-MJ-03788                                     

    Troy Othneil Smith                                         Age: 36                                   Oceanside, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute– Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $1 million fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    United States Postal Inspectors

    San Diego Field Division Narcotics Task Force Team 6

    North County Narcotics Task Force

    Oceanside Police Department

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Doctor Who Falsely Diagnosed Patients Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment in Connection with $118M in Fraudulent Health Care Claims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A Texas rheumatologist was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for perpetrating a health care fraud scheme involving over $118 million in false claims and the payment of over $28 million by insurers as a result of him falsely diagnosing patients with chronic illnesses to bill for tests and treatments that the patients did not need. Jorge Zamora-Quezada M.D., 68, of Mission, also falsified patient records to support the false diagnoses after receiving a federal grand jury subpoena. Following a 25-day trial, Zamora-Quezada was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. In addition to his prison term, Zamora-Quezada was ordered to forfeit $28,245,454, including 13 real estate properties, a jet, and a Maserati GranTurismo.

    According to the evidence presented at trial, Zamora-Quezada falsely diagnosed his patients with rheumatoid arthritis and administered toxic medications in order to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The fraudulent diagnoses made the defendant’s patients believe that they had a life-long, incurable condition that required regular treatment at his offices. After falsely diagnosing his patients, Zamora-Quezada administered unnecessary treatments and ordered unnecessary testing on them, including a variety of injections, infusions, x-rays, MRIs, and other procedures—all with potentially harmful and even deadly side effects. To receive payment for these expensive services, Zamora-Quezada fabricated medical records and lied about the patients’ condition to insurers.

    “Dr. Zamora-Quezada funded his luxurious lifestyle for two decades by traumatizing his patients, abusing his employees, lying to insurers, and stealing taxpayer money,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “His depraved conduct represents a profound betrayal of trust toward vulnerable patients who depend on care and integrity from their doctors. Today’s sentence is not just a punishment—it’s a warning. Medical professionals who harm Americans for personal enrichment will be aggressively pursued and held accountable to protect our citizens and the public fisc.”

    “Through the false diagnoses and excessive false billing, Dr. Zamora-Quezada abused both patient trust and public resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “It is imperative to investigate and address this form of fraud — not only to protect vulnerable individuals from harm but to uphold the integrity of the federal health care system and safeguard the use of public funds.”

    “The FBI is dedicated to working with all of our partners to address health care fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “This case was not only a concern to us because of the financial loss — the physical and emotional harm suffered by the patients and their families was alarming and profound. We hope this significant sentence will help bring closure to the many victims in this case.”

    Evidence at trial established that Dr. Zamora-Quezada falsely diagnosed patients in order to defraud insurers and enrich himself. Other rheumatologists in the Rio Grande Valley testified at trial that they saw hundreds of patients previously diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis by Zamora-Quezada who did not have the condition, prompting one physician to explain that for “most” it was “obvious that the patient did not have rheumatoid arthritis.” Zamora-Quezada’s false diagnoses and powerful medications caused debilitating side effects on his patients, including strokes, necrosis of the jawbone, hair loss, liver damage, and pain so severe that basic tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, cooking, and driving, became difficult. As one patient testified, “Constantly being in bed and being unable to get up from bed alone, and being pumped with medication, I didn’t feel like my life had any meaning.” One mother described how she felt that her child served as a “lab rat,” and others described abandoning plans for college or feeling like they were “living a life in the body of an elderly person.”

    Former employees detailed how Zamora-Quezada imposed strict quotas for procedures, leading to a climate of fear. Zamora-Quezada referred to himself as the “eminencia” — or eminence, threw a paperweight at an employee who failed to generate enough unnecessary procedures, hired employees he could manipulate because they were on J-1 visas and their immigration status could be jeopardized if they lost their jobs, and fired those who challenged him. Testimony also revealed Zamora-Quezada’s obstruction of insurer audits by fabricating missing patient files, including by taking ultrasounds of employees and using those images as documentation in the patient records. Testimony at trial established that Zamora-Quezada told employees to “aparecer” the missing records — “to make them appear.” Former employees also recounted being sent to a dilapidated barn to attempt to retrieve records. There, files were saturated with feces and urine, rodents, and termites that infested not only the records but also the structure.

    Zamora-Quezada’s patient file storage facility

    Zamora-Quezada used proceeds from his crimes to fund a lavish lifestyle, replete with real estate properties across the country and in Mexico, a jet, and a Maserati.

    One of Zamora-Quezada’s luxury properties

    Zamora-Quezada’s jet

    FBI, HHS-OIG, Texas HHS-OIG, and the Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case, with assistance from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

    Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and Assistant Chiefs Rebecca Yuan and Emily Gurskis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristine Rollinson handled asset forfeiture. Fraud Section Assistant Chief Kevin Lowell initially handled the prosecution. The prosecution team thanks the Fraud Section’s Data Analytics Team, whose work initiated the investigation, Victim Witness Specialist Olga De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, and the Texas Department of Insurance.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury convicts home health agency owner in Medicare fraud and identity theft scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 64-year-old man has been convicted of all counts as charged for leading a Medicare fraud scheme involving the submission of falsified medical records, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  

    The jury deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Paul Njoku following a three-day trial. 

    Njoku owned and operated a home health care agency called Opnet Health Care Services Inc. doing business as P & P Health Care Services. Njoku was the owner and CEO. 

    The jury heard testimony from witnesses that Njoku, or others working at his direction, forged signatures of doctors and nurses. Specifically, Njoku and others cut out old signatures and taped them onto newly created doctors’ orders, nursing notes and nursing assessments. Medicare required home health agencies to maintain these documents to obtain payment for providing home health services. Njoku then submitted the falsified records in response to a request for records from Medicare. 

    The jury also heard about a registered nurse who had departed Opnet in 2017. Njoku continued using her signature on nursing notes and assessments in 2018 and 2019 without her knowledge or consent. 

    A witness also testified that Njoku bribed a doctor in exchange for approving home health services. 

    From 2015 to 2019, Opnet billed Medicare over $400,000 in claims for home health services and received over $360,000. Opnet did not maintain the required documentation for many of them and later falsified records to support the claims.

    During the trial, a representative testified that Medicare would not have paid these claims had Medicare known there was no documentation or that they were based on falsified records. 

    “It is absolutely paramount that Americans—both as patients and as taxpayers—have confidence in the integrity of medical providers that receive Medicare funds. Here, the defendant unrepentantly abused that trust by engaging in bribery and stealing from Medicare,” said Ganjei. “With today’s guilty verdict, the Southern District of Texas aims to restore some of that lost trust. I thank the jury for their time and attention to this important case.”

    The defense attempted to blame another person for the fraud. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.

    U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett presided over the trial and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Njoku will face a maximum of 10 years for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five years for two counts of false statements relating to health care matters as well as another two years for the identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. The convictions also carry a possible $250,000 fine for each count.

    He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

    The FBI, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General and Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christian Latham and Kathryn Olson are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –