NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iowa Man Arrested on Federal Stalking Charge

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

    DES MOINES, Iowa – A Nevada, Iowa man made his initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa today.

    According to allegations in the criminal complaint, between January and April 2025, Tanner Dean Bandy, 28, engaged in a pattern of threatening conduct against a former romantic partner through text messages and voicemails. Two days prior to his arrest, on April 17, 2025, Bandy left a voicemail message discussing his intention to conduct a mass shooting at an Iowa State University commencement ceremony. On April 17, 2025, law enforcement searched Bandy’s residence and vehicle and located two firearms and ammunition. Bandy will remain detained in federal custody pending further proceedings.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Iowa State University Police Department, and Story County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Associate of Violent Gang Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearms Offenses

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

    BOSTON – A Brockton man associated with Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang, was sentenced today for trafficking drugs and firearms.

    Steve Depina, 38, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 66 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2024, Depina pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine and cocaine base and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

    During the investigation, Depina was identified as an older associate of the Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear and enhance its reputation.

    In February 2022, Depina was recorded by law enforcement as he sold approximately 58 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness, whom he believed to be a fellow Cameron Street member, near his workplace. In March 2022, Depina sold approximately 60 grams of cocaine base as well as a 9-millimeter pistol and 16 rounds of ammunition to the same cooperating witness. During a search of Depina’s residence in April 2022, an additional quantity of cocaine base as well as another firearm were seized.

    At the time of the offenses, Depina was on state probation for a 2018 conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Plymouth Superior Court, for which he was sentenced to 3-5 years in prison. He is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NPS Helps Joint Chiefs Develop Integrated Military, Economic Deterrence Options to Chinese Aggression

    Source: United States Navy

    When former Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Force Development (J7) director U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Stuart Munsch needed a cross-disciplinary team of regional and defense experts to examine in detail a full suite of integrated deterrence options for the Indo-Pacific theatre, he called upon the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) for support.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Awards $3.5B Contract to Northrop Grumman to Develop Successor to E-6B Mercury

    Source: United States Navy

    The Navy announced in December it awarded Northrop Grumman Corp. a $3.5 billion contract to conduct the mission-systems integration for the E-130J, which will be the successor to the E-6B Mercury for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Around the Air Force: Space Force Warfighting Framework, Training Range Improvements, Integrating Air and Missile Defense

    Source: United States Air Force

    In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the U.S. Space Force outlines a vision for space superiority, Combat Support Training Ranges get improvements for warfighters, and the Air Force works with the Army on a large-scale military modernization experiment.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officer charged with sexual offences

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A serving Metropolitan Police officer will appear at court next week charged with multiple sexual assault charges.

    PC Joseph Reece, attached to the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, was charged with six counts of sexual assault and one count of voyeurism on Tuesday, 1 April.

    He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 28 April. He remains suspended from duty.

    Reece was arrested on 25 May 2023 on suspicion of sexual assault by touching.

    These allegations relate to two female victims over the age of 18 and are alleged to have happened between 2018 and 2022 while he was off-duty.

    Reece was subsequently arrested on suspicion of voyeurism on 30 October 2023.

    This allegation relates to a single female victim over the age of 18 and was alleged to have happened between 2020 and 2022 while off-duty.

    The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rogersville Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm

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

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Rogersville, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

    Lloyd Eugene Mathis, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 84 months in federal prison without parole.

    On Nov. 13, 2024, Mathis pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    On Feb. 21, 2024, deputies with the United States Marshals Service, who were searching for Mathis in relation to outstanding warrants out of Oklahoma, located Mathis in the parking lot of a strip mall in Springfield, Mo. When the marshals identified themselves and approached Mathis he attempted to flee on foot. The deputies tackled Mathis and attempted to take control of his arms. Mathis physically resisted, ignored commands and reached under his body. During the struggle, deputies observed a firearm in the Mathis’s waistband. The firearm, an SCCY, model CPX-2, 9mm pistol, was loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition.

    According to court records, Mathis continued to physically resist and was verbally combative with officers. Mathis threatened to headbutt officers as they attempted to place him in the patrol vehicle.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Mathis has prior felony convictions for automobile theft, burglary, arson, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault, attempting to elude a police officer, and driving under the influence of drugs.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who had bomb-making guide on his phone jailed

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who admitted possessing extreme right-wing terrorism documents, including a bomb-making guide, has been jailed, after an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

    As part of an investigation into indecent images of children being posted online, police raided the home address of Vitor Dias, 21 (04.03.2003) of Willesden, on 17 May 2022.

    Dias was not arrested but two mobile phones were seized and the contents were downloaded and analysed.

    A large amount of extreme right-wing terrorist material was recovered, including guides on how to make explosives, firearms and ammunition.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This case demonstrates that we will arrest and prosecute anyone accessing terrorist material.

    “I am grateful to the work of colleagues in the Wembley Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation unit who uncovered Dias’s offending after his phones were seized.

    “This case was also a successful example of the use of risk management software installed on the devices of those convicted of sexual offences.

    “This case demonstrates that units from across the Met are committed to safeguarding vulnerable victims and specialist resources from counter terrorism will support the excellent work of officers and staff. Their excellent work allowed my officers to uncover the threat Dias posed.”

    Dias was arrested on 8 September 2022 and subsequently charged on 3 October 2023 with four counts of possessing a document containing information useful for a terrorist purposes, contrary to section 58(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

    He pleaded guilty to these charges at the Old Bailey on 5 August 2024.

    PC Merima Salkovic of North West BCU JIGSAW team ran a parallel investigation in to Dias leading to him being charged with two counts of possessing an extreme pornographic image, one count of making an indecent photograph of a child, category B and one count of making an indecent photograph of a child category C.

    Dias appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 17 December 2024 and pleaded guilty to the first three charges. The making indecent images of a child, category C, will remain on file.

    He was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 24 April to a total of three years in jail. He was also made subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

    Dias was convicted on 31 March 2023 for the making of indecent images of children, and possession of prohibited images of children. He was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years and was managed by Wembley Jigsaw Unit.

    As part of his conviction he was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting for five years, which meant he had various prohibitions placed upon him, including risk management software to be installed on his electronic devices.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Supplier Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Alejandro Manuel B. Gagarin, aka Alex, age 31, from Inarajan, Guam was sentenced on April 24, 2025, to serve 12 months and 1 day imprisonment.  He was charged in the U.S. District Court of Guam with Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. The Court also ordered five years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.

    Between March 2021 through April 2022, Alejandro Manuel B. Gagarin conspired with Timothy Jerome Concepcion, a person identified as I.M.C., Jacob Vance Manibusan, and other persons to distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride.   The drug distribution occurred at hotel rooms rented from a local resort hotel.  Gagarin and his co-defendant Manibusan rented out two hotel rooms.  Gagarin then greeted customers in the lobby of the hotel and escorted them to the hotel room for the drug transactions. After receiving the methamphetamine from Gagarin, the customers would stay in the hotel room and smoke methamphetamine with Concepcion. The customers would pay Gagarin for the drug, he would in turn return the proceeds from the sale of the methamphetamine to Concepcion.

    Co-conspirators:

    • Timothy Jerome Concepcion, age 26, was sentenced on February 7, 2024, to 120 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release. He pled guilty for Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine and Using and Carrying a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.

    • Jacob Vance Manibusan aka Kadi, age 36, was sentenced on April 3, 2024, to 70 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release. He pled guilty for Conspiracy to Distribute Five or More Grams of Methamphetamine.

    “Minor participants in federal drug crimes will not walk away without penalties,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “Considering the effects of methamphetamine on our communities, those with any role in drug trafficking are potential targets for prosecution.  The public rightly demands accountability for this unlawful conduct.”

    “The sentencing of Mr. Gagarin is a testament to HSI’s zero tolerance for those who engage in drug trafficking in Guam,” said Homeland Security Investigations Hawaii Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “HSI will aggressively pursue those, like Gagarin, who facilitate the infiltration of harmful substances into our communities.”

    This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Rosetta L. San Nicolas, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guam Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Lorina Ann Fejeran, aka Lori Leon Guerrero, age 55, from Dededo, Guam was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment.  She was convicted in the U.S. District Court of Guam for Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or more Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1), and Engaging in Monetary Transactions with Proceeds of Specified Unlawful Activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(1)(1)(B)(i). The Court ordered that Fejeran forfeit $1,636.00 and pay a money judgment in the amount of $45,500.00.  The money judgment represented money she wired to her supplier to pay for drugs.  The Court also ordered three years of supervised release and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee.  In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.

    On November 29, 2022, the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted a suspicious package addressed to “Srgt. Vincent Fejeran.” The package contained 437 gross grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride with a purity of 98 percent.  On December 1, 2022, Fejeran and co-defendant Jesse Fergurgur Belen attempted to receive the drugs.  As law enforcement stopped Fejeran’s car, Jesse Fegurgur Belen grabbed the package and fled on foot.  He abandoned the package in a residential yard before being arrested.

    The investigation revealed that Fejeran communicated with her drug supplier using WhatsApp and received three prior drug packages containing methamphetamine.  Fejeran wired or had others wire over $45,000.00 to her supplier or his nominee using MoneyGram. At the time of her arrest, she possessed $1,636 in illegal proceeds from drug sales. Fejeran admitted that she recruited Jesse Fegurgur Belen to receive “dope” as well to “make some cash” in exchange for assisting her in picking up the package.

    Jesse Fergurgur Belen, was previously sentenced in this matter to 105 months in federal prison for Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fifty or more Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  The Court also ordered five years of supervised release, forfeiture of $1,636, 50 hours of community service, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. 

    “This case demonstrates the substantial penalties a drug trafficker may face in federal court,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “Even when evidence is insufficient to charge an individual, we will still remove illicit drugs from the mail to stop the supply to Guam. No community should suffer from this criminal activity.”

    “The sentencing of Ms. Fejeran underscores HSI’s commitment to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to keep drugs out of Guam,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “We recognize the severe harm illegal narcotics inflicts on communities and spare no effort in ensuring that those who contribute to drug trafficking are held accountable for their actions.”

    “Dangerous controlled substances like methamphetamine put postal workers and our communities at risk. Postal inspectors will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the US Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs,” said United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) San Francisco Division – Inspector in Charge Stephen Sherwood.  “We thank our federal and local law enforcement partners, including Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, Guam Police Department, and the Guam National Guard Counterdrug Program for working with us to combat these crimes in the effort to make our communities a safer place to live and work.”

    This investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations and United States Postal Inspection Service.  

    Assistant United States Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Air Force Reservist Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Attempted Sex with a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Hagatña – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announces that, Richard Jay Ais Solang, age 46, from Dededo, Guam, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment in the U.S. District Court of Guam for Attempted Enticement of a Minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).  The Court also ordered five years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.  Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Solang must register in every jurisdiction he resides, works, and goes to school.

    On May 2, 2024, Solang, using the screen name “AAFB Throater 99” began communicating with an undercover agent on Grindr, a social media application. Solang stated he was interested in having sexual contact with the undercover. On May 9, 2024, the undercover indicated he was a 13-year-old male. Solang attempted to gain the alleged minor’s trust by telling him about a sexual experience he had with a 15-year-old in a restroom.  He claimed to have also met that minor on Grindr. Solang traveled to Andersen Air Force Base to perform oral sex on the minor. He was arrested at a pre-arranged rendezvous point by special agents with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Solang was interviewed by Homeland Security Investigations special agents and confessed to his actions.

    Prior to Solang’s arrest, he was an Air Force Reservist, a civilian with Andersen Air Force Base passenger terminal, and also employed by the Mayor’s Council of Guam.

    “Our efforts to combat child predators will not stop,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “The welfare of our children remains a cornerstone of community safety. This case serves as a reminder to all parents and guardians to be alert for online threats to their families.  I encourage them to promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

    “The sentencing of former Air Force reservist Mr. Solang for attempted sexual misconduct with a minor underscores HSI’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable of our community,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “HSI has zero tolerance for the abuse of minors and will spare no effort in securing justice for these most heinous crimes.”

    Investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and Air Force Office of Special Investigations Service, Detachment 602.

    This case was prosecuted by Devarup Rastogi, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MAKO Sentry 2025-2: Generating Warfighting Capability and Lethality in the Pacific

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CORONADO, Calif. — Over 300 Navy Reserve Component Sailors on staff at U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), U.S. 7th Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet and U.S. 10th Fleet participated in MAKO Sentry 2025-2 in Coronado, California, and other Department of Defense locations including Norfolk, Virginia, Denver, Colorado, Fort Worth, Texas, and Los Angeles, April 10–13.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry of Removed Alien, Faces Enhanced Penalty for Prior Felony Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CESAR A. LOBO-RAMOS (“LOBO-RAMOS”), age 38, a native of Honduras, pled guilty on April 22, 2025, to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

    According to court documents, LOBO-RAMOS reentered the United States after being previously deported on April 10, 2018. LOBO-RAMOS came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after he was arrested by the Kenner Police Department on November 2, 2023 for resisting arrest and obstruction of police. 

    LOBO-RAMOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, up to 1 year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  He also faces a sentencing enhancement of 20 years because of a prior felony conviction for sexual battery in Jefferson Parish in 2010.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Heights: 3rd MAW Marines, squadrons earn top aviation awards

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MIRAMAR, Calif. — Marines and squadrons from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing have been recognized with 12 Marine Corps Aviation Association 2025 Aviation Awards, honoring their exceptional leadership and dedication to mission accomplishment. The highly competitive awards program spans 30 categories across the Marine aviation enterprise.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Surges Resources to Nigeria to Combat Financially Motivated Sextortion

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News

    The FBI conducted a first-of-its-kind global operation to address the dangerous rise in American suicides attributed to this crime.

    Today, the FBI is announcing a global operation to combat financially motivated sextortion schemes operating out of Nigeria. In coordination with multiple law enforcement partners, the FBI conducted Operation Artemis—a surge of resources and personnel to Nigeria to address the high rate of sextortion related suicides attributed to Nigerian perpetrators. As a result of Operation Artemis, FBI investigations led to the arrests of 22 Nigerian subjects connected to financially motivated sextortion schemes. Of those 22 subjects, approximately half were directly linked to victims who took their own lives. This operation marks a significant step in the fight against child exploitation and brings justice and accountability to international perpetrators hiding anonymously behind screens.

    “Operation Artemis exemplifies the FBI’s never-ending mission to protect our most vulnerable, and to pursue the heinous criminals harming our children — no matter where they hide,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This operation highlights the critical need for international cooperation to address this growing threat, and it’s a fight we can’t take on without our valued partners across the globe. We hope this message encourages parents and guardians to continue to educate their children about online safety and serves as a reminder of the FBI’s relentless pursuit of keeping our children safe.”

    This announcement comes as the FBI has observed a 30% increase in sextortion-related tips received to our National Threat Operations Center from October 2024 to March 2025 as compared to the previous year. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or IC3, there were over 54,000 victims in 2024, up from 34,000 in 2023. Over the last two years there have been nearly $65 million dollars in financial losses due to this crime. This comes as the FBI began observing a significant increase over the last three years in financially motivated sextortion schemes targeting young males ages 14-17, resulting in more than 20 minor victims dying by suicide.

    Given the alarming rise and similarities of these cases, the FBI opened investigations across the country with the goal of bringing answers and closure to grieving American families. Information gathered by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit (CEOU) allowed the FBI to work collaboratively with all 55 of our field offices to identify nearly 3,000 victims of financially motivated sextortion. It was during these investigative steps that the commonality of perpetrators residing in Nigeria began to grow and paint a larger, more international scope of this crime.

    As a result of Operation Artemis, a Nigerian man was extradited to the U.S. in January and charged with causing the death of a South Carolina teenager who took his own life after being extorted by the suspect posing as a woman. Additionally, two men were extradited from Nigeria to the United States last year to face charges related to the sextortion and death of a young man in Pennsylvania. These subjects will now be held accountable in the American justice system, with more subjects still awaiting extraditions in Nigeria.

    The subjects arrested in this operation engaged in sophisticated, financially motivated sextortion schemes by contacting victims via social media platforms and posing as peers or potential romantic interests. Once trust or rapport was established, often through conversation in chatrooms or direct messages, the suspects coerced their victims into taking and sharing compromising images of themselves. Offenders then threatened to release the compromising photos unless they received immediate payment — typically requested via gift cards, mobile payment services, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Regardless of a payment being received or not, the perpetrators would often continue to manipulate their victims, leaving them feeling ashamed, isolated, and responsible.

    Operation Artemis was spearheaded by multiple units at the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, including CEOU and the Crimes and Crimes Against Children Human Trafficking Intelligence Unit, and across the globe at the FBI Legal Attaché offices in Abuja and Lagos. The FBI’s Victim Outreach Support and Strategy Program of the Victim Services Division also played a key role assisting victims’ families throughout these various investigations. The following FBI field offices also provided resources directly on the ground in Nigeria as well as invaluable investigative support and assistance: FBI Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbia, Houston, Jackson, Milwaukee, Nashville, Newark, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Diego, and St. Louis. Additionally, our partners at the Department of Justice Child Exploitation Obscenities Section served a critical role in ensuring the perpetrators in these cases face charges. Working together, we were able to obtain arrests, gather comprehensive forensic analyses, and conduct subject interviews on the ground in Nigeria.

    This operation would not have been possible without our partnerships with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and their assistance in developing an ongoing, collaborative strategy to combat financially motivated sextortion. Multiple agencies also provided the FBI with assistance both with personnel and intelligence for this operation, leading to an even larger global perspective on the threat. FBI’s CEOU secured personnel assistance from our Five Eyes partners, including Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The FBI also recognizes the valued partnership and assistance of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The FBI encourages parents to have ongoing conversations with their children and teenagers about online safety and to remind them they are not alone, and it is not their fault should they become a victim to these sophisticated and egregious schemes. If your child believes they are a victim of sextortion or financially motivated sextortion, please immediately report the activity to law enforcement and the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov. For immediate help or if you or a child is in danger, call 911. For 24/7 free, confidential mental health assistance, the 988 suicide and crisis hotline connects individuals in need of support with counselors across the United States.

    Take It Down is NCMEC’s free service that can help you remove or stop the online sharing of nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos taken of you when you were under 18 years old. You can remain anonymous while using the service and you won’t have to send your images or videos to anyone. Take It Down will work on public or unencrypted online platforms that have agreed to participate. Please visit takeitdown.ncmec.org.

    For more information on sextortion and financial sextortion, please visit the FBI’s resources on the threats at fbi.gov/sextortion and fbi.gov/financialsextortion.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Slidell Man Indicted for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JONATHAN SUAREZ (“SUAREZ”), age 29, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, with was indicted today for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2).

    According to the indictment, between on or about February 15, 2023, and April 9, 2025, SUAREZ received visual depictions of minors as young as approximately two (2) years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including a video he received on or about February 15, 2023.

    SUAREZ faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years in prison and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years. SUAREZ also faces at least five years, and up to a lifetime, of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine. He may also be required to register as a sex offender.

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

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

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lackawanna County Man Sentenced To Six Years’ Imprisonment For Drug Trafficking Offense

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

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Corey Wylam, age 34, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to six years of imprisonment and four years of supervised release by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Wylam previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine between June and July of 2021, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.  Wylam arranged the transfer of a firearm to another conspirator in exchange for a quantity of methamphetamine and the forgiveness of a drug debt.

    The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

    This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal alien’s “sole” mistake during armed robbery lands him nearly 13-year prison sentence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 21-year-old Honduran man illegally residing in Houston has been sentenced for his role in the armed robbery of a local Family Dollar store, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Carlos Gonzalez-Vargas pleaded guilty Feb. 7 to discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

    U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Gonzalez-Vargas to serve 150 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard he was affiliated with a gang, posted Instagram selfies with the firearm and fired the weapon at a 13-year-old child one month after the robbery. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that the mandatory minimum sentence does not adequately address the seriousness of his conduct.

    On Jan. 16, 2023, Gonzalez-Vargas entered the discount store along with three others, brandished a firearm and demanded cash from the register. When the employee did not act fast enough, Gonzalez-Vargas shot her in the leg. They stole cash from the register and fled on foot. Surveillance captured Gonzalez-Vargas wearing a distinctive pair of sneakers. 

    Approximately one month later, Gonzalez-Vargas fired the same weapon used in the robbery during a street fight with a 13-year-old minor. Law enforcement took him into custody, at which time he was wearing the same distinctive sneakers seen in the robbery footage. 

    He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Tallichet prosecuted the case.

    This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballisticinformation-network-nibin.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendant Charged with Illegal Gun Possession in Superior Court Now Faces Federal Firearm Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Charged as Part of Make D.C. Safe Again Initiative

    WASHINGTON – Kevin Hopkins, 39, a resident of the District of Columbia, was indicted today in U.S. District Court, on a firearms charge, as part of the “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

    Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

    Hopkins is charged in an indictment in federal court with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, in November 2024, members of the MPD Violent Crime Suppression Division – Robbery Suppression Unit and the DEA Task Force executed a search warrant in the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE.  During the search, they recovered a 9mm handgun wedged between that sofa cushions. There was ammunition in the chamber and 14 rounds in the magazine. No firearms were registered to the address. At the time, Hopkins was on supervised release from a trial conviction for assault, burglary and stalking stemming from a 2016 case. He was arrested and initially charged in D.C. Superior Court.

    This case is being investigated by the DEA Washington Division, the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted felon sentenced to 10 years in prison on drug and gun charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS – A convicted felon from Belgrade who possessed methamphetamine and a firearm was sentenced today to 121 months in prison to be followed by 5 years supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Robert Stuart Quam, 44, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

    U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on March 27, 2023, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received information Robert Quam was distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in Montana. Given this intel, a DCI Agent, acting in an undercover capacity, began speaking to Quam via social media.

    During their conversations, Quam agreed to sell one ounce of methamphetamine for $500. On March 31, 2023, the undercover agent and Quam agreed to meet at the Scheel’s parking lot in Billings to conduct the transaction. Quam arrived at the parking lot and entered the agent’s vehicle. During the transaction, the agent observed Quam with a black bag. Quam removed another bag from inside of the black bag which contained numerous smaller bags with suspected methamphetamine. Quam provided one of the smaller bags containing approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to the agent and the agent provided Quam with $500. Toward the end of the transaction, Quam pulled a pistol from his pocket and placed it onto floorboard of the car. Quam then placed the pistol into the black bag and left the vehicle.

    The undercover agent and Quam spoke over the phone again after the transaction. During the conversation, Quam began talking about firearms. Quam told the agent there are a lot of people getting robbed, and he does not like guns, however, he knows he needs a firearm for protection. Quam advised the agent his pistol was a “.45 caliber.” On September 20, 2023, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in Belgrade. Quam was identified as the passenger in the vehicle and had a safe on the floorboard at his feet. During the interaction, the deputy uncovered a loaded firearm in Quam’s left pocket. Quam was detained.

    GCSO deployed a canine to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle and the dog alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle told law enforcement the safe belonged to Quam.

    Law enforcement received a search warrant for the vehicle and its contents and seized approximately 1086.8 grams of methamphetamine.

    Quam was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a felony, in the United States Court for the District of Montana on February 28, 2014. Consequently, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, and the investigation was conducted by the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lookout found guilty for role in armed robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A jury has convicted a 20-year-old Houston resident for aiding and abetting a robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    The jury deliberated for four hours before finding Patrick Norman guilty following a three-day trial. 

    On Jan. 29, 2024, Norman acted as a lookout while Danial Starr, 20, Houston, entered the Spring Smoke Shop on Veteran’s Memorial Drive, brandished a firearm at an employee and stole cash and smoke products. The pair then fled the scene.

    An eyewitness identified Norman which led to his subsequent arrest. 

    At that time, he claimed not to know Starr at all. However, the jury heard testimony as to how authorities saw surveillance footage implicating Norman and phone records that showed communication between him and Starr prior to the robbery. 

    During trial, the jury heard the testimony from the victim store clerk who was robbed.

    The defense attempted to convince the jury Norman never intended to aid and abet a robbery. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty.

    U.S. District Judge David Hittner will impose sentencing at a later date, at which time Norman faces up to 20 years in federal prison.  

    Previously released on bond, Norman was taken into custody April 21 after arriving late for trial. He will remain there pending sentencing. 

    Starr had pleaded guilty prior to trial and awaits sentencing as does another Houston resident charged in relation to the case, Calvin Deshazo, 19, who had admitted to aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during two other robberies which took place on another date.

    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the joint investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Anh-Khoa Tran are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: North Kentville — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Dion Harris

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kings District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 55-year-old Dion Harris who was last seen on the evening of April 21 in North Kentville.

    Harris is described as 5-foot-9 and approximately 225 pounds. He is bald and has blue eyes. When he was last seen, he was wearing a black toque, a black hoodie and brown/gray cargo pants.

    Harris is believed to be driving a late 2000s Subaru Impreza hatchback black in colour with front and rear Ontario licence plates.

    Information gathered indicates that Harris has ties to Newfoundland and Pickering in Ontario.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dion Harris is asked to contact the Kings District RCMP at 902-679-5555 or your local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 2025-538796

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Orange County Resident Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Kickbacks from Sober Living Homes, Firearms Trafficking

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

    LOS ANGELES – A former resident of Orange County was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for soliciting and receiving nearly $500,000 in illegal kickbacks from corrupt sober living homes in exchange for finding them new patients in a process known as “body brokering” and for firearms trafficking.

    Darius Moore, 31, formerly of Santa Ana but most recently of North Carolina, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton.

    Moore pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of conspiracy to pay or receive illegal remunerations for referrals to clinical treatment facilities and one count of soliciting or receiving illegal remunerations for referrals to clinical treatment facilities.

    From no later than February 2020 to December 2020, Moore conspired with addiction treatment facility owners to broker patients to the facilities for drug addiction treatment services. Moore knew the facilities would bill the referred patients’ private health insurance plans for the treatment services and then pay Moore a share of the resulting insurance proceeds as kickback payments.

    Over the course of his time working as a body broker, Moore was paid nearly $500,000 in kickbacks from the facilities.

    While free on bond in the “body brokering” criminal case, Moore violated his pretrial release conditions on several occasions, including in May 2023 when he sold two firearms and a drum magazine to buyers. In September 2023, a federal grand jury in the Western District of North Carolina charged him with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. After the North Carolina federal case was transferred to this district, Moore pleaded guilty in Los Angeles on February 14 to that count.

    Moore has been in federal custody since August 2023.

    The FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter with assistance from the California Department of Insurance.

    Assistant United States Attorney Nandor F.R. Kiss of the Orange County Office and Trial Attorney Siobhan M. Namazi of the Fraud Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: KC Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Fentanyl Conspiracy

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

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

    Colt Justin Draggoo, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to five years in federal prison without parole.

    On September 12, 2024, C. Draggoo plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

    C. Draggoo admitted that he sold fentanyl pills and collected drug money for his brother and co-defendant, Tiger Dean Draggoo. Between December 29, 2021, and October 22, 2022, C. Draggoo either brokered or sold approximately 263 pills containing fentanyl on behalf of his brother.

    C. Draggoo is the third defendant in this case to be sentenced. On Oct. 16, 2024, Tiger Dean Draggoo plead guilty to his role in the fentanyl conspiracy and to three counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Three additional defendants have plead guilty and await sentencing.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Raymore, Mo., Police Department, the Cass County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fugitive Captured After Brockton Shootout

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant arrested after two-month search following a house party shootout that was captured on home surveillance system

    BOSTON – Early this morning, an indicted fugitive was apprehended in connection with his alleged participation in a violent shootout that left a female victim with a gunshot wound to her chest.

    Romeo Miller, 26, of Brockton, was arrested in Taunton on federal charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston Miller was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 5, 2025.

    In February 2025, Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury along with three other Brockton men in connection with the shootout, all of whom remain in custody: 

    1. Natalio Miranda, 33, charged with one count each of possession of a machinegun and being a felon in possession of ammunition; 
    2. Jonathan Alves, 28, charged with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition; and
    3. Jahleil Monteiro, 25, charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to Miller’s felon in possession charge.

    According to court filings, on June 2, 2024, at approximately 1:45 a.m., law enforcement responded to a “shots fired” call to a home in Brockton. Upon arrival, officers observed a large crowd outside the home and a 31-year-old female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and survived.

    It is alleged that numerous bullet casings were found scattered throughout the front yard and driveway of the Brockton residence. According to court documents, video footage obtained from the home’s surveillance system determined that a house party at the residence led to a physical altercation in the driveway and, allegedly, an exchange of gunfire between the victim and Miranda, Miller and Alves.

    Specifically, surveillance video allegedly captured Miranda as he discharged several bursts of ammunition from an automatic weapon in the front yard of the residence before leaving the scene. Miller and Alves are also allegedly seen firing towards the victim from the driveway. It is further alleged that Miller is later seen on the footage crossing the street to hide behind a parked car, where he shot the victim in the chest. Surveillance video then allegedly captured Miller returning to the driveway, where he passed his firearm off to Monteiro, before the two drove away in separate parked cars.

    According to court records, at the time of the shooting, Miranda was on federal supervised release for his fentanyl distribution conspiracy conviction and has a prior state conviction for cocaine distribution. Additionally, at the time of the shooting, Miller and Monteiro were on probation for prior state convictions for unlawfully possessing a firearm, possessing a high capacity feeding device, assault and battery on a police officer and/or fentanyl distribution. Alves has a prior state conviction of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

    The charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition each provide for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being an accessory after the fact to a felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to half the maximum punishment for the underlying offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Division; Brian A. Kyes, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda I. Perez made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Five in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy that Used Semi-Trucks to Transport Liquid Meth from Mexico to Oklahoma

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    18 Now Convicted as Part of Drug Trafficking Organization Responsible for Approximately 16,000 Kilos of Methamphetamine with Estimated Street Value of $64,000,000

    OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted JUAN HERNANDEZ, 49, a Mexican-national living in Oklahoma City, JESSICA MUNIZ, 32, of Oklahoma City, and DENIS LEAL GUTIERREZ, 59, CESAR AZAMAR, 52, and ADRIAN NARVAEZ, 58, of Texas, for their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that specialized in transporting liquid methamphetamine by semi-truck from Mexico, through Texas, to Oklahoma City, and laundering the subsequent drug proceeds, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    “Coordinating their drug trafficking scheme across international borders and state lines, these defendants flooded our state with methamphetamine worth millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “I praise the exceptional work of the federal and state law enforcement, and the federal prosecutors, for untangling and disrupting this major drug operation and for stopping its flow of lethal drugs into our communities.”

    “This multi-year collaboration among the FBI, DEA, IRS, Oklahoma City Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has effectively dismantled a major drug trafficking organization that had been poisoning our community with deadly narcotics for years,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Together, we will continue to ensure those who participate in these dangerous criminal networks face the full weight of the American justice system.”

    On December 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a 16-count Second Superseding Indictment, charging the defendants for their respective roles in the DTO. The Second Superseding Indictment charged Gutierrez, Azamar, and Narvaez with drug conspiracy, Muniz with money laundering conspiracy, two counts of domestic money laundering, and five counts of international money laundering, and Hernandez with money laundering conspiracy, three counts of domestic money laundering, and three counts of international money laundering.

    On April 18, 2025, following a nine-day trial, a federal jury convicted the defendants on all counts.

    According to evidence presented at trial, the defendants and other co-conspirators worked with high-ranking members of a Mexico-based DTO to import liquid methamphetamine into the U.S. hidden in the gas tanks of semi-trucks. Gutierrez’s trucking company, DGC Express Co., had been responsible for transporting shipments of liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma as far back as February 2021. Another trucking company owned by Gutierrez, Dare Express Co., assumed responsibility for transporting the liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma and Georgia starting in at least May of 2023.  Evidence at trial further showed that Azamar was responsible for facilitating the transfer of the liquid methamphetamine from the Mexico-based semi-truck into the Dare Express semi-truck, which first occurred at a property rented by Gutierrez in Alamo, Texas, and later at the main business location of Dare Express in Edinburg, Texas. The Dare Express semi-truck used throughout 2023 to deliver liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma and Georgia was registered under Narvaez’s name, and both Gutierrez and Narvaez instructed the truck drivers to deliver this liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma and elsewhere.

    At trial, evidence also established that law enforcement seized significant amounts of methamphetamine during the investigation, including:

    • 907 kilograms on March 3, 2021, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma;
    • 92 kilograms on September 6, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
    • 615 kilograms on December 8, 2023, in Wellston, Oklahoma;
    • 42 kilograms on April 1, 2024, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma; and
    • 86 kilograms on April 2, 2024, in Newalla, Oklahoma.

    There was also evidence presented at trial about the DTO’s money laundering activities. A high-ranking member of this DTO in Mexico directed family members in Oklahoma, specifically his brother, Hernandez, and his niece, Muniz, to launder drug proceeds on his behalf. Testimony and other evidence, including court documents, CashApp records, international wire remitter service records, and records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Oklahoma Department of Corrections, also established that this DTO supplied Oklahoma prison gangs with methamphetamine, specifically the Irish Mob Gang, the Universal Aryan Brotherhood, and the Sureños. These gang members or their associates then sent payments for methamphetamine disguised as CashApp payments to Hernandez and Muniz, who then wired the money to close associates of the DTO’s head in Mexico.

    At sentencing, Gutierrez, Azamar, and Narvaez each face up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000.  Following their convictions for money laundering conspiracy, domestic money laundering, and international money laundering, Hernandez and Muniz face up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $500,000 per charge.

    As part of the overall investigation and prosecution of this DTO, two additional defendants have previously been sentenced and 11 additional codefendants have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.  In total, law enforcement has attributed responsibility to this DTO for bringing approximately 16,000 kilograms of methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico at an estimated street value of $64,000,000.

    In November 2024:

    • EVER ALONSO PANDO, 47, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison, and three years of supervised release, for two counts of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and
    • HECTOR REYES, 43, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 90 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

    The remaining defendants have pleaded guilty as follows:

    • ADAN GARCIA MIRANDA, 29, of Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Miranda faces up to 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000,000;
    • JORGE RAUL VEGA GARCIA, 30, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Garcia faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
    • LUIS ALBERTO ROJAS PRECIADO, 28, of Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Preciado faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
    • JOSE ALFREDO EQUIHUA, 39, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Equihua faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
    • EDGAR RODRIGUEZ ONTIVEROS, 32, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Ontiveros faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
    • ADRIAN PEREZ, 39, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record shows that Perez has previous felony convictions that include being a felon in possession of a firearm in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2022-4831 and using a vehicle to facilitate the intentional discharge of a firearm in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2003-1656. At sentencing, Perez faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,250,000;
    • PHILLIP RAY HOWARD, 53, of Newalla, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record shows that Howard has previous felony convictions that include possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2005-878. At sentencing, Howard faces up to 40 years in prison for the conspiracy charge, 15 years in prison for the firearm possession charge, and fines of up to $5,250,000;
    • RAY DAVID LARA, JR., 44, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Perez faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,250,000;
    • HERIBERTO DONAN OCHOA, 33, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Ochoa faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
    • BRAULIO PADILLA, 50, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record reflects that Howard has several felony convictions, including for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a child under 12 and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in Oklahoma County District Court case numbers CF-2010-4880 and CF-2019-155, respectively. At sentencing, Padilla faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,250,000; and
    • MICHAEL J. ESTRADA, 36, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Estrada faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. This case is also 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 Force (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Federal Prison after Domestic Violence Call Leads to Illegal Firearm and Ammunition Possession Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – TRAYVEON RAMON CALDWELL, 34, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for illegal possession of ammunition and a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On July 2, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count Indictment against Caldwell, charging him with two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public record, on August 28, 2023, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to Caldwell’s home on a reported domestic violence incident. The victim told OCPD Caldwell threatened to kill her, attempted to choke her, struck her head, and fired a gun near her head inside the home. Officers searched the home, found a spent shell casing on Caldwell’s bed, and arrested Caldwell on domestic abuse allegations. That same day, OCPD executed a search warrant on Caldwell’s home following two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from the house. During the search, OCPD seized a handgun and several live rounds of ammunition.

    On December 12, 2024, Caldwell pleaded guilty to the Indictment, and admitted he possessed a firearm, spent shell casing, and other live rounds of ammunition despite his previous felony convictions.

    At the sentencing hearing on April 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Caldwell to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the violent circumstances surrounding the offense and Caldwell’s criminal history. Public record reflects that Caldwell has felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of drug proceeds, and possession of an offensive weapon while committing a felony in case number CF-2011-331, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in case number CF-2012-4320.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement have learned since the program’s launch in 2001. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Dubuque, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.  Juan Jose Ruiz, age 29, from California, was convicted of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine.   

    In a plea agreement, Ruiz admitted that between January 2021 and December 2021, he agreed with others to distribute methamphetamine.  On December 14, 2021, in Clear Creek County, Colorado, law enforcement officers stopped Ruiz as he was driving to Dubuque.  Officers found over 25 pounds of ice methamphetamine in his car.  Ruiz intended to distribute the methamphetamine to a co-conspirator in Dubuque.   

    Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Ruiz remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Ruiz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a $10,000,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory.

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 23-CR-1006.  

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard offloads more than $214 million worth of illegal cocaine in San Diego

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    04/24/2025 05:33 PM EDT

    SAN DIEGO — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) offloaded approximately 18,898 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of more than $214.3 million, on Thursday in San Diego.  

    For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Butte County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of a Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Kevin Leslie Gipson, 58, of Oroville, pleaded guilty today to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in July 2024 Gipson communicated with an individual he believed to be the father of a 10-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover officer. Gipson communicated his desire to perform sex acts on the child and planned to meet the undercover officer and child at a hotel room to do so. Gipson purchased various sex items in preparation for the meeting and bought a stuffed animal with the intent to provide the stuffed animal to the child. When Gipson approached the undercover officer with the stuffed animal, he was arrested by law enforcement officers.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Delaney is prosecuting the case.

    Gipson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on Feb. 5, 2026. Gipson faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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

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