NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Newark Announces Arrests in National Crimes Against Children Operation: Restore Justice

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

    Newark, NJ – FBI Newark and our state and local law enforcement partners arrested five people as part of a national surge of resources to arrest accused child sex abuse offenders and combat child exploitation. In a coordinated effort by all 55 FBI field offices called Operation Restore Justice, 205 people were arrested nationwide. Six children were rescued.

    This initiative was a joint effort with federal, state, and local partners to coincide with the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlight the FBI’s ongoing efforts to confront these crimes. Investigating child sex abuse is an ongoing, high-priority mission of the FBI. Agents and task force officers made the following five arrests in New Jersey from April 28 and May 2, 2025:

    • David Tuytjens, age 69, was arrested for possession of child pornography.
    • Natasha Rivas, age 23, was arrested for the distribution of child pornography.
    • Dwayne Smalls Jr., age 24, was arrested for the distribution of child pornography.
    • Elliott Souder, age 52, was charged with receipt and possession of child pornography.
    • Keshawn Harley, age 38, was charged with possession and production of child pornography and sex trafficking of a minor.

    “This week was a snapshot of the never-ending work our agents and TFOs do day in and day out to apprehend and hold accountable the vilest of criminals,” says Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly. “Though this marks the conclusion of Child Abuse Awareness Month, our mission is omnipresent: to protect vulnerable children from these predators by bringing them to justice. Let this be a continued reminder to guardians of children everywhere to stay present and vigilant in your young one’s lives. FBI Newark would like to thank the tireless work of our partner agencies; together, we will continue to weed these monsters out of society.”

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

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

    If you are a victim or know a victim of a crime involving children, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the FBI Newark Field Office at 973-792-3000, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    FBI Newark would like to thank its partners for their assistance in these cases, including New Jersey State Parole Board, Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, the IRS, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

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

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

    FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola today announced four arrests made as part of Operation Restore Justice—a sweeping FBI initiative to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators across the country. Operation Restore Justice is a joint effort with federal, state, and local partners to coincide with the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlight the FBI’s ongoing work to confront these crimes.

    “I hope the message is clear – crimes against children will not be tolerated,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “The FBI will always protect the vulnerable, especially the children in our community. We will continue to prioritize these investigations and support our partners in pursuing predators and delivering justice.”

    “This nationwide operation serves as a significant reminder that, if you are a child predator, you will be identified and prosecuted, no matter where you are,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris. “The Southern District of Ohio is proud to join our law enforcement partners across the nation in the efforts to protect children and bring justice to victims.”

    Last week alone, the FBI arrested 205 subjects and rescued 115 children across the country during the surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice.

    The local arrests made during this operation include:

    William Clark Shepherd, a former Cincinnati-area resident, was arrested in Orange County, CA on April 28, 2025. He is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor after contacting a minor male victim on Roblox and later exchanging sexually explicit photos. These alleged acts occurred while Shepherd was living in Warren County, OH. The case was investigated by FBI Cincinnati with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Aurora (Illinois) Police Department, and supported by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.

    Brett Jarrett Farley, of Delaware, OH, was arrested by the FBI on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Farley is accused of production/manufacturing of child sexual abuse material involving a minor in Louisiana. According to court documents, Farley contacted the minor victim via Snapchat and requested nude photographs. The FBI New Orleans Field Office provided significant assistance in this investigation.

    Philip Michener, of Cambridge, OH, was arrested by the FBI on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Michener is accused of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography after prior conviction. FBI special agents seized several electronic devices from Michener which contained over 1,000 images and 400 videos of suspected child pornography. In 2016, Michener was convicted of state offenses related to possession of child pornography. The Cambridge Police Department and the FBI Charlotte Field Office aided in the investigation.

    Dakota Michael English, of Middletown, OH, was taken into custody on Friday, May 2, 2025. English is charged with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He is accused of using the Kik app to share child pornography. A court-authorized search of his phone revealed over 700 images and videos containing suspected child pornography.

    The FBI proactively identifies individuals involved in child sexual exploitation and the production of child sexual abuse material through a far-reaching, nationwide network of personnel and law enforcement partners. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program provides a rapid and comprehensive capacity to counter 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 Cincinnati Field Office leads CEHTTFs in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus.

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

    FBI Cincinnati thanks all the law enforcement partners involved in these efforts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio for prosecuting these cases.

    Charging documents merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Restore Justice

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

    In an unprecedented nationwide operation to protect children and mark April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announces Operation Restore Justice, a five-day, sweeping FBI initiative to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators across the country with all 55 FBI field offices participating, including FBI Boston.

    Last week alone, the FBI arrested 205 subjects and rescued 115 children across the country during the surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice. This was a joint effort with local, state, and federal partners to highlight our ongoing efforts to confront these crimes. The subjects arrested in this operation included those in positions of public trust – law enforcement, members of the military, and teachers. Others are your neighbors, proving criminal activity can be found in the most familiar places.

     “There are few situations more urgent than when a child is physically at risk, and as ‘Operation Restore Justice’ has shown, child predators come in many different forms,” said James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “As horrific as these alleged crimes are, they are not rare. Make no mistake, FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force is committed to finding these child sex abusers, locking them up, and ensuring those they have victimized are safe and well-supported.” 

    “Protecting children from exploitation is among the most sacred responsibilities we have as law enforcement. Each case serves as a difficult reminder that child predators are embedded in our communities – often in roles that increase their direct exposure to or contact with children or allow them to hide behind a keyboard online. But make no mistake, we will uncover them, arrest them, and hold them accountable, no matter how long it takes or how far we have to go,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “As Child Abuse Prevention Month came to a close, Operation Restore Justice delivered a powerful and urgent message: protecting children is not just a worthy cause we recognize, it is a mission we carry out every day. We will not relent in our pursuit of those who exploit children, and we are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their tireless work to bring these predators to justice. This work will not stop.”

    “Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society and can suffer the effects of sex abuse for a lifetime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine Craig M. Wolff. “My deepest thanks to FBI Boston and its state and local partners for their efforts in identifying and arresting those who allegedly preyed on these vulnerable victims.”

    As part of this operation, FBI Boston arrested and charged seven people, including:

    • Jacob Henriques, of Boston, a former Assistant Director of Admissions at Emmanuel College, is charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Henriques is accused of soliciting an underage college applicant to engage in commercial sex with him. 
    • Registered sex offender David Fernandes III, of New York, is charged with allegedly sending obscenity to an 11-year-old in Massachusetts and being a registered sex offender when he did it.
    • Registered sex offender Joseph A. Maile, of Presque Isle, Maine, is charged by criminal complaint for allegedly attempting to sex traffic a child, and enticement of a minor. Maile allegedly used social media accounts to offer various minors’ money to engage in sex acts with him.
    • Level 1 sex offender Justin Ouimette, of Holyoke, Mass., who was previously convicted by the state for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), has been charged federally with possessing CSAM. According to the court documents, in July 2024, during a search of Ouimette’s residence and person, over 200 files that appeared to depict CSAM, including children as young as three years old, were allegedly located on Ouimette’s electronic devices. A search of Ouimette’s Dropbox resulted in the discovery of an additional 200 files allegedly depicting CSAM.
    • Cess Frazier, of Boston, is charged with allegedly receiving child sexual abuse material.  During a search of Frazier’s cell phone, approximately 100 media files that depicted CSAM were allegedly found saved in Telegram Messenger. The minor victims in the files are alleged to be between approximately three and 10 years old. 
    • Warren Messeck, of Agawam, Mass., is charged with allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material. During a search of his residence, the FBI recovered over 40 electronic devices including a laptop, hard drives and other electronic storage devices. A forensic examination allegedly revealed over 10,000 files depicting CSAM on six devices.
    • Brandon Bendall, of Wareham, Mass., is charged with allegedly possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material. During a search of Bendall’s residence and cell phone, approximately 9,400 images and videos of CSAM, including images of children as young as infants being sexually assaulted, were allegedly located.

    Throughout the entire month of April, including the weeks leading up to this surge, the FBI, along with our state and local law enforcement partners, arrested an additional 190 perpetrators on charges related to crimes against children. They are accused of various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. With nearly 400 arrests in one month, these actions are the direct results of the FBI’s continued efforts to track down and stop sexual predators before they can harm more victims. 

    Here in the Boston Division, special agents and officers on FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force arrested 26 people last month, including: 

    • Level 3 Sex Offender Carl Norton, of Chicopee, Mass., who was previously convicted of attempted rape of a minor and unlawful contact with a minor, was charged federally for allegedly transferring obscene material to a minor female victim who he believed to be 12 years old.
    • Level 2 Sex Offender Dache Barros, of Raynham, Mass., was charged by the Raynham Police Department with allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force and the Boston Police Department. 
    • Daniel Debreczeni, of Duxbury, Mass., was charged federally with allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material. Debreczeni is accused of distributing three videos containing child pornography by posting the videos on a file sharing site. The children in the three videos appeared to be between approximately two, three and eight years old.
    • David Kaufman, of Maryland, was charged federally for allegedly coercing and enticing an 18-year-old from Massachusetts to travel to his penthouse at the Four Seasons and engage in in sex acts with him, which he video-recorded. According to court documents, Kaufman has allegedly been victimizing teenage minors, paying them to travel and engage in sex acts with him.
    • Sven Knudsen Ljaam, a physician employed at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Bedford, Mass., was charged federally for allegedly receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
    • Shakera “Stacks” Pina, of Boston, was charged by the Boston Police Department for allegedly engaging in Human Trafficking, deriving support from prostitution, resisting arrest, and possession of a Class D Substance (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, following a joint operation between Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit and FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force.
    • Miguel Gietany, of Douglas, Mass., was arrested in Rhode Island on state charges following a joint operation with the Rhode Island State Police and the FBI. Gietany is charged with two counts of indecent solicitation of a child. He allegedly traveled to Rhode Island to have sex with whom he believed was a 14-year-old boy.
       

    FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Forces investigate these cases and coordinate and bolster efforts to counter all threats of abuse and exploitation that fall under FBI jurisdiction in our region– including the production, sharing, and possession of child sexual abuse material; domestic or international travel to engage sexually with children; sex trafficking, and the extortion of children to provide sexually explicit material of themselves. They also work to identify, locate, and recover child victims; and strengthen partnerships that are critical to prevent abuse and capture offenders. 

    The FBI also partners with the nonprofit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation reported via its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. In further partnership and collaboration with NCMEC, the FBI launched the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) in 2004 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.

    This operation was the result of a dedicated and targeted effort, reflecting countless hours of work by hundreds of special agents, intel analysts, and other FBI personnel. It further highlights the FBI’s commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Bureau works relentlessly to investigate these crimes every day, this effort also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention and community education. 

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

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

    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

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    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 (CEOS) 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.”

    Those arrested 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, NY.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this effort 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, charge, and arrest alleged child sexual abuse offenders.  The operation resulted in the arrests of 205 defendants 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.”

    “Child exploitation offenses inflict lasting harm on the most vulnerable members of our society, and the proliferation of child sexual abuse material across the Internet repeats and amplifies that harm.  Prosecuting child exploitation offenses has been and will always be a top priority for this Office, and we’re grateful for our law enforcement partners’ commitment to pursuing justice in these cases.” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Paul McCaffrey.

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

    In the Eastern District of Kentucky, nine defendants were charged with various child exploitation offenses. One of the indictments remains under seal. They include the following:

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

    While the charges allege that these crimes were committed, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    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. Also, in many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. 

    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.

     

    -END-

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department announces results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 alleged child sex abuse offenders arrested in FBI-led 5-day nationwide crackdown

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson County Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

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

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –  A Jefferson County man has been sentenced for drug trafficking and possessing firearms as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. 

    U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Michael Roman Black, 32, of Bessemer, Alabama, to 212 months in prison. In January, Black pleaded guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to the plea agreement, between July 2021 and September 2022, Black committed crimes on three separate occasions:

    On July 22, 2021, a Bessemer police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Black after discovering it had a switched tag. As the officer approached the vehicle, Black opened the door. The officer observed several syringes lying in the driver’s side door pocket. After Black exited the vehicle pursuant to the officer’s orders, the officer searched the vehicle and recovered syringes, two vacuum sealed bags containing 892.6 grams of methamphetamine, and 60 rounds of Blackout .300 caliber ammunition. Officers searched Black’s person and recovered $8,254 in cash and a plastic bag containing 12 hydrocodone pills. 

    On December 22, 2021, Black sold 435 grams of pure methamphetamine to an undercover officer.

    On September 7, 2022, an FBI Task Force Officer and FBI agents went to arrest him at a residence in Bessemer, Alabama. During the arrest, agents observed drug paraphernalia, cocaine, rifles, a handgun, and marijuana in plain view. After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, FBI agents and the Bessemer Police Department Special Operations Unit recovered cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a Blackout .300 caliber rifle loaded with 100 rounds of ammunition, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 (assault style) rifle loaded with 100 rounds of ammunition, four magazines that fit the AM-15 rifle, two loaded Glock 9mm pistols, an unloaded Glock 9mm pistol, ammunition, various magazines, and cash totaling $8,438. At the time of the search warrant, Black was a convicted felon prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm or ammunition.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, along with the Bessemer Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy M. Peoples prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Restore Justice: FBI Arrests 205 Alleged Child Sex Abuse Offenders in Nationwide Crackdown

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

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

    Last week alone, the FBI arrested 205 subjects and rescued 115 children across the country during the surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice. The subjects are accused of various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.

    The FBI’s efforts didn’t just occur last week. Throughout the entire month of April, the FBI, along with our state and local law enforcement partners, additionally arrested more than 190 perpetrators 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.

    Throughout late April, and as part of this operation, the FBI Anchorage Field Office identified and arrested three men in Kenai, Utqiaġvik, and California for committing alleged child exploitation or child pornography crimes in Alaska. As part of this joint effort between the FBI Anchorage Field Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and law enforcement partners throughout the state, these three individuals are now facing federal charges alleged through separate indictments in the District of Alaska.

    “Through collaborative efforts, this wide-ranging operation was designed to identify and apprehend those accused of child sexual exploitation crimes, regardless of where they live or operate,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Protecting our children is one of the highest callings in law enforcement. I commend the outstanding work by members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as our law enforcement partners across Alaska, in their commitment to fostering safer communities for our children.”

    Locally, this operation was conducted by the FBI Anchorage Field Office with substantial assistance from the Anchorage Police Department, as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Operational assistance was provided by the Alaska State Troopers, the North Slope Borough Police Department, and the Kenai Police Department in conducting the arrests.

    The FBI proactively identifies individuals involved in child sexual exploitation and the production of child sexual abuse material through its far-reaching, nationwide network of personnel and law enforcement partners. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program provides a rapid, proactive, and comprehensive capacity to counter all threats of abuse against children. This capacity leverages partnerships within the FBI’s 89 Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Forces across the country. Additionally, the FBI has Intelligence Analysts assigned to address the VCAC threat, both at Headquarters and the field. The FBI also leads a Violent Crimes Against Children International Task Force, which includes nearly 100 International Task Force Officers representing over 60 countries to expand our ability to address the threat worldwide. 

    The FBI also partners with 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. In further partnership and collaboration with NCMEC, the FBI launched the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) in 2004 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 we provide 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 the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at tips.fbi.gov, or call the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441.

    Additional online resources:

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  • MIL-OSI Security: WATCH NOW: Secretary Noem Calls Out Governor J.B. Pritzker’s and his Sanctuary Policies That Put Illegal Aliens Before Americans

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    SPRINGFIELD, IL – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hosts a press conference in Illinois Governor Pritzker’s backyard with Angel Families to call out the state’s sanctuary policies that undermine the rule of law and endanger fellow Americans.  

    Some of the Angel Families that will be in attendance are: 

    • The family of 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.  
    • The family of Jimmy Walden: 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.  

    You can watch the full press conference here.    

    “I am calling upon Governor Pritzker, and other leaders in the state of Illinois, to abandon these dangerous sanctuary policies,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “We need to return to law and order and put the safety of Americans first.”  

    Just this month, ICE arrested Mexican national, Martin Chavez-Lomeli Jr., convicted in 2023 of killing his father and was sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). After his conviction for second-degree murder, he was removeable from the country.

    However, in 2023, ICE placed a detainer on Chavez-Lomeli Jr. at Illinois Department of Correction and the State of Illinois elected not to honor the ICE detainer. Chavez-Lomeli Jr. was released from prison after serving less than 6 years of a 20-year sentence and was placed on parole.  

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Detroit Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime

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

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Devontay Brian Johnson, 29, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 3, 2022, Johnson sold approximately 20 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant while in a vehicle parked along Wilson Place in Huntington. During the transaction, Johnson held what appeared to be a semiautomatic rifle.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin 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. 3:24-cr-24.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Calloway County Kentucky Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $1,470,000 in Restitution for Defrauding Employer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A Calloway County, Kentucky woman was sentenced this week to 2 years and 1 month in federal prison for six counts of wire fraud.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

    Amanda S. Robertson, 34, was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for six counts of wire fraud. According to court documents, between May 2020 and May 2023, Robertson was employed as a bookkeeper for a construction company in western Kentucky. She embezzled over $1,000,000 from her employer. She used the stolen money to finance the operations of several businesses that she owned and to pay personal expenses.

    Robertson was also ordered to pay $1,470,000 in restitution.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Individuals Charged in Scheme to Defraud Department of Veterans Affairs of Over $9.1 Million

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

    HONOLULU – Three men were charged with participating in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of over $9.1 million in education benefits, including funds from the Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefit program. One of the men has pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme.

    According to court documents, Brian Matsudo, 58, of Honolulu, Hawaii, Marshall Scott, 39, of Kapolei, Hawaii, and Raheem Wells, 37, of Indianapolis, Indiana, conspired to defraud the VA. Matsudo was the owner of a massage therapy training school in Honolulu, Hawaii. From approximately November 2016 to November 2022, Matsudo conspired with Scott and others to obtain tuition assistance payments from the VA by intentionally failing to disclose that Matsudo’s massage training school was not in compliance with applicable VA rules and regulations.

    As alleged in the indictment, Scott began working for the massage training school owned by Matsudo in or about November 2016. As part of the conspiracy, Scott submitted enrollment certification forms to the VA on behalf of at least 40 military veterans supposedly enrolled at the massage training school. Scott knew that these forms contained false enrollment information and falsely certified that the school had complied with applicable rules and regulations. Wells was a student at the massage training school in 2020 and 2021. From about May 2020 to November 2022, Wells and Scott recruited “students” who allowed the school to lie to the VA by falsely representing that they were actually enrolled in courses.

    Both Scott and Wells allegedly profited from the scheme. Matsudo paid Scott for each person that he and Wells had recruited with the proceeds of the tuition payments made by the VA. Wells received monthly payments from the individuals

    he recruited to participate in the scheme.

    In April 2025, Matsudo pleaded guilty an Information charging to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    In April 2025, Scott and Wells were both charged in an Indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. Wells was also charged with obstruction of justice for instructing a witness to lie to federal law enforcement agents. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson for the District of Hawaii; Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov of the VA Office of Inspector General (VA OIG); and Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office made the announcement.

    The VA OIG and FBI are investigating the cases.

    Trial Attorney Ariel Glasner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case against Matsudo, with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Jennifer Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Trial Attorney Glasner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case against Scott and Wells.

    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: Federal Jury Convicts Raleigh County Man of Federal Gun Crime

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

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – After a one-day trial, a federal jury convicted Alfred Leslie Pittman, 36, of Harper Heights, on Monday, May 5, 2025, of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Evidence at trial proved that on April 26, 2023, Pittman was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Beckley Police Department officers in Beckley. During the traffic stop, officers found that Pittman possessed a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with an extended magazine in the vehicle.

    Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Pittman knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for robbery in the first degree in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 2, 2015.

    Pittman is scheduled to be sentenced on September 5, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

    “The defendant knew he had been convicted of a felony, robbery in the first degree, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. He is now being held accountable for his criminal conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I commend the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley Police Department for their investigative work in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Joshua Hanks and our trial team did an excellent job in this case and I commend them for securing the guilty verdict.”

    Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the jury trial.

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

    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. 5:23-cr-169.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced To Over Four Years In Federal Prison For Illegally Reentering The United States, Possessing A Firearm, And Possessing Fake Identification Documents

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

    Tampa, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Lazzara has sentenced Pedro Antunez-Galarza (43, Mexico) to 46 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after deportation for an aggravated felony, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a false Permanent Resident card and Social Security card. The court also ordered Antunez-Galarza to forfeit the Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield, and ammunition used in the offense.

    On the same day as his sentencing hearing, Antunez-Galarza admitted that he had committed new law violations and Senior U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell sentenced him to 10 months in federal prison to run consecutive with the sentence that Judge Lazzara had imposed.

    According to court documents, Antunez-Galarza was deported in 2020 after he was convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  Antunez-Galarza was deported again in 2021 and 2022. In the early morning hours of July 19, 2024, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop Antunez-Galarza, who was riding a bicycle without any lights on. Antunez-Galarza fled from the deputies. When a deputy caught up to him, Antunez-Galarza reached for his waistband before the deputy arrested him. The deputy searched Antunez-Galarza and found a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield that had been reported stolen, a Social Security card with invalid numbers for a “Tony Garcia,” and a fictitious Permanent Resident card with the name “Tony Garcia” that displayed a photograph of Antunez-Galarza. 

    Deputies booked and fingerprinted Antunez-Galarza at the Manatee County Jail. A biometric records check showed that Antunez-Galarza’s fingerprints matched those from his prior deportations. Immigration officers reviewed their files and determined that Antunez-Galarza had not received permission to reenter the United States. On October 18, 2024, Antunez-Galarza was arrested. At that time, Antunez-Galarza confessed to paying a smuggler to bring him back into the United States and illegally possessing the firearm.

    This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Final Sentencing Announced in Multi-State Mail and Bank Fraud Conspiracy Involving Postal Workers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Montgomery, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the final sentencing in a wide-ranging conspiracy involving eight defendants convicted of wire, bank, and mail fraud. The convictions stem from an investigation into widespread mail theft and check fraud, which included the earlier prosecutions of two Montgomery-area postal workers.

    On May 6, 2025, 25-year-old Hunter Hudson, Jr., also known as “Hunnid K,” from Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 92 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire, bank, and mail fraud. Hudson was identified as a manager within the conspiracy and based on his conduct, caused an intended loss amount of more than $1.5 million. He was ordered to pay $987,883.50 in restitution and to forfeit $91,020.41.

    The conspiracy, which took place between 2022 and 2024, involved the theft and alteration of checks that were then deposited into numerous fraudulent bank accounts. Part of the conspiracy was coordinated through a group chat titled “Fraud Academy,” as named by one of the conspirators.

    The other individuals involved in the conspiracy previously received the following sentences:

    • Brandon Michael Gage, 27, also from Montgomery, was sentenced to 135 months in prison. He was also identified as a manager within the conspiracy, with an intended loss amount exceeding $550,000. Gage was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $65,000 in restitution.
    • Joey Payne, 26, a resident of Opelika, Alabama, received a sentence of 108 months in prison. Like Hudson and Gage, Payne was also a manager in the scheme with an intended loss amount over $550,000. He was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $101,556.97 in restitution.
    • Reuben Kristian Brown, 26, another Montgomery resident, was sentenced to 87 months in prison. He acted as a manager in the conspiracy and had an intended loss amount of more than $1.5 million. Brown was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $17,500 in restitution.
    • Keenan Rashaad Watson, 26, also from Montgomery, was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A manager in the conspiracy, Watson was associated with an intended loss of over $550,000. He was fined $15,000.
    • Kerry O’Shay Hawthorne, 26, another resident of Montgomery, received a sentence of 40 months in prison and was ordered to pay $49,008.95 in restitution.
    • Ethan Alexander Brown, 23, a former bank teller from Montgomery, was sentenced to 34 months in prison. He was directly involved in depositing 61 altered checks worth more than $2 million. He was ordered to pay $973,692.05 in restitution to his employer.
    • Destinie Janan James, 23, a resident of Auburn, Alabama, was sentenced to 22 months in prison. She was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $89,000 in restitution.

    Although these sentences mark the conclusion of this indictment, the investigation is ongoing.

    “This case demonstrates the serious consequences for those who exploit public institutions and financial systems for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Thanks to the dedication of our law enforcement partners, we were able to dismantle a complex criminal network and hold each participant accountable. We remain committed to pursuing those who defraud the public and threaten the integrity of our postal and banking systems.”

    “These convictions are a testament to the dedication of the investigative and legal teams and should send a strong message to any employee who thinks of conspiring with others to steal mail and commit check fraud,” said Tammy Hull, Inspector General U.S. Postal Service. “Our special agents, working with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate these criminal activities, protecting the integrity of the Postal Service and the U.S. Mail.”

    “The United States Postal Service is a vital and trusted institution,” said Timothy J. O’Malley, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “Any attempt to exploit our postal or banking systems is a serious violation of the public’s trust. These actions will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting the integrity of our postal and financial systems is essential and non-negotiable.”

    “The sentencing in this case should serve notice to criminals that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from unlawful activity,” said Shameka Jackson, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Houston Division. “I fully commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted in bringing Hunter Hudson, Jr. and the other co-defendants to justice.”

    This extensive investigation was led by the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, with Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuting the case.

    Additional support was provided by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Montgomery Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Prattville Police Department, Harris County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, Meriwether County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Troopers, Venice (FL) Police Department, and the Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Deputy Secretary General meets the Chair and members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Source: NATO

    On Tuesday, 15 April 2025, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, will meet with the Chair and members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms Željka Cvijanović, Mr Željko Komšić and Mr Denis Bećirović at NATO Headquarters, in Brussels.

    Media advisory

    9:15 (CEST) Joint remarks by the Deputy Secretary General with representatives of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Media coverage

    • Media representatives with annual accreditation to NATO can attend the event in person. 
    • The pool of visual media covering the joint remarks will meet in front of the Press Shop at NATO HQ, at 08:45.
    • The remarks will be streamed live on the NATO website and on X @NATOPress. A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as photographs, will be on the NATO website.
    • Video can be downloaded from the NATO Multimedia Portal after the event.

    For more information:
    For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office
    Follow us on X: @NATO, @SecGenNATO and @NATOPress

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixth meeting of the Community of Interest of Intelligence and Security-Related Centres of Excellence

    Source: NATO

    Brussels, NATO HQ, 5 May 2025 – The Joint Intelligence and Security Division (JISD) held its annual meeting with experts gathering from NATO’s intelligence and security-related Centres of Excellence (COEs) and the NATO Intelligence Enterprise (NIE). The annual meeting focusses on areas of common interests and best practices in order to further the intelligence capabilities of the Alliance.

    NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence, Major General Paul Lynch, opened the meeting by emphasising that “today, the NIE is better postured than ever to support the Allied decision-making on contemporary and future challenges.” He also acknowledged that “the effectiveness of our deterrence and defence posture relies precisely on NATO’s ability to adapt to an ever-changing world. And this is particularly true for Intelligence and Security.” 

    The very productive meeting, attended by participants from 7 COEs, ACT and NATO HQ, was split into three sessions, with the first being briefs and discussions about COEs’ initiatives. The second session highlighted innovation-related activities, with each COE providing agile and insightful ideas to foster innovation. The final session was open to NATO intelligence providers, Partners and Allied industries, with an in-depth discussion about the future of intelligence. 

    Sharing adaptive and impactful intelligence initiatives has become even more critical due to the rapidly changing global security environment. The meeting of NATO’s COEs and the NIE remains crucial to prepare the Alliance for the challenges of today and tomorrow, with COEs as essential actors in providing the Alliance with important information for its current and future posture. COEs act as a force multiplier, offering expertise across their four core tasks: exercise and evaluation, analysis and lessons learned, doctrine development and standardisation, and concept development and experimentation.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Police appeal for information after death of a man in Soho

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are seeking witnesses after a man fell from height in Brewer Street, Soho during the early hours of Saturday, 3 May.

    Officers were called to a residential property in Brewer Street at 02:02hrs that morning. Despite the best efforts of first responders, 22-year-old Ryley Harbord sadly died at the scene.

    His death is being treated as unexpected and is under investigation at this stage.

    Officers are appealing for anyone who saw or spoke to Ryley on the evening of Friday 2, May to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from those who had contact with him between 19:00hrs on Friday and 02:00hrs on Saturday.

    Detective Chief Inspector Anne Linton, who is leading the investigation, said:

    “First and foremost, our thoughts are with Ryley’s family as they come to terms with this tragic loss. This is an unimaginably difficult time for them.

    “Soho was bustling at the start of a Bank Holiday, which means there is a likelihood someone saw or spoke to Ryley. If this is you, you may hold really important information that helps us piece together the circumstances surrounding Ryley’s death and we would ask you to please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

    Anyone who can help is asked to contact police via 101, quoting 217/3May, or if you wish to remain anonymous go through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Final defendant sentenced in DMV area dogfighting ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to two years and three months in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.

    According to court documents, from at least March 2015 through December 2022, Charles Reginald McDougald, aka “Luke” and “Bottom Boy,” 55, and other conspirators from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and North Carolina used a messaging app private group referred to as “The DMV Board” or “The Board,” to discuss training fighting dogs, exchange videos about dogfighting, and arrange and coordinate dog fights.

    Members of the DMV Board also used the app to compare methods of killing dogs that lost fights, circulate media reports about conspirators who had been caught by law enforcement, and discuss ways to avoid being caught. McDougald posted multiple offers to arrange dogfights for thousands of dollars per fight.

    McDougald’s sentencing follows the convictions of 19 of his fellow members of the DMV Board.

    On Dec. 22, 2017, Rodriguez Norman, aka “Tough Love,” 31, of Washington, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.  On April 6, 2018, Norman was sentenced to nine years in prison for bank fraud, cigarette, and identity theft charges, and an additional year for the dogfighting conspiracy.

    On April 28, 2021, Carlos Harvey, aka “Roc9,” of King George, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.  On Dec. 10, 2021, Harvey was sentenced to six months in prison.

    On Nov. 4, 2022, Charles Edward Williams, III, aka “Never Say Never,” 50, of Capital Heights, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Feb. 21, 2023, Williams was sentenced to two years in prison.

    On Nov. 9, 2022, Michael Roy Hilliard, aka “No Dayz Off,” 38, of Fort Washington, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On March 1, 2023, Hilliard was sentenced to six months in prison.

    On Nov. 10, 2022, Laron West, aka “Frog” and “Get Sick,” 46, of Forestville, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. West was murdered on Feb. 12, 2023, prior to sentencing.

    On Nov. 29, 2022, Derek Aaron Garcia, aka “Fatal Attraction,” 40, of Woodbridge, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.  On March 7, 2023, Garcia was sentenced to 10 days in prison.

    On Nov. 29, 2022, Ricardo Glen Thorne, aka “Rip,” 53, of Camp Springs, Maryland, pled guilty to advertising an animal for use in an animal fighting venture. On March 7, 2023, Thorne was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

    On June 16, 2023, Tarry Jeron Wilson, aka “Tejai” and “City Limits,” 39, of Warsaw, Virginia, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 20, 2023, Wilson was sentenced to two years in prison.

    On March 18, 2024, Eldridge Jackson, aka “Big Head” and “4B,” 48, of Temple Hills, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Jackson was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

    On March 21, 2024, Bashawn Allen, aka “425,” 35, of Trenton, New Jersey, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Allen was sentenced to a year and six months in prison.

    On March 21, 2024, Larry Alston, aka “Big Goon,” 49, of Windsor Mills, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Alston was sentenced to two years in prison.

    On March 21, 2024, Dandre Wallace, aka “Abstract,” 47, of Laurel, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Wallace was sentenced to two years in prison.

    On March 22, 2024, Isaac Weathersby, aka “Big Fist” 43, of High Point, North Carolina, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Weathersby was sentenced to a year and nine months in prison.

    On March 28, 2024, Charles Davis, aka “Cat Daddy” and “Deep in the Game,” 44, of Woodbridge, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On July 2, 2024, Davis was sentenced to 60 days in prison.

    On April 8, 2024, Mark Rodriguez, aka “Slow Poke,” of Stafford, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On July 2, 2024, Rodriguez was sentenced to 14 days in jail.

    On May 28, 2024, Kevin Jackson, aka “4B1,” 47, of White Plains, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Sept. 6, 2024, Jackson was sentenced to 10 days in prison.

    On Aug. 6, 2024, Elijah Loatman, aka “Nephew the Genius,” 33, of Elkton, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Nov. 8, 2024, Loatman was sentenced to 30 days in prison.

    On July 23, 2024, Mario Flythe, aka “the Barber,” 50, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Maryland to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture and interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise.  On Jan. 23, 2025, Flythe was sentenced to six months in prison.

    On Aug. 22, 2024, Frederick Moorfield, aka “Geehad,” 64, of Arnold, Maryland, pled guilty in the District of Maryland to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture and interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise.  On Dec. 12, 2024, Moorefield was sentenced to a year and six months in prison.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon D. Kromberg and Vanessa K. Strobbe prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:22-cr-154 and 1:23-cr-176.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO 2025 Annual Conference on Gender Perspectives

    Source: NATO

    Brussels, NATO Headquarters, 5 to 7 May 2025 – Senior NATO military and civilian leaders, gender advisors, policymakers, and civil society representatives from Allied and Partner Nations gathered for the 2025 Annual Conference of the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives (NCGP), at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The conference celebrated a milestone year for the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, celebrating 25 years since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, a foundational framework for the inclusion of women in all aspects of peace and security.

    Opening the conference, the Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, underscored the operational importance of integrating gender perspectives across the Alliance: “Over the past quarter-century, we have witnessed undeniable progress. Consider this: what was once a marginal idea — that peace and security are not gender-neutral — is now integrated into NATO’s strategic outlook, operational conduct, and institutional policy.”

    Discussions reflected on NATO’s implementation of the WPS Agenda, highlighting achievements, identifying persistent gaps, and developing practical recommendations for future action. One major focus was on gender-responsive leadership, including the role of training, education and accountability in embedding gender perspectives into daily planning and operations. Participants also explored how these approaches can enhance NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in increasingly complex security environments.

    The Chair of the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives, LtCol Rosa-Linda Lucchesi, stressed the importance of leadership in advancing these efforts: “We have achieved tremendous progress over the past 25 years, but we must now push further,” said Lt Col Lucchesi. “Strengthening leadership, building accountability and embedding gender perspectives into all aspects of NATO’s work are vital for future success.”

    The second day of the conference examined lessons from the integration of gender-considerations  in current conflicts, and the future of UNSCR 1325 from the perspective of international stakeholders. Several case studies offered valuable insight to better understand the differentiated impacts of conflict on women and men, and the strategic advantages of gender-responsive policies for NATO and its partners.

    Furthermore, the conference explored relevant approaches to the whole-of-society resilience, examining how integrating gender perspectives can strengthen societal preparedness against various security threats. Syndicate work sessions provided opportunities to reflect on NATO’s WPS Strategic Objectives and consider enhancements for the WPS Action Plan, aiming to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in addressing the evolving challenges facing the Alliance.

    Background Information

    The NCGP is dedicated to advancing gender mainstreaming and the integration of gender perspectives into the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies, programs, and military operations. Through its work program, the NCGP provides expert advice to the NATO Military Committee on gender-related topics, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and support the Alliance’s objectives across its core tasks. The Annual Conference serves as a key platform for this exchange and collaboration. 

    UNSCR 1325, adopted in 2000, established a foundational framework for the inclusion of women in all aspects of the peace and security agenda. NATO and its Allied nations have committed to the principles of WPS by recognizing that integrating gender perspectives enhances operational effectiveness, improves mission outcomes, and supports stability in complex conflict environments. The new NATO Policy on WPS, endorsed at the Washington Summit in July 2024, outlines four strategic objectives: strengthening gender-responsive leadership and accountability; increasing women’s participation at all levels; preventing threats that have a disproportionate impact on women and girls; and protecting women and girls against gender-based violence.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooke County Man Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Child Pornography Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Harry Fred Wells, age 54, of Follansbee, West Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Wells came to the attention of investigators after he pursued inappropriate communications with a minor through social media. During the investigation, a search of Wells’ home and phone revealed that Wells possessed child pornography depicting children under the age of 12.

    Wells will serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    The Department of Homeland Security investigated the matter.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Evans, 35, of Horsham, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that sold large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Monongalia County.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Evans traveled from the Philadelphia area to Monongalia County to sell controlled substances. During the execution of a search warrant on an apartment in Morgantown, officers found Evans asleep with a loaded pistol, three more stolen firearms, more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, more than 150 grams of fentanyl, and cocaine. Evans has prior drug and firearms convictions.

    Evans will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.

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

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Harrison County Man Sentenced for Selling Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Michael Bork, 49, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for selling methamphetamine in Harrison County, WV.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Bork was selling methamphetamine, at time using social media to traffic drugs. A search of his apartment resulted in the seizure of a firearm, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a duffle bag containing $166,315 in cash. Bork has prior convictions for violation of a domestic violence order, harassment, obstructing, transporting controlled substances into a prison, and drug trafficking.

    Bork will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    This case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Sentenced for Roles in Eastern Panhandle Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people have been sentenced for selling large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin in Berkeley, Morgan, and Hampshire Counties.

    Andrew Ross Hose, age 40, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced to 293 months in prison. Bradley Allen Lopp, age 36, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.  According to court documents and statements made in court, Hose and Lopp worked with the drug trafficking organization to sell controlled substances in the Eastern Panhandle.

    Hose will serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Lopp will serve three years of supervised release.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

    U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for $38 Million Catalytic Converter Theft Ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tou Sue Vang, 33, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for his role in transporting thousands of stolen catalytic converters across state lines, laundering money, and other related crimes, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Tou Vang, along with his brother Andrew Vang and mother Monica Moua, purchased stolen catalytic converters from local thieves and sold them to a buyer in New Jersey for more than $38 million. Catalytic converter theft has become prevalent across the nation because of their value, relative ease to steal, and their lack of identifying markings. Thieves steal catalytic converters from vehicles on the street for the precious metals they contain, which may be more valuable per ounce than gold, and then sell them to buyers like T. Vang. The black-market price for certain catalytic converters from California can be more than $1,000 each.

    This prosecution is part of a nationwide initiative that dismantled a catalytic converter theft conspiracy. In addition to the three California defendants, this case includes 12 New Jersey defendants, including brothers Navin Khanna and Tinu Khanna, who operated DG Auto and purchased the stolen catalytic converters from California for more than $38 million. Tou Vang and his family operated primarily from their private residences and storage units; and did not have a scrap yard or valid business license. Some of the shipments that Tou Vang made to DG Auto were over 1,000 pounds and contained a single type of high-value catalytic converter, such as the Toyota Prius. Tou Vang and his family used the funds they received from the Khanna brothers and withdrew cash from the bank accounts they controlled to purchase more stolen catalytic converters, thereby promoting the carrying on of the unlawful activity.

    Tou Vang spent the proceeds of these stolen catalytic converters to fund his lavish lifestyle, including to purchase a five-acre multi-home complex in Rio Linda for $1.235 million in cash, over a dozen motor vehicles (including two Teslas and two Sea Doos), and an additional home in Sacramento. As part of T. Vang’s sentence, the United States forfeited more than $150,000 in U.S. currency, 13 motor vehicles, four personal watercraft, jewelry, and real estate, amongst other property.

    “This defendant led a network of criminals that hurt thousands of innocent car owners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith. “This case represents the kind of far-reaching investigation that federal, state, and local law enforcement partners can do when working together. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continuing its law enforcement partnerships to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.”

    “Theft usually happens in the shadows, most often with the help of professional enablers such as Mr. Vang who facilitated the sale of stolen goods. The financial expertise of IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office agents has helped trace the assets and unraveled the truth behind these organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Nguyen. “Today’s sentencing is a true reflection of the collaborative commitment between all the local, state, and federal agencies who contributed to this outcome as our way to protect the people in the communities and bring justice to light.”

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the IRS Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, Sacramento Police Department, Davis Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Livermore Police Department, and San Bernardino County Sherriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Felon Who Fatally Shot Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Tuesday sentenced a St. Louis man who shot an acquaintance in 2023 to nine years in prison.

    Clayton Pierce Davis, 39, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in November to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

    On July 4, 2023, Davis was celebrating with others in St. Louis. After a Fourth of July event, the group went to a shop on the corner of Gravois Avenue and Chippewa Street in south St. Louis. An argument started and Davis fired 12 shots from a handgun, fatally shooting a man and wounding his girlfriend. At least one of the victims was armed and the woman fired one shot.

    Davis is a felon and is thus barred from possessing firearms. He has prior convictions for robbery, riot in a penal institution, dog fighting, stealing and assault.

    The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torrie Schneider prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Allen Woman Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in the Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced an Allen, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

    Misty Hornbeck, age 50, was sentenced on May 5, 2025, to 11 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

    Hornbeck was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024, and pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025.

    Hornbeck’s conviction stemmed from the large-scale distribution of methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Reservation and in Rapid City, South Dakota. Hornbeck, who resided in Colorado during the conspiracy, supplied methamphetamine to her codefendants through her sources in Colorado. Hornbeck’s codefendants then transported the methamphetamine into South Dakota. Once the methamphetamine was in South Dakota, it would be further distributed by multiple individuals, including Hornbeck’s co-defendants Nathan Tobacco-Clifford, Milo Shot With Arrow, and others. Between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of this criminal conspiracy.

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

    Hornbeck was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Porcupine Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter and False Statement

    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 Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of False Statement. The sentencing took place on April 25, 2025.

    Clayton Fire Thunder, age 40, was sentenced to a total of eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $300 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    A federal grand jury indicted Fire Thunder in May 2024. He was found guilty following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, in January of 2025.

    On the early morning of September 15, 2022, a male drove his partially clothed girlfriend to Indian Health Services (IHS) hospital on the Pine Ridge Reservation and dropped her off at the Emergency Department. The male did not provide his identity nor the female’s identity. The male told medical personnel that a firearm went off while they were engaged in intimate relations and that she had been shot accidentally.

    Law enforcement identified and located the male at his residence several hours later. The male was cleaning the crime scene and sent text messages to the female’s relative’s claiming the shooting was an accident. A search of the residence was conducted. Law enforcement was unable to locate the handgun that the male claimed was used in the shooting. The male was arrested and eventually charged with second degree murder, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. A digital surveillance system that recorded traffic to the male’s house was seized by law enforcement.

    After reviewing the footage, law enforcement identified a vehicle that appeared at the male’s residence shortly after midnight and just before the female was brought to IHS. After several months, law enforcement was able to identify the driver of the vehicle as Marino Waters and the passenger as Clayton Fire Thunder. The investigation revealed that Waters drove Fire Thunder to the male’s residence just east of Pine Ridge two times on the morning of September 15, 2022. Fire Thunder intended on selling a firearm to the male in exchange for cash and/or methamphetamine. The male did not answer the door when Fire Thunder knocked, and unexpectedly, Fire Thunder discharged one round from the firearm into the residence. The round ended up penetrating the siding, backboard, and drywall of the residence and struck and killed the male’s girlfriend, a 27-year-old female.

    When Fire Thunder was interviewed by the FBI in March of 2023, he gave a false statement and said that he did not have a firearm when the shooting occurred. Fire Thunder admitted to being at the residence and told law enforcement that he was inquiring with the male homeowner about a junked car at 4:00 o’clock in the morning. Fire Thunder was reinterviewed again in October 2023. Fire Thunder continued to deny that he possessed a firearm during the shooting death of the female and this time said that he was inquiring about a flatbed at 4:00 o’clock.

    Seventeen witnesses and over 200 exhibits were introduced at Fire Thunder trial establishing that Fire Thunder possessed and discharged a firearm on the morning of September 15, 2022, that resulted in the death of a 27-year-old female. The jury found Fire Thunder guilty of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of false statement.

    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 and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Bankruptcy Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paul Archer evaded approximately $1MM in federal taxes by concealing and transferring assets in his Chapter 7 bankruptcy case

    BANGOR, Maine: A Florida man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to attempting to evade federal taxes and engaging in fraudulent transfers and concealment in a bankruptcy proceeding. 

    According to court records, Paul Archer, 46, formerly of Hampden and Orrington, operated a profitable online marketing business for software installation on computers, earning several million dollars from 2013 through 2015. After an IRS audit in 2016 assessed a federal tax debt totaling approximately $1 million for those years, Archer concealed and transferred assets through two LLCs he controlled and began using third-party bank accounts to evade paying the tax debt.   

    From April 2018 through November 2019, Archer transferred and concealed assets and income by using a series of bank accounts held in the names of Max Tune Up, LLC; Stealth Kit, LLC; his father; and his spouse. Using a bank account held by Stealth Kit, LLC, for instance, Archer received income via direct deposits, initiated and received over $2 million in wire payments, and used cryptocurrency trading platforms and online payment systems to transfer funds. Archer transferred an investment account held in his own name to an account held in the name of Stealth Kit, LLC, then engaged in trading activity, stock ownership, and dividend/interest distributions. Archer further owned and transacted in Bitcoin using two different cryptocurrency exchanges, purchasing and later trading cryptocurrency valued at several hundred thousand dollars.

    In March 2019, Archer filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding. In his Chapter 7 petition and schedules, Archer falsely claimed less than $50,000 in assets; a single checking account; no other assets or property interests; no recent asset transfers; and no connections to any businesses or memberships in any LLCs. Archer repeated these falsehoods under oath during meetings of creditors convened by a Chapter 7 Trustee, as well as in statements made to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine.

    Archer faces up to five years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the two charges to which he pleaded guilty. Any sentence will be followed by up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force Arrests Violent Federal Fugitive in Juana Díaz

    Source: US Marshals Service

    San Juan, PR – The U.S. Marshals District of Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force arrested today a Puerto Rico man who became a federal fugitive in April after violating the conditions of his bail.

    Roric H. Núñez-García, 25, who was one of several people arrested during a police raid in February at the Enudio Negrón Residential Complex in Villalba, was released on bail in April following an order from a federal magistrate and immediately cut off his electronic bracelet.

    He is suspected of being involved in a shooting that occurred later that night in the municipality of Villalba.

    Deputy U.S. Marshals, in coordination with agents from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau’s Strike Force, Arrest and Search Units, and with the assistance of Public Housing Administration security agents, arrested Núñez-García without incident at an apartment located in the Leonardo Santiago Public Housing Complex in the municipality of Juana Díaz.

    During the operation, authorities seized a modified firearm capable of fully automatic fire, multiple magazines, and ammunition.

    “Our citizens should know that the United States Marshals Service in Puerto Rico continues to pursue those who believe they can evade the law and escape accountability for their actions,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico. 

    “Núñez-García not only attempted to flee justice but is also suspected of involvement in multiple homicides in Juana Díaz, Villalba, Santa Isabel, and Ponce. He represents a serious threat to our communities. I want to express my sincere gratitude and recognize the outstanding efforts of the members of the Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force for swiftly capturing this dangerous fugitive and protecting our citizens from further harm. They may try to hide, but they should know that the U.S. Marshals Service will not rest until they are found and brought to justice.”

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