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2022 Entries
On a new episode of the Inside the FBI podcast, we separate myth from reality about how the Bureau uses science to process crime scenes.
Tune in to hear members of the FBI's Evidence Response Team set the record straight about what your favorite crime show likely got wrong—and to learn what it’s really like when they use science to process crime scenes.
For this and more episodes of Inside the FBI, follow us on:
For more podcasting platforms, view our listing on transistor.fm or subscribe to episodes with email.
December 23, 2022
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crime 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 tasks 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 and Partners Issue National Public Safety Alert on Financial Sextortion Schemes
The FBI, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), have issued a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for money—a crime known as financial sextortion.
- Over the past year, law enforcement has received over 7,000 reports related to the online financial sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys, and more than a dozen suicides.
- “The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes targeting minor boys—and the fact is that the many victims who are afraid to come forward are not even included in those numbers,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is here for victims, but we also need parents and caregivers to work with us to prevent this crime before it happens and help children come forward if it does. Victims may feel like there is no way out—it is up to all of us to reassure them that they are not in trouble, there is hope, and they are not alone.”
- As many children enter winter break this holiday season, the FBI and our partners implore parents and caregivers to engage with their kids about financial sextortion schemes so we can prevent them in the first place.
- Full press release
Eastern District of Virginia Forfeits More Than 164 Illegal Firearms and Prosecutes 250 Illegal Firearms Offenders in 2022
Over the course of the past year, the efforts of the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), in cooperation with the FBI and other federal and local law enforcement agencies, have resulted in the forfeiture of at least 164 illegally owned, possessed, used, or obtained firearms.
- Firearms that are criminally forfeited are removed from the possession of a convicted criminal defendant and relinquished to the government for disposal, including potentially the return of the firearm to a rightful owner.
- Since the start of 2022, EDVA has charged approximately 250 defendants with federal firearms offenses, including possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and straw purchasing of a firearm.
- “We know the significant harm illegal firearms can pose, as well as the harm felons can inflict when they obtain those weapons. That’s why the forfeitures listed here today are so critical to keeping our communities safe,” said Brian Dugan, special agent in charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. “The FBI and its partners will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to fight violent crime, including through the reduction of gun violence.”
- Full press release
Kansas National Guard Soldier Sentenced to 16 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a Child
The FBI investigation this case that led to Christian Sinclair being sentenced to 16 years in federal prison without parole for sexual exploitation of a child.
- A Kansas National Guard captain contacted the Sierra Vista, Arizona, Police Department that Sinclair, one of the soldiers in his command, was sexting an 11-year-old child in Missouri. Sinclair’s fiancée had reported to the captain earlier the same day that she had screenshots between herself and Sinclair in which Sinclair admitted to “cheating” on her with an 11-year-old child.
- The child victim told investigators that she had sent Sinclair multiple pornographic videos and images of herself via Snapchat at Sinclair’s request. Sinclair admitted that he also sent pornographic images of himself to the child victim via Snapchat.
- Full press release
Six Alleged Baltimore BGF Gang Members and Associates Indicted for a Federal Racketeering Conspiracy Charge, Including Murder, Murder-for-Hire, Drug Trafficking, Armed Robbery, and Witness Tampering
The FBI investigated a case that resulted in a federal grand jury charging six Baltimore men for conspiring to participate in a violent racketeering enterprise known as the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang, also known as Jamaa.
- BGF is a nationwide gang operating in prisons and in cities throughout the United States.
- The indictment alleges that BGF members and associates operated street-level drug distribution “shops” throughout Baltimore, primarily distributing heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and other controlled substances.
- In addition, the indictment alleges the defendants committed acts of violence, including six murders, 11 shootings, attempted murders, and armed robberies.
- The violent acts were intended to further the gang’s activities, including intimidating witnesses to prevent them from cooperating with law enforcement, protecting the gang’s drug territory, financing the dues paid to BGF, and enforcing gang rules.
- Full press release
Canyon Lake Man Sentenced to 30 Years on Child Pornography Charges
As the result of an FBI investigation, Seth Perricone was sentenced to 360 months in prison and lifetime supervised release for distribution and receipt of child pornography.
- Perricone shared more than 115,000 files of child sexual abuse material over the internet. An investigation found that Perricone had been downloading and distributing child exploitation material since 2012.
- “This sentencing of 30 years in federal prison illustrates the severity of Seth Perricone’s crimes against innocent children,” said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. of the FBI San Antonio Division. “Working with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to do everything in our power to protect children from dangerous predators.”
- Full press release
Federal Jury Finds Two Men Guilty of Charges Related to Robbery and Murder of Stamford Jeweler
The FBI investigated this case where Thomas Liberatore and Paul Prosano (aka Tony Pro) were found guilty of federal offenses in connection with the March 2020 robbery of Marco Jewelers.
- Prosano drove Robert Rallo and Liberatore to Marco Jewelers. Rallo, armed with a handgun, engaged in a physical altercation with the storeowner, Mark Vuono, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases.
- Ultimately, Rallo subsequently shot and killed Vuono with a .357 revolver.
- A search of a car used by the defendants revealed 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring and a cufflink, and a search of Prosano’s residence revealed 23 pairs of earrings and three rings. These items were stolen from Marco Jewelers.
- Full press release
Additional resources:
December 19, 2022
Every year, thousands of buyers and sellers become victims of various holiday scams. Criminals can steal your money, your personal information—and your festive mood.
The FBI has a number of resources to help you protect yourself and your wallet.
What should you do if you’ve been scammed?
- Call your credit card company or your bank to dispute any suspicious charges.
- Contact local law enforcement.
- Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
And remember: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
December 9, 2022
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crime 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 tasks 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 Gainesville Preschool Teacher Sentenced to 120 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography
The FBI investigated this case that resulted in the sentencing of Trevor Alec Hruby, who pleaded guilty to four counts of production of child pornography.
- Between December 2020 and September 2021, while employed at a local preschool and daycare center, Hruby sexually victimized and produced sexually explicit images of numerous children in his care. The images were found in Hruby’s possession and involved minors under the age of 6.
- “Instead of protecting vulnerable children in our community, this defendant chose to abuse his position of authority and sexually exploit them,” said Sherri E. Onks, special agent in charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates the unwavering dedication of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to seek justice for our most innocent victims.”
- Full press release
14 Gang Members and Associates from the Double Nine Grim Reapers Charged with Racketeering, Narcotics, and Firearms Offenses
Co-founders of the Double Nine Grim Reapers Gang were among those charged as the result of this investigation assisted by the FBI.
- FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, the defendants conspired to use violence in order to further their narcotic-trafficking enterprise. Their cold-hearted actions and disregard for human life bring havoc and fear to the streets of our neighborhoods. The FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and our law enforcement partners work around the clock to keep our communities safe. Violent criminals who aim to bring mayhem to our communities will be made to face the consequences of their choices in the criminal justice system.”
- Full press release
Snohomish County Man Who Had Arsenal of Guns and Explosives and an Underground Bunker Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison
The FBI investigated this case that resulted in the sentencing of James Wesley Bowden to more than three years in prison.
- According to records, law enforcement found a room set up in Bowden’s garage that was much like a laboratory with various chemicals and equipment consistent with the manufacturing of homemade explosives.
- They discovered a removable panel in the floor of the garage that led to an underground bunker, which contained firearms, ammunition, grenades, silencers, ballistic armor, firearms accessories, and other equipment. Two of the firearms had been modified to shoot as fully automatic machine guns.
- Full press release
Greenwood Man and Greenville Woman Indicted on 10 Counts of Sex Trafficking, Conspiracy, and Witness Tampering
The FBI investigated Eric Rashun Jones (aka “E Dolla,” aka “E”), who allegedly recruited vulnerable women and obtained commercial sex from victims for his financial benefit by means of physical and sexual violence, by manipulating victims’ drug withdrawal symptoms, and by threats and fraud.
- Evidence indicated that Jones threatened violence and retaliation if victims or witnesses cooperated with law enforcement.
- As a result, Jones faces six counts that carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison; he faces a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.
- Co-conspirator Brittany Danielle Cromer also faces up to life in prison.
- Full press release
North Carolina Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Gunpoint Robbery of Puppies from Lancaster County Breeder
The FBI investigated this case that resulted in the sentencing of Christopher Lamont Stimpson Jr.
- To gain access to the puppies—dogs with a total value of more than $23,000—Stimpson posed as a customer seeking to purchase five French Bulldog puppies, only to pull out a gun, point it at the victims, and steal the animals.
- “This was a frightening armed robbery that saw the victims menaced at gunpoint,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “The fact that puppies were the property taken renders this crime more unusual, but no less serious. Christopher Stimpson made the very bad decision to come to Pennsylvania and take these pups by force, and this sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”
- Full press release
Two Men Charged with Violent Armed Robbery of Bank on Martha’s Vineyard
The FBI investigated a case where Miquel Antonio Jones and Omar Odion Johnson were charged with one count each of armed bank robbery.
- Masked and armed individuals forced their way into the rear door of the Rockland Trust bank in Tisbury, allegedly carrying what appeared to be semi-automatic handguns.
- One of the individuals allegedly held a gun to the head of one of the bank employees and forced him to open the bank’s vault.
- The individuals allegedly entered the vault and took approximately $39,100, then bound the employees with duct tape and plastic zip ties, demanded access to one of their vehicles, and left the premises in an employee’s car.
- Full press release
Additional resources:
With more than 50 agencies in attendance, an FBI National Academy class helped 11-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel of Pearland, Texas, get closer to his goal of being sworn in by 758 law enforcement agencies.
December 2, 2022
The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crime 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 tasks 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 and Bureau of Indian Affairs Sign Agreement to Improve Law Enforcement in Indian Country
During remarks at the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit on December 1, the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) signed an agreement to establish guidelines to provide for the effective and efficient administration of criminal investigations in Indian Country.
- This is the first update since the early 1990s to a memorandum of understanding between the agencies.
- “The FBI is committed to ongoing and continued collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI has a crucial role in successfully addressing matters in the nation’s Indian Country communities and this updated MOU affirms our dedication to the mission of protecting all Americans. The FBI will not waiver in its support of our Tribal law enforcement agency partners and our coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.”
- Full press release
FBI Atlanta Confirms Partial Remains of Quinton Simon Recovered
The FBI Laboratory Division has confirmed through DNA analysis the bones found in the Superior Landfill are those of missing 20-month-old Quinton Simon.
- Chatham County authorities have charged Simon’s mother, Leilani Simon, with murder and other related offenses. This concludes the five-week search to find Quinton.
- Full press release
Man Sentenced for Delaware County Murder and Assault
The FBI investigated a case of a man shooting and killing his mother and wounding a second family member.
- As a result, Christopher Leo Weeley was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison.
- “The outcome of this case is a direct result of the excellent partnership we have with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “Today’s sentence ensures Christopher Weeley will be brought to justice for his horrific crime and hopefully begins the healing process for his grieving family.”
- Full press release
Holland Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography
The FBI investigated this case that resulted in the sentencing of Jonathon Thomas Burgett.
Burgett was caught taking photographs through an adult female’s window in Allegan County.
- When law enforcement searched his phone, they found hundreds of images of child pornography, including sexually explicit images he had taken of a 4-year-old.
- “I struggle to think of behavior more reprehensible, and that is why investigating child predators is a priority for the FBI. I would like to thank the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office for bringing this defendant to our attention and for its assistance in obtaining some measure of justice for this victim,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.
- Full press release
10 Associated with Nuestra Familia Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking Offenses in Kings and Tulare Counties
An investigation with assistance from the FBI uncovered that the Nuestra Familia was responsible for large-scale trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as various firearm offenses and other violent crimes.
- Members of Nuestra Familia used contraband cellphones from inside Fresno County’s Pleasant Valley State Prison to arrange the transport of illicit narcotics from drug sources in California and Mexico to a stash house in Kings County. From that stash house, gang members outside of the prison coordinated the preparation and delivery of the drugs to distributors throughout Kings and Tulare Counties.
- Full press release
Mogadore Man Sentenced to Prison for Threatening to Retaliate Against Witness
Andrew F. Dodson was sentenced to more than four years in prison as a result of an FBI investigation.
- Dodson came into possession of a witness statement given to federal authorities during a prior investigation. Court records state that Dodson then contacted and threatened the witness with the intent to retaliate due to the witness’s cooperation.
- “The FBI is committed to safeguarding witnesses upholding their civic responsibility. Today’s sentence serves as a message to others who believe they can skirt the law and subvert the judicial process without implication,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen.
- Full press release
Additional resources:
On a new episode of the Inside the FBI podcast, we dissect tech support scams.
In these situations, criminals impersonate information technology professionals in order to persuade unsuspecting victims into sending them money or granting them remote access to their computers. By doing so, however, victims can literally open the door to criminals stealing their personal and financial data.
Tune in now to learn how these scams work, how the Bureau collaborates with law enforcement partners across the globe to disrupt these criminal efforts and bring their perpetrators to justice, how you can keep yourself safe from this risk, and how you can report suspected tech scams to the FBI.
For this and more episodes of Inside the FBI, follow us on:
For more podcasting platforms, view our listing on transistor.fm or subscribe to episodes with email.
The basement location where pill presses were churning out thousands of fake pills had to be sealed off and processed by the DEA's Clandestine Laboratory Team. Even trace amounts of fentanyl can be dangerous.
The user will think they’re taking a Percocet or Adderall that they purchased from a social media contact or a local dealer—or maybe it was something handed to them by a friend.
But the pill they’re taking is far more likely manufactured in a location like the one agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and FBI recently uncovered in an Inglewood, California, basement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, along with the federal and local law enforcement agencies, announced charges against the primary suspect in this case at a press conference today. Prosecutors expect to announce charges against additional subjects in the coming weeks and months.
Nathan Cocklin, the head of the FBI Hi-Tech Organized Crime Unit and the Bureau's JCODE team lead, believes this to be the largest seizure of drugs from an online drug marketplace in the five-year history of the JCODE program by far.
DOJ Announces Charges Related to Malign Activity from Chinese Government Agents
October 24, 2022
The Department of Justice today announced a number of actions against people associated with the Chinese government who are accused of violating U.S. law.
Those charged include:
- Four Chinese nationals who allegedly tried to recruit American professors and other officials to act as agents of the Chinese government.
- Seven Chinese nationals who are accused of targeting and harassing people living in the United States to attempt to force them to return to China.
- Two Chinese intelligence officers who allegedly tried to use bribes and espionage to obstruct a criminal prosecution in New York.
The FBI supported the investigations into all three cases as part of its counterintelligence work.
At the press conference, FBI Director Christopher Wray noted that although the three cases may appear unrelated, each shows that the Chinese government is willing to run over international laws as they seek to assert their authoritarian views. “In all three of these cases, and in thousands of others, we’ve found the Chinese government threatening established democratic norms and the rule of law as they work to undermine U.S. economic security and fundamental human rights–including those of Americans,” Wray said.
See more about how the FBI is working to protect fundamental freedoms from Chinese government attacks.
Related content:
- Two Arrested and 13 Charged in Three Separate Cases for Alleged Participation in Malign Schemes in the United States on Behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China
- Remarks from FBI Director Christopher Wray
- Understand the China Threat
- See how China targets individuals through transnational repression
The FBI is committed to ensuring a safe election in 2022 by investigating threats against election workers and cyber threats against campaigns or elections, FBI officials told law enforcement partners Wednesday in a conference call.
Protecting election workers from threats or intimidation is a necessary part of safeguarding the election, an FBI official said. The FBI never investigates First Amendment-protected speech, but it does investigate threats of violence.
The FBI has taken a number of steps to prepare for a safe election in 2022:
- The FBI and Department of Justice created a Threats to Election Workers Task Force, which identifies and investigates threats against election workers.
- Election crimes coordinators (at least two agents or analysts in each FBI field office) are working with partners in the private sector, law enforcement, and state and local government to ensure a collaborative response to any election threats.
- The FBI has prepared for election threats in scenario-based exercises.
- The FBI will have command posts at FBI Headquarters and in its field offices to respond effectively to any election-related incident within its purview.
Additionally, an FBI Cyber official told the law enforcement leaders the FBI is closely monitoring any cyber threats against election or campaign infrastructure.
The FBI encouraged local governments to maintain strong cyber hygiene on their networks going into the election, including strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and patching for vulnerabilities.
Related content:
