NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man from Dominican Republic pleads guilty to illegal reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rolando Antonio Rosado, 59, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to illegal re-entry after deportation. Rosado was then sentenced to time served and transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that in June 2000, an immigration judge ordered Rosado removed in absentia. However, Rosado did not surrender himself for removal. On October 22, 2003, Rosado was arrested by the Rochester Police Department and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon. As a result, in April 2004, Rosado was physically removed from the United States. In 2014, he illegally re-entered the United States near Laredo, Texas. On September 26, 2024, Rosado was found in the Western District of New York.

    The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Salem Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national residing in Salem, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison Monday for his role in trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics in Oregon.

    Leonel Covarrubias Hernandez, 48, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, investigators identified Covarrubias as a narcotics distributer operating in Oregon. Between August and December 2022, investigators conducted several controlled buys in which Covarrubias sold counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. 

    On December 27, 2022, investigators conducted a traffic stop on Covarrubias and his co-conspirator near their residence. Investigators searched the vehicle and seized counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, more than $11,000 in cash, and a firearm. On the same day, investigators located and seized more than 29 pounds of methamphetamine, 11 pounds of fentanyl, 12 pounds of cocaine and two pounds of heroin, 24 firearms, a 3D printer, and more than $43,000 in cash from the residence.

    On November 18, 2024, Covarrubias pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Bryan Chinwuba, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of $1.4 million bank fraud and identity theft scheme pleads guilty to victimizing bank customers nationwide

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Used victims’ personal information to open business bank accounts, linked them to established personal accounts, and drained victim funds

    Seattle – A leader in a nationwide $1.4 million bank fraud scheme pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Amber Towndrow, 36, was indicted along with coconspirator Darby Canfield, 35, in April 2024. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than eight years in prison for Towndrow when she is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead on June 12, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, Towndrow and her coconspirators acquired personal identifying information for at least 19 victims nationwide. In Western Washington, the co-schemers used that personal information to register businesses with the Washington Secretary of State. Armed with the business documents and false identification documents such as drivers’ licenses and passports, Towndrow would open business bank accounts at financial institutions where the victim already had a personal savings account. The bank system would link the new business bank account to the real customer’s bank account. The conspirators would then transfer money from the personal bank account to the business account. Towndrow would then use a business account debit card to purchase money orders and high value goods such as designer merchandise or electronics. Towndrow and other conspirators would use various fake IDs to cash the money orders at locations such as Money Tree outlets.

    With this scheme Towndrow committed bank fraud and identity theft in Washington, Colorado, Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, Indiana, and Washington D.C.

    The plea agreement details how Towndrow defrauded a victim living in Illinois by creating a company registered in Colorado. Towndrow listed the Illinois victim as the registered owner of the company. Towndrow traveled to a Chase branch in Seattle where she opened a business banking account for the fake company. Towndrow and her coconspirators used online banking to transfer $131,709 from the Illinois victim account to the business account.  Towndrow used the business debit card to purchase 128 U.S. Postal Service money orders totaling $126,653. The money orders were made payable to various people the co-schemers could impersonate with their fake IDs. The conspirators then cashed several of the money orders at various locations in the Seattle area.

    The plea agreement admits similar conduct regarding a victim residing in Texas, who was defrauded of $75,000, of which $50,000 was used to purchase MoneyGram money orders across the Seattle area.

    Towndrow admits she opened at least 50 business bank accounts and attempted to obtain $1.4 million. She admits she successfully obtained $664,000.

    Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud are punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case.

    The case is being investigated by The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Diplomatic Security Service, and the Seattle Police Department.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to drug and gun charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edward Rollie, 49, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that on August 28, 2024, investigators executed search warrants associated with Rollie at a Spruce Avenue residence in Niagara Falls, where Rollie’s son resides. They recovered approximately 594 grams of fentanyl, approximately 683 grams of cocaine, and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. In July 2002, Rollie was convicted of a federal felony drug charge in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. The investigation also included controlled purchases of fentanyl from Rollie.

    This effort 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 plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Nick Ligammari, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

    Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.    

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wayne County man going to prison for stealing a firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Lucas Burke, 23, of Wolcott, NY, who was convicted of theft of a firearm from a federal firearms licensee, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by United States District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated on October 7, 2023, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office responded to East Side Traders on Wooster Way in Ontario, NY, for a call of intruders inside. Eastside Traders was a Federal Firearms Licensee authorized to sell firearms under federal law. Subsequent investigation determined that at approximately 4:55 a.m. that morning, Burke smashed a window near the entrance to Eastside Traders and entered the building. Once inside, he stole a rifle. He attempted to steal two others but was unsuccessful. 

    The matter was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative.  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.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the director of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced For Selling Fentanyl Pills

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 18 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release for his role in a drug trafficking organization to sell fentanyl pills from Mexico in Las Vegas.

    According to court documents and admissions made in court, Jorge Olivarria-Gomez (22) came to the United States illegally to work on behalf of a drug trafficking organization to sell fentanyl in the United States. He admitted that on or about April 26, 2023, a co-defendant directed him to deliver 500 fentanyl pills. When he arrived at the parking lot, he sold the pills for $750.

    In 2023, the DEA Clark County Gang Task Force began investigating co-defendant Esteban Quezada, also known as “Pelon,” who was running a drug trafficking organization from Mexico. Quezada coordinated the delivery of drugs from Mexico to associates in the United States, including in Las Vegas, Nevada. Quezada would send couriers from Nayrit, Mexico to the United States to distribute the narcotics to customers. Initially, Olivarria-Gomez was working as a courier in Las Vegas and then eventually moved to Colorado where he continued to distribute narcotics.

    In December 2024, Olivarria-Gomez pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance.

    Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the DEA Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith prosecuted the case.

    If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community — which may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances — please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA Tip Line at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prior felon pleads guilty to gun charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Taraja Green, 28, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000 or both.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who is handling the case, stated that on March 17, 2024, Rochester Police officers found Green asleep in the driver seat of a running vehicle in the roadway on Seward Street. When the officers approached the vehicle, they could see a 9mm pistol on Green’s lap. Officers later discovered that the firearm was loaded. Green was previously convicted of a felony in August 2019, in Monroe County Court, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    The matter was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative.  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.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.

    Sentencing is scheduled for July 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Vacca.

    # # # # 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Plymouth — Missing youth: Help the RCMP find Sidney (Sadie) MacIntosh

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Pictou County District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Sadie Willow MacIntosh who was last seen March 3 on MacBeth Rd. in Plymouth.

    MacIntosh is described as 5-foot-0 and 127 lbs. She has red and black shoulder-length hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt, red and white pyjama pants and a blue backpack.

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

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Sidney (Sadie) Willow MacIntosh is asked to contact the Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #2025-283746

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Honolulu City Officials Admit They Conspired to Secretly Pay Corrupt Former Chief of Honolulu Police Department $250,000

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU, Hawaii – Former Honolulu City Attorney Donna Leong and former Honolulu Police Commission Chair Max Sword pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that they conspired to illegally pay then-Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha $250,000 from city coffers without the approval of the Honolulu City Council while he was under federal investigation for corruption.

    Additionally, former Honolulu City Manager Roy Amemiya entered a deferred prosecution agreement for his role in the same conspiracy.

    The defendants were immediately sentenced to time served and were ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution to the city.

    The resolution of these cases marks the end of a decade-long series of public corruption prosecutions in Honolulu, which began with the investigation and conviction of Chief Kealoha and former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha.

    According to court documents, Leong, Sword, and Amemiya admitted that they conspired in their official capacities as Honolulu city officials to reach a settlement agreement for the retirement of then-Police Chief Kealoha while he was under federal investigation for corruption. The defendants also paid Kealoha $250,000 from the city’s purse without first seeking and obtaining the approval of the Honolulu City Council, which was required by city laws. Leong, Sword, and Amemiya admitted that their decision not to seek and obtain City Council approval violated the law and deprived the citizens of Honolulu of their due process rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of a hearing before, and approval by, their elected City Council for the use of city funds.

    Following their guilty pleas, Leong and Sword were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to time served and one year of supervised release. During today’s hearing, Judge Kobayashi characterized Leong and Sword’s actions as “truly misguided” and reprimanded them for exercising a “complete disregard for the separation of powers” by not presenting the settlement agreement to City Council. She further stated that their actions caused “serious harm” to the community of Honolulu.

    As part of a deferred prosecution agreement, in addition to admitting his involvement in the criminal conspiracy, Amemiya’s agreement requires him to comply with certain conditions for a period of two years, including completion of 200 hours of community service and restriction from holding public office. Per the terms of his deferred prosecution agreement, if he complies in full for two years, the charges against Amemiya will be dismissed.

    Importantly, all three defendants agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $250,000 to the City and County of Honolulu—the exact amount of taxpayer money paid to then-Chief Kealoha as part of the unlawful settlement agreement.

    The conclusion of the criminal case against Leong, Sword, and Amemiya is the last in a decade-long series of public corruption prosecutions in Hawaii conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, which prosecuted these cases after the District of Hawaii was recused. These prosecutions have charged and convicted over a dozen individuals, most of whom were public officials or persons of prominence in Honolulu, including the Kealohas, Honolulu police officers, and anesthesiologist Rudy Puana, Katherine Kealoha’s brother. The resolution of the charges against Leong, Sword, and Amemiya marks a historic end to this journey of seeking justice for the citizens of Honolulu.

    “After a decade-long battle against public corruption in Hawaii, we have successfully brought numerous cases to a close. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement partners, the prosecutors, our legal support staff, and the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden. “Together, we have demonstrated that no one is above the law.  Hopefully, our efforts have also restored some faith in law enforcement and local government for the Hawaiian community.  But let these cases also be a reminder, the fight against corruption must never end. The Department of Justice has a proud history and stands ready to fight for the principles of justice and fairness for all.”

    “The cases against these three defendants are the last among a decade-long series of public corruption prosecutions in Hawaii,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “I am proud of the agents and prosecutors who devoted years to these investigations—their tireless efforts reflect our continued commitment to root out corruption in our communities.”

    This case and the series of public corruption cases brought over the last decade were led by Special Attorneys Michael G. Wheat, Joseph J.M. Orabona, Janaki G. Chopra, Colin M. McDonald and Andrew Y. Chiang.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 21cr00142-LEK                                

    Donna Yuk Lan Leong                                   Age: 69                                   Honolulu, HI

    Max John Sword                                             Age: 73                                   Honolulu, HI

    Roy Keiji Amemiya, Jr.                                  Age: 69                                   Honolulu, HI

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Deprive Rights under Color of Law – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 371 and 242

    Maximum penalty: One year in prison and $100,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Honolulu Division

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal grand jury indicts two men for their roles in narcotics conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Ernest Brown, a/k/a Wayne Perry, a/k/a Wayne Brown, 42, Buffalo, NY, and James Jackson, a/k/a Bookah 38, of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy. Brown faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life, while Jackson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Brown and Jackson conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell fentanyl in the Buffalo and Jamestown areas. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

    Brown and Jackson were arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.

    This effort 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 indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bakery owners indicted for harboring illegal aliens

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The two owners of a Los Fresnos establishment have been charged with harboring illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Leonardo Baez, 55, and Alicia Avila-Guel, 46, both legal permanent residents of the United States, were originally charged by criminal complaint following a lawful enforcement action Feb. 12. A federal grand jury has now returned a three-count indictment against them. They are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III March 13.

    Baez and Avila-Guel have owned and operated Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café in Los Fresnos since 2012, according to the charges.

    The investigation began after authorities allegedly discovered the pair were potentially employing and housing illegal aliens within their restaurant.

    The charges allege that law enforcement conducted a consensual worksite enforcement action at Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café. There, they allegedly identified several employees and others who were in the United States illegally or in the country under B1/B2 visas without having the right to work.

    The charges allege both Baez and Avila-Guel illegally hired these individuals to work in their restaurant while harboring them.

    According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement identified a room provided for employees in the same shopping plaza as the restaurant. According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement identified a room provided for employees in the same shopping plaza as the restaurant. It was allegedly housing two employees at the time of inspection who were unauthorized to work in the United States. It was a rectangular room with six mattresses on the floor, according to the charges.

    The worksite enforcement action allegedly resulted in the discovery of two illegal aliens unlawfully present in the United States and six B1/B2 Visa holders who did not have the right to work in the United States. Another individual was allegedly taken into custody on an outstanding warrant unrelated to the current enforcement action.

    Authorities executed arrest warrants Feb. 19 for Baez and Avila-Guel. At that time, no one else was taken into custody or detained.

    If convicted, both face up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a fine up to $250,000. 

    Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal grand jury indicts Rochester man for role in narcotics conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Quentin L. Yancey a/k/ a Q, 38, of Rochester, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Yancey conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester area. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

    Yancey was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.

    This effort 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 indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Recidivist felon sentenced to over nine years in prison after being arrested in possession of four firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to nine years and two months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents, on April 19, 2024, agents with the FBI Capital Area Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Herman Leroy Mallory Jr., 40, on outstanding warrants from Louisa County. When agents removed Mallory from the vehicle, they observed in plain view a handgun on top of the speaker deck and another handgun partially covered with a t-shirt on the floorboard.

    During a search of the vehicle, investigators recovered two rifles, a 50-round drum magazine, and additional ammunition and firearm magazines. They also discovered a pack containing baggies of narcotics, including 27.51 grams of cocaine, 9.46 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, 0.62 grams of fentanyl, and 6.27 grams of a mixture containing heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.

    Mallory previously was convicted of felony larceny, grand larceny, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, and conspiracy to commit breaking and entering. As a previously convicted felon, he cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

    On April 30, 2024, a victim reported to police that a rifle had been stolen from his home approximately three weeks earlier when Mallory had been a guest in his home. On June 9, 2024, the victim contacted police again to report that three other firearms had been stolen. Mallory admitted to law enforcement that the handgun observed on top of the speaker deck in his vehicle and one of the recovered rifles had come from the victim.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gilliland, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Miller prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-149.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prominent Los Angeles Tattoo Artist Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A prominent tattoo artist, once identified in the press as “Hollywood’s Go-To Tattoo Artist,” pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns through which he evaded the payment of more than $641,000 in federal income tax.

    Daniel Joseph Winter, 43, who uses the moniker “winterstone,” pleaded guilty to one count of subscription to a false tax return.

    Winter operated his tattoo business in the Los Angeles area, New York and Vancouver, Canada, specializing in single-needle fine-line tattoos and catering to high-end clients. His tattoos were expensive, and he earned substantial income from his work as a tattoo artist and related endeavors.

    According to his plea agreement, Winter earned at least $1.7 million from his tattoo business from 2021 to 2023. But he declared no wages, salaries or tip income on the tax returns he signed and filed with the IRS. For 2021, he reported taxable income of negative $3,442 instead of his actual taxable income of $501,710; for 2022, he reported taxable income of $1,105 instead of his actual taxable income of $347,159; and for 2023, he reported income of $14,852, instead of his actual taxable income of $850,447.

    By underreporting his actual income in this way, Winter reduced the taxes he appeared to owe by more than $641,000. At today’s hearing, Winter presented a cashier’s check in the amount of $641,959 to the court to pay the taxes he owed due to the underreporting of his income for 2021 through 2023. 

    Winter also admitted in court today that he knew he was required to report all his income but willfully lied about it on his tax returns. He accepted payment for his tattoo services almost exclusively in cash, making it harder for the IRS to determine his true income. 

    United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II scheduled an August 11 sentencing hearing, at which time Winter will face a statutory maximum sentence of three years in federal prison.

    Assistant United States Attorney Ranee Katzenstein of the Criminal Appeals Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse. The sentencing took place on February 10, 2025.

    Kaleb Mills, a/k/a Kayleb Mills, age 31, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    A federal grand jury indicted Mills in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 2, 2024.

    The conviction stems from Mills sending a Facebook message to a 17-year-old female asking her if she wanted to hang out. She agreed and Mills found her a ride from her house to his house at Pine Ridge. That evening, he injected the female with methamphetamine. While she was under the influence of the methamphetamine and unable to consent to sexual activity, Mills engaged in sexual activity with her. Mills was previously convicted of a similar charge in 2013.

    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.

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Girlfriend of Crypto ‘Godfather’ Agrees to Plead Guilty to Tax Charge for Failing to Report More Than $2.6 Million in Illicit Income

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – The former girlfriend of a cryptocurrency fraudster who dubbed himself “The Godfather” has agreed to plead guilty to a federal criminal tax charge for failing to report more than $2.6 million in ill-gotten gains she obtained via her then-boyfriend’s criminal activities, the Justice Department announced today.

    Iris Ramaya Au, 35, of Irvine, is charged in a single-count information with subscribing to a false tax return.

    Au has agreed to plead guilty to the felony charge and is expected to make her initial appearance in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming days.

    According to Au’s plea agreement, from 2020 to 2024, Iza committed a series of crimes, including fraudulently obtaining access to advertising accounts and lines of credit provided by Facebook Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. and selling access to those accounts. Iza obtained millions of dollars of unreported income as a result of these schemes.

    Separately, Iza engaged active Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies to provide private security for him and caused the deputies, among other things, to obtain court-authorized search warrants and confidential law enforcement information targeting people with whom Iza had financial and personal disputes.

    At Iza’s direction, Au created shell corporations and opened bank accounts in the names of those entities. She then used the illicit funds placed into those accounts to pay approximately $1 million to the deputies, mostly in cash, purchase or lease luxury real estate, cars, jewelry, and clothing, pay for recreational activity for Iza and herself valued at nearly $10 million, and acquire approximately $16 million in cryptocurrency for Iza.

    Au admitted in her plea agreement that she transferred more than $2.6 million from these various accounts to her personal bank accounts during the period 2020 through 2023, income that she willfully failed to report to the IRS on her federal tax returns.

    After pleading guilty, Au will face up to three years in federal prison.

    On January 30, Iza appeared before a federal judge and pleaded guilty to a first superseding information charging him with conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 16, at which time he will face up to 35 years in federal prison. Iza has been in federal custody since September 2024.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. O’Brien and J. Jamari Buxton of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell K. Coll of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Jackson Police Department Officer Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Making a False Statement in the Acquisition of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JACKSON, MS – Torrence Donell Mayfield, of Raymond, a former Jackson Police Department officer was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for making a false statement to a firearms dealer in the acquisition of a firearm. Mayfield was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
    According to court documents and statements in open court, Mayfield, 53, purchased a firearm for another person on October 26, 2021. That purchase was made at a pawn shop which is a Federal Firearms Licensee. Mayfield was required to complete a certain written form to purchase the firearm. On that written form, Mayfield indicated that he was purchasing the firearm for himself, not someone else. That statement was false. It is against federal law to make a false statement to a firearm dealer to acquire a firearm.
    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff made the announcement.
    The FBI investigated the case.
    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Herbert S. Carraway and Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Memphis Woman Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Identity Theft and Bank Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Memphis, TN – Patricia Johnson, 47, has been sentenced to a total of 120 months in federal prison for committing identity theft and bank fraud, as well as violating the terms of her supervised release.  Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

    According to evidence presented in court, on numerous occasions between May and June 2022 and in multiple locations in West Tennessee, Johnson impersonated other persons named “Patricia Johnson” who had existing bank accounts or who were authorized signees of accounts.  Johnson obtained the victims’ bank account numbers and other personal information and then went to branches of the victims’ banking institutions, presented their personal identifying information, and made cash withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts.  Johnson fraudulently obtained over $50,000.00 through this scheme.

    Prior to her participation in this identity theft scheme, Johnson had an extensive criminal history spanning thirty years.  This history included numerous felony convictions for theft and fraud and several prior federal identity theft convictions.

    On May 16, 2024, Johnson pled guilty to a three-count information in the Western District of Tennessee.  The information included one count of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.  On February 25, 2025, Senior United States District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. sentenced Johnson to 106 months in federal prison on the bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges and 14 months’ imprisonment on her violation of supervised release from a previous case.  She was sentenced to five years of supervised release to follow.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hall who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government and the law enforcement partners who investigated this case.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Company Sentenced for Clean Water Act Violations that Caused Fish Kill in Cheshire, Will Pay $1 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kathryn Rivera, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division for New England, announced that NATIONAL WATER MAIN CLEANING COMPANY (“NWMCC”) was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport for a felony violation of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) for knowingly discharging a pollutant into Cuff Brook while refurbishing a large culvert pipe in Cheshire, Connecticut, in July 2019.  The company’s unauthorized discharge of uncured geopolymer mortar killed more than 150 fish and contaminated Cuff Brook.

    Judge Dooley sentenced NWMCC to a term of federal probation with environmental conditions for three years, a $500,000 federal penalty, and a payment of $500,000 to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“CT DEEP”) to fund aquatic ecosystem enhancement projects in the South Central Coastal Watershed, where both Cheshire and Cuff Brook are located.

    NWMCC is based in New Jersey and owned by Carylon Corporation based in Chicago, Illinois.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, NWMCC had submitted the lowest bid and entered into a contract with the Town of Cheshire (“Cheshire”) to repair a decaying 11-foot culvert pipe underneath Marion Road.  Cheshire’s project specifications required that the work be done under dry conditions along with environmental controls to prevent uncured geopolymer mortar from leaking into Cuff Brook.

    With a Cheshire Department of Public Works (“DPW”) representative present each day, NWMCC began work on July 15, 2019.  However, from July 16 to July 18, 2019, NWMCC sprayed geopolymer mortar onto the culvert pipe without the mandated environmental controls.  On July 17, 2019, NWMCC crews continued to work despite heavy rain, which led to uncured geopolymer mortar seeping into Cuff Brook.  On July 18, 2019, a Cheshire resident with property abutting Cuff Brook observed dead fish and discolored water with an oily sheen in the brook, and smelled a chemical odor similar to lighter fluid.  CT DEEP responded and determined that NWMCC was responsible for the pollutant release, thereby killing more than 150 fish and contaminating the waterway.  CT DEEP estimated that Cuff Brook would not return to its prior state for three to five years.

    The government’s investigation revealed that NWMCC was aware that its environmental controls were deficient, but did not remediate these deficiencies during the project.  Although the company attempted to blame the pollutant release and fish kill on a single employee, the investigation showed that he had been inadequately trained, directed to complete the job in an unrealistic timeframe, and was never informed that the uncured geopolymer mortar was hazardous to the environment.

    The investigation also revealed that NWMCC lacked a meaningful and comprehensive environmental training program for its employees, particularly with respect to the CWA, even though NWMCC’s core business is repairing and rehabilitating infrastructure that interfaces with public waterways.  In addition, NWMCC’s bonus policy incentivized site supervisors and executives to push their work crews to perform projects quickly and maximize the number of jobs completed.  At the time of Cheshire project, NWMCC was operating under a Code of Conduct as part of a 2014 settlement with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to resolve civil allegations involving environmental pollution. 

    NWMCC pleaded guilty to the offense on January 17, 2025.

    This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen with the assistance of EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Man Chak Ng.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elk Mound Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Employment Taxes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Deena M. Hintz, 53, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to a year in federal prison for willful failure to pay employment taxes.  Hintz pleaded guilty to this offense on December 17, 2024.

    Hintz owned and operated Jade Excavation and Trucking in Elk Mound, Wisconsin for nearly ten years. At times, Jade had up to fifteen employees who provided excavation, earth moving, and snow plowing services. Between 2017 and 2021, Hintz deducted over $400,000 in federal employment taxes from her employees’ payroll and instead of paying those taxes to the government, she kept the money for herself.

    Judge Conley noted that a prison sentence was necessary to reflect the scope and gravity of the amount of money withheld and then used by Hintz and her business partner for their own benefit. Judge Conley also ordered Hintz to pay restitution for tax losses in the amount of $482,185.46.

    The charge against Hintz was the result of an investigation conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson prosecuted this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Methamphetamine and Cocaine on Behalf of the Wolfpack Alliance

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

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that MICHAEL HABIB, an associate of the Canadian criminal organization known as the Wolfpack Alliance, was sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison for trafficking narcotics. HABIB pled guilty on December 20, 2023, before U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan, who imposed today’s sentence.  HABIB’s sentencing follows the imposition of sentences of 18 years, 17 and a half years, and four and half years on his co-defendants, SURINDER SINGH CHEEMA, BHUPINDER SINGH VIRK, and CHRISTOPHER BURGOS, on December 19, 2024, July 17, 2024, and December 16, 2024, respectively.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Wolfpack and its associates have spread drugs and violence in the United States and in Canada. Michael Habib and his co-conspirators are responsible for transporting thousands of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine across our northern border, ordering drug-related shootings and kidnappings, and attempting to smuggle wanted international hitmen into the United States from Canada.  Today’s prison sentence will help protect the public from wanton violence and dangerous narcotics, and demonstrates our resolve to root out transnational criminal organizations like Wolfpack.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “The associates of the Wolfpack Alliance have all been rightly sentenced for establishing an international drug trafficking route to assist the flow of thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine through our country into Canada. This conspiracy caused significant amounts of dangerous drugs to enter the United States, endangering the public’s safety. The FBI will continue to dismantle and hold accountable any criminal enterprise member, regardless of their origin, which utilizes our nation as an economic foothold and throughfare for their illegal operations.”

    According to the Indictment, public filings, and statements made in court proceedings:

    From at least in or about February 2022 through at least in or about November 2022, HABIB, CHEEMA, VIRK, BURGOS and others conspired to distribute narcotics by shipping thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine across the U.S. and into Canada. In or about March 2022, law enforcement seized approximately 400 kilograms of cocaine shipped by the conspirators from a warehouse in New Jersey, and approximately 96 kilograms of cocaine and 86 kilograms of methamphetamine in the vicinity of Kansas City, Kansas. In connection with their guilty pleas, HABIB admitted to conspiring to distribute at least approximately 400 kilograms of cocaine; CHEEMA admitted to conspiring to distribute at least approximately 1.3 metric tons of methamphetamine and 764 kilograms of cocaine; VIRK admitted to conspiring to distribute at least approximately 1.1 metric tons of methamphetamine and 480 kilograms of cocaine; and BURGOS admitted to conspiring to distribute at least approximately 400 kilograms of cocaine.

    The defendants engaged in additional criminal activities. HABIB and BURGOS, on behalf of the Wolfpack Alliance, assisted two Wolfpack-aligned hitmen, Gene Lahrkamp and Duncan Bailey, in their attempt to escape Canada and evade Canadian law enforcement, until Lahrkamp and Bailey were killed in an accidental plane crash in Canada on or about April 30, 2022. CHEEMA, in or about the spring of 2024, subsequent to his guilty plea and while awaiting sentencing at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, directed his confederates in the greater Toronto, Canada area to conduct shootings and issue threats of violence in connection with drug debts. VIRK was arrested in or about November 2022 in California with three unregistered “ghost” guns and approximately $487,900 in cash.

    *               *                *

    In addition to their prison terms, HABIB, 38, of Toronto, Canada; CHEEMA, 31, of Brampton, Canada; VIRK, 31, of Fresno, California; and BURGOS, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, were sentenced to five, four, four, and three years of supervised release, respectively, and were ordered to forfeit $487,900 and a 2020 Mercedes Benz AMG GT63.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Mr. Podolsky further thanked the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Peel Ontario Regional Police for their assistance and cooperation in the investigation.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations 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 being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas S. Burnett, Jane Y. Chong, and Matthew R. Shahabian are in charge of the prosecution. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CEO of Special Purpose Acquisition Company Charged with Accounting Fraud, Obstruction of Justice, and Perjury

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

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging VADIM KOMISSAROV, the former Chief Executive Officer of Trident Acquisitions Corp. (“TDAC”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”), with engaging in a scheme to defraud TDAC investors and investors in TDAC’s successor company, Lottery.com Inc., by publicly reporting false and misleading revenue and business information. KOMISSAROV was arrested yesterday evening and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, Vadim Komissarov, the former CEO of Trident Acquisitions Corp., engineered sham transactions and reported false and misleading revenue, all to ensure his SPAC merger went through and to make himself wealthy. To make matters worse, he tried to cover up his crimes by lying to the SEC under oath. This Office, and our partners at the FBI, will continue to pursue executives of public companies, including executives of SPACs, who defraud unsuspecting investors.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “Vadim Komissarov allegedly tried to secure a winning ticket by developing an elaborate scheme comprised of inflated profits, falsified transactions, and perjurious statements to sell company shares. Komissarov allegedly abused his authority as the company’s CEO to conjure a façade of success and interfere with an investigation into his suspected misconduct. The FBI will never permit any individual who attempts to unlawfully cash out at the expense of their investors’ money and trust.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

    From November 2020 through May 2022, KOMISSAROV engaged in a scheme to defraud TDAC investors and investors in TDAC’s successor company, Lottery.com Inc., by publicly reporting false and misleading revenue and business information about a prospective acquisition target and by profiting from the effect of the deception by selling shares of Lottery.com before other market participants realized the true state of the company (the “Revenue Scheme”).

    The Revenue Scheme arose from an effort by KOMISSAROV to identify a suitable target for TDAC before TDAC reached a deadline to either use or return investor funds that had been raised to support an acquisition.  In November 2020, KOMISSAROV settled on AutoLotto, Inc., d/b/a Lottery.com as a target for TDAC.  To deceive TDAC shareholders about the nature of AutoLotto’s business, and to thereby secure their approval for TDAC’s acquisition of AutoLotto (the “Business Combination”), KOMISSAROV worked with others to improperly and misleadingly inflate AutoLotto’s revenue and to report those inflated figures to TDAC’s shareholders through public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which KOMISSAROV signed or caused to be filed as the principal executive, financial, and accounting officer of TDAC.

    The Revenue Scheme created the false appearance of revenue-generating business activity for AutoLotto and later for Lottery.com through a series of sham transactions, including a fraudulent $9 million roundtrip transaction that KOMISSAROV engineered using the alias “Vlad.”

    In April 2022 and May 2022, KOMISSAROV sold almost 300,000 Lottery.com shares for more than $600,000, months before Lottery.com disclosed to investors that it had identified errors in the company’s reported revenue and available cash.

    By June 2023 and August 2023, the enforcement staff of the SEC had begun to investigate TDAC and Lottery.com. After receiving a subpoena from the SEC for documents and testimony in connection with the SEC’s investigation, KOMISSAROV schemed to obstruct the SEC’s investigation. For example, during a call with two Lottery.com executives, KOMISSAROV said he wanted to “sync” his “clock[]” with them and align on a false and misleading narrative that concealed his involvement in some of the sham transactions that were part of the Revenue Scheme. KOMISSAROV warned the Lottery.com executives, “guys, you do understand, you say that I was involved with this transaction . . . .  if Trident and me specifically knew about it, then I am in deep, deep, deep, deep water . . . . So, if you come out and say that I was involved, then I am in deep shit.”

    KOMISSAROV also personally tried to obstruct the SEC’s investigation. On November 20, 2024, KOMISSAROV provided sworn testimony to the SEC in connection with the SEC investigation into TDAC and Lottery.com. During his testimony, KOMISSAROV gave false and misleading answers about his prior communications with the Lottery.com executives and his involvement in the $9 million fraudulent roundtrip transaction that was part of the Revenue Scheme.

    *                 *                 *

    KOMISSAROV, 53, of New York, New York, was charged in the Indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, to make false and misleading statements in proxy statements, and to make false filings with the SEC; one count of securities fraud; five counts of making false and misleading statements in proxy statements; one count of obstruction of justice; and one count of perjury. The conspiracy charge and the perjury charge each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The charges of securities fraud, making false and misleading statements in proxy statements, and obstruction of justice each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years.   

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

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  Mr. Podolsky also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance and cooperation in the investigation.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Justin V. Rodriguez and Matthew R. Shahabian are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Young drug dealer receives sentence for using gun for “protection”

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 19-year-old Alamo resident has been sentenced for utilizing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J Ganjei.

    Emiliano Cabriales pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now handed Cabriales a 60-month term of imprisonment immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

    On May 29, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Cabriales was a passenger. During a routine search, they discovered a firearm concealed beneath the seat where Cabriales had been sitting.

    Further investigation revealed 14 grams of cocaine, packaged in individual baggies, hidden inside his pants. Cabriales admitted to possessing the cocaine and that he had the firearm in case he had to protect himself and the drugs.

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

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Alamo Police Department conducted the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Franklin Resident Convicted of Multiple Cyber Stalking Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – A federal jury on Friday convicted McKenzie McClure a/k/a Kalvin McClure, 31, of Franklin, Tennessee, of cyberstalking, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    According to the evidence presented at trial, the defendant, between February 2024 and April 2024, posted countless Tweets on X fixated on Christ Presbyterian Academy (“CPA”) and Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, school shootings, school lockdowns, guns, and other violent incidents. The defendant also visited the CPA school campus on Sunday, February 25, 2024, during the afternoon when almost no one would be present. During that time, the defendant was observed attempting to enter the locked doors of the church sanctuary three times, taking pictures of the maps of the school grounds, and flipping off the school campus while standing on the school crest. Then, on Sunday, March 24, 2024, on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the day of the Covenant School shooting, the defendant then left a menacing five-minute voicemail on CPA’s main phone line. In the voicemail, the defendant referenced multiple historical violent incidents and expressed anger and hostility at the school. The voicemail also referenced the movie Deadpool 2 in which a former student attempts to go back to his school to exact revenge and kill the headmaster. Countless school officials and the headmaster die in that movie. As a result of the defendant’s conduct, CPA closed school on Monday, March 25, 2024.

    “Children, parents, teachers, administrators and staff need to feel safe from harm while at school,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Our office, and our law enforcement partners, are fully committed to keeping our school communities safe and will have no tolerance for those who would put our kids at risk.”

    “The defendant’s concerning actions and social media posts emotionally devastated the school and church community and threatened their safety,” said Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI and our partners are committed to protecting the communities we serve and we encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious or threatening behavior to law enforcement.”

    “No one should have to worry about their safety at school—students, parents, and teachers deserve peace of mind. Because of that, the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security is committed to protecting our communities and making sure threats like this are taken seriously,” said Commissioner Jeff Long, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. “We’ll continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable and ensure Tennessee remains a safe place to live, learn, and work.”

    McClure will be sentenced on Monday, July 7, 2025. At sentencing, McClure faces a maximum term of incarceration of five years in federal prison.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katy Risinger and Joshua Kurtzman prosecuted the case.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Citizen Sentenced in Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Francisco Montalvo-Grenada, age 26, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for his role in an alien smuggling conspiracy.

    Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia of United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Montalvo-Grenada admitted that on May 15, 2023, he traveled from North Carolina to Northern New York, along with four co-conspirators, and smuggled 16 citizens of Mexico who had illegally entered the United States from Canada.  Following Montalvo-Grenada’s sentence, he faces deportation to Mexico by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers. 

    The United States Border Patrol investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Cavazos Soldiers Plead Guilty, Face up to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Human Smuggling

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALPINE, Texas – Two Fort Cavazos soldiers, Enrique Jauregui and Angel Palma, pleaded guilty in a federal court in Alpine to one count of aiding and abetting the transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain.

    According to court documents, Jauregui organized a smuggling event, recruiting Palma and another co-conspirator, Emilio Mendoza Lopez. Jauregui provided Palma and Mendoza Lopez the location information to pick up illegal aliens to smuggle, supported them with encouraging messages and instructions, and intended to pay Palma and Mendoza Lopez after they dropped off the illegal aliens.

    On Nov. 27, 2024, Palma and Mendoza Lopez drove from Fort Cavazos to Presidio and picked up three illegal aliens before leading U.S. Border Patrol agents on a high-speed chase. At one point, the defendants hit a marked USBP vehicle with an agent inside, causing injuries. Palma and Mendoza Lopez, along with the three illegal aliens, fled the vehicle on foot. All were apprehended with the exception of Palma, who was located at a hotel in Odessa and eventually arrested.

    Jauregui and Palma are both scheduled to be sentenced on May 23.  They each face up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Mendoza Lopez pleaded guilty to the same aiding and abetting charge on Jan. 27 and is scheduled to be sentenced April 25. He also faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigations Division are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Cayton is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Carjacking Spree and Shooting at Police Officers Nets District Man 17 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Tywan J. Cummings, 44, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 204 months in federal prison for an armed carjacking spree in May 2020 that led to a car chase with police, his firing shots on police officers, and his burglarizing an occupied residence where he was eventually caught hiding.

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

                Cummings pleaded guilty August 18, 2023, in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to carjacking; using, possessing, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and assaulting, resisting, or interfering with a police officer with a dangerous weapon. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Cummings to serve five years of supervised release.

            According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of May 17, 2020, in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C., Cummings pointed an AR-style rifle at a man who was putting air into his tire of his BMW 325i on the 1200 block of Raum Street. Cummings took the vehicle at gunpoint. Cummings then drove the BMW, with the valve of the pump still attached to the tire, into Maryland and, minutes later, carjacked a nurse of her Hyundai Tucson at gunpoint outside a hospital in Prince George’s County. In the early morning hours of May 18, 2023, multiple Maryland law enforcement agencies from the Bowie, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County Police Departments pursued Cummings—who was by this time driving a stolen Honda Ridgeline—into Southeast Washington, D.C.  MPD officers were also on scene to assist. 

                At the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Alabama Avenue SE, Cummings crashed the Honda into another car near a gas station. On foot with police in pursuit, Cummings fired multiple shots on Maryland and MPD police officers with a handgun. Shortly after 2 a.m., Cummings broke into an occupied residence on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and hid in an upstairs bedroom. Police declared a barricade at 2:28 a.m.

                Members of the MPD’s Emergency Response Team responded and apprehended Cummings. Officers recovered a .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun, the AR-style rifle from the stolen vehicle, and over 100 rounds of ammunition. No victim sustained physical injuries during the spree. Cummings has been in custody since his arrest.   

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department with valuable assistance provided by the Bowie Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emory V. Cole and Paul V. Courtney.

    20cr0115

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Peruvian National Arrested After 2 Prior Deportations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – A Peruvian national with multiple prior violent crime convictions was arrested near El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry.

    According to court documents, Joel Edgardo Flores-Reyes was allegedly found just over one mile west of the Paso Del Norte port of entry without immigration documents allowing him to legally be or remain in the U.S. He has been previously removed from the U.S. twice, the most recent occasion being on June 13, 2024. Flores-Reyes was convicted on four counts in three separate misdemeanor cases in Arizona between 2006 and 2010.

    Flores-Reyes is charged with one count of illegal re-entry. If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The U.S. Border Patrol is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Aguayo is prosecuting the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Irish And U.K. Nationals Charged With Multi-State Construction Fraud That Targeted Vulnerable Homeowners

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging JAMES DINNIGAN, a/k/a “Charlie Ward,” and MARTIN MAUGHAN, a/k/a “Lawrence Rogers,” with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their participation in a multi-year, multi-state organized construction fraud scheme that targeted at least 24 victims, including numerous elderly and vulnerable victims. MAUGHAN was transferred from state custody to federal custody this afternoon and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Robyn Tarnofsky.  DINNIGAN is in federal immigration custody and will be transferred to the Southern District of New York.  

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, these defendants and their co-conspirators carried out a brazen scheme to defraud vulnerable members of our community by posing as legitimate home repair contractors and tricking homeowners into paying for thousands of dollars in unnecessary and unwanted home repairs.  Today’s charges should serve as a reminder that this Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who seek to enrich themselves by victimizing vulnerable members of our community.”

    Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backschies said: “James Dinnigan and Martin Maughan allegedly enticed prospective consumers with illegitimate home improvement advertisements before intentionally destroying their property to extort unanticipated additional costs. These illegal foreign nationals allegedly laid the foundation to prey upon a vulnerable population across the northeast, ultimately stealing a significant sum from elderly victims. The FBI remains committed to protecting our citizens from any fraudulent company attempting to cement false promises to garner illicit profits.”

    As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

    Between at least in or around October 2023 through at least in or about February 2025, DINNIGAN and MAUGHAN participated in a construction fraud scheme involving dozens of victims in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and several other states.  Participants in the scheme were usually foreign nationals from Ireland and the United Kingdom who were illegally in the U.S. and falsely posed as legitimate home repair contractors.

    The scheme generally proceeded as follows: To get hired by the victims, members of the scheme made false statements to victims about their operation of legitimate home repair businesses, their occupation as contractors or engineers, and about home improvement and construction projects the victims needed to obtain. After being hired, members of the scheme tricked victims into paying for additional unwanted or unnecessary home repairs and other construction, including by purposefully damaging or destroying the victims’ property. The perpetrators of the scheme then forced victims, including through threats, into paying them tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

    DINNIGAN, MAUGHAN, and other perpetrators of the scheme communicated with victims using cellphones and email.  The victims frequently wrote checks and transferred money to bank accounts controlled by members of the scheme, including into an account at a particular financial institution in Manhattan, New York.  The perpetrators of the scheme also operated websites in the names of at least two purported construction companies:  Local Masonry and Construction and Pine Valley Home Improvements, Inc.  Below are screenshots from websites that the perpetrators used to lure victims into the scheme:

    The FBI has identified more than two dozen victims—many who are elderly individuals—who have lost at least $1 million as a result of this scheme. 

    DINNIGAN entered the U.S. on or about April 4, 2023, using a tourist visa.  A review of relevant records has revealed no known documentation showing that DINNIGAN departed the U.S. as required, or that DINNIGAN applied for and received authorization to legally remain in the U.S.  On or about February 25, 2025, DINNIGAN was encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) in Champlain, New York.

    On or about August 9, 2023, MAUGHAN was encountered by CBP officers in the vicinity of Laredo, Texas.  MAUGHAN was subsequently ordered removed from the U.S. to the United Kingdom on or about October 30, 2023.  According to MAUGHAN’s order of removal, he was prohibited from reentering or attempting to reenter the U.S. for a period of five years.  On or about February 7, 2025, MAUGHAN was found inside the U.S. when he was arrested at the Boston Logan International Airport moments before departing on a flight to Dublin, Ireland. 

    If you believe that you have additional information about this scheme or if you believe you have been a victim of the defendants or their co-conspirators, please contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, and reference this case.

    *               *                *

    DINNIGAN, 27, of Ireland, and MAUGHAN, 31, of the United Kingdom, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. 

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

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York and Philadelphia field offices.  Mr. Podolsky also thanked CBP; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; Lower Merion Police Department; Cheltenham Police Department; Bernards Township Police Department; and Lambertville Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. 

    The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon D. Harper is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from paralegal specialist William A. Coleman IV.

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact descried therein should be treated as an allegation. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Man Charged With Assaulting Border Patrol Agent

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Gerardo Tejada-Calleja, 22, of Mexico, was arrested by the United States Border Patrol on March 2, 2025, and charged with Assault on a Federal Officer and Illegal Entry Into the United States.

    The government’s complaint alleges that, on March 2, 2025, a United States Border Patrol agent responded to a report of suspected illegal aliens in the area of Vamori, Arizona. When an agent approached the area, Tejada-Calleja was found hiding under a tree, attempting to evade apprehension. Tejada-Calleja ran down a wash upon seeing the agent. After a brief pursuit, Tejada-Calleja and another individual were found hiding under a tree and some brush. During attempts to apprehend the two individuals, the agent reached for his radio to let other agents know he needed assistance. Tejada-Calleja grabbed the agent’s gun belt area and his radio in an attempt to rip it out of the agent’s hands. During the assault, Tejada-Calleja wrapped his arms around the agent, taking him down to the ground backwards and onto his back. Tejada-Calleja and the other individual were able to evade apprehension again until they were subsequently captured and taken into custody.

    United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Precup, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           25-04720MJ-1
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-029_Tejada-Calleja

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –