NewzIntel.com

Category: US Department of Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 314 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from May 17, 2025, through May 23, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 314 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 117 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 176 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 20 cases against 21 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Angel Said Ojeda-Figueroa: On May 17, 2025, a Bureau of Land Management Ranger initiated a vehicle stop on Angel Said Ojeda-Figueroa. Ojeda-Figueroa initially failed to stop, but when the vehicle entered a neighborhood, Ojeda-Figueroa pulled over and all four occupants exited and tried to flee. Ojeda-Figueroa and the three passengers were apprehended and determined to be citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Ojeda-Figueroa was charged by complaint with transportation of aliens for profit. [Case Number: MJ-25-5992]

    United States v. Tomas Ortiz-Lopez: On May 19, 2025, Tomas Ortiz-Lopez, was charged with Re-entry of a Removed Alien. Tomas Ortiz-Lopez was previously removed from the United States in 2000 after being convicted of a felony drug conviction, in the United States District Court, District of New Mexico. [Case Number: MJ-25-0543]

    United States v. Gabriel Jimenez-Diaz: On May 20, 2025, Border Patrol Agents attempted to initiate a vehicle stop on Gabriel Jimenez-Diaz, who failed to yield. Agents deployed a Vehicle Immobilization Device, and four subjects absconded from the vehicle. After a search, agents located and apprehended Jimenez-Diaz and three passengers from the vehicle. Agents determined that all four individuals were citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Jimenez-Diaz was charged by complaint with transportation of aliens for profit. [Case Number: MJ-25-6199]

    United States v. Juan Carlos Carmona-Maya: On May 20, 2025, Juan Carlos Carmona-Maya, was charged with Re-entry of a Removed Alien. Juan Carlos Carmona-Maya was previously removed from the United States in 2014 after being convicted of Theft of Means of Transportation, a felony offense, in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County. [Case Number: MJ-25-05251]

    United States v. Luis Fernando Ibarra, Jr.: On May 21, 2025, Border Patrol Agents received a report of two subjects hiding in the backyard of a residence near the border in Nogales, Arizona. Luis Fernando Ibarra Jr. drove to the residence, stopped, and two subjects ran toward his vehicle. Before they reached the vehicle, one subject was apprehended by the Nogales Police Department and the other successfully fled the area. Later in the day, Agents observed the same vehicle return to the area and a subject got into the vehicle. Agents tried to initiate a vehicle stop, but Ibarra Jr. ran a red light and fled at a high rate of speed, maneuvering recklessly and driving on the wrong side of the road. Ibarra Jr. then sped through several parking lots before driving into the Santa Cruz River where his vehicle became stuck in the sand. At that point, officers apprehended Ibarra Jr. and the passenger, who was determined to be a citizen of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Ibarra Jr. was charged by complaint with transportation of aliens for profit. [Case Number: MJ-25-6247]

    A criminal complaint 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.

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

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-083_May 23 Immigration Enforcement

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    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced for Assaulting Law Enforcement with a Dangerous Weapon During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON— A California man was sentenced to prison today after previously pleading guilty to assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous weapon during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. 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 2020 presidential election.

                David Dempsey, 37, of Santa Ana, California, was sentenced to 240 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth. Dempsey previously pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon on Jan. 4, 2024.

                According to court documents, Dempsey traveled to Washington, D.C., with others from his home in California and, on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, attended the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse. Dempsey was later interviewed standing near a wooden structure representing a hanging gallows, which was fitted with a noose and sign stating, “This is Art.” Dempsey wore a black helmet, vest, sunglasses, and an American flag gaiter covering his neck, mouth, and nose.

                During the interview, Dempsey was asked what he thought of this “work of art” (the gallows), to which he replied, in part: This isn’t just art. This is necessary” and “Them worthless f— s—holes like f— Jerry Nadler, f— Pelosi, uh Clapper, Comey, f— all those pieces of garbage, you know, Obama, all these dudes, Clinton f— all these pieces of s—. That’s what they need. They don’t need a jail cell. They need to hang from these m—f— while everybody videotapes it and f— spreads it on YouTube, B—Tube or whatever f— social media there is.”

                Later, Dempsey walked with others toward the U.S. Capitol building and made his way to the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on January 6th. Here, Dempsey joined the crowd, pushing into a line of police officers defending the Tunnel. At about 3:36 p.m., Dempsey climbed atop other rioters’ shoulders, arms, and backs to get to the front line.  Upon reaching the front, Dempsey threw a short pole-like object into the Tunnel, striking a police officer. Dempsey shouted, “F— you b—ass cops.”  Dempsey then grabbed onto a police riot shield and continued to yell insults at police.

                At approximately 3:57 p.m., Dempsey attempted to throw a flagpole at officers in the Tunnel, but his throw was inadvertently blocked by a police riot shield held by another rioter. He then grabbed onto an officer’s baton and attempted to pull it away. At about 3:59 p.m., Dempsey, using the Tunnel’s wooden frame as support, kicked the shields of law enforcement officers four times.

                At about 4:01 p.m., Dempsey took a long pole from the crowd and swung it at officers in the Tunnel, striking their shields. He then used his foot to push away a crowd member attempting to take the pole away from him. Court documents say that a short while later, at about 4:07 p.m., Dempsey sprayed two separate bursts of pepper spray into the line of officers.

                For the next several minutes, Dempsey continued his assault on officers in the Tunnel including by throwing water bottles at police, spraying pepper spray at officers, swinging a metal crutch, which struck police; swinging an aluminum people, which also struck police; throwing a folded-up metal pole; and swinging and throwing a long wooden pole, which struck police.

                At about 4:42 p.m., Dempsey retreated from the crowd to rinse pepper spray from his eyes and face. He then returned to the front line and swung a flagpole at the line of officers, striking an officer’s riot shield. Finally, at 5:03 p.m., Dempsey threw two objects at officers in the Tunnel.            

                The FBI arrested Dempsey on Aug. 26, 2021, in California.

                This case was 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 the Central District of California.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Los Angeles and Washington Field Offices, which identified Dempsey BOLO #399 in its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 33 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release for committing multiple child sexual exploitation crimes.

    Stephen Thomas Parshall, aka “Kiwi,” (38) pleaded guilty in October 2022, to two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of coercion and enticement, and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Parshall is required to register as a sex offender.

    According to court documents, law enforcement learned of Parshall’s alleged participation in a conspiracy to cause destruction during protests on May 30, 2020, and of Parshall’s alleged membership in the “Boogaloo” movement. Parshall was arrested and search warrants were executed on Parshall’s electronic devices. Law enforcement officers located 10 images of child sexual abuse material, and numerous images of child erotica, on Parshall’s cellular phone. Investigators identified Victim 1, a child under the age of 18 years old, in two of the child sexual abuse images located on Parshall’s phone. Parshall forced Victim 1 to perform sex acts upon him while he photographed it.

    Investigators also located social media conversations on a second cell phone owned by Parshall, under account names “cptkiwi1”, “nopictoobad”, and “pervysage”. In some of those social media conversations, Parshall messaged with Victim 2, another child under 18 years old, and convinced Victim 2 to take sexually explicit pictures. Victim 2 sent the requested child sexual abuse material to Parshall.

    Additionally, in separate social media conversations, Parshall traded child pornography material with other users.

    “As part of our Project Safe Childhood initiative, together with law enforcement partners, we will use all available resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators who exploit children,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Thanks to the hard work by the prosecution team and law enforcement, the defendant is no longer a threat to children and the community.”

    “The FBI is committed to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in the sexual exploitation of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it re-victimizes a child. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those who commit these heinous crimes.”

    The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Pucci and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Portz prosecuted the case.

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

    Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Minors, Child Pornography, and Illegal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 35 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release by Senior U. S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline on five counts of sex trafficking minors, three counts of production of child pornography and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. In handing down the sentence, Judge Beistline noted the defendant’s complete lack of respect for the law as well as the absence of any remorse or empathy for the victims whom he controlled and were significantly damaged by his conduct.

    According to court documents, between October and December 2018, Tristan Jamal Grant, aka “Goo,” 35, conspired with another person to traffic two minors, a 15-year-old female and a 17-year-old female. Both minors were runaways who stayed with Grant at his co-conspirator’s apartment. While at the apartment, they created online advertisements that were used to market the minors. Grant then trafficked his victims by persuading them to perform sex acts for money; serving as protection for the minors; and driving one of the minors to a date to perform commercial sex acts. Additionally, Grant produced child pornography with one of the minors on two separate occasions.

    Grant was arrested by Anchorage Police Department following a shooting on December 12, 2018. When arrested Grant was in possession of two weapons. Because Grant had previously been convicted of a felony, possession of those guns was illegal.

    Grant remained in custody and was indicted by a federal grand jury. He escaped from custody during a court ordered release to meet with his attorney at the attorney’s office. Grant was captured and later sentenced to three years of imprisonment for charges relating to his escape, which he will serve consecutively to the above sentence. Grant was convicted of the charges following a bench trial in April 2021.

    “The sex trafficking of minors is a horrific crime, often wreaking terrible physical and emotional harm upon vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. of the District of Alaska. “The facts in this case reflect an unfathomable disregard for the welfare of the minors involved.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to bring to justice anyone who exploits children, and we will seek fitting punishments to deter this tragic crime and protect the most vulnerable members of our society.”

    “Tristan Grant used violent, manipulative means to force minors into performing commercial sex acts, while at the same time producing CSAM online and terrorizing our communities with other egregious acts of violence,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Peters of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “His conduct caused immeasurable harm to the survivors and to the community of Anchorage, and for that, he will now spend over 35 years in federal prison. The FBI is grateful for our collaborative partnerships across the state as we continue to combat violent crime and crimes against Alaska’s youth.”

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Anchorage Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, working together through the FBI’s Safe Streets/Crimes Against Children/Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children through sex trafficking, as well as to identify and recover victims.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines 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 visitwww.justice.gov/psc.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Businessman Agrees to Pay $397,990 for COVID-Relief Loan Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage businessman has entered into a global resolution with the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Alaska to resolve federal investigations into his fraudulently obtaining $164,000 in small business loans and advances under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The global resolution includes a criminal non-prosecution agreement and civil settlement agreement.

    According to the settlement documents, Robert Gross, 65, submitted fraudulent and misleading information to obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) loans and advances, a source of relief under the CARES Act. While applying for the EIDL program between April 6 and September 3, 2020, Gross made false statements about the revenue, number of employees and related wages of the six entities in which he had ownership interests, specifically:

    • Glacier State Services, Inc.
    • Bistro IT, LLC
    • RB Enterprises, LLC
    • Meritage Management Co.
    • AK Denali Group, LLC
    • 32 Mile Investments, LLC. 

    As part of the criminal non-prosecution agreement, Gross admitted making fraudulent statements and agreed to terms in lieu of criminal prosecution. In the civil settlement agreement, Gross agreed to repay the loans in full, plus damages in the amount of $242,990 to the United States.  

    “During a global pandemic, the defendant took advantage of aid programs designed as a lifeline providing critical relief for hardworking people in our communities impacted by COVID,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “Our office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who exploit the CARES Act.”

    “Making false statements to fraudulently gain access to SBA program funds is deplorable,” said SBA Office of Inspector General’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “SBA OIG will relentlessly pursue evidence of fraud against SBA’s programs aimed at assisting the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its leadership and dedication to pursuing justice.”

    “While small businesses across the nation, including here in Alaska, continue to suffer due to the ongoing pandemic, the defendant chose to exploit the relief programs designed to help businesses in time of need,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI and our federal partners will continue to work closely to detect and hold accountable those who take advantage of public health emergencies.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Inspector General, Western Regional Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Fonstad and Michael Heyman prosecuted the case.

    Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-Relief can report it to the Department of Justice by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or filing an online complaint form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

    The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL program funds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses. The CARES Act was enacted on March 27, 2020, to provide emergency assistance to individuals, families and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Among other things the CARES Act simplified the EIDL program application process and allocated additional funding to the EIDL program.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Bomb Threat to Arizona State Election Official

    Source: US FBI

    A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to sending a communication containing a bomb threat to an election official in the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. 

    “Americans who serve the public by administering our voting systems should not have to fear for their lives simply for doing their jobs,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As this case demonstrates, the Justice Department is investigating and prosecuting violations of federal law against election officials and election workers. Only by protecting those who administer the election process can we ensure that the right to vote, itself, is protected.”

    According to court documents, on or about Feb. 14, 2021, James W. Clark, 38, of Falmouth, sent a message via the website contact form of the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, Election Division, addressed to the election official, and warned her that she needed to “resign by Tuesday February 16th by 9 am or the explosive device impacted in her personal space will be detonated.”

    “Threatening public officials is a serious matter, never warranted by the situation no matter how heated or politically charged,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Cases like this are important in protecting not only the public official victimized by the conduct, but also the integrity of our election processes as a whole.”

    Shortly after transmitting the message, Clark conducted online searches that included the full name of the election official in conjunction with the words “how to kill” and “address.” Additionally, on or about Feb. 18, 2021, Clark conducted online searches involving the Boston Marathon bombing.

    “Defending the rights of Americans, particularly the right to vote, is a fundamental part of the FBI’s mission to protect the American people and uphold the constitution,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Election workers are dedicated members of our community who have the solemn responsibility of ensuring the integrity of the U.S. voting process. The FBI will fiercely protect election officials from threats of violence and intimidation, and in doing so, protect the fidelity of U.S. elections.”

    Clark pleaded guilty to one count of making a threatening interstate communication. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 26 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.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Phoenix Field Office joined in the announcement.

    The FBI Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Boston Division.

    Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey 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 O. 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. A year after its formation, 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.

    Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the 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 here: 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairbanks Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Stalking and Murder for Hire Plot

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – A Fairbanks man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline for stalking and attempting to arrange a murder for hire.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at his sentencing, Roger Keeling, 55, devised and solicited a murder for hire plot targeting his former girlfriend while he was in custody on stalking charges. He was indicted in January 2021 and found guilty by a federal jury in August 2021.

    At sentencing, the United States underscored the physical, emotional and mental abuse suffered by Keeling’s former girlfriend. In both her testimony and her victim impact statement, she described the terrifying and traumatic ordeal. As she became increasingly frightened by Keeling’s actions and mental state, she left him. He tried winning her back but when that didn’t work, his anger began to consume him as he stalked her and found someone to murder her.  

    In October 2020 Keeling placed his hands around his girlfriend’s neck, told her he should rip her heart out and threatened to burn her house down. Keeling pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in state court. The victim applied for and was granted a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) and it was served on Keeling before his release on the assault charges. Over the next six weeks, Keeling was arrested – and released by the state court – for violating this DVPO multiple times in an escalating pattern that included following the victim, slashing her tires, sending dozens of threatening emails from various “disguised” email accounts and planting disturbing handwritten notes along her usual running route.

    Keeling was arrested for stalking the victim in December 2020. While in custody, Keeling told his cellmate he wanted to find someone to harm his girlfriend. During the next few days, Keeling agreed to pay his cellmate $1,500 to arrange for a hitman to kill her, and after being released by a state court judge, he made an initial payment of $500. During a search of Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see her harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

    “While no sentence can atone for the sense of security his victim lost, she no longer has to live in fear always looking over her back and worried about her personal safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “Every citizen has the right to feel safe as they go about their daily life and we will continue to seek justice for victims of such appalling acts.”   

    “This investigation and disruption of Mr. Keeling’s deadly plot should serve as a reminder that the FBI and our partners will vigorously hold those accountable who plan such actions,” said Antony Jung, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Soliciting a murder for hire is a federal crime, and the defendant will now spend the next 12 years in federal prison.”

    The Alaska State Troopers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fairbanks Police Department conducted the investigated the case.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Doty and Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

    Domestic violence is a crime. If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, it is normal to feel scared, helpless and vulnerable. You are not alone. Help is available through local and state police departments as well as through national entities such as the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). 

    During a search of Roger Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the murder for hire plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see his former girlfriend harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Couple Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Drugs and Money Laundering

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – Two people were sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to federal prison for distributing drugs and money laundering.

    May Saelee, aka “The First Lady,” 47, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty in August 2019 to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. Saelee’s husband, Cher Vang, aka “The President,” 47, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Vang pleaded guilty in July 2019 to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. The couple was arrested in August 2018 as part of a months-long federal investigation into a drug ring operating out of Mountain View.

    According to court documents, between August 2011 and 2018, Saelee and Vang distributed methamphetamine from their home and other locations in Anchorage. Through multiple drug sales during this seven-year period, they sold more than 306 grams of actual methamphetamine. The couple then used the proceeds of their drug sales to purchase various items including jewelry and personal property. Additionally, between March 2015 and August 2018, Saelee and Vang structured bank deposits totaling more than $150,000 into their accounts to avoid federal banking requirements and to conceal that the source of the money was from drug proceeds.

    As part of the plea agreement, Saelee and Vang will forfeit to the United States any property derived from their illegal activities including but not limited to: jewelry, money, guns and personal property.

    “With today’s sentencing, we have put an end to another drug trafficking ring responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Anchorage and the surrounding area,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “These dangerous drugs are destructive poisons that threaten the health and safety of our communities. We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that drug traffickers are held responsible for the harm they cause.”

    “Drug trafficking and money laundering cause immense harm to our communities,” said Bret Kressin, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “IRS-CI will continue to use our expertise to investigate those who knowingly traffic these damaging substances and will continue to bring these individuals to justice.”

    The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan Collins prosecuted the case.

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

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian Man Charged in Scheme to Commit Cyberattacks

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – A federal indictment unsealed today charges a Canadian national with committing cyberattacks.

    According to court documents, Matthew Philbert, 31, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, conspired with others known and unknown to the United States to damage computers, and in the course of that conspiracy did damage a computer belonging to the State of Alaska in April 2018.

    In a separate and parallel investigation, the Canadian authorities today also announced cybercrime charges against Philbert. He was arrested on Nov 30, 2021, by Ontario Provincial Police where he remains in custody.

    “Today’s unsealed indictment is a great example of the importance of international partnerships to combat the evolving and growing threat of cybercrimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska. “Cybercriminals are a dangerous threat and together with our law enforcement partners, we will use all our available resources to bring cybercriminals who target Alaskans to justice, wherever they are.”

    “Cyber criminals are opportunistic and will target any business or individual they identify as vulnerable. The OPP continues to demonstrate its ability to seamlessly collaborate on integrated police investigations to combat cybercrimes and other illegal activities.” Deputy Commissioner Chuck Cox, Provincial Commander, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigations and Organized Crime

    Philbert is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers and one count of fraud and related activity in connection with computers. This indictment in the District of Alaska is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address cybercrimes that target U.S. citizens from abroad.

    Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska, and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant Attorney General Polite and Acting U.S. Attorney Wilson thanked the Canadian and Dutch authorities for their assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander and Trial Attorney Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Slingerlands Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Fuino, age 75, of Slingerlands, New York, pled guilty today to sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Fuino admitted that between the summer of 2022 and April 2023, he babysat a young female child at his residence.  During this period, Fuino used the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.  The victim was 6 years old when the conduct began.

    If United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing on November 26, 2024, Fuino will receive a prison term of 180 months, at least 15 years of supervised release to follow that term of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.  He will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim, forfeit the device used in the offense, and will be required to register as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force – comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department – investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Albany Man Sentenced to Prison for Pandemic Relief Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Solomon, age 38, of Albany, was sentenced today to 13 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for defrauding a loan program meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    In previously pleading guilty to two counts of bank fraud, Solomon admitted that in 2020, he fraudulently applied for and obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for two restaurants in Saratoga Springs, New York, that he had once operated. Solomon submitted false and forged tax documents as part of each loan application, and lied about each restaurant’s number of employees and payroll.

    At the time Solomon applied for the loans, neither restaurant was operational, and Solomon used the loaned funds, totaling $163,993, in ways he knew were prohibited by the PPP. Solomon also fraudulently obtained forgiveness of one of the loans, in the amount of $87,500, by falsely telling the lender that he used the loaned funds for payroll.

    PPP loans, which were issued by financial institutions in 2020 and 2021 and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, needed to be used by the borrowing business only on certain, permissible expenses, such as payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. 

    Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also ordered Solomon to pay $163,993 in restitution and to forfeit that same amount as proceeds of his crimes.

    Solomon has two prior felony convictions for grand larceny, as well as a prior misdemeanor conviction for possession of a forged instrument.

    The FBI investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted this case.

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

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Resident Sentenced to Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan to 24 years and four months in prison followed by lifetime supervised release. In June 2022, a jury convicted Barry Allen Gabelman (52) of coercion and enticement. Under the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act, Gabelman is required to register as a sex offender after completion of his prison term.

    According to court documents, from October 31 to December 6, 2019, Gabelman exchanged sexually explicit messages and photos via social media and a messaging account with individuals whom he believed to be an 11-year-old girl and her stepfather. During their communications, Gabelman discussed having sex with the girl, requested nude images of the girl, and sent the girl photos of his genitals. On December 6, 2019, he traveled to a pre-arranged location in Las Vegas intending to have sex with the girl, but instead he was arrested by law enforcement.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Pucci and Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Investigates Suspected Child Sexual Abuse

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – The FBI is investigating allegations of child sexual abuse involving a minor against a man in Vanderwagen, New Mexico.

    Nolin Leupp, 26, appeared before a federal judge and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled, on charges of receiving child sexual abuse material.

    According to court documents, on December 8, 2024, a witness reported a suspected sexual assault involving Leupp and a minor victim. The witness further disclosed concerning communications between Leupp and the victim, including Snapchat messages of a sexual nature and plans to meet late at night.

    During a subsequent interview on December 19, 2024, Leupp admitted to a romantic relationship with the minor. A search of Leupp’s phone revealed four videos of suspected child sexual abuse material, downloaded from Discord and Snapchat.

    If convicted of the current charges, Leupp faces a mandatory minimum of 5 and up to 20 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case as part of as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

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

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: The Grand Health Care System and 12 Affiliated Skilled Nursing Facilities to Pay $21.3 Million for Allegedly Providing and Billing for Fraudulent Rehabilitation Therapy Services

    Source: US FBI

    Company Admits that Supervisory Officials Falsified Information in Medical Records

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Strauss Ventures LLC doing business as The Grand Health Care System and 12 affiliated skilled nursing facilities (collectively, the Grand), have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing federal health care programs for therapy services that were unreasonable, unnecessary, unskilled, or that simply did not occur as billed. Many of the settling facilities are located in upstate and central New York, including in Albany, Oneida, Madison, Columbia, and Herkimer counties.

    “Today’s settlement protects patients and taxpayers by ensuring that medical treatment is dictated by patient need and not by financial motive,” said United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman.  “Skilled nursing facilities provide important services to a vulnerable population, and we will continue to hold them accountable when they provide patients with unnecessary services and falsify records.”

    The settlement resolves allegations that from as early as January 1, 2014 to September 30, 2019, the Grand knowingly submitted false claims for rehabilitation therapy for residents at 12 facilities Strauss Ventures owned and operated. During this period, Medicare Part A (Medicare’s hospital insurance, which also pays for care in a skilled nursing facility in some circumstances) and TRICARE (the federal health care program for the Department of Defense) paid for such services at rates that varied based on the number of minutes of skilled rehabilitation therapy provided. The Grand allegedly submitted bills where the reimbursement claimed was based on providing more therapy than was reasonable and necessary, or in some cases where the therapists did not provide the amount of therapy reported. 

    As part of the settlement, the Grand admitted that certain now-former Grand management level employees implemented quotas that each of the 12 facilities was expected to reach, including quotas relating to beneficiaries’ lengths of stay and to the percentage of beneficiaries billed at the highest reimbursement level. To meet these quotas, facilities often scheduled patients to receive therapy without consideration of what was reasonable and necessary based on the individual patients’ clinical condition. In addition, the Grand directed that no more than three patients be discharged from any facility per week and instructed that no Medicare Part A patients should be discharged from rehabilitation therapy unless it had been discussed with corporate officials. The Grand admitted that this resulted in some Medicare beneficiaries “staying on therapy longer than was reasonable and medically necessary.” 

    The Grand acknowledged that there were various instances where supervisory officials, who did not personally evaluate or treat patients, set or adjusted the number of minutes of therapy that a Medicare patient would receive. The Grand also acknowledged that there were instances where supervisory personnel falsified the number of therapy minutes in the Grand’s electronic recordkeeping system or instructed subordinates to do so, well after the therapy was allegedly rendered.

    “We expect nursing facilities to provide only reasonable and appropriate amounts of skilled rehabilitation therapy service to their residents and to bill government healthcare programs only for the services actually provided,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to protecting both vulnerable nursing home patients and taxpayers against fraudulent conduct by unscrupulous actors.” 

    The settlement also resolves federal allegations that the Grand submitted false claims to Medicaid for services rendered at its Pawling, New York nursing home between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021. These claims were allegedly false because the reimbursement rate was inflated by data inaccurately reflecting the degree of care, including rehabilitation therapy services, needed by Medicaid patients there. 

    The Grand has also entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) that requires an independent review organization to annually assess the medical necessity and appropriateness of therapy services billed to Medicare.

    “Violations of the False Claims Act are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the FBI and its partners,” said Executive Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch. “We will continue our work of protecting the American taxpayer by relentlessly pursuing businesses that do not comply with the rule of law. If you bill federal health care programs in an unnecessary manner, there will be consequences.”

    “The Grand admitted to providing unnecessary care to our most vulnerable, to include knowingly keeping patients in their facilities and away from their loved ones when they needed them most,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albay Field Office. “This settlement illustrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners to protect federally funded healthcare programs from abuse by companies looking to line their pockets with taxpayer dollars.”

    “As a part of this settlement, the defendants acknowledged that they obtained funds from the Medicare program to which they were not entitled,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of HHS-OIG. “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients.”

    “Protecting the integrity of the healthcare system for our military members and their families is a top priority of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Solecki of DCIS Northeast Field Office. “DCIS will continue to work with its law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to hold DoD contractors accountable for their fraudulent activity and ensure America’s service members are not subject to unnecessary risk.”

    The settlement resolves a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act by two former providers of rehabilitation therapy at the Grand. The Act allows private persons to file civil actions on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. Under the settlement, the whistleblowers will receive approximately $4,047,000 of the settlement proceeds. The case is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York under number 1:19-cv-1311.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York; the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; HHS-OIG’s New York Region; the FBI, Albany Field Office; DCIS, Syracuse Resident Agency, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office investigated the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam J. Katz and Senior Trial Counsel Christelle Klovers represented the United States.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Warren County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Cutter, age 44, of Lake George, New York, pled guilty today to the attempted online enticement of a minor.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Cutter admitted that on June 27, 2023, he exchanged sexually explicit text messages with someone he believed was an adult offering the sexual services of a 12-year-old girl in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him.  Cutter also admitted that on that same date, he travelled to a pre-determined location in Warren County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 12-year-old girl.  Cutter was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location.

    At sentencing on November 11, 2024, before United States District Mae A. D’Agostino, Cutter faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison.  The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life.  The court may also impose a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and forfeiture of the smartphone Cutter used to commit his offense.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.  Cutter will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and Warren County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. 

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Admits Traveling to Albany for Sexual Contact with Minor and Transporting Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kyle Biswell, age 38, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, pled guilty today to traveling from Arkansas to Albany, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual contact with a child, and to transporting child pornography in interstate commerce.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Biswell admitted that between January and April 2023, he communicated with an individual he believed was the mother of an 11-year-old girl through an internet-based social networking application and using his cellular phone.  Over the course of those communications, Biswell expressed his interest in engaging in sexual contact with the 11-year-old and ultimately purchased airfare to travel from his home in Arkansas to Albany, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual contact with the child on April 8, 2023.  Upon his arrival in the Capital Region on April 8, 2023, Biswell was arrested by FBI agents, and admitted that he had traveled from Arkansas to Albany for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with a child he believed to be 11 years old.  Biswell further admitted that he brought child pornography with him on his cell phone.  The cell phone was subsequently searched by the FBI and found to contain numerous videos and images depicting child pornography, including several videos depicting the sexual abuse and rape of children under the age of 5.   

    At sentencing on November 13, 2024, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, Biswell faces at least 5 years and up to 30 years in prison.  The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to a life term.  The court may also impose a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and forfeiture of the cell phone Biswell used to commit his offenses.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.  Biswell will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. 

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York City Resident Pleads Guilty to Operating Secret Police Station of the Chinese Government in Lower Manhattan

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Admitted That He Conspired to Act as an Illegal Agent of the Chinese Government

    BROOKLYN, NY – Today in federal court in Brooklyn, Manhattan resident Chen Jinping pleaded guilty to conspiring to act as an agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in connection with opening and operating an undeclared overseas police station in lower Manhattan for the PRC’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS).  Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison. When sentenced, the defendant faces up to five years in prison.

    Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.

    “A priority of my Office has been to counteract the malign activities of foreign governments that violate our nation’s sovereignty by targeting local diaspora communities in the United States,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Today, a participant in a transnational repression scheme who worked to establish a secret police station in the middle of New York City on behalf of the national police force of the People’s Republic of China has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as an illegal agent.  We will continue our efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable persons who come to this country to escape the repressive activities of authoritarian regimes.”

    “Today’s guilty plea holds the defendant accountable for his brazen efforts to operate an undeclared overseas police station on behalf of the PRC’s national police force — a clear affront to American sovereignty and danger to our community that will not be tolerated,” stated Assistant Attorney General Olsen.  “The Department of Justice will continue to pursue anyone who attempts to aid the PRC’s efforts to extend their repressive reach into the United States.”

    “Today, Chen Jinping admitted to his role in audaciously establishing an undeclared police station in the heart of New York City and attempting to conceal the effort when approached by FBI New York,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the PRC in direct violation of American sovereignty. The FBI is unwavering in our duty to protect both the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution and the security of our nation from oppressive hostile governments.”

    As alleged in court filings and facts presented at the plea proceeding, Chen Jinping and co-defendant Lu Jianwang conspired to act as illegal agents of the PRC government and also obstructed justice by destroying evidence of their communications with an MPS official (the MPS Official).  While acting under the direction and control of the MPS Official, the defendants worked together to establish the first known overseas police station in the United States on behalf of the Fuzhou branch of the MPS.  The police station—which closed in the fall of 2022—occupied an entire floor in an office building in Manhattan’s Chinatown.  Chen and Lu  helped open and operate the clandestine police station.  None of the participants in the scheme informed the U.S. government that they were helping the PRC government open and operate an undeclared MPS police station on U.S. soil.

    In October 2022, the FBI conducted a judicially authorized search of the illegal police station.  In connection with the search, FBI agents interviewed both defendants and seized their phones.  In reviewing the contents of these phones, FBI agents observed that communications between the defendants, on the one hand, and the MPS Official, on the other, appeared to have been deleted.

    Lu Jianwang has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting trial.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Alexander A. Solomon and Antoinette N. Rangel are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

    The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States.  If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.

    The Defendant:

    CHEN JINPING
    Age: 60
    Manhattan, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-316 (NRM)

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  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Found Guilty of Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

              WASHINGTON— A North Carolina man was found guilty of assaulting law enforcement and other felony and misdemeanor offenses related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. 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 2020 presidential election.

              A federal jury in the District of Columbia found Brett Alan Rotella, also known as Brett Ostrander, 35, of Kannapolis, North Carolina, guilty on Sept. 11, 2024, of three felony offenses, including obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, and two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. In addition to the felonies, Rotella was convicted of three misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings.

              U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss will sentence Rotella on Dec. 13, 2024.

              According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, on Jan. 6, 2021, at approximately 2:24 p.m., Rotella was identified among a crowd of rioters amassed on the West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., wearing distinctive clothing that included a red skull cap, a black sleeveless puffy vest over a red sleeveless shirt, and white or gray long shorts. He carried a long pole with at least two flags affixed to it at various points during the day.

               According to police body-worn camera footage, just minutes after his arrival at the West Font, Rotella approached a police barricade and forcibly pushed it toward a Metropolitan Police Department officer, while shouting inflammatory remarks.

              At approximately 2:33 p.m., as the police line on the West Plaza became overwhelmed and was forced to retreat, Rotella was observed taking charge of a group of rioters, directing their movements by periodically signaling with his hand to “hold” and leading them up the southwest stairs toward the Capitol.

              Video footage from the Lower West Terrace showed that at approximately 2:40 p.m., Rotella followed retreating officers into the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement that day. Inside the Tunnel, as officers attempted to hold back the rioters, Rotella continued his advance, even after pepper balls containing chemical irritant were fired at him.

              Evidence during the trial showed that the mob, including Rotella, breached the Capitol entrance at the Tunnel by smashing the glass pane of one of the locked doors and forcing the doors open. CCTV and body-worn camera footage depicted Rotella entering the Tunnel and joining others in a concerted effort to physically assault police officers inside. Inside the Tunnel, Rotella pushed against police shields and attempted to leverage his body to push through the police line and into the building.

              Rotella left the Tunnel at approximately 2:55 p.m., but remained in the vicinity for approximately ninety more minutes, joining a large crowd that repeatedly surged against the police line.. Further video evidence depicted Rotella counting down and leading a coordinated push by the mob against the officers.

              Rotella was later observed grabbing a large orange ladder and handing it toward the front of the crowd in an apparent attempt to use it against the officers. Video footage showed Rotella pushing the ladder into the Tunnel and pushing against other rioters near him in an effort to collectively breach the police line.

              The FBI arrested Rotella on Aug. 29, 2023, in Mooresville, North Carolina.

              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 the Western District of North Carolina and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina.

              This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Charlotte and Washington Field Offices, which identified Rotella as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #82 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

              In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Coordinated action to take down the most dangerous malware variants

    Source: Eurojust

    This week’s actions follow the largest ever operation against botnets from May 2024, Operation Endgame. This year during Endgame 2.0, the measures targeted the successor groups of malware taken down by the authorities and other relevant variants: Bumblebee, Lactrodectus, Qakbot, DanaBot, HijackLoader, Trickbot, and WarmCookie. As these variants are at the beginning of the cyberattack chain, disrupting them damages the entire ‘cybercrime as a service’ ecosystem. 

    The malware taken down this week is known as ‘initial access malware’. It is used for initial infection, helping cybercriminals to enter victims’ systems unnoticed and load more malware onto their devices, such as ransomware. 

    Due to the global nature of cybercrime, cross-border investigations are key for taking action against disruptive cybercrimes. Since 2024, Eurojust has provided essential support to ensure effective judicial cooperation. Coordination by Eurojust ensured that authorities could exchange information and align their investigative efforts. Europol supported the operation from the outset, providing coordination, operational and analytical support, cryptocurrency tracing, and facilitating the real-time exchange of information between the various partners involved.

    ©BKA, Germany, 2024.

    German, French, Dutch, Danish, British, American and Canadian authorities joined forces from 19 to 22 May to take action against the world’s most dangerous malware variants and the perpetrators behind them. In total 37 suspects were identified and international arrest warrants were obtained against 20 individuals criminally charged. Over 300 servers worldwide were taken down and 650 domains were neutralised. During the action week, EUR 3.5 million in cryptocurrency was seized making the total cryptocurrency seized during Endgame EUR 21.2 million. 

    Operation EndGame will now continue with follow up actions announced on the dedicated website from the international coalition. Several key suspects behind the malware operations are now subject to international and public appeals. The German authorities will publish eighteen of them on the EU Most Wanted list as of 23 May.

    The following authorities carried out the operation:

    • Germany: German Federal Criminal Police Office; Public Prosecutor; General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cybercrime Office; German Federal Office for Information Security
    • France: PPO Paris section J3 (Cybercrime Unit); BL2C (Cybercrime unit Préfecture de Police); OFAC (National Office against Cybercriminality)
    • Netherlands: Netherlands Public Prosecution Service (National Office); Netherlands Police
    • Denmark: National Special Crime Unit – NSK; NC3 | High Tech Crime
    • United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
    • United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California
    • Canada: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempted Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material Via Instant Messaging App

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 84 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempted receipt and possession of hundreds of child sexual abuse material.

    Jonathan Robert Risse-Santos (30) pleaded guilty in February 2022 to attempted receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. In addition to imprisonment, Risse-Santos will be required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act to register as a sex offender.

    According to court documents, on March 1, 2021, Risse-Santos contacted who he believed to be a 14-year-old child through Kik Messenger. He repeatedly asked the child to send nude images of herself. The next day, Risse-Santos exchanged messages via TextNow, another messaging application, and discussed engaging in sexual activity with the child. He agreed to meet the child at her home where law enforcement arrested him. During the search of Risse-Santos’ cell phone, 259 images and six videos of child sexual abuse material were discovered.

    U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the North Las Vegas Police Department, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Plattsburgh Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK –Jason Miller, age 33, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced today to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Miller admitted that on March 17, 2021, he possessed images on his cell phone of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The defendant’s conduct was uncovered during a joint law enforcement investigation into an online group sharing images of child pornography on Kik, a social media messaging application. The defendant admitted to receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography on Kik.

    United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a term of 15 years of supervised release, which will start after Miller is released from prison. Miller will also be required to register as a sex offender.

    Miller was previously convicted on May 16, 2016, in Clinton County Court of disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree. Following multiple violations of probation, he was sentenced to 16 months to 4 years’ imprisonment.

    The FBI investigated this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted the case.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Niskayuna Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aaron Griesche, age 41, of Niskayuna, New York, was sentenced today to 135 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Griesche admitted that on July 11, 2021, he possessed child pornography on a USB flash memory stick found in his residence.  Griesche admitted that he had purchased the memory stick from an online retailer and transferred numerous videos of child pornography from the Internet to the device.

    In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, Griesche was ordered to pay a total of $18,000 in restitution to child victims depicted in the files he possessed.

    The FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force investigated this case.  The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Dustin C. Segovia prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locates, 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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Proud Boy Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON — A New York man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged 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.

                Walter Joseph Wentland, 31, of Sparrow Bush, New York, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

                The FBI arrested Wentland today in New York, and he will make his initial appearance in the Southern District of New York.

                According to court documents, Wentland, a member of the Hudson Valley New York Proud Boys, was identified in open-source images and video footage on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C., marching with other members of the local chapter toward the U.S. Capitol building.

                Wentland was identified marching in front of a row of assembled law enforcement officers inside the restricted perimeter of the Capitol and, using a bullhorn, stated to police, “Where’s your f— oath?”; “Your values mean nothing”; and “We used to back the blue, but now you’re Oathbreakers and we can’t stand you”.

                Court documents say that Wentland continued into the restricted perimeter toward a walkway near the Northwest Stairs of the Capitol. At approximately 1:59 p.m., a line of Metropolitan Police Officers (MPD) dressed in riot gear moved towards the Capitol to assist in its defense. As the MPD officers walked by, it is alleged that Wentland engaged with multiple officers, including by physically grabbing an officer. It is alleged that Wentland continued to engage with police and physically grabbed a second officer.

                Wentland then moved onto the Upper West Terrace and entered into the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door at about 2:26 p.m. Once inside, Wentland continued down the hallway before he turned around and exited the building at approximately 2:29 p.m. via a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door.

                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 the Southern District of New York.

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 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.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Arrested for Assault on Law Enforcement During January Six Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Accused of Spraying Officers with Pepper Spray and Throwing Metal Rod at Them

                WASHINGTON — An Alabama man has been arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

                Christian Matthew Manley, 26, of Birmingham, is charged with engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, civil disorder, and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, among other charges. He was arrested on Oct. 15, 2021, in Anchorage, Alaska and made his initial court appearance today in the District of Alaska. A detention hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2021.

                According to court documents, Manley was captured on video in the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol, approaching the archway entrance. At approximately 2:53 p.m., he can be seen spraying pepper spray at officers from the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department, who were defending the entrance. He threw the empty pepper spray container at officers a few seconds later, then used a second cannister to again spray the officers. He then threw this cannister, too, at the officers. Then, at 2:55 p.m., he accepted a metal rod from another rioter and threw it at the officers.

                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 the District of Alaska.

                The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office, as well as the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Manley as #81A in its seeking information photos, and the Metropolitan Police Department. Significant assistance was provided by the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office and the U.S. Capitol Police.

                In the nine months since Jan. 6, more than 650 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 190 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.

                The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Elmer Yusay Ngo, 28, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, Ngo utilized social media to sexually exploit female minors. This sexual exploitation included attempting to coerce, entice, and persuade the minors to produce child pornography for Ngo.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from state and local police departments nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is prosecuting the case.

    Ngo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on Nov. 4, 2024. Ngo faces a minimum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, supervised release and restitution. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm as a Felon

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — William Lesley, 34, of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, law enforcement officers conducted a parole search in Galt, at the residence of Lesley’s co-defendant, Dexter Weeks, a known felon on parole. While clearing the residence, officers encountered Lesley as he was coming out of a bedroom. In the bedroom where Lesley had exited, officers found a loaded Ruger pistol located in a backpack on the floor near the bed. Weeks and Lesley are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because they each have multiple state felony convictions.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case.

    Lesley is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 5, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. Weeks pleaded guilty on Jan. 30, 2024, and is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 6, 2024. Both defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case 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 U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Returns Fugitive to Sacramento County to Face Charges

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO—The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department announced the successful extradition from Mexico of Baltazar Guevara Ortiz, who fled to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. The agencies worked with the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs to secure Ortiz’s arrest and extradition.

    Following an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Major Crime Unit, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office charged Ortiz, a Mexican national, on June 22, 2010, with multiple counts for the alleged sexual assault of a minor. The charges are mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent pending prosecution.

    The FBI obtained a federal arrest warrant for the unlawful flight to avoid prosecution on Nov. 12, 2010, following information indicating that Ortiz left the United States to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. Ortiz was apprehended by Agencia de Investigación Criminal in Guanajuato, Mexico on March 13, 2024, and was held while extradition was pending.

    Ortiz’s return is funded by the United States Government’s “Project Welcome Home,” which provides funding to assist in the transportation of federal fugitives to the United States.

    The FBI continues to collaborate with its law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals charged with state crimes who flee the jurisdiction. Cases seeking information from the public, including fugitive matters, are posted on the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Most Wanted web page and FBI Most Wanted application. Anyone with information that may aid these cases may contact their local FBI office, United States embassy, or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov.

    Questions regarding Ortiz’s detention and pending prosecution should be directed to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Firearms Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Supplying Weapons and Ammunition to Sinaloa Cartel

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 18, 2023

    SAN DIEGO – Alfredo Lomas Navarrete, a prolific firearms trafficker, was sentenced in federal court today to 15 years in custody for his role in supplying hundreds of high-powered weapons and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to the Sinaloa Cartel.

    This case is part of a long-running investigation targeting the Valenzuela Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO), which is a significant component of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Valenzuela TCO is one of the largest importers of cocaine into the United States. The TCO sources cocaine and other controlled substances (including fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana) from South America and Mexico, transports the drugs to multiple locations along the U.S.-Mexico border using commercial trucking companies, smuggles the narcotics into the country, and distributes them throughout the U.S. The TCO then smuggles the bulk cash proceeds from its drug trafficking activities back to the TCO’s leadership in Mexico.

    According to court records, throughout 2020, the Valenzuela TCO, including one of its leaders, Jorge Alberto Valenzuela Valenzuela (“Jorge”), was engaged in violent conflict with another component of the Sinaloa Cartel led by Ivan Archivaldo Guzman-Salazar. During this conflict, Jorge’s brother and previous TCO leader, Gabriel Valenzuela-Valenzuela, was killed. This led the Valenzuela TCO to procure large quantities of firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, armored vehicles, and ballistic vests. A considerable number of these items were sourced from within the United States and clandestinely smuggled into Mexico, using numerous arms trafficking networks.

    During the multi-year investigation, agents identified Alfredo Lomas Navarrete as a major firearms trafficker for the TCO. Agents recovered hundreds of messages between Jorge and Lomas in which they discussed firearms trafficking. Lomas worked closely with Jorge and other high-ranking organization members to supply hundreds of firearms to the TCO. These firearms ranged from .50 caliber rifles, submachine guns, and grenade launchers, to assault rifles (AK-47s, AR-15s, FN SCARs) and handguns. In addition to the weapons, Lomas and his co-conspirators supplied tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to the TCO. Some of these weapons and ammunition were acquired in the United States, including in California, Arizona, and Nevada, and then smuggled through the Ports of Entry in San Diego and Arizona into Mexico

    To date, this investigation has resulted in the charging of 109 defendants and the seizure of approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl, over $16 million in cash, and 21,000 rounds of ammunition.

    Lomas pleaded guilty in April 2023 to conspiring to import cocaine, distribute cocaine, commit money laundering, and to smuggle goods from the United States.

    “The amount of cash, ammunition, and narcotics seized in this case is staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The collaboration in this case sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will attack every facet of drug trafficking organizations from money to drugs to firearms. We will stay after it for as long as it takes to bring them to justice.”

    “The Venezuelan transnational criminal organization has brought death and suffering to countless people through their once prosperous criminal enterprise,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “The sentencing of this firearms trafficker sends a resounding message to traffickers and criminals around the world that HSI and the law enforcement community will vehemently pursue those who seek to harm not only Americans, but humanity as a whole with their brutality and deadly drugs.”

    “Drug cartels use drug proceeds to purchase weapons and ammunition, fueling violence in our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe.  “DEA and our federal, state, and local partners will continue to hold drug traffickers and the cartels responsible for the carnage and destruction they cause.”

    “The sentencing of Mr. Navarrete is a major milestone in federal law enforcement’s efforts to disrupt and dismantle illegal trafficking operations of all kinds,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “We are proud to support our law enforcement partners in all efforts that target and take down crime organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States of America.”

    “Mr. Navarrete’s enablement of violence on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border is over,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “Crime leaves a money trail, and when we pool our resources we are able to find the evidence necessary to lead to conviction. Navarrete is going to prison because of a well-coordinated joint investigation we are proud to have been part of.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton and Mikaela Weber.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 21-cr-2960-AGS                              

    Alfredo Lomas Navarrete                                           Age: 33                                   Culiacan, Mexico

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §§ 371 and 554(a).

    Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, fine of $250,000.

    AGENCY

    Homeland Security Investigations

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation

    United States Marshals Service

    Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations

    Customs and Border Protection, Office of Border Patrol

    Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

    Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations

    Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

    San Diego Police Department

    Border Crime Suppression Team

    San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Defendants Indicted in $5 Million California State Unemployment Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 16, 2023

    SAN DIEGO – An indictment partially unsealed today charges 14 defendants with fraud and money laundering offenses for a scheme centered around fraudulent unemployment applications submitted to the California Employment Development Department during the pandemic. The indictment alleges the fraud netted the defendants almost $5.2 million in funds from the state of California.

    According to the indictment, David Constantin and Constantin Bobi Sandu, who was arrested and charged separately in March 2023, helped hundreds of applicants apply for EDD benefits using fraudulent documents. Constantin and Sandu recruited potential applicants through Facebook and met applicants at parks throughout Southern California to complete the application process. Applicants paid Constantin or Sandu a partial fee up front for assisting with fraudulent applications and another fee after applicants received EDD payments.

    The indictment alleges that from July 2020 to August 2022, Constantin transmitted more than $128,000 in fraud proceeds to associates in Romania. Another defendant who fraudulently obtained EDD benefits with Constantin’s help, Eduard Buse, transmitted almost $129,000 to Romania in the same period. Buse also purchased a 2020 BMW X6 with over $105,000 in cash fraud proceeds in December 2022 and shipped the vehicle to Romania. Several other defendants also transmitted fraud proceeds to accounts in Romania.

    David Constantin was arrested in Romania at the request of the United States on November 13th by Romanian authorities who also served search warrants and seized, among other things, the BMW with California license plates. The Department of Justice will seek Constantin’s extradition to the United States. Buse and defendants Leonard Miclescu, Constantin Iosif Constantin and Florentina Sima were arrested in California and Texas. Nine other defendants remain at large.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Adeline Schulberg and Valerie Chu with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, FBI’s Legal Attaché in Bucharest, and Romanian authorities including the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DCCO) Service for Countering of Organized Criminal Groups, Brigade for Combating Organized Crime (BCCO) – Pitești, County Service for Countering Organized Crime – Teleorman, Romanian Gendarmerie Battalion, Romanian Ministry of Justice, and Romanian Criminal Investigative Directorate – Fugitive Unit.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23CR2090-LAB                                

    David Constantin                                            Age: 27                                   Arges County, Romania

    aka Vlad Alexandru                           

    Eduard Buse                                                    Age: 30                                   Transient, Romanian

    Leonard Miclescu                                           Age: 49                                   Transient, Romanian

    Constantin Iosif Constantin                            Age: 30                                   Transient, Romanian

    Florentina Sima                                              Age: 29                                   Transient, Romanian

    *Additional defendants are not in custody and their names are redacted

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Title 18, U.S.C. § 1349 — Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

    Title 18, U.S.C. § 1343 — Wire Fraud

    Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison, $1 million fine

    Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h) — Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments

    Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(A) — Laundering of Monetary Instruments

    Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(B)(i) — Laundering of Monetary Instruments

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved in the transportation, transmission, or transfer, whichever is greater

    AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    San Diego Police Department Economic Crimes Unit

    IRS Criminal Investigation

    California Employment Development Department Investigative Division

    Department of Labor Office of Inspector General

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairbanks Man Convicted for Stalking and Murder-for-Hire Plot

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – A federal jury today convicted a Fairbanks man for stalking and attempting to arrange a murder for hire. 

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Roger Keeling, 55, devised and solicited a murder for hire plot targeting his former girlfriend while he was in custody on stalking charges.   

    In October 2020 Keeling placed his hands around his girlfriend’s neck, told her he should rip her heart out and threatened to burn her house down. Keeling pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in state court. The victim applied for and was granted a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) and it was served on Keeling before his release on the assault charges. Over the next six weeks, Keeling was arrested – and released by the state court – for violating this DVPO multiple times in an escalating pattern that included following the victim, slashing her tires, sending dozens of threatening emails from various “disguised” email accounts and planting disturbing handwritten notes along her usual running route.

    Keeling was arrested for stalking the victim in December 2020. While in custody, Keeling told his cellmate he wanted to find someone to harm his girlfriend. During the next few days, Keeling agreed to pay his cellmate $1,500 to arrange for a hitman to kill her, and after being released by a state court judge, he made an initial payment of $500. During a search of Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see her harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

    “Every citizen has the right to feel safe as they go about their daily life. With today’s conviction, the victim will no longer live in fear always looking over her back and worried about her personal safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska.

    “The Alaska State Troopers are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to keep the citizens of our great state safe,” said Colonel Bryan Barlow, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Investigations like these should serve as a warning to anyone considering soliciting a murder; the Alaska State Troopers and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone that perpetrates these unconscionable acts.”

    Keeling faces up to a five year sentence on the stalking conviction and up to a 10 year sentence on the murder for hire conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Alaska State Troopers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fairbanks Police Department conducted the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Doty and Ryan Tansey are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

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