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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Level Three Registered Sex Offender Going Back to Prison on Multiple Child Pornography Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Donald Campbell Sr., 62, of Elmira, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under the laws of New York State relating to the possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that between July 25, 2022, and January 9, 2023, he possessed digital devices including a cell phone and an SD card, both of which contained images and videos of child pornography. Campbell downloaded and distributed the images via the internet. In total, he possessed more than 600 images and videos, some of which depicted prepubescent children less than 12 years old being subjected to violent sexual abuse, and the sexual abuse of an infant. Campbell is a registered level-three sex offender (the highest risk level) following two prior felony child pornography offenses in New York State Court in December 2004 and March 2019.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prior Felon Going Back to Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cameron Stroke, 43, of Depew, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 124 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in October 2019, Stroke was convicted on a federal charge of possession of child pornography and  sentenced to five years’ probation. On May 23, 2023, U.S. Probation Officers conducted a home inspection at Stroke’s residence and found an unauthorized cell telephone in his possession. A forensic review recovered approximately 181 images and 12 videos of child pornography stored on the device. Some images depicted prepubescent minors.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger. 

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Personal Assistant Charged in Scheme to Defraud Her Elderly Employers of Nearly $10 Million

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Allegedly Posed as Her Employers to Steal Funds from Their Bank Accounts and Spent over $1.8 Million to Purchase Luxury Merchandise

    Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Catalina Corona was arraigned on an indictment charging her with wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.  While employed as a personal assistant to an elderly married couple (the Victims), Corona forged the Victims’ signatures on checks from various bank accounts and stole approximately $10 million from them.  The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.

    “The defendant’s greed knew no bounds, as she brazenly stole millions from elderly victims, using deceit to systematically steal the victims’ money and violate the trust they placed in her,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “My Office is committed to protecting the elderly from fraudulent schemes and ending elder abuse.”

    “For years, the defendant took advantage of an elderly couple who trusted her to protect them and their interests,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Backschies. “As alleged in the indictment, she repeatedly defrauded these victims out of millions of dollars to enrich herself. Combatting the financial exploitation of elderly Americans remains a priority for the FBI, and we will continue to work hard to identify and disrupt anyone who attempts to target America’s seniors.”

    As alleged in court filings, between approximately 2017 and 2024, while working for the Victims, Corona repeatedly deposited hundreds of checks written out to cash—made payable to herself—from the Victims’ bank accounts without their knowledge or consent.  Many of these transactions took place in Queens and on Long Island within the Eastern District of New York.

    Corona also posed as one of the Victims when calling the Victims’ bank to request information related to their accounts.  In April 2024, one of the Victims received a call from the bank inquiring about checks written out to cash.  The Victim explained that she never wrote checks out to cash and ultimately discovered that Corona had been forging checks and withdrawing money from the Victims’ bank account.  The investigation further uncovered that Corona was not only stealing funds by fraudulently cashing checks, but was also transferring funds directly from the Victims’ accounts into her own personal accounts.

    In total, Corona stole nearly $10 million, which she used to pay her credit card bills and to purchase luxury items from Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci and other high-end brands.  Specifically, Corona spent over $1 million on Louis Vuitton items alone, including luggage, purses valued at over $10,000, and apparel.  Additionally, in just one day, Corona used over $25,000 in stolen funds for airline travel.   

    The charges in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted of the charges in the indictment, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of two years’ imprisonment on the aggravated identity theft charge, and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States  Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola is in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Michael Castiglione who is handling forfeiture matters.

    The Defendant:

    CATALINA CORONA
    Age: 61
    Corona, Queens

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-78 (NGG)

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooklyn Podcaster and Cryptocurrency Personality Known as ‘T.J. Stone’ Sentenced to 45 Months’ Imprisonment

    Source: US FBI

    Thomas John Sfraga Swindled Individual Real Estate and Cryptocurrency Investors Out of Over $2 Million Using Business Named After Fictitious “Seinfeld” Company

    Thomas John Sfraga, also known as “T.J. Stone,” was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn by United States District Judge Frederic Block to 45 months in prison for wire fraud.  As part of the sentence, Sfraga was ordered to pay $1,337,700 in forfeiture. The restitution amount will be determined at a later date.  Sfraga pleaded guilty in May 2024.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.

    “Sfraga callously stole from friends, next-door neighbors, and the parents of children who played on teams with his own children, as well as from individual cryptocurrency investors,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “There was nothing funny about his use of a Seinfeldian company, Vandelay Industries, to carry out this fraud, which caused severe financial and emotional harm to the hard-working men and women who trusted him.”

    As set forth in the information and court filings, from at least 2016 to 2022, Sfraga held himself out as the owner and principal of multiple businesses, including Build Strong Homes LLC and Vandelay Contracting Corp.  The latter company had a name similar to the fictional “Vandelay Industries,” which the character George Constanza falsely claimed to have interviewed with for a job in the television show “Seinfeld.” Sfraga held himself out as “T.J. Stone,” a serial entrepreneur with experience in real estate development, media relations, podcasting, and cryptocurrencies, which included acting as the emcee of many cryptocurrency events in New York.

    Sfraga defrauded at least 17 victims, including victims in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island, by convincing them to loan him money for, or to invest in, multiple sham investments including purchasing, renovating, and “flipping” homes.  On one occasion, Sfraga convinced a victim to lend him $100,000 in cash as start-up costs for a non-existent construction project.  On yet another occasion, Sfraga convinced a victim to invest in a fictitious cryptocurrency “virtual wallet.”  He promised the victims returns on their investments as high as 60% in three months.  In reality, however, Sfraga used the money entrusted to him by the victims for his own benefit, to pay expenses, and to pay earlier victims and business associates.  When law enforcement began investigating Sfraga after victims filed lawsuits, he fled to Arizona to live under a false identity. Sfraga was eventually apprehended in Las Vegas after being arrested for running out on his bill at the Wynn Casino.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States Attorney John Vagelatos is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Madison Bates.

    The Defendant:

    THOMAS JOHN SFRAGA (also known as “T.J. Stone”)
    Age:  56
    Brooklyn, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-194 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twenty-Eight Leaders and Members of the Valentine Avenue Crew Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Racketeering

    Source: US FBI

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Frank A. Tarentino, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”); Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Jessica S. Tisch, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging EDWIN CARRASQUILLO, a/k/a “Malo”; HECTOR HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Hec”; JOSE HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Nene,” a/k/a “Little”; NATHANIEL MANNING, a/k/a “Tio”; DAMEL MARCUS, a/k/a “Shank”; EDWARDO MORENO, a/k/a “AR”; JERMAINE SAMUELS, a/k/a “Maine”; CHRISTIAN SERRANO, a/k/a “Chris”; JOHNNIE CAPELES a/k/a “Jon Boy”; JAMIL BANKS a/k/a “Mel”; EMILIO BARRERA, a/k/a “Colombia,” a/k/a “E”; JASON RIVERA, a/k/a “Colombo”; HECTOR CEREZO, a/k/a “Red”; JOSUE VARGAS, a/k/a “Leo”; JUAN KUANG, a/k/a “Jo Jo,” a/k/a “Jay,” a/k/a “Blanco”; STEVEN SANTIAGO, a/k/a “Swizz”; VICTOR MENDENG, a/k/a “Cali”; ANGEL VILLAFANE, YADIRA REYNOSO, a/k/a “Yadi”; ERIKA DAWSON; ARIYAN LABELLA, a/k/a “Ari”; DELILAH CARRIEL; ROSEMARIE SANCHEZ, a/k/a “Rosie”; JOHANA ALCANTARA; JUAN CALDERON, a/k/a “Jazzo,” a/k/a “Juanito”; KAREEM SMITH, a/k/a “K”; and CHRISTOPHER MEADOWS with participating in a racketeering enterprise, committing multiple violent crimes in aid of racketeering, including murder, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, distributing narcotics, and carrying and using firearms in connection with an armed drug trafficking operation based on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx, New York for well over three decades from 1993 to the present.  CARASQUILLO and ALCANTARA are also charged with the June 25, 2020, murder of Jozei Hullex.

    CARRASQUILLO, HECTOR HERNANDEZ, JOSE HERNANDEZ, MANNING, MARCUS, MORENO, BANKS, RIVERA, CEREZO, VARGAS, KUANG, SANTIAGO, MENDENG, VILLAFANE, CARRIEL, SANCHEZ, ALCANTARA, CALDERON, and MEADOWS were previously taken into custody on related charges.  SAMUELS, SERRANO, CAPELES, REYNOSO, DAWSON, LABELLA, and SMITH were arrested either yesterday evening or earlier today.  BARRERA is still at large.  All seven of the defendants arrested yesterday or today are expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger later this afternoon.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Today, we have filed charges against twenty-eight alleged members of a violent drug trafficking gang that held an entire neighborhood of this city hostage for over three decades.  On a daily basis, this street crew, including those arrested today, allegedly distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack along several blocks on Valentine Avenue, creating an open-air drug market in the middle of a Bronx neighborhood.  And to protect their territory, they allegedly carried guns, extorted people with substance abuse issues through violence, and attacked rivals and anyone else attempting to weaken their control on their block. This violence resulted in multiple shootings, as well as the murder of Jozei Hullex.  It is a brutal reality that has lasted for far too long.  It ends now.  The streets of this great city belong to its people, and the career prosecutors of this Office will not stop until our streets are returned to the law-abiding people of New York City and their families.”

    DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said: “Today’s indictment against the Valentine Avenue Crew and its members, shows the commitment the Drug Enforcement Administration and our law enforcement partners have when targeting drug trafficking organizations and individuals who routinely use threats, violence, extortion, robbery, and murder in order to run their criminal enterprise and flood our neighborhoods with illicit and synthetic drugs. The DEA remains committed to ensuring our citizens and communities remain healthy and safe.”

    FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backschies said: “For over three decades, these 28 Valentine Avenue Crew members allegedly protected their illicit narcotics distribution scheme and the enterprise’s dangerous reputation through violent gunfights and murder. Their alleged commandeering of a Bronx neighborhood allowed criminality and violence to flourish, threatening the lives of innocent residents. The FBI remains committed to dismantling all criminal organizations that utilize our city as their personal playground to promote illegal racketeering operations and endanger our communities.”

    NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “The Valentine Avenue Crew created immense fear within their community for decades, fueling our streets with senseless gun violence, polluting our sidewalks with deadly poisons, and costing lives through their ruthless gang behavior. These indictments send a clear message: this era of lawlessness ends today. The NYPD remains steadfast in its mission to remove illegal firearms from the hands of criminals—having already seized over 1,000 firearms this year alone—and to dismantle the illicit drug trade they are so often associated with. I commend the relentless NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners in the FBI, DEA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their unwavering commitment to placing members of organized networks such as these behind bars.”

    As alleged in the Indictment:[1]

    CARRASQUILLO, HECTOR HERNANDEZ,  JOSE HERNANDEZ, MANNING, MARCUS, MORENO, SAMUELS, SERRANO, CAPELES, BANKS, BARRERA, RIVERA, CEREZO, VARGAS, KUANG, SANTIAGO, MENDENG, VILLAFANE, REYNOSO, DAWSON, LABELLA, CARRIEL, SANCHEZ, ALCANTARA, CALDERON, SMITH, and MEADOWS are charged for their involvement in an armed drug trafficking organization (the “Valentine Avenue Crew”) that took over the block of Valentine Avenue between East 194th Street and East 196th Street in the Bronx (the “Block”) and its surrounding neighborhood.

    Since the mid-1990s, for multiple decades, the members and associates of the Valentine Avenue Crew, including the defendants, operated as a drug trafficking gang that was organized in a hierarchal structure and that took over and controlled the Block, working in shifts throughout the day and night to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base, in a form commonly known as “crack.”  These drugs were often manufactured and packaged elsewhere and then delivered to the Block, where members and associates of the Valentine Avenue Crew, many of whom were typically armed with firearms and other weapons, sold them to a large base of end-user customers.  In control of the sidewalks and the street of the Block, as well as the public spaces of multiple buildings along the Block, the Valentine Avenue Crew and its members and associates, including the defendants, worked freely, creating an open market for drugs, in which they extorted payments, including in-kind sexual acts, from customers through violence and the threat of violence. The members and associates of the Valentine Avenue Crew, including the defendants, also used violence—including multiple shootings—to compete with rival drug traffickers and within the Valentine Avenue Crew itself, principally to maintain dominance over the drug trade on the Block and control of the Valentine Avenue Crew.

    On or about June 25, 2020, CARRASQUILLO, one of the leaders of the Valentine Avenue Crew, and ALCANTARA used fentanyl to poison and murder Jozei Hullex, a disfavored member of the Valentine Avenue Crew.

    On or about June 25, 2020, CARRASQUILLO, HECTOR HERNANDEZ, JOSE HERNANDEZ, MANNING, MARCUS, and SAMUELS participated in a shootout for control of the Valentine Avenue Crew and in turn the Block.

    On or about September 22, 2020, CARRASQUILLO and CEREZO participated in shooting at a rival gang member.

    On or about January 1, 2021, CARRASQUILLO, MARCUS, MORENO, and SAMUELS used a chain and one or more firearms to assault a disfavored member of the Valentine Avenue Crew, who was seriously injured and hospitalized following the attack.

    In addition, VILLAFANE remains charged for his commission of two non-fatal shootings in Manhattan in July 2020 and January 2021.  Specifically, in or about July 2020, VILLAFANE paid a co-conspirator (“CC-1”) to lure a victim to a location in Manhattan where VILLAFANE attempted to murder the victim over a drug debt, resulting in personal injury to the victim.  Additionally, on or about January 8, 2021, VILLAFANE committed another non-fatal shooting in Manhattan.

    *                *                *

    A chart containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below.

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

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, FBI, and NYPD.  Today’s operation was conducted by the Trident Task Force, a joint task force of the DEA and FBI, among other federal, state, and local law-enforcement authorities, which is working on this case together with the NYPD.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael R. Herman, Timothy Ly, and Thomas John Wright are in charge of the prosecution.

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

    COUNT

    CHARGE

    DEFENDANTS

    MAX. PENALTIES

    1

    Racketeering

    conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)

    		 All DEFENDANTS Life in prison

    2

    Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering

    18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,” and

    JOHANA ALCANTARA

    		 10 years in prison

    3

    Murder in aid of racketeering

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,” and

    JOHANA ALCANTARA

    		 Death or mandatory sentence of life in prison

    4

    Attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec,”

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little,”

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,” and

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    		 20 years in prison

    5

    Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec,”

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little,”

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,” and

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison

    6

    Attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,” and

    HECTOR CEREZO,

    a/k/a “Red”

    		 20 years in prison

    7

    Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison

    8

    		 Assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,”

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR,”

    and JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    		 20 years in prison

    9

    Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,”

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR,”

    and JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison

    10

    Narcotics conspiracy

    21 U.S.C. § 846

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec,”

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little,”

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,”

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR,”

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine,”

    CHRISTIAN SERRANO,

    a/k/a “Chris,”

    JOHNNIE CAPELES

    a/k/a “Jon Boy,”

    EMILIO BARRERA,

    a/k/a “Colombia,”

    a/k/a “E,”

    JASON RIVERA,

    a/k/a “Colombo,”

    HECTOR CEREZO

    a/k/a “Red,”

    JOSUE VARGAS,

    a/k/a “Leo,”

    JUAN KUANG,

    a/k/a “Jo Jo,”

    a/k/a “Jay,”

    a/k/a “Blanco,”

    STEVEN SANTIAGO,

    a/k/a “Swizz,”

    VICTOR MENDENG,

    a/k/a “Cali,”

    ANGEL VILLAFANE

    YADIRA REYNOSO,

    a/k/a “Yadi,”

    ERIKA DAWSON,

    ARIYAN LABELLA,

    a/k/a “Ari,”

    DELILAH CARRIEL,

    ROSEMARIE SANCHEZ,

    a/k/a “Rosie,”

    JOHANA ALCANTARA,

    JUAN CALDERON,

    a/k/a “Jazzo,”

    a/k/a “Juanito,”

    KAREEM SMITH,

    a/k/a “K,” and

    CHRISTOPHER MEADOWS

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison

    11

    		 Continuing criminal enterprise

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,”

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec,”

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little,”

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio,”

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank,”

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR,”

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine,”

    CHRISTIAN SERRANO,

    a/k/a “Chris,”

    JOHNNIE CAPELES,

    a/k/a “Jon Boy,”

    JAMIL BANKS,

    a/k/a “Mel,”

    EMILIO BARRERA,

    a/k/a “Colombia,”

    a/k/a “E,”

    JASON RIVERA,

    a/k/a “Colombo,”

    JOSUE VARGAS,

    a/k/a “Leo,”

    JUN KUANG,

    a/k/a “Jo Jo,”

    a/k/a “Jay,”

    a/k/a “Blanco,”

    and STEVEN SANTIAGO,

    a/k/a “Swizz”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory sentence of life in prison for CARRASQUILLO and HERNANDEZ

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison for other defendants

    12

    Murder while engaged in a narcotics conspiracy

    21 U.S.C. § 848(e)(1)(A)

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo,” and

    JOHANA ALCANTARA

    Death or life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison

    13

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    EDWIN CARRASQUILLO,

    a/k/a “Malo”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    14

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    HECTOR HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Hec”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    15

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    JOSE HERNANDEZ,

    a/k/a “Nene,”

    a/k/a “Little”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    16

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    NATHANIEL MANNING,

    a/k/a “Tio”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    17

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    DAMEL MARCUS,

    a/k/a “Shank”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    18

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    EDWARDO MORENO,

    a/k/a “AR”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    19

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    JERMAINE SAMUELS,

    a/k/a “Maine”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    20

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    HECTOR CEREZO,

    a/k/a “Red”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    21

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime ANGEL VILLAFANE

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    22

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime

    CHRISTIAN SERRANO,

    a/k/a “Chris,”

    JOHNNIE CAPELES,

    a/k/a “Jon Boy,”

    JAMIL BANKS,

    a/k/a “Mel,”

    EMILIO BARRERA,

    a/k/a “Colombia,”

    a/k/a “E,”

    JASON RIVERA,

    a/k/a “Colombo,”

    JOSUE VARGAS,

    a/k/a “Leo,”

    JUAN KUANG,

    a/k/a “Jo Jo,”

    a/k/a “Jay,”

    a/k/a “Blanco,”

    STEVEN SANTIAGO,

    a/k/a “Swizz,”

    VICTOR MENDENG,

    a/k/a “Cali,”

    YADIRA REYNOSO,

    a/k/a “Yadi,”

    ERIKA DAWSON,

    ARIYAN LABELLA,

    a/k/a “Ari,”

    DELILAH CARRIEL,

    ROSEMARIE SANCHEZ,

    a/k/a “Rosie,”

    JOHANA ALCANTARA,

    JUAN CALDERON,

    a/k/a “Jazzo,”

    a/k/a “Juanito,”

    KAREEM SMITH,

    a/k/a “K,” and

    CHRISTOPHER MEADOWS

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    23

    		 Murder for hire ANGEL VILLAFANE 20 years in prison

    24

    		 Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime ANGEL VILLAFANE

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence 10 years in prison

    25

    		 Felon in possession of ammunition ANGEL VILLAFANE 10 years in prison

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Members of Charlotte-Based Multimillion-Dollar Auto Theft Ring Are Sentenced to Prison

    Source: US FBI

    The Defendants Stole High-End Automobiles From Dealerships Across the United States

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Four members of a theft ring that stole more than 100 high-end vehicles worth millions of dollars from dealerships located across the United States were sentenced in federal court late yesterday, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

    The defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport, possess, and sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce and were sentenced as follows:

    • Dewanne Lamar White, 44, of Sumter, South Carolina, was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. White also pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
    • Kevin Ja’Coryen James Fields, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Fields also pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.
    • Reginald Eugene Hill, 25, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.
    • Garyka Vaughn Bost, 26, of Denver, North Carolina, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

    According to court documents and court proceedings, from 2021 to 2023, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to steal luxury vehicles worth millions of dollars from dealerships in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Arizona. To maximize profits, they targeted luxury vehicles made by Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Land Rover, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, and other expensive models from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and other manufacturers.

    Court documents show that the defendants executed the thefts in a number of ways. In some instances, they visited dealerships posing as customers interested in purchasing the vehicles. After pretending to test drive or inspect the vehicles, the defendants would swap the vehicles’ key fobs with similar ones, and later use the stolen key fobs to steal the vehicles. Other times, they employed methods like “smash and grab” thefts, where they would break into dealerships and locate keys to the high-end models, or break open lockboxes containing keys to luxury vehicles, and then drive the vehicles off the lot. According to court records Bost, Fields, and Hill often served as drivers in the conspiracy, and White frequently paid them and other drivers for their work in the scheme. On several occasions the defendants and other co-conspirators stole multiple vehicles simultaneously, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.

    According to court documents and the sentencing hearings, once the stolen vehicles were taken off the dealership lots, the defendants avoided law enforcement detection by removing the GPS navigation and tracking systems from the stolen vehicles, attaching fictitious dealer tags or stolen license plates on the vehicles, and replacing the vehicles’ authentic Vehicle Identification Numbers, among other things. The stolen vehicles were then transported back to Charlotte where they were sold locally at prices well below market value.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked HSI, FBI, and CMPD for their investigation of the case and recognized the contributions of the York County South Carolina Sheriff’s Office and many other state and local law enforcement partners that assisted with the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.

     

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Man is Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – David Williams, 45, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 140 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for transporting of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Williams was also ordered to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

    “Williams possessed thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, yet his criminal conduct did not end there,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Williams produced a surreptitious recording of a prepubescent minor using the bathroom, and also used AI technology to modify and alter images of children he found on the internet to generate child sexual abuse material. This type of misuse of technology, and specifically generative AI, is at the forefront of our efforts to protect our children from this emerging threat and secure proper punishment for perpetrators.”

    According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, law enforcement received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an individual was using the internet to upload CSAM. Law enforcement identified the individual as Williams. On September 14, 2021, law enforcement conducted an interview of Williams. The defendant denied having any CSAM, at first. He later admitted to having CSAM and turned over some of his electronic devices to law enforcement. A forensic examination of Williams’s devices revealed that the defendant possessed images and videos depicting children being sexually abused and that Williams did not provide all of the relevant electronics.

    On September 16, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Williams’s residence, seizing additional electronics from the defendant. A forensic analysis of those electronics confirmed the presence of CSAM, including images and videos of children as young as toddlers being sexually abused. In total, Williams possessed over 4,000 videos and images of CSAM. Additionally, forensic analysis determined that Williams produced a surreptitious recording of a prepubescent minor using the bathroom.

    Forensic analysis further determined that Williams used an online AI chatbot to generate realistic CSAM by morphing or modifying images of clothed minors he found on the internet.  

    On June 12, 2023, Williams pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In announcing Williams’s sentence, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn, Jr., emphasized that “this is a serious crime with serious consequences.”

    The FBI and CMPD investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

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

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Carrying Out Scheme to Defraud Lucas County Auditor of More Than $622,000

    Source: US FBI

    TOLEDO, Ohio – A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to an organized scheme that defrauded the Lucas County Auditor of more than $622,000. From March 2018 through November 2020, Darren Barr, age 39, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, collaborated with others to carry out a plan to obtain money by pretending to be legitimate vendors with which the county was approved to do business.

    In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge James G. Carr for the Northern District of Ohio ordered Barr to serve three years of supervised release and pay $622,793.62 in restitution.

    During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that the fraudsters used information found on public websites to obtain specific details about approved government vendor businesses. Among the information they gathered, were the names of the Lucas County employees who were responsible for paying vendors. Using the data they found, Barr and his co-conspirators created email accounts to look like those of the approved businesses. They also opened fraudulent bank accounts with forged State of Pennsylvania and Internal Revenue Service corporate documents. After each step of the scheme was in place, Barr and his co-conspirators carried out their plan.

    First, legitimate invoices were sent to the county employees from the false vendor emails they controlled. Instructions in the email directed the employees to submit payment to any one of the fraudulent corporate bank accounts created by Barr and his co-conspirators. Because they believed the emails to be from legitimate vendors, the employees submitted payments to the sham bank accounts controlled by the scammers.

    As soon as payments were received into the fraudulent accounts, Barr would quickly transfer the money into other bank accounts he and his co-conspirators controlled in an attempt to try and conceal their activities.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Melching for the Northern District of Ohio.

    To report fraud, visit justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Tulsa Men Sentenced for Armed Robbery

    Source: US FBI

    TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Raul M Arias-Marxuach sentenced three Tulsa men for armed robberies in Catoosa and Owasso, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

    “These three defendants were sentenced for violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “They robbed the victim in an occupied hotel and shot at others recklessly in a neighborhood. They were violent and dangerous. The Northern District of Oklahoma is safer with them behind bars.”

    Yonaton Perez, 20, was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

    Anthony Gabriel Calvillo-Rodriguez, 20, to 190 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying and Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

    Anthony Alexander Bernal-Perez, 23, to 121 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

    Court records show that on April 7, 2023, Perez was parked in a private parking lot behind a bar in Tulsa. Tulsa Police officers approached the vehicle. During the investigation, officers found that Perez possessed more than 660 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to sell. 

    In September 2023, Perez directed another person to get a hotel room in Catoosa with the intent of robbing the victim. While the victim was in the hotel room, Perez, Calvillo-Rodriguez, and Bernal-Perez robbed the victim. The victim was targeted because he was a drug dealer, wore flashy jewelry, and routinely carried drug proceeds on him. The defendants robbed the victim of more than $100k in jewelry and cash.

    In a third incident in October 2023, Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez were waiting in a parking lot in Owasso when four juveniles pulled up to their vehicle and robbed Calvillo-Rodriguez. When the juvenile robbers drove off, Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez followed the robbers and blocked their vehicle. Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez opened fire on the juvenile robbers in a neighborhood, striking several homes and vehicles. 

    All three men will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, the Owasso Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore and John Brasher 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. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brothers from Oregon Plead Guilty to Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – Brothers from Oregon pleaded guilty today to felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from their conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Jonathanpeter Allen Klein, 24, of Pendleton, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of civil disorder and one count or assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss.

                Matthew Leland Klein, 27, of Pendleton, Oregon, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder and a misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds also before Judge Moss.

                The two men will be sentenced on Nov. 15, 2024.

                According to court documents, the brothers traveled from Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021. After attending the rally, the brothers made their way toward the Capitol building and entered into the restricted perimeter before separating.

                At about 2:00 p.m., a group of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the Northwest edge of the grounds in order to assist and reinforce the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), who were outnumbered by the amassing crowd on the West Plaza of the Capitol. The MPD officers had organized themselves into a two-line formation and then attempted to make their way through the crowd to reach other law enforcement on the West Plaza police line.

                As the MPD officers were attempting to move through the crowd of rioters, Jonathanpeter Klein threw a piece of audio-visual equipment at the officers. The object directly hit an MPD officer in the helmet, causing the officer to stumble.

                At approximately 2:18 p.m., Matthew Klein and Jonathanpeter Klein entered into the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door and separated. Matthew Klein was carrying a Gadsden flag and left the building approximately ten minutes later through a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door. Jonathanpeter Klein traversed most of the building through the crypt, Rotunda, and House side of the Capitol. Jonathanpeter then left the building and reunited with his brother.

                After exiting the building, the two men joined with a group of other rioters struggling against police to open the North Door of the Capitol. Through these combined efforts, the rioters, including Matthew and Jonathanpeter, were able to force the door open. Immediately after breaching the North Door, Matthew positioned himself in front of the North Door to obstruct police officers who were emerging from the building to disperse the rioters. Matthew also used his flag to interfere with the officers who were attempting to resecure the door.

                The FBI arrested the two men on March 23, 2021, in Oregon.  

                This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of Oregon.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Portland and Washington Field Offices. Jonathanpeter was identified as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #127L and Matthew was identified as BOLO #127R. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. 

                In the 42 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,470 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 530 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grants Pass Man Accused of Causing Train Derailment

    Source: US FBI

    MEDFORD, Ore.—A Grants Pass, Oregon man is facing federal charges for manipulating railroad track equipment and causing a derailment.

    Craig David Saddler, 50, has been charged by criminal complaint with wrecking, derailing, or disabling railroad equipment and vehicles. 

    According to court documents, on August 12, 2024, officers responded to reports of Saddler trespassing at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) yard in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was reported to be on the railroad near a lever that redirects the train to different tracks. While a train occupied by UPR employees was in motion, Saddler pulled the lever causing the tracks to switch and the train to derail. The derailment caused an estimated one million dollars in damage to the railway, four railcars, and surrounding property.

    Saddler fled the railyard, but officers quickly located him less than a mile away. Saddler stated he witnessed the train derail but denied involvement. He was arrested after a witness identified him as the man who pulled the lever causing the derailment. 

    Saddler made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

    The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from other agencies. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Judi Harper.

    A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owners of Local Real Estate Investment Company Indicted in Federal Court for Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, Ore.—An indictment was unsealed in federal court today charging the owners of a local real estate investment company with defrauding individual investors and commercial lenders out of more than $18 million.

    Robert D. Christensen, 54, of Sherwood, Oregon, and Anthony M. Matic, 55, of Damascus, Oregon, have been charged in a 21-count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

    According to the indictment, from approximately January 2019 through June 2023, Christensen and Matic are alleged to have devised and carried out a scheme wherein they convinced individual investors to fund the purchase and renovation of undervalued residential real estate properties. After renovating the properties, Christensen and Matic claimed they would rent the properties to generate income and then refinance them to extract their increased value from the renovations. The pair further misled investors into believing they would be repaid their full principal investment along with interest as high as eight to fifteen percent and a large lump sum payout, all within periods as short as 30 to 90 days.

    Christensen and Matic’s scheme failed to generate the promised returns almost immediately and they began using new investments to repay earlier investors to keep their business afloat. When they were unable to raise enough money from new investors, Christensen and Matic are alleged to have devised a separate scheme to defraud commercial lenders. By December 2020, the pair began submitting loan applications with false financial information to different commercial lenders and, based on their misrepresentations, received millions of dollars in loans.

    In total, Christensen and Matic’s two schemes defrauded individual investors out of more than $11 million and commercial lenders out of more than $7 million.

    Christensen and Matic made their initial appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Both were arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released on conditions pending a 7-day jury trial scheduled to begin on October 29, 2024.

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Money laundering in punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. All three charges may also result in fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto.

    An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-funded program connects Solomons cocoa producers to UK market

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK-funded program connects Solomons cocoa producers to UK market

    UK-funded trade mission involving 10 cocoa buyers to Solomon Islands organised by the UKTP Programme forged this connection in September 2024.

    Officials at the launch included H.E Moses Kouni Mose, Cathrine West MP and UK Pacific Regional Trade Advisor Peter Harrington.

    In the growing trading relationship between Solomon Islands and the UK, there is now a first all-female-led business collaboration to grow out of the UK-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement, which is leading the way for cocoa farmers in the Pacific and championing their resilience and skills.

    That transpired through UK ethical chocolate maker Cocoa Sisters bringing to British consumers premium, single-origin chocolate made from cocoa grown by women farmers in Solomon Islands. This is the result of a successful connection between UK-based ethical chocolate maker, Sarah Payne and pioneering cocoa producers from the Pacific Islands.

    The connection was first made during a trade mission by 10 cocoa buyers to the Solomon Islands organised by the UK-Government funded United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme in September 2024.

    In February 2025, UKTP programme supported four Solomon Islands cocoa producers to attend a Cocoa trade fair in Amsterdam, providing another opportunity for them to meet with buyers from the UK and around the world.

    The UKTP Programme, funded by the UK Government and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), supports businesses in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries to improve export readiness and connect with UK buyers.

    In Solomon Islands, UKTP has worked closely with women-led businesses, cocoa farmers and processors, and export businesses to strengthen quality, packaging, branding, and market access.

    The launch of Cocoa Sisters celebrates the arrival of a product that is as much about empowerment and equity as it is about exceptional flavour. Cocoa Sisters sources directly from women-led cocoa farms, with a commitment to sustainable farming practices and fair returns for producers.

    At the heart of this brand are Agnes Pilopaso from Guadalcanal and Lucy Kasimwane from Makira – 2 female cocoa farmers supported by UKTP through capacity building, trade promotion and market connections.

    At the launch in London last week, His Excellency Mr Moses Kouni Mose, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Solomon Islands Head of Mission to the European Union said:

    I think this is something that needs to be developed and I see the potential not only for cocoa but also other agriculture commodities from Solomon Islands like coffee, palm oil and coconut body products that can have added value. We really appreciate the collaboration that this has realised.

    Managing Director of the Cocoa Sisters brand who is also founder and Creative Director at Cocoa Loco, Sarah Payne remarked:

    So, the idea behind Cocoa Sisters is that we will source directly from female cocoa farmers, supporting them financially and telling their stories. At the same time raising awareness of the imbalances that exist in the cocoa supply chain. But this is more than a chocolate brand, it is a platform that uplifts women and we’re shining a light on their brilliance and of course getting cocoa beans from Pacific Islands remote places is quite challenging, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the support that I’ve had.

    The Cocoa Sisters launch event included tasting the first collection of Cocoa Sisters chocolate made from the cocoa beans of incredible female farmers Agnes and Lucy from Solomon Islands and Delwin from Papua New Guinea and enjoying chocolate martinis and brownies, all crafted using their cocoa.

    Solomon Islands Ambassador to the EU, H.E. Moses Mose and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) Catherine West MP also spoke at the event about the importance of global collaboration and women-led enterprise.

    British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner said there’s huge potential for cocoa and other agricultural commodities from Solomon Islands in the UK. 

    His Excellency Paul Turner remarked:

    Solomon Islands cocoa is a high-end product that is exotic to the British customer. In the UK we are used to getting our cocoa from countries such as Ghana in West Africa. It is great to have a more diversified market, and I look forward to strengthening the commercial ties between the UK and Solomon Islands.

    Recent successes for Solomon Island exporters include:

    Free from Awards

    In 2024 Solomons Gold, from Solomon Islands, won several accolades, including silver and bronze medals for seven of their vegan chocolate varieties. The company produces handcrafted vegan chocolate in a diverse range of flavours. Their chocolates are known for the absence of allergens, including dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, and refined sugar, making them an ideal contender for the Free from Awards.

    As award winners, Solomons Gold, are promoted across Free form’s social platforms and are granted exclusive rights to use the awards’ logo on their winning products. This instantly recognizable and internationally respected mark helps consumers identify safe, quality products. For these two small companies from the Pacific Islands, the awards are a clear recognition that their products satisfy British consumer tastes.

    The UK Great Taste Awards

    Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Championing independent food and drink producers since 1994, the awards are organized by The Guild of Fine Food based on a blind tasting of over 12,500 entrants by more than 500 expert judges.

    The blind-taste evaluation ensures that accolades are awarded based purely on taste, without the influence of branding or marketing. Achieving even one of the possible three stars establishes a food as among the best tasting in the world. In 2024 Solomon’s Gold was the only company to receive two-star recognition for multiple products, winning accolades for both its Dark Orange 70% Cacao, and Dark Nib 75% Cacao chocolates.

    In 2025, we are supporting UK SME bean-to-bar chocolate maker CocoCaravan to enter their two bars made from cocoa sourced from producers in the Solomon Islands. Their 75% Ailali Solomon Islands and 75% Pilopaso Solomon Islands chocolates are handcrafted bean-to-bar products, sweetened with coconut sugar. The cocoa beans were purchased during the UKTP cocoa mission to the Solomon Islands in September 2024. The results of the awards will be announced by end of July 2025.

    Nourish Awards.

    Established in 2017, the Nourish Awards are the UK leading recognition for healthy food, beverages, and supplements, setting the standard for innovation, excellence, and health in the food industry. In 2024 Solomons Gold earned three-star ratings in the Nourish Vegan Awards on top of the ‘Best Vegan Chocolate’ for its Dark Orange 70% Cacao, Dark Caramel 70% Cacao, and Dark Nib 75% Cacao.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Putin announced the creation of a buffer zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, May 23 /Xinhua/ — A decision has been made to create a security buffer zone along the border between Russia and Ukraine. The Russian Armed Forces are currently solving this problem, actively suppressing enemy firing points. This was announced on Thursday by Russian President Vladimir Putin at an operational meeting with members of the government.

    As reported on the official Kremlin website, during the meeting the Russian president noted that “given the situation in the Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, it is necessary to launch work to restore and rebuild everything that was destroyed, to help people return to their native villages and settlements, where safety conditions allow it. In addition, it is necessary to restore all transport and other infrastructure, the stable operation of industrial and agricultural enterprises, and to support entrepreneurs and their teams.”

    “In this regard, I instruct the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, together with colleagues from the Presidential Administration, to prepare, as soon as possible, a program for the comprehensive restoration of the affected areas of the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions. This program must be provided with the necessary financial and material resources, and additional equipment and specialists must be involved, including from other subjects of the Federation,” V. Putin noted.

    The Russian President visited the Kursk region on May 20. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney for Alaska Announces Sentence in $26 Million Investment Fraud Scheme, Discusses Financial Crime Priority

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for defrauding at least 177 victims of more than $26 million through an investment fraud scheme.

    According to court documents, Garrett Elder, 30, convinced victims to transfer funds to him for investment in stocks and foreign currencies on their behalf through deceptive and false representations of his trading methods between 2016 and October 2022. Some of the defendants’ victims were family members and friends.

    The defendant executed the scheme primarily through his two entities, Tycoon Trading LLC and the Daily Bread Fund LLC.  Elder solicited investments based on misstatements and omissions about his trading methods and returns. He then provided falsified account reports showing positive returns.

    In total, the investigation revealed that Elder falsely told his investors that they had made over $11 million dollars in non-existent profits when, in fact, the defendant had been consistently losing money for years.  The investigation identified that the defendant lost around $20 million trading, and used the remainder to fund a lavish lifestyle, finance commissions and payments to business associates, purchase assets and gifts, and pay other personal expenses.

    In addition to time in prison, the defendant is required to pay $26 million in restitution to approximately 177 victims and serve three years of supervised release as part of his sentence.

    “Mr. Elder’s case is one of the worst fraud cases our office has handled with respect to the number of victims and amount of money he stole. This case shows that white collar crime can impact anyone and cause immense damage to people, families and communities, and that no person or company is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Prosecuting criminals who choose to commit calculated financial crimes will remain a priority for our office, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice for victims of these crimes.”

    “In what’s regarded as the largest investment fraud scheme perpetrated in Alaska, Mr. Elder’s greed and deception is an affront to the honest, hard-working victims he bilked out of millions of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “With dedicated special agents, forensic accountants, and analysts who work tirelessly to unravel complex fraud schemes, the FBI is dedicated to investigating financial crimes to hold criminals accountable and to protect the financial security of all Alaskans.”

    Elder is the most recent fraud case the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska has successfully prosecuted in their prioritization of holding financial and white-collar criminals accountable. The office has dozens of open cases covering a range of financial crimes, including health care fraud, bankruptcy fraud, money laundering, fraud on federal agencies, and federal program fraud surrounding misuse of COVID-19 recovery funds.

    These cases are a joint effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement and are often a product of thousands of hours’ worth of investigation and expertise due to the complexity of financial crimes.

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated the Elder case with assistance from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), Division of Banking and Securities.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Heyman and Seth Beausang prosecuted the Elder case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Juneau Armored Transport Guard Sentenced to Over Two Years for Stealing From Banks, Credit Unions

    Source: US FBI

    JUNEAU, Alaska – A Juneau man was sentenced yesterday to two and a half years in prison and five years’ supervised release for stealing over $579,000 from three banks and two federal credit unions while serving as an armed transport guard.

    According to court documents, Austin Nolan Dwight Rutherford, 29, was an armed transport guard for Axiom Armored Transport from January 2019 to March 2022. Axiom provided armed transportation of U.S. currency for several banks, credit unions and ATMs. Rutherford was transferred to Axiom’s Juneau branch in March 2020 and started stealing funds around that time.

    An Axiom security camera recorded Rutherford taking a large amount of cash from Axiom property and into his personal vehicle, where he drove away. Bank records later showed that the defendant made multiple cash deposits into his personal bank account totaling over $338,000 and used the money for personal benefit.

    The defendant was terminated in March 2022 but continued to make large cash deposits into his bank accounts through May 2022. An internal Axiom audit determined that Rutherford stole a total of $579,400 in bank and credit union funds.

    Rutherford pleaded guilty to bank and credit union theft in June 2023. At the time of his plea, the defendant agreed to pay back all stolen funds through restitution. He is also required to pay over $86,000 in additional restitution claims for expenses related to Axiom’s investigation into Rutherford’s actions. The defendant will also serve five years’ supervised release.

    “Mr. Rutherford broke the trust of his employer and the people of Alaska by stealing funds for his personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “The United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute those individuals who threaten the security of our financial institutions and bring them to justice.”

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wasilla Man Sentenced for 2021 Carjacking During Armed Police Altercation

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man was sentenced today to over nine years in prison for his involvement in recklessly evading the police and using a firearm during a carjacking in 2021.

    According to court documents, on Dec. 17, 2021, an Anchorage Police officer attempted a traffic stop on Bryson McEneaney, 36, but he evaded the officer and fled north on the Glenn Highway towards Palmer. Palmer Police deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle.  McEneaney avoided the strips by driving into oncoming traffic and stopping the vehicle.

    Officers tased McEneaney as he exited the vehicle, but he was able to continue on foot towards a stopped vehicle.  McEneaney used a rifle to gain control of that vehicle.

    According to a press release from the Anchorage Police Department about the defendant’s actions on Dec. 17, law enforcement located McEneaney in the stolen vehicle on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. The defendant wrecked the vehicle while attempting to elude Wasilla Police officers and fled on foot. He was located by law enforcement behind a transit building and taken into custody.

    At the time of this conduct, the defendant was previously convicted of multiple violent felonies from 2016, including vehicle theft, assault and burglary.

    “Mr. McEneaney’s selfish and careless actions in 2021 were the pinnacle of his habitual violent offenses over the years. I want to thank our law enforcement partners who did tremendous collaborative work to ensure Mr. McEneaney was off the streets and no longer a threat to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “My office will continue to work with law enforcement to prioritize prosecuting violent offenders who continually show disregard for the health and safety of Alaskans.”

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, Palmer Police Department and Wasilla Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Douglas Man Who Burned Two Churches Convicted of Hate Crimes and Arson

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, a federal jury in Tucson found Eric Ridenour, 58, of Douglas, guilty of all six arson and hate crimes counts, for the burning of two churches on May 22, 2023.

    Ridenour burned down two churches in Douglas, Arizona: Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church. The churches were located on Church Square, a historic district in the border town of Douglas, approximately two hours southeast of Tucson. It is believed to have been the only intersection in the nation containing churches from four different denominations: Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Methodist. Trial testimony established that Ridenour intentionally started the fires in both churches because of his hostility towards their practice of having women and members of the LGBTQ community serve in church leadership roles. Ridenour was arrested on May 23, 2023.

    “Religious freedom is sacrosanct in America,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Arson of a church is deplorable. Arson motivated by objections to the religious principles of a church’s congregation is worse. Many thanks to Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church, and their parishioners, for their collective courage in responding to this hate crime.”

    A conviction for Arson of Property Used in Interstate Commerce carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison and maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A conviction for Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs by Fire carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A conviction for Using Fire to Commit Federal Felony carries a penalty of 10 years in prison. A second conviction for Using Fire to Commit Federal Felony carries a penalty of 20 years in prison.

    Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2024, before United States District Court Judge Scott H. Rash.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Douglas Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin Fenwick, Ben Goldberg, and Adam Rossi, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:            CR 23-00908-TUC-SHR
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-093_Ridenour

    # # #

    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 X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lead Defendant in Long Running Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Extradited to the United States From Mexico

    Source: US FBI

    Justice Department Recognizes Mexican Government for Significant Assistance
     

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Rodrigo Paez-Quintero, a Mexican national, has been extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking. Paez-Quintero’s surrender to U.S authorities after an extradition proceeding in Mexico demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Mexico to combat the influx of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States.

    Paez-Quintero made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in Tucson.

    “Our fight against international drug traffickers who spread poison into our communities requires all hands on deck,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This extradition is yet another example of our partnership with Mexican law enforcement to dismantle deadly cartels and bring drug kingpins to justice.”

    “This indictment alleges coordinated conduct to traffic fentanyl and other illicit drugs into Phoenix,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Many thanks to our federal, foreign and sovereign tribal partners for their teamwork and dedication.”

    Paez-Quintero is charged in an indictment with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl and multiple counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl. Each count carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. In the year prior to March 2019, the indictment alleges defendant’s involvement in at least nine drug trafficking events from the Lukeville Port of Entry, through Ajo and up to Phoenix. According to numerous open sources, Paez-Quintero is the nephew of jailed Mexican drug kingpin Rafael Caro-Quintero.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    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 Drug Enforcement Administration – Tucson, Homeland Security Investigations – Sells, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Tucson conducted the investigation in this case, with substantial assistance from the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department. The United States Marshals Service assisted with the extradition efforts. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Paez-Quintero. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-19-2042-TUC-JAS
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-094_Paez-Quintero

    # # #

    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 X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southern Arizona Man Indicted for Second Degree Murder

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, a federal grand jury indicted Santiago Luis Valencia, Jr., 34, of Tucson, on one count of Second Degree Murder. Valencia is an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

    It is alleged that on June 15, 2024, the victim and Valencia engaged in a verbal altercation that later turned physical. According to witnesses, Valencia was the initial aggressor and assaulted the victim by striking the back of the victim’s head against a windowsill on the exterior of the residence where the incident occurred. The victim died the following day as a result of the injuries sustained during the fight.

    Second Degree Murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and five years of supervised release.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Nathaniel J. Walters and Caroline Allen, District of Arizona, Tucson, are handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-04265-TUC-JGZ
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-096_Valencia

    # # #

    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 X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Traveling to Phoenix to Meet Minor for Sex

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Andrew Lee Butler, 49, of Arkansas, was sentenced last week to 14 years in prison after a jury found him guilty on March 15, 2024, on two charges: Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Interstate Travel to Meet a Minor for Sex.

    Butler was arrested on December 8, 2022, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after he communicated with an undercover FBI special agent’s account on a social media platform that he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl. During the 38 days of daily chats between Butler and the FBI special agent who posed as the girl, Butler quickly raised the idea of having sex with the girl and planned travel to Phoenix to be with her for a weekend in December 2022. Butler believed the girl’s grandmother would be her caretaker for the weekend and that her mother was out of town. He encouraged the girl to talk with a friend of his who he claimed had been sexually active with older men and who had avoided detection. Butler reserved a hotel room, a car, and planned to pick the girl up after school. Butler encouraged her to talk to her mother about getting the HPV vaccination prior to his arrival as she needed parental approval to get it since she was under age 16.

    Butler’s phone revealed that he had done an internet search for statutory rape laws in Arizona. When Butler was arrested at the airport, he was found in possession of eight sex devices, an emergency contraceptive pill, condoms, and shower gel and a sponge in the girl’s favorite color.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gayle Helart and Jennifer Corbet, District of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, handled the prosecution. 
     

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-22-01695-PHX-SPL
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-095_Butler

    # # #

    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 X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threats to Arizona Election Office

    Source: US FBI

    An Alabama man pleaded guilty today to sending threatening messages to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix.

    “The functioning of our democracy requires that our country’s public servants be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We have no tolerance for this kind of heinous criminal conduct and the danger it poses to people’s safety and to our democratic process. Threats and acts of violence targeting those who serve the public will be met with the full force of the United States Justice Department.”

    “Violent threats to election workers are threats to our democracy and democratic process. We cannot allow threats of violence against public servants to become normalized,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI takes seriously all threats of violence against public officials and will continue to pursue threats and acts of violence aimed at election workers.

    “Brian Ogstad repeatedly threatened to kill Maricopa County election workers and officials,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As today’s guilty plea demonstrates, the Department is committed to holding accountable those who target election workers and officials with threats of violence. I am especially grateful to the Election Threats Task Force, which continues to spearhead the Department’s efforts to ensure that public servants who administer our elections can do their jobs free from threats and intimidation.”

    “This guilty plea should send a message to anyone who tries to take the rule of law into their own hands through vigilante justice,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “But it also showcases the resilience of public servants. Thanks to the election professionals in Maricopa County who have worked courageously to maintain free and fair elections in spite of the threats received.”

    According to court documents, on Aug. 2, 2022, Arizona held primary elections for federal and state officeholders, including a gubernatorial primary election that received nationwide media coverage. From the day of the election through Aug. 4, 2022, Brian Jerry Ogstad, 60, of Cullman, sent multiple threatening direct messages to an Instagram social media account maintained by Maricopa County Elections. For instance, on or about Aug. 3, 2022, Ogstad stated, (1) “You did it! Now you are [expletive]. Dead. You will all be executed for your crimes”; (2) “[expletive] you! You are caught!  They have it all. You [expletive] are dead”; (3) “You are lying, cheating [expletive] . . . you better not come in my church, my business or send your kids to my school. You are [expletive] stupid if you think your lives are safe”; and (4) “You [expletive] are so dead.” On or about Aug. 4, 2022, Ogstad also stated, “[Y]ou people are so ducking [sic] stupid. Everyone knows you are lots [sic], cheats, frauds and in doing so in relation to elections have committed treason. You will all be executed. Bang [expletive]!”

    Ogstad pleaded guilty to one count of making a threatening interstate communication. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 21 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case, with substantial assistance from the FBI Birmingham Field Office.

    Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers—whether elected, appointed, or volunteer—are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. The task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.

    The task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.

    To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor Pleads Guilty to Defrauding His Elderly Client

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. –Ronald Diaz, 40, of Tucson, pleaded guilty on July 18, 2024, to Wire Fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for September 27, 2024, before United States District Judge Scott H. Rash.

    While working as a financial advisor, Diaz engaged in a scheme to defraud an elderly client. To induce the victim into the scheme, Diaz falsely represented an investment opportunity in an “annuity” that “guaranteed” a 10% return. Between November 2020 and July 2022, to disguise his scheme, Diaz directed the victim to transfer $970,000 to Diaz’s family members. Diaz thereafter instructed his family members to distribute most of the victim’s funds back to Diaz. Once he received the funds, Diaz used large portions of the victim’s money for his own personal benefit including gambling at casinos, making a down payment on a 2021 Range Rover, paying credit card debt, remodeling his family pool, paying his mortgage, and paying other personal expenses. Diaz made some “interest” payments to entice the victim into providing additional money throughout the scheme. None of the victim’s money was used towards any legitimate investment. As a result of the scheme, the victim lost over $867,000. As part of his plea agreement, Diaz will be required to pay restitution to the victim’s estate.

    A conviction for Wire Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. 

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-04092-TUC-SHR  
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-104_Diaz

    # # #

    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 X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation ‘Candyland’ Leads to Multiple Drug Arrests in Marianna and Forrest City

    Source: US FBI

          MARIANNA—A coordinated arrest operation took place this morning in Marianna and Forrest City as part of an ongoing federal drug investigation. Dubbed “Operation Candyland,” this investigation by the FBI, Arkansas State Police, the First Judicial Drug Task Force, and the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office, focused on individual independent distributors of methamphetamine and cocaine in Lee and St. Francis Counties.

          Law enforcement began early this morning by searching for six suspects, all of whom were indicted for federal drug-trafficking crimes. Two others, who were already in custody when this morning’s roundup began, were also indicted. Five of the suspects were taken into custody: Eddie Bonner, 27, of Marianna, is charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine; Lance Hendrix, 39, of Marianna, is charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine; Leonard People, 26, of Marianna, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine; Cedric Woods, 46, of Marianna, is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine; and Jeremy Buchanan, 32, of Forrest City, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine. Alfred Bonner, 28, of Marianna, and Clenton Wofford, 42, of Pine Bluff, are in custody stemming from unrelated criminal charges.  Alfred Bonner is charged federally, along with Eddie Bonner, with drug conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine. Wofford is charged federally with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.  Most of the defendants who were arrested this morning will appear tomorrow afternoon for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia S. Harris.

          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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Peters.

          An indictment only contains allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 27 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A repeat and dangerous sex offender against children was sentenced this afternoon for attempted enticement of a minor. United States District Court Judge Jay Moody sentenced Joe Newman, 64, of Star City to more than 27 years in federal prison and, should he survive his prison sentence, supervised release for the rest of his life.

          In early 2020, Star City Police Department began investigating Newman after the mother of a 10-year-old girl reported sexually explicit messages that were being sent to her daughter by Newman on Instagram. Law enforcement initiated a ruse using the child’s Instagram account and agreed to meet Newman.  Newman then sent law enforcement a nude picture of himself, believing law enforcement was the child victim.  Newman was traffic-stopped on his way to meet the victim, and his telephone was seized.

          Investigation of Newman’s Instagram account revealed conversations between himself and numerous other minors, to whom he sent nude pictures of himself. In an interview with law enforcement, Newman admitted to messaging 20 to 30 underage girls in the Lincoln County, Arkansas, area.  In addition, Newman admitted performing oral sex on and receiving oral sex from nine victims, ages eight to 13. 

          Newman is a registered sex offender with several prior convictions for violent sex offenses against children under the age of 16. Newman was originally indicted by a grand jury on December 1, 2020, and charged with four counts related to child pornography, as well as the attempted enticement charge. On Wednesday, Judge Moody sentenced Newman to 327 months’ imprisonment, plus lifetime supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

          The investigation was conducted by the Star City Police Department and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Doctor Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Accepting Kickbacks, Defrauding TRICARE, and Failed Attempts to Obstruct Investigation

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—An Arkansas doctor at the heart of a $12 million scheme to defraud TRICARE will spend the next 102 months in federal prison. Earlier today, United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker sentenced Joe David May, a.k.a. Jay May, 42, of Alexander, to 102 months’ imprisonment and ordered him to pay more than $4.63 million in restitution to TRICARE, the health insurer for our nation’s military.

          A 2020 indictment charged May with twenty-two counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, violating the anti-kickback statute, lying to the FBI, falsifying records, and aggravated identity theft. After a six-day trial in June 2022, a jury convicted May on all twenty-two counts.

          Proof at trial showed May stood at the center of a bogus prescription-drug assembly line and, later, went to great lengths in a failed bid to cover it up.

          As part of the scheme, recruiters found military personnel and veterans with TRICARE and filled out prescriptions for compounded drugs in their names—selecting which drugs to supply (usually the most expensive) and how many refills to authorize. All that was missing were prescriber signatures. So, middlemen routed the pre-filled prescriptions to medical professionals, like May, to be rubber stamped without consulting the ‘patient’ or any regard for whether drugs were needed.  TRICARE paid over $12 million for prescriptions generated in this scheme, part of a wave of fraudulent schemes around the country that saw TRICARE spend over $2 billion for compounded prescription drugs in 2015.

          In exchange for thousands in cash kickbacks, May rubber stamped 226 prescriptions for which TRICARE paid over $4.63 million. All but one of his prescriptions were for ‘patients’ May did not know, never treated, and knew nothing about.

          Following the execution of search warrants at compounding pharmacies around the country, May visited the FBI to answer questions about his prescriptions. May lied by claiming he only signed prescriptions for people he evaluated and denying he received kickbacks. Obstruction continued when May got a subpoena for prescriptions and related ‘patient’ records. May turned over but a fraction of the prescriptions he signed and fabricated medical records to make it seem like the drug recipients were really his patients. Finally, as trial approached, May tried to mischaracterize a $5,000 cash kickback as Oaklawn winnings from the 2015 Arkansas Derby.

          All nine of May’s co-conspirators pled guilty to conspiracy and elected to cooperate with federal law enforcement, with several testifying at trial. All but one co-conspirator has been sentenced:

    Name

    Age

    Hometown

    Case No.

    Sentence

    Derek Clifton

    41

    Alexander, Ark.

    4:20-CR-25

    51 mos. imprisonment, $1.1M forfeiture

    Albert Glenn Hudson

    42

    Sherwood, Ark.

    4:20-CR-129

    48 mos. imprisonment, $1.5M forfeiture

    Donna Crowder

    68

    North Little Rock

    4:20-CR-130

    12 mos. 1 day imprisonment, $18K fine

    Jennifer Crowder

    40

    Little Rock

    4:20-CR-131

    12 mos. home confinement, $89K forfeiture

    Keith Benson

    52

    North Little Rock

    4:20-CR-132

    15 mos. imprisonment, $727K forfeiture

    Kenneth Myers, Jr.

    44

    Maumelle, Ark.

    4:20-CR-25

    3 years probation, $68K forfeiture

    Keith Hunter

    54

    Little Rock

    4:20-CR-235

    TBD

          Through the prosecution of May and his nine co-conspirators, the United States has recovered nearly $8 million in restitution, forfeiture, and fines.

          “Our healthcare system is built on trust, and those who abuse it do so at their peril,” said Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Dr. May accepted kickbacks, cheated TRICARE, and tried to deceive federal agents investigating his crimes. Now, he will trade hospital scrubs for a prison uniform. Let his case serve as a warning to others in the medical industry. Our office and our partners at the FBI and HHS-OIG are committed to rooting out anyone who succumbs to the temptation of ‘easy money.’”

          “By defrauding TRICARE, Dr. May stole from our service men and women, military retirees, and their families. He robbed Americans who had sworn an oath to defend our nation, and he pickpocketed American taxpayers,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “Today’s sentencing induces accountability, and demonstrates there is no place in our society for the behavior exhibited by Dr. May. The FBI and its partners will continue to aggressively investigate those who undermine the integrity of our nation’s healthcare system.”

          “Federal healthcare programs rely on the honesty and integrity of doctors to prescribe medically necessary medications to their patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “On the contrary, Dr. May signed pre-filled prescriptions filled out by a pharmaceutical rep for patients he had no doctor-patient relationship with and all on the backs of the American taxpayer. HHS-OIG is laser-focused on investigating doctors and other medical professionals who lie, cheat, and steal from American taxpayers for their own personal benefit, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold them accountable.”

          In addition to the 102-month prison sentence, Judge Baker sentenced May to three years’ of supervised release following imprisonment. May was also ordered to pay more than $4.63 million in restitution and a $2,200 special assessment.  The investigation was conducted by the FBI and HHS-OIG. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander D. Morgan and Stephanie G. Mazzanti.

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Arkansas State Senator Sentenced for Role in Bribery Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    A former Arkansas state senator was sentenced yesterday to four years and two months in prison in the Western District of Missouri for accepting multiple bribes in connection with a multi-district investigation spanning the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas and the Western District of Missouri.

    Pursuant to his global plea agreement, Jeremy Hutchinson, 48, of Little Rock, pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019, in the Eastern District of Arkansas to filing a false tax return; pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019, to an information filed in the Western District of Arkansas to conspiracy to commit federal program bribery; and pleaded guilty in the Western District of Missouri on July 8, 2019, to conspiracy to commit federal program bribery. On Feb. 3, Hutchison was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison for his convictions in the Eastern District of Arkansas and Western District of Arkansas. His sentence in the Western District of Missouri will run consecutive to the previous sentence for a total of eight years in prison.

    According to court documents in connection with his plea in the Western District of Missouri, Hutchinson was hired by then-chief operating officer Bontiea Goss as outside counsel for Preferred Family Healthcare Inc. (formerly known as Alternative Opportunities Inc.), a Springfield, Missouri-based healthcare charity. In exchange for payments and legal work, Hutchinson performed official acts on behalf of Preferred Family Healthcare, including holding up agency budgets and drafting and voting on legislation. Preferred Family Healthcare paid Hutchinson more than $350,000 in monthly retainer payments from May 2014 until 2017.

    In 2022, Preferred Family Healthcare agreed to pay more than $8 million in forfeiture and restitution to the federal government and the state of Arkansas under the terms of a non-prosecution agreement, in which the company admitted to the criminal conduct of its former officers and employees.

    Several former executives from the charity, former members of the Arkansas state legislature, and others have pleaded guilty in federal court as part of the long-running, multi-jurisdiction investigation, including the following:

    • Former Chief Operating Officer Bontiea Goss, previously of Springfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to her role in a conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
    • Former Chief Financial Officer Tommy “Tom” Ray Goss, husband of Bontiea Goss, and also previously of Springfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to participating in the conspiracy by embezzling funds from the charity, as well as by paying bribes and kickbacks to elected public officials in Arkansas. Tom Goss also pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false tax return.
    • Former Chief Executive Officer Marilyn Luann Nolan of Springfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty in November 2018 to her role in a conspiracy to embezzle and misapply the funds of a charitable organization that received federal funds.
    • Former Director of Operations and Executive Vice President Robin Raveendran of Little Rock, Arkansas, pleaded guilty in June 2019 to conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
    • Former executive and head of clinical operations Keith Fraser Noble of Rogersville, Missouri, pleaded guilty in September 2019 to concealment of a known felony.
    • Former employee and head of operations and lobbying in Arkansas Milton Russell Cranford, aka Rusty, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of federal program bribery.
    • Political consultant Donald Andrew Jones, aka D.A. Jones, of Willingboro, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in December 2017 to his role in a conspiracy to steal from an organization that receives federal funds.
    • Former Arkansas State Representative Eddie Wayne Cooper of Melbourne, Arkansas, pleaded guilty in February 2018 to conspiracy to embezzle more than $4 million from Preferred Family Healthcare.
    • Former Arkansas State Senator and State Representative Henry “Hank” Wilkins IV was sentenced in January 2023 for his role in a conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and devising a scheme and artifice to defraud and deprive the citizens of the state of Arkansas of their right to honest services.

    Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas, U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas, U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore for the Western District of Missouri, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub of the FBI Kansas City Field Office, Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) St. Louis Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, the Offices of the Inspectors General from the Departments of Justice, Labor, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation investigated the cases.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Marco A. Palmieri, Director of Enforcement & Litigation for the Election Crimes Branch Sean F. Mulryne, and Trial Attorney Jacob Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section; Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Mazzanti for the Eastern District of Arkansas; Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall Eggert and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Kempf for the Western District of Missouri; and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron L. Jennen and Steven M. Mohlhenrich for the Western District of Arkansas are prosecuting the separate criminal cases. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Harris for the Eastern District of Arkansas and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wulff for the Western District of Arkansas provided significant assistance.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Preschool Teacher’s Assistant Sentenced to 90 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant abused preschool-aged children in his care at Miss Selma’s School.

          LITTLE ROCK— Augustus “Gus” Shenker, 23, of Little Rock was sentenced to serve the next 90 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. Shenker was sentenced earlier today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.

          In May 2021, FBI received a cyber tip that Dropbox user Augustus Shenker, using an email address that contained his name, possessed seven videos containing child pornography. Investigators determined Shenker’s address and learned that he was employed at Miss Selma’s School in Little Rock, an early education school with children from 18 months old to fifth grade.

          FBI agents obtained a search warrant for Shenker’s home and made contact with him at the school where he worked. Law enforcement seized Shenker’s iPhone and advised him a search warrant was being executed at his residence.

          A review of items seized from Shenker’s residence revealed six videos created in March 2021 that showed Shenker touching the buttocks and vagina of a preschool-age child in a classroom at Miss Selma’s School. His iPhone contained a hidden folder with 19 additional videos, all of which were taken in the same preschool classroom where Shenker worked. Shenker’s face is visible in several of the videos. In addition to the videos of abuse that Shenker produced himself, law enforcement located more than a thousand images of child sexual abuse on Shenker’s phone and other devices. Shenker later admitted making the videos of the preschool-age children during nap time.

          Shenker was first charged in a criminal complaint on May 18, 2021, when the FBI received the initial cyber tip. On June 1, 2021, after the discovery of the videos on his phone, a federal grand jury returned an indictment, charging Shenker with 22 counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Shenker pleaded guilty to three counts of production of child pornography in December 2022. Judge Rudofsky sentenced Shenker to the maximum of 30 years on each count, to run consecutively, for a total of 90 years. In addition to the 90-year prison term, Shenker was sentenced to life of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

          “We are grateful that Judge Rudofsky imposed the maximum sentence allowed by the law against Mr. Shenker,” said United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. “This sentence ensures that Mr. Shenker will spend the rest of his life in prison, which means he will never harm another child.  In the Eastern District of Arkansas, we will not waste time empathizing with adults who have a sexual interest in children, but rather resolve to fully investigate and prosecute each and every child predator. Our office, the FBI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children will maintain our commitment to make sure that every criminal that harms and exploits children will be brought to justice.”

          “As an educator, Mr. Shenker was entrusted to support and protect our children,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “Instead, he chose to exploit and manipulate the very children he was hired to teach. Today’s sentence ensures he will never again victimize our community. FBI Little Rock will continue to utilize all resources to protect innocent youth from predators who seek to harm them.”

          The investigation was conducted by the FBI Little Rock Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Sentenced on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Related to Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Illegally Entered the Office of the Speaker of the House

                WASHINGTON – An Arkansas man was sentenced today in the District of Columbia on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Breach. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

                Richard Barnett, 62, of Gravette, Arkansas, was sentenced to 54 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and a $2,000 fine, following a sentencing hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 3, 2023. Barnett was found guilty, on January 23, 2023, of all charges including: obstruction of an official proceeding, interfering with a police officer during a civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous or deadly weapon, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon, all of which are felonies.  He was also found guilty of entering and remaining in certain rooms in a capitol building, disorderly conduct in a capitol building, theft of government property, parading or demonstrating in a capitol building.

                According to the government’s evidence, U.S. Capitol Police learned that an individual had entered the restricted office area of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and was photographed with his feet propped up on furniture. Those photos were circulated on numerous news media platforms which identified the individual as Barnett. A search of law enforcement databases confirmed that the individual in the news photographs did in fact appear to be Barnett. 

                Evidence established that Barnett carried a Zap Hike ‘N Strike Walking Staff with spike electrodes with him as he traveled through the Capitol, and that he exposed those spike electrodes as various points that day, including during a face-to-face encounter with a Metropolitan Police Officer. During that encounter, Barnett threatened to call in the mob and push through the line of officers if the officer did not go and retrieve Barnett’s flag, that he had left in the officers of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi. 

                This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

                This case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI’s Little Rock, Arkansas and Washington Field Offices, with the assistance of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

                In the 28 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Life in Federal Prison for Pope County Drug Trafficker Associated with White Supremacist Gang

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK— Marcus Millsap, 55, of Little Rock, was sentenced to life in federal prison for conspiracy to violate racketeering laws, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Millsap was sentenced earlier today by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

          Millsap was indicted in September 2019 for his involvement in a white supremacist prison gang known as the “New Aryan Empire,” or NAE. NAE’s slogan is “to the dirt,” referring to the fact that members must remain in the organization until they die. Millsap was charged with, and ultimately convicted of, conspiracy to violate racketeering influenced corrupt organization laws, or RICO, attempted murder in aid of racketeering,  and drug conspiracy. Evidence at trial established that Millsap and others used the NAE as a corrupt organization to conduct racketeering activities, including drug distribution, solicitations of murder, and attempted murder.

          At trial, the prosecution presented evidence that in May 2014, Millsap sold methamphetamine to an individual named Bruce Hurley, who was working as a confidential informant. Once Hurley completed the controlled purchase of methamphetamine and reported back to law enforcement, a traffic stop located more methamphetamine in Millsap’s vehicle. Millsap was convicted in the methamphetamine case, and while on an appeal bond, Millsap solicited members and associates of NAE to kill Hurley for his work in cooperating with law enforcement against Millsap. In January 2016, other NAE members attempted to murder Hurley. That attempt failed, and NAE members and associates continued attempting to arrange Hurley’s death. This conduct resulted in Millsap’s conviction for attempted murder in aid of racketeering.

          “The United States will not tolerate the vile and outrageous crimes committed by members and associates of the New Aryan Empire or any other white supremacist group,” said Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “If you are a member or associate of this or any other violent criminal organization, know that the United States will stop at nothing to dismantle and disrupt those who pose a threat to our communities and the future of our children, and the United States will seek significant prison sentences.”

          In addition to the life sentence, Millsap was ordered to pay a $200,000 fine and was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release should he ever be released from prison. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Pope County Sheriff’s Office; the Russellville Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Arkansas State Police; 5th Judicial Drug Task Force; the Conway Police Department, and the Arkansas Army National Guard’s Counterdrug Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Liza Brown and Stephanie Mazzanti.  

          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.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
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