How to Protect Yourself: Sexual Assault Aboard Aircraft   

May 12, 2025

Within the enclosed space of an aircraft, personal space is often limited, creating an environment that can make it easier for criminals to sexually assault fellow passengers.

Sexual assault aboard aircraft—which usually takes the form of unwanted touching—is a federal crime that can land offenders in prison. 
In 2024, the FBI investigated 104 sexual assault aboard aircraft cases. The number of incidents, however, could be higher, as additional incidents may have gone unreported.

Awareness about this type of crime and what to do if you are assaulted or witness an assault can help bring justice to victims—and prevent future cases of abuse.

Learn more in this Q&A with subject matter experts FBI Special Agent Greg Tarbert and Federal Air Marshal and FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Officer David DArcangelis. 

Transnational repression, or TNR, occurs when foreign governments try to intimidate or silence their citizens or members of their diaspora who are living in or visiting areas outside of their national borders. 

This practice—which can victimize U.S. citizens and permanent residents—threatens American sovereignty, infringes on individuals' rights and freedoms, and sometimes violates U.S. federal law. The good news is that if you or someone you know is being intimidated by a foreign government in this manner, the FBI is here to help.

You can listen to the Inside the FBI Podcast episode below to learn more about this complex threat, why the FBI investigates it, and how you can report suspected TNR incidents to the Bureau.

On this episode of the Inside the FBI Podcast, we’ll define TNR, explain the different forms it can take and why the FBI investigates it, and teach you how you can report suspected incidents to the Bureau. Transcript

Additionally, some scammers are taking advantage of international students’ TNR-related fears to extort them out of large sums of money. For this reason, we’ve produced a follow-up podcast episode to teach Chinese students studying in the United States how they can report this financial fraud to the FBI. You can listen to that below: 

On this episode, we're warning the public about a financial fraud scheme involving scammers who impersonate Chinese law enforcement and target the U.S.-based Chinese community—in particular, Chinese students attending American universities. Transcript

Generations of American Indians and Alaska Natives have mourned missing or murdered loved ones. Their calls for justice and healing have created nationwide attention and increased support for missing or murdered Indigenous persons.

On May 5, 2025, the FBI recognizes Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day, as we continue our efforts to seek justice for victims, their families, and communities.

The FBI recently released the 2024 Missing American Indian and Alaska Native Persons Data Report in support of Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act Commission findings.

Additionally, the FBI is conducting its third iteration of Operation Not Forgotten to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to MMIP. The first two years of Operation Not Forgotten provided investigative support on reservations to over 500 cases. Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.

This year, the FBI will surge 60 personnel to 10 field offices over a six-month period. This operation will be the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date.

“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with U.S. Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve.”

To learn more, visit the FBI’s Indian Country Crime or the FBI’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons resource pages. You can also learn more about MMIP, specifically throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

If you have any information about the following Indian Country cases, many of which involve MMIP, please contact the FBI: 

• Call 1-800-CALL-FBI 
• Visit tips.fbi.gov to submit an online tip
• Contact your local FBI office

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces are our nation’s front line of defense against terrorism, both international and domestic. And 2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the task force model behind these strategic coalitions. 

To help mark this anniversary, we’re sharing a success story that came out of FBI Kansas City’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. 

Listen to the audio clip below to hear Detective Vince Kingston—a member of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department and a task force officer on the FBI Kansas City JTTF—explain how the task force partnered with his agency to foil a would-be domestic terrorist’s plans to blow-up a hospital in hopes of inciting a civil war within the United States. (Note: Audio clip mentions suicide.) 

This year, the Bureau marks the 45th anniversary of its Joint Terrorism Task Forces (or JTTFs). 

The FBI's New York Office formed the Bureau’s first Joint Terrorism Task Force in 1980, as a way to collaborate with the New York Police Department to investigate potential acts of terrorism. The task force model has since spread to every one of our 55 field offices across the country. 

You can read our story to learn more about the history and evolution of JTTFs and watch testimonials from task force members past and present. You can also read our press release to learn more about the significance of this year’s anniversary. And you can check out the graphic below to learn more about the JTTF model. 

You can also listen to the latest episode of our Inside the FBI Podcast to learn more about why the task force model works and what law enforcement agencies have to gain by joining their local JTTF. 

The FBI named Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias, the alleged leader of the transnational criminal organization MS-13 in Honduras, to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List in November 2021. The U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program is offering up to $5 million for information that leads to his arrest and/or conviction in any country. 

“Dismantling and ultimately eliminating MS-13 continues to be one of the FBI's highest priorities, and we're not stopping until that mission is complete,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a Department of Justice press release earlier this week. “Alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, the FBI will find Archaga Carias—a terrorist whose reign of terror at the helm of MS-13 is coming to an end.”

You can read our story and press release to learn more about Archaga Carias, whose list of federal charges includes racketeering conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession and conspiracy to possess machine guns.  

You can also listen to an episode of our Inside the FBI Podcast to learn about the threat posed by MS-13, how the Bureau and our partners are working to take down the transnational gang, and how you can help us bring Archaga Carias to justice. 

On this episode of Inside the FBI, we’ll introduce you to Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias, the alleged leader of MS-13 for all of Honduras—and a member of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. We’ll discuss the threat posed by MS-13 and how the FBI and its partners are working to take down the transnational gang, and explain how you can help us bring Archaga Carias to justice. Transcript

The Bureau’s Hazardous Devices School—located at the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal in Alabama—is a premier training facility for America’s civilian public-safety bomb technicians. Students start here for their initial training and return for mandatory recertification and advanced specialization courses. 

You can listen to the latest episode of our Inside the FBI Podcast to learn how the Bureau trains these elite bomb techs, what it takes to join their ranks, and what inspires these public servants to risk their lives to keep communities safe from explosive threats. 

Get a rare look inside HDS to learn how the Bureau molds the world’s foremost civilian public-safety bomb techs; what it takes to join their humble, but elite, ranks; and what inspires these public servants to put their lives on the line on a daily basis to keep communities safe. Transcript

And when it comes to educating the next generation of public-safety professionals, Hazardous Devices School instructors have a secret weapon: HDS Curriculum Specialist Kelly Walker. You can listen to the podcast below to hear Kelly discuss her journey to a career at the FBI. 

Meet an elementary school teacher-turned-FBI curriculum specialist who helps prepare bomb techs to protect communities from explosive threats. Transcript

On this day in 1996, investigators from the FBI and partner agencies arrested reclusive bomber Theodore Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, at his cabin in the mountains of Montana.

The cabin—which he used to plan domestic terror attacks from 1978-1995—contained bomb components, a 40,000-page journal, and a live bomb ready for mailing. Kaczynski’s handwritten journal included bomb-making experiments and descriptions of his crimes. An FBI-led task force that included the ATF and U.S. Postal Inspection Service called it the “UNABOM” case because of the UNiversity and Airline BOMbing targets involved.

Kaczynski pled guilty to his crimes just under two years later. He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. He died in 2023.

Listen to the Inside the FBI Podcast episode below or visit our history resource page about the case to learn more about the nearly 20-year investigation leading up to his historic apprehension. 

On this episode of Inside the FBI, we revisit the Unabomber case—more than 20 years after Ted Kaczynski's arrest at his remote Montana cabin. Transcript

And watch the video below to see how Bureau personnel reconstructed his cabin, piece-by-piece, at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., in 2020.

Class is in session!  

The latest episode of FBI Cyber’s Ahead of the Threat podcast miniseries features leading quantum computing researcher and University of Texas at Austin Professor Scott Aaronson. 

Watch the episode below to hear his conversation with hosts Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, an FBI strategic adviser, about quantum theory and the applications of what a quantum computer could do—when one is invented.

On this episode of Inside the FBI, we highlight the 75th anniversary of our Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program—commonly known as the Top Ten list. Transcript

Learn more statistics, facts, and figures related to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List at fbi.gov/mostwantedfaqs—and in the video below. 

Finally, you can watch the video below to hear FBI Historian Dr. John Fox discuss some of the most notorious FBI fugitives from the list’s storied history. 

Multiple Members of Transnational Criminal Organization 18th Street Sentenced for Roles in Various Violent Crimes Committed During Their Gang Involvement 
Elvis Mauricio Maradiaga was sentenced to federal prison for his participation in a violent, transnational criminal enterprise known as the 18th Street gang.   

• Maradiaga's sentencing marks the conclusion of a sprawling, multi-year investigation into the gang’s criminal activities throughout the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, as well as abroad. 
  In February 2023, a grand jury returned an indictment against 12 of the gang’s members, charging them with participating in a yearslong racketeering conspiracy, as well as with murders, attempted murders, and kidnapping.  
• “The sentencing of these violent criminals should send a clear message: Transnational gangs like 18th Street have no place in our communities, and we will not tolerate the brutality, fear, and lawlessness they spread,” said Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward R. Martin Jr. “Through relentless cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement, we are dismantling these dangerous organizations piece by piece. Our commitment to public safety is unwavering, and we will continue to pursue and prosecute those who threaten our neighborhoods with violence and crime.” 
• Full press release 

12-Time Convicted Felon Facing Up to Life in Federal Prison for Possession of a Loaded Firearm 
Danny Baldwin was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He faces a minimum term of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. 

• Baldwin has 12 prior state felony convictions, including second-degree murder, arson, and aggravated assault with a firearm, according to the indictment. 
• Federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms and ammunition because he’s a convicted felon. On May 22, 2024, Baldwin was in possession of a loaded firearm. His prior violent criminal record qualifies him for a sentencing enhancement as an Armed Career Criminal. 
• Full press release 

Florida Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Enticing a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity and Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material  
Jordan Franklin Trexler was sentenced to life in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and producing child sexual abuse material.  

• Trexler groomed a minor victim to engage in sexual activity when she was 14 years old, according to testimony and evidence presented at trial. 
• Trexler and the victim exchanged messages on a social media app over the course of about two weeks. In these messages, they discussed plans to meet, as well as the type of sexual activity Trexler wanted the 14-year-old to engage in.  
• Trexler and the victim met frequently during that period. He repeatedly sexually abused the victim during those meetings. On one occasion, he video-recorded his sexual abuse of the victim. On another occasion, he produced a sexually explicit image of the victim. 
• Full press release 

Alleged Serial Robber Arrested and Indicted in Utah 
Dennis L. Dyches was charged with robbing multiple credit unions over the course of five months. 

• Court documents allege that, from October 2024 to February 2025, Dyches robbed five credit unions across Utah’s Salt Lake Valley and that she robbed one of them twice. 
• Dyches was taken into custody without incident on March 4. Law enforcement seized articles of clothing and accessories that matched descriptions of the suspected robber during a search of the black Jeep Cherokee. 
• Full press release 

New Jersey Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Drug Conspiracy 
Fareed Davis was sentenced to 46 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy charges. 

• Davis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, and tramadol.   
• Davis was responsible for distributing at least 40 grams of opioids, or 1,200 individual doses, from March 2018 to December 2020. 
• Full press release

Inside the FBI’s Fight Against Organized Crime   

March 10, 2025

From capturing Al Capone to rooting out overseas cartels whose illegal activities transcend borders, the FBI hasn’t wavered in its commitment to combat organized crime. And the Inside the FBI Podcast is here to help you make sense of the contemporary transnational organized crime (or TOC) threat. 

Our show’s deep-dive into all things TOC starts with a journey around the globe to get to know some of the contemporary criminal groups engaging in this brand of illicit activity. The episode also defines the threat and explains its evolution. 

On part one of our show's deep dive into organized crime, we define transnational organized crime and explain its current ecosystem. Transcript

Then, we share a brief history of the FBI’s efforts to counter this threat before discussing the “how” and “why” behind our contemporary fight against transnational organized crime. The episode also discusses the critical role tips from the public play in our efforts to stem TOC activity. 

On this episode, we’ll discuss why and how the Bureau investigates transnational organized crime and how you can report suspected TOC activity to the FBI. Transcript

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.

Transient Man Sentenced to Life Plus 10 Years After Murder Conviction 
Cameron Lynn, a transient man, was sentenced to life imprisonment for first-degree murder, plus 120 months for discharging a weapon during a crime of violence. Lynn’s remaining counts of assault were sentenced concurrently as 120 months for each count. 

• Lynn was found guilty in October 2024 of first-degree murder in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian country. 
• “Cameron Lynn maliciously took the life of Alcides Monroig and assaulted another,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma Clint Johnson. “This life sentence, plus an additional ten years, will ensure Lynn is no longer a danger to anyone in the Northern District. This sentence would not be possible without the hard work of the detectives, agents, and prosecutors.” 
• Full press release 

Former New York Teacher Convicted After Trial of Coercing, Transporting, and Sexually Abusing Students 
Paul Geer was convicted on two counts of coercing and enticing two separate children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity and two counts of transporting the children across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with those children.   

• While Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, he imposed various disciplinary sanctions on students that were tantamount to torture. 
• The sanctions Geer imposed on students included depriving children of food or forcing children to eat food that had been regurgitated, binding children in rugs and leaving them in isolated rooms for extended periods of time, and forcing children to perform forced physical labor.  
• The evidence at trial further proved that, in 1994 and 2001, Geer used his position of authority and his ability to impose these brutal sanctions to coerce two students to travel with him, on separate occasions, to Maine and Toronto, Canada.  
• The evidence at trial also proved that Geer transported the students across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity with them. While on those trips, Geer raped or otherwise sexually abused each of the two children. 
• Full press release  

Connecticut Man Admits Role in Violent Carjacking in 2023 
Michael McCann-Ortiz pleaded guilty to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years. 

• According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of June 18, 2023, two all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”) were stolen from a Waterbury residence.   
• After the theft, McCann-Ortiz and others identified an individual (“Victim 1”) who they believed was involved in the theft. Later that night, Victim 1’s friend, (“Victim 2”), picked up Victim 1 from work and drove him home.   
• As they arrived at Victim 1’s residence, three vehicles followed them and surrounded the victims. McCann-Ortiz and his associates, one of whom carried an assault-style rifle, exited the vehicles and approached the victims. McCann-Ortiz and his associates demanded the return of the stolen ATVs, threatened both victims, and physically assaulted them.  
• Specifically, McCann-Ortiz repeatedly threatened to kill the victims, and punched and kicked one victim, causing serious bodily injury. 
• Full press release 

St. Louis County Felon Who Shot at Police Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison 
Dexter McKinnies, a convicted felon who shot at St. Louis County Police Department officers in 2020, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. 

• McKinnies pleaded guilty to five felonies: one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts each of assault on a federal officer and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. 
• On September 1, 2020, Dexter McKinnies shot at police, including officers who were members of the FBI Violent Crime Safe Streets Task Force, as they were trying to arrest him.  
• Police had been trying to locate Dexter McKinnies during an investigation of multiple violent crimes, and learned that his brother, Lawton McKinnies, had an active felony arrest warrant for three counts of first-degree assault and three counts of armed criminal action. 
• Full press release 

New York Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography 
Kenneth Koegel, Jr., was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release following his conviction by guilty plea to seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of commission of a felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of receipt of child pornography.  

• Koegel was previously convicted for sexual abuse in the first degree involving a 6-year-old. He then admitted that, starting in or about 2014 and continuing until October 2022, he sexually abused a girl from the time she was approximately 2 years old until she was approximately 9 years old. 
• During that time, Koegel created numerous sexually explicit images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of his victim, including Koegel subjecting her to multiple sex acts. He also used a social messaging application to distribute the material he produced to someone else, with whom he also traded thousands of other child pornography files. 
• Full press release 

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.

Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Brazen Bank Robbery While on Federal Supervision for Previous Bank Robberies  
Del Evans Jr., who committed a bank robbery only two months after being placed on supervised release for two previous bank robberies, was sentenced February 26, 2025, to more than 15 years in federal prison. 

• Evidence in the case revealed that on January 22, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Evans walked into the Sanborn Savings Bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. Evans obtained cash, exited the bank, and fled on foot.  
• Law enforcement officers identified Evans through surveillance footage and located his residence.   
• Full press release 

Founder of Haitian Orphanage Convicted for Sexually Abusing Boys in his Care 
A federal jury in Miami convicted Michael Karl Geilenfeld for sexually abusing numerous boys at the orphanage he founded and directed in Haiti. 

• The jury convicted Geilenfeld of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, between 2005 and 2010. 
• Geilenfeld founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys —a home for orphaned, impoverished, and otherwise vulnerable children in Haiti —in 1985 and operated it for more than two decades.  
• During this time, Geilenfeld repeatedly traveled from the U.S. to Haiti, where he sexually abused the boys entrusted to his care. 
• Full press release 

High-Ranking Sinaloa Leader Extradited to El Paso, Faces up to Life in Federal Prison  
Daniel Franco Lopez, a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel, was extradited from Mexico to El Paso, and indicted for criminal charges related to his alleged federal racketeering, narcotics, money laundering, firearms, and continuing criminal enterprise offenses. 

• Lopez allegedly coordinated the shipments of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and thousands of kilograms of marijuana into the U.S., along with the pickup of drug proceeds, and kidnappings and murders. 
• “The extradition is one more step towards dismantling and ending violence perpetrated by criminal drug trafficking organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel,” said FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge John Morales. “The FBI and our partners will endlessly pursue and prosecute cartel members and associates who attempt to control and intimidate their communities through violence. This extradition starts the justice process to all of those who have suffered as a result of Franco Lopez’s criminal actions as a member of the Sinaloa Cartel.”  
• Lopez was indicted in April 2012 along with Joaquin Guzman Loera and over a dozen other codefendants. He was arrested Aug. 14, 2012, and remained in Mexican custody until his extradition. 
• Full press release

Charlotte Sex Trafficker and Co-Conspirator are Sentenced to Prison 
Tawaan Batten and his co-conspirator were sentenced to 34 years in prison for sex trafficking a minor. 

• Batten was convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity.  
• “It is difficult to fathom that someone would sell a child for sex. But that is exactly what Batten and King did and now both of them will do federal prison for their crimes,” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge DeWitt. “The FBI works tirelessly to hold accountable those who carry out crimes against children, and we devote significant resources to help sex trafficking victims recover from the trauma they suffer.” 
• Batten’s co-conspirator, Kristi Heather King, was sentenced to 42 months in prison and a period of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. 
• Full press release 

Jury Convicts St. Louis Man of Drug Trafficking and Charges Connected to Nine Murders 
Anthony Jordan was found guilty of a cocaine trafficking charge and charges related to the death of nine people during a nearly six-year period. 

• Evidence and testimony presented at trial showed that Jordan was the leader of a cocaine trafficking ring. Jordan committed murders to protect that organization and hinder any investigation by law enforcement.  
• He later committed additional murders to retaliate against a St. Louis gang he held responsible for the murder of a friend, gathering information and targeting gang members with the help of associates.  
• Jordan and his co-conspirators also killed several bystanders, including Clara Walker, a 51-year-old mother of nine, and Keairrah Johnson. Among those who testified were direct witnesses to the murders. 
• Full press release  

Twenty years ago this month, 34-year-old New Jersey resident Danielle Imbo and 35-year-old Philadelphia resident Richard “Rich” Petrone vanished after leaving a South Street bar.  

Since then, the FBI and our law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels have steadfastly worked to find out what happened to the happy couple. Since Danielle and Rich were each a dedicated parent to a child from a past relationship, investigators say that a decision to abandon their children would go against everything in their DNA. 

Read our latest news story or listen to the latest episode of our Inside the FBI Podcast to dive into the details of this missing persons case.  

And if you have any information about the whereabouts of Danielle, Richard, and/or his truck—a black 2001 Dodge Dakota with Pennsylvania license plates YFH 2319—we encourage you to call the FBI Philadelphia Field Office directly at 215-418-4000. 

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.

California Man Who Was Getaway Driver in Fatal Armed Robbery of Victim Dealing Marijuana in Inglewood Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges 
Mateo Paul pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges for his role in the March 2021 murder of a victim in Inglewood during a marijuana deal.    

• Paul pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Paul has been in custody since November 2023. 
  According to his plea agreement, in March 2021, Paul and his co-defendants agreed to rob a marijuana dealer at gunpoint. They devised a plan to lure the dealer via a social media application to a meeting location, where they would ambush him at gunpoint and steal his marijuana. 
• On March 15, 2021, Smith approached the vehicle occupied by the victim. While Smith distracted the victim, Paul and a co-defendant, Leandrew Raglin, parked behind the victim’s vehicle. Raglin then exited the vehicle Paul was driving, approached the passenger side of the victim’s car and opened fire, repeatedly wounding the victim in the passenger seat. Raglin then walked around to the driver’s side of the vehicle and opened fire, fatally wounding the victim in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. 
• Full press release 

Missouri Couple Arrested for Abducting and Sexually Abusing a 13-Year-Old that They Groomed Online  
Justin Johiah Curtright, and Christin Marie Curtright were recently arrested and charged with transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. 

• The married couple allegedly groomed the 13-year-old victim over the internet, traveled from Missouri to pick her up from her home in Virginia, then repeatedly sexually assaulted her in their van and at their Springfield, Missouri, apartment until police rescued her. 
• At some point near the end of June, the Curtrights devised a plan to drive to southern Virginia to abduct the victim and take her to their Springfield apartment. On the morning of July 24, 2024, as planned, the Curtrights met the victim near her home in Virginia. The victim got in the Curtrights’ vehicle, and they transported her back to Missouri. 
• Full press release

Washington Drug Distributor Caught with Massive Amounts of Fentanyl and Meth as Well as Firearms, Body Armor, and Silencer Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison 
Shawn Ellis was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring connected to Aryan prison gangs. 

• Ellis was arrested in March 2023, when federal agents moved in following a two-year investigation of drug trafficking activities. A search of Ellis’ car turned up buckets filled with fentanyl pills and kilos of methamphetamine, as well as four firearms—including a machine gun.
• When Ellis was arrested, agents seized the buckets of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as cocaine and fake Xanax pills. Ellis carried four guns in the car to protect his drugs —a loaded pistol between the driver’s seat and center console, an SK-15 rifle hidden in a violin case, a shotgun, and a second loaded pistol. He also had body armor in the vehicle. 
• In a storage shed that Ellis controlled were five additional firearms, a large amount of ammunition, additional body armor, and a homemade silencer. Ellis also stored cash, jewelry, precious metals, coins, and other collectibles in the shed —proceeds of his drug trafficking. 
• Full press release 

Washington, D.C., Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Armed Robberies of Four Maryland Cell Phone Stores 
Xavier Jones was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for his role in robbing four cell phone stores in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Prince George’s County, Maryland. 

• According to the parties’ plea agreement, Jones and his co-conspirators brandished firearms during the robberies, threatened to kill employees and customers, physically moved victims throughout the stores, and pepper sprayed victims during one of the robberies. 
• Jones was also ordered to pay $74,141.26 in restitution. 
• Full press release 

Jury Convicts Wife of Murdering Husband on Military Installation 
Margaret E. Shafe was convicted of murdering her husband who was a U.S. Army soldier assigned to Fort Riley, a federal military installation in Kansas. 

• Shafe was found guilty of murder in the second degree for shooting and killing her husband Greg Shafe in February 2024 at their home on Fort Riley.  
• Shafe faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 
• Full press release 
  

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.

Violent Armed Robber Who Stalked, Kidnapped, and Robbed Victims in Virginia and Maryland Is Sentenced to 228 Months in Prison 
Tyree Eugene McCombs was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for his role in the September 2022 stalking, armed robbery, and kidnapping of a pair of victims in Alexandria, Virginia, and for the November 2022 stalking, kidnapping, robbery, and shooting of a woman in Maryland and Washington, D.C. 

• McCombs pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery for the September 2022 offense and to one count of kidnapping for the November 2022 offense.  
• According to court documents, in September and November 2022, McCombs and his co-conspirators twice executed plans to surveil, stalk, forcibly detain, bind, assault, and rob women at gunpoint.  
• McCombs was a leader in both schemes, personally stalking the victims, holding them at gunpoint, physically assaulting them, and demanding that they pay their own ransoms. In each case, the kidnapping was abruptly cut short either by the sound of an alarm (September) or the victim’s daring escape (November). 
• Full press release. 

Iowa Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography of Minor Victim 
Luis Nathan Hernandez Jr. was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for the production of child pornography. 

• Hernandez exploited a minor victim younger than 12 and produced child sexual abuse material of her between 2022 and March 2024, including material depicting sex acts Hernandez performed on the victim. 
• Hernandez’s Centerville residence was searched in April 2024. A search of Hernandez’s seized computer revealed 598 files containing child sexual abuse material from at least 71 known series. Hernandez’s two cell phones had approximately 500 images and 17 videos containing child sexual abuse material. 
• In 2004, Hernandez was convicted in Texas of indecency with a child, which required him to register as a sex offender. Twice in 2013, Hernandez pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in Wayne and Appanoose counties. 
• Full press release 

Thirty-Eight Defendants Sentenced in Massive Prison-Based Drug Trafficking Ring 
Thirty-eight members of a drug trafficking organization, including several State of Georgia prison inmates, have been sentenced for their roles in coordinating and distributing deadly heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl throughout the metro-Atlanta area, as well as laundering drug proceeds to Mexico. 

• During this multi-year investigation, agents seized over 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, 25 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, more than 12,000 fentanyl pills, kilogram-quantities of fentanyl powder, heroin, and marijuana, and over $450,000 in drug proceeds. 
• “Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, thirty-eight members of this extensive drug distribution network will spend significant time behind bars where they will no longer be able to plague our community with poison,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke.
• Full press release. 

Dairon Romero has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a series of violent crimes committed in 2021. 

• According to court documents, Romero engaged in a crime spree that included carjacking and multiple robberies.  
  On April 18, 2024, Romero pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and two counts of interference with commerce by robbery. 
• Full press release. 

High-Ranking Member of Sinaloa Cartel Charged in Chicago with Drug Conspiracy 
A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico, for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the U.S. 

• Espinoza Angulo, a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. 
• The indictment alleges that Espinoza Angulo worked with others to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture fentanyl for importation into the U.S.  
• Espinoza Angulo allegedly worked with others to transport the fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy toward the U.S. border for importation into the country.  The indictment accuses Espinoza Angulo of illegally using a machine gun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. 
• Full press release. 

On February 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 February 3, 2025, 15 people have been removed and 10 people added.

Below is a list of those who were added:  

• Christopher Barney
• Alvin Benetso
• Camiyah Charlie
• Juwaun Cheromiah
• Ondrea Hannaweeke
• Rianna Hardy
• Micheal Nockai
• Levi Whitehorse
• Glora Yoe
• Joseph Zunie Jr.
   

The FBI recently announced a coordinated cross-country operation to investigate burglaries that targeted professional athletes’ homes.  

The burglaries are believed to have been orchestrated by members of South American Theft Groups, also referred to as SATGs. These informal but sophisticated organizations have also recently burglarized jewelry stores and robbed salespeople. The groups aim to illegally sell their ill-gotten property or send it overseas, with their profits—and the resulting black-market demand for stolen goods—fueling the cycle of violent crime. 

“While some victims of these brazen crimes happen to be professional athletes with careers in the spotlight, rest assured: The FBI is dedicated to protecting all Americans from violent crime—no matter their job description or zip code,” said Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll on a recent Inside the FBI podcast episode about the threat.

You can read this FBI press release or watch the video below to learn more about these groups and how the Bureau is working to stem their illegal activity. 

Manhattan Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing a Letter Containing a Threat to Kill Two Judges 
Christopher McCarty pled guilty to mailing a letter containing a threat to kill two New York State judges. 

• McCarty admitted that on or about May 31, 2023, he mailed a letter to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. In the letter, McCarty wrote that when he was released from prison, he was going to kill two New York State judges who had presided over his case leading to his incarceration at Auburn Correctional Facility. 
• At sentencing scheduled for June 10, 2025, McCarty faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, post-release supervision of up to 3 years, and a fine of up to $250,000.  
• Full press release 

Member of Puyallup Tribe Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Shooting Death of his Friend 
Dennis Jacobsen, a member of the Puyallup Tribe, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the fatal shooting of someone he considered a friend.  

• Jacobsen was arrested shortly after the shooting on October 21, 2021. Jacobsen was originally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm because of convictions for robbery and unlawful firearms possession in Pierce County Superior Court.  
• According to records filed in the case, both Jacobsen and the victim had been drinking and using drugs the morning of the shooting. The two were seen together outside the victim’s home within the confines of the Puyallup reservation. The two men walked behind the home and witnesses heard three gunshots. The victim was shot once in the arm and twice in the head, at least once at close range. Witnesses then saw Jacobsen run from behind the house, get in a vehicle, and drive away. 
• In June 2024, Jacobsen pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and using a firearm during a crime of violence. 
• Full press release 

West Virginia Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years After Traveling to Mexico to Purchase Child 
Scott David Bixler of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for failing to update his sex offender registration.   

• In July of 2023, Bixler fled to Mexico shortly before he was scheduled to appear in state court for sentencing related to criminal convictions for failure to register as a sex offender under West Virginia law. 
• When Bixler and his spouse were arrested in Mexico, they possessed two pellet guns, methamphetamine, a cell phone jammer, and a large amount of cash. The investigation also revealed that the Bixlers were attempting to purchase a young girl while in Mexico. Fortunately, Mexican authorities thwarted the plan and arrested the couple. 
• Bixler is a convicted sex offender and is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORNA) for life. As part of his registration obligations, he is required to report any international travel. 
• Full press release 

New Orleans Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Possessing Two Machineguns 
Tieron Price pled guilty to two counts of possessing a machinegun, and possession with intent to distribute tapentadol. 

• According to court documents, on May 22, 2023, Price was driving a stolen vehicle in New Orleans. When Louisiana State Police troopers attempted to pull him over, Price accelerated and led troopers on a dangerous, and potentially life threatening, car chase.  
• The chase ended when Price struck a vehicle stopped at a red light. Price, and two other occupants, fled but were caught.  
• Inside a backpack carried by one of the other occupants was a Glock Model 17 nine-millimeter caliber pistol equipped with a Glock auto-sear, making the firearm a fully-automatic machinegun. The machinegun had a bullet in the chamber and was loaded with an extended magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition.  
• Full press release 

South Dakota Man Convicted at a Federal Jury Trial of Kidnapping and Assault Charges 
Ellery Zephier, Sr., was convicted of kidnapping and assault resulting in serious bodily injury following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.   

• In July 2024, Zephier kidnapped and held a woman against her will in his home in Marty. During that same time frame, Zephier assaulted the woman resulting in her sustaining serious bodily injury. 
• The jury acquitted Zephier on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.  
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

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 Defendants Convicted of Killing a Security Guard and Wounding Three Others During the Armed Robbery of a Gambling Location in Brooklyn
Charles Powell, Brian Castro, and Musah Coward were convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn for the firearm-related murder of Rodney Maxwell.

• The conviction also included discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, and Hobbs Act robbery. Powell was additionally convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition. 
• The charges stem from an armed robbery carried out by the defendants inside an illegal gambling spot located in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. 
• When sentenced, the defendants each face a sentence of up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
• Full press release

Updates to List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation  

January 29, 2025

On January 21, 2025, 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 January 21, 2025, 11 people have been removed and eight people added.

Below is a list of those who were added:  

• Jovan Antonio     
• Gary Barney
• Uriah Barron
• Kenneth Begay
• Darren Bryant
• Larry Clawson
• Jerrold Cody
• Brandi Davis

Violent Crime Case Round-Up  

January 24, 2025

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.

California Man Pleads Guilty for his Role in Murder-for-Hire Plot 
Jagninder Singh Boparai pleaded guilty to conspiring to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. 

• Court documents allege that Boparai conspired with Ramesh Kumar Birla, Jr. and Shaminderjit Singh Sandhu to murder Victim 2. All three defendants were arrested on March 31, 2023, and are currently in federal custody. 
• In February 2023, Boparai met with a person he believed to be a hitman at a coffeeshop in Manteca, California. Unbeknownst to Boparai and his co-defendants throughout their interactions, the hitman was a confidential informant working for the FBI. 
• Court documents allege that Boparai met with the confidential informant in March 2023 to pay $10,000 as a down payment for the murder of Victim 2. Shaminderjit Singh Sandhu allegedly provided Victim 2’s address, and Boparai allegedly instructed the confidential informant that Victim 2 must disappear without any evidence remaining. 
• Full press release 

Former Missouri School Bus Driver Admits Recording Sexual Abuse of Minors  
Robert W. Stillwell, a former school bus driver, admitted recording his sexual abuse of two young children. 

• Stillwell admitted filming his sexual abuse of two young girls.  
• Stillwell abused the victims while they were both asleep and awake. He also coerced the older girl into complying with his demands by promising toys and money, as well as by threatening her. 
• The parents of the older victim contacted the St. Peters Police Department in Missouri in December 2023 after their daughter said Stillwell was drinking her urine, claiming it was medicine for him. Investigators then found recordings of his abuse of the victims. 
• Full press release  

Sacramento Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Armed Bank Robberies 
Devon Jones pleaded guilty to one count each of interference with commerce by robbery, bank robbery, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Hewas sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. 

• According to court documents and admissions made by Jones, Jones robbed a moneylending business in Reno, Nevada, in January 2022. During the robbery, he pointed a semiautomatic 9mm pistol at an employee and demanded money. Jones then fired a round and fled the scene with cash.  
• Jones robbed a bank in Carson City, Nevada, three days later. After he entered the bank, he started yelling and fired a shot. He then approached a teller and demanded money. Jones fired another shot after noticing alarm lights flashing. He ordered all employees to the ground and fired another shot before leaving the bank with the stolen cash. 
• Full press release 

Oklahoma Resident Sentenced for Murder 
Thomas Raymond Phillips III was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder in Indian Country. Phillips was also sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of use, carry, brandish, and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.   

• On October 25, 2023, Phillips was found guilty of the charges by a federal jury at trial.    
• Phillips fired multiple shots into a Fort Towson bar on the evening of December 19, 2020, after being ejected by management for instigating a fight, according to investigators. One bullet struck a patron, killing the victim at the scene.   
• Full press release 

New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Weapons Violations 
Geourvon Sears (“Sears”) was sentenced to 111 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, tapentadol, and marijuana. 

• New Orleans Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Sears’ residence. During the search, officers recovered Sears’s backpack, which contained methamphetamine, tapentadol, and marijuana that he intended to sell.  
• Officers also recovered two loaded firearms: a Romarm/Cugir Model Mini Draco semi-automatic pistol and a Norinco Model SKS rifle. 
• Full press release 

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Violent Crime Case Round-Up  

January 17, 2025

Charity fraud schemes ask for donations to organizations that do little or no work—instead, the money goes to the scammer.  

While these schemes can happen at any time, they’re especially prevalent after high-profile disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. Criminals often use tragedies to exploit people who want to help.

Scammers may promote their schemes via emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, or even cold calls. Always use caution and do your research when you're looking to donate to charitable causes. 

Learn more about charity and disaster fraud schemes—including how to keep yourself safe—at fbi.gov/scams. You can also listen to our episode of the Inside the FBI podcast on charity scams. 

On this episode of Inside the FBI, we’ll learn how charity fraud scams work, how to avoid being conned, and how to report suspected incidents to the Bureau. Transcript

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 Facing Federal Charges for Brink’s Truck Robbery in Illinois 
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging four individuals for their involvement in an armed robbery of a Brink’s truck in Madison. 

• Lee O. Griffin Jr. is facing one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of arson, and one count of possession of a weapon in furtherance of a crime of violence. 
• Antonio T. Harris and Patrick D. Johnson are each facing one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. 
• Taneisha M. Davis was charged with one count of arson for her involvement in setting the getaway car on fire. 
• Full press release 

Montana Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Prison for Trafficking Meth, Fentanyl in Community 
Alejandro Romero, who admitted to distributing pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills that were shipped from Washington, was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison. 

• Court documents allege that from December 2023 through March 2024 in Missoula, Montana, Romero possessed fentanyl and meth for distribution. The court noted during the sentencing hearing that Romero was distributing fentanyl, including pink fentanyl.  
• One person purchased about two pounds of methamphetamine directly from Romero in separate transactions. They also bought fentanyl pills and heroin from Romero. 
• “We won’t make progress against our nation’s drug epidemic unless the biggest drug traffickers are held accountable, which we’ve done today,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Jesse Laslovich. “Romero is responsible for peddling pounds and pounds of meth and thousands of fentanyl pills, including pink pills, as well as distributing fentanyl powder. His lengthy federal prison sentence shows we are determined to make the progress Montanans expect and deserve regarding drug traffickers poisoning our communities.” 
• Full press release 

Louisiana Man Charged with Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Transporting a Minor in Interstate Commerce with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity 
Daniel Wayne Callihan was with kidnapping resulting in death and transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. 

• Callihan was previously charged for his crimes in a June 14, 2024, federal complaint. He’s since remained in federal custody. 
  On or about June 13, 2024, Callihan allegedly kidnapped two minor victims from Loranger, Louisiana, and transported them to Mississippi using a 2012 Chrysler 200. His actions allegedly resulted in the deaths of one of the minors. 
• He also allegedly transported one of the minor victims to Mississippi with the intent that the victim would engage in sexual activity. 
• Callahan is also allegedly responsible for an adult victim’s death.  
• Full press release

FBI Offers Reward in Death of Minor on Ute Mountain Ute Reservation 
The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the man wanted in the shooting death of a minor on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation in Colorado. 

• A federal arrest warrant has been issued for Jeremiah Hight, who is wanted in the death of the minor in Towaoc in the early morning hours of December11, 2024. 
• Hight is a 23-year-old Native American man with brown hair and brown eyes. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 400 pounds. He has tattoos on his right leg, left arm, right arm, right shoulder, neck, and left shoulder. He has a pierced left ear and a scar on his chest. 
• He might be armed and has proven he can be dangerous.  
• Anyone with information about the homicide or about Jeremiah Hight’s whereabouts is urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or make a report at tips.fbi.gov. 
• Full press release

Tampa Bay-Area Doctor Charged with Producing Child Sexual Abuse Materials and Enticing Minors to Engage in Sexual Activity 
Stephen Andrew Leedy was indicted and arrested on three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Leedy faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison if he is convicted on all counts. 

• Leedy, a Tampa Bay-area palliative care doctor, used the username “maximumuncle#9112” to sexually exploit and victimize approximately 10 minors online, according to the indictment and court documents. 
• In online conversations and video chats, Leedy instructed the minors to produce sexually explicit images of themselves. He also directed them to self-harm. 
• In November 2022, a minor victim was found dead, having died in a manner consistent with instructions Leedy had previously given her.  
• Full press release 

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2025      

January 8, 2025

This January, the FBI and our U.S. government partners commemorate National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. 

Human trafficking occurs when a person is illegally exploited. Federal law authorizes the Bureau to investigate three forms of this crime: sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and domestic servitude. 

You can visit fbi.gov/humantrafficking to read more about this crime, how we approach trafficking investigations, and how victims can report suspected trafficking and seek help.  

You can also visit fbi.gov/victims to learn more about the FBI’s Victim Services Division and access support resources. 

Finally, you can listen to the Inside the FBI episode below to learn more about our efforts to combat human trafficking: 

December 2024 

FBI Field Offices: A Living History 

December 31, 2024

Each of the FBI’s 55 field offices—located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico—has a unique story. 

You can visit our Field Office Histories resource page to learn how these divisions have evolved through the years; read about their major investigative successes; and view photos related to notable people, places, and cases that have helped shape them.

You can also visit fbi.gov/fieldoffices to identify your nearest FBI field office, discover the territory it covers, and learn how you can contact the division. 

Learn About the FBI, One Artifact at a Time 

December 30, 2024

Did you know that the Bureau has a treasure trove of artifacts from across its history that you can explore online? 

You can visit our FBI Artifacts resource page to check out photos of and write-ups about historical items tied to major investigations, a feature film collaboration, day-to-day operations of yore, and more.  

You can also revisit this recent episode of our Inside the FBI podcast to learn more about how—and why—the Bureau preserves its history. 

On this episode of the Inside the FBI podcast, we’ll talk about why Bureau history matters, the role of our historian, the types of records we curate, and how you can access FBI historical information. Transcript

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

December 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.

• On October 24, 2024, at approximately 5:48 a.m., the Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center received a report of a drive-by shooting.  
• When police arrived, family members found 5-year-old Artagist “Arty” Stanford III suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in an upstairs bedroom. He died from his injuries two days later. 
•  “Arty’s family has suffered greatly since this shooting and anyone responsible for his death should be held accountable,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “Someone in our community knows what happened that night and who was involved. We need anyone with information to do the right thing and contact law enforcement.” Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040. 
• Full press release 

• In June 2022, D’Amato knowingly received images and videos of child pornography from a minor female on her cell phone.  
• D’Amato met the 14-year-old victim through another 14-year-old. She communicated with the victim via text and online applications, such as Snapchat.  
• D’Amato and the victim engaged in sexual acts, which D’Amato recorded using her cell phone or the victim’s cell phone.  
• Full press release 

• On September 4, 2018, Morrison walked into United Bank in Elm Grove wearing a mask and demanded money from two tellers, obtaining more than $4,200 before fleeing.  
• Morrison faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the Wheeling bank robbery conviction. 
• Morrison has a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for armed bank robbery, robbery, and access device fraud. He is presently serving an 87-month sentence due to federal firearms convictions in the Western District of Pennsylvania. 
• Full press release 

• Apraez-Munoz was extradited from Colombia on March 15, 2024, and pleaded guilty on September 17, 2024, to unlawful distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine for importation into the United States. 
• In 2019 the FBI began a long-term investigation coordinated alongside Colombian law enforcement into narcotics trafficking intended for distribution into the United States. In August 2019, a confidential source and an undercover officer met with
• Apraez-Munoz in a café in Palmira, Colombia, to discuss a potential cocaine deal.  
  During the meeting, Apraez-Munoz said he had been selling cocaine since 1996 and that most of his cocaine had been destined for Europe, but that he also sold cocaine sent to the United States. 
• Full press release 
  

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

December 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.

• According to the indictment, on or about August 30, 2024, Gordon attempted to murder a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and assaulted the agent with a firearm.  
• Gordon is also charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and quantities of cocaine base and cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. 
• “The attempted murder of a federal law enforcement officer, someone who dedicates their life to public safety, threatens our entire community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners stand side by side in holding violent offenders accountable. Our agents, and those of our partners, operate on the front lines to protect our communities, and we will meet any attempt to harm them with the full force of justice.” 
• If convicted on all counts, Gordon faces a maximum sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 million, or both.  
• Full press release 

• According to court documents, in July 2024, a foreign partner referred child sexual abuse material posted on the dark web to the FBI’s Victim Identification Program. 
• FBI agents searching for John Doe 49 located a public Instagram account whose profile picture appeared similar to the images of the subject in the child sexual abuse material. They traced the account to Driskill in Coleman, Texas.   
• On November 22, agents coordinating with Coleman Police Department learned of the investigation into a possible molestation involving Mr. Driskill and compared the footage of his interview to the child sexual abuse material.  The face and tattoos allegedly matched. 
• If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison. 
• Full press release
  

• According to court documents, members of FBF have engaged in criminal activity for more than a decade in Ohio. The gang was primarily based on the east side of Cleveland but also established strongholds in Akron, Youngstown, and other areas. The scope and reach of the gang’s alleged criminal operations included attempts to infiltrate the Ohio prison system. 
• “For several years, these individuals committed a homicide, armed robberies, and unlawfully imported and distributed fentanyl and other dangerous opioids throughout the community, said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The Fully Blooded Felons, a subset of the Heartless Felons criminal network, has been identified as Cleveland’s most significant gang threat and their reign of terror is over thanks to the collaborative efforts of FBI and the Safe Streets Gang Task Force. We will not waver in our mission to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs not only in the larger cities across America, but also right here in northern Ohio.” 
• Full press release 

• De Los Santos came to the attention of law enforcement after he shared multiple child pornography files in various subgroup chatrooms on the Keybase application.  
• A forensic examination of De Los Santos’ devices resulted in the discovery of 853 images and 380 videos of child pornography. The material included depictions of sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, sadistic and masochistic conduct involving children under the age of 12, and bestiality. 
• “The FBI’s violent crimes against children squad consists of very special individuals who work every day to identify, investigate and arrest predators like De Los Santos,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “Today’s sentencing is another testament to their commitment and dedication to protect our children from these types of monsters.” 
• Full press release 

• The agent was wearing FBI gear with clear law enforcement markings and began approaching the vehicle. Authorities asked Lopez to exit from the driver’s seat, but he failed to do so. Instead, he turned the vehicle’s wheels to exit the parking space and aggressively accelerated directly at the FBI agent. The agent managed to jump out of the way of the accelerating vehicle and avoided serious injury and or death by mere inches.  
• At the hearing, the court heard how Lopez had a history of placing law enforcement and the public in danger given his three prior felony convictions for evading arrest with motor vehicles. 
• Lopez has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison. 
• Full press release

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

November 2024 

'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: 

• Practice good cybersecurity hygiene.
• Know who you're buying from or selling to.
• Be careful with your payment methods.
• Monitor the shipping process.
• Learn more about how to stay safe from holiday shopping scams at fbi.gov/holidayscams.

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: 

On this episode of Inside the FBI, Assistant Director David J. Scott—a special agent who leads the Bureau’s efforts to combat domestic, international, and state-sponsored terrorism—reflects on how the threat has evolved over the past quarter century and how the division has risen to meet the challenge. Transcript

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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.

• On August 8, 2023, Seminole drove to the victim’s residence, entered the residence without permission and confronted the victim. An argument then ensued. The defendant left the residence to retrieve a pistol and re-entered the residence where he continued to argue with the victim, who was sitting in his wheelchair.  
• Seminole pistol-whipped the victim, disarmed him, and shot him three times, killing him. In response, another resident shot at Seminole, hitting him in the back of the neck, causing him to flee. Seminole drove himself to the hospital and was diagnosed with a minor flesh wound.  
• The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS. 
• Full press release 

• On September 15, 2019, Reed accompanied co-defendant Jariel Cobb to purchase a kilogram of cocaine from Miguel Anthony Valentin-Colon and Dhamyl Roman-Audiffred, who served as Cobb’s sources of supply.  
• Valentin-Colon, along with his wife. Nicole Marie Merced-Plaud, their minor son, and Roman-Audiffred, arrived in a white minivan at a residence on Roebling Avenue, as directed by Cobb. Roman-Audiffred exited the van and entered the residence’s kitchen, at which time co-defendant Deandre Wilson hit her in the head with a blunt object and she fell to the floor.  
• Wilson then went outside and shot and killed both Valentin-Colon and Merced Plaud, in the presence of their minor son, who was seated in a child’s car seat.  
  They took the minor child and left him on a stranger’s porch on Potomac Avenue in Buffalo. 
• Full press release 

• Maxwell pleaded guilty on April 17, 2024, to one count of attempting to produce child pornography. Maxwell lived in Kansas City, Mo., at the time of the offense, but afterward moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they went by the name “Louis Whitaker” as a cabaret singer. Maxwell was arrested in Mexico following indictment and has remained in federal custody since arrest. 
• Investigators found 39 videos of child pornography that were downloaded on Maxwell’s cell phone, 96 videos of child pornography involving the child victim, and 24 images of child pornography involving the child victim. 
• Maxwell will be required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements. 
• Full Press Release 

• Anderson pleaded guilty on June 10 to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 
• From at least July 2018 to March 2019, Anderson conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine that they sold on darknet marketplaces. Specifically, Anderson advertised and sold drugs to customers on the darknet marketplaces Dream and Wall Street Market, using monikers such as “Drugpharmacist” and “rickandmortyshop.” 
• Full Press Release

• According to court documents, on May 28, 2023, Willie contacted Jane Doe via Facebook Messenger and requested to visit her at her home. Willie arrived at Jane Doe’s residence. After a brief conversation, Willie became aggressive and attempted to forcibly remove Jane Doe from her vehicle until her son, John Doe, intervened to protect his mother. 
• Following the altercation, Willie left the scene but later returned. When John Doe exited his home, Willie, who was lying in wait by circling the neighborhood, turned off the headlights to his vehicle, drove up to John Doe, and discharged two rounds from the driver’s seat, with one shot striking John Doe in the stomach.   
• Full Press Release

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Director Speaks at G-Man Dinner 

November 22, 2024

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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.

• Daniel Harris admitted to robbing a credit union in St. Louis in 2017. 
  Harris approached a teller and placed a note on the counter that read, “I have a gun give me the money now.” The teller handed Harris cash, and he left, discarding two jackets and a baseball cap nearby. Investigators found those items and a receipt in a jacket pocket with Harris’ name.  
• His image, captured on surveillance cameras during the robbery, was identified by a relative and a former employer. Harris was indicted on October 11, 2017. He was located by the FBI in Phoenix and arrested there on August 9, 2023. 
• Full press release 

• On January 3, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a six-count Indictment against Brown, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, kidnapping, and use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, all of which took place in Indian Country. 
• Brown has previous felony convictions, including convictions for assault with a deadly weapon in California and assault and battery with a deadly weapon in Tulsa County District Court. 
• Full press release 

• According to court documents, Hardy King met a 15-year-old child through Omegle, an online chat platform. In June 2020, he coerced and enticed the victim to engage in sexual activity with him and to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing sexually explicit material.  
• King possessed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on two of his cell phones and threatened to send images and video of the victim to the victim’s family, friends, and schoolmates. 
• Full press release 

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

A Career Protecting Indian Country

November 14, 2024

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: 

National Native American Heritage Month 2024

November 13, 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: 

• Special Agent Piere Himel, an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe who helps investigate crime on Native American reservations in New Mexico; and 
• Victim Specialist Blanda Preston, a Navajo Bureau employee who serves victims after crimes committed on Indigenous lands in the FBI Phoenix area of responsibility. 

You can visit fbi.gov/indiancountry to learn more about the Bureau’s law enforcement role and jurisdiction on Tribal lands.  

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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.

• “This defendant orchestrated a community to target children through online gaming sites and used extortion and blackmail to force his minor victims to record themselves committing acts of self-harm and violence,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “If you prey on children online, you can’t hide behind a keyboard. The FBI will use all our resources and authorities to arrest you and hold you accountable.” 
• Densmore, known as “Rabid,” became notorious in the 764 network by creating online “Sewer” communities on Discord where members recruited children – including by infiltrating online gaming sites that children frequent – to cut themselves and engage in graphic sexual acts. Densmore boosted membership in “Sewer” by advertising livestreams of children engaging in self-mutilation and sexually explicit activity “on cam.” 
• Full press release 

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. 

• Delgado, also known as “Sebastian,” kidnapped three men in separate instances between July 5 and July 30, 2022. In each of the three hostage-takings, Delgado lured his victim online with the promise of a friendly “date” and picked the victim up in his car.
• The victims were held in captivity by Delgado and his accomplice(s) for up to an hour and were only released after Delgado believed a ransom payment had been made by the victims’ friends and family. In all three hostage-takings, the victims were also robbed of their personal belongings before being released on the streets of the Dominican Republic. 
• Full press release 

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.  

• Tsosie, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, aimed a firearm at an individual seated in the front passenger seat of a moving vehicle during a family altercation.  
• Tsosie discharged the weapon, but the bullet missed its intended target and instead struck another person in the backseat, resulting in that individual's death. 
• Tsosie faces up to 10 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of no less than 7 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Tsosie will be subject to up to five years of supervised release. 
• Full press release 

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. 

• On July 29, 2022, while on board an American Airlines flight from San Diego, California, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Decker intentionally touched the thigh and breast of a minor while she was sleeping. The victim woke up from her sleep on this overnight flight to find Decker, who was seated in her row, with his hands and face under her clothes and on her body. 
• “Every person has an expectation of and, indeed, the right to fly on a U.S. aircraft without being abusively sexually contacted,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Our office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to ensure both that victims of such crimes are supported and that those who commit such crimes are held accountable. We also thank our partners at the Philadelphia International Airport for their assistance in this case.” 
• Full press release 

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.  

• The convictions stem from an incident that occurred in 2023 in the Cheyenne River Reservation. Theodora and Bailey Belt were at the victims’ home socializing. An argument began between the parties, and the defendants assaulted victim #1 by punching, kicking, and beating him with a shovel. As victim #1 lay on the ground outside the home, he was run over with Theodora’s car, which ultimately killed him.  
• In addition, Bailey Belt struck victim #2 in the head with a shovel, causing him to be life-flighted to Rapid City for medical treatment. He survived the assault. 
• Theodora Belt was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison on the murder charge and 10 years in prison on each of the remaining assault charges, all to run concurrently. 
• Bailey Belt was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison on the murder charge and 10 years in prison on the assault charges involving two separate victims, all to run concurrently. 
• Full press release

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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.

• On July 29, 2024, after receiving reports from Chabad and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh of overnight vandalism at their respective properties. 
• In connection with the investigation, search warrants were executed in August and September 2024 at both defendants’ residences. Hamad’s and Lubit’s cell phones were seized, and a review of the contents revealed, among other things, messages during the month of July 2024 between Hamad and Lubit during which they planned their vandalism activities and specifically discussed selecting Jewish targets.  
• A review of Hamad’s phone also revealed that in the weeks leading up to the vandalism on July 29, Hamad referred to himself as a “Hamas operative,” sent a picture of himself wearing a headband with the Hamas logo to another associate, and exchanged messages with another individual regarding building an explosive device, including a video of a test detonation in early July 2024. 
• Full press release 

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. 

• The defendants allegedly engaged in a pattern of racketeering — including unlawful acts of violence, gun trafficking, and narcotics trafficking — for the benefit of the Lows enterprise.  
• These acts also include seven alleged murders or attempted murders involving a total of 10 victims. 
• “The charges in this indictment reflect our unwavering commitment to bringing violent criminals to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. “For too long, the Lows have inflicted pain and spread fear in north Minneapolis. Together with our law enforcement partners, we are determined to remove this threat from our communities and help restore a sense of security to all who call this city home.” 
• If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy involving acts of murder, using a firearm to commit murder, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. 
• Full press release 

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 

• On February 14, both Mitchell and Graham were at The Gardens Mall, both separately in possession of a firearm. Mitchell followed Graham onto the escalator and was manipulating an object under his shirt. Mitchell was then fired upon by Graham and shot.  
• Graham previously pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance containing fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 
• Kamarcio Mitchell, the second man who was arrested following the shooting at The Gardens Mall, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 21 at 9:30 a.m. Mitchell previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 
• Full press release

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.  

• According to court documents, between July 1 and July 16, 2019, Panteah participated in and continued the confinement of John Doe in the trunk of his own vehicle and contacted the co-defendant for assistance in order to avoid getting in trouble. 
• Along with the co-defendant, Panteah then drove around for over a day through the Navajo Nation with John Doe locked in the trunk before stopping near Bass Lake, New Mexico. There, John Doe attempted to escape by forcing the trunk open. Before he could get out, however, the co-defendant repeatedly stabbed Doe with a machete. Doe died as a result of the stab wounds.  
• The co-defendant eventually towed the vehicle to a remote location, doused it with gasoline, and set it on fire with John Doe's body inside to destroy evidence of the crime.  
• Her co-defendant was previously convicted and sentenced to prison for the subsequent killing. 
• Full press release 

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. 

• Evidence presented at trial established that on November 12, 2020, conspirators, including Wills and Hagens, while armed with firearms, robbed an employee of Business-1 of cash and merchandise and a customer of Business-1 of personal property.   
• Trial evidence further established that conspirators, including Wills and Hagens used a stolen 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck to drive to Business-2 for the purpose of robbing Business-2.  Wills and Hagens thereafter, while using at least one firearm, robbed an employee of Business-2 of cash and merchandise, as well as a customer of personal property. 
• On January 6, 2021, in Waldorf, Maryland, conspirators, including Wills, while armed with firearms, forcefully took a 2008 Honda Pilot SUV from a victim. They then used the 2008 Honda Pilot to travel from Maryland into Virginia. Then, once in Woodbridge, Virginia, conspirators, including Wills, while armed with firearms, robbed customers, agents, and employees of Business-3 of cash, merchandise, and personal property.   
• Finally, on January 18, 2021, conspirators, including Wills and Hagens, robbed Victim-8, the owner of Business-4, of merchandise while using at least two firearms, and shot and killed the business owner during the robbery.   
• Full Press Release 

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

October 2024 

Operation Not Forgotten Breathes New Life into Violent Crime Investigations in Indian Country

October 30, 2024

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: 

• Opened or worked on over 300 cases 
• Arrested more than 40 individuals 
• Helped over 440 victims and their families 
• Identified or recovered nine child victims 

You can read our recent story and press release to learn more about the operation. 

Get Ahead of the Threat with FBI Cyber’s New Podcast Miniseries

October 29, 2024

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:

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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. 

• Court documents allege that Wilkerson beat and strangled Gonzales to death in November 2001 in her barracks room at Fliegerhorst Kaserne in Hanau, Germany, which was a U.S. Army base at the time. 
• Evidence introduced at trial indicated that Wilkerson feared he was the father of Gonzales’ unborn child and that her pregnancy would interfere with his military career and his marriage to another soldier on the base.  
• “Justice for victims is not just a promise, it’s a commitment, no matter how long it takes,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “This sentencing comes just as Amanda Gonzales’ family will mark 23 years since she and her unborn child were brutally murdered by Shannon Wilkerson on November 3, 2001. While no amount of prison time will bring the young Army soldier back, we hope this will close another chapter in the Gonzales family’s grieving process.” 
• Full press release 

Justin Baker was convicted of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft enroute to Seattle from Burbank, California. 

• Baker was arrested March 14, 2024, when the Alaska Airlines plane arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Baker was taken into custody again immediately after the jury returned its guilty verdict.   
• According to testimony at trial, Baker showed the victim, an 18-year-old college student, sexually explicit text messages and then draped his jacket over his lap as well as her lower body. He then reached under the jacket and groped her leg and genitals over her clothing. He also reached into her top and groped her breast. Despite the victim saying “No” and moving away when he first tried to touch her, he continued to grope her.  
• In closing arguments, Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster said the defendant “saw the word ‘No’ as a speedbump, not a stop sign.”  
• At the trial, prosecutors presented the testimony of different victim, who in 2004, as a girl of 15, was molested by Baker in a similar fashion. At that time, Baker was a youth pastor who didn’t stop despite the victim telling him no when he tried to molest her under a blanket. 
• Full press release 

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. 

• According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, Upshaw, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe with a knife (considered a “dangerous weapon” under federal law), and that assault resulted in serious bodily injury to Doe’s head and face. 
• At sentencing, Upshaw faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Upshaw will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. She must also make criminal restitution to the victim of her stabbing. 
• Full press release 

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. 

• "Alas Candray committed half a dozen gruesome murders to rise in rank in MS-13, demonstrating a vile disregard for his victims' lives," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Geist. "His conviction is the result of a multiyear investigation worked by the FBI, Fairfax County Police Department, and our federal and local partners. We thank the victim's families for their patience throughout Alas Candray's prosecution and reaffirm our commitment to bringing MS-13 members to justice for terrorizing communities throughout the country." 
• The jury convicted Alas Candray of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, five counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, five counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and three counts of use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death.  
• He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment on each of the five murder counts. 
• Full press release 

• Humphrey pleaded guilty January 8 to sexual exploitation of a child. Humphrey previously was convicted on a charge relating to the sexual abuse of another child.  
• According to evidence, in July 2023, Google LLC reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that two Google accounts, later identified as belonging to Humphrey, had uploaded material depicting child sexual abuse to Google servers. NCMEC turned that information over to the investigators from the FBI Washington Field Office and the MPD. 
• Investigators obtained a warrant authorizing the search of Humphrey’s Google accounts and discovered three videos that documented Humphrey sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl in June 2023. 
• In addition to the 327-month prison term, U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered Humphrey to serve 15 years of supervised release and pay restitution to the girl and several other victims. 
• Full press release 

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Hacks from the Past: Breaking Into the Bank   

October 22, 2024

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."

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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.

South Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of a Black Transgender Woman 

• In February, a jury convicted Ritter of all charges in the indictment, which included one hate crime count, one federal firearms count, and one obstruction count. 
• This historic case marks the first time a defendant has been found guilty by trial verdict for a hate crime motivated by gender identity under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act. 
• “Today’s sentencing is a culmination of hard work and dedication to the pursuit of justice for Dime Doe,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Let me be clear, no one should live their life in fear because of their sexual identity or appearance. Charged under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, Mr. Ritter will now face the consequences for his actions. This act reminds us of the need to unite against hate and violence in our communities.”
• "This case is a testament to years of hard work and our prioritization of civil rights investigations, to include hate crimes, where individuals are targeted with violence due to their protected characteristics," said Supervisory Special Agent Anthony Snead, Jr., of the FBI’s Civil Rights Unit. “We want to stress to these communities that the FBI is listening. We hear you, we stand with you, and we will use every resource we have to seek justice for victims, their families, and all communities." 
• Full story

Tennessee Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to Six Years in Prison after Distribution Led to Death of Great Falls Man 

• Court documents alleged that, from February 2021 to April 2022, Clark repeatedly mailed small quantities of fentanyl from his home in Tennessee to his friend, the victim, John Doe, and his wife in Montana.  
• On April 6, 2022, Doe’s wife called 911 and reported that Doe had overdosed. Doe was found unresponsive and pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed that Doe’s death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication.  
• Law enforcement collected pills that were determined to be fentanyl from Doe’s home. Doe’s wife admitted they had obtained the pills from Clark through the mail. 
• Full press release 

Fresno Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Series of Vehicle Pipe-Bombings 

• According to court documents, between November 2022 and February 2023, Anderson committed a series of pipe-bombings on unoccupied vehicles and property in Fresno, California. 
• Anderson sometimes recorded his crimes by video. Law enforcement also recovered a pistol in Anderson’s bedroom.  
• Anderson was previously convicted of carrying a loaded and concealed weapon. He is prohibited from possessing a firearm. 
• Full press release 

Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge of Traveling to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct 

• According to evidence, in May 2024, Scott began communicating via an encrypted messaging application with a man he met on a fetish website. Scott believed the man to be a pedophile who was sexually abusing his six-year-old daughter. Unbeknownst to Scott, the man was an undercover officer with the Metropolitan Police Department–FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. 
• On June 5, 2024, Scott arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child. He traveled from Maryland to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C., and was arrested.  
  Scott faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 
• Full press release 

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

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:  

• Brian Biggs 
• Aaron Chapman 
• Anthony Estrada 
• Melerie Gishie 
• Tasheena Harvey 
• Doris John 
• Tevona Lahi 
• Carol Lovato 
• Teri-ana Lovejoy 
• Garrick Morton 
• Berlinda Parker 
• Ellie Peshlakai 
• Rondale Phillip 
• Briah Reano 
• Dewayne Richards 
• Jaylee Urias 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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 

• According to court documents, the crime spree started on November 12, 2021, when Atkinson robbed a Dollar General store in Northwest Albuquerque.  
• The crime spree culminated on December 20 when John Doe 3 was driving alone in his vintage Chevrolet truck with his wife and daughter following behind in another vehicle. They were stopped at a traffic light when Atkinson approached John Doe 3’s wife and daughter with a pistol and demanded they exit their vehicle. After they refused to open their doors, Atkinson turned his attention to John Doe 3's truck. He opened the passenger door and, after a brief struggle, shot John Doe 3 in the back. 
• Full press release

Three Indicted in Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robberies in the Eastern District of California and the East Bay 

• Futch, charging them with conspiracy to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. Futch was additionally charged with one count of perjury. 
• According to court documents, between June 2023 and September 2024, Jones and Millett conspired to commit at least 10 bank robberies in Sacramento, Vallejo, Suisun City, Benicia, Concord, and Antioch.  
• Jones and Millett worked together and with others—primarily women they recruited, such as Futch—to facilitate a patterned series of bank robberies. 
• If convicted of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.  
• Full press release 

Registered Sex Offender Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging He Targets and Exploits Local High School Students 

• Cummings has a criminal history of unlawful sexual conduct with minors dating back to 2016.  
• Cummings’s federal child exploitation charge carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years and up to 50 years in prison and the coercion and enticement charge pending against him is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. 
• The FBI asks anyone with information related to the criminal allegations against Cummings to complete this form or text (740) 428-0739. 
• Full press release 

Somerset County Man Admits Federal Hate Crime in Connection with Breaking into Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University and Destroying Property

• Beacher pleaded guilty on October 9, 2024, to an information charging him with damage to religious property. 
• “When we learned of this vandalism back in April, we immediately engaged with our law enforcement partners and Rutgers University,” FBI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado said. “Within days, we tracked down and arrested Beacher. We want our actions and the speed with which we responded to illustrate our commitment and resolve to protect houses of worship in New Jersey. We all have the right to practice whatever religion we choose, without fear of hate marring the physical and spiritual place where we do it.” 
• The charge of damage to religious property carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2025. 
• Full press release 

23 Members of a Violent Gang in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses 

• The indictment alleges that from 2015 through the present, the drug trafficking organization distributed cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, and marijuana within 1,000 feet of La Montaña Public Housing Project, and other areas nearby the municipality of Aguadilla, all for significant financial gain and profit. 
• “Our successful operation and the indictment of over 20 individuals in this case stand as a resolute testament to the unwavering commitment of our office to combat drug trafficking organizations across our entire area of responsibility,” said Joseph González, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “We know our work is not completed when it comes to the fight against violent gangs and the scourge of illegal drugs, but the public can be assured that we will continue to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice those who seek to profit from the suffering of others.” 
• Full press release 

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

FBI Helps Return Monet Artwork, Stolen During World War II, to Original Owners’ Heirs

October 9, 2024

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. 

How the Melissa Virus Shaped FBI Cyber History

October 8, 2024

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. 

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. 

• During the investigation, law enforcement seized large quantities of illegal firearms, and dozens of pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, according to the indictment. 
• "This operation, led by our Joint Terrorism Task Force, disrupted a racially motivated violent extremist group who engaged in a wide range of criminal activity," said FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis. "This case strikes at the heart of our collective mission to rid our communities of the corrosive elements that fuel violence and extremism that greatly impact our way of life. The FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners, remains strongly committed to working every day to make sure the people of the Southland remain safe."
• Full press release

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.

• The two-year investigation alleges that the trafficking ring has been linked to a fatal fentanyl overdose on the Lummi Nation reservation in Whatcom County. Law enforcement in Georgia, Missouri, Texas, and Arizona executed search warrants and some arrests.
• "The significance of this case is that a family drug trafficking organization expanded from Seattle beyond Washington state to locations across the country," said FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi. "This group distributed more than 800,000 fentanyl pills throughout the United States, including in Arizona, Texas, Missouri, Montana, and Georgia. Together with our partners, this demonstrates the national impact of today’s operations by disrupting this source of supply."
• Full press release

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.

• During the operation, which involved over 500 officers, agents, and personnel from federal, state, and local agencies, law enforcement seized distribution levels of narcotics—including cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone—as well as one shotgun, three handguns, and nearly $40,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia.
• "Thanks to diligent and comprehensive investigative work by the FBI’s Annapolis Safe Streets Task Force, a significant drug trafficking organization has been dismantled," said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. "In a coordinated effort across three jurisdictions, the FBI and our law enforcement partners worked seamlessly to thwart the capabilities of this criminal enterprise that profited from peddling poison within our communities. We are working hard to identify and stop the most violent offenders and facilitators."
• Full press release

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.

• "These convictions are the culmination of eight years of complex investigative work by the FBI-led Santa Clara County Safe Streets Task Force. Through tireless investigative efforts and collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we have dismantled a core part of this criminal enterprise, whose illicit drug distribution and violent crime have long plagued our community," said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. "The FBI remains committed to ensuring that those who lead and engage in such violence, no matter where they operate, are brought to justice."
• "Prison gangs are a blight on the criminal justice system and on society," said Martha Boersch, Chief of the Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division for the Northern District of California. Prisons are supposed to protect the community from further crime and offer people the chance for rehabilitation, but prison gangs frustrate both goals. They perpetuate violence and criminality inside prisons, and through the use of contraband cell phones, gang leaders are able to oversee vast criminal networks on the streets. Successful prosecutions like this send an unmistakable message that this will not be tolerated simply because it’s happening behind prison walls."
• Full press release

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).

• The Quarterly Uniform Crime Report (Q2), January-June 2024, provides a preliminary look at crime trends for January through June 2024 compared to January through June 2023.
• A comparison of data from agencies that voluntarily submitted at least three or more common months of data for January through June 2023 and 2024, indicates reported violent crime decreased by 10.3%. Murder decreased by 22.7%, rape decreased by 17.7%, robbery decreased by 13.6%, and aggravated assault decreased by 8.1%. Reported property crime also decreased by 13.1%.
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

October 3, 2024

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:  

• Maurice Cosen
• Sammie John
• Davina Jones
• Candy Moody
• Syndey Mutte
• Harris Nakai Jr.
• Cristina Rosalez
• Chastity Slim
• Nizhoni Suttle
• John Thomas
• Safara Tully
• Dion Victoriano
• Isaiah Vigil

September 2024 

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.  

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: 

• Press Release: Local Partners Join FBI New Orleans in Announcing Latest Violent Crime Initiative Operation Clean House
• Video: FBI New Orleans Operation Clean House Press Conference 
• fbi.gov Story: Operation Clean House: New Orleans 
• What We Investigate: Violent Crime
• Inside the FBI Podcast: Fighting Violent Crime

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:  

• Charmayne Begay
• Delilah Begay
• Tavian Begay
• Kaylena Begaye
• Gary Billy
• Gabrel Gasper
• Francisco Hernandez
• Randolph James Jr.
• Tom Jim Jr.
• Natellia Lucero
• Amber Mailboy
• Jamaal Miller
• Katrina Suazo
• Monica Tortice
• Joseph Waukazoo
• Alonzo Yazzie Jr.

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 . 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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. 

• Beginning around June 2024, Hnaihen targeted and attacked businesses in the Orlando area for their perceived support for Israel.
  Hnaihen broke into a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida, and spent hours systematically destroying solar panel arrays. He smashed panels, cut wires, and targeted critical electronic equipment.
• "Under the guise of expressing his beliefs, the defendant allegedly attacked a power facility and threatened local businesses, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Violence and destruction of property to threaten and intimidate others will never be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will work together to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence."
• Full press release

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. 

• From May 2021 through November 2023, Tomasi used a social media platform to express a desire to incite violence and threaten a variety of individuals and groups, including a city district attorney, a state court judge, a member of Congress and other federal officials and law enforcement officers.
• "Threatening law enforcement officers and elected officials strikes at the heart of our communities and our democracy," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "The men and women of the FBI work tirelessly every day to defend our homeland and protect the American people. I am proud of their selfless spirit—putting themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe—and we will hold accountable anyone who threatens them."
• Full press release

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.

• In 2021, Murphy met a 13-year-old minor and began instructing the victim to engage in sex acts over live Snapchat video.
• In December 2021, Murphy drove from New Mexico to Kennewick, Washington, where he took the 13-year-old victim from a residential area. Murphy drove the victim to his residence in New Mexico. During the drive, Murphy provided the victim with alcohol and marijuana and sexually abused the victim.
• "As a parent, I am horrified by Mr. Murphy’s conduct. Mr. Murphy meticulously planned the abduction of his young victim and took steps to make it difficult for law enforcement to track his whereabouts. Mr. Murphy repeatedly physically and sexually abused his victim resulting in significant trauma for the victim and their family. While no sentence can replace the horrors the victim faced, hopefully, it will serve as an important step on a long road to healing," stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa Waldref. "I want to commend the excellent work done by the Kennewick Police Department in the initial steps of this case, as well as the stellar follow-up investigation undertaken by our federal and local partners in Washington and New Mexico."
• Full press 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.

• From 2019 to 2023, the nationwide rate of motor vehicle theft incidents rose from 199.4 incidents per 100,000 people to 283.5 incidents.
• The rate of offenses committed by juveniles increased in 2022 and 2023, while the rate of offenses committed by adults decreased during that time.
• Between 2022 and 2023, the rate of reported carjacking incidents declined from 7.5 to 6.6 per 100,000 people.
• The top three types of motor vehicles stolen from 2019 to 2023 were automobiles at 78.1 percent, trucks at 12.2 percent, and other motor vehicles at 8.0 percent.
• Full press release

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.

• Elkins’ former fiancé, Andrew Beard, previously pleaded guilty to stalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and was sentenced to 43 years in federal prison.
• "Month after month, Holly Elkins and Andrew Beard relentlessly harassed Alyssa Ann Burkett. They called her despicable names. They filed false police reports. They placed illegal contraband in her vehicle. And when all that failed, they plotted a particularly painful and bloody death," said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. "We can never bring back what Ms. Burkett’s family has lost. We can never heal the pain her young daughter has had to endure. But we can give them this measure of justice. Holly Elkins and Andrew Beard will never terrorize their family again."
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

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.

Missing Person Alert: Help the FBI Find Shelbie Lynn Dwyer

August 12, 2024

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:

• Missing Person: Shelbie Lynn Dwyer

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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.

• The FBI coordinates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine if we have jurisdiction and, if so, will usually board the vessel when it docks. When working aboard the vessel, Bureau personnel emphasize protection of life, preservation of evidence, and securing the crime scene.
• In 2023, the FBI received 180 reports of alleged criminal activity on board cruises in 2023, from thefts to missing persons cases. Sexual assaults topped the list of cruise ship crime reports they received, followed by physical assaults.
• "You have everything you need to solve the crime on the ship," said FBI Los Angeles Special Agent Matt Parker. "You have a short amount of time to do the best you can to solve this case or collect all the evidence you need to solve this case and then your crime scene leaves."
• Full story

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.

• "This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI."
• "For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security."
• Full press release

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.

• Winfield persistently and aggressively sought out and collected nude files of high school classmates and minor females he met online. He used several social media accounts of his own to engage in the exploitation and extortion of the victims, and his accounts were active across platforms such as Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, and Google Hangouts.
• "Acts of sextortion are serious and have no place in our society. As we heard in court today from more than a dozen victims, this conduct creates significant harm," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Kenneth L. Parker. "Today’s sentencing reflects that we will hold such perpetrators accountable for their damaging actions."
• Full press release

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. 

• In July 2022, Green traveled from his home in Texas to the Eastern District of Oklahoma to engage in sexual acts with a child under the age of twelve, caused the child to engage in sexual conduct, and used his cell phone to create photos and videos of the child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
• "This defendant made the depraved decision to sexually exploit a child, not only failing to meet any standard of human decency, but choosing instead to inflict pain and suffering on an innocent victim," said FBI Oklahoma City Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph Skarda. "I’m grateful for the collaborative effort between the FBI and our law enforcement partners to ensure Mr. Green will spend the next 30 years behind prison walls, where he undoubtedly belongs."
• Full press release

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.

• "Open political discourse is a cornerstone of our American experience. We can disagree. We can argue and we can debate. However, when those disagreements cross the line to threats of violence, law enforcement must step in," said U.S. Attorney of the Western District of Virginia Christopher R. Kavanaugh.
• "The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people. We take all threats of violence seriously, and we will investigate them to the fullest and hold those responsible accountable," FBI Richmond Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador.
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

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. 

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.

FBI Helps Return Stolen Revolutionary War-Era Firearm to Philadelphia Museum  

July 3, 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 2024 

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.

Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell Marks Ninth Anniversary  

June 24, 2024

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.

FBI Cyber Lead Keynotes 2024 Boston Conference on Cyber Security

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. 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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.

• In addition to his alleged role in importing massive quantities of lethal narcotics into the U.S., he is accused of leading a group of enforcers who committed brutal acts of violence to maintain control and protect the cartel’s leadership and operations, including the murder of law enforcement officers, a witness and informant, and even a 13 year-old boy.
• The Sinaloa Cartel causes immense harm to the American public by importing lethal narcotics and illegal firearms which terrorizes our communities, and the FBI thanks our partners who share a relentless commitment to going after the leadership of these cartels and holding those individuals to account.
• Full press release

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. 

• Over the past several months, the joint agencies conducted records checks on existing felony warrant entries. Working with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI researched and assessed approximately 2,600 felony warrants from Ventura County issued over the past ten years. The research flagged nearly 100 warrants for individuals who were either deceased or were candidates for removal from warrant databases.
• The joint agencies also carried out a week-long surveillance and arrest operation, focusing on the most violent fugitives at large within Ventura County. In total, 26 individuals were arrested on outstanding felony warrants for alleged violations including assault with a deadly weapon, crimes against children, corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, and various firearms-related felony crimes. An additional nine people were arrested based on probable cause.
• Full press release

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.

• Several defendants are members and associates of a neighborhood-based street gang that operates in the area of the Booker T. Washington Housing Complex in Jersey City. The "Booker T" street gang is responsible for multiple acts of gang-motivated violence in Jersey City, including homicides and shootings.
• The investigation revealed that the gang runs a drug trafficking operation in and around the housing complex and distributes large quantities of controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
• Eleven members and associates of the organization are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine.
• Full press release

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.

• Schultheis transported a 12-year-old minor from Arizona to South Carolina with the intent to engage in sexual activity. After using social media to meet and groom the minor, Schultheis drove from South Carolina to Safford, Arizona, to pick up the minor and drive her back to his South Carolina residence.
• "This sentencing puts a stop to Timothy Schulthies and his repeated offenses. He can no longer hurt children or their families across the country," said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis. "This case demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to follow the evidence wherever it leads. We will use all tools available to bring to justice those who seek to harm children. We are extremely grateful for the swift actions of our law enforcement partners who worked nonstop to locate and apprehend Schultheis."
• Full press 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.

• Fremont was convicted by a jury in November 2022 on eight counts of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to murder rival gang members in-aid-of racketeering, two counts of attempted murder in-aid-of racketeering, two counts of assault in-aid-of racketeering, one count of attempted assault in-aid-of racketeering, and two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with multiple shootings in Brooklyn in November 2020. 
• "Fremont will spend decades in prison for attempting to murder individuals for the sole purpose of defending his gang’s reputation,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace. "Incarcerating Fremont and his co-defendants for a long period of time for their ruthless acts of violence and complete disregard for human life will serve to protect the community while sending a message of deterrence to others who foolishly seek status by choosing to join violent gangs."
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

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  

• Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.
  
• Search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number, addresses) and the proposed offer. Other people have likely posted information online about individuals and businesses trying to run scams.
  
• Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.
  
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door services offers.
  
• Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
  
• Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls.
  
• Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Pop-ups are regularly used by perpetrators to spread malicious software. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.
  
• Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.
  
• Take precautions to protect your identity if a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts, and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity.
  

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:

• Names of the scammer and/or company
• Dates of contact
• Methods of communication
• Phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, and websites used by the perpetrator
• Methods of payment
• Where you sent funds, including wire transfers and prepaid cards (provide financial institution names, account names, and account numbers)
• Descriptions of your interactions with the scammer and the instructions you were given

Whenever possible, you should keep original documentation, emails, faxes, and logs of communications.

Resources  

• How We Can Help You: Elder Fraud 
• Elder Fraud, in Focus
• IC3 2023 Elder Fraud Report
• IC3 Public Service Announcement on "Phantom Hacker" Scams
• IC3 Public Service Announcement for Older Americans (Video)
• IC3 2021 Elder Fraud Report
• IC3 Elder Fraud Page
• IC3: A Warning About Technical and Customer Support Fraud
• IC3: FBI Warns of a Grandparent Fraud Scheme Using Couriers
• IC3: Perpetrators Use Various Methods to Deceive and Defraud Elderly Victims for Financial Gain
• Victim Support: Older Adult Financial Exploitation Brochure (pdf)
• Department of Justice: Elder Justice Initiative

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: 

• IC3 PSA: Smishing Scam Regarding Debt for Road Toll Services 
• ic3.gov PSA library
• fbi.gov Resource Page: Common Scams and Crimes

April 2024  

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: 

• Common Scams and Crimes: Elder Fraud
• Story: Elder Fraud, in Focus
• 2023 Elder Fraud Report (ic3.gov PDF)
• Video: Former Director Webster Offers Warning About Elder Fraud
• Video: Beware of Elder Fraud Scams 

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." 

• Read a press release and story about the Trauma Notification Training program launch. 
• Visit fbi.gov/TraumaNotification to take the training or access instructor resources. 
• Learn about our new Trauma Notification Training app. 
• Visit fbi.gov/victims to learn about how the FBI’s Victim Services Division (or VSD) informs, supports, and assists victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience—whether those victims are youth or adults. 
• Listen to a 2020 episode of our Inside the FBI podcast about VSD’s origins. 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

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.

• Roggio directed Kurdish soldiers to kidnap an employee and hold him hostage at one of their military compounds for 39 days. There, Roggio and the Kurdish military personnel under his corrupt command physically and mentally abused the victim.
• "Torture is among the grievous crimes the FBI investigates and this is the second time we have been able to bring justice under the federal torture statute," said Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch in a DOJ release about the sentencing. "Our investigation into Roggio’s abominable crimes and today’s sentencing would not be possible without the sheer courage of the victim to tell his story. The FBI and our international partners stand with victims by standing up to human rights violations wherever they occur."
• On April 15, 2024, Roggio became the second-ever person to be convicted under the U.S. torture statute since it took effect in 1994. 
• Full story

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.

• Forney allegedly trafficked women to work in commercial sex in New York, including at an open-air sex trafficking market along a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn known as the Penn Track, as well as the defendant’s transportation of women from New York to multiple other states with the intent that they engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit.
• According to the indictment, for years, Forney preyed on vulnerable women in tough financial circumstances by sex trafficking them, violently assaulting them, and subjecting them to constant threats of violence.
• Full press release

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.

• "Law enforcement officers and other officials receive certain powers from the government so they can defend the rights of the people and prevent wrongdoing," said FBI Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. "When individuals working in an official capacity violate the trust of their communities by abusing that power, they undermine the hard work of all officials. The despicable actions perpetuated by Johnson, against those he was entrusted to protect, have no place in society. When you break the trust you’re given as a member of law enforcement and ultimately break the law, there are consequences. Today’s sentence is a resounding reminder that the FBI is committed to restoring trust in law enforcement by holding those who abuse their privileges and abandon their responsibilities accountable. We encourage survivors to find the courage to come forward and report these crimes to the FBI…"
• Full press release

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.

• According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Brannon used racial slurs for various minority groups, "made hateful comments towards all non-white individuals," and discussed "cleans[ing]" the United States of particular ethnic groups.
• "Mr. Brannon’s deep-rooted hatred and extremist views inspired him to target individuals or groups who did not conform to his neo-Nazi worldview and, in one case, led him to carry out a violent attack which could have killed innocent people," said FBI Los Angeles Acting Assistant Director in Charge Mehtab Syed.
• Full press release

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.

• Inman was previously convicted in North Carolina state court of robbery with a dangerous weapon and two counts of second-degree kidnapping as well as multiple breaking and entering charges. He has a lengthy criminal history spanning back to 2010.
• "This defendant’s long history of violence has finally caught up to him, now getting...years in federal prison after a high-speed chase exceeding 90 miles per hour in Robeson County," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Michael Easley.
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

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: 

• Shawntell Billy 
• Vinson Dennison 
• Tom Jim Jr. 
• Ferlando Nez 
• Justin Norberto 
• Hailey Pacheco 
• Deandrea Provencio 
• Hunter Ricotta 
• Augustine Secatero 
• Monica Wilson 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

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.  

• Brown was involved in a Nogales, Sonora-based drug trafficking conspiracy that used Tucson as a staging ground for distribution into the U.S.
• Over the course of the government investigation, the U.S. seized more than 140 kilograms of cocaine, more than 60 kilograms of “ice” methamphetamine, over $1 million in bulk cash, and two firearms. 
• In March 2012, Brown fled to Mexico while the government was making arrests of the U.S.-based members of the conspiracy. Brown lived in Mexico for more than a decade before he attempted to return to the U.S. in late 2022 and was apprehended on the fugitive warrant in this case.
• Full press 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.

• Between February 2017 and May 2019, the defendants worked in concert with each other to obtain and distribute controlled substances in the Louisiana State Penitentiary and elsewhere through the use of correctional officers and other non-incarcerated individuals, and with the intent to profit from the distribution of these controlled substances.
• "The FBI’s goal is to identify and target criminal enterprises and other groups engaged in drug trafficking. Today, justice was served to those who chose to traffic and distribute illicit narcotics in Angola State Penitentiary..." said the FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil. "I assure you, the FBI will continue to enforce the laws and intervene when drug traffickers distribute narcotics on the streets or in the prison system."
• Full press release

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.

• Torres pleaded guilty to five federal hate crime counts for killing one individual and attempting to kill four others during a mass shooting at Omar’s Wheels and Tires in Dallas on December 24, 2015. Torres also pleaded guilty to one count of using a firearm to commit the murder.
• "The defendant attempted to commit a mass shooting and intentionally targeted victims at a Muslim-owned business," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "This case is an abhorrent example of how deadly Islamophobia can be in our own country and the severe consequences that wait for anyone who commits acts of hateful violence. The FBI places civil rights investigations as one of our highest priorities because everyone deserves to practice their religion without fear."
• Full press release

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.

• Adams maintained a stock of 78 fighting dogs at three properties—two in Bessemer and one in Adger.
• Agents also recovered tools and supplies used in the training and keeping of dogs used for fighting. This included modified treadmills to hold dogs in place for dog fight conditioning, injectable veterinary steroids, suture materials and syringes, skin staplers, a homemade breeding stand used to immobilize female dogs who are too aggressive to mate naturally, and a break stick device used to break the bite hold of a dog during specified intervals in a dog fight.
• The defendant was further found to possess two pistols and a semi-automatic shotgun known colloquially as a "Street Sweeper." The latter is not just a firearm but a "destructive device" under federal law.
• The dogs were rescued and cared for by a program administered by the U.S. Marshals Service.
• Full press release

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.

• Through social media, Greene targeted a 12-year-old girl and then he proceeded to entice her to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. He then traveled from New York to Massachusetts where he raped the child while he was recording his deviant behavior on Snapchat.
• "Markell Greene is a monster, and no sentence will ever wipe away the untold heartache, pain, anxiety, and fear that he inflicted upon this young child and her family," said FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen. "That said, today’s sentence does remove a dangerous predator from our community for a significant amount of time, and highlights the FBI’s ongoing commitment to ensure that sexual predators are held accountable for their crimes. Our Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to do what it can to prevent children from being sexually abused and exploited."
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Returning the Ruby Slippers 

March 19, 2024

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

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.

• Moore used his cell phone to produce and possess photos of sexually explicit conduct involving both minor victims.
• "Mr. Moore deliberately exploited and abused minors, the most vulnerable members of our community," said FBI Anchorage Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Vorndran. "The FBI will continue to work collaboratively with law enforcement partners and service providers to seek justice for these horrific crimes against children."
• Moore was arrested by the FBI in 2023 after one of the minor victims reported the abuse to a local health official.
• Full press release 

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.

• Three of the officers assaulted a non-violent inmate who was lying face-down, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles, and isolated in a prison shower cell.
• Within hours of the abuse being reported, an investigation was opened. Three additional officers joined the cover-up scheme, writing false reports and lying to state investigators.
• "When several officers took part in beating an inmate who was unable to defend himself, a blatant violation of the individual’s civil rights occurred. But the injustice did not stop there as evidence of a cover-up also emerged," said FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Michael Stansbury. "As in this case, FBI personnel will always take allegations of police misconduct seriously and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to identifying perpetrators who violate federal law."
• Full press release 

Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison
Stacey Bissonette was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after being convicted of voluntary manslaughter.

• Bissonette was convicted for stabbing a man with whom she had a romantic relationship; he later succumbed to his injuries.
• Along with being sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, Bissonette was sentenced to three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
• Full press release 

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.

• After several days of planning, Brown and multiple accomplices carried out a home invasion robbery targeting a Milwaukie man they believed possessed large quantities of cocaine and cash.
• The group forcibly entered the residence and confronted the homeowner, who quickly retreated into a bathroom and called 911. Brown and an accomplice, each armed with semi-automatic firearms, positioned themselves outside the bathroom door and fired their respective handguns multiple times at the bathroom door, penetrating the door and killing the homeowner.
• "Within months of completing a five-year prison sentence for attempted robbery, Keandre Brown went on a three-month crime spree, affecting over 20 victims, and brutally killing one. He used weapons, drugs, and fear to wreak havoc on our streets," said FBI Portland Acting Special Agent in Charge Aubree Schwartz. "Today’s significant sentence removes this dangerous individual from our community and highlights the tenacity of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend criminals like him who threaten public safety."
• Full press release 

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.

• While a driver was pulled over to the side of the road, Pringle and an accomplice entered the vehicle, assaulted the driver, and stole his wallet, car keys, and vehicle.
• In the second carjacking, Pringle approached a victim in his vehicle and pointed a gun at the victim while an accomplice took the victim’s keys and stole their vehicle.
• "Sentences like this are a product of the diligent work done by the FBI Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force, who leverages the resources of our local law enforcement partners to remove violent offenders from our streets," said FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs. "This serves as a reminder that brazen acts of violence will be not tolerated in this city and reinforces our commitment to fostering a safe community for the citizens of Philadelphia."
• Full press release 

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

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.

• Law enforcement officers discovered a firearm in Tomlinson’s vehicle while investigating a domestic incident; because of a prior felony conviction, Tomlinson is prohibited from possessing firearms.
• Tomlinson’s girlfriend told investigators that Tomlinson had sexually and physically abused her, and was granted a Domestic Violence Emergency Protective Order.
• While being held on the firearms charge, Tomlinson asked his mother to contact his girlfriend on his behalf to encourage her to drop the charges against him.
• Full press release

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.

• Martin and a co-conspirator fraudulently obtained two life insurance policies in the name of victim Brandy Odom before strangling her in her bedroom, dismembering her corpse, and disposing her body parts in Canarsie Park in Brooklyn, New York.
• At trial, Martin’s co-conspirator testified that, prior to the murder, Martin watched "The First 48," a true-crime program, and "Dexter," a TV show about a serial killer who dismembered victims, and discussed ways to commit the crime without being caught by police.
• After her murder, Martin and his co-conspirator made several unsuccessful attempt to claim benefits under Odom’s life insurance policies. 
• "Today’s guilty verdict is a message to anyone who, without fear of being held accountable, commits heinous acts of criminality in New York City," stated NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. "The NYPD will continue to collaborate with the FBI and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York to conduct meticulous investigations that lead to successful prosecutions, and ultimately deliver justice to victims."
• Full press release

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.

• Authorities were alerted by a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from a cloud storage company after Flores stored hundreds of photos and videos of the victim on electronic devices and online.
• This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Full press release

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.

• The 85 defendants were charged with various federal offenses, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, First-Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Person Convicted of Domestic Violence, and more.
• "The FBI works alongside our law enforcement partners to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe," said FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi. "The FBI’s goal is to build cases which disrupt and dismantle the capabilities of criminal enterprises, putting the worst offenders behind bars to keep communities safer. The impact of firearms violations highlighted from 2023 represent a step forward in achieving that aim. These results would not be possible without the strong partnerships within the public safety community."
• Full press release

Federal Jury Convicts Mescalero Man of Domestic Assault
Theodore Ian Chavez, IV, was found guilty for assault of an intimate partner by strangling.

• Chavez strangled and assaulted his intimate partner, Jane Doe, multiple times. Doe sought medical attention after assaults resulted in the loss of consciousness, visible bruises, and a head injury.
• FBI Albuquerque investigated the case with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
• At sentencing, Chavez faces ten years in prison.
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

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.  

• Between September 18, 2021, and October 17, 2021, Dor operated as a straw purchaser for 400 Mawozo, a notoriously violent Haitian gang and criminal organization. 
• Dor purchased 10 semiautomatic high-power rifles for the express purpose of shipping the weapons to the 400 Mawozo gang leaders in Haiti for use in combat.  
• Dor originally was charged in a May 2022 indictment that named two co-defendants.
• Full press release 

Carthage Man Sentenced for Child Pornography 
James Beam was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison without parole for receiving and distributing child pornography.  

• Beam began speaking to an undercover FBI agent in April 2023. During conversations, Beam expressed a desire to meet the undercover agent’s fictional niece for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.  
• Beam sent the undercover agent a video of child pornography, and expressed his intent to abduct and rape a child.  
• Full press release

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.  

• On May 25, 2022, Buford robbed two separate Oklahoma City liquor stores, and brandished a firearm during both robberies.  
• During the second robbery, Buford shot the owner of the liquor store in the head before he fled, leaving his victim behind in the parking lot.
• Full press release

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. 

• Authorities began investigating Kurkowski’s online communications and sexual exploitation of a minor victim. Investigators reviewed several messages from Kurkowski to the minor describing in graphic detail a plan to travel to Pennsylvania where Kurkowski would murder the parents of his former victim, rape his sister, and then kill her in front of his former victim.
• When authorities arrested Kurkowski, they discovered a bag containing 16 heavy flex cuffs, electrical tape, a taser, a knife, rubber gloves, handcuffs, and hooded face masks.
• Kurkowski was previously sentenced to 142 days in prison in 2021, and he was subsequently registered as a sex offender, ordered not to contact his victim, to refrain from behavior which may present a danger to others, and not to possess any weapons.
• Full press release 

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. 

• Between September and October 2021, Saffold and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme targeting rideshare drivers, and conspired with each other to lure drivers to preplanned locations under the guise of picking up or dropping off passengers. When the drivers arrived, the defendants carjacked the drivers at gunpoint, brandished firearms, and beat and pistol-whipped the drivers.  
• Saffold and his co-defendants also demanded keys, wallets, and cell phones, and forced the drivers at gunpoint to unlock their phones and provide passcodes. The defendants then used the passcodes to further victimize the drivers by accessing and stealing money from the drivers’ Cash App accounts or other applications. 
• On May 11, 2022, an FBI agent attempted to execute an arrest warrant and approached Saffold, who immediately drew a pistol and pointed it at the agent before fleeing. 
• Full press release  

More Than a Dozen People Sentenced in Federal Investigation Targeting the 4K Street Gang in Alachua, Florida 

• The last of 12 defendants were sentenced for drug-trafficking and firearm charges related to a joint federal and state investigation into the 4K criminal street gang.  
• After a number of gang-related shootings in 2018, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force began an investigation of the 4K gang, working with the with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Alachua Police Department to investigate the shootings. 
• The FBI and DEA, who aided through investigation of the gang’s drug-trafficking activity, obtained six court-authorized wiretaps on cellphones used by members of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.  
• "These sentencings demonstrate the FBI's relentless determination to eradicate drug-fueled gang violence that is plaguing communities," said FBI Jacksonville Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis. "Disrupting organizations like this one is a critical part of the FBI mission, and we will use every legal means available to hold accountable those who threaten our neighborhoods. The rule of law is not optional, and we want to make clear to other gangs operating in our communities: the FBI and our local, state, and federal partners are coming for you, and the violence won't be tolerated." 
• Full Press Release 

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

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.

• Fingerprints found on the GPS tracking device were traced back to Brown—and digital evidence revealed a connection between Brown and Harris.
• Investigators discovered that prior to Harris' murder, Brown sent threatening messages to Harris via Snapchat. These messages included photos of GPS devices and demands of monthly $10,000 payments to be made to Brown from Harris.
  
• "Kansas City will continue to monitor and review state and local homicide investigations that are particularly heinous that could potentially be better served as a venue in federal court versus a local court," said Kansas City Supervisory Special Agent Nathan Kim.
• This case marked the first filing of both the cyberstalking and the cyberstalking resulting in death charges in the Western District of Missouri.
• Full press release

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.

• Harmon began speaking to the undercover agent posing as a purported minor from May through June 2021. During conversations, he solicited the 15-year-old purported minor and an 11-year-old purported minor for sex in exchange for money, and also solicited nude images of both the purported minors.
• "Our proactive efforts to protect children resulted in another offender being stripped of his ability to harm a member of our most vulnerable population," said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. "This sentence underscores the FBI’s unwavering dedication to investigate and arrest those who seek to harm our children."
• Full press release

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.

• Aponte-Rivera was part of a large-scale drug trafficking organization based in San Juan that was sending kilogram quantities of cocaine to the mainland United States, including the Washington D.C. region, via the U.S. Postal Service.
• Law enforcement identified more than 50 parcels of cocaine shipped by the organization from Puerto Rico to the area with a wholesale street value of at least $2 million. Once the drugs arrived in the metropolitan area, a local drug trafficking organization distributed the cocaine to mainland dealers.
• Full press release

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.

• Several current and former female students subsequently reported that Geno solicited images of sexually explicit conduct over Snapchat.
• At least one former student advised that she engaged in sexual contact with Geno that he recorded on his cell phone. In addition, several videos of child sexual abuse material involving minor victims were recovered on Geno’s cell phone hidden within an encrypted application used to store the media.
• "Mr. Kenny Paul Geno’s actions violated the innocence and trust of many young children," said FBI Acting Special Agent In Charge Maher Dimachkie. "The FBI is committed to combating crimes against children and will continue to engage with law enforcement partners and community leaders to protect children. The FBI will hold individuals like Mr. Geno accountable for their actions."
• Full press release

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.

• In January 2017, Born broke into an Ada residence, threatened and assaulted the occupant with a knife, stole the victim’s vehicle, then kidnapped and forced the victim into the car. As he drove south, Born backed the vehicle over the side of a bridge, sending it over the edge and down into the creek bed below. The victim ultimately died from the injuries sustained in the incident.
• Born then made his way to a second home nearby, which he burglarized, stealing a blanket, a knife, a wallet, and electronics. From there, Born proceeded to yet a third residence, where he broke in and set the home ablaze with the occupants still inside. A bystander was able to rescue the occupants from the fire and Born was captured nearby.
• In December 2020, while being held on charges for these crimes, Born killed a fellow inmate in the Pontotoc County Justice Center in a brutal and sustained attack.
• Full press release

Additional resources:

• Violent crime program
• Gangs
• Violent crimes against children
• Indian country crime
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Bank robberies
• Jewelry and gem theft

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

• targeted more than 2,000 victims
• received more than $120 million in ransom payments
• and made ransom demands totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

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?