NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eurojust hosts Victims’ Rights Symposium under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

    Source: Eurojust

    Over 70 judicial practitioners coming from 28 countries gathered at Eurojust for the second symposium on victims’ rights. The event brought together practitioners and representatives from national and EU bodies over two days to exchange best practices and discuss the challenges associated to victims’ rights in cross-border cases. Focussed discussions on victims of trafficking in human beings, terrorism, migrant smuggling and online investment frauds allowed for the identification of specific challenges and best practices to overcome them.

    Without a proper identification of victims, their rights to information, support and compensation are significantly undermined. Eurojust set up its Victims’ Rights Working Group to bring together the Agency’s expertise in this field. Eurojust is uniquely positioned to facilitate information exchange on victims and help prevent and solve conflicts of jurisdiction while finding concrete solutions for victims across the European Union, such as ensuring their right to compensation.

    In this year’s edition, practitioners shared their experience in relation to securing the identification and the buy-in of key victims to build solid investigations. They also acknowledged that victims of cyber-enabled crimes are specifically hard to identify due to the complexity of such cases which typically involve multiple jurisdictions. Techniques to minimise the risk of secondary victimisation were also presented by support services along with testimonials of victims. Minimising the risk of crime under-reporting was emphasised by proactively supporting victims, facilitating their reporting and ease of access is pivotal, through for example designated portals.

    Best practices to incentivise victims to come forward, report crimes and contribute to prosecutions and investigations were presented. The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), and representatives of the European Commission contributed towards how the identification of victims can be fostered at an EU level, ensuring victims’ fundamental right to access justice. Finally, a joint report recently published by the EIGE and Eurojust on the European Protection Order was presented. The European Protection Order is a unique judicial cooperation instrument aimed at ensuring cross-border protection of victims in the EU.

    The Victims’ Rights Symposium reinforces Eurojust’s commitment to enshrine victims’ rights in its operational and strategic work. Eurojust plans to complement this year’s edition with a Symposium dedicated to procedural rights of victims in 2026 and the right to compensation of victims in 2027.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: 16 charged in sweeping Houston-based multimillion-dollar illegal gambling and money laundering conspiracy

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

    “Operation Double Down” leads to seizure of over $16 million in currency, accounts, and assets, as well as arrest of illegal aliens

    HOUSTON – Several Houston-area residents are now in custody on various charges including conspiracy, operating illegal game rooms, bribery and money laundering in one of the largest ever law enforcement operations in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m.

    In addition to those indicted in the scheme, authorities also arrested 31 illegal aliens on various immigration and firearms charges during the operation April 2. One of those included an illegal alien who allegedly assaulted a law enforcement officer.

    The indictment, returned March 26 and unsealed upon the arrests, alleges Nizar Ali, 61, Richmond, and others allegedly conspired to own, operate or assist in the operation of illegal game rooms. All also conspired to conduct financial transactions to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the proceeds of the illegal gambling business, which totaled more than $22 million, according to the charges.

    More than 700 law enforcement officers from 18 agencies served a total of 45 search and 40 seizure warrants at locations throughout Houston and the surrounding area. The locations included 30 illegal game rooms with names such as El Portal and Yellow Building.

    During the operation, authorities recovered more than $4.5 million in cash as well as $5 million in property and vehicles, 2000 slot machines, 100 Rolex watches and eight firearms. Law enforcement also seized approximately $6.5 million from bank accounts and other financial institutions pursuant to the court-issued warrants.

    In addition to Ali, others taken into custody include Naeem Ali, 33, and Amer Khan, 68, both of Richmond; Ishan Dhuka, 33, and Sahil Karovalia, 32, both of Rosenberg; Sarfarez Maredia, 38, and Shoaib Maredia, 40, both of Sugar Land; Yolanda Figueroa, 40, Pasadena; Viviana Alvarado, 45, LaPorte; and Anabel Eloisa Guevarra, 46, Precela Solis, 27, Maria Delarosa, 53, Claudia Calderon, 37, and Lucia Hernandez, 34, all of Houston.

    Two others – Sayed Ali, 59, Richmond, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, Houston – are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests.

    All are charged with conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business and interstate travel in aid of racketeering which each carry possible prison terms of five years as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering which has a maximum 20-year possible prison term.

    Ali is also charged with 32 counts of federal program bribery for allegedly paying more than $500,000 to an undercover officer in an attempt to protect the illicit game rooms from law enforcement intervention. If convicted, he faces up to 10 more years in prison on each count.

    With the exception of the money laundering charge which has the possibility of a $500,000 maximum fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) led the investigation along with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) and the assistance of Houston Police Department (HPD); FBI; High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program; Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct One; Harris County District Attorney’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Drug Enforcement Administration. Other agencies providing support include ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery Counties, Houston Fire Department, Texas Attorney General’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and police departments in Baytown and Pasadena.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre, John Marck and Carolyn Ferko are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Fyffe and Tyler Foster are handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Drug Dealer Who Sold Fatal Dose of Cocaine to U.S. Marine Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Rayshaun Ducos, 27, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 144 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Ducos pled guilty to these charges on December 11, 2024.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Ducos admitted he sold cocaine to a 25-yearold active-duty United States Marine, who later fatally overdosed on it. Ducos also admitted that, just days after the Marine’s death, as law enforcement attempted to execute a federal search warrant at his Waikiki residence, he flushed cocaine down the toilet in an attempt to obstruct the investigation. At the time of his arrest, Ducos possessed two privately made firearms—a loaded 9mm pistol and a 5.56mm caliber AR pistol—also known as “ghost guns.” Ducos admitted he possessed these firearms in connection with his cocaine trafficking. Investigators also recovered a drum magazine capable of holding 100 rounds of ammunition, almost 300 rounds of ammunition, over $30,000 in U.S. currency, and cocaine.

    At sentencing, Judge Seabright imposed an upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range, finding that a “young individual who died from the cocaine,” Ducos’s possession of two “ghost guns,” and his obstructive conduct were aggravating factors.

    “This case demonstrates that drug trafficking is not a victimless crime,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “A young man is dead because of Mr. Ducos’s actions. Selling drugs endangers lives. Doing so while armed makes an already deadly trade even more dangerous and puts the general public at significant risk from the violence that is endemic to the illegal drug trade. We will prosecute armed drug dealers aggressively because there is no place for them in Hawaii.”

    The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara D. Ayabe and Thomas Muehleck prosecuted the case.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Emory S. Land departs Darwin

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    DARWIN, Northern Territory, Australia (April 2, 2025) — The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) departed Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, following a routine port visit, April 2, 2025. During the visit, Emory S. Land provided logistical support to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: USAF and RAAF integrate at Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    VICTORIA, Australia — The United States Air Force participated in the 2025 Avalon Australian International Airshow during the last week of March, reinforcing the longstanding alliance between the two nations and offering members of the public the opportunity to enjoy aerial displays and engage with service members during the southern hemisphere’s largest airshow and aerospace and defense exposition.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairbanks man pleads guilty to distributing fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The defendant is one of over 60 charged in large-scale drug trafficking ring targeting Alaska.

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Fairbanks man pleaded guilty today to distributing fentanyl to a local man resulting in his death.

    According to court documents, beginning in May 2022 and continuing to July 2022, Edward Ginnis, 39, agreed with co-conspirators to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in the Fairbanks area. Specifically, Ginnis would distribute controlled substances to a co-conspirator, who then would sell the substances to others.

    Sometime before June 26, 2022, pursuant to this conspiracy, Ginnis supplied controlled substances for redistribution to a co-defendant. The controlled substances looked like heroin but contained fentanyl. On June 26, 2022, a Fairbanks man purchased some of the fentanyl originating from Ginnis. The man used the fentanyl and died of an overdose.

    On July 14, 2022, Ginnis was arrested in Fairbanks in possession of fentanyl that he intended to distribute to others in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

    Ginnis is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

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

    The Drug Enforcement Administration and Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Stephan Collins and Chris Schroeder from the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard commissions Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158) in Kodiak, Alaska

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard commissioned its newest cutter, Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158) for official entry into its service fleet during a ceremony held in Kodiak, Thursday. The ceremony was presided over by Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District. Members of the Witherspoon family were also in attendance, including the cutter’s sponsor, Regina Nash, the daughter of John Witherspoon. The Witherspoon is the 58th Fast Response Cutter (FRC) in the service and the first of three FRCs scheduled to be homeported at Coast Guard Base Kodiak. The crew of the Witherspoon will primarily serve in and around the Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and North Pacific Ocean. The cutter is designed for missions such as search and rescue; fishery patrols; drug and migrant interdiction; national defense; and ports, waterways, and coastal security. The namesake for the cutter, Capt. John G. Witherspoon, enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1963 and commissioned as an ensign in 1971. During his career, Witherspoon rose to the rank of captain and served as the commanding officer on Coast Guard Cutters Mallow (WLB 396), Valiant (WMEC 621), and Dependable (WMEC 626). During his tenure, Witherspoon became the first African American to command a medium endurance cutter and the first African American officer to command both afloat and ashore units. He earned both the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal and two Coast Guard Commendation Medals during his career. In honor of his dedication to mentorship amongst Coast Guard personnel, the Coast Guard established the Captain John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award, which is given to one active duty officer and one reserve officer each year who demonstrate Witherspoon’s qualities of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. The Coast Guard has ordered a total of 65 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping. The commissioning ceremony is a traditional milestone in the life of a cutter that marks its entry into active service and represents the cutter’s readiness to conduct Coast Guard operations.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Career Criminal Sentenced To 21+ Years For Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Dequan Tyrie Paton, 33, of Asheville, was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release today for methamphetamine trafficking, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, and Chief Michael Lamb of the Asheville Police Department, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, between September and November 2023, Payton distributed approximately 156 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of fentanyl in the Asheville area. During the investigation, Payton sold over 50 grams of methamphetamine at least three times to a confidential informant working with the ATF and almost 4 grams of fentanyl to that same informant. On April 9, 2024, Asheville Police Department located and attempted to arrest Payton on federal charges. Payton took off running. While running from the officers, Payton tossed a bag from his pocket containing approximately 11 grams of cocaine.

    On August 19, 2024, Payton pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Court records indicate Payton has multiple state convictions in North Carolina for drug distribution. Because of these prior criminal convictions, Payton qualified for an increased sentence as a career offender.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the ATF, the DEA, and the Asheville Police Department for their investigation of the case.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Annabelle M. Chambers with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case. Ms. Chambers is a state prosecutor with the office of the 43rd Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Ashley Welch to serve as SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.  Ms. Chambers is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the office of the 43rd Prosecutorial District and the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA position helps ensure the effective and vigorous prosecution of federal court cases that impact the counties within the 43rd Prosecutorial District.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: San Fernando Valley Man Arrested for Allegedly Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material Tied to Online Violent Network Known as ‘764’

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging that he targeted children for sexual exploitation online as part of his role in an online violent network that seeks to accelerate social unrest and the downfall of the current world order.

    Jose Henry Ayala Casamiro, 28, was arrested by the FBI on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography. He made his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond and an April 22 arraignment date was scheduled in Los Angeles federal court.

    “The facts alleged in this complaint are disturbing,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Criminals lurk in the internet’s dark corners to prey on and do lasting damage to children. Let this arrest serve as notice to all online predators. We will find you and arrest you if you hurt children.”

    According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Ayala caused minors to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) as well as other video content depicting themselves engaging in self-harm as part of his participation in an online network known broadly as “764”, a network of nihilistic violent extremists who engage in criminal conduct, particularly targeting children for sexual exploitation online, to further the network’s goals of accelerating the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government. Members of 764 work in concert with one another towards a common purpose of destroying civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors.

    As part of the 764 network, Ayala allegedly was involved with an online group that blackmailed underage girls into creating child pornography videos depicting themselves engaging in degrading sadistic sexual acts, torture sessions, and carving their abusers’ initials or names on their bodies. The group also encouraged the female minors to commit suicide. As one example, the criminal complaint details a March 2020 photo in which an individual had cut the defendant’s name “Henry” into their right forearm. The complaint also outlines four videos that allegedly depict Ayala directing teen girls to engage in specific sexual acts. In February and March 2025, the complaint also alleges that Ayala participated in a new server created as a “grooming pool” targeting underage girls.

    The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Elbogen, of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section, and David Ryan, Chief of the National Security Division, are prosecuting this case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Eric C. Jackson, age 33, of San Diego, California, was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in prison for his role in a drug-trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine in Onondaga County and elsewhere in Central New York.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Jackson admitted that from approximately June 2020 through April 2021, he conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Central New York, which had been transported from California. Jackson admitted that he participated in the conspiracy by making travel arrangements for coconspirators to travel between New York and California, and by personally transporting narcotics proceeds in furtherance of the conspiracy. More specifically, Jackson admitted that he transported tens of thousands of dollars in narcotics proceeds, which he carried with him on flights from Syracuse to San Diego.

    United States Senior District Judge David N. Hurd also ordered Jackson to serve a 5-year term of supervised release to follow his release from prison.

    This case was investigated by DEA, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York State Police-Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (NYSP-VGNET), Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, Syracuse Police Department, Oklahoma City Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics, Firearm, and Immigration Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Juan Carlos Espinoza Lopez, 49, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 151 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and illegal reentry. Espinoza Lopez pled guilty to these charges on December 17, 2024.

    In his plea agreement, Espinoza Lopez admitted that he was a native and citizen of Mexico and had been removed from the United States on four occasions, mostly recently in 2022. He reentered the United States and traveled to Hawaii where he was apprehended in April 2024, while in Ocean View, Hawaii, at which time he possessed with the intent to distribute 176 grams of methamphetamine and 184 grams of heroin, as well as a Colt AR-15 rifle loaded with twenty-seven rounds of ammunition.

    At sentencing, Judge Watson explained that Espinoza Lopez’s drug dealing, which was poisoning the community, was aggravated by the defendant’s possession of a loaded firearm as well as his illegal presence in the United States. Judge Watson further noted Espinoza Lopez’s two prior felony convictions made it “difficult” to accept his statement of remorse. 

    “This prosecution and today’s lengthy sentence deliver the clear message that when you come to Hawaii as an illegal alien for the purpose of brazenly and repeatedly violating our nation’s laws, you will be federally prosecuted and sentenced to a long period of imprisonment,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will not tolerate those who exploit our borders, endanger our citizens, and profit from the addiction, misery, and violence that accompany the trafficking of drugs in our communities.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hawaii Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Passenger charged with sexual assault during flight from Montana to Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS –  A New Jersey man accused of sexual assault while flying from Bozeman, Montana to Dallas, Texas was charged this week, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla, 36, of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey, was charged in a one-count indictment with abusive sexual contact in special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, Shukla faces two years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.

    Shukla is scheduled to appear on April 17, 2025, for an arraignment.

    The indictment alleges that on January 26, 2025, on board an American Airlines flight from Bozeman to Dallas, Shukla engaged in sexual contact with another person without that other person’s permission.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, ICE and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Police conducted the investigation.

    The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    PACER case reference. 25-08.

    The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Alien Smuggler Admits Role in Fatal Crash Following High-Speed Pursuit

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Sergio Josue Palomera of Chula Vista pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he was transporting two undocumented immigrants who died when he crashed his car while fleeing U.S. Border Patrol at speeds exceeding 110 mph.

    Border Patrol agents using remote video surveillance saw Palomera loading the two aliens—a man and a woman—into his car near the U.S.–Mexico border in Otay Mesa on October 22, 2024. An agent responded to the location and saw the car traveling west on State Route 905. The agent activated his lights and sirens to pull the car over.

    According to his plea agreement, Palomera initially slowed down and began to move over onto a highway offramp, as if yielding to the Border Patrol agent’s attempt to pull him over. Palomera then quickly accelerated, drove through a red traffic light, and re-entered the highway in an attempt to flee. Palomera was traveling over 110 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone.

    Within about one minute, Palomera lost control of the car on State Route 905, and it rolled over. The smuggled woman was ejected from the car and died instantly. The smuggled man suffered a traumatic head injury and died later that evening in the hospital.

    Palomera’s sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett.

    DEFENDANT                                                           Case Number: 24cr2466                               

    Sergio Josue Palomera                                               Age: 23                       Chula Vista, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Transportation of Certain Aliens Resulting in Death – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and (B)(iv)

    Maximum penalty: Death or life in prison; $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    United States Border Patrol

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Business Owner Sentenced for Illegally Transporting and Selling Probable Carcinogen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Idrissa Bagayoko, 59, of New York, New York, to one year of supervised release with three months of home confinement and restitution in the amount of $5,640, for illegally transporting and selling an unregistered toxic pesticide, SNIPER DDVP.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Allison Landsman, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Special Agent in Charge Greg Thompson, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region; and Chief Carolyn Rogers, Elkton Police Department (EPD).

    In November 2024, after a four-day trial, a federal jury found Bagayoko guilty of recklessly transporting a dangerous probable carcinogen, the unregistered pesticide known as SNIPER DDVP, without proper documentation and knowingly selling SNIPER DDVP in Maryland.  Bagayoko was convicted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Hazardous Material Transportation Act.

    According to evidence presented at trial, on September 29, 2021, Bagayoko drove from New York to Maryland and sold two boxes of the unregistered pesticide SNIPER DDVP to an individual.  He was later stopped by police in Elkton, Maryland, with 18 additional boxes of SNIPER DDVP.  Bagayoko, who owns and operates Maliba Trading LLC, procured a total of 1,920 bottles of SNIPER DDVP and drove from New York to Maryland to sell the illegal pesticide.

    Laboratory testing revealed Bagayoko was transporting SNIPER DDVP containing the chemical dichlorvos, which has been classified by the federal government as a probable human carcinogen.  The defendant transported more than 330 pounds of dichlorvos, without requisite shipping papers, which are required to alert first responders that they are dealing with a toxic chemical compound and probable carcinogen, in the event of an accident.  He subsequently sold two boxes of this unregistered pesticide to a distributor in Takoma Park, Maryland.

    “Illegally transporting and selling an illegal pesticide that is a known probable carcinogen puts public health at serious risk,” Hayes said.  “The District of Maryland is committed to rooting out criminal actors that brazenly violate federal transportation and environmental laws while simultaneously putting Maryland’s first responders and residents in harm’s way.”

    “The defendant illegally distributed, sold and transported a toxic pesticide across state lines and lied to local police, claiming he was only transporting tea,” Landsman said.  “Today’s sentencing reflects the dangerous nature of illegal pesticides being transported and sold in the United States and the serious consequences that flagrant offenders face for this egregious conduct.”

    “Recklessly transporting hazardous materials without proper documentation as required by federal regulations is illegal and poses a danger to the traveling public,” Thompson said. “Together with our federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to pursue individuals and companies that circumvent laws designed to safely move goods and products throughout the United States.”

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the EPA, DOT-OIG, and EPD for their help with the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Phillips and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kertisha Dixon and David Lastra who prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Man Charged with Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant is a Level 3 sex offender previously convicted of sodomy and assault with intent to rape upon a minor under the age of 12

    BOSTON – An Avon, Mass. man, formerly of Boston, has been arrested and charged for failing to register as a sex offender.

    Adrian Martinez, 56, was charged with one count of failing to register as a sex offender. Martinez was arrested today and was ordered detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon.

    According to the charging documents, Martinez is a Level 3 sex offender as a result of the following prior convictions from when he served in United States Navy in April 1998: committing sodomy with a person under the age of 12; four counts of taking indecent liberties upon the body of a female under 12 years of age; and assault with intent to rape upon a person under the age of 12.

    Martinez was sentenced to 40 years in prison for these convictions, of which he served approximately 11 years before being released from federal custody in February 2009. Upon his release, Martinez was required to register as a sex offender and update his registration any time he moved or changed employment. It is alleged that, at some point after Sept. 30, 2022, Martinez moved out of his Boston residence and did not contact law enforcement of his change in registered address. A subsequent investigation allegedly revealed that Martinez had moved to a new residence in Avon.

    The charge of failing to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 and Brian A. Kyes, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit and the Office’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator is prosecuting the case.

    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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Billings man pleads guilty to drug charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine   admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Dustin James Massey, 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Massey faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.

    U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for August 1, 2025, and Massey was detained pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that on September 20, 2023, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation learned from a source that Dustin Massey was selling drugs in Billings and was known to have guns. Agents learned Massey was on federal supervision due to a prior federal conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

    On September 21, 2023, United States Probation officers, along with agents from the Montana DCI, attempted to conduct a probation search at Massey’s residence. Law enforcement went to Massey’s residence and knocked on the door, announcing their presence. Massey did not respond, and law enforcement breached the door of the residence. In response, Massey shot at officers forcing officers to return fire, eventually shooting Massey. Officers disarmed Massey and noted the firearm he had been using was a Sig Sauer with an extended magazine.

    Agents searched the residence pursuant to a search warrant. Agents seized approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, more than 12,000 fentanyl pills, and 49.4 grams of cocaine. Agents also seized three firearms: a Sig Sauer, model P320, 9×19 mm pistol, a Taurus, model G3, 9x19mm pistol, and a North American Arms, Model NAA-22LR, .22 caliber revolver.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. ATF and Montana DCI conducted the investigation.

    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 https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Hyannis Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Gun and Drug Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Hyannis man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  

    Timothy Lee Galvin, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 97 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In December 2024, Galvin pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Galvin was indicted in August 2023.

    On or about June 2, 2023 in Barnstable, Galvin was arrested for possession of approximately six grams of fentanyl and three rounds of 9mm ammunition in his pocket. In addition, a privately made.45 caliber pistol, 11 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition and 47 rounds of 9mm ammunition were found in a backpack.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Tolkoff of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

    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 gun violence and other violent crime, 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Independence Woman Charged with Defrauding an Elderly Victim of over $1,000,000

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, MO, woman was arrested today following a five-count indictment by a federal grand jury charging her with defrauding an elderly victim of over $1 million dollars.

    Amanda Sargent, 35, was charged in a five-count indictment on March 26, 2025, which was unsealed following her arrest today.  The indictment alleges that Sargent defrauded an elderly victim she met on Facebook. Sargent made false claims to the victim and received over $1,000,000 over a nearly two-year period.   

    The Platte County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by an elderly woman who reported that she believed herself to be a victim of fraud by Sargent. The woman met Sargent in a Facebook group that connected those experiencing homelessness to helpful resources in the Kansas City area. In late 2021, Sargent posted a request to this group seeking help to pay for car repairs and the woman responded by sending a small amount of money. Over the next nearly two years, Sargent made false claims that she needed help paying medical bills for her and her children, rent, utilities, and even assistance paying for a kidney transplant. The victim believed she was helping a young family in need and sent Sargent over $1,000,000 from late 2021 until mid-2023. Sargent’s claims were false, and she withdrew all the donations in cash for her own use.   

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

    Under federal statutes, if convicted, Sargent faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Hanson. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Portage Man Sentenced to 12 Years as Organizer of Statewide Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Angel Flores, 31, Portage, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 12 years in federal prison for attempting to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine for distribution. Flores pleaded guilty to this charge on December 18, 2024.  Juan Ojeda, 31, West Allis, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Peterson to one year in federal prison for possessing cocaine intended for distribution. Ojeda pleaded guilty to this charge on December 16, 2024.

    In late 2022, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a large cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in the Western District of Wisconsin. During the investigation, agents intercepted communications between Flores and his California supplier of cocaine and methamphetamine. Investigators determined that Flores was obtaining multiple kilograms of cocaine and large amounts of methamphetamine and selling it throughout the Western District of Wisconsin, including Madison, Portage, and La Crosse.

    In January 2023, co-defendant Juan Ojeda travelled to Chicago at the direction of Flores to meet with a courier sent by the California supplier. Ojeda received 12 kilograms of cocaine in that meeting and transported it back to Wisconsin. In February 2023, intercepted phone communications resulted in the interception of a load of cocaine as it travelled through Arizona on its way to Illinois, where Flores arranged to receive three kilograms from the shipment.

    In sentencing Flores, Judge Peterson expressed concern about the large quantity and geographic scope of the trafficking organization led by Flores, observing that he brought multiple kilograms of cocaine into Wisconsin on a continuing basis over a long period of time, with distribution spanning nearly two-thirds of the state. Judge Peterson indicated that the 12-year sentence for Flores’s leadership role in “some of the highest level of dealing in this district” was intended to convey that drug trafficking in this volume will not be tolerated.

    In sentencing Ojeda, Judge Peterson imposed a one-year sentence after observing that Ojeda had a limited role in the trafficking organization, no significant criminal history, and withdrawn from participation in the organization before police intervened.

    In March 2025, Judge Peterson sentenced four other defendants for their roles in aiding Flores’s drug trafficking organization. Judge Peterson sentenced Braulio Martinez-Salazar to 3 years; Luis Angel Rios to 9 years; David Junius to 7 years; and Justin Purdy to 8 years.

    The charges in this case were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Anderson and William M. Levins prosecuted this case.

    The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Terrebonne Parish Man Guilty of Mailing Large Quantities of Methamphetamine from California to Louisiana

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TORREZ DRANE (“DRANE”), age 32, a resident of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on March 25, 2025, to possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A). 

    At his impending June 17, 2025 sentencing, DRANE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court records, DRANE made several trips to California, purchased large amounts of methamphetamine, and shipped the drugs back to the Eastern District of Louisiana by mail, so he could then re-distribute the drugs to individuals in South Louisiana.  Agents intercepted one of these packages that contained over 8,800 grams of pure methamphetamine.

    The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Houma Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Offices.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Over 4 Years for Cocaine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Eli Torres-Banos, 37, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 51 months in federal prison for possessing 5 kilograms or more of cocaine intended for distribution. Torres-Banos pleaded guilty to this charge on January 14, 2025.

    In late November 2023, Torres-Banos was indicted for illegally reentering the United States after deportation or removal, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On December 6, 2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials arrested Torres-Banos in Ixonia, Wisconsin. Torres-Banos was in a car parked next to a blue Ford Explorer. During the transfer process to the U.S. Marshals that same day, Torres-Banos was allowed to make a phone call to a person he identified as his wife. During the call, an ICE agent overheard Torres-Banos tell the person in Spanish that drugs were in the trunk of a vehicle. The ICE agent immediately notified authorities in Jefferson County. Jefferson County Drug Task Force officers had observed Torres-Banos driving the blue Ford Explorer the day prior. Officers then searched the Explorer and found approximately 8 ½ kilograms of cocaine.

    On June 4, 2024, Judge Peterson sentenced Torres-Banos to one year in federal prison on his conviction for illegal reentry.

    At sentencing on the cocaine trafficking charge, Judge Peterson said this was a serious drug crime, involving a large quantity of cocaine, which arose from his arrest for another crime. Judge Peterson noted that Torres-Banos’ criminal history, which included a prior federal conviction for cocaine trafficking, was quite aggravating. However, Judge Peterson also recognized that Torres-Banos had already served a 12-month sentence on his illegal reentry conviction.

    The charges against Torres-Banos were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, ICE, Jefferson County Drug Task Force, and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Steven C. Ayala prosecuted this case. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Previously Deported Six Times Convicted of Illegal Possession of a Firearm After Confrontation in Downtown Shreveport

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

    Shreveport, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a federal jury in Shreveport returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Jose Ismael Ramirez-Gonzalez, 37, of Mexico for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal re-entry into the United States after being removed. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the trial. It took less than an hour for the jury to find Ramirez-Gonzalez guilty of the crimes.

    According to evidence presented at trial, on August 4, 2024, Shreveport police officers responded to a 911 call in the 400 block of Commerce Street in downtown Shreveport regarding an armed, Hispanic male. The Hispanic male was determined to be Ramirez-Gonzalez, who was intoxicated and earlier had pointed a loaded Ruger pistol at a woman over an apparent confrontation about parking. Officers arrested Ramirez-Gonzalez for driving under the influence of alcohol and having no driver’s license.

    Evidence at trial also established that Ramirez-Gonzalez is a citizen of Mexico and was illegally present in the United States after being deported on six prior occasions between 2008 and 2018.

    “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safe for all of our citizens.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This conviction should send a clear message that anyone in the United States illegally who chooses to violate our laws will be prosecuted to the maximum extent.”

    Ramirez-Gonzalez faces a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms conviction. He also faces up to two years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States.

    “Getting guns out of the hands of criminals is an essential element of the fight against violent crime and securing our neighborhoods,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed today sends a message to the community that illegal aliens possessing firearms will be held accountable as we work to keep our neighborhoods safe as a top priority to ensure public safety for ATF.”

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Enforcement & Removal Operations), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Shreveport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cheyenne Y. Wilson and Allison L. Duncan.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Hampshire Man Charged with Discharging a Firearm During Assault on a Federal Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on April 3, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging  Douglas Reynolds, 37, of New Hampshire, with using a firearm to assault a federal officer and discharging the firearm during the assault. Reynolds was previously charged with other firearm-related charges and those charges remain pending.

    Reynolds’s arraignment on the second superseding indictment has not yet been scheduled. He is being held in custody during these proceedings.

    According to court records, on October 24, 2024, Reynolds led law enforcement on a car chase that started in New Hampshire and ended near Ryegate, Vermont. The pursuit reached speeds of at least 100 miles per hour. At the end of the chase, Reynolds pointed a firearm out of his car and fired a shot. Law enforcement returned fire and then apprehended Reynolds.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Reynolds is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Reynolds faces up to a lifetime of imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and the Vermont State Police.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Reynolds is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Carmen Brooks.

    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).

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tulsan Sentenced for Possessing 100s of Images and Videos Containing the Sexual Abuse of Children

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced today for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

    U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Joseph Gunther Sampson, 31, to 121 months followed by 15 years of supervised release. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Upon release, Sampson will be required to register as a sex offender. Restitution will be heard at a later date.

    In a separate child pornography investigation, the FBI discovered messages between another individual and Sampson discussing minor children for sexual purposes. When the FBI interviewed Sampson in August 2024, he allowed law enforcement to search his phone. Even though he stated his phone was new, the FBI discovered multiple images that contained Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). When confronted about the CSAM, Sampson admitted to having viewed child pornography for the past five years. He further admitted to receiving and sharing CSAM through an application on his phone.

    When the FBI searched Sampson’s home, they found three more electronic devices. The forensic analysis revealed that between December 2023 and August 2024, Sampson possessed 100s of images and videos containing CSAM. Multiple videos depict minors under the age of 12.

    The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Since its inception in 1998, the NCMEC’s CyberTipline has received more than 195 million reports. The Child Victim Identification Program began in 2002 and has reviewed more than 425 million CSAM images or videos and helped identify more than 30,000 victims.

    NCMEC assisted in this case by analyzing the images found by investigators to identify known and unknown child sexual assault victims. The FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler prosecuted the case.

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fayette County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – Bryson J. England, 43, of Oak Hill, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 2, 2024, England was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement officers in the Beckley area of Raleigh County. During the vehicle stop, officers conducted a pat-down search of England and found a loaded Armscor of the Philippines model M1911-AU FS .45-caliber pistol on his person. Officers also searched the vehicle and found an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle on the passenger side.

    Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. England knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for unlawful wounding in Kanawha County Circuit Court on January 6, 2003.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Virginia State Police.

    Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.

    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.

    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. 5:24-cr-138.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Corpus Christi resident gets 20 years for distributing child sexual abuse material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 23-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison for trading images and videos containing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Pete Frank pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered Frank to serve 240 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including online conversations he had which detailed his past sexual assaults of a young family member. Frank must also serve 25 years of supervised release, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Frank will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

    On April 14, 2020, authorities discovered an internet user accessing files depicting child sexual assault material (CSAM). Further investigation led them to Frank.

    They conducted a search and found his cell phone.  

    Forensic examination of the device revealed Frank had been engaging in online conversations with individuals interested in CSAM. Frank participated in these conversations, seeking to trade images and videos with other individuals. Frank also discussed with others different strategies to engage in sexual activities with minors.

    He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    “Those that possess and trade CSAM indirectly contribute to the production of that terrible material, and so punishing possession helps to diminish demand,” said Ganjei. “The 20-year sentence in this case should serve as a warning to those who would otherwise seek out CSAM.”

    The Corpus Christi Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Multiple Defendants Indicted On Federal Drug And Gun Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Asheville has returned multiple indictments, charging several individuals with criminal charges that include unlawful firearm possession, straw purchasing of firearms, and trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    “Protecting our communities from drugs and guns is one of the Justice Department’s core missions,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Through Operation Take Back America we are stepping up our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our communities, eliminate drugs in our neighborhoods, and make sure our streets are safer for everyone.”

    Bryan Austin Herron, 23, of Marshall, N.C., was indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2024, Herron unlawfully possessed a RugerEC9S 9mm handgun knowing he had prior felony convictions, including attempt to traffic methamphetamine.

    John Quentin London, 39, of Hendersonville, N.C., is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of two firearms: a Smith and Wesson, model 649, .38 caliber revolver, and a Smith and Wesson, model SD9, 9mm pistol.

    Jason Mills, 46, of Hendersonville, is charged with multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Mills trafficked fentanyl and methamphetamine in Henderson and Buncombe Counties between January and February 2024.

    Christopher O’Brien Moore, 30, of Shelby, North Carolina, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that, on June 6, 2024, Moore, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a federal racketeering conspiracy and multiple state felonies, unlawfully possessed a Glock, model 22, .40 caliber pistol and ammunition.

    Dontavis Raheem Pressley, 36, of Shelby, N.C., is charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that, on August 13, 2024, Pressley possessed a Glock model 43, 9mm caliber pistol, knowing he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Tia Marche Ray, 33, of Asheville, is charged with five counts of straw purchasing firearms. The indictment alleges that between July 12, 2020, and August 3, 2022, Ray acquired six firearms from multiple dealers in Buncombe County, by making false statements in connection with the acquisition of the firearms, falsely representing that she was the actual buyer of the firearms.

    The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office; the Burke County Sheriff’s Office; the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office; the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; and the Asheville Police Department for their respective investigations that led to the charges.

    The cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.

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

     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno County Resident Charged with Federal Gun and Drug Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today against David Joseph Yama, 41, of Reedley, adding charges of possession of alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) with intent to distribute, three counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition, and one count of carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    Yama continues to be charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl as charged in the original indictment.

    According to court documents, on Sept. 1, 2020, police officers went to a gas station in Clovis after a report of suspicious activity and contacted Yama and two associates. A search of the car that Yama had been driving uncovered a large amount of cash, ammunition, plastic baggies, vials containing fentanyl, more than 200 fentanyl pills, and more than 100 alprazolam pills. A search of Yama’s residence on the same day revealed additional controlled substances and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Several months later, in January 2021, Yama was stopped driving the same car. A search of the car resulted in the seizure of more alprazolam pills, ammunition, and a ghost gun. Prior to September 2020, Yama had been convicted of five felony drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team, a multi-agency team composed of the DEA and the Homeland Security Investigations, the California Department of Justice, and the Clovis, Reedley and Fresno Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Karen A. Escobar are prosecuting the case.

    If convicted on the drug-trafficking counts, Yama faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for each count. For the count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug offense, he faces a mandatory, consecutive five-year penalty and a maximum of up to life in prison. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.

    This case is also 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: Ecuadorian National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Entering the US After a Prior Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Maine: An Ecuadorian national pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to illegally entering the U.S. after a prior removal.

    According to court records, on February 4, 2025, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the FBI conducted surveillance at a South Portland residence. After observing William Ariel Tamay Guaman, 23, get into a van, agents followed Tamay Guaman and conducted a traffic stop. An ERO agent familiar with Tamay Guaman approached the driver and asked for their name. Tamay Guaman provided a false name and was directed to step out of the vehicle. After briefly fleeing on foot and resisting arrest, he was taken into custody. He was positively ID’d by fingerprints.

    Tamay Guaman, who entered the country in or before 2019, was charged in the Cumberland County Unified Criminal Docket in March 2023 with two counts of reckless conduct involving a minor for offenses that occurred between 2020 and 2021. He was convicted and sentenced to 364 days of imprisonment on one count, to be followed by an additional, fully suspended 364 days and probation. In a separate proceeding, an immigration judge ordered Tamay Guaman to be removed from the United States, and he was deported in September 2023.

    Tamay Guaman faces a maximum prison term of two years and a fine up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    ICE-ERO investigated the case with assistance from the FBI.

    Operation Take Back America: 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Vice Chairman of Smyth County School Board Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ABINGDON, Va. – The former Vice Chairman of the Smyth County School Board pled guilty today to using at least six minor, male victims to produce child pornography.

    Todd  Stewart Williams, 54, of Chilhowie, Virginia, pled guilty today to four counts of persuading, inducing, enticing, and coercing and attempting to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce one or more minors to engage in any sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct, in interstate commerce.

    “The Internet has expanded the manner in which young people can be targeted by those looking to exploit them,” Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said today. “Importantly, this case demonstrates that even those who are entrusted by our communities to oversee the welfare of our children may harbor intentions to exploit them, and for that reason we must be ever vigilant and responsive when our young people report abuse. I am thankful to the FBI both in Virginia and elsewhere for their diligence in bringing this case to justice.”

    “There is no place in our communities for someone who manipulates and abuses children, especially by someone in a position of influence. In addition to committing numerous reprehensible acts against minors, Williams betrayed the trust of parents in Smyth County where he was elected to oversee the education and well-being of students,” said Stanley Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division. “The FBI Richmond team stands with parents and educators to protect our children and ensure justice is served for all who seek to harm them.”

    According to court documents, Williams’s criminal activity came to the attention of law enforcement in September 2022 when a 15-year-old teenager living in Oklahoma reported to the FBI that Williams, using the Snapchat username “todd_w3411” requested nude images and videos of him.

    During an interview with law enforcement, the teen told investigators he met Williams in a Snapchat group intended for gay teenage males. Soon after they began chatting, Williams reached out to the teen and offered to make in-app purchases in an online video game in exchange for nude pictures of the teen.

    The FBI’s investigation uncovered multiple instances of Williams’s exploitation of multiple minors.  In one instance, Williams used Snapchat to communicate with a then 12-year-old minor and offered to purchase items for an online game before eventually offering to buy nude pictures and videos from the boy.

    Between August 2022 and January 2024, Williams sent the young victim nearly $1,000 in exchange for nude images and videos.

    In January 2023, Williams met another teen on Snapchat and paid the teen to take pictures and videos of him sexually abusing his younger stepbrother, who was 10-years-old at the time. As directed by Williams, the teen would approach his stepbrother in his bedroom at night and force his stepbrother to watch pornography and engage in sexual acts.

    Because the teen reached his $600 monthly limit on Cash App transactions, Williams mailed him a debit card hidden inside a pair of shoes to ensure he was able to purchase his videos.

    In a six-month period, Williams paid over $3,500 for nude images and videos of the teen and his stepbrother.

    In yet another interaction with a young teenage boy on Snapchat, Williams paid over $3,000 in exchange for nude images and videos of him and his teenage boyfriend.

    In all, Williams spent more than $10,000 buying nude images from at least six underage male victims.

    At sentencing, Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of up to fifteen years in prison and up to thirty years.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.

    The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/. 

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