The FBI, in conjunction with key partners, is operating a 24/7 national election command post (NECP) from the Strategic Information and Operations Center (SIOC) at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., during the week of the 2024 national election.
Numerous FBI Headquarters divisions will be represented in the NECP, as well as federal partners from a variety of agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, Department of Homeland Security, Election Assistance Commission, and Federal Communications Commission.
The NECP's purpose is to ensure the FBI is well-positioned to respond to any election security issue that may arise, including federal election crimes, threats to election workers, foreign malign influence operations, cyber threats, and acts of domestic terrorism. The NECP will track significant complaints from all 55 FBI field offices through their respective command posts.
“The purpose of the command post is to ensure the FBI is well positioned to respond to threats that would come in or information that would come in that would affect our election security,” said James Barnacle, deputy assistant director of the Bureau’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Those threats include criminal threats such as threats to election workers, foreign malign influence, cyber threats and acts of domestic violence.”
About 80 personnel from the FBI and about a dozen partner agencies are staffing the command post in the FBI’s Strategic Information Operations Center. The command post opened on November 1 and will run through at least November 9.
“We feel like we're well positioned to handle and triage information that comes in,” Barnacle said. “We have the people in place. We've identified the right people at the different agencies. We've developed those partnerships over the last few years. We're going to take the information that comes in, and we're going to take it through our process, and we're going to share that information.”
Barnacle said that each of the FBI’s 55 field offices is also staffing a command post that is closely connected with their partner agencies and election officials. That way information or complaints that are fielded at the local level or though the FBI’s tip line, tips.fbi.gov, get to the people who can triage and best determine a response.
“We look at that threat information,” Barnacle said. “We run it through our indices. We engage with our partners. There's a lot of partner agencies here at the command post. So we triage that information. We also work with Department of Justice to ensure that we are staying within policy and taking the information and then sending it back out to the field or to state or local election officials.”
In the days leading up to Election Day, SIOC’s National Crisis Coordination Center (NC3) was humming with activity. The space hosts command posts for other high-profile events, such as presidential inaugurations and State of the Union speeches. Created in 1989, SIOC began with just seven employees and 3,000 square feet of space. Today, its footprint has grown to 40,000 square feet.
The FBI is mandated by National Security Presidential Memorandum 32 to provide timely information about national security incidents so leaders have the information to manage a crisis and support national security decision-making. SIOC is part of the FBI’s information flow under the NSPM-32 process.
Partner agencies in the election security command post include the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Capitol Police, the Election Assistance Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and multiple components of the Department of Justice, including the Public Integrity Section.
“What all of these folks are doing is triaging information,” Barnacle said. “We've had information coming in to the FBI in the last few days. Some of it has been maybe state or local matters, and we're just making sure it gets to state and local officials.”
“When information is threatening and it rises to the violation of federal laws,” Barnacle added, “then we look to take action.”
November 4, 2024, media interview with James Barnacle, deputy assistant director of the FBI's Criminal Division, at the FBI headquarters election command post
James Barnacle conducts a media interview from the 2024 election command post in SIOC at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on November 4, 2024.
FBI Director Christopher Wray at the 2024 election command post in SIOC at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on November 5, 2024.
Attorney General Merrick Garland at the 2024 election command post in SIOC at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on November 5, 2024.
Below: FBI personnel staff the 2024 election command post in SIOC at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on November 5, 2024.
Below: FBI personnel staff the 2024 election command post in SIOC at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on November 4, 2024.
September 29, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
FBI Dedicates Additional Investigative and Victim Specialist Resources to Indigenous Women and Children in Indian Country
The FBI announced the results of Operation Not Forgotten, which dedicated over 40 FBI special agents, intelligence analysts, staff operational specialists, and victim specialists to 10 FBI field offices whose designated regions support women and children in indigenous communities.
Trinitarios Gang Member Charged in Connection With Two Shootings in Queens and Brooklyn on the Same Day
Abel Mora, a member of the Trinitarios—a violent street gang—was charge with being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition related to two separate shootings Mora allegedly committed in Queens and Brooklyn on August 13, 2023.
Twelve Charged in Connection with Violent Motorcycle Gang Assault
A dozen members of the Homietos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang are now in custody on racketeering and firearms charges related to a violent assault of another motorcycle club in Houston.
Northern Nevada Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Pregnant Indigenous Woman on Reservation
Michael Burciaga stabbed his pregnant girlfriend, a registered member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, multiple times, causing her death and the death of their unborn child.
San Francisco Daycare Worker Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Using Access to Children to Produce, Possess, and Distribute Child Pornography
Jace Wong was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison for production, attempted production, distribution, and possession of child pornography in connection with a scheme to take pictures and videos of four- to six-year-olds that he could share on child pornography sites online.
Former State Trooper Gets 43 Years for Sexually Assaulting Women
Lee Ray Boykin, a former state trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), deprived two separate victims of their right to bodily integrity when he committed aggravated sexual abuse to one victim and kidnapped the other victim.
Additional resources:
Did you know the FBI has a podcast?
On Inside the FBI, we share stories about the Bureau's people, programs, and processes in audio form.
In honor of International Podcast Day on September 30, we've curated a selection of Inside the FBI episodes—from art crime to UFOs—to share with you.
You can listen to all our episodes of Inside the FBI on your favorite podcast player, including Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, and at fbi.gov/podcasts.
Top Ten Fugitive Donald Eugene Fields II
The most recent addition to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, Donald Eugene Fields II is wanted for the alleged sex trafficking of at least one child in Missouri.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist
Learn about a historic art heist, including why the stolen pieces matter to the museum, the art world at large, and the FBI.
Hear the story of how the Bureau and our partners took down an $80 million Ponzi scheme.
Hanging Up on Tech Support Scams
Learn how to protect yourself from tech support scammers trying to get access to your wallet and your computer.
Uncover the truth about some of our noteworthy cases involving unidentified aerial phenomena.
The FBI is seeking information from victims in relation to two current investigations. All responses are voluntary, and victim identities will be kept confidential.
In Nevada, the FBI’s resident agency in Reno is looking for info related to the investigation of Dr. Samuel Chacon, a licensed obstetrician-gynecologist who saw patients at the Women’s Health Center of Reno and at local hospitals, including Renown Regional Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. No criminal charges have been brought against Dr. Chacon.
If you believe that you were victimized by Dr. Samuel Chacon or that you have information pertinent to this investigation, please fill out this short form.
The FBI is also seeking info from victims of the Tongi Tupe investment program, a scheme orchestrated to defraud investors in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Tilila Siola’a Walker Sumchai of Richmond, Virginia, has been charged with allegedly taking investors’ money and using it for personal expenses, including gambling, and to pay back and lull earlier investors.
If you believe you are a victim of the Tongi Tupe investment program, please complete this questionnaire.
The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.
There are other investigations in which we're currently seeking victim information.
Additional resources:
September 22, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
2023 Summer Violent Crime Wrap-up
The following information compiled from May 29 to September 4, 2023, reflect the FBI's collective actions against violent criminals, transnational criminal organizations, gang members, and child predators.
Statistics
Bronx Man Sentenced to 38 Years in Prison for 2018 Murder During Which He Shot the Victim’s Five-Year-Old Son
Joshua Rodriguez was sentenced to 38 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Jaquan Millien on October 23, 2018.
Kissimmee Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Over One Million Files of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Edward Nicholas Carney was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Gang Member Convicted of Assaulting FBI Agent in 2022 Shooting
Joshuia Johnathon Luke Brown and co-defendent Jarvis Smith, shot multiple rounds at an FBI agent in Columbus last year was found guilty of assault on a federal officer along with additional charges for armed drug trafficking.
Savannah Woman Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Violent Armed Robbery
Shannan Barnwell has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to the violent armed robbery of a vendor stocking an automatic teller machine.
Additional resources:
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is one of the newest technologies the world is exploring on a massive scale. The FBI is also examining AI to anticipate and defend against threats and, ultimately, to help keep the American people safe.
“One aspect of AI we at the FBI are most concerned about is that this technology doesn’t just exist in cyberspace. It touches more and more of the physical world, too,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.
In this episode of Inside the FBI, hear from Director Wray and Bryan Vorndran, head of the FBI’s Cyber Division, about the Bureau’s stance on AI and other key priorities.
Calling all undergraduate and graduate college students! Applications are due on September 20 for the FBI’s 2024 Honors Internship Program (HIP).
The HIP is a 10-week, paid summer internship that gives participants the opportunity to work alongside FBI employees at our headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of our 56 field offices across the United States.
For undergraduate students between their junior and senior years—as well as graduate students pursuing a master’s degree, JD, or PhD—the HIP can be a direct pipeline to full-time employment with the FBI after graduation.
We’re looking for applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including but not limited to accounting, foreign languages, information technology, criminal justice, journalism, law, and all STEM programs.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend a U.S. accredited college full-time, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, pass all FBI background investigation requirements, and meet additional requirements.
Are you interested? Visit fbijobs.gov to apply no later than September 20.
September 15, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Twenty-Six Defendants Charged for Drug Trafficking in Multi-State Operation
An indictment was unsealed charging 26 defendants of drug trafficking, possessing a firearm during drug trafficking, money laundering, and other charges.
Kidnapping and Murder of Osage Nation Citizen Results in Nine Convictions
Tre Robert Allen Ackerson pleaded guilty to second degree murder for the killing of Osage citizen Jolene Walker Campbell. Ackerson faces up to life in federal prison with no possibility of parole.
Manager of Sex Trafficking and Prostitution Ring Indicted on Racketeering and Related Charges Along With Two of the Organization’s Enforcers
A 31-count superseding indictment charges additional assaults and three new defendants in connection with Queens-based criminal enterprise that committed violence against women across the United States.
St. Louis Man Admits Involvement in Armed Carjackings, Jail Escape and Fatal Shooting of De Smet High School Football Coach
Kurt Wallace pleaded guilty to four counts of carjacking, two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of carjacking resulting in death and one count of escape.
Former Alabama Department of Corrections Lieutenant Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Offenses for Assaulting a Restrained Inmate and Lying to Cover It Up
A former Alabama Department of Corrections lieutenant pleaded guilty to using excessive force on an inmate and lying afterwards in an official report to cover up his abuse.
Las Vegas Resident Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation
Mohamed Muhina was sentenced to 21 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for recording himself sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
Additional resources:
Photo of John Doe 47
Can you help identify this man? Known only as John Doe 47, he may have critical information about a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Additional photos and an informational poster can be found at fbi.gov/wanted/ecap.
John Doe 47 is described as a Black male between the ages of 18 and 25. In a video obtained by the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP), he can be heard speaking English.
The search for John Doe 47 falls under the FBI’s ECAP and Operation Rescue Me initiatives. Both are partnerships between the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. ECAP seeks national and international media exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in association with child pornography images. Operation Rescue Me uses clues obtained through in-depth image analysis to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation material.
No charges have been filed in this case, and John Doe 47 is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you have any information about John Doe 47, please call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Associate Deputy Director Brian Turner and Assistant Director Michael Glasheen lay a wreath in front of the Terrorist Screening Center's Trident Memorial. The towering structure is one of a few tridents, or steel support columns, recovered from the north tower of the World Trade Center after 9/11.
Members of the FBI gathered this morning at the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) in Vienna, VA, to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The TSC opened in 2003 as a direct result of 9/11.
Associate Deputy Director Brian Turner spoke at the event, reflecting on his experiences that day and the legacy that 9/11 created for the FBI: “That day was more than just a point in time. It changed the way we do our jobs, the way we work with partners, and the way we counter threats. In some ways, it’s made us at the FBI who we are today. And it’s why many of us are here, in public service.”
The FBI honors all who lost their lives on 9/11—including two of our own, Special Agents Leonard Hatton and John O’Neill—and all who have died or are currently being treated for illnesses resulting from exposure to toxic air during 9/11 recovery efforts.
Why We Do the Job: Lessons from 9/11 for New Agents and Intelligence Analysts
Hard-Earned Lessons from 9/11 Offer a Playbook for Combating Today’s Threats
September 8, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Dozens Arrested as Part of Houston Violent Crime Initiative
The charges brought against 39 individuals are the newest brought in the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Houston Violent Crime Initiative, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and local, state, and federal law enforcement.
Proud Boys Leader Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Seditious Conspiracy and Other Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Breach
The former national chairman of the Proud Boys, Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, was sentenced for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Man in Walker County Sentenced for Cyberstalking via Social Media
Kody Nicholas Bohac has been ordered to serve 121 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography as well as multiple counts of cyberstalking.
St. Paul Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Role in Child Sex Trafficking Conspiracy
Gisela Castro Medina conspired with co-defendant Anton Joseph Lazzaro, to recruit and solicit six minor victims to engage in commercial sex acts.
Fifteen Plus Years' Prison Sentence for Georgia Man in Dog Fighting, Drug Conspiracy Case
Armard Davis previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture.
Chicago Gang Member Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Retaliating Against Witnesses in Criminal Investigation
Javion Bush pleaded guilty earlier this year to an obstruction of justice charge.
Additional resources:
Did you know that FBI agents were once known as “G-Men?”
The nickname was reputedly coined 90 years ago—in September 1933—by gangster George “Machine Gun” Kelly, who allegedly shouted "Don't shoot, G-men! Don't shoot!" during his arrest.
Short for “Government Men,” the nickname originally applied to all federal investigators. And even though it's doubtful Kelly actually uttered those words, the term became synonymous in the public’s imagination with the FBI’s special agents.
George Kelly and his wife Kathryn—who had given George the nickname “Machine Gun”—were arrested in 1933 for their involvement in kidnapping Charles Urschel, one of Oklahoma’s wealthiest oil magnates at that time. Both were sentenced to life in prison.
September 1, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
More Than a Dozen Charged in a Violent Crime Conspiracy That Includes Armed Carjacking, Armed Robbery
A superseding indictment was unsealed charging 16 alleged members of a violent crime ring that committed multiple armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering, and firearms offenses.
Six People Charged with Kidnapping and Carjacking
Desmond Evans, Ramel Henderson, Kevon Jackson, Delonte Mundaray, Marquette Jackson, and Malik Terrell, all of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area are each charged with two counts of aiding and abetting kidnapping and one count of aiding and abetting carjacking.
Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Returns Four Indictments Charging 34 Defendants
A federal grand jury in Louisville charged 34 Louisville and Southern Indiana residents in four indictments involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms offenses.
Task Force Targets Bandidos Motorcycle Club in Joint Enforcement Operation
A coordinated, multiagency enforcement operation targeted alleged members of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club.
All 20 Members of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to a Total of More Than 265 Years in Federal Prison
Richard A. Wells has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Wells was the final of 20 defendants to be sentenced in this conspiracy.
Three Kokomo Men Sentenced to Federal Prison After Heist of Over $200,000 from Armored Truck Aided by Inside Man
Keith Martin, Edwin Sims, and James Alexander, have all been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to a coordinated bank theft of $204,918. Sims also pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Additional resources:
The FBI's Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS) recently met in Clarksburg, West Virginia, with more than 100 Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) programs from over 40 states and the District of Columbia to discuss aspects of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting hate crime data.
UCR programs generate reliable statistics on hate crime data for use in law enforcement. More than 18,000 city, university/college, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies voluntarily participate and submit their crime data either through a state UCR program or directly to the FBI’s UCR program.
The Hate Crime Statistics Symposium at CJIS was part of an ongoing effort by the FBI to improve hate crimes reporting and data collection. Participants—which also included the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, the Office of Justice Programs, and DOJ leadership—explored ways to improve reporting mechanisms, better support victims, and implement preventive measures to counter hate-motivated actions. The event helped foster a deeper understanding of the importance of hate crimes data collection for communities and for law enforcement.
Learn more about DOJ’s response to hate crimes.
Donald Eugene Fields II was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for the alleged sex trafficking of at least one child in Missouri—and the FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Although Fields has been charged in Missouri with sexually abusing several minor females, his federal crimes center on one victim: a young woman he began abusing as early as age 11 and subjected to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, including rape.
On this episode of Inside the FBI, hear from the special agent in the FBI’s St. Louis Field Office who has been investigating Fields and learn how you can help us catch this fugitive.
August 25, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Lawrence Rudolph Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Murdering His Wife in Zambia
Lawrence Rudolph was sentenced to life in prison for murder, and will also serve a concurrent sentence of 20 years for defrauding multiple life insurance companies.
Blythewood Man Sentenced to 25 Years, Barnwell Man to More Than Three Years, in Federal Prison for Human Trafficking and Drug Offenses
Between 2016 and 2020, Brian Leroy Watson trafficked at least nine victims—eight adults and one minor— into the commercial sex trade. Watson also distributed heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
South Carolina Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Hate Crime and Conspiracy for Bias-Motivated Armed Robberies Targeting Hispanic Victims
Gabriel Brunson and Sierra Fletcher, both of Columbia, South Carolina, conspired to target defendants identified as Mexican or Hispanic at places of public accommodation, including gas stations and grocery stores—and then robbed the victims at gunpoint.
Former Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of an Inmate
Between October 2021 and August 2022, Lenton Jerome Hatten engaged in repeated sexual acts with an inmate while employed as a sports specialist for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee (FCI Tallahassee).
Members of Charlotte-Based Auto Theft Ring Are Charged In Federal Court
The defendants allegedly stole high-end automobiles worth millions of dollars from dealerships across the United States from 2021 to 2023.
Bluff Man Sentenced to 300 Months Imprisonment for Indian Country Murder
Perry Maryboy unlawfully shot and killed another man on April 13, 2018.
Additional resources:
A group of Bay Area teenagers had a unique experience on board the USS Hornet Sea, Air, and Space Museum in Alameda, California, where the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office hosted its Summer 2023 Teen Academy.
The FBI’s Teen Academy—hosted by field offices across the country—offers high school students an interactive view into the FBI’s investigative programs and operational capabilities.
For this year’s participants in San Francisco, the opportunity to learn onboard the decommissioned aircraft carrier was an added bonus. On the historic Pier 3, students assessed a mock crime scene with the FBI’s Evidence Response Team and Hazardous Evidence Response Team. Back on the ship, they learned from agents and analysts about the FBI’s criminal, cyber, terrorism, and counterintelligence investigative programs; SWAT operations; crimes against children; and intelligence analysis.
“By providing Bay Area students with an immersive look at the FBI, we are giving them an opportunity to shape their education and careers to become the future leaders in law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp.
Learn more about Teen Academy and other outreach programs by visiting your local FBI field office's website.
For thirteen years, a nationwide law enforcement initiative called Operation Cross Country has brought the FBI, other federal agencies, state and local police, and social service agencies together to find and assist victims of human trafficking, particularly children.
In 2023, Operation Cross Country XIII resulted in 200 sex trafficking victims being identified and located. 26 suspects of child sexual exploitation and 68 suspects of trafficking were identified or arrested.
"Human traffickers prey on the most vulnerable members of our society, and their crimes scar victims—many of them children—for life. The FBI's commitment to combatting this threat will never waver, and we will continue to send our message that these atrocities will not be tolerated," said FBI Director Christopher Wray.
August 18, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Final Defendant Sentenced in South Carolina's Largest RICO Conspiracy
The 40th and final defendant prosecuted as part of the District of South Carolina's case against the Insane Gangster Disciples (IGD), a branch of the nationwide Folk Nation gang, was sentenced.
Two Nigerian Men Extradited To The United States After Being Indicted For International Sexual Extortion Ring
Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi, of Lagos, Nigeria, have been extradited to the United States from Nigeria to face prosecution after being indicted in May 2023, for sexually extorting numerous young men and teenage boys in the Western District of Michigan and across the United States.
Self-Professed "Shot Caller" Sentenced for Retaliation Plots
Johnny Dolph, originally of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced in Omaha, Nebraska to an overall cumulative sentence of 150 months’ imprisonment.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 98 Months in Prison for Committing Multiple Shootings
Thomas Disla was sentenced to 98 months in prison in connection with a shooting spree he committed on June 3 and 4, 2022.
Fourteen Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with Possession of Machine Guns, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Firearms Violations
Fourteen members of Minneapolis-based street gangs have been charged in federal court for various crimes including illegal possession of firearms, possession of machine guns, and fentanyl trafficking.
Kansas City Chiefs "Superfan" Indicted for Bank Theft, Money Laundering
Xaviar Michael Babudar, popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan "ChiefsAholic," was indicted by a federal grand jury for robbing several financial institutions and laundering the proceeds through area casinos.
Additional resources:
On May 11, 2012, Arnoldo Jimenez married 26-year-old Estrella Carrera. The next day, police found Carrera's body in her apartment in Burbank, Illinois, still wearing her silver-sequined wedding dress.
Burbank police and the FBI believe that the couple argued during the drive home from their wedding celebration, and Jimenez stabbed Carrera 18 times before dragging her inside the home and leaving her bleeding in the bathtub.
Jimenez was charged with first-degree murder, and a state warrant was issued for his arrest. After he fled to avoid prosecution, a federal arrest warrant was issued.
In 2019, Jimenez was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. In this episode, learn more about Jimenez and how you can help us catch this fugitive.
The FBI’s Portland Field Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying potential victims of an alleged violent sex assault offender who has lived in at least 10 states.
Negasi Zuberi, 29, is in federal custody for interstate kidnapping after a Washington woman escaped his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon, claiming she was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and locked in a cinderblock cell.
Negasi Zuberi
Zuberi lived in multiple states over the last 10 years—including California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada—and the FBI believes there could be additional sexual assault victims in those areas.
Victims may know Zuberi by the names Sakima, Justin Hyche, or Justin Kouassi. It’s believed he may have used several different methods to gain control of his victims, including drugging their drinks and impersonating a police officer.
If you believe you have been a victim or have any information concerning Zuberi (aka Sakima) visit fbi.gov/ZuberiVictims or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You can also contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
August 11, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Former Leader of Clan Del Golfo Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Related Charges
A citizen of Colombia, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise as a leader of the multibillion-dollar paramilitary and drug trafficking organization known as the Clan del Golfo (CDG).
Anton "Tony" Lazzaro Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Child Sex Trafficking
Anton "Tony" Lazzaro, has been sentenced to 252 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for orchestrating a sex trafficking conspiracy in which he trafficked multiple minor girls.
Fountain Valley Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Murdering Man Who Was Shot on Boat and Dumped into Ocean
Hoang Xuan Le was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a man he dumped into the Pacific Ocean.
Two Charged in Drug-Related Shooting on Bronx Street That Hit an 11-Month-Old Baby in the Face
Ahmed Altorei and Samuel Bautista were charged with distributing narcotics and carrying firearms in connection with a drug trafficking operation in the Bronx, New York.
Federal Prosecutors, FBI, and Port of Seattle Detail Disturbing Increase of Sexual Assaults on Aircraft
With four federal criminal cases filed since the first of the year, and numerous sexual assault reports under investigation, federal law enforcement wants the traveling public to be alert and informed of the increasing number of reports of sexual assault and misconduct on aircraft.
Utah Man Sentenced for Hate Crime Attack of Three Men
Alan Covington was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release for attacking three men at a family-owned business.
Additional resources:
FBI Special Agents Charles W. Elmore, J. Robert Porter, and Johnnie L. Oliver
On August 9, 1979, Special Agents Charles W. Elmore, J. Robert Porter, and Johnnie L. Oliver were shot to death in two separate incidents in California and Ohio. It was the first time in the FBI’s history that three agents lost their lives in a single day.
In El Centro, California, Elmore and Porter were killed in their office by a social worker, James Maloney, who shot the two agents then turned the gun on himself.
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, Ohio, Oliver was pursuing a fugitive on foot and had just entered the suspect’s home when he was shot in the chest. The shooter, Melvin Guyon, was a 19-year-old male wanted for kidnapping, rape, and armed robbery. That day, Guyon was added to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and later arrested in Youngstown, Ohio. He received a life sentence for Oliver’s murder.
Special Agents Elmore, Porter, and Oliver are memorialized on the FBI’s Wall of Honor, along with other FBI personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The FBI’s Dallas Field Office conducted a large-scale gun and drug bust on July 27 in partnership with Dallas PD, the Dallas Sheriff’s Office, Irving PD, Carrollton PD, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s OIG.
Fifteen people were arrested and charged with various drug and gun crimes. If convicted, they could face up to 40 years in federal prison. Law enforcement officers seized substantial amounts of cocaine, meth, and fentanyl, as well as firearms and cash.
"It's not our goal to just put individuals in jail for a few days but to build cases that cut into the capabilities of these gangs and criminal enterprises, putting the most violent offenders and facilitators behind bars for as long as we possibly can," said Chad Yarbrough, special agent in charge of the FBI Dallas Field Office.
On August 7, 1998, bombs went off nearly simultaneously in front of the American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
More than 200 were killed, including 12 Americans, and 4,500 were wounded in the attacks, which were soon linked directly to al Qaeda.
The FBI sent more than 900 agents and other personnel to Africa to assist with recovering evidence, identifying victims, and apprehending the perpetrators. These investigations represented the largest deployment in FBI history at that time.
Interested in learning more about the FBI’s history? Visit http://www.fbi.gov/history.
August 4, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Operation Cross Country XIII Leads to Identification/Location of Adolescent Victims
During the 2-week nationwide enforcement campaign, known as "Operation Cross Country," the FBI and its partners were successful in recovering victims, apprehending offenders, and raising public awareness about these crimes.
Klamath Falls Man Indicted for Kidnapping and Sexually Assaulting Seattle Woman, Additional Victims Sought
Negasi Zuberi, also known as Sakima, Justin Hyche, and Justin Kouassi, has been charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Seattle woman and forcing her into a makeshift cell he constructed in his garage.
Jury Recommends Sentence of Death for Pennsylvania Man Convicted for Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting
Robert Bowers was sentenced to death after killing 11 and injuring two congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in October 2018.
Federal Judge Sentences Belleville Man to Over 21 Years in Prison for Producing, Distributing Explicit Images of Minors
Brandon Lepper pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography.
Virginia Veterinary Technician Sentenced for Dogfighting and Promoting Animal Fighting Ventures
Carlos Warren was sentenced to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to fight dogs and promote dogfighting using interstate publications.
Resident of Tacoma Hotel Indicted for Drug and Gun Crimes
Cesar Leonel Contreras-Arias was indicted for three federal felonies: unlawful possession of firearms, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Additional resources:
Speaking at the FBI Atlanta Cyber Threat Summit on July 26, Director Wray warned about the weaponization of artificial intelligence—or AI—by bad actors.
“Hostile nation-state spy and hacking services, terrorists, cybercriminals, child predators, and others all want to exploit AI, and nowhere is that trend more apparent than in the realm of cybercrime,” he said.
Cybercriminals can use AI technologies to generate deepfakes and malicious code, and they’re teaching each other how to do it.
“And that’s really just the tip of the iceberg,” the Director said. “We asses that AI is going to enable threat actors to develop increasingly powerful, sophisticated, customizable, and scalable capabilities—and it's not going to take them long."
Director Wray also underscored why Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act—which grants the FBI authority to collect information only on foreign targets of intelligence surveillance, not on U.S. citizens—is critical to the fight against global cybercrime.
"We can connect the dots between foreign threats and targets here in the U.S., searching information already lawfully within the government's holdings so that we can notify victims who may not even know they've been compromised, sometimes warning them even before they get hit," said Director Wray.
Full story
Full remarks
Inside the FBI Podcast
Today, Christopher Wray celebrates six years as FBI Director.
The FBI’s Denver Field Office is warning people about a phone scam where callers falsely present themselves as an FBI special agent and tell victims that their identity or bank accounts have been compromised.
The scammers have “spoofed” the FBI Colorado Springs’ main phone number to make it appear as though they are calling from that office. Telling victims to immediately transfer their money, they ask for verification information then use it to steal those funds.
Victims of this scam – who do not live within FBI Denver’s area of responsibility in Colorado or Wyoming – have reported losing amounts ranging from $940 to $13,000.
If you think you have been a victim of this scam or a similar one, report it to 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.
'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams
November 26, 2024
Every year, thousands of people become victims of holiday scams—with crimes like non-delivery scams and credit card fraud costing consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Protect yourself and your wallet:
If you've been scammed:
You can report holiday scams to ic3.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You should also contact your credit card company or your bank to dispute any suspicious charges.
25 Years of Combating Terrorism
November 25, 2024
The FBI created its standalone Counterterrorism Division, or CTD, in November 1999.
“Those years leading up to the establishment of CTD witness the globalization of terrorism, and there was a willingness by both the domestic and international terrorists to use weapons of mass destruction to inflict large numbers of civilian casualties,” said FBI Assistant Director David J. Scott, who leads the division.
In the quarter-century since, the division has worked tirelessly to combat terrorism within our homeland and overseas.
You can read our news story about CTD’s 25th anniversary to learn about the division's formation and evolution, the importance of partnerships and public tips, and more. You can also listen to Scott share some of CTD’s story below:
November 22, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Director Christopher Wray addressed the FBI Agents Association last night in Washington, D.C. at their annual G-Man Honors dinner. In his remarks, the Director looked back over the course of his tenure and talked about how he has come to view the Bureau.
“The thing that is most inspiring to me about the FBI, when I reflect on all that I've seen and experience over the past seven and a half years, is the heart of the FBI, Wray said. “What I see and what I hear wherever I am, is that the work we're doing every day, the investigations we're conducting, the partnerships we're building, the communities we're protecting. That's what makes people want to work with us and be associated with us again. Because of the heart, the FBI men and women put into everything they do.” Full Remarks
November 15, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Sam Davenport works in the Pinetop-Lakeside Resident Agency of the FBI's Phoenix Division.
FBI Special Agent Sam Davenport has spent nearly two decades investigating crimes on Tribal lands in Arizona.
And while the work can be challenging due to unpredictable days, complex terrain, and emotionally draining cases, those facets of the job have helped fuel Davenport’s passion for the work.
He’s part of a cadre of over 150 agents who are assigned to protect almost 200 Native American reservations across the United States. You can visit our Indian country resource page to learn more about the FBI’s law enforcement jurisdiction and role in these Indigenous territories.
You can read our recent profile of Davenport to learn more about what it’s like to be an agent working in Indian country. You can also hear about his experience, in his own words, below:
The FBI created this graphic to commemorate National Native American Heritage Month 2024.
November marks National Native American Heritage Month.
During this annual observance, the FBI celebrates the achievements of our Native American employees, who make lasting contributions to the Bureau's mission and protect communities across the nation.
Join us in this commemoration by reading the stories of two such employees:
You can visit fbi.gov/indiancountry to learn more about the Bureau’s law enforcement role and jurisdiction on Tribal lands.
November 8, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Romance Scammer Who Took U.S. Citizens Hostage in the Dominican Republic Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison
Deivy Jose Rodriguez Delgado, a Venezuelan national, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for the 2022 armed hostage takings of three U.S. citizens in the Dominican Republic.
Man Pleads Guilty in Navajo Nation Fatal Shooting Case
Rodgerick Tsosie pleaded guilty in federal court to two charges stemming from a fatal shooting incident that occurred on the Navajo Nation in 2022.
Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact on an Aircraft
Edward Decker was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and $4,000 in restitution for abusive sexual contact on an aircraft.
Mother and Son Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison on Murder and Assault Charges
A Bridger, South Dakota, woman and her son were both convicted of second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
November 1, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Eleven Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with RICO Conspiracy, Murder in Aid of Racketeering, and Drug Trafficking Offenses
A federal grand jury in Minneapolis returned an 18-count indictment against 11 alleged members of the Lows — a violent Minneapolis street gang — for crimes including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, gun trafficking, and drug trafficking.
Felon in Possession Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison Following Shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall
Devon Jamal Graham was sentenced to 144 months in prison following a shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall on Valentine’s Day
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Second Conviction in 2019 Kidnapping in Navajo Nation
Kendra Panteah pleaded guilty to kidnapping. This crime eventually resulted in the victim’s death at the hands of a co-defendant and the burning of the victim’s body in an attempt by the co-defendant to conceal evidence.
Two Maryland Men Convicted at Trial After Violent Crime Spree
Thaddeus Lamont Wills and Keionta Shawn Hagens were both convicted of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, carjacking, and of murder.
Additional resources:
The FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and our Tribal law enforcement partners recently joined forces to surge resources to Indigenous territories across the United States. Their collective goal was to generate fresh leads and reinvigorate investigations into violent crimes committed against Native American women and children.
Under federal law, the FBI has primary jurisdiction to investigate major crimes on nearly 200 reservations, like murders, kidnappings, physical and sexual abuse of children, and violent assaults.
During the four-month effort—known as Operation Not Forgotten—the Bureau and our partners:
You can read our recent story and press release to learn more about the operation.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month might be drawing to a close, but the FBI Cyber Division is continuing the conversation on its new podcast miniseries, Ahead of the Threat.
On the show, Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi—a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI who also works as Equifax’s executive vice president and chief information security officer—discuss emerging cyber threats and the enduring importance of cybersecurity fundamentals.
Featuring distinguished guests from the business world and government, Ahead of the Threat will confront some of the biggest questions in cyber: How will emerging technology impact corporate America? How can corporate boards be structured for cyber resilience? What does the FBI think about generative artificial intelligence?
New installments of the miniseries will be released every two weeks. You can visit fbi.gov/AheadOfTheThreat to listen to episodes, read the transcripts, and find related material.
You can check out the show on your favorite podcast player, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. For more podcasting platforms, view Ahead of the Threat’s listing on transistor.fm.
You can also follow the FBI Cyber Division on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fbicyber.
Watch Episode One of the show below:
October 25, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Former U.S. Army soldier Shannon Wilkerson received a 30-year prison sentence for the 2001 murder of fellow soldier Amanda Gonzales on a military base in Germany. Gonzalez was pregnant at the time of her death.
Justin Baker was convicted of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft enroute to Seattle from Burbank, California.
Guilty Plea of New Mexico Woman in Knife-Assault Case
Richelle R. Upshaw pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of felony assault for assaulting and seriously injuring another woman with a pocketknife.
Federal Jury in Virginia Convicts MS-13 Member for Multiple Murders
A federal jury in Virginia convicted Elmer De Jesus Alas Candray, a Salvadoran national and member of the Uniones Locos Salvatrucha (ULS) clique of the violent Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS-13) gang on charges relating to his participation in the gang’s criminal enterprise, including six murders and additional murder conspiracies.
Additional resources:
Read about a historical cyber incident that's thought to be the world's first online bank robbery.
In 1994, a group of cybercriminals located around the world infiltrated an American bank’s electronic systems and committed what is believed to be the world’s first online bank robbery, stealing more than $10 million via illegal wire transfers.
Visit fbi.gov/OnlineBankRobbery to learn how the FBI helped investigate this cyber caper and bring the criminal group’s ringleader to justice.
Understanding cybersecurity history can help us shape a safer digital future. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, read more about the FBI’s major cyber cases at fbi.gov/history.
To report a cybersecurity breach, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Director Joins Partners at IACP Conference in Boston
October 21, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray met with representatives of law enforcement agencies from around the world over the weekend to continue building partnerships at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in Boston. More than 16,000 public safety professionals attend the annual gathering to learn new techniques, network with partner agencies, and equip their departments for success.
"No single agency can confront the complex and continuously evolving threats we face alone. So if we're going to stay ahead of the threat, we've got to work together," Wray said. "No matter where we all come from, what brings us together is our shared understanding of the power of partnerships."
October 18, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Additional resources:
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
October 15, 2024
On October 7, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since October 7, 2024, 15 people have been removed from the list, and 16 people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
October 11, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Sentencing of Albuquerque Man for Violent Crime Spree
Three Indicted in Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robberies in the Eastern District of California and the East Bay
Registered Sex Offender Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging He Targets and Exploits Local High School Students
Somerset County Man Admits Federal Hate Crime in Connection with Breaking into Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University and Destroying Property
23 Members of a Violent Gang in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses
Additional resources:
During World War II, members of the Nazi Gestapo looted a work by French Impressionist Claude Monet. The piece was stolen from a family who had stored their belongings after fleeing Austria.
A Nazi art dealer later bought the piece—a pastel on paper—at auction. And, in 1941, it vanished.
But this week, members of the FBI Art Crime Team and personnel from our New York and New Orleans Divisions helped return the stolen work to the heirs of its original owners.
"This moment brings to light not only the historical significance of this repatriation, but also the committed work of the FBI in cultural restitution and importance of our partnerships with organizations like The Commission for Looted Art in Europe,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “The FBI continues its commitment to returning stolen art and other objects of cultural and historical significance to the communities to which they belong.”
This success was made possible by our partnerships with the U.S. Department of Justice, the New York City Police Department, and the Commission for Looted Art in Europe. You can read the FBI’s press release about the repatriation to learn more about this case.
Learn how a computer virus launched in 1999 impacted cybersecurity history.
In March 1999, the Melissa virus overloaded servers at over 300 companies and government agencies around the globe, disrupted about a million email accounts, and ultimately required an estimated $80 million in computer system cleanup and repairs.
But the virus also helped the FBI realize the urgency of the cyber threat and inspired us to step up accordingly. You can visit fbi.gov/melissavirus to learn more about the Melissa virus, how the FBI responded, and the incident’s lasting impact on the Bureau’s cyber efforts.
Understanding cybersecurity history can help us shape a safer digital future. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, read more about the FBI’s major cyber cases at fbi.gov/history.
To report a cybersecurity breach, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
October 4, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Sixty-Eight Defendants Charged in Indictment of Dozens of Members and Associates of San Fernando Valley White Supremacist Gang
Federal and local law enforcement have arrested 42 members and associates of the SFV Peckerwoods, a San Fernando Valley-based white supremacist street gang, on a 76-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they engaged in a years-long pattern of racketeering activity that included trafficking of drugs, illegal firearms possession, and COVID-19 benefits and loan fraud.
Fourteen Indicted in Multi-State Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Linked to Deadly Fentanyl Distributed to Members of the Lummi Nation
Law enforcement arrested seven people on indictments and criminal complaints for a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy.
FBI Baltimore Makes 14 Arrests, Seizes Guns and Drugs in Multi-Jurisdictional Takedown
Fourteen people were arrested in a large-scale drug and gun bust throughout Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and Baltimore City.
Four Leaders of Notorious Nuestra Familia Prison Gang Convicted of Racketeering and Related Crimes
A federal jury found David Cervantes, James Perez, Guillermo Solorio, and George Franco guilty of racketeering and for their roles as senior members of the Nuestra Familia criminal enterprise, which engaged in murder conspiracies, attempted murder, drug distribution, and money laundering.
FBI Releases 2024 Quarterly Crime Report and Use-of-Force Data Update
On September 30, 2024, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program released the Quarterly Uniform Crime Report (Q2), January-June 2024, and the National Use-of-Force Data Collection Update, June 2024, on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE).
Additional resources:
October 3, 2024
The Morris worm had a huge impact on a nation just coming to grips with how important—and vulnerable—computers had become.
In November 1988, a Cornell University graduate student used a school computer terminal to hack into a computer located states away at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then used the hijacked computer to launch a self-propagating malicious software program, known as a worm, that soon spread to schools and research centers across the country—including NASA and a national laboratory.
The worm left files intact but slowed organizational functions, delayed emails, and eventually caused millions of dollars in estimated damages. Visit fbi.gov/morrisworm to learn more about the malicious program—which technically predated the invention of the World Wide Web—and the ensuing FBI investigation.
Understanding cybersecurity history can help us shape a safer digital future. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, read more about the Bureau’s major cyber cases at fbi.gov/history.
And if you become the victim of a cybersecurity incident, visit ic3.gov to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
October 2, 2024
On September 23, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. (Tips can remain anonymous.)
Since September 23, 2024, 23 people have been removed from the list, and nine people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
September 27, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
On September 23, the FBI released detailed data on over 14 million criminal offenses for 2023 reported to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program by participating law enforcement agencies. The complete analysis is located on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.
The FBI’s crime statistics estimates, based on reported data for 2023, that national violent crime decreased an estimated 3.0% in 2023 compared to 2022 estimates:
Joshua Darrell Lowe II was indicted on criminal charges related to an alleged bomb hoax.
Second Child Predator Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a Child and Drugging Them with Methamphetamine
Dustin Scott Cox has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child.
Josiah Ernesto Garcia has pleaded guilty to federal charges after meeting with an undercover FBI agent to finalize a deal to murder an individual for payment.
Additional resources:
September 26, 2024
You’re a grandparent, and you get a phone call from someone who identifies themselves as your grandchild. “I’ve been arrested in another country,” the voice says, “and need money wired quickly to pay my bail. And by the way, don’t tell my mom or dad because they’ll only get upset."
This is a prime example of the grandparent scam—yet another fraud that preys on older citizens, this time by taking advantage of their love and concern for their grandchildren.
Other common scenarios include:
September 20, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Additional resources:
Protecting Yourself from Fake Job Scams
September 19, 2024
Cryptocurrency job scams begin when scammers, masquerading as employees of legitimate companies, recruit victims for work-from-home positions. First, victims will be asked to deposit their own money, via cryptocurrency or money transfers, into a platform for the job to be completed.
Then, they are led to believe they're making a profit since it's common to allow victims to withdraw earnings. But over time, victims must deposit larger amounts of money to complete their tasks. Then, at a certain point, victims are met with a new and extremely large deposit requirement—until finally their account is frozen, and the scammers steal any money in the victim’s account.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of a cryptocurrency job scam, stop sending any money to the suspected criminals and submit a report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or contact your local FBI field office.
At Aspen Cyber Summit, Wray Encourages Cyberattack Victims to Partner with the FBI
September 18, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray on September 18 said partnering with the FBI in the wake of a ransomware attack can be a cost- and time-effective decision for victims. The FBI can often help free hijacked devices and recover data; minimize (or prevent) ransom payments to cybercriminals; and help get victimized organizations back to business as usual, quickly.
“So, if there’s only one thing you take away from my time here today, I hope it’s this: The FBI needs and wants to work with you,” Director Wray said in a keynote at the 2024 Aspen Cyber Summit in Washington, D.C. “Let us save you money, save you time, and save you from future attacks so that you can keep your organization’s focus where it should be: on your operations, and—together—we can help keep our nation safe.”
During the keynote, Wray also announced that the FBI and our partners successfully disrupted a botnet that was backed by the Chinese government. Additionally, he revealed the true identity of the hacking group responsible. You can visit this webpage to read his remarks from the event in full.
Resources:
September 13, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Leaders of Transnational Terrorist Group Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes, Soliciting the Murder of Federal Officials, and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists
Dallas Humber and Matthew Allison, leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group, were charged with a 15-count indictment for soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
Pakistani National with Ties to Iran Charged in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate a Politician or U.S. Government Official
Asif Merchant was indicted for attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries and murder-for-hire as part of a scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil.
Second Beaumont Man Sentenced to Federal Prison in Cat Kicking Case
Donaldvan Williams pleaded guilty to animal crushing and aiding and abetting, and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Faces Federal Charges for Sexual Assault
Darren Bowannie was charged with deprivation of rights under color of law.
Colombian Nationals Sentenced to 35 and 30 Years in Prison for Plot to Murder American Soldiers
Andres Fernando Medina Rodriguez and Ciro Alfonso Gutierrez Ballesteros were sentenced to 420 and 360 months in prison, respectively, for conspiring and attempting to murder U.S. soldiers by detonating a car bomb outside a military base near the Colombia-Venezuela border.
Additional resources:
Romance Scams Hurt More Than Just Your Heart
September 12, 2024
Romance scams are a form of social engineering. In these scenarios, scammers target people looking for companionship or romance in hopes of manipulating them into handing over money.
Scammers might also try to convince targets to serve as money mules, or people who transfer or move illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else. You can watch this video to hear one victim tell her story.
Romance scams can impact people of all ages, education levels, and income brackets.
Visit our Romance Scams resource page and listen to this episode of the Inside the FBI podcast to learn how to protect your heart and wallet.
A U.S. flag adorns the landscape at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The attacks killed almost 3,000 Americans and international citizens. Others have lost their lives from 9/11-related illnesses. FBI personnel who died as a result of their service following the attacks are memorialized on the Bureau’s Wall of Honor.
The events of that tragic day also transformed the Bureau and its approach to counterterrorism. You can listen to a previous episode of our Inside the FBI podcast to hear FBI Director Christopher Wray discuss that impact. You can also visit our 9/11 Investigation resource page to learn more about the Bureau’s response to the attacks.
Finally, you can listen to another archival episode of our podcast to hear the firsthand account of a now-retired special agent who deployed to New York to assist with Evidence Response Team efforts.
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
September 10, 2024
On September 3, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since September 3, 2024, 15 people have been removed from the list, and seven people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
FBI Director Christopher Wray is shown during a September 2024 visit to the Bureau's New Orleans Field Office.
During a recent visit to Louisiana, Director Christopher Wray expressed his gratitude for law enforcement partnerships that help the Bureau fight the scourge of violent crime through efforts like a June 2024 crackdown in New Orleans.
The effort, dubbed Operation Clean House, united about 20 local, state, and federal agencies in a four-week quest to combat violent crime in specific areas of the Louisiana city. During the operation, authorities made 151 arrests, confiscated 54 illegally possessed firearms and 10 firearms switches, and seized narcotics including fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine.
“In law enforcement, our most fundamental duty is to ensure people can live in safe communities, free from fear,” Director Wray said during his visit to the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Law enforcement achieves results working together through collaborative efforts like Operation Clean House, but violent crime is still far too high, and now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. We’re going to continue to lean into our partnerships and build relationships within our communities so we can disrupt and root out violent crime in our neighborhoods.”
Resources:
September 6, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Ogoshi Brothers Sentenced To Lengthy Prison Terms In Sextortion Scheme That Resulted In Death Of Teen
Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi, both of Lagos, Nigeria, were sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for the crime of conspiracy to sexually exploit minors.
KC Chiefs 'Superfan' Sentenced to 17 Years for Bank Robberies, Money Laundering
Xaviar Michael Babudar, popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan "ChiefsAholic," was sentenced in federal court on charges related to a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, in which he stole $847,725 from financial institutions in seven states.
Former New Mexico Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sentenced for Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting Arrestee and Obstruction of Justice
Michael A. Martinez was sentenced to nine years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and required to register as a sex offender.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 45 Years' Imprisonment for Attempting to Sexually Exploit Minors and Distributing Child Pornography
Davis Burgos-Collazo was sentenced to 45 years in prison for five counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of distributing child pornography, one count of accessing child pornography with intent to view it, and one count of committing a felony sexual offense involving minors while being a registered sex offender.
Rochester Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Home Invasion Targeting Drug Dealers
Raekwon Green was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison after being convicted of Hobbs Act Conspiracy and Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery.
Additional resources:
Elder Fraud is an Expensive Crime
September 4, 2024
In 2023, elder fraud complaints to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (or IC3) increased by 14%, and associated losses increased by about 11%, according to IC3’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, released on April 30, 2024.
Here are five key takeaways from the 2023 report:
Read IC3’s full 2023 Elder Fraud Report to see more statistics from last year.
If you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. If the suspected fraud was internet-facilitated, you can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
August 30, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Three Owners of Notorious Prostitution Website Backpage Sentenced
Michael Lacey, Scott Spear, and John Brunst, owners of the prostitution website, Backpage, were sentenced for offenses arising from their promotion of and associated money laundering.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking
Montae D. Jacobs was sentenced to a term of 20 years’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, after being convicted following a bench trial of two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, one count of sex trafficking of a child, and ten other related charges.
Owner of Pittsburgh Resale Businesses Convicted at Trial of Running Lucrative Interstate Fencing Operation Involving the Sale of Hundreds of Thousands of Stolen Retail Items
Durrell Waters was found guilty of five counts of money laundering and conspiracy in connection with the sale and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
Palmdale Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Importing Ancient Roman Mosaic from Syria Depicting Hercules
Mohamad Yassin Alcharihi was sentenced to three months in federal prison for illegally importing an ancient floor mosaic from Syria depicting the Roman demigod Hercules that is believed to have been made nearly two millennia ago.
Two Foreign Nationals Charged in Swatting Conspiracy Targeting Lawmakers, Private Victims, Houses of Worship, and Businesses
Thomasz Szabo and Nemanja Radovanovic were charged with being part of a years-long conspiracy to perpetrate "swatting" attacks and bomb threats against U.S. victims that included senior government officials.
Additional resources:
August 29, 2024
The FBI has seen an increase in the number of cases involving children and teens being threatened and coerced into sending explicit images online—a crime called sextortion.
Sextortion can start on any site, app, messaging platform, or game where people meet and communicate. In some cases, the first contact from the criminal will be a threat. The person may claim to already have a revealing picture or video of a child that will be shared if the victim does not send more pictures.
More often, however, this crime starts when young people believe they are communicating with someone their own age who is interested in a relationship or with someone who is offering something of value.
This back to school season, keep your kids safe by learning how you can protect your loved ones from these devastating schemes.
Learn more at https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion/sextortion
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
August 26, 2024
On August 19, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since August 19, 2024, 13 people have been removed from the list, and 17 people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
August 23, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Sex Trafficking and Interstate Prostitution of Multiple Victims at the "Penn Track" in East New York
Ferron Facey was charged with two counts of sex trafficking and one count of interstate prostitution for bringing young women from out of state to the Eastern District of New York to prostitute under threat of force, fraud, and coercion.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child Pornography
Darin Schilmiller was sentenced to 30 years in prison and life on supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to produce child sexual abuse materials.
Oregon Man Charged in Swatting and Bomb Threats Scheme That Targeted Jewish Hospitals in New York City and Long Island
Domagoj Patkovic was charged with conspiring to make and making threats concerning explosives, conspiring to transmit and transmitting threatening communications, and conveying false information concerning explosives.
Washington D.C. Man Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Stealing $32,000 in High-End Goods
Linworth Hayes Crawford, III, was sentenced in federal court in Boston for stealing thousands of items from a high-end outlet store in Wrentham, Massachusetts.
White Swan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Intent to Commit Murder in Violent Stabbing Attack
Taylor Thomas Rayne Sinclair of White Swan, Washington, was sentenced on one count of assault with intent to commit murder.
Additional resources:
FBI Director Christopher Wray meets with Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr., and local law enforcement partners at the FBI Minneapolis Field Office in August 2024.
FBI Director Christopher Wray recently visited the Bureau’s Minneapolis Field Office—as well as its satellite offices in Bismarck, North Dakota, and Rapid City, South Dakota—to meet with our personnel and local, state, and Tribal law enforcement partners in the region.
"We’re proud to stand alongside our partners as we work together to keep our communities safe, give victims a voice, and ensure that ‘justice for all’ applies to everyone,” Director Wray said. “It’s through our partnerships that we can more effectively fight violent crime, lock up child predators, combat violent extremism, protect our critical infrastructure, and make a dent in the continuing fentanyl crisis.”
You can read this press release to learn more about his trip, which marked his first journey to the Dakotas as FBI Director. You can also visit our Indian Country Crime resource page to learn about the Bureau’s law enforcement partnerships and efforts on Tribal lands. Finally, you can visit our Partnerships webpage to learn more about how collaboration supports our mission to protect the American people and uphold the U.S. Constitution.
Inside the FBI Podcast: Fighting Fraud
August 22, 2024
Frauds and scams are everywhere, but you don’t have to feel powerless against them.
On our newest episode of the Inside the FBI podcast, learn the red flags to look out for, tips for protecting yourself from scammers, and how you can report suspected frauds and scams to the Bureau.
To access additional scam-prevention resources visit fbi.gov/scams .
August 16, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Man Arrested for Explosives Threats and Attack on Energy Facility
Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen was charged with four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty for Making Online Threats Against Public Servants Including Federal Officials
Michael Lee Tomasi pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials.
New Mexico Man Who Sexually and Physically Abused a Young Teen Following Abduction from a Kennewick Home, Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison
Lucas Daniel Murphy was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
FBI Releases Motor Vehicle Theft Special Report
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program released the Motor Vehicle Theft, 2019-2023, special report on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. This report provides information concerning motor vehicle theft and trends on carjacking.
Holly Elkins Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Orchestrating Killing of Alyssa Burkett
Holly Ann Elkins, who helped her fiancé orchestrate the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend was sentenced today to two consecutive life sentences.
Additional resources:
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
August 14, 2024
On July 29, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since June 29, 2024, nine people have been removed from the list, and seven people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
UPDATE (August 19, 2024): Liliana Munguia was recovered on August 16.
The FBI seeks the public's help to find Liliana “Lily” Munguia. The Arizona teen vanished after leaving her father’s home in the early hours of August 5 and flying to Iowa to meet someone she’d met on the internet.
Home security footage showed Lily leaving her dad’s residence near Bapchule, Arizona, at 1:30 a.m. on August 5. And while she briefly communicated with family, she hasn’t been heard from since.
Lily is a 17-year-old Native American female with black hair, brown eyes, and a mole on the left side of her neck. She weighs about 125 pounds and stands 5 feet, 2 inches tall. She has ties to or may visit Phoenix, as well as Des Moines and Clive, Iowa.
If you have any information about Lily's whereabouts, please contact the FBI's Phoenix Field Office at (623) 466-1999. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
This is a screenshot of an FBI Missing Person poster about Shelbie Lynn Dwyer.
The FBI seeks the public's help to find Shelbie Lynn Dwyer, a teen who disappeared on March 29, 2023. We’re offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to her recovery.
She was last believed to have been in the area of Guamuchil, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Dwyer traveled from Des Moines, Washington, to Mexico by car. She is believed to have first traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, then flown from there to Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, after taking a layover in Guadalajara. She has brown hair and brown eyes, is 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighs about 100 pounds. View the FBI's poster about Dwyer to learn more about her.
“No parent should go to bed each night wondering what happened to their child,” said Special Agent Ian Burns of FBI Seattle’s Violent Crimes Against Children Squad. “I would encourage anyone with information to come forward and help us find Shelbie.”
If you have any information about Dwyer’s whereabouts, please contact the FBI's Seattle Field Office at (206) 622-0460. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Resources:
August 9, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Ensuring Safety at Sea
While cruises promise relaxation and escape, the unfortunate reality is that serious crimes can and do happen on the high seas. The FBI, alongside its partners, works to ensure the safety of the millions of Americans traveling aboard cruise ships every year.
Pakistani National with Ties to Iran Charged in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate a Politician or U.S. Government Official
Asif Merchant was charged with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out.
Columbus Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Crimes Related to Sexually Exploiting and Sextorting More Than 25 Identified Victims
Lorenzo A. Winfield was sentenced to 324 months in prison for crimes related to sexually exploiting and sextorting more than 25 known victims in at least four states.
Texas Resident Sentenced to 30 Years for Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct and Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Michael Wayne Green was sentenced to 360 months in prison for one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and 360 months in prison for one count of sexual exploitation of a child.
Winchester Man Arrested for Making Threats Against Vice President
Frank Lucio Carillo was arrested for making online threats against the vice president and thousands of posts and replies in online forums targeting the president of the United States, FBI director, and other public officials.
Additional resources:
August 2, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
FBI Releases Human Trafficking and Drug Offenses 2013—2022 Special Report
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program released the special report, Human Trafficking and Drug Offenses 2013-2022, on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.
Habitual Domestic Violence Sends Lapwai Man to Federal Prison
Gordon Milton Bennett was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for domestic assault by habitual offender.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Brandishing Gun and Using Death Threats and Racial Slurs to Intimidate Two Black Children and an Adult
Austin Schoemann admitted that on July 27, 2022, he brandished a firearm and used racial slurs in order to threaten two Black juveniles while they were entering a QuikTrip gasoline station, and that he also used his firearm to threaten a Black adult who intervened to support the juveniles.
Former Science Director for the Office of Naval Research Global Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Conviction
Daniel Marc Lofaro, a cleared research scientist at U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and former assistant professor at George Mason University, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for receiving, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and coercion and enticement of minors.
Delaware Man Convicted of Kidnapping, Hobbs Act Conspiracy, and Firearm Charges for Multi-State Crime Spree, Which Ended in Sexual Assault
Tonnaire McNair-Matthews was convicted on charges of kidnapping, carjacking, Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy, and brandishing and use of a firearm in relation to Hobbs Act robbery and kidnapping.
Additional resources:
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
July 30, 2024
On July 26, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since July 15, 2024, three people have been removed from the list, and nine people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
July 26 marks the FBI's 116th birthday.
One hundred and sixteen years ago today, Attorney General Charles Bonaparte established a group of detectives to conduct investigations exclusively for the U.S. Department of Justice.
That group eventually came to be known as the FBI.
Since then, the Bureau has worked to combat crime, support victims, and partner with agencies worldwide to uphold the U.S. Constitution and protect the American people.
The newest episode of our Inside the FBI podcast celebrates our 116th birthday by sharing 16 facts you might not know about the Bureau. You can listen to it now to learn more about the FBI’s history.
July 26, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
New Jersey Man Charged with Terrorism Offenses Relating to His Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
Hadi Matar was arraigned in federal court in connection with attempting to provide material support to Hizballah, a designated foreign terrorist organization; engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries; and providing material support to terrorists.
Matar attempted to kill and did in fact assault Rushdie.
Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threats to Arizona Election Office
Brian Jerry Ogstad pleaded guilty to sending threatening messages to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix.
Nevada Man Arrested and Indicted for Threatening to Murder Federal Officials and State Employees
Spencer Christjencody Gear was charged with threatening to assault and murder federal officials, including federal judges, and state employees in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, and Montana.
Georgia Man with Seven Prior Felony Convictions Pleads Guilty to Armed Drug Trafficking Charges
Mandrell Antwoin Hull pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Announces Prison Sentence for Domestic Violence Against Pregnant Intimate Partner
Steven Williams was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for brutally assaulting and strangling his pregnant girlfriend.
Additional resources:
Director Discusses Threat Environment, Partnerships in Capitol Hill Appearance
July 24, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray on July 24 testified at a regularly scheduled House Judiciary Committee hearing about Bureau oversight.
During his opening remarks to the committee, Director Wray addressed the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump; the current threat environment the FBI is facing, from counterterrorism to cybersecurity; and the crucial role of partnerships in combating these threats.
He also took a moment to thank the FBI’s workforce and partners ahead of the Bureau’s 116th anniversary, which we’ll commemorate on July 26.
“... As we approach this week’s anniversary, I would just like to say to all those who are part of the FBI family—from our current employees to our formers, and to our partners across law enforcement and the Intelligence Community: Thank you,” Wray said. “Thank you for dedicating your lives to this country and to its people. It is both humbling and an honor to serve alongside you, and I look forward to the work we’re going to continue to do together.”
Resources:
July 19, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Georgian National Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes and a Mass Casualty Attack in New York City
Michail Chkhikvishvili, a leader of Maniac Murder Cult (MMC or MKY), a white supremacist group, allegedly recruited others to commit arson and bombings targeting racial minorities and the Jewish community.
Operation Clean House: New Orleans
The operation targeted the most violent individuals as part of a long-term effort to uproot crime in the city and throughout Louisiana.
Floresville Man Gets 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Child at a Home Daycare
Rodney Allan Felux was sentenced in federal court to 360 months in prison for the sexual exploitation of a seven-year-old girl.
U.S. Attorney Secures 26-Year Prison Sentence for Gambling-Fueled Crime Spree
Marc Candelaria was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for orchestrating a violent home invasion against his father-in-law, John Doe, and robbing a bank in order to fuel a severe gambling addiction.
Former Army Soldier Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact on an Aircraft
A former Chief Warrant Officer in the Army, James Benecke, who was stationed in Alaska, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for abusive sexual contact while on board an aircraft.
Additional resources:
A rejection letter was sent to a female agent applicant in 1972, shortly before women were eligible to apply for the special agent role.
In 1972, Joanne Pierce (Misko) and Susan Roley (Malone) made history as the first female special agents to graduate from the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia.
But before the 1970s—and before the FBI’s policy that barred female applicants to the special agent role—three female employees held the role of special agent.
In the 1920s—before agents were permitted to carry firearms, before the days of Quantico, and before 1929’s first organized agent school—Jessie B. Duckstein, Alaska P. Davidson, and Lenore Houston were designated as special agents. By 1928, all three had resigned—and the next female agents weren’t hired for over 40 years.
By the end of 1972, 11 women had been sworn in as special agents—and, today, female special agents serve as firearms instructors, work in the FBI’s overseas legal attaché offices, and hold roles as FBI executives.
July 12, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Criminals Are Targeting Bank and ATM Customers in Maryland
The FBI and local law enforcement partners are investigating a surge of armed robberies, known as "jugging" crimes, at financial institutions in Maryland. At least 21 bank and ATM customers have been victimized by these crimes just in the first week of July.
Former Teacher Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Exploiting Children in Laos
Michael Sebastian was sentenced to 12 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for sexually exploiting minors to whom he taught English in Laos.
Bloods Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Charges
Howard Davis, a leader of the violent Bloods street gang, was sentenced to life in prison plus 132 years for attempted murder, assault, robbery, distribution of controlled substances, obstruction of justice, and brandishing and discharging firearms during the commission of these offenses.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced to Life in Prison for First-Degree Murder
Isaac Newman Sockey was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder stemming from a fatal knife attack on September 8, 2023, at a Tahlequah residence in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
Senior Leaders of Lev Tahor Sect Sentenced to 14 and 12 Years in Prison for Kidnapping and Sex Trafficking Crimes
Yakov Weingarten, Shmiel Weingarten, and Yoil Weingarten were sentenced to 14 years, 14 years, and 12 years in prison, respectively, for child sexual exploitation and kidnapping offenses.
Additional resources:
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
July 11, 2024
On June 26, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since June 26 2024, 24 people have been removed from the list, and 10 people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
July 5, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
FBI Cleveland Renews Call for Tips About Missing Teen’s Whereabouts
As the 17th anniversary of Ashley Summers’ disappearance approaches, the Bureau’s Cleveland Field Office is encouraging the public to come forward with any information they may have about her disappearance.
California Man Arrested for Allegedly Using Instagram to Advertise and Distribute Child Sexual Abuse Material and to Commit Sextortion
Alejandro Garcia Aranda, 23, of Sylmar, has been charged with one count of advertisement of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count transmitting threatening communications with intent to extort.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty in Racketeering Scheme That Resulted in Nationwide Lockdown of Federal Prison System
Juan Carlos Rivas-Moreiera pleaded guilty on July 2 for his role in a racketeering conspiracy in furtherance of the violent transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13.
Member of Violent Connecticut Gang Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison
Michael Lockhart was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport, Connecticut, street gang.
South Dakota Mother and Son Convicted of Second-Degree Murder and Assault Charges
A jury has convicted 47-year-old Theodora Belt and 23-year-old Bailey Belt of second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Additional resources:
July 3, 2024
From left to right, FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent Jake Archer of the FBI Art Crime Team, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jamie Milligan pose with a Revolutionary War-era musket that was returned to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia on July 1, 2024.
This week, FBI Philadelphia helped return a historic musket to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
The .78-caliber firearm was stolen from Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in October 1968, and had been missing for more than half a century.
The FBI told the story of the complex art crime case in April 2024. A tipster who read the story and recognized the musket soon came forward with information that allowed investigators to track down the firearm, transfer it into FBI custody, and return it to the museum.
Watch the video below to learn more about the musket's history, and read this FBI Philadelphia press release to learn more about how the artifact made its way home to the museum.
June 28, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
"King" of Violent Haitian Gang Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Gun Smuggling and Money Laundering
Joly Germine was sentenced to 420 months in prison for his role in a gunrunning conspiracy that smuggled firearms to Haiti in violation of U.S. export laws, and the laundering of ransoms paid for U.S. hostages held by the notoriously violent Haitian gang known as 400 Mawozo.
Local Partners Join FBI New Orleans in Announcing Latest Violent Crime Initiative Operation Clean House
For four weeks, teams of law enforcement from a variety of agencies fanned out across the city, targeting areas plagued by narcotics trafficking, shootings, and killings.
Members of a Cargo Theft Ring Sentenced to Prison
Yunior Hernandez, Roberto Quesada Lopez, Carlos Alberto Valdes, and Yubani Millares Vera have been sentenced to prison for multiple cargo thefts throughout the southeastern U.S. totaling more than $1.7 million.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Offense of Excessive Force
Former Elmore County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks was sentenced to 29 months in prison and three years of supervised release for depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law.
Former Airline Mechanic Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Assault of Woman Seated Next to Him on Plane
A former commercial airline mechanic was sentenced to six months in prison and five years of supervised release for abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft.
Additional resources:
The United States Department of State's Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program is offering a reward of up to $5 million for tips leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Ruja Ignatova—also known as the “CryptoQueen.”
Ignatova co-founded OneCoin, a Bulgarian-based company that marketed a purported cryptocurrency that looked to rival Bitcoin. But the new virtual currency was allegedly a fraud scheme from the start. To date, OneCoin investors have lost the equivalent of more than $4 billion.
Ignatova was placed on the the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List on June 30, 2022.
You can listen to an episode of the Inside the FBI podcast or read our story about her addition to the list to learn more about Ignatova and her alleged crimes.
You can also view her FBI Wanted poster or watch a video clip of her at a speaking engagement in 2016.
If you have any information about Ruja Ignatova’s whereabouts, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can also submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. You can share information with the FBI anonymously.
On June 24, the Hostage Fusion Recovery Cell (HRFC) commemorates its ninth anniversary.
The HRFC was established in 2015 under Presidential Policy Directive 30 as a multi-agency team coordinating recovery activities for American hostages abroad. Based at FBI Headquarters, the HRFC is staffed by hostage recovery professionals from the FBI, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of State, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and other U.S. agencies. A key aspect of the HRFC is the Family Engagement Team, which coordinates direct support to family members of hostages in captivity, as well as post-captivity support to recovered hostages.
“The objectives of the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell are to recover the victims, reunify and support the family members, and seek justice for the victims, no matter how long it takes,” said FBI Section Chief Rajiv Maan, director of the HRFC.
The HRFC encourages all Americans to be aware of current travel advisories and any hostage-taking threats in areas where they plan to travel. Visit travel.state.gov for information from the U.S. Department of State on your travel destination and areas of high-risk. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free State Department service that provides up-to-date safety and security information and helps the appropriate U.S. Embassy reach Americans abroad in emergency situations.
HRFC Director Rajiv Maan
June 21, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Former Colorado Resident Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Hate Crimes and Firearm Offenses Related to Mass Shooting at Club Q
Anderson Lee Aldrich was sentenced to 55 concurrent life sentences to run consecutive to 190 years in prison after pleading guilty to 74 hate crimes and firearms charges related to the Nov. 19, 2022, mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQIA+ establishment in Colorado Springs.
Fort Hall Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Causing the Death of Her Seven-Week-Old Baby by Methamphetamine Exposure
Keisha Cody was sentenced to five years in federal prison for felony injury to a child, following the death of her seven-week-old baby boy on December 10, 2019.
Three Hells Angels Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Related Crimes
Jonathan Nelson, Brian Wayne Wendt, and Russell Taylor Ott, were all sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison.
Ten Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and Drug Trafficking
Ten members of a south Minneapolis street gang have been charged in federal court for various crimes including illegal possession of firearms, possession of a machine gun, and drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Announces Extradition of Indian National Charged in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Citizen in New York City
At the direction of an Indian government employee, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian National, worked to carry out a plot to murder U.S.-based leader of Sikh separatist movement.
Additional resources:
FBI Director Christopher Wray visits the August 7 Memorial Park, which commemorates the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing, during a June 2024 visit to Kenya.
This week, FBI Director Christopher Wray made his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as Director.
There, he met with top law enforcement and security officials in Kenya and Nigeria—as well as the Nigerian president—to underscore the Bureau’s dedication to partnerships in the region and to showcase our collaboration in countering various threats, including public corruption, terrorism, violent crime, cybercrime, and sextortion.
While in Kenya, specifically, Director Wray also attended the first commander’s meeting of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Kenya (or JTTF-K, for short).
“I know of no more effective way than a JTTF to bring all of a government’s resources to bear in a rule of law-based framework,” Wray said of the task force. “Collaboration, both within a country’s national security apparatus and among like-minded countries, is the only way to successfully fight the scourge of terrorism while protecting human rights. As we learned in the U.S. in the aftermath of September 11, no single agency has all the tools, knowledge, or resources to fight this battle alone.”
You can visit this resource page to learn more about FBI JTTFs.
You can read this press release to learn more about the Director’s trip.
June 14, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Sureno Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murder on Yakama Nation Indian Reservation
Jaime Herrera was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of second-degree murder in Indian Country and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.
Former Police Officer Sentenced to Four Consecutive Life Sentences for 2016 Quadruple Murder
Nicholas Tartaglione was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for his role in the 2016 murders of Martin Luna, Urbano Santiago, Miguel Luna, and Hector Gutierrez.
Carmel Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Thomas Cade Martin has been sentenced to 275 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Member of Violent New Haven Gang Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison
Jaedyn Rivera, also known as "Jae Honcho," was sentenced to 182 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent New Haven street gang, Exit 8.
Yakima Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison on Drug Trafficking Charges
An investigation into stolen skis for sale on Craigslist, led investigators to Jacob Rodney Penny, who was sentenced on drug trafficking charges and possession of a firearm.
Additional resources:
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 13, 2024
June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The observance aims to educate the public about the dangers of elder fraud—crime intended to separate older Americans from their money or cryptocurrency.
Elder fraud can take many forms. This year, however, the FBI and our partners are drawing attention to government impersonation scams.
In these scams, fraudsters pretend to be government employees. Then, they threaten to arrest victims or charge them with crimes unless they agree to pay up.
You can read a 2022 public service announcement from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to learn more about this risk.
You can also listen to a recent episode of our Inside the FBI podcast to learn about the Phantom Hacker scam—a hybrid tech-support/government-impersonation scam that's growing in popularity—and how to avoid becoming its next victim.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have been targeted by a government impersonation scam (or any other type of elder fraud), you can report it to the FBI by:
Resources:
Reported Violent Crime Fell By 15.2% from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024, New FBI Data Release Shows
June 12, 2024
Reported violent crime fell by 15.2% between the first quarter of calendar year 2023 (January 1-March 31) and the first quarter of this year, according to the FBI’s first Quarterly Uniform Crime Report data release for calendar year 2024.
Additional highlights from the release, which was based on data that law enforcement agencies voluntarily shared with the Bureau, included:
“This continued historic decline in homicides does not represent abstract statistics,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement about the data release. “It represents people whose lives were saved—people who are still here to see their children grow up, to work toward fulfilling their dreams, and to contribute to their communities.”
Garland’s statement also stressed the ongoing nature of the Justice Department’s quest to quell violent crime.
“Our work will not be done until all Americans feel safe in their communities,” he said.
You can read an FBI press release to learn more about the data release and how it was compiled. You can visit the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer to dig into the data more deeply.
The FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report data releases, published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, include data on violent crimes (including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and property crimes (including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft). The data releases provide a nationwide overview, data breakdowns by population group size or region, and data reported by cities with 100,000 and over in population. They also show how data points changed from the previous year.
June 7, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Former U.S. Soldier Turned Foreign Fighter Extradited from Ukraine to the U.S. for 2018 Double Homicide, Armed Robbery, Immigration Document Offenses, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Other Charges
Craig Austin Lang faces criminal charges in the Middle District of Florida, the Eastern District of North Carolina, and the District of Arizona.
Ex-Husband of 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' Star Convicted of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering and Obstruction of Justice
Thomas Manzo was convicted on one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, one count of conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering resulting in serious bodily injury, and one count of falsifying and concealing documents related to a federal investigation.
Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Violent and Extortionate Takeover of the New York City Fire Mitigation Industry
Jatiek Smith was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role as the leader of a violent and extortionate racketeering enterprise that terrorized the fire restoration industry in New York City.
Illinois Predator Sentenced to 42 Years in Federal Prison for Years of Sexual Abuse of a Young Child he Drugged with Methamphetamine
Zachary Nichols has been sentenced to 42 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of permitting or assisting by a parent or guardian in the sexual exploitation of a child.
Meridian Man Sentenced for Destruction of an Energy Facility After Shooting at Two Idaho Power Hydroelectric Power Plants
Randy Scott Vail was sentenced to five years of probation for destruction of an energy facility.
Additional resources:
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
June 6, 2024
On May 28, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since May 28, 2024, 13 people have been removed from the list, and 11 people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran delivers a keynote address at the 2024 Boston Conference on Cyber Security on June 5, 2024.
FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran discussed how the Bureau executes our cyber strategy, relevant authorities that allow us to do this important work, recent cyber disruptions made possible by domestic and international partnerships, and more during a June 5 keynote address at the 2024 Boston Conference on Cyber Security.
“Not one of our past—or future—disruptions is possible without exceptional partnerships,” he said. “We have to realize, and execute upon, this theme: that we are in this together. We are stronger together.”
Vorndran also encouraged potential victims of LockBit ransomware to contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center so that we can potentially help them regain access to their stolen data.
FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen also spoke at the event.
The annual conference is co-hosted by the Bureau and Boston College. You can read this FBI Boston press release to learn more about this year’s event.
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
June 3, 2024
Each June, the FBI and our partners mark Medicare Fraud Prevention Week to raise awareness about health care fraud targeting older Americans.
In this type of fraud, scammers—who can include doctors, patients, and others—intentionally deceive the health care system to get illegal benefits or payments. Innocent Americans are then left to pay the price, in the form of higher taxes and insurance premiums.
Fortunately, the FBI is on the case. We work with government and insurance-industry partners to investigate crimes that impact both federal and private insurance programs. You can report suspected health care fraud to us by visiting tips.fbi.gov. You can also report it to your health insurance provider directly.
Visit fbi.gov/healthcarefraud to learn about the different forms this crime can take and red flags to watch out for.
May 31, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
FBI Director Wray's Full Statement on Extradition of Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Leader and Lead Assassin from Mexico to the U.S.
Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas was known as the primary enforcer of the Sinaloa Cartel’s ruthless security apparatus.
Operation "Clean House" Nets Dozens of Arrests by Multi-Agency Teams in Ventura County
Dozens of alleged felons wanted in Ventura County were arrested by teams of FBI Agents, police officers, and deputy sheriffs as part of "Operation Clean House," an FBI initiative to conduct pre-planned, concentrated enforcement operations targeting fugitives with outstanding felony arrest warrants with an emphasis on warrants related to violent crimes and unlawful firearm possession.
Twenty-Four Members and Associates of Jersey City Street Gang Charged with Gang-Related Offenses, Including Drug Distribution, Armed Robbery, and Financial Fraud
Twenty-four people have been charged for their respective roles in gang-related offenses, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud; conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine; Hobbs Act robbery; and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
South Carolina Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Transporting Arizona Minor with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct
Timothy Mikell Schultheis was sentenced to 27 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release.
Gangster Disciple Leader Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Three Shootings in 2020 and Related Firearms Offenses
Jean Fremont was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his participation in three shootings occurring on November 7 and 9, 2020, committed by members and associates of the No Love City (NLC) gang, a subset of the Flatbush-based Folk Nation Gangster Disciples gang.
Additional resources:
Staying Safe at ATMs and in Stores
May 20, 2024
Did you know that scammers can steal your debit, credit, or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card information and PIN when you pay for gas, take out cash, or use a point-of-sale (or POS) terminal?
This crime, called skimming, uses devices that are illegally installed onto or inside ATMs, fuel pumps, or POS terminals to steal and store the data from customers’ cards during legitimate transactions. Some “skimmers” fit over a terminal’s card reader, though many ATM devices are installed inside the machines and outside customers’ view.
ATM “skimmers” are often accompanied by hidden cameras that film you entering your PIN on a keypad, or by keypad overlays that record which keys you tap. POS “skimmers,” such as those capturing EBT card data, typically include a keypad overlay.
Scammers then use that hijacked information to create an impostor card they can use to run up credit-card charges or clean out your bank or benefits account.
EBT cards have become a particular target for card-skimming criminals and groups. This is because EBT cards lack an embedded microchip to protect customer data. This feature is standard to most other payment cards, though.
Visit our resource page about skimming to learn more about this threat, how to protect your financial information, and how—and where—to report suspected skimming.
May 17, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Ten District Men Arrested in Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy
Law enforcement arrested 10 members of a District-area drug trafficking crew charged in a 17-count indictment with participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, as well as multiple firearms counts.
Thirteen People Indicted in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
Thirteen people who were indicted in a significant drug trafficking investigation are being sought by law enforcement. Ten of them are in custody.
Former Bryant High School Teacher Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity
Heather Hare was sentenced to serve the next 13 years in federal prison for transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of unlawful sexual activity.
Four Imprisoned in Mexican Mafia Murder-for-Hire Plot
Several California residents have received significant sentences for their roles in a South Texas murder-for-hire scheme.
Former Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, Resident Sentenced to Three Decades in Prison for Sexual Exploitation and Extortion of Several Minors
Kuang Myat Kyaw has been sentenced in federal court to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release, in addition to being ordered to pay a restitution of $27,826.57 on his conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Five Defendants Sentenced Following the Robberies of Two Cell Phone Stores in Montgomery, Alabama
Five individuals were sentenced for their roles in robbing two cell phone stores at gunpoint.
Additional resources:
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
May 17, 2024
On May 15, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since May 13, 2024, 13 people have been removed from the list, and 7 people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
National Senior Fraud Awareness Day
May 15, 2024
Every day, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) receives thousands of complaints reporting a wide array of scams, many targeting older Americans.
According to the FBI’s most recent report on elder abuse in 2023, total losses reported to the IC3 by those over the age of 60 topped $3.4 billion, an almost 11% increase in reported losses from 2022.
Protect Yourself
How to Report
If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
When reporting a scam—regardless of dollar amount—include as many of the following details as possible:
Whenever possible, you should keep original documentation, emails, faxes, and logs of communications.
Resources
FBI Director Condemns Threats to Election Workers
May 13, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray underscored the Bureau’s dedication to protecting election workers—including volunteers—from harm during a May 13 meeting of the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force in Washington, D.C.
“Let me be clear: Any threat of violence to an election official, volunteer, or staff is completely unacceptable and something the FBI takes very seriously,” Director Wray said. “And we’re committed to ensuring threats to election workers receive the swift and thorough response they deserve, whether that’s through federal investigation and prosecution or a referral to our state and local partners.”
The Justice Department established the Election Threats Task Force in June 2021 to combat threats against election workers. Members include the FBI, various DOJ components, and other federal agency partners.
You can read the Director’s full remarks from the meeting to learn how the Bureau is using preparation and collaboration to safeguard U.S. elections.
You can also visit fbi.gov/ProtectedVoices to learn about the FBI's Protected Voices initiative, which equips political campaigns, companies, and individuals with tools and resources to guard against online foreign influence operations, cyber threats, and federal election crimes. The initiative also offers resources for election officials and campaign staff members.
Driver, Beware: Don't Get Scammed Out of Fake Toll Payments
May 13, 2024
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center recently issued a public service announcement warning that scammers are using text-message-based phishing—also known as “smishing”—attacks to get drivers to pay for tolls they don’t actually owe.
The scam text messages alert their targets to an allegedly outstanding toll and direct them to click on a link—which is designed to look like the actual name of their state’s toll service—to pay up.
But if a target clicks the malicious link and shares their personal or financial information in an attempt to pay off the fake tolls, that information ends up in scammers’ hands.
Read the full IC3 public service announcement to learn more about this scam and what you should do if you receive one of these fraudulent text messages.
Resources:
May 10, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Justice Department Strengthens Efforts, Builds Partnerships to Address Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Dakota joined its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day.
Man Who Carried Out Machete Attack on NYPD Officers in Times Square on New Year’s Eve 2022 Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison
Trevor Bickford was sentenced to 324 months in prison for attempting to kill officers and employees of the U.S. government and persons assisting them during his brazen attack using a machete-style knife against three New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Times Square on Dec. 31, 2022.
Trinitarios Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering a Confidential Informant
William Jones was sentenced to life in prison for the December 2019 murder of Frederick Delacruz.
Grant Man Charged with Transporting Explosive and Possessing a Destructive Device
Luke Isaac Terpstra has been charged with transporting an explosive with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals or to unlawfully damage or destroy a building.
Tanner Washington Sentenced to Life for Murder of Girlfriend
Tanner Dean Washington was sentenced to life in prison for the 2019 murder of his girlfriend, Faith Lindsey.
Additional resources:
May 3, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Newberry Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, Firearm Possession and Witness Tampering
Eric Rashun Jones was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to human trafficking conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and witness tampering.
South L.A. Gang Member Who Led Meth and Cocaine Trafficking Ring from His Storefront Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison
A member of the Hoover Criminals Gang, Andrew Tate, was sentenced today to 144 months in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking enterprise that distributed narcotics, including crack cocaine and methamphetamine, which were sold from his storefront in South Los Angeles.
Former Oregon Department of Human Services Employee Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Violating the Civil Rights of a Developmentally Disabled Woman in his Care
A former Oregon Department of Human Services employee, Zakary Edward Glover, was sentenced to 25 years in federal today for violating the civil rights of a woman with developmental disabilities in his care by engaging in sexual misconduct with her.
Three Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang Members Convicted of Murder in Aid of Racketeering, RICO Conspiracy, and Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
Three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, Ronald Yandell, Danny Troxell, and Billy Sylvester, were found guilty of racketeering activity that included murder and drug trafficking.
Repeat Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal Prison for Waycross Heist
Matthew McCloskey, who had previous robbery convictions, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for robbing a Waycross bank.
Additional resources:
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
May 1, 2024
On April 15, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since April 15, 2024, 14 people have been removed from the list, and 10 people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
This infographic shows how many complaints the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received about different types of elder fraud in 2023.
Financial losses caused by elder fraud—or illegal efforts to scam older adults out of cash or cryptocurrency assets—rose by almost 11% in 2023 and exceeded $3.4 billion, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report.
This annual report identifies trends concerning frauds and scams that targeted victims aged 60 and over in that given year. The data is derived from reports the public submits to IC3.
Tech scams were the most widely reported form of elder fraud in 2023, though investment scams conned older Americans out of the most money, leading to over $1.2 billion in losses.
Read our story about the report for a summary of its biggest takeaways or explore the full report on ic3.gov.
Resources:
Protecting Americans from Internet Crime, One PSA at a Time
April 29, 2024
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (also known as IC3) regularly publishes public service announcements, or PSAs, to help the American public stay in-the-know about scams, cyber threats, and other internet-facilitated risks to their safety and wallet.
These PSAs provide an overview of a given threat in a way that non-experts can understand. They also explain how people can report suspected internet-based scams or crimes to the FBI, and provide tips for how they can protect themselves.
View IC3’s full library of PSAs to increase your scam-prevention savvy.
And visit this resource page to learn what kinds of suspected crimes should be reported to IC3.
April 26, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Burlington County Couple Convicted of Forced Labor and Other Federal Crimes
Bolaji Bolarinwa and Isiaka Bolarinwa were convicted of forced labor and other crimes related to their coercive scheme to compel two victims to perform domestic labor and childcare in their home, harbor the victims knowing that they were unlawfully present in the U.S., and unlawfully confiscate the victims’ passports.
Beretta Bandit Serial Robber Convicted at Trial
A federal jury has found Richard Allen Randolph guilty of Hobbs Act robberies—namely three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm, and one count of discharging a firearm during the commission of the robberies.
Louisville Father Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Enticing Two Indiana Children to Obtain Sexually Explicit Material via Facebook
Anthony Michael Bentley has been sentenced to seventeen years in federal prison, followed by fifteen years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of making false statements to the FBI.
White Supremacist Leader Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Make Death Threats Against Brooklyn Journalist
Nicholas Welker was sentenced to 44 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to make death threats.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Transporting Stolen Human Body Parts Out of the State of Arkansas
Candace Chapman Scott, a former employee of a mortuary services provider, pleaded guilty to transporting stolen body parts across state lines and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
Waukesha Man Sentenced to 30 Years’s Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking
Cornelius M. Jackson was sentenced to a term of 30 years’ imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after being convicted of four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Additional resources:
Director Warns of Chinese Government Threat to U.S. Critical Infrastructure at Vanderbilt
April 25, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray, during recent remarks to the Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, cautioned students and experts that the Chinese government is targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.
“The PRC [People’s Republic of China] has made it clear that it considers every sector that makes our society run as fair game in its bid to dominate on the world stage, and that its plan is to land low blows against civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic and break America’s will to resist,” he said at the April 18 event in Nashville.
He also discussed how the FBI responded to cyber incidents that aimed to target our nation’s critical infrastructure, such as our recent Volt Typhoon case—in which, Wray said, “we found persistent PRC access in our critical telecommunications, energy, water, and other infrastructure sectors.”
The FBI Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
April 24, 2024
Every year, the FBI and our partners mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW).
“Through NCVRW we honor crime victims and survivors, recognize the professionals and volunteers who provide critical services to victims of crime, and raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and services,” states an announcement from the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, which is based out of DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs.
This year, the Bureau is underscoring the observance by launching its new Trauma Notification Training program.
The FBI first launched an online death notification for first responders in 2015. This new program expands the scope to a range of trauma notifications, adds eight new instructional videos, and opens participation in the training to the general public.
“Victims are at the heart of the FBI's mission, and the Trauma Notification Training offers resources, support, and hope to anyone who needs it," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "We are proud to announce the launch of this training during National Crime Victims' Rights Week and its expanded availability—a call to action for everyone to help crime victims."
Ensuring Justice for All: FBI Director Talks Civil Rights in Birmingham
April 23, 2024
In an April 15 keynote address at the Birmingham Civil Rights Conference, FBI Director Christopher Wray encouraged civil rights activists and law enforcement leaders to forge ahead in their fight for justice despite the persistence of violent, bias-motivated hate crimes.
Director Wray also reflected upon the FBI’s investigation into a deadly 1963 bombing at the very setting of the conference—the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama—which culminated in the sentencing of the final two conspirators in the early 2000s.
"Looking back across the 61 years since this church—and the ideas and the movement it stood for—were attacked by four men with hate in their hearts, I see progress towards a better present and a more hopeful future," Wray said. "I see that your work, and the work of many before us, has changed society—has bent the arc—so that when hateful acts occur, rather than obscuring that ugliness and protecting those who inflicted it, people instead shine a light on it, and we can move more swiftly to get justice."
He also discussed the Bureau’s contemporary work investigating hate crimes and color-of-law violations, as well as FBI efforts to "to bend the world towards justice” in the future—including training initiatives, community outreach, and strategic partnerships.
Protecting Communities, Together: Director Wray Honors 2023 DCLA Recipients
April 22, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray on April 19 honored people and organizations from across the United States who help strengthen communities and reduce crime and violence with Director’s Community Leadership Awards (DCLA).
Since 1990, FBI field offices have chosen award recipients on behalf of the current Director.
This year’s recipients were recognized for a broad range of efforts, including building bridges between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, combatting human trafficking and providing resources to victims, and supporting local youth programs.
View the full list of 2023 award recipients and learn more about them and the organizations they represent.
You can also learn more about FBI Oklahoma City’s 2023 honoree, prisoner-turned-pastor Thaddeus Black, in our profile of him.
The Oklahoma City Bombing, 29 Years Later
April 19, 2024
On April 19, 1995, an ex-Army soldier and security guard named Timothy McVeigh parked a rented Ryder truck in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City.
The truck contained a powerful bomb made out of a deadly cocktail of agricultural fertilizer, diesel fuel, and other chemicals. When the bomb went off, it took the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, with several hundred more injured.
This devastating event was the worst act of homegrown terrorism in the nation’s history. The Oklahoma City bombing case would go on to shape the FBI’s approach to investigating terrorism.
Resources
Videos
April 19, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Investigating Torture: FBI-HSI Investigation Leads to U.S. Citizen’s Conviction for Human Rights Violations in Iraq
A U.S. Army veteran, Ross Roggio, who established an illegal weapons facility in the Kurdistan region of Iraq—and who proceeded to both direct and engage in the torture of one of his employees—has been sentenced to 70 years in federal prison for those crimes and for additional crimes linked to his role at the facility.
Florida Man Charged with Sex Trafficking Multiple Women and Sexually Assaulting a Minor in New York
Joel David Forney was charged with sex trafficking, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Former Private Prisoner Transport Officer Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Offenses for Sexually Assaulting Multiple Female Pretrial Detainees
A former private prisoner transport officer, Marquet Johnson, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and five years of supervised release and required to register as a sex offender for violating the civil rights of multiple female pretrial detainees by sexually assaulting them during prisoner transports.
Former Marine Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Molotov Cocktail Attack Against Planned Parenthood Clinic in Orange County
Chance Brannon, who firebombed a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa and plotted other attacks—including an attack on the Orange County power grid in furtherance of a race war, an attack at Dodger Stadium during an LGBTQ+ pride night celebration, and the home invasions of Jewish homes in Los Angeles—was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison.
Lumberton Gang Member Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison After Conviction for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon
Quillan Inman was sentenced to 100 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Additional resources:
April 12, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Principal Drug and Weapons Supplier for MS-13 in Honduras Arrested and Extradited for Racketeering, Narcotics, and Firearms Offenses
David Campbell, one of the principal narcotics and weapons suppliers to MS-13 in Honduras, was charged with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses.
Spokane Tribal Member Found Guilty of Assaulting His Partner with a Knife and Attempting to Suffocate Her
Marvin Samson Butterfly was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Suffocating and Attempting to Suffocate in Indian Country, and Attempted Witness Tampering.
Decatur Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Minors
Kevin Dial was sentenced on April 5, 2024, to 50 years imprisonment for sexual exploitation of minors, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Man Who Bound and Raped Au Pair Pleads No Contest
Arisknight Arkin-Everett Winfree plead no contest to the five counts against him; kidnapping, coercing and enticing someone to travel for the purposes of illegal sexual activity, attempted coercion and enticement, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced to a Total of Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Robberies of Six Indianapolis Banks
Sierra Hunt has been sentenced to 68 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery.
Additional resources:
FBI Director Christopher Wray Testifies Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Fiscal Year 2025 Funding
April 11, 2024
On April 11, FBI Director Christopher Wray appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies to discuss FBI funding for fiscal year 2025.
Director Wray stressed the importance of the FBI’s work, the impacts our personnel have, and the threats and challenges faced by the nation and the FBI.
“Each day, Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel are making a real difference in communities across the nation, tackling some of the most complex national security and criminal threats with perseverance, professionalism, and integrity—sometimes at the greatest of costs. I am extremely proud of their service and commitment,” Director Wray said in a statement for the record.
Director Wray highlighted some of the significant issues the FBI is working to address, including:
Resources:
FBI's Section 702 Authorities Take Center Stage During Director's Remarks in Washington
April 9, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray addresses the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Law and National Security on April 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
FBI Director Christopher Wray on April 9 said requiring the FBI to obtain a warrant to query its database of information collected under its Section 702 surveillance authorities would impede investigations, hinder the Bureau's ability to combat cyberattacks and terrorism, and hamper our ability to contact victims of cyber incidents in a timely manner.
“If there’s no constitutional, legal, or compliance necessity for a warrant requirement, then Congress would be making a policy choice to require us to blind ourselves to intelligence in our holdings,” Wray told the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Law and National Security in Washington, D.C.
During his remarks, he also addressed legal and compliance questions surrounding a potential warrant requirement and highlighted the Bureau's recent progress in improving Section 702 query compliance.
You can read more about his discussion of Section 702 here and view his full remarks from the event here.
Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
April 8, 2024
On April 1, the FBI released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since April 1, 2024, 14 people have been removed from the list, and 10 people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
April 5, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Former Fugitive Sentenced to Six Years for Role in 2012 Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
Oliver Jaramillo Brown was sentenced to six years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Thirteen Members of a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Louisiana State Penitentiary Inmates, Former Angola Guards, and Others Sentenced to Federal Prison
Thirteen individuals were sentenced in connection with an extensive federal, state, and local investigation aimed at a large-scale cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine trafficking network based in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, with suppliers in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, and Colton, California.
Texas Man Sentenced for Hate Crimes Following Mass Shooting Targeting Muslims at Car Repair Shop
Anthony Paz Torres was sentenced to 37 years in prison following his guilty plea to hate crime charges arising out of a fatal shooting at a car repair shop.
Alabama Man Arrested on Federal Dog Fighting and Firearms Charges; Seventy-Eight Dogs Rescued and "Destructive Device" Recovered
A federal grand jury indicted Carlton Lenard Adams on charges of illegally possessing dogs for fighting purposes and illegally possessing three firearms subsequent to a felony conviction.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Minor
Markell Greene was sentenced in federal court for coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, as well as traveling with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with the minor victim.
Additional resources:
Director Unveils New Kansas City Field Office, Talks Cyber During Midwest Visit
April 4, 2024
This week, FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the Midwest to help usher in a “new beginning” at our Kansas City Field Office and to address a cybersecurity conference co-hosted by the Bureau.
On April 3, Director Wray delivered keynote remarks at the Kansas City Division’s ribbon cutting ceremony for its new field office, located in Kansas City, Missouri.
"Today is a big day—not just for this field office, but for the entire FBI and for the communities we serve here—because today, as we officially open the doors of this new facility, we renew our commitment to the people of Kansas and Western Missouri: that the FBI here is working hard for you to support your communities and keep you safe," he said.
Wray also paid homage to how the Kansas City Division’s operational successes and role in molding Bureau history—noting that the new building is named for Kansas City Police Chief-turned-FBI Director Clarence Kelley.
He also expressed gratitude for the Bureau’s partners in the Kansas City area of responsibility.
"I’m especially grateful to the agencies that have sent their agents, officers, and deputies to work on our FBI task forces," he said. "More than half of them are with us full-time, and I know it’s not easy to entrust your personnel to us like that, especially at a time when we’re all in need of additional resources. It’s a testament to the close and fruitful partnerships we’ve built, and to the trust we share, and I can promise you that none of us takes that trust lightly."
He also challenged the FBI personnel to continue to brainstorm ways to be of service to the agencies they work with.
You can read his remarks from the ceremony in full here.
On April 4, Wray addressed the FBI and University of Kansas Cybersecurity Conference in Lawrence, Kansas.
There, he painted a picture of today’s cyber threat ecosystem, explained how the Bureau is leveraging "joint, sequenced operations" with stateside and international partners to combat these risks, explained the FBI’s strategy for neutralizing cybercriminal groups, and encouraged students to consider careers at the FBI.
You can read more about the Director’s appearance at the conference here, and view his full remarks here.
April 3, 2024
At the FBI, science and technology professionals work in a variety of roles where their contributions can crack cases and prevent crime.
The FBI’s Laboratory Division—one of the largest and most comprehensive crime labs in the world— collects, analyzes, and shared scientific and technical information. And it’s not just scientists at work: Electronics engineers, crime-scene-response experts, photographers, and so many more all perform the essential functions that the FBI Lab provides.
The FBI is constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to employing science and technology to conduct investigations, and the work done at the FBI Laboratory—including providing expertise and resources to law enforcement partners—furthers the FBI’s commitment to protecting the public.
March Updates Made to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation
April 1, 2024
On March 18, the FBI released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Since March 18, 2024, 16 people have been removed from the list, and 25 people have been added.
Below is a list of those who were added:
March 29, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Jumbotron Hacker and Prolific Child Molester Sentenced to 220 Years in Federal Prison
Samuel Arthur Thompson was sentenced to 220 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing, receiving, and possessing child sex abuse material (CSAM), producing CSAM while required to register as a sex offender, violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), sending unauthorized damaging commands to a protected computer, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Human Smuggling Family Admits to Over $2 Million Money Laundering Conspiracy
Four Mission residents have entered guilty pleas for their roles in a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and a related conspiracy to transport aliens within the U.S.
White Swan, Washington, Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Carjacking and Violent Assault on the Yakama Nation
Sundron Larsell Miller was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison; Miller’s codefendant, Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison.
Seventh Correctional Officer at Federal Facility in Dublin California Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of Female Prisoners
Nakie Nunley was ordered to serve six years in prison after admitting he engaged in sexual acts, sexual contacts, and other inappropriate conduct with multiple women who were serving prison terms.
Charlotte Man Convicted of Robbing Two Businesses is Sentenced to Life in Prison
John Henry Moore was sentenced to life in prison for the armed robbery of two businesses.
New York Man Who Traveled to Lynchburg to Meet 14-year-old for Sex Pleads Guilty
Derrick Loi of New York drove 8 hours, crossing state lines, to attempt to have sex with a 14-year-old Lynchburg, Virginia girl, with whom he had been chatting online.
Additional resources:
FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Addresses Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
March 26, 2024
FBI Evidence Response Team members work at the site of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore on March 26, 2024.
On March 26, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno took part in an interagency press conference about the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge the same day.
"Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially to the victims and their families," he said at the engagement. "On behalf of the FBI, I would like to say we are with you and with the families involved.”
You can read FBI Baltimore’s full statement about the situation here.
The bridge collapsed in the early hours of March 26 after being struck by a cargo ship that was departing the Port of Baltimore, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).
Violent Crime Decreased in 2023, New FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report Shows
March 25, 2024
The FBI on March 18 released its final Quarterly Uniform Crime Report for calendar year 2023, which indicated a decrease in violent crime across the country that year.
These reports, published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, include data on violent crimes (including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and property crimes (including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft). The reports provide both a nationwide overview and data breakdowns by city, size, or region. They also show how data points changed from the previous year.
The overall nationwide decline in violent crime in 2023 was demonstrated across all violent crime categories, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
“We are encouraged by this data indicating a decrease in violent crime in communities across the country in 2023 compared to the prior year, including an over 13% decline in homicides,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement about the report’s release.
Garland also emphasized that “the Justice Department will continue to remain laser-focused on working with our law enforcement and community partners to drive down violent crime. We will not rest until every community in our country is safe.”
The Q4 2023 report was based on data from over 15,000 law enforcement agencies across the country.
The FBI's Crime Data Explorer, the interactive online tool that hosts the report, aims to provide transparency, create easier access, and expand awareness of criminal, and noncriminal, law enforcement data sharing; improve accountability for law enforcement; and provide a foundation to help shape public policy with the result of a safer nation.
Additional Resources:
March 22, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Father and Two Sons Indicted and Arrested for Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Catalytic Converters and Money Laundering
According to court documents, the three men conspired to purchase stolen catalytic converters and transport them in interstate commerce to sell them—all in order to enrich themselves.
U.S. Citizen Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for the Murder of His Mother, a Department of Defense Employee Working in Bahrain
After pleading guilty to second degree murder, Giovanni Pope was sentenced to prison for the fatal stabbing of his mother.
Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Racist Death Threats to Black Family in His Apartment Complex
According to court documents, Charles Allen Barnes recorded and transmitted a racial-slur-laden voice message in which he threatened, in graphic and violent terms, to kill his neighbor.
Toppenish Man Sentenced to Prison for Strangling and Threatening His Partner with a Firearm
Tyler Jonas Senator was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty.
St. Augustine Convicted Child Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Producing a Video of Sexually Abusing a Minor
Christopher Lee Smith faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 25 years in federal prison.
Additional resources:
‘The Right Thing in the Right Way’: Director Talks Government Accountability at UGA
March 21, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the University of Georgia’s Athens campus on March 19 to deliver the school’s annual Getzen Lecture on Government Accountability.
“While there will always be people out there looking to exploit their positions of public trust by serving themselves rather than the American people, with an agency like the FBI on the job—and with institutions like UGA shining a light on why government accountability is so important in the first place—I like our chances,” Wray said.
During his talk, Director Wray discussed three ways in which the FBI works to further the lecture’s central topic: by investigating law enforcement officers who abuse their power, by investigating public corruption, and by ensuring the Bureau does “the right thing in the right way.”
He also discussed internal and external oversight the Bureau’s efforts receive and how those extra pairs of eyes help keep us accountable to our mission.
Finally, he spoke to how lessons learned from the Bureau’s past missteps have been incorporated into training for new special agents and intelligence analysts.
You can learn more about the lecture here and read his full remarks here.
Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the FBI’s Forensic Accountant Program
March 20, 2024
Fifteen years ago this month, the FBI launched our Forensic Accountant Program to support the ever-increasing complexity of financial investigations.
The financial landscape abruptly changed in the early 2000s after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and large-scale corporate frauds like Enron. This transformation highlighted the need for a standardized professional financial investigation position: the FBI forensic accountant.
The Forensic Accountant Program—created, in their own words, “by agents, for agents”—sees forensic accountants digging into financial records, following the money to unravel cases and bring criminals to justice. FBI forensic accountants have worked as financial experts on thousands of cases over the years.
At the FBI, forensic accountants provide expert insight and rigorous financial analysis into Bureau investigations into everything from white collar crime to counterterrorism. Any FBI investigation with a nexus to financial crime might leverage their private sector experience and investigative techniques to analyze and track money laundered by terrorists, spies, and criminals.
When discussing the program’s anniversary, one FBI forensic accountant recalled the many cases that they’ve worked on throughout their career, including the Lafarge S.A. case—which marked the first time a corporation was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, providing material support to a terrorist organization.
Another forensic accountant emphasized the variety of the work that the Forensic Accountant Program entails and said the job “is always evolving” since “criminals are getting smarter and finding new ways to commit fraud, and we need to be a step ahead.”
You can learn more about how FBI forensic accountants support the Bureau’s mission here (informational PDF).
FBI Minneapolis and the Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Police Department announced the return of a pair of ruby slippers featured in the classic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" and stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids in 2005.
The sequined shoes, known as the "traveling pair," are one of at least four pairs used in the film that are still in existence. They were returned to owner Michael Shaw at a ceremony held at the Judy Garland Museum.
"We are incredibly honored to return the ruby slippers to their rightful owner," said Alvin Winston Sr., special agent in charge. "Beyond the glittering allure of the shoes lies a testament to the FBI’s unyielding commitment to preserving the everlasting legacy of cherished memorabilia. This piece of cinematic history has been returned to Mr. Shaw through the diligent efforts of our dedicated agents, professional staff, and invaluable partners."
Resources:
March 15, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Fairbanks Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Enticing, Trafficking Two Minors
Leveron Moore enticed two minors for the purpose of coercive sexual exploitation.
Six Former Kentucky State Corrections Officers Sentenced for Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of Justice
The six former officers were sentenced for their roles in the assault of an inmate and the subsequent cover-up.
Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison
Stacey Bissonette was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after being convicted of voluntary manslaughter.
Portland Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murder Committed Amid Violent Robbery Spree
Keandre Dshawn LaMarcus Brown was sentenced to prison for murdering a man in his home amid a violent robbery spree that spanned several months and targeted at least six local businesses.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison in Connection with Two Violent Carjackings
Dashawn Pringle pled guilty to two counts of carjacking and possession of ammunition by a felon.
Additional resources:
On This Day in FBI History: FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Program
March 14, 2024
On March 14, 1950, the FBI started the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program. In the 74 years following the list’s creation, over 500 fugitives have been added to the list—many of whom have been caught thanks to the public’s assistance.
The first fugitive placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list was Thomas James Holden, wanted for the murder of his wife, her brother, and her stepbrother. Holden was later arrested after a citizen contacted the FBI with a tip.
There are two main criteria for adding individuals to the list—they must be considered dangerous based on crimes already committed or must be considered likely to continue committing crimes. Additionally, investigators must determine that public awareness can assist in the subject’s apprehension.
Take a look at today’s Top Ten list—and if you have any information concerning the individuals listed, contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
For more on the list’s history, see the Top Ten Most Wanted archive for historical photos of each fugitive added to the list. You can also listen to our Inside the FBI episode Top Ten List Turns 70.
March 8, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Jefferson County Man Sentenced for Interstate Domestic Violence and Firearms Charges
Paul Richard Tomlinson was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for interstate violation of a protective order and possession of a firearm.
Queens Man Convicted of Murdering and Dismembering Woman in Fraudulent Scheme to Collect Life Insurance Benefits
Cory Martin was found guilty on all counts and faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
Lake St. Louis Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Recording Sexual Abuse of Young Girl
Steve G. Flores produced hundreds of pictures and videos of the victim, and pled guilty to production of child pornography in December.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Prosecuted 85 Firearm Offenders, while Seizing and Forfeiting 163 Illegal Firearms in 2023
The Eastern District of Washington announced the prosecution of firearms offenders, resulting in the seizure and forfeiture of illegally owned, possessed, used, or obtained firearms.
Federal Jury Convicts Mescalero Man of Domestic Assault
Theodore Ian Chavez, IV, was found guilty for assault of an intimate partner by strangling.
Additional resources:
FBI Releases 2023 Internet Crime Report
March 6, 2024
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center released its annual report, the 2023 Internet Crime Report, which includes information from over 880,000 complaints of suspected internet crime.
Nationwide, there was a near 10% increase in complaints compared to 2022, and victims' reported losses exceed $12.5 billion—a 22% increase from last year. The FBI also releases state-specific statistics, which are included in the 2023 Internet Crime Report and in separate 2023 State Reports.
One of the most concerning trends this year was the rise in ransomware incidents, with reported losses in 2023 totaling $59.6 million. Ransomware can impact individuals and businesses, regardless of their size and industry—and many instances aren’t reported. When victims report instances of ransomware—or any cybercrime incident—the FBI can gain insight on the crime and the tactics used by the criminals to help bring the perpetrators to justice.
If you believe you may have fallen victim to cybercrime, visit ic3.gov to file a complaint and help aid in the fight against cybercrime.
Resources:
March 1, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Florida Resident Sentenced to 60 Months for Smuggling Firearms from U.S. to Violent Haitian Gang That Kidnapped 19 Americans
Jocelyn Dor, a Haitian citizen affiliated with the 400 Mawozo Criminal Organization, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for participating in a sophisticated weapons smuggling scheme.
Carthage Man Sentenced for Child Pornography
James Beam was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison without parole for receiving and distributing child pornography.
Armed Robberies of Metro Liquor Stores Land Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for 25 Years
Marcus Angelo Buford was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to two armed robberies.
Owatonna Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography, Threatening to Carry Out a Murder Plot
Michael Lee Kurkowski pled guilty to threatening interstate communication and the production of childhood pornography.
Final Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Violent Uber and Lyft Carjacking Conspiracy, Assaulting a Federal Officer
Williams Charles Saffold was sentenced to 87 months in prison for his role in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies targeting rideshare drivers and for assaulting a federal officer.
More Than a Dozen People Sentenced in Federal Investigation Targeting the 4K Street Gang in Alachua, Florida
Additional resources:
February 23, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Kansas City Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Cyberstalking, Murder
A convicted felon, Lester E. Brown, received a life sentence for using a GPS device to track the vehicle of a man he later murdered, Christopher Harris.
Effingham Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempted Sex Crimes Against a Minor
John S. Harmon was sentenced to spend 10 years in federal prison after he admitted to soliciting sex online from a purported minor in exchange for money.
Convicted Drug Trafficking Murderer Sentenced to 50 Years
Jann Jousten Aponte-Rivera, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the drug-related murder of Shantay Myisha Butler, of Frederick, Maryland.
Former Booneville, Mississippi, Basketball Coach Sentenced for Child Exploitation
A former Booneville High School assistant basketball coach, Kenny Paul Geno, was sentenced to serve ten years in prison following his conviction for online enticement of a minor.
Ada, Oklahoma, Resident Sentenced for Murder, Kidnapping, Arson, Burglary, Voluntary Manslaughter, Assault and Prison Contraband Charges
Kalup Allen Born was sentenced to a total of 608 months (over 50 years) imprisonment related to multiple crimes.
Additional resources:
The FBI, U.K., and international law enforcement partners have announced the disruption of one of the most active ransomware groups in the world.
The LockBit ransomware group has
Law enforcement seized public-facing websites used to connect to the LockBit organization’s infrastructure and also seized control of servers used by LockBit administrators. These actions disrupted the ability of LockBit actors to attack and encrypt networks and extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data.
With the indictment unsealed today, a total of five LockBit members have now been charged for their participation in the LockBit conspiracy. Russian national Mikhail Pavlovich Matveev is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program. If you have any information, contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
Have you been targeted by this ransomware?
Contact the FBI at lockbitvictims.ic3.gov.
The National Crime Agency, in cooperation with the FBI and international law enforcement partners, has developed decryption capabilities that may enable hundreds of victims around the world to restore systems encrypted using the LockBit ransomware variant. Law enforcement will determine whether affected systems can be successfully decrypted.
"If you are a victim of ransomware, the FBI is on your side and is working to help you," FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate said in a video statement.
Additonal information:
February 16, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Twenty-Five Charged in Indictment Targeting Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Organization
Twenty-five people have been charged in a case targeting a Philadelphia-based organization that was supplying large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to North Central West Virginia.
Lackawanna County Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Steal Major Artworks and Sports Memorabilia
Dawn Trotta admitted to intentionally conspiring with others to steal major artwork and objects of cultural heritage, and to move the stolen property in interstate commerce.
Man Sentenced to Life Plus 10 Years in Prison for St. Louis Murder, Drug Conspiracy
Freeman Whitfield IV was an enforcer for a large drug conspiracy.
Eagle River Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Sexually Abusing Minor for Over Five Years
Michael Vernon Ross was sentenced to 35 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor in order to produce and possess child pornography.
Former Tennessee Department of Corrections Officer Sentenced for Writing False Report to Cover Up Another Officer’s Use of Excessive Force
A former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) tactical officer, Sebron Hollands, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and two years of supervised release for writing a false report in an effort to cover up another officer’s use of excessive force on an inmate.
Additional resources:
FBI Director Wray Talks Partnerships with Sheriffs
February 15, 2024
On February 9 in Washington, D.C., FBI Director Christopher Wray joined the Major County Sheriffs of America during their 2024 Winter Conference to talk about key issues, including violent crime, extremism, border security, election security, and swatting.
During Director Wray's panel appearance, he told the sheriffs that partnerships are the key to better protecting the American people. “Partnerships are how we leverage our respective strengths and capabilities,” he said.
FBI-led task forces are working cases nationwide, Wray said, and they include more than 6,000 officers from hundreds of departments and agencies, “including many from the departments represented in this room.”
The association includes the more than 100 sheriff's offices in counties or parishes with a population of 500,000 or more.
February 9, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
International Law Enforcement Partners Announce Results of Takedown Targeting International Drug Trafficking Organizations
A team of FBI and international law enforcement agencies conducted multiple arrests the morning of January 30, across the United States and Canada, to disrupt and dismantle an international organized crime syndicate importing and exporting massive quantities of drugs across the North American continent.
FBI Launches MMIP Data Collection Project in Wyoming
The FBI is seeking the public’s help to compile an accurate list of cases in Wyoming involving Native Americans who are missing or unsolved homicides with Native American victims. Whether these cases were never reported, were never properly investigated, or new information is available, the FBI wants to hear about it.
Central Illinois Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Attempted Arson of Clinic
Philip J. Buyno was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay $327,547.14 in restitution for attempting to use fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce.
Self-Proclaimed “Satan Child” Sentenced to 50 Years
Miguel Alejandro Diaz Gonzalez was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for the production and transportation of child sex abuse material.
Former Professor Pleads Guilty to Setting Multiple Fires Behind Firefighters Responding to the Dixie Fire
Gary Stephen Maynard pleaded guilty to three counts of arson on federal property. According to court documents, Maynard engaged in an arson spree in the Shasta Trinity National Forest and the vicinity of the then-ongoing Dixie Fire in the Lassen National Forest.
Additional resources:
China-Sponsored Hackers Targeting America's Essential Resources, FBI Director Says
February 5, 2024
Chinese government-sponsored hackers are working to infiltrate American critical infrastructure systems so they can take them down in the event of a U.S.-China conflict, FBI Director Christopher Wray recently told Capitol Hill lawmakers.
“There has been far too little public focus on the fact that PRC [People’s Republic of China] hackers are targeting our critical infrastructure—our water treatment plants, our electrical grid, our oil and natural gas pipelines, our transportation systems. And the risk that poses to every American requires our attention now,” Director Wray told legislators during a January 31 appearance before the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
The FBI and our partners recently disrupted one such effort, but the FBI needs more funding to help us keep the economic and national security threats posed by Chinese government-sponsored cyber activity at bay.
“I do not want those watching today to think we can’t protect ourselves,” he testified. “But I do want the American people to know that we cannot afford to sleep on this danger.”
You can read Wray’s full written testimony here and his opening remarks, as prepared, here.
February 2, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
FBI Leads Surge in Arrests Targeting Drug-Trafficking Organizations Nationwide
Across more than seven FBI field offices in the last two weeks, nearly 200 people have been charged as part of a series of arrests targeting large-scale drug-trafficking organizations operating throughout the United States and North America.
Federal Indictments Allege International Organized Crime Syndicate Imported and Exported Narcotics Across North America
Ten people were arrested in multiple cities on January 30, 2024, in relation to two federal indictments charging members of an organized crime syndicate who allegedly conspired to traffic and import hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances from Mexico through Los Angeles for export to Canada or re-distribution throughout the United States.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for the Theft of the "Ruby Slippers" from the Classic 1939 Film “The Wizard of Oz”
Terry Jon Martin was sentenced and ordered to pay $23,500 restitution to the Judy Garland Children’s Museum for theft of major artwork, an object of cultural heritage from the care, custody, or control of a museum.
Tennessee Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Flight Attendant in Austin
Michael Goins, Jr., was sentenced in a federal court to six months in prison for assaulting a flight attendant on a Southwest Airlines flight.
Washington Gun Offender Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison
Reily William Arambul was sentenced after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Additional resources:
Protecting Yourself Against ID Theft
February 1, 2024
Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself from cyber criminals, how you can report cyber crime, and the Bureau's efforts in combating the evolving cyber threat.
January 26, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Investigators Dismantle Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Network in Eastern Panhandle—82 People Charged
Eighty-two people have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a drug trafficking operation that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the Eastern Panhandle.
Drug Task Force Operation Leads to 19 Arrests
The FBI and Nebraska State Patrol led an operation that resulted in the arrest of 19 people and the unsealing of at least nine indictments.
Justice Department Announces Surge of Resources to Fight Violent Crime in Washington, D.C.
The Justice Department announced today that it will surge additional law enforcement tools and resources to target those most responsible for violent crime and carjackings in Washington, D.C.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Church Arson in Federal Hate Crime Case
Darion Ray Sexton was sentenced to 39 months in prison for a hate crime charge in connection with a fire that he set to a church in Loveland, Colorado, in January 2023.
Virginia Man and Woman Convicted of Forced Labor at Gas Station and Convenience Store for Multiple Years
Harmanpreet Singh and Kulbir Kaur forced the victim, Singh’s cousin, to provide labor and services at Singh’s store, including working as the cashier, preparing food, cleaning, and managing store records.
Additional resources:
Approximately 120 cases that have been featured in the Most Wanted section of the FBI website have been solved as a direct result of tips from the public. Additionally, four Ten Most Wanted Fugitives have been arrested as a direct result of the public seeing their information on the FBI website and providing the FBI with tips.
Director Wray’s Advice to Students with FBI Dreams: Character Comes First
January 23, 2024
If you’re a student who aspires to work at the Bureau, how you interact with others is more important than the degree you pursue, FBI Director Christopher Wray recently told college students in New York City.
Wray shared this wisdom at the tail end of a fireside chat with U.S. Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, the dual-hatted director of the National Security Agency and commander of U.S. Cyber Command, during the 2024 Fordham International Conference on Cybersecurity.
When asked his advice for students hoping to join the Bureau, Wray brought the conversation back to character.
First, Wray said, you should cultivate good listening skills. "We're in a society these days where people are far more interested in talking than they are in listening,” he said. For this reason, he explained, active listeners can obtain a “competitive advantage very quickly."
Secondly, he said, treat everyone you encounter with respect. "Everything your parents told you when you were growing up still applies," he said.
"If you do those things, what field of study you pursue and things like that, I think, are very secondary by comparison," he said.
You can visit fbijobs.gov/students-and-graduates to explore opportunities for college students and recent graduates to work at the FBI.
January 19, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Former Oahu Schoolteacher Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography
Alden Bunag was sentenced to 210 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for the production of child pornography.
Six Members or Associates of Violent Street Gang Convicted of Federal Racketeering Offenses Including the Murder of Chicago Rapper
A federal jury in Chicago today convicted six members or associates of the O-Block street gang on racketeering offenses that included the murder of Carlton Weekly, a Chicago rapper also known as "FBG Duck."
U.S. Attorney Charges Two Men with Firebombing a Mount Kisco Residence and Conspiring to Stalk a Westchester Businessman
Damjan Stanivukovic and Vladamir Radunovic were each charged with one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device and one count of conspiracy to commit stalking.
Providence Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Enticing Minor Children to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity
Akinola Akinlapa has been sentenced for coercing a 10-year-old Utah girl and more than a dozen other minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct while he recorded their actions via a live internet link that he provided to them.
Delaware Man Sentenced to 118 Months in Federal Prison for His Murder-For-Hire Plot
Javier A. Rodriguez was sentenced for hiring a hitman to murder his ex-wife.
Additional resources:
The FBI is warning parents, young persons, teachers, and caregivers about financially motivated sextortion.
In these schemes, predators typically pretend to be alluring young girls to befriend teen boys—often on social media and gaming platforms. The predators then trick these teens into exchanging sexually explicit material or believing the predators have already obtained it.
Once the scammers have a victim's pictures or video, they demand money to keep the explicit material from being shared with the victim’s family and friends. Even when victims comply, scammers often demand more money and escalate the threats.
Contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov if you, your child, or someone you know is being exploited.
Learn more about financially motivated sextortion and how to stay safe online:
January 12, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Man Who Carried Out Machete Attack on NYPD Officers in Times Square on NYE 2022 Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges
Trevor Bickford pleaded guilty to multiple counts of attempting to kill officers and employees of the U.S. government and persons assisting them based on his jihadist attack using a machete-style knife against three New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2022.
Chaparral Man Sentenced to 90 months in Prison for Hostage Taking
Ricardo Arce, III, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for conspiracy to take a hostage and two counts of hostage taking.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for His Enticement of an Orange County Minor
Matthew Mills was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his enticement of an 11-year-old minor.
Woman Sentenced for Threatening to Murder U.S. Probation Officer
Tammy Morgan has been sentenced to time served in federal custody after pleading guilty to transmitting a threatening interstate communication.
St. Paul Man Charged for Armed Robbery of Postal Employees
Rubin David Adams has been charged in a federal criminal complaint for armed robbery of postal employees on two separate occasions
Additional resources:
Each January, the FBI joins our U.S. government partners in marking National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. But our work to combat human trafficking happens year-round.
Human trafficking is the illegal exploitation of a person. Anyone can be a victim, and it can occur in any U.S. community—cities, suburbs, and even rural areas. The FBI takes a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach when investigating these cases.
You can visit our human trafficking landing page to learn more how we pursue these cases and how our agents' collaboration with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners helps us identify victims and investigate traffickers.
You can also explore the resources below to learn more about our efforts to combat this crime and provide assistance to survivors once they've been identified.
Report Trafficking and Get Help
If you’re a human trafficking victim or have information about a potential trafficking situation, you can:
January 5, 2024
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Former Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Professor Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Produce Child Pornography
Kyle Knezevich pleaded guilty to attempting to produce child pornography.
Thief Ordered to Pay Back Gun Lake Casino Over $80,000 in Stolen Funds
Jordan Lewis Cook was sentenced to four months in prison and two years of supervised release for theft from a tribal organization, and ordered to pay $84,564 in restitution.
St. Joseph Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Producing Child Pornography
Tyler B. Wirth, who produced pornographic images of three child victims and shared them online, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole.
Four Gang Members Charged With Multiple Shootings and Armed Carjackings
A superseding indictment was filed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Amaury Guzmán, Ian Diez, Ruffi Fernández and Jonathan Rodríguez, members of the Trinitarios street gang, with a string of violent crimes including multiple shootings and armed carjackings between November 2022 and February 2023.
Illegally Armed Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to Over 22 Years in Federal Prison
Gary Sistrunk has been sentenced to 22.5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Additional resources:
December 22, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Crimes Related to Sexually Exploiting and Sextorting More Than 25 Identified Victims
Lorenzo A. Winfield pleaded guilty to crimes related to sexually exploiting and sextorting more than 25 known victims—including one as young as 11-year-old—in at least three states.
Leader of Large Cartel-Connected Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison
Alan Gomez-Marentes, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Montgomery Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sex Trafficking
Laporchie Howard, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after entering a guilty plea to the charge of sex trafficking a minor.
Two Inland Empire Brothers Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Trafficking Heroin via Home Delivery Service in Orange County
Julio Cesar Martinez and Victor Martinez, two brothers who ran a drug trafficking operation, were each sentenced to 288 months in federal prison.
Two Men Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charge for Allegedly Murdering Man to Increase Positions in Chicago Street Gang
Diontae Harper and Amonti McClure have been indicted on a federal racketeering charge for allegedly murdering a man to maintain and increase their positions in a violent Chicago street gang.
'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams
December 22, 2023
This time of year, criminals put a holiday twist on the methods they use to scam you and your loved ones. As you check things off your shopping list, keep an eye out for deals that seem too good to be true.
December 21, 2023
Did you know that the FBI investigates crimes committed aboard aircraft, in airports, and related to air travel?
The FBI investigates the following violations if they’re committed during a flight:
We investigate the following airport-based violations:
The FBI also investigates bomb threats, whether they’re made on the ground or in-flight.
If you’ve been the victim of one of these crimes or have witnessed one take place, report it to your flight crew, airport authority police, and the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov. Also reach out to the FBI if you observe any suspicious activity in an airport or during a flight.
December 15, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Malas Manas Transnational Criminal Organization Leadership Indicted on Charges of Human Smuggling and Drug Trafficking
A federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment against Jorge Damian Roman-Figueroa, Luis Eduardo Roman-Flores, Manuel Jose Bernal, Joel Salazar-Ballesteros, and Jesus Armando Gonzalez-Villela, for the following: conspiracy to transport aliens; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; conspiracy to distribute marijuana, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine; distribution of marijuana, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine; and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Brothers Sentenced to More Than 35 Years Combined for Manufacturing and Distributing Machineguns Intended for ISIS
Moyad Dannon was sentenced to almost 17 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to attempting to provide material support or resources, namely firearms, to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Davis County Man Sentenced for Animal Torture
Samuel J. Webster pleaded guilty to animal torture via animal crushing and posting multiple videos of the animal cruelty
Vestavia Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison on Child Pornography Charges
Eugene Douglas Reid III was sentenced to 288 months in prison followed by 20 years supervised release for distribution and transportation of child pornography.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Three Connecticut Men in 2015
Edward Michael Parks was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences for federal offenses related to his kidnapping and murdering of two individuals in Hamden, and his killing of a third man in New Haven to stop him from notifying law enforcement.
Seattle Man Convicted at Trial of Abusive Sexual Contact on Air France Flight From Paris to Seattle
Milan Edward Jurkovic was convicted of abusive sexual contact on a flight, and faces up to two years in federal prison.
Additional resources:
In 2023, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to develop a fact sheet titled, “Protecting Places of Worship: Six Steps to Enhance Security Against Targeted Violence.”
This resource is designed to provide faith-based organizations and community leaders with actionable measures they can take to increase security and help protect worship spaces against potential threats of targeted violence while still maintaining an open and welcoming environment.
The two-page fact sheet, available at cisa.gov, includes numerous links to additional resources on recognizing and reporting potential threats, identifying security needs, developing a security plan, and applying for grants to fund security improvements.
Additional Resources:
December 8, 2023
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.
FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.
Four Members of Violent Bridgeport Gang Guilty
A federal jury in New Haven found Keishawn Donald, Trevon Wright, Eric Hayes, and Travon Jones guilty of racketeering offenses related to their involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty in Railroad Car Burglary
Lawrence Anthony was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting a railroad car burglary, possessing a machine gun, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
South Los Angeles Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Recruiting Teenage Girls for Commercial Sex Work and Sex Trafficking an Adult
Donavin Dwayne Bradford was sentenced to life in federal prison for recruiting and enticing teenage girls for whom he acted as a “pimp” and providing them for commercial sex work.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Federal Hate Crimes Against Haitian Nationals
Izaye Eubanks was sentenced to 20 years in prison for committing federal hate crimes targeting and attacking Haitian nationals residing in the area.
Southern Oregon Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison After Boobytrapped Home Injures Federal Officer
Gregory Lee Rodvelt was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after he boobytrapped a southern Oregon home and injured a federal officer.
Long Island Pastor Charged With Sexual Exploitation of Children, Coercion and Distribution Of Child Pornography
Jose Saez, Jr., a pastor at a church located in Brentwood, was charged with sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Additional resources: