NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Altana Federal Credit Union employee sentenced to more than 1 year in prison for embezzlement and ordered to pay over $65,000 in restitution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former USPS employees indicted for mail theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging five former U.S. Postal Service employees with stealing mail. 

    According to court documents, the defendants all charged with one count of conspiracy to steal mail and one count of theft of mail are: 

    •    Terrence Luster, 49, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri,
    •    Laura Dantzler, 64, of Kansas City, Kansas,
    •    Arthur Hook, 49, of Lathrop, Missouri,
    •    Craig Roland, 54, of Kansas City, Kansas, and 
    •    Cheryl Wankum, 60, of Overland Park, Kansas. 

    The defendants, who were employees at a post office on North 51st Street, are accused of stealing Amazon return packages, mail, and other items of value for their own personal use between early 2023 and mid-October 2023.

    The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is 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.
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  • MIL-OSI Security: 19 Members of a Drug Trafficking Ring Indicted in Cleveland

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLEVELAND – A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Ohio has returned a 29-count indictment against 19 members and associates of a Cleveland drug trafficking ring. Those charged are Derek Brantley, 41, Cleveland Heights; Juan Johnny Colon, 42, Cleveland; Luis Joel Rondon, 44, Cleveland; Sydney Anthony, 25, Parma Heights; Ryan Bell, 39, Brunswick; Mark Byrd, 44, Cleveland; Nicholas Calvert, 37, Avon Lake; Jocelyn Dolan, 22, Newton Falls; Antonio Greenlee, 37, Cleveland; Andre Jenkins, 43, Cleveland; Melanie Crespo, 32, Elyria; Jordan Marsh, 27, Cleveland; Nicholas Malusky, 38, Parma; Sean Masters, 54, Fort Pierce, Florida; Brandon Payne, 32, Cleveland; Lee Pomales, 38, Cleveland; Mason Pulvino, 28, North Ridgeville; Martha Rios, 68, Cleveland; and Kalem Watts, 45, Cleveland.

    Federal and local law enforcement agents and officers made the apprehensions in a series of coordinated arrests.

    According to court documents, from October 2023 to December 2024, the defendants charged were alleged to have trafficked various controlled substances but were mostly dealing cocaine. Although based in Cleveland, the ring operated throughout Northeast Ohio and as far away as Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Their operations also included attempts to infiltrate the Ohio prison system.

    Throughout the investigation, authorities seized thousands of dollars in cash and a number of illegal drugs that included cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Several illegally possessed firearms were also confiscated throughout the investigation.

    During the investigation, several locations in Cleveland were found to be used as stash houses to store and package cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as store firearms.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, their role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi­-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is composed of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF), and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service (USMS), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Border Patrol, along with task force officers from numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Cleveland Division of Police. Prosecutions are led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division.

    Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Corts for the Northern District of Ohio is leading the prosecution in this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: May Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments Announced

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the May Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.

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

    Nikolaus Kazey Klyde Dodrill. Sexual Abuse Without Consent in Indian Country; Witness Tampering. Dodrill, 28, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with engaging in a sexual act with the victim without consent. He is further charged with tampering with a witness. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Flynn and Melissa Weems are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-154

    Francisco Javier Garibay Isais. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garibay Isais, 45, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2023. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McConney is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-162

    Cristobal Flores Gonzales. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Flores Gonzales, 36, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2018. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-161

    Julius Deane Griffin. Felon in Possession of Ammunition (Count 1); Possession of Ammunition After a Misdemeanor Conviction of Domestic Violence (Count 2); Possession of a Dog for an Animal Fighting Venture (Counts 3 through 22); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 23); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 24); Tampering with Evidence by Corrupt Persuasion (Counts 25 & 26). Griffin, 43, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies and a domestic violence misdemeanor. He further possessed 19 dogs for the purpose of an animal fighting venture and attempted to persuade someone to destroy evidence. In December 2023, Griffin allegedly assaulted a victim with a dangerous weapon, intending to do bodily harm. Additionally, Griffin assaulted a victim with a dangerous weapon, with the intent to do bodily harm. Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshal Service, the USDA-OIG, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are investigating agencies. The U.S. Marshal Service National Seized Animal Program, the City of Tulsa Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Tulsa assisted in the dogs’ medical treatment and recovery. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-167

    Julio Cesar Leyva Amaro. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Leyva Amaro, 40, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Aug. 2013. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goodrum is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-163

    Antonio Valencia-Franco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Valencia-Franco, 31, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jan. 2016. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-164

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Five in the Middle District of Florida

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

    Tampa, FL – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children. The FBI is relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.”

    In the Middle District of Florida, five individuals were arrested and charged with federal offenses, including production, attempted production, receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and attempted transmission of harmful material to a minor.

    “Children are among our society’s most vulnerable populations and must be protected at all costs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will leave no stone unturned in finding and prosecuting those who prey upon their innocence and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

    “Operation Restore Justice underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jason J. Carley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Every arrest in these child sexual abuse cases sends a powerful message: crimes against children will not be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to surge resources to bring abusers of children to justice.”

    “This operation is an example of the ongoing, relentless determination of the special agents, task force officers, and analysts working to protect our most vulnerable,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor. “This is tough work; and I commend these investigative teams making it their mission to identify these predators and ensure that justice is served.”

    Operation Restore Justice MDFL Arrests

    Jacksonville

    On April 30, 2025, Brittany Karen Firth (41, St. Augustine) was arrested on a criminal complaint charging her with production, attempted production, distribution, and receipt of CSAM. If convicted, Firth faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 70 years, in federal prison. According to the complaint, detectives with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children unit received information from a social media and gaming platform company that CSAM had been uploaded by user “xo.southpaw.ox,” later identified as Firth. A search warrant revealed that from May through September 2024, Firth engaged in approximately 5,000 online text messages with another platform user (Person 1) who was identified by law enforcement in Utah as a registered sex offender who had previously been convicted of a child sex offense. The investigation revealed that Person 1 had access to two children and during his online conversations with Firth, Person 1 exchanged sexually explicit messages regarding, among other things, Person 1’s desires and efforts to engage in sexual conduct with these children. Person 1 streamed live video of his sexualized interactions with the children to Firth. On several occasions, Firth screen-recorded live-streaming video of Person 1 as he sexually abused one of the children.

    Ocala

    Jordan Dave Persad (22, Phoenix) was arrested on April 30, 2025, on an indictment charging him with possession of CSAM and possession of contraband (a cellphone) by federal prisoner. If convicted, Persad faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the CSAM offense; he also faces up to one year of incarceration for the contraband offense. According to court documents while Persad was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County, he possessed a contraband cellphone and material that contained an image of CSAM.

    Tampa

    Lee Hughes (45, Pinellas Park), a third-grade teacher, was arrested on May 1, 2025, and charged with attempted transmission of harmful material to a minor. If convicted, Hughes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. According to court documents, from June 2024 to May 2025, Hughes communicated with an undercover officer in an attempt to engage in sexual intercourse with the undercover officer’s purported nine-year-old daughter. Throughout their communications, Hughes sent the undercover officer approximately 10 explicit photos and/or videos of himself, with the request that they be shown to the purported child. On May 1, 2025, Hughes traveled to an agreed-upon location to engage in sexual intercourse with the purported nine-year-old girl and was arrested.

    Tampa

    On May 1, 2025, Jonathan Richmond (30, St. Petersburg) was arrested on a two-count indictment charging him with receipt and possession of CSAM. If convicted, Richmond faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count.

    Orlando

    On April 29, 2025, Steve C. Gopal (42, Ocoee) was arrested on an indictment charging him with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Gopal faces a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

    An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. 

    While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

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

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. 0

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — State of emergency called in area of Adam’s Cove, evacuation order in place

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A state of emergency has been called in Adam’s Cove by the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove in light of a wildfire that has been burning out of control since yesterday afternoon. An emergency evacuation order was issued last evening and a number of residents have been evacuated. Route 70, between the communities of Blackhead and Western Bay, remains closed at this time. The public is directed to stay away from the area.

    During a state of emergency, local government is empowered to apply policies and measures, that may not normally be permitted, to aid in the safety and protection of the public, such as an evacuation order and road closures. RCMP officers are engaged to ensure all safety measures are being followed and that those under an evacuation order have been safely evacuated. Please adhere to all safety measures! Those who do not follow the rules of the state of emergency unnecessarily tie up resources that are best used to address the emergency itself.

    The fire is currently burning in the community of Adam’s Cove. A number of homes have been damaged or destroyed. Route 70 will remain closed while emergency crews continue their efforts to address the fire. Access to the area is not permitted.

    Emergency shelters are available to assist those who have been evacuated at Persalvic Elementary School in Victoria and the AYLA Building in Lower Island Cove. Counsellors are available at Persalvic Elementary to speak with those impacted by the fire, including children.

    At this time, the public is directed to avoid the area while emergency resources continue to do their work. Those who have been evacuated are strongly advised to remain away from their property. The fire has compromised the safety of a number of structures. Updates to the state of emergency and evacuation order will be provided. Those who have been evacuated will be notified when it is safe to return to their property.

    Wildfire season is upon us. Residents of the province are encouraged to be prepared in the event of such an incident in their area. More information is available here: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/wldfrs-prp-en.aspx)

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland fentanyl supplier sentenced to seven years in prison

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

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

    According to court documents, Mamud Sesay, 36, of Bowie, was a source of supply for fentanyl for customers, which included fentanyl redistributors. Sesay also sold fentanyl pills from his home. The pills Sesay distributed were light blue and imprinted with “M” on one side, and “30” on the other to resemble legitimate, 30-milligram oxycodone pills.

    On Nov. 26, 2023, Phillip Donnell Mosby, 36, of Alexandria, contacted Sesay asking for 2,000 fentanyl pills. On November 27, 2023, Sesay met Mosby and distributed the pills to him. Mosby redistributed the pills in Arlington County later that day.

    On April 15, 2024, Mosby contacted Sesay again asking for 4,000 fentanyl pills, and Sesay met Mosby at a gas station later that day and distributed the pills to Mosby. The following day, Mosby was arrested in Maryland in connection with his involvement in the conspiracy. Law enforcement searched Mosby’s Lexus and found approximately 4,000 fentanyl pills.

    On Oct. 17, 2024, law enforcement searched Sesay’s residence and seized over 5,000 pills and approximately $2,500.

    Mosby pled guilty on June 20, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced on Sept. 25, 2024, to 10 years in prison.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher M. Carter and Catherine Rosenberg prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-1.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Louisville Announces Arrests as Part of Operation Restore Justice

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

    FBI Arrests 205 Alleged Child Sex Abuse Offenders in Five-Day Nationwide Crackdown—Nine Arrests in the Commonwealth of Kentucky

    LOUISVILLE, KY—In an unprecedented nationwide operation to protect our children and mark April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the FBI announces Operation Restore Justice, a five-day, sweeping FBI initiative to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators across the country in coordination with all 55 of our FBI field offices.  

    As part of this operation, the FBI Louisville Field Office obtained 10 federal indictments. Six subjects were arrested, three of whom were already in state custody will be transferred to federal authorities, and one subject remains outstanding. One of the indictments remains under seal. They include the following:

    • Jason Back, 42, of Salyersville, Kentucky, was charged with online enticement of a minor.
    • Jesus Chavez, 32, of Somerset, Kentucky, was charged with five counts of producing child pornography.
    • Jordan A. Cobb, 33, of Salyersville, Kentucky, was charged with online enticement of a minor and cyberstalking of a minor.
    • Austin Hawk, 25, of Pittsburg, Kentucky, was charged with transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity.­­
    • Nathan Smith, 30, of Manchester, Kentucky, was charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
    • Michael Moon, 47, of Annville, Kentucky, was charged with one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
    • Timothy Ray Dale, 63, of Paris, Kentucky, was charged with one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
    • Finley Wooton, 32, of Hyden, Kentucky, was charged with the attempted production of child pornography.

    “I’d like to commend FBI Louisville’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force on their dogged pursuit of perpetrators of child sexual abuse. While the FBI’s work to identify, investigate, and apprehend these predators never stops, our increased efforts over the last month during Operation Restore Justice resulted in removing some of our community’s most heinous criminals,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “FBI Louisville, in lockstep with our law enforcement partners, will continue to use every available resource to protect America’s most vulnerable populations, especially our children.”

    Last week alone, the FBI arrested 205 subjects and rescued 115 children across the country during the surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice. The subjects arrested in this operation included those in positions of public trust—law enforcement, members of the military, and teachers. Others are your neighbors, proving that criminal activity can be found even in the most familiar places. They’re accused of various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. 

    The FBI proactively identifies individuals involved in child sexual exploitation and the production of child sexual abuse material through our far-reaching, nationwide network of personnel and law enforcement partners. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program provides a rapid, proactive, and comprehensive capacity to counter all threats of abuse against children. This capacity leverages partnerships within the FBI’s 89 Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) across the country.   For more information about the crimes investigated by the FBI as well as the variety of resources we provide to protect and keep children safe, please visit:  

    This QR code will take you directly to the Parents, Caregivers, Teachers: Protecting Your Kids page listed above:

    As always, the FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected crime against a child to 911 and local law enforcement immediately, as well as the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at tips.fbi.gov, or by contacting your local FBI field office.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: High school student faces federal firearms charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 18-year-old Edinburg resident has been charged with possession a firearm on school property, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Kinzey Lira is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 10 a.m.

    The criminal complaint filed May 6 alleges authorities learned Lira was carrying a firearm on school property. The investigation revealed Lira allegedly had a Glock 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine in his backpack, according to the charges.

    If convicted, Lira faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Guerra is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Convicted for Possessing Machinegun in Connection With Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – After a five-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Osman Malik Sesay, 32, of Gambrills, Maryland. Sesay was found guilty of a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; maintaining a drug involved premises; and possession of firearms — including a machinegun — in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. 

    The conviction for possession of a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of 30 years imprisonment. Sesay faces an additional mandatory consecutive sentence of five years imprisonment for possessing another firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on a previous date.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department; and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

    According to the evidence presented at trial, between November 13, 2020, and continuing until at least July 16, 2021, Sesay conspired with others in a drug trafficking operation involving the bulk distribution of marijuana.  Sesay used multiple fake identifications — and at least four stolen luxury vehicles and seven firearms, including two equipped with machinegun conversion devices — to facilitate his drug trafficking operation. He also leased apartments under fake names to store his drugs, proceeds, and firearms.

    Anne Arundel County Police Department and PGPD Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (W.A.V.E.) Auto Theft Unit detectives observed Sesay operating stolen vehicles in March 2021.  On April 29, 2021, W.A.V.E. detectives arrested Sesay in Prince George’s County, Maryland, driving a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged. 

    During the arrest, authorities found that Sesay possessed more than $14,000 in U.S. currency and a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license.  The fraudulent Maryland driver’s license was associated with a fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland, where Sesay stored his drugs.  Sesay also had a Glock 26 firearm in the glove compartment of the stolen vehicle, which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking.  The Glock 26 firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached.

    Then on June 30, 2021, after he was released on bond pending trial, a PGPD Guardian Helicopter captured surveillance footage of Sesay conducting a drug transaction out of a stolen Corvette in a Washington, D.C. school parking lot.  On July 16, 2021, law enforcement executed search warrants on Sesay’s fraudulently rented apartments in Lanham, Maryland, and Gambrills, Maryland. 

    Sesay used the fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland as a stash house for his drugs, and used the fraudulently rented apartment in Gambrills, Maryland to store more drugs, cash, and firearms.  In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 90 pounds of marijuana.  Evidence showed that Sesay transported marijuana across the country on a commercial airplane using fake identification.

    Law enforcement also recovered more than $40,000 in U.S. Currency and six firearms, five of which were loaded, from the apartment in Gambrills, Maryland.  And officers seized the stolen Corvette, a stolen Audi A7 sedan, and a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Velar that Sesay used as part of his drug trafficking operation.  Inside the vehicles, law enforcement recovered more marijuana.  Additionally, law enforcement discovered a loaded Glock 30 firearm with a machinegun conversion device attached — which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking — inside the stolen Corvette.  As a convicted felon, Sesay is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

    Sesay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on April 29, 2021; a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life for possessing firearms, including a machinegun, in furtherance of drug trafficking on July 16, 2021; a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of 20 years in prison for maintaining a drug involved premises; and a maximum of 10 years in prison each for two felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charges.  U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2025, at 12 p.m.

    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.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, ATF, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Kibbe and Brooke Y. Oki who are prosecuting the federal case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield man sentenced to over 30 years in prison for crypto-terror financing scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Springfield man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years and four months in prison for his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least October 2019 through October of 2022, Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, collected and sent money to female ISIS members in Syria to benefit ISIS in various ways, including by financing the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and supporting ISIS fighters. Chhipa would raise funds online on various social media accounts. He would receive electronic transfers of funds and travel hundreds of miles to collect funds by hand. He would then convert the money to cryptocurrency and send it to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.

    “This defendant directly financed ISIS in its efforts to commit vile terrorist atrocities against innocent citizens in America and abroad,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This severe sentence illustrates that if you fund terrorism, we will prosecute you and put you behind bars for decades.”

    “Those who fund and facilitate terror bear the same responsibility as those who carry out attacks,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Mohammed Chhipa knowingly and persistently collected and provided a considerable amount of money to fund the violence of an organization bent on forcing their extremist ideology on others. That he did so from a nation that holds individual freedom sacrosanct is unconscionable.”

    “With this sentencing, this defendant will pay the price for helping finance ISIS, a brutal terrorist organization,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This is more proof that the FBI will investigate and work with our DOJ partners to hold accountable anyone who assists ISIS or other terrorist groups. Whether you are a fighter or send money, these activities are illegal and against the national security interests of the United States.”

    “Mr. Chhipa transferred more than $185,000 to members of a designated terrorist organization,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Such funds could have been used to enable terrorist operations and attacks targeting innocent U.S. citizens at home and abroad. Today’s sentencing underscores the FBI’s commitment to severing these streams of funding and keeping the American people safe.”

    His primary co-conspirator was an ISIS member residing in Syria who was involved in raising funds for prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and ISIS fighters.

    Over the course of the conspiracy, Chhipa sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency.

    In December 2024, a federal jury convicted Chhipa of one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing and attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda St. Cyr for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Andrew John Dixon and former Trial Attorney Andrea Broach for the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-97.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Dulce Man Indicted for Federal Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man has been charged by indictment with assault following an alleged incident that left the victim with severe injuries.

    According to court documents, on February 1, 2025, James William Julian, 25, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, assaulted and seriously injured John Doe.

    Julian is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Julian faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Methamphetamine Distributor Pleads Guilty To Escape From Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Mark Daly (60, Summerfield) has pleaded guilty to escaping from federal prison. Daly faces a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to records and information presented in court, on February 21, 2025, Daly escaped from the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex prison camp in Sumter County, where he had been serving a 10-year prison sentence for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. DEA agents immediately began to search for Daly and obtained a search warrant for the GPS location information of a cellphone he was using. On February 27, 2025, Daly was located near an abandoned residence in Palatka, along with two others who were also wanted for criminal charges. One of the others was Daly’s girlfriend, who also had escaped from federal prison. Daly and the others were taken into custody. 

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Orlando Doctor Pleads Guilty To Offering To Inject Silicone Oil For Gluteal Augmentation Procedure

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Nhan Pham (54, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to receipt in interstate commerce and proffered delivery of an adulterated device, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Pham faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is set for August 14, 2025.

    According to the plea agreement, between 2015 and 2019, Pham, a physician who performed various cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures, ordered silicone oil online and injected that silicone into his patients for gluteal and buttock enhancement procedures at his office and residence. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has not approved the use of injectable silicone for body contouring or enhancement and has issued warnings to the public advising them of the illegality of and health risks associated with silicone injections.

    Pham inaccurately represented to his patients before performing the procedures that the substance he was injecting into their bodies was “safe,” “natural,” and would dissolve over time. After receiving the silicone oil injections, patients experienced complications, such as sharp and severe pain, discomfort, discoloration, itchiness, burning, inflammation, soreness, and hardness in the injection areas. On September 24, 2019, Pham offered to perform silicone oil injections on an undercover law enforcement agent.

    This case was investigated by the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Firefighter Sentenced for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material Online

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A former volunteer firefighter from Wake Forest was sentenced Wednesday to more than 12 years (151 months) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for distribution, receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material.  Royce Cosmo Fuoco, 49, plead guilty on October 8, 2024, to ten counts of Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material, one count of Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and one count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, Fuoco was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that someone with the username “ncfirefighter07” on the social media application Kik had distributed at least 30 videos containing child sexual abuse material.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant for the Kik account and found that user “ncfirefighter07” had 441 instances of distribution of child sexual abuse material to both individuals and groups on the Kik platform.  Law enforcement linked that Kik account to Royce Fuoco, a former volunteer firefighter for the Wake Forest Fire Department.

    Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Fuoco’s house.  Several digital devices seized contained child sexual abuse material and evidence of his distribution of the material.  Fuoco admitted to law enforcement that he obtained child sexual abuse material in Kik chat groups.  Fuoco said he was bored while working from home, and he would obtain the child sexual abuse material and then send it to other users.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-229.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former School Superintendent Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Owensboro, KY – An Owensboro man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for numerous child sexual exploitation offenses.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Matthew D. Constant, 53, a former school superintendent, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release for two counts of online enticement of a minor, three counts of receipt of child pornography, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, and two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by FBI Owensboro and the Kentucky State Police.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

    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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Man Indicted For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Trevor Wood (31, Jacksonville) with attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Wood faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. 

    According to the indictment, between January 7 and April 18, 2025, Wood used a cellphone and the internet to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual who he believed to be younger than 18-years-old to engage in sexual activity.

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

    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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Charge 125 Defendants With Immigration-Related Offenses During Second Quarter Of 2025

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces today that federal prosecutors have charged 125 defendants with immigration-related offenses during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending March 31, 2025. More than 100 of the defendants were charged by grand jury indictments and the others were charged by criminal complaint. One hundred nineteen of the defendants were charged with illegally reentering the United States. 

    During the same period, 58 cases were resolved by guilty pleas, and 62 defendants were sentenced for illegal reentry or other immigration-related offenses. 

    “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing federal immigration laws,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who illegally enters the United States or violates our nation’s laws.”

    These newly charged cases are 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 Neighborhoods (PSN).

    Q2 FY 2025 Highlights

    U.S. v. Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro

    In March 2025, Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a removed alien and for possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally in the United States. According to court documents, Marquez Villatoro was removed from the United States on three previous occasions before reentering unlawfully sometime after 2019. In January 2024, he was found in Hillsborough County in possession of a Glock 17 9mm pistol, an extended magazine, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.

    U.S. v. Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron

    In March 2025, Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron, a citizen of Guatemala, who was living in the United States illegally under an assumed name, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic in firearms, firearms trafficking, dealing in firearms without a license, and possessing firearms as an illegal alien. According to court documents, between 2023 and April 2024, Sune-Giron was a member of a large-scale firearms trafficking operation. He recruited straw purchasers to illegally buy firearms—including Glocks, rifles and AK-47s—from licensed federal firearms dealers across Florida. After obtaining the firearms, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators smuggled them overseas, shipping them to countries including the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Between 2023 and 2024, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 1,000 firearms. Several of these firearms were later recovered at crime scenes. In April 2024, ATF and HSI agents in Tampa and Orlando executed three coordinated search warrants at three residences in the Orlando area, including Sune-Giron’s residence. There they recovered approximately 57 firearms, 30 empty gun boxes, approximately $16,000 in cash, ammunition, and money counters.

    U.S. v. Elmer Edin Chavarria-Morales

    In March 2025, Elmer Edini Chavarria-Morales, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court records, Chavarria-Morales was convicted of rape in Indiana state court in 2018 and was deported from the United States later that year. Chavarria-Morales reentered the United States and was convicted of illegal reentry in the Southern District of Texas in 2021. Chavarria-Morales was removed to Honduras again in November 2022. In April 2024, Chavarria-Morales was again found in the United States after he was arrested by the Daytona Beach Police Department for a domestic violence assault.

    U.S. v. Yudelkis Portes

    In February 2025, Yudelkis Portes, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court documents, Portes was convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft in February 2013 and deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Following her deportation, Portes illegally reentered the United States and was found in the Middle District of Florida.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: La Jara Man Admits to Decades-Long Pattern of Sexual Abuse of Minors

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A La Jara man pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse involving minors.

    According to court records, Ronald Mescal, 62, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in sexual abuse of three minors using force at various locations between July 1, 1992, and August 1, 1996; May 1, 1995, and August 1, 1995; and September 22, 2009, and September 22, 2016, when each victim was under the age of 18.

    At sentencing, Mescal faces any term of years up to life in prison, followed by not less than five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Phoenix FBI Makes Multiple Arrests as Part of Nationwide Effort to Capture Child Sex Abuse Offenders

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

    The FBI has concluded a national surge of resources to arrest accused child sex abuse offenders and combat child exploitation. The initiative called Operation Restore Justice was a coordinated effort by every FBI field office across the country. 205 people were arrested nationwide.

    The Phoenix Field Office arrested six people during the time of this operation last week, with the core days being April 28 through May 2, including:

    • A subject in Sells, Arizona, for allegedly surreptitiously recording and taking photographs of his girlfriend’s two daughters, one of whom was a minor, while they were sleeping in their bedrooms.
    • A subject in Clarkdale, Arizona, for alleged online enticement of multiple victims, all of whom were minors, and production of child pornography.
    • A subject in Phoenix, Arizona, for the alleged possession and distribution of child pornography.
    • A subject on the Salt River Indian Reservation for the alleged production and possession of child pornography, and sexual abuse of a minor. 
    • A subject on the Navajo Nation in Arizona for the alleged aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
    • A subject in Tucson, Arizona, was allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a popular social media network. When a search warrant was served on the subject’s home related to the CSAM, cocaine and automatic weapons were discovered.

    “Operation Restore Justice underscored our unwavering commitment to protecting children,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez. “Every arrest in these child sexual abuse cases not only delivers justice—it sends a powerful message: crimes against children will not be tolerated.”

    The initiative last week was a joint effort of federal, state, and local partners that coincided with Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlights the FBI’s ongoing efforts to confront these crimes.

    Operation Restore Justice, while just a few days in length, served to highlight the fact that investigating child sex abuse is an ongoing, high-priority mission of the FBI.

    In 2024, FBI Phoenix Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) special agents and task force officers arrested 71 alleged child predators and either identified and/or located 75 children identified as victims of abuse.

    The FBI’s (VCAC) program coordinates and bolsters efforts to counter threats of abuse and exploitation of children that fall under FBI jurisdiction—including the production, sharing, and possession of child sexual abuse material; domestic and/or international travel to engage sexually with children; and the extortion of children to provide sexually explicit material of themselves. VCAC also helps to identify, locate, and recover child victims and strengthen partnerships that are critical to prevent abuse and capture offenders.

    The FBI investigates cases through Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) located in each field office, allowing the FBI to combine resources with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI also partners with the nonprofit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    In 2004, the FBI created the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) to identify people involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. The program is a collaborative effort between the FBI and the NCMEC.

    To submit a tip about the potential exploitation of a child, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), visit tips.fbi.gov, or call the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office at 623-466-1999.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 34 Months in Federal Prison for Being a Drug User in Possession of a Stolen Firearm

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

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 5, 2025.

    Jeremy Highhorse, 19, was sentenced to two years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Highhorse was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 11, 2025.

    In April 2024, law enforcement received a report of shots fired. Highhorse was the driver of a vehicle that matched descriptions of a vehicle seen speeding away after shots were fired. Law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop of the vehicle Highhorse was driving. Instead of pulling over, Highhorse led law enforcement on a high-speed car chase. When the car came to a stop, Highhorse was arrested, and inside the vehicle was a firearm. Highhorse discharged this firearm that day, and he had come into possession of the firearm by stealing it. The vehicle Highhorse was driving was reported stolen by the same person he stole the firearm from. Highhorse was using controlled substances that day as well. It is unlawful to possess a firearm as an active user of controlled substances.

    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.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Man Sentenced To Prison For Mail Theft And Illegal Gun Possession

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

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Montavius Hancock, 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States (mail theft and unlawful possession of a USPS arrow key) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.  Hancock pleaded guilty to these offenses on August 21, 2024.

    Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which oversees North Carolina, Jeff Krafels, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG) for the Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office (MAAFO), which overseas Charlotte, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.

    According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, on January 13, 2024, Hancock was observed stealing U.S. mail from a business park in Charlotte using an “arrow key,” which is a master key used by the U.S. Postal Service. CMPD officers responded to the scene and attempted to stop Hancock’s vehicle as he fled the area. After Hancock was taken into custody, CMPD officers searched his vehicle where they recovered stolen mail from several locations around Charlotte. The face value of the checks contained within the stolen mail was over $400,000.

    Hancock was also sentenced today for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after he was charged under a separate criminal indictment. Court records show that on December 22, 2023, CMPD officers arrested Hancock for possessing a Smith and Wesson, model M&P Shield EZ, 9 mm pistol with an obliterated serial number. Hancock has previous felony convictions, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the USPIS, USPS-OIG and CMPD for their investigation and recognized the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for its invaluable assistance with the firearm investigation.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kinlaw with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.

    To report suspected mail theft, and other mail-related crimes, tips, or incidents go to https://mailtheft.uspis.gov/ or call USPIS at 1-877-876-2455. Call 911 to report an active crime in progress.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of Gordon Ogunmuyiwa’s manslaughter

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of Gordon Ogunmuyiwa after an investigation by specialist Met detectives.

    Paul Campbell, 43 (03.04.79) of Dunheved Road West, Thornton Heath, was convicted on Thursday, 8 May following a three-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

    He is due to be sentenced on Tuesday, 10 June.

    Campbell had beaten Gordon, a 62-year-old former doctor from Dalston, Hackney to death on Christmas Eve, following more than a year of financial and physical abuse.

    Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who led the Met’s investigation said: “Gordon was a gentle man with no history of violence.

    “Ill health however had seen him become increasingly vulnerable – something Campbell took advantage of. A selfish and self-serving man, Campbell’s greed coloured his actions and an innocent man was taken from his family.

    “I hope today’s verdict goes some way in providing a sense of justice to Gordon’s family.”

    The court heard that on Saturday, 24 December 2023, police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 11:00hrs to a report a man had died in a bed and breakfast in Thornton Heath.

    Gordon was found in a room registered in Campbell’s name. However, when paramedics arrived Campbell was not present.

    Detectives attempted to contact him but were unsuccessful.

    This led officers to make enquiries into Campbell, which resulted in a murder investigation being launched.

    Police interviewed fellow residents at the bed and breakfast and quickly established a pattern of behaviour that saw Gordon suffer brutal beatings by Campbell.

    A financial search uncovered that Campbell had been using Gordon’s credit cards. He also bought an iPhone from a second hand shop, using said bank cards, a week after Gordon had died.

    On Wednesday, 11 January Campbell was arrested on suspicion of murder and charged the next day.

    A post mortem was conducted and it was clear that Gordon had multiple injuries borne over time.

    However, the assault, heard by neighbours on Saturday, 23 December, was declared to have been particularly vicious and ultimately led to Gordon’s death.

    Gordon’s Sister Merion Wood said: “Gordon was much loved and his death has completely destroyed our family. We thank the police for their efforts at bringing his murderer to justice and pray no other family has to suffer as we have.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to Over 30 Years in Prison for Crypto-Terror Financing Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    A Springfield, Virginia, man was sentenced yesterday to 364 months in prison for his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least October 2019 through October 2022, Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, collected and sent money to female ISIS members in Syria to benefit ISIS in various ways, including by financing the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and supporting ISIS fighters. Chhipa would raise funds online on various social media accounts. He would receive electronic transfers of funds and travel hundreds of miles to collect funds by hand. He would then convert the money to cryptocurrency and send it to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.

    “This defendant directly financed ISIS in its efforts to commit vile terrorist atrocities against innocent citizens in America and abroad,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This severe sentence illustrates that if you fund terrorism, we will prosecute you and put you behind bars for decades.”

    “With this sentencing, this defendant will pay the price for helping finance ISIS, a brutal terrorist organization,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This is more proof that the FBI will investigate and work with our DOJ partners to hold accountable anyone who assists ISIS or other terrorist groups. Whether you are a fighter or send money, these activities are illegal and against the national security interests of the United States.”

    “Those who fund and facilitate terror bear the same responsibility as those who carry out attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Mohammed Chhipa knowingly and persistently collected and provided a considerable amount of money to fund the violence of an organization bent on forcing their extremist ideology on others. That he did so from a nation that holds individual freedom sacrosanct is unconscionable.”

    His primary co-conspirator was an ISIS member residing in Syria who was involved in raising funds for prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and ISIS fighters.

    Over the course of the conspiracy, Chhipa sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency.

    In December 2024, a federal jury convicted Chhipa of one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing and attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda St. Cyr for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Andrew John Dixon and former Trial Attorney Andrea Broach of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO addresses electromagnetic interference threats to civil aviation safety

    Source: NATO

    Civil aviation is increasingly affected by jamming and spoofing. The NATO Aviation Committee continues its work to address these threats, in close cooperation with other international organisations, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation and EUROCONTROL.

    Acts of intentional interference carried out by state and non-state actors – for instance deliberate jamming or sending false Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals – can cause delays, rerouting or cancellation of take-offs and landings, and have significant negative economic impact on transport, global trade, and tourism. 

    The NATO Aviation Committee has noted that, as well as happening more often, and across different regions – including in the Baltic, Black Sea and Mediterranean regions – such interference is increasingly sophisticated. This is a cause for concern and warrants further action to make civil aviation more resilient, including by upgrading civil and military mechanisms, deploying ground based infrastructure, developing a more agile reporting and tracking system, and further bolstering cooperation with key international partners to counter GNSS interference.

    The Aviation Committee is the senior civil-military NATO body, which advises the North Atlantic Council on all relevant aspects contributing to aviation safety and security, in support of the full range of NATO’s missions.  

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia County Man Sentenced To 137 Months For Drug Trafficking And Firearm Possession In Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Leon Weathersbe, age 38, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 7, 2025 to 137 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus and court documents, on April 12, 2022, Pennsylvania State Police troopers conducted a traffic stop on Weathersbe’s vehicle. During the stop, troopers recovered $1600 from Weathersbe’s person. Weathersbe provided consent to search the vehicle; however, he fled the stop on foot as troopers began to search the vehicle. Weathersbe was not apprehended at the time. Troopers continued their search of Weathersbe’s vehicle and recovered distribution quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana, as well as a loaded handgun under the driver’s seat. 

    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.

    The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Nurse Admits Tampering With Vials Of Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – A Grosse Pointe Park registered nurse, Travis Eskridge, pleaded guilty to tampering with a consumer product, specifically the Schedule II controlled substance fentanyl.  The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.

    Gorgon  was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office.

    Travis Eskridge, 53, of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, worked as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Ascension St. John Hospital.  In his guilty plea Eskridge admitted that he tampered with vials containing fentanyl, a powerful narcotic pain reliever, which he knew were intended to be administered to patients in the hospital’s emergency room. Eskridge removed fentanyl from the vials, replaced fentanyl with another liquid, and returned the tampered vials to the locked drug storage system. Eskridge did this with reckless disregard for the dangerous risk to patients that resulted from such tampering.  The defendant also admitted that he stole fentanyl vials as part of a pattern of thefts over several months.  Nurse Eskridge was immediately removed from his position at Ascension St. John Hospital in August of 2022 when the hospital discovered the tampering and thefts.     

    United States Attorney Gorgon stated, “Licensed medical professionals are supposed to be healers.  Most are. When instead of healing they create a serious risk of harm to patients, the community must and will be protected.  This Office will prosecute such cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Patients rely on receiving the proper FDA-approved medications from those entrusted with their medical care,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “We must hold medical personnel accountable when they take advantage of their unique position and tamper with medications their patients need.”

    Travis Eskridge pled guilty before United States District Judge Susan K. DeClercq.  His bond was continued under conditions that included not seeking employment as a nurse.  Eskridge is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2025.

    The maximum penalties provided by statute for this offense include up to 10 years of imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, and supervised release of up to 5 years.  The actual sentence imposed upon any conviction would be decided by the Court, after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

    The case is investigated by special agents of the Food and Drug Administration. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Clair Shores Man Convicted of Importing, Possessing, and Transferring Machineguns, and Failing to Keep Proper Records as a Federal Firearms Licensee

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – A St. Clair Shores man was convicted by a federal jury this week on charges of illegally importing, possessing, and transferring machineguns, as well as failing to keep proper records as a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., announced today.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir.

    Chase Farmer, 26, was convicted following a week-long jury trial before United States District Judge Gershwin Drain. 

    Evidence presented at trial established that in 2020, Chase Farmer applied for and received a license to deal in firearms. His business was called Shall Not Be Infringed LLC. Farmer did not have a license to import firearms, including machineguns. Yet from 2020 to 2021, he made four orders on a now-defunct Russian website called Silencer Sales for machinegun conversion devices, including Glock switches and drop in auto sears. Farmer paid for the devices in Rubles and used an alias to avoid detection by law enforcement. Although Farmer purchased and received approximately 30 machinegun conversion devices from Silencer Sales, when the ATF searched Farmer’s home and business in 2022, he only had two drop in auto sears in his possession. Farmer was unable to account for the 28 missing machinegun conversion devices. After deliberating for approximately an hour, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts.

    U.S. Attorney Gorgon stated, “Machinegun conversion devices gravely endanger our community by turning semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns. Chase Farmer sought out the ability to deal and manufacture firearms, but he flagrantly ignored his responsibility to follow the law. Farmer is responsible for putting 28 machinegun conversion devices on the street and potentially in the hands of criminals.”

    “This wasn’t negligence – it was pure greed at its core,” said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Chase Farmer abused the trust the government placed in him as a federal firearms licensee to nefariously acquire and distribute illegal conversion devices, using fake identities and foreign currency to avoid detection by law enforcement. This is what illegal firearms trafficking looks like: An individual putting personal greed before our community’s safety.  This case is representative of ATF’s core mission to protect the public.  Mr. Farmer’s actions were a clear and present danger to our overall safety by knowingly putting 28 machine gun conversion devices on our streets.”

    Farmer will be sentenced by Judge Drain in the summer of 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years’ incarceration.

    This case was investigated by the ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane Princ and Sarah Alsaden.   

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy nurse reflects on rewarding temporary assignment to Guam

    Source: United States Navy

    AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam – Lt. Jodi Carroz, an Emergency Department Registered Nurse stationed at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms recently returned from a temporary assignment at U.S. Naval Hospital Guam in April, bringing with her a wealth of experience, clinical knowledge, and unforgettable memories.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Nationwide Effort to Arrest Child Sex Abuse Offenders

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has concluded a national surge of resources to arrest accused child sex abuse offenders and combat child exploitation. In a coordinated effort by all 55 FBI field offices called Operation Restore Justice, 205 people were arrested and 115 children rescued nationwide last week alone.

    The Atlanta Field Office charged nine people as part of this operation. Five in Atlanta, two out of the Augusta resident agency, and two out of the Rome area. The charges for eight of the subjects range from possession of child sexual abuse material to enticement of a minor. One subject was charged with obstruction of justice.

    All defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    “Our commitment is resolute. FBI Atlanta remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard children from those who seek to harm society’s most vulnerable,” said Paul Brown, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta. “However, let there be no confusion—this week’s operation is just one chapter in a relentless, year-round effort that our dedicated agents are fully invested in. We will continue to leverage every tool and resource at our disposal to track down child predators and ensure they face justice.”

    This initiative, between April 28th and May 1, was a joint effort with federal, state, and local partners to coincide with the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlight the FBI’s ongoing efforts to confront these crimes. Investigating child sex abuse is an ongoing, high-priority mission of the FBI. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program coordinates and bolsters efforts to counter all threats of abuse and exploitation of children that fall under FBI jurisdiction—including the production, sharing, and possession of child sexual abuse material; domestic or international travel to engage sexually with children; and the extortion of children to provide sexually explicit material of themselves. VCAC also helps to identify, locate, and recover child victims and strengthen partnerships that are critical to prevent abuse and capture offenders.

    The FBI investigates cases through Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) located in each field office, allowing the FBI to combine resources with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI also partners with the nonprofit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    In 2004, the FBI created the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) to identify individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. The program is a collaborative effort between the FBI and the NMCEC.

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