NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Richmond Arrests Three Alleged Child Predators in Support of Nationwide Operation

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

    RICHMOND—The Federal Bureau of Investigation has concluded a national surge of resources to arrest alleged child sexual abuse offenders and combat child exploitation. In a coordinated effort from April 28th to May 1st, all 55 FBI field offices participated in Operation Restore Justice, during which 205 people were arrested and 115 children were rescued nationwide.

    The Richmond Field Office arrested three subjects from across Virginia as part of this operation:

    • Allan Martin of Henrico, Virginia, was arrested on April 29, 2025, for possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material.
    • Saoeun Hing of Richmond, Virginia, was arrested on May 1, 2025, for possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material.
    • Christopher Johnson of Salem, Virginia, was arrested on May 2, 2025, for transportation of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

    “Child exploitation cases are among our top priorities, as they involve our most vulnerable victims,” said FBI Richmond Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador. “The FBI Richmond team, through our Child Exploitation Task Forces, works around the clock to track down these subjects and hold them accountable for their heinous actions.”

    FBI Richmond worked jointly with Virginia State Police, Henrico County Division of Police, Chesterfield County Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Offices from the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia on Operation Restore Justice, which coincided with Child Abuse Prevention month. Throughout the entire month of April, the FBI arrested more than 190 subjects on charges related to crimes against children. With nearly 400 arrests in one month, these actions are the direct result of the FBI’s continued efforts to track down and stop sexual predators before they can harm more victims.

    The FBI 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 FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program provides a rapid, proactive, and comprehensive approach 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. The FBI leads a Violent Crimes Against Children International Task Force, which includes nearly 100 International Task Force Officers from over 60 countries to expand our ability to address the threat worldwide.

    The FBI 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 further collaboration with NCMEC, 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. To date, ECAP has identified 36 individuals.

    For more information about the crimes investigated by the FBI as well as the variety of resources available to protect and keep children safe, please visit:

    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 to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting the FBI Richmond Field Office at (804) 261- 1044.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • 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 Western District of Texas

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

    SAN ANTONIO – 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, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” 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.”

    In the Western District of Texas, five individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including Kevin Dale Franklin Jr. in El Paso, charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography; Zaid Mashhour Haddad and Mario Garcia Martinez in San Antonio, charged with access with intent to view child pornography and possession of child pornography, respectively; James Christopher Hoyt in Austin, charged with distribution of material involved the sexual exploitation of children; and Dakota Gunther Vaught in Pecos, charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    “Cases involving the sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, will always be a priority for this U.S. Attorney’s Office, as it is most certainly our duty to protect our most vulnerable citizens—children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “These operations are significant in that they bring a vast number of resources together to carry out a shared mission and highlight critical criminal cases, but know that we work with our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners year-round and around the clock to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who violate children, their rights and federal law.”

    “The FBI will deploy every resource available to investigate and bring to justice those who sexually exploit children, our most vulnerable population,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “None of this would be possible without the collective efforts of the FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force Officers. We also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership and dedication to this important mission.”

    “The FBI El Paso Crimes Against Children Task Force is unwavering in its mission to combat the horrific crime of child exploitation,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for the FBI El Paso Field Office. “We pursue these cases relentlessly, every day, without exception because protecting children from predators is among our highest priorities, and we will stop at nothing to identify, investigate the abuse of innocent children, and bring these monstrous individuals responsible to justice. Day-in and day-out we work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure these predators face the full consequences of their depraved actions. Let this message be clear: if you exploit a child, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will make sure you face the full power of the justice system. There will be no refuge for those who prey on our most innocent and vulnerable.”

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    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.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

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

    An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met Police continues clampdown on tool theft across London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met officers have seized around half a million pounds worth of suspected stolen tools following a proactive policing operation at a car boot sale in east London.

    Local officers made six arrests and recovered around 1,500 tools worth £150,000 at the Warren Farm Bonzer Boot Sale in Romford. A further 159 tools were seized during another search at a property in Hackney.

    The intelligence-led activity was carried out in response to concerns from tradespeople about tool theft and is part of the Met’s continued focus on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners.

    Inspector Mark Connolly, from the Met’s Havering Safer Neighbourhood Team who led the operation, said:

    “We know tool theft has a significant impact on tradespeople and we’re working hard across the Met to tackle it through targeted operations like this and prevention, such as holding tool marking events and issuing advice on keeping vehicles secure.

    “While victims have their livelihoods disrupted, organised crime groups are making huge sums of money from selling on suspected stolen tools and we won’t stand for it.

    “This is the second operation of this kind we’ve carried out over the past month and we will continue to take action against those who make the lives of Londoners a misery through this type of offending.”

    Among the items recovered were three surveillance systems used to monitor earth and infrastructure movements each worth more than £30,000, a device used to measure ground depth worth around £20,000, and a motorised heist worth £17,000.

    Met officers were also joined by partners including Havering Council’s trading standards team at the operation on Thursday, 1 May.

    Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, added:

    “This is once again excellent work from our trading standards team working in partnership with police and other partners.

    “Illegal and harmful products have been taken off the streets in our borough as a result of this operation. I know there has been a lot of work to get this result, so I thank everyone involved.

    “It’s our aim to help keep our residents safe and we want to continue to crackdown on a crime that is often hiding in plain sight in venues such as car boot sales and our town centres. That is why we will continue to take the strongest action we can against those trying to sell these harmful and illegal products and work with the police to bring them to justice.”

    Four men and two women, aged between 25 and 60 and from Hackney, Newham and Kent, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have since been bailed while officers carry out further enquiries.

    Tradesperson and social media influencer Shoaib Awan, widely known as The Gas Expert, said:

    “As a tradesperson who has invested years in education, training and building a business, repeated incidents of tool theft are not only demoralising, but financially crippling, and is forcing many to walk away from their respective trades.

    “I fully support the great work the Met Police is doing to crack down on this type of illegal activity and I’ll continue to work with them alongside our partners to bring down the organised crime groups and people who have a complete disregard for the law and their victims.”

    The activity is part of the Met’s continued crackdown on tool theft which last month resulted in around £50,000 worth of suspected stolen tools being recovered from a car boot sale in Rainham.

    Officers will work over the coming weeks to identify the tools and trace their original owners.

    Any tradespeople or those in possession of power tools are advised to mark their property, take photographs, and record serial numbers so that, in the event of theft, officers have more chance of returning property.

    If you suspect anyone of selling stolen or counterfeit goods, you can report this to us online or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Art dealer charged as part of Met investigation into terrorist financing

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    An art dealer from London has become the first person to be charged with a specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000.

    Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53 (05.05.72), of west London, has been charged following an investigation into terrorist financing by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), part of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

    Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, he has been charged with eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector, contrary to section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. The charges relate to a period from October 2020 to December 2021.

    Ojiri is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 9 May.

    The investigation has been carried out in partnership with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) in HM Treasury, HMRC (the organisation that regulates the art sector), and the Met’s Arts & Antiques Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ahead of the NATO Summit, Allies meet to discuss logistics for collective defence

    Source: NATO

    In order to ensure NATO’s collective defence, it is necessary to have not only military plans, forces, and capabilities but also food, fuel, and other essentials in order to project and sustain combat power. Logistics includes the supply, movement and maintenance of equipment, personnel and services. It is crucial for any military undertaking, from early planning to execution and drawdown.

    Effective logistics for large-scale collective defence operations demand a whole-of-government effort. Much of what Allied armed forces require is sourced through commercial civilian providers. So as part of NATO’s work in this area, extensive planning, preparation, and cooperation among Allies involves both military and civilian elements. 

    NATO’s new generation of defence plans are driving logistics preparations for collective defence. As a result of the biggest reinforcement of the Alliance’s collective defence in a generation, considerations on logistics have changed –as Allies need to work collectively to increase NATO’s logistics support in areas such as maintenance, supplies, stockpiling, and medical support.

    Allies are increasing national investment in their military logistics capabilities through the NATO Defence Planning Process, and through the delivery of host nation support. Host nation support underpins NATO’s reinforcement and sustainment network, ensuring the necessary supporting structures and assets so that Allied forces can effectively and rapidly enter, transit, and operate across Alliance territory. NATO maintains and continues to evolve the operational standards and doctrine that form the basis for ‘interoperability’ among Allies and with partners.

    In May 2024, Allies approved the Logistics Action Plan, which organises and directs efforts needed to deliver the necessary changes in logistics. Cooperation among Allies is vital to effectively support and sustain military operations at the scope and scale of collective defence. 

    On Wednesday, (07 May 2025) ahead of this year’s NATO Summit in The Hague, the Logistics Committee, NATO’s senior advisory body on logistics, met to discuss the progress made on logistics and enablement over the last year and to determine priorities. During the meeting, co-chaired by DCMC and Acting ASG DPP, National Logistics Directors addressed a range of issues, including rail transport capacity as a key means of moving and receiving reinforcements, assessing the Alliance’s fuel supply needs for collective defence, and considering logistics-related lessons learnt from Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 and Steadfast Dart 2025. The NATO Secretary General also addressed the committee, and recognised their leadership of and commitment to work that is central to further strengthening the Alliance.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Art dealer charged as part of investigation into terrorist financing

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    An art dealer from London has become the first person to be charged with a specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000.

    Oghenochuko Ojiri 53 (05.05.72) of west London, has been charged following an investigation into terrorist financing by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), part of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

    Following CPS authorisation, he has been charged with eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector, contrary to section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. The charges relate to a period from October 2020 to December 2021.

    Mr Ojiri is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 May.

    The investigation has been carried out in partnership with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) in HM Treasury, HMRC (the organisation that regulates the art sector), and the Met’s Arts & Antiques Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Investment Scammer Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding Alpha Influence Investors of Over $20M

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jeremiah Joseph Evans, aka “The Bull,” 29, of Utah County, Utah, was sentenced today to 96 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to defrauding approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors in his company Alpha Influence LLC.  

    The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell, comes after Evans pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to securities fraud and money laundering. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Evans was sentenced to three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay $19,134,150.00 in restitution.

    According to court documents and statements made at the Evans’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, from July 2019 to July 2022, Evans fraudulently sold investments in e-commerce stores through Alpha Influence, LLC., a registered Utah corporation. Evans promised investors to secure money in exchange for the Alpha investments and fraudulently obtained approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors. As part of his scheme, Evans lied about how successful his company, how long it was in operation and promised their investment would generate consistent, predictable monthly returns, when it would not. He failed to disclose that testimonials published about Alpha Influence and its success were made by his own relatives or others who received commissions paid from investor proceeds. On one occasion, in July 2021, Evans transferred $50,000 from Alpha Influence LLC’s bank account to make a partial payment for a white Lamborghini Huracan Evo.  

    “Crime does not always come in the form of violence and for a number of years, Evans lied about the success of his company and defrauded millions of dollars from investors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Protecting the public is a top priority for the Department of Justice and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute criminals and seek justice for crime victims.”

    “Today marks a significant step towards justice for the hundreds of Utahns victimized by Jeremiah ‘The Bull’ Evans’ $20 million fraud,” says Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, Margaret Busse. “Evans exploited social media and Utahns’ strong community ties to lure unsuspecting investors into his scheme and caused significant harm. Schemes like this not only affect individual lives but also erode the overall public trust in legitimate investment opportunities. We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication of the U.S. Attorney General’s Office and the tireless efforts of our own Utah Division of Securities, along with the FBI, in bringing these individuals to justice.”

    “Like many fraudsters, Mr. Evans was motivated by greed, using his victims’ money to fund a lavish lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The sentencing shows that stealing for personal gain doesn’t pay. The FBI and our partners will hold accountable those who engage in fraudulent schemes.”

    The case was investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf, Jennifer E. Gully, and Brian Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

    Attachments:

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  • MIL-OSI Security: BH 25-2: 18th CES ensures readiness through rapid response and inspection

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assigned to the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a massive mechanical clearance to a post attack scenario in support of a routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 7, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bethlehem Man Who Burglarized Firearms Dealers and Stole More Than 150 Guns Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison

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

    The Stolen Weapons Are Being Recovered by Police in Multiple States in Relation to Shootings, Other Crimes

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Ismael Terrero-Terrero, 22, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Savage to 40 months’ imprisonment and $26,798 in restitution for multiple burglaries in which he stole more than 150 guns from licensed firearms dealers.

    The defendant was charged by indictment in January of 2024, and pleaded guilty this January to three counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and one count of possession of a stolen firearm.

    As detailed in court filings, on April 28, 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was notified of a burglary at a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Easton, Pennsylvania. Surveillance video showed that, at approximately 2:40 a.m., the defendant used a pry bar to make entrance into the building and immediately began taking AK-style pistols and AR-style rifles from the wall. He then used the pry bar to break open three glass display cases that contained pistols, placed the guns into a bag, and exited the building with 29 stolen firearms.

    In the early morning hours of June 29, 2023, law enforcement officers were dispatched to an FFL in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, for a report of a security alarm activation. Surveillance video showed that at approximately 1:35 a.m., the defendant and another man forced entry into the building. They broke the firearm display cases with a metal tool, took handguns from the display case and put them into a backpack. The men then exited the business and fled the scene with 44 stolen firearms.

    On August 11, 2023, at approximately 4:16 a.m., the Telford Police Department (TPD) in Telford, Pennsylvania, received a notification of a burglar alarm activation at an FFL in the borough. Approximately three minutes later, a TPD officer arrived at the location and observed a male with a duffle bag entering the passenger seat of a nearby vehicle, which immediately started to flee from the officer. The officer’s pursuit of the vehicle was terminated a short time later, consistent with TPD policy. Upon examination of the scene and review of video surveillance footage, investigators determined that the defendant and another man had forced entry into the FFL and smashed multiple display cases containing firearms. The men then loaded numerous firearms into a large bag and a rolling suitcase, leaving the store with 82 stolen firearms.

    “This defendant committed three separate burglaries, stealing an astonishing 157 firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “These guns have now found their way into our communities and are being recovered in shootings and other crimes from Connecticut to the Caribbean. Terrero-Terrero was actively putting guns in criminals’ hands and the repercussions will continue, at society’s expense. Public safety demands that we prevent offenders from getting their hands on guns — and punish those providing a steady stream of illegal weapons.”

    “Stolen guns are crime guns that endanger our communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Ismael Terrero-Terrero burglarized three Pennsylvania gun shops, stealing more than 150 firearms connected to crimes up and down the East Coast and overseas. Working with the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania State Police, local police departments, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, this far-reaching and dangerous criminal operation was ended, and the perpetrator is going to prison for years.”

    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 ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maureen McCartney.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Napa Valley Winery Owner Pleads Guilty To Aiding And Assisting In Filing Of False Tax Return

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Brian Fleury, 64, of Napa County, pleaded guilty in federal court today to aiding and assisting the preparation of a false tax return for the 2016 tax year.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Fleury and his spouse owned Napa Valley winery Metropolitan Wines, LLC and several vineyards also located in Napa Valley.  For tax years 2014 through 2018, Fleury intentionally underreported income earned by Metropolitan Wines to his income tax preparer.  Fleury directed some customers to pay for their wine by writing checks directly to Fleury instead of to Metropolitan Wines.  Fleury wrote or directed his employees to write “OTB,” for “off the books,” on some of these customers’ invoices.  Fleury kept these payments for himself and did not report this as income earned by Metropolitan Wines.  Between 2014 and 2018, Fleury underreported his and his spouse’s income by $822,450.

    Fleury also admitted that from 2007 through 2019, he failed to pay federal excise tax that was due on brandy he received, possessed, and sold.  Fleury filed annual reports with the United States Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) that falsely stated that no wine had been removed for distilling material, no wine had been produced with the addition of wine spirits, no distilled spirits were on hand, and no spirits had been sold or received in bond.  Fleury knew these statements were false.  

    In fact, in 2007, Fleury directed that 3,983 gallons of wine be transferred to a distilled spirits plant, and later that year, the plant returned 911.33 proof gallons of brandy to Metropolitan Wines.  Fleury also admitted that he had produced 2006, 2008, and 2009 vintage brandy, and that he bottled and sold brandy from 2013 through 2018 under the name “9 Fiddy” for $350 per 375 ml bottle in regular wine bottles to conceal his sale of brandy.  

    In total, Fleury caused a tax loss to the IRS and TTB of $211,092.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge of the Washington, D.C. Field Office Kareem Carter, and Anthony P. Gledhill, Assistant Administrator, Field Operations for TTB made the announcement.

    Fleury pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(2), which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 13, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge Maxine M. Chesney. 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 Helen L. Gilbert is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathy Tat. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by IRS-CI and TTB, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Morton, Washington City Clerk pleads guilty to wire fraud for lengthy embezzlement scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tacoma – The former Clerk-Treasurer for the City of Morton in Lewis County pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to wire fraud in connection with her nine-year scheme to steal nearly $1 million from city coffers, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Tamara (Tammy) Clevenger served as the Clerk-Treasurer for Morton from 2012-2022. In 2024, an audit by the Washington State Auditor uncovered years of embezzlement totaling $937,584. Clevenger is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright on July 7, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, including the plea agreement, Clevenger used a variety of ways to steal funds. Between November 2015 and December 2021, she stole at least $311,727 of cash that citizens had brought in to pay for city services. In some instances, she would write a fraudulent city checks in the amount of cash she stole to conceal the theft of the cash. She also made unauthorized cash withdrawals with the Morton ATM card.

    Between February 2013 and December 2021, Clevenger stole at least $625,857 by writing city checks to herself and depositing them in her bank account. Clevenger would use checks that had been pre-signed by the mayor for use in emergency situations. Clevenger used fake vendor invoices to make it appear the checks had been written for a service rendered to the city. Clevenger’s actions used interstate wires to commit the fraud with the transfer of funds between various bank accounts. One example is the transfer of $5,808 in funds from Washington to Umpqua bank servers located outside the state.

    Following the audit, the City of Morton established new procedures so that no single person had control of the various banking functions.

    Clevenger has agreed to make restitution to the City of Morton. She is receiving credit for some $8,626 that she deposited to city accounts via ATM machines.

    The FBI and IRS worked with the Washington State Auditor’s Office on the criminal financial investigation.

    Wire fraud is punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a three-year prison term. Judge Cartwright is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law, after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda McDowell

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes After Repeatedly Assaulting Jewish Victims

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    An indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of New York charging Tarek Bazrouk 20, of New York, New York, with three counts of committing hate crimes in connection with his repeated assaults of Jewish victims in New York City between 2024 and 2025. Bazrouk was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.

    “The Civil Rights Division will continue to relentlessly pursue allegations of antisemitic violence and will not stop until justice is served for the victims and their families,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s leadership, we will use all available resources to investigate and charge those who target and assault others because of their faith.”

    “As alleged, on three separate occasions, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately targeted and assaulted Jewish victims at protests relating to the Israel/Gaza war,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Despite being arrested after each incident, Bazrouk allegedly remained undeterred and quickly returned to using violence to target Jews in New York City. This Office is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of hate crimes and will aggressively prosecute those who spread bigotry and discrimination through violence.”

    According to court documents, other public filings, and statements previously made on the record in this case, over the course of approximately nine months, Bazrouk physically assaulted three Jewish individuals at protests concerning the Israel/Gaza war. First, on April 15, 2024, Bazrouk — while wearing a green headband typically worn by Hamas terrorists — attended a protest concerning the Israel/Gaza war in Lower Manhattan, outside the New York Stock Exchange.  During the protest, Bazrouk was arrested by officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) after lunging at a group of pro-Israel protestors. As Bazrouk was being escorted to an NYPD vehicle, Bazrouk kicked a different individual — Victim-1, a Jewish college student — in the stomach. At the time of the assault, Victim-1 was standing near other Jewish protestors, who were wearing kippahs (that is, brimless skullcaps traditionally worn by Jewish men), carrying Israeli flags, and singing Jewish songs.

    Approximately eight months later, on Dec. 9, 2024, Bazrouk assaulted another individual at a protest relating to the Israel/Gaza war next to a university campus in upper Manhattan. The victim of the second assault — Victim-2 — is a Jewish student who attended the nearby university. On the date of the assault, Victim-2 and his brother were wearing kippahs, Victim-2 had an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders, and Victim-2 was singing Jewish songs. As the protest continued, Bazrouk — with his mouth covered — stole an Israeli flag from Victim-2’s brother and fled. After Victim-2 and his brother followed Bazrouk through a crowd to retrieve the flag, Bazrouk snuck up beside Victim-2 and struck him in the face with a closed fist.

    Roughly one month later, on Jan. 6, 2025, Bazrouk assaulted a third Jewish victim — Victim-3 — at a protest concerning the Israel/Gaza war near 1st Avenue and East 18th Street in Manhattan. At this protest, Victim-3 was wearing an Israeli flag around his shoulders, a hat with an Israeli flag, and a chain with a Jewish star. During the protest, Bazrouk, who was wearing a keffiyeh on his face, made contact with Victim-3’s shoulder and wrapped his foot around Victim-3’s ankle.  Victim-3 attempted to push BAZROUK away and cursed at him. Bazrouk then punched Victim-3 in the nose with a closed fist.

    “Over the course of nine months, Tarek Bazrouk allegedly targeted and violently attacked multiple Jewish victims in a series of physical assaults, while demonstrating a pattern of supporting anti-Semitic terrorist organizations,” said Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. “These alleged hate crimes not only violated the victims’ ability to exercise their first amendment rights, but also intimidated and sparked fear among a broader population. The FBI won’t tolerate this behavior and will apprehend any individual who commits a federal crime seeking to harm others for their religious beliefs.”

    “As alleged, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately set out to harm Jewish New Yorkers — targeting them at protests, singling them out, and assaulting them for nothing more than their identity,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “The NYPD worked closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to track him down and ensure he faces real consequences. Antisemitism and all forms of bigotry have no home here in New York — period. New Yorkers of all faiths are welcome to live and worship in our city freely, and we will never stop fighting to protect that right.”

    According to court documents, pursuant to judicially authorized warrants, law enforcement subsequently searched a cellphone used by Bazrouk. Evidence from that device revealed Bazrouk’s anti-Semitic bias and his support for anti-Jewish terrorist groups including Hamas, demonstrating his motivation for repeatedly assaulting Jewish victims. In text messages, for example, Bazrouk identified himself as a “Jew hater,” labeled Jews as “worthless,” extorted “Allah” to “get us rid of [Jews],” called an acquittance a “Fucking Jew,” and told a friend to “slap that bitch” in reference to a woman with an Israeli sticker on her laptop. Bazrouk also told a friend that he was “mad happy” to have learned that certain of his family members overseas are part of Hamas. Bazrouk’s phone was also littered with pro-Hamas and pro-Hizballah propaganda, showing his support for organizations that have murdered thousands of Jews and Israelis.

    Bazrouk is charged with three counts of committing hate crimes, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

    The maximum potential penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

    U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD for their assistance.

    The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jim Ligtenberg for the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution.

    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: U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle to visit Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/07/2025 07:15 PM EDT

     

    05/07/2025 06:54 PM EDT

    U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle (WIX 327) will be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico from Friday, May 9 until Monday, May 12. Eagle will be moored at the cruise ship terminal at Pier 2.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: USINDOPACOM Deputy Commander Speaks At Special Operations Forces Week 2025

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, spoke alongside senior military leaders during a panel discussion, Deterrence through SOF Power: U.S. Combatant Commanders’ Perspectives, at the Special Operations Forces Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida, May 6.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Puts Sanctuary City Leaders on Notice: Time to Put Americans First

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

     The Secretary blasted sanctuary jurisdictions for failing to uphold federal law and called on leaders to stand up for Americans who have been victimized by reckless sanctuary policies

    SPRINGFIELD, IL – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem today held a press conference highlighting the devastation sanctuary policies have caused in Illinois and across America with Angel families who shared their tragic stories of their loved ones lost because of illegal alien crime. The Secretary also called out Illinois Governor Pritzker for shielding law breakers.

    “As Secretary of Homeland Security, I’m going to uphold our federal immigration laws,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “I’m going to draw attention to people who are breaking the law and violating our Constitution. I’m going to fight for the victims every single day and draw attention to them as long as we can. And President Trump will continue to do that as well. We should be united as a country around bringing violent criminals to justice and getting them out of the United States of America.”

    To watch the full press conference, click here.

    Some of the Angel Families who attended the press conference include: 

    • Jim Walden, Angel Father of Lance Corporal James Ray “Jimmy” Walden III. Jimmy was killed by a twice-deported illegal alien who crashed into Jimmy’s motorcycle. He was killed in Maryland, but his father lives in Illinois.
    • Kathy Zander, Angel Mother of John Zander. Four days before his 23rd birthday, John was convinced by his best friend to snort cocaine, not knowing that his friend had spiked it with fentanyl. John died from fentanyl poisoning.
    • Brian McCann, Angel Brother of Dennis “Denny” McCann. Denny was crossing the street when he was hit by a car in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood and dragged to his death by an illegal alien. The driver was charged in the fatal crash, but after being released on bond, he disappeared.   
    • Nancy Platania Angel Mother of Nick Platania who tragically lost his life to a fentanyl overdose. Nick worked to get others clean from drugs and started his own business before his life was tragically taken by deadly drugs funneled into American communities. 

    There are more than 200 sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation. The following headlines are only a handful of examples of sanctuary leaders refusing to work with federal law enforcement to protect Americans. 

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul:

    Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers:

    Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell:

    Portland Police Chief Bob Day:

    Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell:

    Boston Police Department Commissioner Michael Cox:

    On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order. Under the President’s order, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General are directed to publish a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

    Under President Trump’s leadership, DHS will work with DOJ to end violations of federal immigration law and bring jurisdictions into compliance with the laws of the United States.

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Convicted of Making Threats to Kill Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    David Aaron Bloyed, 60, of Frost, Texas, was found guilty today by a federal jury of one count of communicating a threat in interstate commerce to lynch and kill Glenn Funk, the elected District Attorney General (DA) for Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.

    “The defendant’s heinous threats strike at the heart of our justice system and the safety of those who have chosen to serve. As today’s verdict demonstrates, violent threats and intimidation against government officials and law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said Sue J. Bai, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners and prosecution team for their swift and determined work to bring justice in this case.”

    “Antisemitic hate has no place in Nashville or anywhere, and this verdict shows these hateful threats for what they are: a crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. “Our office will do whatever it takes to defend our community, and the prosecutors who serve it, from being threatened by these hatemongers.”

    “The conviction of David Bloyed is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to holding those accountable who threaten public officials and the Jewish community,” said Assistant Director in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This criminal behavior and these disgusting threats will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to work with our partners across the nation to investigate, identify, and hold those accountable who threaten violence and harm to specific communities and people.”

    According to court documents, on July 14, 2024, members of the Goyim Defense League (GDL) – a national and international network of antisemitic provocateurs who espouse vitriolic antisemitism via the internet, through propaganda distributions and in street actions – were protesting in downtown Nashville on their “Name the Nose Tour” where its members travel to cities across the country to protest in the vicinity of synagogues and walk through the downtown hubs of cities with Nazi flags and yell antisemitic slurs at any individuals they encounter. GDL members encountered an employee of a local bar and a fight broke out. A GDL member was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for hitting the bar employee repeatedly using a metal flagpole with a swastika affixed to the top.

    While in Nashville, GDL members routinely posted about their activities on various social media platforms, including Telegram. Following the arrest of the GDL member, a Telegram user associated with GDL posted threats against DA Funk that included a photograph of DA Funk with the caption, “Getting the rope,” and an emoji finger pointed towards Funk’s image. 

    The posts also included a photograph of a person hanging by the neck from a gallows, with the phrases, “The ‘Rope List’ grew by a few more Nashville jews today,” and “Will you survive the day of the rope?” 

    Law enforcement subsequently identified another social media account with an almost identical username, belonging to Bloyed and containing threats nearly identical to those posted on the Telegram account.

    At sentencing, Bloyed faces up to five years in federal prison.

    The FBI Nashville Field Office and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department are investigating the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Texas Man Convicted of Making Threats to Kill Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    David Aaron Bloyed, 60, of Frost, Texas, was found guilty today by a federal jury of one count of communicating a threat in interstate commerce to lynch and kill Glenn Funk, the elected District Attorney General (DA) for Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.

    “The defendant’s heinous threats strike at the heart of our justice system and the safety of those who have chosen to serve. As today’s verdict demonstrates, violent threats and intimidation against government officials and law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said Sue J. Bai, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners and prosecution team for their swift and determined work to bring justice in this case.”

    “Antisemitic hate has no place in Nashville or anywhere, and this verdict shows these hateful threats for what they are: a crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. “Our office will do whatever it takes to defend our community, and the prosecutors who serve it, from being threatened by these hatemongers.”

    “The conviction of David Bloyed is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to holding those accountable who threaten public officials and the Jewish community,” said Assistant Director in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This criminal behavior and these disgusting threats will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to work with our partners across the nation to investigate, identify, and hold those accountable who threaten violence and harm to specific communities and people.”

    According to court documents, on July 14, 2024, members of the Goyim Defense League (GDL) – a national and international network of antisemitic provocateurs who espouse vitriolic antisemitism via the internet, through propaganda distributions and in street actions – were protesting in downtown Nashville on their “Name the Nose Tour” where its members travel to cities across the country to protest in the vicinity of synagogues and walk through the downtown hubs of cities with Nazi flags and yell antisemitic slurs at any individuals they encounter. GDL members encountered an employee of a local bar and a fight broke out. A GDL member was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for hitting the bar employee repeatedly using a metal flagpole with a swastika affixed to the top.

    While in Nashville, GDL members routinely posted about their activities on various social media platforms, including Telegram. Following the arrest of the GDL member, a Telegram user associated with GDL posted threats against DA Funk that included a photograph of DA Funk with the caption, “Getting the rope,” and an emoji finger pointed towards Funk’s image. 

    The posts also included a photograph of a person hanging by the neck from a gallows, with the phrases, “The ‘Rope List’ grew by a few more Nashville jews today,” and “Will you survive the day of the rope?” 

    Law enforcement subsequently identified another social media account with an almost identical username, belonging to Bloyed and containing threats nearly identical to those posted on the Telegram account.

    At sentencing, Bloyed faces up to five years in federal prison.

    The FBI Nashville Field Office and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department are investigating the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Voluntary Manslaughter

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on May 2, 2025.

    Eugene Hunts Horse, age 29, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    A federal grand jury indicted Hunts Horse in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 17, 2025.

    On February 24, 2024, the victim arrived at a residence in Wounded Knee and attempted to gain entry into the home. The victim knew the occupants of the trailer and wanted to get inside. A male from within the home assaulted the victim with a weapon and ushered him down the driveway away from the home. Hunts Horse arrived around the time the victim was being escorted down the driveway and used an object to strike the victim several times in the head and body. Hunts Horse, who believed the victim had assaulted his cousin with a hammer earlier in the evening, became enraged and developed the heat of passion necessary to take the life of another. After killing the victim, Hunts Horse learned the victim was not the person who attacked his cousin. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to the residence and found the victim near the roadway and driveway of the residence with a large fracture to his skull. The victim was bleeding extensively from his head. The victim ultimately passed away from his head injury a short time after the officer arrived.

    This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

    This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Distribution of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant traveled to ‘meet n play’ with an undercover officer’s purported 10-year-old boy

    WASHINGTON – Kaziah Matthew White, 33, of Long Lake, New York, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison in connection with distributing child pornography after which he traveled to the District of Columbia for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact with a minor.

    The sentence was announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

    White pleaded guilty Dec.18, 2024, in the District of Columbia to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered White to serve a lifetime term of supervised release. 

    According to court papers, on March 21, 2024, an undercover officer with the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in the District of Columbia was monitoring an online dating application. A user who called themselves “EarthenFireMD,” contacted the undercover officer, indicated he was staying in Clarksville, Maryland, and that he wanted to “meet n play” with the undercover officer’s purported 10-year-old boy. EarthenFireMD was later identified as the defendant. 

    “Broooo I’m only the area til the end of the month, would love to plan a playdate,” he wrote on a messaging application. “We can get lunch somewhere public first if u wanna feel out the vibe. And show u Im not a cop. Have an after school bonding sesh.” He indicated that boys between the ages of 5- to 14-years-old were his favorite.

    Between March 22-25, 2024, the defendant sent the undercover officer more than 100 videos depicting the sexual abuse of chldren. During the chat, White agreed to meet the undercover officer and wrote that he would bring a “gift” for the child.  He then sent a photograph of Spiderman-themed underwear, writing “They had a multipack.”

    On March 28, 2024, White traveled from Clarksville, Maryland, to the District to meet with the undercover officer. Upon his arrival, White was in possession of Spiderman underwear consistent with the image of the underwear he previously had sent to the undercover officer.  He was arrested on site.  

    This case is being 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, please visit justice.gov/psc.

    This case was investigated by FBI-MPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Bond.

    24cr340

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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 Four in the Southern District of California

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – 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, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” 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.”

    “Protecting our community means identifying, arresting and holding accountable anyone who would prey on children,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “I’m grateful for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement in this district and across the nation, and our office will continue to prioritize these prosecutions to obtain justice for these vulnerable victims.”

    “Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for victims and holding predators accountable.”

    In the Southern District of California, four individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including:

    • Seth Wheeler, who was indicted for distribution of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Wheeler is alleged to have distributed child pornography on two different occasions in September 2024, and in possession of child pornography in October 2024.  He was previously arrested by the state and remained in state custody until he was indicted on federal charges.
    • Adam Harrison Bryant, a convicted sex offender who was charged with possession of child pornography. The investigation of Bryan began when it was suspected that he had attempted to purchase child pornography from a website using cryptocurrency.  A search warrant was executed on May 1, 2025, and Bryant was arrested when he was found in possession of an electronic device that contained child pornography. He was previously convicted in 2008 of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and enticing a child and was sentenced to 40 months and 24 months, concurrent, followed by ten years of supervised release.
    • Kristho Angel Valdez, whowas charged with receipt of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officials were notified that two minor victims were exchanging sexually explicit content, including images and videos, through Snapchat with an unknown individual. Valdez was identified as the potential user of the Snapchat account and a search warrant for the account revealed thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of minors. On March 12, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Valdez’s residence. Valdez admitted to receiving sexually explicit videos from the minor victims.
    • Christopher David Miller, who was charged with attempted receipt and possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Agents began investigating Miller when they determined that IP addresses linked to his current and former residences attempted to obtain child pornography using Freenet, a peer-to-peer file sharing platform. A search warrant was executed at Miller’s residence on April 9, 2025, and Miller was found to be in possession of electronic devices containing child pornography.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    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.

    Other online resources:

    Violent Crimes Against Children

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Middletown Man Indicted for Violent Crime Spree

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

    WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury in the District of Delaware returned a four-count indictment on April 10, 2025, charging a Middletown man with robbing a restaurant and a gas station and committing a carjacking – all at gunpoint.

    According to court documents, on January 25, 2025, Anthony Fields, 48, of Middletown robbed a Middletown restaurant using a distinctive sawed-off shotgun with a duct-taped handle.  Five days later, Fields robbed a Middletown gas station brandishing the same distinctive sawed-off shotgun.  During these robberies, Fields stole cash, lottery tickets, and a gas station employee’s cell phone.  While fleeing the gas station robbery, Fields carjacked an occupied 2016 Hyundai Elantra, pointing the sawed-off shotgun at the victim driver.

    Despite Fields’ attempts to evade law enforcement, the Middletown Police Department and the FBI traced Fields’ movements in the days following his crime spree through witness testimony, phone and lottery ticket records, and video surveillance.  The investigation revealed that Fields cashed some of the stolen lottery tickets and abandoned the stolen car at a nearby casino before traveling to Philadelphia.  Fields turned himself in to authorities on February 2, 2025.  He remains in federal custody.

    The indictment charges Fields with two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, one count of carjacking, and one count of brandishing and using a firearm in relation to a Hobbs Act Robbery.  If convicted of all counts, Fields faces a mandatory minimum of seven years of incarceration for brandishing and using the firearm, in addition to any penalties for the underlying crimes, and a maximum penalty of life in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office made the announcement.

    This case is being investigated by the Middletown Police Department and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Bryan C. Williamson are prosecuting the case.

    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.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.  Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

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

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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 Six in North Carolina

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – 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, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” 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’s Charlotte Field Office arrested six people as part of this operation across North Carolina.

    • John Matthew Miller, of Wilmington, 35, is charged with sex trafficking of a minor; enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct; and producing, distributing, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material. Miller was previously convicted of sexual battery and was a registered sex offender at the time of the offense. Miller faces at least 25 years and up to life in prison if convicted on all counts.
    • Jesse Lonzo Teal, of Bolivia, 72, also known as “Lonnie” and “Mark,” is charged with sex trafficking of a minor, enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, producing child sexual abuse material, and using the internet to promote an illegal prostitution business enterprise. He faces at least ten years and up to life imprisonment if convicted on all counts.
    • William Justin Lewis, of Louisburg, 54, is charged with distributing child sexual abuse material and possessing child sexual abuse material. He faces at least five years in federal prison and up to twenty years on each distribution count and up to twenty years on the possession count.
    • Donte Melvin Peek, of Durham, 34, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor, distribution of child sexual abuse material, receipt of child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse material. He faces at least 10 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the enticement charge and up to twenty years in federal prison on the possession count, if convicted.
    • Jonathan Robert Davlin, of Huntersville, 48, is charged with transportation of child sexual abuse material and possession and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent minors. He faces at least five years and up to twenty years imprisonment on the transportation count and up to twenty years imprisonment on the possession count.
    • Terrell Shawn Anderson, previously of Charlotte, 30, is charged with distributing child sexual abuse material and possession child sexual abuse material. He faces at least five years in federal prison and up to twenty years on each distribution count and up to twenty years on the possession count. He was arrested by FBI Atlanta.

    “These important cases reflect the unwavering commitment of our office and our justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of our community—our children. We will continue to work closely with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “There is no place in our community for those who prey on children, and we will do everything we can to not only seek justice for the victims, but to prevent additional child exploitation crimes.”

    “Producing and exchanging child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a sickening reality in our world and it’s not just happening on the dark web. Pedophiles use the same platforms your family and friends use. No matter where this crime is occurring the FBI will find you. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program is uniquely positioned to work complex global and multijurisdictional crimes against children with the capacity to counter threats of abuse and exploitation of children,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. 

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    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.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

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

     

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Phoenix Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Online Romance Scams

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, 40, of Glendale, was sentenced on May 5, 2025, by United States District Judge John J. Tuchi to 17 months in prison. Ibhadore, a Nigerian citizen and lawful U.S. resident, previously pleaded guilty to Conspiring to Commit Structuring for his role in withdrawing over $500,000 in criminal proceeds from bank accounts, in amounts below federal reporting requirements to avoid detection by authorities.

    Ibhadore served as a “money mule” in a criminal scheme by transferring fraud proceeds, in relatively small amounts, between fictitious bank accounts to avoid federal reporting requirements and detection. Specifically, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under multiple aliases to conceal and distribute funds obtained through online romance scams that were initiated by other individuals. Romance scams are online scams where criminals impersonate individuals to gain trust and affection from their victims, ultimately with the goal of stealing money. These scammers often build fake online profiles, engage in elaborate deception, and manipulate their victims to send them money under various pretexts, such as medical emergencies, travel expenses, or investments. 

    Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore deposited romance scam proceeds into accounts opened with false names and passports, then withdrew sums in amounts designed to avoid triggering financial institutions’ currency reporting requirements. Even after Ibhadore confirmed that the money he was depositing came from romance scams, he continued to withdraw large sums of cash in ways meant to evade federal reporting. Surveillance footage also captured him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at major banks across Arizona.

    The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation in this case. Kristen Brook and Raymond Woo, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-01392-PHX-JJT
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-072_Ibhadore

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Alleged Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Five-Day Nationwide Crackdown

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

    Seven cases move forward in Western Washington during National Child Abuse Prevention month

    Seattle – 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 arrest of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed 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, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” 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.”

    In the Western District of Washington, seven federal cases moved forward with criminal charges, pleas, and/or sentencings of those who target minors for sexual abuse.

    “There is no greater responsibility than protecting our children from those seeking to sexually abuse them, either online or in person,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “The cases we prosecuted over the last month charging child sexual exploitation in person and over the internet, and child sex trafficking are examples of the difficult work we do every day with our law enforcement partners to try to keep children safe.”

    “FBI Seattle’s Violent Crimes Against Children squad and our partners are hard at work, not only during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, but also throughout the year,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “We are arresting predators, recovering children, and assisting victims through the support of our victim specialists. Just this fiscal year in the Seattle division, we have arrested 122 subjects and identified or located 59 children.”

    These are the FBI-led child sex abuse cases prosecuted in the Western District of Washington in April 2025:

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    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.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

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

    The charges contained in the indictments or criminal complaints are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cecelia Gregson, Kate Crisham, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a Senior Deputy Prosecutor with the King County Prosecutors Office, specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lower Brule Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for for Possessing a Firearm While Using Drugs

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2025.

    Stephen Biviano Zapata, age 28, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Zapata was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 27, 2025.

    This conviction stems from a traffic stop on March 27, 2024, in Lower Brule, in the Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation. Law enforcement was aware Zapata had an outstanding tribal arrest warrant. Upon his arrest officers searched Zapata’s person and vehicle locating three baggies containing methamphetamine, other drug paraphernalia, and an AR-style semi-automatic rifle with two magazines containing 48 rounds of ammunition. Zapata admitted to being a methamphetamine user and submitted a sample for urinalysis testing that was positive for methamphetamine. Zapata is prohibited from possessing firearms based on his drug use.

    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 FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Charleston Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Crime and Violating Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tyrece Ramone Phillips, 39, of Charleston, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and for violating supervised release.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 3, 2024, law enforcement officers intercepted a United States Postal Service package addressed to Phillips’ Charleston residence. Investigators obtained and executed a search warrant for the package, and found it continued approximately 538 grams of a substance containing fentanyl.

    Investigators removed the fentanyl substance from the seized package and replaced it with a sham substance. Investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the package to Phillips’ residence on October 4, 2024. The package remained unopened on the front porch of the residence until Phillips arrived later that day. Phillips took the package inside his residence and immediately began to open the package. Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence and found Phillips with the sham substance from the package in his hands in an upstairs bathroom. Investigators also found a scale with residue in the residence during the search. Three teenage children, who also lived at the residence, were present in the house when Phillips was handling the package.

    At the time of this offense, Phillips was serving a term of supervised release resulting from his conviction on March 20, 2019, for distribution of a quantity of acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl. Phillips was sentenced to two years in prison for committing a crime while on supervised release, to run concurrently with today’s sentence of 12 years in prison.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

    United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney J. Parker Bazzle II prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-177.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Shooting of 5-Year Old Child and an Adult in 2024 Gets District Man 156 Month Prison Term

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Alante Partlow, 30, of the District, was sentenced today in Superior Court to 13 years in prison for shooting a 5-year-old child and an adult in April 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

    Partlow pleaded guilty Oct. 18, 2024, to two counts of aggravated assault while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered five years of supervised release.

    According to the government’s evidence, with which Partlow agreed, at approximately 11:20 p.m. on April 23, 2024, the adult victim and a 5-year-old child were walking out of an apartment building in the Fort Totten neighborhood, after the adult had argued with Partlow. Partlow followed the victims outside and then fired multiple shots at the adult victim. The adult tried to shield the child and sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The child also sustained injuries.

    In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Roberts, who prosecuted the case.

    This law enforcement activity is part of President Donald J. Trump’s Make DC Safe and Beautiful Executive Order. The Executive Order directs a coordinated federal effort to reduce crime, enhance public safety, and restore pride in the nation’s capital through targeted enforcement, improved policing, and strategic partnerships.

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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 4 in the Western District of New York

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, NY – 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, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” 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.”

    “These arrests should send a clear message that, together with our law enforcement partners at all levels, we will track down and prosecute those who target our children,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Our office will never stop doing all that we can to protect children from these harmful predators.”

    “Operation Restore Justice’ sends a powerful message: the FBI is unwavering and united in its fight to protect our children,” said Matthew Miraglia, the Special Agent-in- Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “These arrests demonstrate the unwavering dedication of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Our work does not stop here. The FBI is committed to holding predators accountable and pursuing justice for victims.”

    Arrested in the Western District of New York and charged with possession of child pornography are:

    Brian Keith, 68, of Niagara Falls, NY. During the execution of a search warrant on March 13, 2025, at Keith’s residence, Niagara Falls Police officers seized a DVR, laptop, five hard drives and two tablets. A review of the electronic devices recovered images of child pornography. Keith is a registered Level 3 sex offender.

    Matthew Kowalski, 25, of Kenmore, NY. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years’ probation for Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Minor, a New York State Penal Law violation. On April 11, 2025, during an unannounced home visit by Erie County Probation Officers, a cellular phone with an SD card was found, which Kowalski was not permitted to possess. A search of the phone and SD card recovered multiple images and videos of suspected child pornography.

    Samari Thompson, 20, of Buffalo, NY. On November 4, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Thompson’s residence, seizing electronic devices, including a cellular telephone. A search of the cell phone recovered 48 images and 16 videos of suspected child pornography. Some of the images and videos depicted infants.

    Jamie R. Anderson, 25, of Buffalo, NY. In January 2022, Anderson was sentenced to 10 years’ probation for Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Minor, a New York State Penal Law violation. On July 3, 2024, the social media application Kik reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that 13 video and image files of apparent child pornography were uploaded to their server. Subsequent investigation traced the uploaded files to Anderson. The investigation also determined that Anderson was the subject of two other tipline reports.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    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.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

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

    Arrests in the Western District of New York are the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, the New York State Police, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the Erie County Probation Department, and the Niagara Falls Police Department.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Mexican men arrested for illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Israel De La Cruz San Juan, 29, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, 34, both citizens of Mexico, were arrested and charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 27, 2025, Buffalo Border Patrol Station agents were conducting plain clothes surveillance, when they spotted an out-of-state work truck with construction equipment inside in Tonawanda, NY. It was determined that the registration on the truck had expired in September of 2024 and a traffic stop was conducted. Records checks determined that all three occupants, including Israel De La Cruz San Juan and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, were illegally present in the United States. Israel De La Cruz San Juan and Candido De La Cruz San Juan were taken into custody. Israel De La Cruz San Juan was previously removed from the United States in November 2017, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan was removed from the United States in May 2012, and July 2013.

    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.

    The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and were detained.

    The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.

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

    # # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Cabell County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Henry Rogers, 65 of Barboursville, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 17, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Rogers on U.S. Route 19 in the Birch River area of Nicholas County. As part of his guilty plea, Rogers admitted that he possessed a controlled substance containing methamphetamine seized by officers during the traffic stop. Rogers further admitted that officers executed a search warrant of his vehicle following that seizure and found an additional quantity of methamphetamine and a .380-caliber pistol in the trunk.

    Rogers is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police.

    United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-80.

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