NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Placer County Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Randy Anger, 57, of Carnelian Bay, was sentenced today to five years in prison and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution and $10,200 in special assessments for distribution and receipt of child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in May 2021, Anger distributed and received child sexual abuse material on the Kik Messenger app while communicating with Brent Hooton. Hooton was separately charged and convicted in the Eastern District of California with production and distribution of child pornography and was sentenced to 27 years in prison. In November 2021, Anger also received several images of child sexual abuse material on the Wickr app.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance by Homeland Security Investigations and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute 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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  • MIL-OSI Security: FDC-SeaTac inmate who distributed heroin and fentanyl within the prison sentenced to 52 months in prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fentanyl provided by defendant caused two other inmates to suffer near-fatal fentanyl poisonings

    Seattle – A 37-year-old Tacoma, Washington resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to a total term of 52 months for providing drug contraband within a federal prison and 28 supervised release violations, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.  David A. McKean smuggled balloons of fentanyl and heroin into the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac (“FDC-SeaTac”) inside of his body, and distributed those drugs to other inmates in his unit.  Two of those inmates who received drugs from McKean suffered near-fatal fentanyl poisonings. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge John H. Chun labeled McKean’s conduct “a serious offense,” and noted that it is “critical that deadly drugs be kept out of penal institutions.”

    According to the plea agreement and other information filed in the case, McKean appeared at a September 8, 2023 supervised release hearing at the U.S. District Courthouse in Tacoma with heroin and fentanyl on his person.  He was ordered detained at FDC-SeaTac during that hearing and, at some point before his admission to the prison, swallowed balloons of drugs for purposes of smuggling them into the facility. 

    Shortly after his arrival at FDC-SeaTac, McKean began distributing the drugs to other inmates.  Two of those inmates who received fentanyl from McKean suffered fentanyl poisonings—one on the evening of September 9, 2023 and another the following morning.  The first overdose had to be reversed by life-saving interventions from other inmates and multiple doses of naloxone administered by Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff. The second overdose also had to be reversed by multiple doses of naloxone and hospitalization. BOP employees searched McKean’s cell after the overdoses, and found heroin, fentanyl, suboxone, and other suspected contraband inside McKean’s cell.

    McKean was also facing 28 admitted supervised release violations that arose during his supervision for a prior federal conviction.  At sentencing, the Court imposed a sentence of four months for the supervised release violations, plus 48 months for McKean’s guilty plea to providing contraband in prison, for a total sentence of 52 months in custody.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dane A. Westermeyer.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Huntington Man Sentenced for Federal Gun Crime

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

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Timothy Ryan Wolfe, 39, of Huntington, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation, including one year on home detention, for unlawfully engaging in the business of dealing firearms.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least April 30, 2024, through June 6, 2024, Wolfe engaged in the business of dealing in firearms without a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Wolfe advertised the sale of firearms on various social media platforms during this time. Wolfe admitted that he received requests from individuals for specific firearms that he purchased from FFL entities to sell to these individuals, and also purchased firearms without a specific buyer in mind with intent to sell them to other individuals. Wolfe further admitted that he is not licensed to deal in firearms and knew that he needed an FFL based on the quantity and regularity with which he was buying and selling firearms.

    Wolfe sold a total of 11 firearms to a confidential informant over the course of five transactions during this time period, each time at Wolfe’s residence. Wolfe admitted to these transactions and further admitted that they included the sale of two short-barrel rifles that were not registered to Wolfe in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law. Wolfe also admitted to purchasing and converting one of those firearms after the confidential informant requested a short-barrel rifle.

    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).

    United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor 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. 3:24-cr-160.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lowndes County Man Sentenced in OCDETF Illegal Gun Possession Case

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

    Oxford, MS – A Lowndes County man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possessing a firearm while being a previously convicted felon.

    According to court documents, John Alan Glover, Jr., of Columbus, Mississippi pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District to Mississippi to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Glover was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson on Monday to 60 months in prison for the illegal gun charge. He was further sentenced to three years supervised release following his release from prison.

    “We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner.

    “The illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons is often intertwined with other criminal activities, including drug trafficking,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw.  “The involvement of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in this case underscores our commitment to targeting the nexus between firearms and drug offenses to enhance public safety.”

    The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.

    This investigation and resulting case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.

    This case is also a 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas residents admit to smuggling $2 million in fentanyl from Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – Two people have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import 11.65 kilograms of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Taneka Desha Felder, 27, Amarillo, and Gustavo Morales Aguilar, 40, a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Dumas, admitted they traveled into Mexico Dec. 17, 2024. There, they allowed drug smugglers to load their car with 10 bundles of fentanyl powder in the car’s hidden compartment.

    They then attempted to enter the United States from Mexico at the Lincoln Juarez International Bridge.

    At secondary inspection, authorities discovered the bundles hidden in the specially-manufactured compartment under the center console. They admitted they bought the car a few days before traveling to Mexico for the specific purpose of smuggling drugs on their return trip. Both admitted that they expected to be paid after successful delivery of the car and drugs to other persons in Dallas.

    U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Felder and Morales Aguilar face up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

    Both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Money Launderers Charged

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Two federal grand jury indictments were unsealed in San Diego today against five alleged Sinaloa Cartel money launderers, including Alberto David Benguiat Jimenez, Israel Daniel Paez Vargas, Salvador Diaz Rodriguez, Christopher Ortega-Lomeli, and Christian Noe Amador Valenzuela. The indictments, returned in September and October 2022, charge the defendants with multiple drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. All defendants remain fugitives.

    To date, these money laundering investigations have resulted in charges against 51 defendants and the seizure of more than $4.1 million dollars and approximately 1,304 kilograms of methamphetamine, 34 kilograms of heroin, 11 kilograms of cocaine, and 14 kilograms of fentanyl.

    Four of the defendants – Benguiat Jimenez, Paez Vargas, Diaz Rodriguez and Amador Valezuela – along with Enrique Dann Esparragoza Rosas, who was previously charged, were also the target of sanctions imposed today by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    OFAC has identified the defendants and others as members of a money laundering network supporting the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most notorious and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world, and a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The Sinaloa Cartel is responsible for a significant portion of the illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States and has exploited multiple ports of entry along the southern border for its criminal activities. Please see https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0064.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Imperial Country District Office and Mexico City Country Office, along with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation San Diego Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations Calexico Office, and San Diego – Imperial County HIDTA are investigating these cases with assistance from the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton, Joshua Mellor, Victor White, and Paul Benjamin. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth provided substantial assistance in these cases.

    DEFENDANTS                                            

    Case Number 22-cr-02386-TWR

    Israel Daniel Paez Vargas                                                     Age: 45                         Mexicali, MX

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963.

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine.

    Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine.

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h).

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved.

    Case Number 22-cr-02387-TWR

    Alberto David Benguiat Jimenez                                           Age: 43                      Mexico City, MX

    Salvador Diaz Rodriguez                                                       Age: 39                      Mexicali, MX

    Christian Noe Amador Valenzuela                                        Age: 36                      Mexicali, MX Christopher Ortega-Lomeli                                                       Age: 38                     Mexicali, MX

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1956(h).

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved.

    Case Number 22-cr-02185-BAS                                         

    Enrique Dann Esparragoza Rosas                                          Age: 39                        Culiacan, MX

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1956(h).

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved.

    Hobbs Act Extortion, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, and $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Homeland Security Investigations

    San Diego – Imperial County HIDTA

    Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Coordination Center – Intelligence

    Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs

    Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides coordination and assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Executive Office of the President – Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Illegal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on March 25, 2025, CARESSES PERIQUE (“PERIQUE”), age 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 92 months imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  Following imprisonment, PERIQUE will be placed in supervised release for three (3) years.

    According to court documents, on Sunday, November 27, 2022, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) personnel were monitoring the 2600 block of Monroe Street during the annual Lady Buck Jumpers second line at which time PERIQUE was observed in possession of a concealed firearm in his waistband.  When approached by officers, PERIQUE immediately put his hands inside his front waistband.  The officers gained control of his hands and removed a loaded black Ruger P95, nine-millimeter handgun, from his front waistband. The handgun had one live  round in the chamber and nine  live rounds in the magazine.  Officers subsequently learned that PERIQUE had several felony convictions which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

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

    The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Firearm Possession to Further Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOSHUA WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 21, was sentenced on March 27, 2025 by Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to 75 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

    According to court documents, on April 4, 2022, New Orleans Police Department officers executed a search warrant at WILLIAMS’s residence. Officers recovered marijuana that WILLIAMS intended to sell and a digital scale. Officers also recovered two firearms—a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber firearm and a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter firearm—that WILLIAMS possessed, in furtherance of his possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

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

    The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to over 16 Years in Prison for Trafficking 10 Pounds of Fentanyl Pills and over 60 Pounds of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Adolfo Montiel, 46, of Lancaster, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 16 years and four months in prison for conspiring to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Montiel’s case arose out of Operation Toxic Waste, an investigation into a sophisticated drug trafficking ring, that resulted in the seizure of more than 12,900 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 50 pounds of fentanyl mixture, 39 pounds of cocaine, and 22 pounds of heroin. As evidenced by thousands of recorded communications, the organization smuggled methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl (powder and pills) in portable projectors and batteries, under the guise of a legitimate transportation business. The organization also secreted thousands of pounds of methamphetamine inside semi‑trucks and hundreds of pounds of liquid methamphetamine in the gas tanks of cars and brought it across the border. The Mexican-based organization monitored the narcotics with the use of GPS tracking devices hidden with the smuggled drugs. Montiel was sentenced for his role in storing, packaging, and redistributing drugs on behalf of the larger organization. When law enforcement officers searched his residence in 2023, they found over 10 pounds of fentanyl pills and over 60 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as several firearms.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio and Cody S. Chapple are prosecuting the case.

    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.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted felon sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Belleville man to 240 months’ imprisonment after he was caught with a firearm as a convicted felon after a police chase in Washington County.

    In December, a federal jury convicted Michael Oliver, 46, of one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

    “This 20-year sentence delivers an unmistakable warning: felons who arm themselves, flee justice, and threaten our officers’ safety will confront the full, unwavering strength of our commitment to protect those who serve—accountability isn’t just a word, it’s our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Nashville Police Department officers tried to conduct a traffic stop on Oliver’s vehicle on July 5, 2024, but Oliver kept driving and tried to evade law enforcement.

    “The Nashville Police Department would like to thank the assistance received during this investigation. The ATF was extremely resourceful to our agency during this investigation, and the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois did an excellent job with the prosecution of this case,” said Nashville Police Lt. Brock Styninger. “We look forward to working with these agencies again in the future to help bring dangerous individuals to justice.”

    Oliver took officers on a chase through the grass of the Perry County Courthouse. Deputies with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office tried to cut off Oliver in the roadway, and Oliver struck the police vehicle. Oliver then proceeded to flee on foot until his arrest.

    Along the police chase route, officers located a Lorcin model L380 firearm Oliver discarded from his vehicle.

    “ATF has no greater mission than working with our law enforcement partners to bring those who blatantly disregard the safety of our communities, to justice. As this sentence shows, those who choose to put the lives of our citizens and police officers at risk, will be held accountable,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Special Agent in Charge, Bernard Hansen.

    Following imprisonment, Oliver will serve four years of supervised release.

    The Nashville Police Department and ATF contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Hudson prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Connecticut Man Charged with Murder-for-Hire and Drug Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 27, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Tremaine Knight, also known as “Brody,” 43, of Hartford, Connecticut, with murder-for-hire and distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base.

    Knight’s arraignment will occur on April 3, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein, in Burlington. Knight was ordered detained pending further proceedings on March 25, 2025, following issuance of a complaint charging him with drug distribution on March 20, 2025.

    According to court records, law enforcement, working with a confidential informant (“CI”), conducted five controlled purchases of drugs from Knight between February and March 2025. The first three buys occurred in Massachusetts, and the last two buys occurred in Brattleboro, Vermont, with Knight traveling from Hartford to meet the CI. During the first Vermont buy, Knight sold to the CI approximately 140 grams of powder cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl, and during the second, Knight sold the CI approximately 150 grams of powder cocaine, 30 grams of cocaine base, and 85 grams of fentanyl.

    During one of the Massachusetts buys, Knight asked the CI if the CI would be willing to kill a man who had disrespected and stolen from Knight. Knight offered $10,000 for the man’s death. In subsequent conversations and during the subsequent buys, Knight provided the CI with additional details regarding the man’s identity and the plan for the murder. During one of the Vermont buys, Knight paid the CI a $1,000 deposit for the murder by canceling a drug debt. Knight was taken into custody following that buy.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Knight is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. For the murder-for-hire charge, Knight faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Because the charged drug distributions involved 40 or more grams of fentanyl, Knight faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years 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 investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police-Vermont Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Vermont State Police Westminster Barracks, the Western Massachusetts FBI Gang Task Force, the Northern Connecticut FBI Gang Task Force, the Brattleboro, Vermont Police Department, and the Hartford, Vermont Police Department.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Knight is represented by Sarah Star, Esq., and the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Court Permanently Shuts Down Detroit Tax Preparers

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Note: View Turner permanent injunction here. View Qualls permanent injunction here. View Stewart permanent injunction here. View Bishop and Green permanent injunction here.

    A federal court in Michigan issued a permanent injunction on Friday against Detroit-area tax return preparers Alicia Bishop and Tenisha Green, permanently barring them from preparing federal tax returns for others.

    The court previously barred Alicia Qualls, Michael Turner, and Constance Stewart from preparing federal tax returns for others by judgments entered on March 3. By judgment dated Dec. 16, 2024, the court also barred the business for which all of the preparers worked, United Tax Team Inc., and United Tax Team’s incorporator, Glen Hurst, from preparing federal tax returns for others. Hurst, United Tax Team, Qualls, Turner, and Stewart consented to entry of the judgments against them.

    According to the civil complaint, Hurst incorporated United Tax Team in 2016, was its sole shareholder and corporate officer, and hired the return preparers who work at United Tax Team —including Qualls, Bishop, Green, Turner, and Stewart — who each worked as tax return preparers at United Tax Team locations in the Detroit area and prepared returns for customers that included false information not provided by the customer.

    The civil complaint alleges that that the defendants used a variety of schemes to improperly reduce their customers’ tax liabilities or to obtain tax refunds to which the customers were not entitled. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Qualls, Bishop, Green, Turner, and Stewart each repeatedly placed false or incorrect items, deductions, exemptions or statuses on customers’ tax returns without their customers’ knowledge. For example, the complaint alleges that Qualls, Green, Turner, and Stewart fabricated Schedule C businesses to report fictitious business expenses and income to improperly reduce overall taxable income for some customers. The complaint also alleges that Bishop and Green fabricated education expenses on customer returns to falsely add tax credits; that Bishop and Stewart improperly claimed COVID-19 Relief tax credits for some customers; that Qualls and Turner improperly claimed head-of-household status for customers who did not qualify for such status to falsely reduce some customers’ tax liabilities; and that Stewart claimed fictious child and dependent care expenses for some customers.

    Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers 10 tips to avoid tax season fraud and ways to safeguard their personal information.

    In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Juneau man pleads guilty to producing child pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JUNEAU, Alaska – A Juneau man pleaded guilty today to producing child pornography.

    According to court documents, William Steadman, 35, a registered sex offender, met a pre-pubescent boy in his community and enticed him to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Steadman documented the conduct and posted the content on the dark web.  Steadman first came to the attention of law enforcement when he distributed his newly produced child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. Steadman attempted to obscure his identify from law enforcement by using the dark web, but tips from law enforcement, a cryptocurrency payment for additional CSAM, and analysis of his online statements led to his identification and arrest. A residential search resulted in the discovery of over 4,000 images and videos of CSAM on his devices.

    Steadman pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date and faces a mandatory‑minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Glen Peterson, U.S. Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Seattle Field Office made the announcement.

    The Secret Service’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mac Caille Petursson, Jack Schmidt, and William Reed for the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: “Make D.C. Safe Again” Initiative Gets Off to Fast Start, Doubling the Monthly Average since January 2021

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

             WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office brought federal firearms charges against 18 defendants in the month of March—twice the monthly average since January 2021—announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr.

              “The United States Attorney’s Office is continuing its work to Make D.C. Safe Again by aggressively prosecuting violent offenders, adopting eligible Superior Court cases into District Court, and coordinating federal and local resources,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. “Our efforts directly support the President’s Executive Order to restore law and order in the District and help make our nation’s capital not only safer, but also worthy of its place as the pride of every American.”

             “We are committed to reducing violence by addressing the flow and supply of illegal firearms within the District, we at ATF will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners as well as the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure those who violate federal firearm laws and terrorize our communities with violence are held accountable and brought to justice for their crimes,” said ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood. “We remain steadfast in our mission of fighting violent crime in D.C.”

             During the month of March, the U.S. Attorney’s Office accepted 23 cases for federal prosecution, 18 of which have already been charged in the U.S. District Court. This is the highest number of case adoptions since before January 2021. As a result of this surge, more dangerous offenders are off the streets. Examples of these cases include:

    1. Traffic Stop in Southeast D.C. Leads to Federal Indictment, Firearm Recovery, and Drug Seizure.
    2. Three District Men Indicted Following Firearms Arrest During Early Morning Traffic Stop in Logan Circle.
    3. Repeat Felon on Probation Is Indicted for Alleged Possession of Ammunition.

             Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

             The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating these cases.

    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: Four More Defendants Indicted on Fraud and Money Laundering Charges Relating to International Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Four individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Defendant Yonel Burnett, 28, of Jamaica, was charged in a two-count Indictment with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Defendants Omar McKenzie, 34, of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida; Shemeca Shields, 29, of East Hartford, Connecticut; and Nicole Lamont, 30, of Eastham, Massachusetts, each were charged in a one-count Indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Burnett and McKenzie were both arrested in Florida, on March 14 and March 27, 2025, respectively. Lamont was arrested in Massachusetts on March 23, 2025. Shields was arrested in Connecticut on March 26, 2025. The Indictments are related to those announced in December 2023 naming seven other co-conspirators, three of whom were extradited from Jamaica. (Read the release regarding the earlier Indictments here.)

    According to the Indictments, the defendants and their co-conspirators executed a fraud scheme that stole more than $4.5 million from elderly and vulnerable victims in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the United States. As part of that scheme, conspirators, including Burnett, contacted the victims and falsely told them that they had won a million- or multi-million-dollar sweepstakes, but needed to pay certain taxes and fees before they could claim their prize. These claims were often reinforced with forged documents purporting to describe the sweepstakes winnings and required taxes and fees, some of which bore the seals of government agencies. The conspirators then directed the victims to send money, including cash, checks, and money orders, to people designated by the conspirators. Some of these people were earlier victims of the lottery scam who had been unwittingly fooled into accepting and moving money on behalf of the members of the conspiracy. Others, including McKenzie, Lamont, and Shields, were themselves members of the conspiracy. After being laundered through a network of bank accounts and money mules, victim money was withdrawn by members of the conspiracy living in Jamaica.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to twice the pecuniary loss to any victim, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictments.

    The charges stem from the Department of Justice’s wide-ranging efforts to protect older adults from fraud and financial exploitation. Last week, for example, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania also announced the Indictment of a Dominican Republic man living in Cleveland, Ohio, for his participation in an organized crime group operating across Pennsylvania and Ohio to defraud victims out of tens of thousands of dollars through a grandparent fraud scam. As part of that scheme, scammers called a grandparent and impersonated their grandchild in a crisis such as an accident or arrest, and then asked the grandparent to send immediate financial assistance, which conspirators arranged to be picked up in Pennsylvania and delivered by Lyft and Uber drivers to the defendant in various locations in Northern Ohio. (Read the grandparent fraud scam release here.)

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Chief of Staff to Mayor in Lawrence Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Child Pornography Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – The former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lawrence, Mass., was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Jhovanny Martes-Rosario, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 43 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In December 2024, Martes-Rosario pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. In April 2023, Martes-Rosario was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    Martes-Rosario was identified by law enforcement as the likely user of Yahoo and Apple accounts, containing child pornography. In February 2023, a search was executed at Martes-Rosario’s residence and an iPad device was seized which contained child pornography files. Martes-Rosario admitted that he was the owner of the email addresses and that he searched for and downloaded child pornography to his personal iPad and later sent it to his email address for storage. He also admitted he had been searching for and storing child pornography for years.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division 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 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Man Who Traveled To Orlando With Child Sexual Abuse Material Sentenced To 12 Years

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Raymond Andrew Lamadrid (55, Missouri) to 12 years in federal prison for transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Lamadrid pleaded guilty on January 7, 2025.

    According to court documents, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered that Lamadrid was sending and receiving CSAM via Snapchat. On September 16, 2024, Lamadrid arrived in Orlando by plane from the Dominican Republic. During an inspection of Lamadrid’s cellphone by U.S. Customs Border Protection at the Orlando International Airport, officers discovered CSAM.

    “This sentencing demonstrates the unwavering dedication and vigilance of HSI Orlando, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in safeguarding our community,” said Homeland Security Investigation Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Catching this predator with child sexual abuse material serves as a crucial reminder that we remain steadfast in our fight against these heinous crimes. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children and bring offenders to justice.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Beckley Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – Demetrius Terrell Burns, 32, of Beckley, was sentenced today to 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base. Burns admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Beckley and elsewhere within the Southern District of West Virginia.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2024 Burns received fentanyl from a supplier in Beckley that he used to supply Tilford Joe Bradley Jr., a co-defendant. Burns admitted that on April 12, 2024, he told Bradley by phone that he had received a shipment of “raw” fentanyl. Burns further admitted that he offered to sell Bradley $1,800 worth of raw fentanyl, and they discussed adding cutting agent to the fentanyl to make a larger profit when it was sold. Burns also admitted that he knew Bradley intended to redistribute these drugs in and around the Southern District of West Virginia.

    Burns and Bradley are among 12 individuals indicted on charges alleging the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack within the Southern District of West Virginia from in or about June 2023 to in or about May 2024. All 12 have pleaded guilty, including two defendants who pleaded guilty to separate charges in lieu of the offenses alleged in the indictment.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.

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

    The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    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-90.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A California man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to trafficking and conspiring to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    Marcos Haro, 39, of Sacramento, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2025. In April 2023, Marcos Haro was indicted along with his brother Noel Haro.

    Noel Haro is a member and influential leader of the “Border Brothers” gang – a large-scale international gang known to be involved in drug, weapon and human trafficking in Southern Arizona with a presence in Nogales, Mexico and the Arizona prison system. Noel Haro is currently serving a life sentence following convictions in Arizona for drug distribution, conspiracy and money laundering. Noel Haro was previously serving his sentence at a facility in Arizona but was transferred to serve his sentence in Massachusetts upon being deemed a security concern due to his alleged influence over other inmates and repeated introduction of cell phones and narcotics into Arizona facilities.

    Beginning in or about April 2019, and investigation began into Noel Haro’s attempts to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics to Massachusetts. Investigators monitoring Noel Haro’s inmate calls learned that he was attempting to solicit friends and family members to transport narcotics from Arizona to Massachusetts on his behalf. In April 2022, recorded inmate calls indicated that Noel Haro worked with his brother, Marcos Haro, to arrange drug deals outside of prison.

    In June 2022, Marcos Haro agreed to supply a cooperating witness- with samples of multiple narcotics – including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Marcos Haro later mailed the narcotics concealed in a purple teddy bear inside a postal package. On July 13, 2022, the package was retrieved and found to contain powdered fentanyl, five counterfeit fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and approximately 3 grams of heroin. On July 25, 2022, during a recorded inmate call, Noel Haro and Marcos Haro discussed selling one pound of methamphetamine to the same individual. On July 27, 2022, investigators retrieve the package sent from Marcos Haro which contained approximately 446.6 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine. On Aug. 10, 2022, Noel Haro directed Marcos Haro to arrange the sale of five pounds of methamphetamine to the same individual. Later, on Sept. 12, 2022, investigators retrieved two packages sent from Marcos Haro, which contained approximately 892.3 grams of 86% pure methamphetamine and approximately 1,320.2 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine.

    In October 2022, Marcos and Noel Haro made arrangements to sell an individual 2,000 fentanyl pills. On Nov. 17, 2022, Marcos sent the individual a photograph of a United States Postal Service shipping box, label and receipt. On Nov. 20, 2022, investigators retrieved the package sent by Marcos Haro to the individual, which contained approximately 2,000 blue pills, which tested positive for approximately 215.3 grams of fentanyl.

    According to court documents, on April 2, 2023, Marcos Haro was arrested in Sacramento, Calif. following a motor vehicle stop. A 9mm handgun with eight live rounds in the magazine and approximately 2.9 grams of suspected fentanyl that field tested positive for the presence of opiates, were found during a subsequent search of Marcos Haro’s vehicle. Marcos Haro has a criminal history including a 2016 conviction for possession of a controlled substance while armed and illegal possession of an assault weapon with a large capacity magazine, for which he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

    Noel Haro pleaded guilty in March 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2025.

    The charge conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. 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.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.
        
    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Department of Correction’s Commissioner Shawn Jenkins made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sacramento Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case. 
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Milton, Vermont Man Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 27, 2025 a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Willard Perry, 66, of Milton, Vermont, with possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also known as child pornography.  

    Perry entered a plea of not guilty to the charge during an arraignment on March 28, 2025 before United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford. Judge Crawford ordered that Perry be released on conditions, including that Perry provide the probation officer with a complete and current inventory of the number of media storage devices and electronic devices capable of internet access that he uses or possesses, and that he not use an internet-capable device until an Internet Use Plan is developed and approved by the Probation Officer.

    According to court records, law enforcement uncovered on Perry’s computer thousands of photos and videos, most of which law enforcement believes contain child sexual abusive material, including content involving the sexual assault of prepubescent girls.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Perry is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Perry faces up to 20 years’ incarceration 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 investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra. Perry is represented by Brooks G. McArthur, Esq.

    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: Participant in Nationwide Rental Car Theft Scheme Sentenced to 75 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Monday sentenced a man who participated in a nationwide scheme that stole $1.17 million worth of luxury rental cars to 75 months in prison.

    James E. McGhaney, 36, of New York City, was also ordered to repay $938,963.

    McGhaney recruited and supervised others who picked up the rental cars by using false driver’s licenses and counterfeit credit cards. The vehicles had been reserved using stolen identities. In all, the conspirators used the identities of at least 23 victims to steal 19 rental vehicles. McGhaney was one of eight defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case.

    Tyrell A. Oliver, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia, was the scheme’s organizer. He was sentenced in February to 90 months in prison after pleading guilty in October to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. McGhaney pleaded guilty to one conspiracy count and three counts of wire fraud.

    Rashad Holder, 35, of New York, was sentenced to 65 months in prison and ordered to repay $581,711. Steven B. Matthews, 40, of Atlanta, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to repay $107,072. Reginald M. Glenn, 36, was sentenced to 13 months in prison. Marlique J. McGhaney, 35, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and ordered to repay $237,447. Daquasia M. Robinson, 33, was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to repay $119,805. Shawnta B. Fonseca, 34, is scheduled to be sentenced in April. Glenn, Marlique McGhaney, Fonseca and Robinson are all New York residents.

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Edward Leon Sowards, 35, of Hurricane, was sentenced today to one year and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Sowards admitted that he purchased a Taurus model Public Defender Judge Poly .45-caliber/.410-gauge revolver from an individual in June 2023. Sowards further admitted that he knew the individual had stolen the firearm. Sowards was later confronted about the stolen firearm being in his possession. On June 21, 2023, Sowards met with the individual in a Hurricane parking lot and returned the firearm. Sowards admitted that he knew the serial number had been removed from the firearm at the time he returned it to the individual.

    Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Sowards knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior conviction for domestic battery in Putnam County Magistrate Court on April 20, 2012.

    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.

    United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney 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. 3:24-cr-147.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rotterdam Felon Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing a Shotgun

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

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jesse Taber, age 46, of Rotterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a shotgun.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Taber admitted that on December 26, 2023, inside of his Rotterdam residence, he possessed a 12-gauge Stoeger Coach Gun shotgun.  Taber further admitted that he has three prior felony convictions in New York that prevent him from lawfully possessing any firearms.   

    United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to begin after Taber is released from prison. 

    ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the Rotterdam Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted the case.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: York County Man Charged With Filing False Income Tax Return

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Waylon Wilcox, age 45, of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information on March 28, 2025, with filing false individual income tax returns.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the criminal information charges Wilcox with two counts of making and subscribing false individual income tax returns.  The criminal information alleges that Wilcox engaged in a complex cryptocurrency scheme, wherein he sold his shares for over $7,402,935 in 2021 and $4,899,180 in 2022 and failed to report his gains from the sale of the cryptocurrency on his individual tax returns.

    The information alleges that Wilcox filed a false individual income tax return for tax year 2021, which underreported his income for tax year 2021 by approximately $8,511,238 and reduced Wilcox’s tax then due and owing by approximately $2,180,453.  It is further alleged that Wilcox filed a false individual income tax return for tax year 2022, which underreported Wilcox’s income for tax year 2022 by approximately $4,599,532 and reduced Wilcox’s tax then due and owing by approximately $1,098,623. 

    “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling complex financial schemes involving virtual currencies and non-fungible token (NFT) transactions designed to conceal taxable income,” said Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “In today’s economic environment, it’s more important than ever that the American people feel confident that everyone is playing by the rules and paying the taxes they owe.” 

    The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Harrisburg Man Indicted For Drug Trafficking And Firearms Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Gladden, age 46, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury with four counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on August 21, 2021, Gladden possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine.  The indictment also alleges that on September 11, 2023, Gladden possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine and marijuana; possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and possessed a firearm as a felon.  Additionally, the indictment alleges that on March 7, 2024, Gladden possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams of PCP, 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine.  The indictment further alleges that on July 30, 2024, Gladden possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine and marijuana; possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and possessed a firearm as a felon.

    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 Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Harrisburg Police Department; the Pennsylvania State Police; and the Susquehanna Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.

    Gladden faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Altamonte Springs Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing COVID Relief Funds

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Orlando, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Joshua Robinson (32, Texas) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Robinson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, between July 2020 and August 2021, Robinson devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA) by submitting false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Specifically, Robinson submitted an EIDL application and a PPP application for businesses that he knew he did not own. Robinson obtained $13,100 from the EIDL application and $19,133 from the PPP application. Robinson then fraudulently obtained forgiveness of his PPP loan. 

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General together with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by contacting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal and State Violent Crime Initiative in Oklahoma City Receives National Award

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

    OKLAHOMA CITY – On March 27, 2025, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program recognized a local joint law enforcement initiative with an award for “Investigation Involving a Violent Organization” at the National HIDTA Awards in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

    Last September, federal and local law enforcement combined forces in a two-month targeted initiative called “Operation Sonic Boom,” which was aimed at reducing violent crime in Oklahoma City.  The operation resulted in 50 people being charged in federal and state court with various firearms and drug-related offenses.  In addition to the arrests, law enforcement recovered from the streets:

    • 193 firearms, including:
      • 81 Pistols
      • 4 Revolvers
      • 10 Rifles
      • 6 Shotguns
      • 9 Machineguns, and
      • 83 Machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), including 30 partially completed MCDs
    • Two 3-D printers (used to print MCDs)
    • More than 63 kilograms of drugs, with an approximate street value of almost $750,000, including:
      • 53 kilograms of methamphetamine
      • 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl
      • 5.2 kilograms of cocaine, and
      • 3.8 kilograms of marijuana

    Operation Sonic Boom was led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Other critical partners included the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs, and the Texoma HIDTA. 

    “National recognition of this important initiative is yet another example of our commitment to promote public safety in the Western District of Oklahoma, and the ongoing, collaborative efforts by federal and state prosecutors and law enforcement at every level,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. “The success of Operation Sonic Boom is the result of the dedicated and coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to reducing violent crime in Oklahoma.”

    “I could not be prouder of the men and women who participated in Operation Sonic Boom for winning this prestigious National HIDTA Award. However, as they would each tell you, they did not do this for recognition or honors; they did it to help keep Oklahoma safer from violent criminals plaguing our streets,” said ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “As I said in September, ATF, the United States Attorney’s Office, and HIDTA have doubled down in Oklahoma City. This award is merely the beginning of the work that is yet to be done. Bandits and gangsters beware; we are still here!”

    “The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program exists to build law enforcement partnerships and provide critical funding for important public safety efforts, and the successful outcome of Operation Sonic Boom is a clear example of the value of HIDTA,” said Keith Brown, Executive Director of the Texoma HIDTA.  “I am proud the Office of National Drug Control Policy is recognizing the incredible efforts of the ATF agents and other law enforcement personnel involved in Operation Sonic Boom.”

    Operation Sonic Boom was funded by the Texoma HIDTA, which is made up of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in North Texas and Oklahoma. HIDTA fosters and supports intra-agency cooperation strategies to target the region’s drug-related and violent crime threats to public safety by using funding provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, out of the Executive Office of the President of the United States. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Holyrood — Holyrood RCMP investigates mischief at CBC building, seeks public assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Holyrood RCMP is investigating damage to a CBC building and satellite dish in St. Vincents suspected to be caused by a firearm.

    On March 26, 2025, an employee of CBC discovered the damage to the building, which police suspect may have been completed with the use of a firearm. About a month ago, they also discovered damage to a satellite dish that appears to have been completed with the same weapon. It is unknown when the crimes occurred.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Holyrood RCMP at 709-229-3892 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: West Dover — Update: Police seek information regarding home invasion

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to seek the public’s assistance in relation to a home invasion in West Dover.

    On December 13, at approximately 7:35 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of a home invasion on West Dover Rd.

    During the course of the investigation, a light-coloured vehicle of interest that was present at the time of the incident was identified.

    The investigation, led by the General Investigative Section of the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, continues.

    Anyone with information about the vehicle or this incident is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. 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 #: 24-169864

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tonia Haddix Admits Lying Repeatedly to Court About Death of Tonka the Chimpanzee

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman on Monday admitted lying in U.S. District Court and in court filings about the purported death of “Tonka,” a chimpanzee that was one of the subjects of a long running federal civil suit.

    Tonia Haddix waived her right to indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to three felony charges: two counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice. She admitted that her false statements influenced and obstructed the administration of justice in the pending civil suit.

    That suit, originally filed in 2016, involved allegations by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) over the care of primates, including Tonka, at a facility near Festus, Missouri.  

    On October 2, 2020, the District Court entered its consent decree requiring that Haddix, who was then operating the Festus facility, take certain steps relative to Tonka.  What followed, based upon Haddix’s failure to comply with the provisions of the District Court’s consent decree, were a series of motions seeking civil contempt against Haddix filed by PETA.  The District Court entered a number of orders granting temporary restraining orders against Haddix, finding Haddix in civil contempt relative to the District Court’s consent decree.  On March 26, 2021, the District Court issued a temporary restraining order against Haddix requiring that Haddix not transfer Tonka and continue to provide appropriate caregiving to him.  On July 14, 2021, the District Court found Haddix in violation of that order and entered an additional order requiring that Tonka and six other chimpanzees be transferred from Haddix’s possession to the Center for Great Apes.  During that July 14, 2021 hearing, Haddix falsely claimed that Tonka had died, but failed to provide the Court with proof of death.  The District Court’s July 14, 2021 order provided that the transfer of Tonka and the six other chimpanzees to the Center for Great Apes be carried out by representatives of PETA, representatives of the Center for Great Apes, and Deputy U.S. Marshals.  On July 28, 2021, access was only provided to the six chimpanzees which were duly transferred to the Center for Great Apes, but no information was provided by Haddix as to the whereabouts of Tonka.  

    On August 2, 2021, PETA filed its fourth motion seeking civil contempt against Haddix for failing to transfer Tonka as ordered by the District Court.  On August 16, 2021, Haddix filed her declaration with the District Court, under penalty of perjury, which contained the materially false statement that, “On May 30, 2021, Tonka died.  On that same date, [my husband] cremated Tonka’s body.  After the cremation, he gave me Tonka’s cremated remains.  Since then, I have retained—and continue to retain—Tonka’s remains.”  Haddix well knew at that time that Tonka was not dead, but alive and living in a known location.  On December 27, 2021, Haddix filed in the District Court her pro se motion to dismiss with prejudice PETA’s fourth motion seeking civil contempt.  In that motion, Haddix again made numerous materially false representations that Tonka was dead.  Her materially false statements influenced, obstructed and impeded the due administration of justice in that pending civil case.  

    On January 5, 2022, the District Court convened a hearing during which Haddix gave sworn testimony and again made materially false statements, including that on May 30, 2021, “…and then I went in and I opened the cage door and [Tonka] was dead.  He was dead.”  “…we took him around and let the chimps say good-bye.  Then we put him in the Gator and we backed the Gator up against the truck, the bed of the truck, the tailgate, and then we put his body over into the truck and then he left.”  “…and I waited for [my husband] to call me, to let me know [that he had completed his cremation.]”  “…I wanted to keep trying to save Tonka if I could.  But then he just died on his own, so there was no saving him.”  Based upon her false testimony, the District Court denied PETA’s motion for civil contempt.  

    On June 2, 2022, based upon newly discovered evidence presented to the District Court that Tonka was alive, the District Court entered its temporary restraining order requiring Haddix to cooperate in the transfer of Tonka from her possession to a facility designated by PETA.  On June 8, 2022, representatives of PETA and representatives of the Save the Chimps Foundation, with the assistance of Deputy U.S. Marshals, were finally able to transfer Tonka from where he was being held in a cage in Haddix’s basement to a Save the Chimps sanctuary, where Tonka continues to live to this date.

    “Despite repeatedly being warned by the District Court about the consequences of flouting the consent decree and court orders and being given ample opportunity to come into compliance, Haddix continued to defy the Court,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “She then repeatedly lied about Tonka’s death while she was under oath.”

    “Tania Haddix swore to tell the truth under oath and then proceeded to blatantly lie to a federal judge,” said Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. “There is no excuse.”

    Haddix is scheduled to be sentenced July 16. Each perjury charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The obstruction charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the same fine range.

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is prosecuting the case. 

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