Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

December 13, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

• If she acted slowly or the photos did not meet his expectations, Lowe would become angry and threaten to expose her.
• On one occasion, Lowe drove the minor’s residence, where they engaged in sexual activity in his vehicle. When the minor repeated that she was 13 years old, he demanded she not tell anyone about them because he was 22 and could get in trouble.
• An FBI investigation revealed multiple chat conversations and instances of sexual exploitation between Lowe and additional victims between the ages of 10 and 15 years old. 
• Full press release 

• Currently, 37 of the 38 defendants are in custody. One defendant remains at large.
• The indictment also charges 10 of the defendants with conspiracy to launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking scheme.
• If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison for narcotics conspiracy, and up to 20 years for money laundering conspiracy.
• This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 
• Full press release 

• The murder-for-hire plot the defendant orchestrated stemmed from an ongoing state drug trafficking investigation. On July 19, 2021, and in the days immediately following, Jackson communicated with an individual via cell phone calls and text messages to arrange the killing of another person, sending a photo of the intended victim and indicating that he was willing to pay $5,000 to have someone commit the murder.
• When the individual reported to Jackson that he had located the intended victim, they allegedly agreed that the killing would occur on the evening of July 21, 2021.
• "By orchestrating this egregious plot, Jackson underestimated both the capability of law enforcement to uncover his actions and our unwavering commitment to protecting citizens from violence," said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of the FBI Philadelphia. "The FBI, in close partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remains steadfast in our mission to keep our communities safe."
• Full press release 
  
  

18th Street Gang Leader is Ninth and Final Defendant to Plead Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy
Junior Zelaya Canales, also known as "Terco," a Queens-based regional leader of the 18th Street gang, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges in connection with his participation in the 2016 murder of 15-year-old Joshua Guzman in Hempstead, New York.

• In September 2016, Zelaya Canales, then the regional leader of the Shatto Park Locos Sureños (SPLS) sect of 18th Street, ordered that Guzman be killed, in part, because the gang perceived Guzman to have been disrespectful towards 18th Street gang members.  
• The conviction is the latest in a series of recent convictions in this case of leaders, members and associates of 18th Street. 18th Street is a well-known and well-established international criminal organization and violent street gang with members and associates residing throughout New York State including Queens and Long Island, and elsewhere throughout the United States including Houston, Texas.
• 18th Street members regularly engage in murder, attempted murder, assault, extortion, illegal drug and firearms trafficking, false identification document production, witness tampering, and money laundering. 
• Full press release
  
  

• 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    

December 11, 2024

On December 2, 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 December 2, 2024, 13 people have been removed and 20 people added.

Below is a list of those who were added:  

• Annaleta Bedonie
• Danielle Begay
• Roy Carroll
• Christopher Chief
• Aryanna Ewer
• Cody Harding
• Tasheena Harvey
• Leroy Henderson
• Yinixthba Hudson
• Andrew Lapahie
• Julius Largo
• Kara Lente
• Lana Lopez
• Bryan Penatac
• Stephanie Sandoval
• Lowell Secakuyva
• Julian Villalpando
• Freddaline Wilson
• Veronica Wilson
• Sarah Ann Woodard

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

October 4, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Sixty-Eight Defendants Charged in Indictment of Dozens of Members and Associates of San Fernando Valley White Supremacist Gang

Hacks from the Past: Investigating the Morris Worm  

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

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

September 27, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

On September 23, the FBI released detailed data on over 14 million criminal offenses for 2023 reported to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program by participating law enforcement agencies. The complete analysis is located on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.     

The FBI’s crime statistics estimates, based on reported data for 2023, that national violent crime decreased an estimated 3.0% in 2023 compared to 2022 estimates:   

• Murder and non-negligent manslaughter recorded a 2023 estimated nationwide decrease of 11.6% compared to the previous year.   
• In 2023, the estimated number of offenses in the revised rape category saw an estimated 9.4% decrease.   
• Aggravated assault figures decreased an estimated 2.8% in 2023.  
• Robbery showed an estimated decrease of 0.3% nationally.   
• Full press release 

Joshua Darrell Lowe II was indicted on criminal charges related to an alleged bomb hoax. 

• In January 2024, Carnival Cruise Lines received an email warning, “someone might have a bomb on your sunrise cruise ship.” As a result of the message, the ship’s personnel individually searched over a thousand staterooms. Carnival alerted the U.S. Coast Guard and Jamaican authorities, whose Marine Police escorted the ship to port.  
• “We take every threat of mass violence seriously,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten. “Hoaxes can endanger lives, incur needless costs, and divert public safety resources needed to address real threats. My office has zero tolerance for wrongdoers who intentionally convey false and misleading information that prompts a law enforcement response.” 
  If convicted, Lowe faces a penalty of up to five years in prison and will be required to pay restitution for expenses associated with the hoax. 
• Full press release 

• Stevenson robbed a Dollar General Store and a Mapco gas station in Nashville, brandishing a semi-automatic pistol and pointing it at the head of the clerk working at the Dollar General Store. Stevenson and his accomplice were arrested by police officers after fleeing from a traffic stop. 
• Full press release 

Second Child Predator Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a Child and Drugging Them with Methamphetamine 
Dustin Scott Cox has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child. 

• According to court documents, between at least February and September of 2020, Dustin Cox conspired with Zachary Nichols to sexually abuse and produce sexual images of a fifteen-year-old child. The child was nearly incapacitated because of drug use in some of the child sex abuse material that Nichols and Cox created. 
• “These heinous predators repeatedly sexually abused a child, incapacitated them with meth, and traded the victim’s body for drugs,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers. “Our hearts go out to the survivor of these horrific abuses, and we hope this prosecution brings them some measure of peace. The lifelong trauma inflicted by these sick criminals merits federal prison sentences that will ensure that neither of them ever harms another child. Together with our partners at the FBI and IMPD [Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department], our office is committed aggressively prosecuting sex offenders who prey upon our children and removing them from our communities.” 
• Cox is a repeat child sex offender, convicted in 2004 for coercing a 14-year-old to perform sex acts in exchange for a new bicycle. 
• Full press release

Josiah Ernesto Garcia has pleaded guilty to federal charges after meeting with an undercover FBI agent to finalize a deal to murder an individual for payment. 

• According to court records, Garcia needed money to support his family and in mid-February 2023 began searching online for contract mercenary jobs. 
• Garcia submitted an employment inquiry indicating that he was interested in obtaining employment as a hit man and that he had “military experience, and rifle expertise.” 
• An FBI undercover agent spoke with Garcia by phone then met him in person to discuss his application. Both conversations were recorded. The agent then met with Garcia and provided him with a target packet of a fictional individual, and a down payment of $2,500. After agreeing to the terms of the murder arrangement, Garcia asked the agent if he needed to provide a photograph of the dead body. 
• Garcia was then arrested by FBI agents, who in a subsequent search of his home, recovered an AR-style 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

The Grandparent Scam 

September 26, 2024

You’re a grandparent, and you get a phone call from someone who identifies themselves as your grandchild. “I’ve been arrested in another country,” the voice says, “and need money wired quickly to pay my bail. And by the way, don’t tell my mom or dad because they’ll only get upset."   

This is a prime example of the grandparent scam—yet another fraud that preys on older citizens, this time by taking advantage of their love and concern for their grandchildren. 

Other common scenarios include: 

• Sometimes, instead of the “grandchild” making the phone call, the criminal pretends to be an arresting police officer, a lawyer, a doctor at a hospital, or some other person. Sometimes, the phony grandchild also talks first and then hands the phone over to an accomplice to further spin the fake tale. 
• We’ve also seen military families victimized. After perusing a soldier’s social networking site, a con artist will contact the soldier’s grandparents, sometimes claiming that a problem came up during military leave that requires money to address. 
• While it’s commonly called the grandparent scam, criminals may also claim to be a family friend, a niece or nephew, or another family member. 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

September 20, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

• Routh was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession and receipt of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. 
• According to allegations in the criminal complaint, a Secret Service agent walking the golf course perimeter saw what appeared to be a rifle poking out of the tree line. After the agent fired a service weapon in the direction of the rifle, a witness saw a man later identified as Routh fleeing the area of the tree line.  
• Routh was apprehended by officers from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. 
• Full press release 

• Evidence introduced during the trial demonstrated that Tilton and Boyer conspired on July 18 and 19, 2020, to kidnap the victim, identified in court documents as “S.T.” 
• Tilton was also convicted of one count of stalking. This is Tilton’s second conviction in a federal kidnapping case. 
• Full press release

• Willis and Daniels were both found guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful possession of machine guns, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. 
• Willis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Willis’ sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2024.   
• Daniels faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 65 years in prison. Daniels’ sentencing is scheduled for February 14, 2024.
• Full press release 

• An August 14 detention order says Gardiner is accused of making contact with a minor in Missouri via social media and enticing the minor to send him sexually explicit images. Gardiner then demanded money from the minor by threatening to send those images to others, and did post an explicit video on social media, the order says. 
• “A large number of sextortion investigations have identified the perpetrators as living outside of the U.S.,” said FBI St. Louis Special Agent in Charge Ashley T. Johnson. “Investigating sextortion is one of the top priorities in the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children program. In addition, the FBI provides support and resources to help victims and their families during their time of need.” 
• Full Press Release  

• While attempting to prevent federal agents from seizing approximately half-a-million dollars in fentanyl and other drugs, Nathan Goddard murdered Det. DelRio.  
• Goddard and Cortner were also convicted of multiple narcotics and firearms charges. 
• “While the FBI is pleased that Goddard and his accomplice will be held accountable for this murder, nothing can make up for the loss of Detective DelRio,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners continue to mourn his death and honor his legacy of service and sacrifice.” 
• 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

Protecting Yourself from Fake Job Scams     

September 19, 2024

​Cryptocurrency job scams begin when scammers, masquerading as employees of legitimate companies, recruit victims for work-from-home positions. First, victims will be asked to deposit their own money, via cryptocurrency or money transfers, into a platform for the job to be completed.

Then, they are led to believe they're making a profit since it's common to allow victims to withdraw earnings. But over time, victims must deposit larger amounts of money to complete their tasks. Then, at a certain point, victims are met with a new and extremely large deposit requirement—until finally their account is frozen, and the scammers steal any money in the victim’s account.   

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of a cryptocurrency job scam, stop sending any money to the suspected criminals and submit a report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or contact your local FBI field office. 

At Aspen Cyber Summit, Wray Encourages Cyberattack Victims to Partner with the FBI

September 18, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray on September 18 said partnering with the FBI in the wake of a ransomware attack can be a cost- and time-effective decision for victims. The FBI can often help free hijacked devices and recover data; minimize (or prevent) ransom payments to cybercriminals; and help get victimized organizations back to business as usual, quickly.

“So, if there’s only one thing you take away from my time here today, I hope it’s this: The FBI needs and wants to work with you,” Director Wray said in a keynote at the 2024 Aspen Cyber Summit in Washington, D.C. “Let us save you money, save you time, and save you from future attacks so that you can keep your organization’s focus where it should be: on your operations, and—together—we can help keep our nation safe.”

During the keynote, Wray also announced that the FBI and our partners successfully disrupted a botnet that was backed by the Chinese government. Additionally, he revealed the true identity of the hacking group responsible. You can visit this webpage to read his remarks from the event in full.

Resources: 

• Story: FBI Director Announces Chinese Botnet Disruption, Exposes Flax Typhoon Hacker Group’s True Identity at Aspen Cyber Summit
  
• Speech: Director Wray’s Remarks at the 2024 Aspen Cyber Summit
• Press Release: Court-Authorized Operation Disrupts Worldwide Botnet Used by People’s Republic of China State-Sponsored Hackers
  
• Webpage: What We Investigate: Cybercrime
  

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

September 13, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Leaders of Transnational Terrorist Group Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes, Soliciting the Murder of Federal Officials, and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists
Dallas Humber and Matthew Allison, leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group, were charged with a 15-count indictment for soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.

• Humber and Allison are the leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group that operates on the digital messaging platform Telegram, where it promotes white supremacist accelerationism: an ideology centered on the belief that the white race is superior; that society is irreparably corrupt and cannot be saved by political action; and that violence and terrorism are necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate. 
• "These defendants are alleged to be the leaders of Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group that our investigation found is responsible for soliciting hate crimes and the murder of government officials and providing support to terrorists," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Whether motivated by racial bias or antagonism toward government and societal norms, such behavior will not be tolerated. Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and working with our partners we are committed to investigating and holding accountable those who break the laws and assist violent actors in lethal plots."
• Full press release

Pakistani National with Ties to Iran Charged in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate a Politician or U.S. Government Official
Asif Merchant was indicted for attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries and murder-for-hire as part of a scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. 

• Law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out.
• Merchant was previously arrested and charged by complaint in July 2024. 
• "This dangerous murder-for-hire plot was allegedly orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian regime's playbook," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a serious threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI. Protecting Americans from terrorists remains our highest priority."
• Full press release

Second Beaumont Man Sentenced to Federal Prison in Cat Kicking Case
Donaldvan Williams pleaded guilty to animal crushing and aiding and abetting, and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison.

• In October 2021, Williams and Decorius Mire encountered a live domestic cat in the parking lot of a Beaumont apartment complex, and tortured the cat. 
• Williams and Mire were prosecuted under the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act.  Signed into law in November 2019, the PACT Act bans the intentional crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impalement. or other serious harm to "living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians."  The law also bans "animal crush videos," meaning any photograph, motion picture film, video, or digital recording, or electronic image that depicts animal cruelty.
• Mire was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison in July 2023.
• Full press release

Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Faces Federal Charges for Sexual Assault
Darren Bowannie was charged with deprivation of rights under color of law.

• Allegedly, Bowannie, who was working as a correctional officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at the time, was transporting an individual from Wellpinit, Washington to Nespelem, Washington. In his role as a correctional officer, Bowannie’s duties included prisoner transport to and from the BIA’s jail in Wellpinit.
• During the transport, Bowannie allegedly threatened and sexually assaulted the individual he was transporting. If convicted, Bowannie faces a sentence of up to life in prison and up to 5 years of supervised release.
• "Our society places significant trust in law enforcement. Every day we rely on law enforcement officers who put themselves at risk to keep our communities safe and uphold their oath to protect and serve. When law enforcement fails to uphold this trust, my office will carefully investigate allegations of wrongdoing and seek justice to reestablish trust, protect victims, and to keep our communities safe and strong," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa Waldref.
• Full press release

Colombian Nationals Sentenced to 35 and 30 Years in Prison for Plot to Murder American Soldiers
Andres Fernando Medina Rodriguez and Ciro Alfonso Gutierrez Ballesteros were sentenced to 420 and 360 months in prison, respectively, for conspiring and attempting to murder U.S. soldiers by detonating a car bomb outside a military base near the Colombia-Venezuela border.

• Medina Rodriguez and Gutierrez Ballesteros, in concert with members of the 33rd Front, an extremist faction of Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias ("FARC"), targeted American troops stationed at the Colombian 30th Army Brigade Base in Cúcuta, Colombia.
• "Crime doesn’t stop at our borders and neither does the FBI’s commitment to investigate criminal acts against our military overseas," stated FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri. "We work closely with our international partners and security services around the globe to conduct complex investigations and acquire evidence from abroad for criminal prosecutions in the United States. This capability is vital to our work..."
• 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

Romance Scams Hurt More Than Just Your Heart    

September 12, 2024

​Romance scams are a form of social engineering. In these scenarios, scammers target people looking for companionship or romance in hopes of manipulating them into handing over money.  

Scammers might also try to convince targets to serve as money mules, or people who transfer or move illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else. You can watch this video to hear one victim tell her story.

Romance scams can impact people of all ages, education levels, and income brackets. 

Visit our Romance Scams resource page and listen to this episode of the Inside the FBI podcast to learn how to protect your heart and wallet. 

Remembering the 9/11 Terror Attacks, 23 Years Later 

September 11, 2024

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

September 10, 2024

On September 3, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country. 

The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous). 

Since September 3, 2024, 15 people have been removed from the list, and seven people have been added. 

Below is a list of those who were added:  

• Marcus Begay
• Karmen Fogarty
• Gladys Gallerito
• Thurman Gallerito
• Leon Leuppe
• Stacy Quintana
• Abrian Ward

Director Wray Talks Operation Clean House in New Orleans

September 9, 2024

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

September 6, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Ogoshi Brothers Sentenced To Lengthy Prison Terms In Sextortion Scheme That Resulted In Death Of Teen
Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi, both of Lagos, Nigeria, were sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for the crime of conspiracy to sexually exploit minors.

• As part of the sextortion scheme, which targeted over 100 victims, the Ogoshi brothers purchased hacked social media accounts and used them to pose as young women. They conducted online research about their victims, and then solicited their minor victims to produce sexually explicit images of themselves.
• Once the brothers received the images, they created a collage of pictures that included the sexually explicit image with other images of the victim and their school, family, and friends. The brothers threatened to disclose the collages to the family, friends, and classmates of the victim unless the victim agreed to pay money.
• On March 25, 2022, 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay, from Marquette, Michigan, died as a result of this sextortion scheme.
• "…to parents, teenagers, and everyone who uses a cell phone: please, please be careful," said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten. "These devices can connect you to criminal networks around the world. Don’t assume people are who they say they are. Don’t share compromising images. And if you’re a victim, please reach out. There’s help, and law enforcement stands ready."
• Full press release

KC Chiefs 'Superfan' Sentenced to 17 Years for Bank Robberies, Money Laundering
Xaviar Michael Babudar, popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan "ChiefsAholic," was sentenced in federal court on charges related to a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, in which he stole $847,725 from financial institutions in seven states.

• "While parading as a social media celebrity, the defendant secretly engaged in a violent crime spree of armed robberies and attempted robberies across seven states," said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Teresa Moore. "Babudar’s robbery spree bankrolled the expensive tickets and travel across the country to attend Kansas City Chiefs games while he cultivated a large fan base online. However, the bank and credit union employees whom he terrorized at gunpoint suffered the brunt of his true nature. He tried to flee from justice, but law enforcement caught up with him and now he will spend a significant portion of his life in prison."
• "The bank was not the only victim of these crimes," stated FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus. "Babudar terrorized bank employees throughout his multi-state crime spree, while relishing his celebrity status. Today’s sentencing speaks to the severity of his actions and the significant law enforcement assistance and resources utilized across multiple states to hold him accountable for his violent and criminal behavior."
• Full press release

Former New Mexico Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sentenced for Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting Arrestee and Obstruction of Justice
Michael A. Martinez was sentenced to nine years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and required to register as a sex offender.

• On April 30, 2023, Martinez responded to a car accident and placed the victim under arrest for driving while intoxicated and careless driving. Martinez transported the victim to a medical center and, after the victim received medical clearance, put her back inside his patrol car, where he proceeded to sexually assault her.
• Hours later, Martinez attempted to physically destroy his patrol car’s WatchGuard DVR system, which is the patrol car’s internal video camera system that records and stores footage from the patrol car’s backseat camera. Martinez, correctly, believed that the DVR system contained a video recording of him sexually assaulting the victim in the backseat of his patrol car.
• "The violation of civil rights is a serious issue, especially when committed by those entrusted with enforcing the law," said FBI Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. "An officer who betrays their duty to protect and serve undermines the integrity of the entire profession. The FBI will not hesitate to investigate any officer or agent who breaks the laws they are meant to enforce or who infringes on the civil rights of others."
• Full press release

Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 45 Years' Imprisonment for Attempting to Sexually Exploit Minors and Distributing Child Pornography
Davis Burgos-Collazo was sentenced to 45 years in prison for five counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of distributing child pornography, one count of accessing child pornography with intent to view it, and one count of committing a felony sexual offense involving minors while being a registered sex offender.

• In 2020, Burgos-Collazo used at least 26 Instagram accounts to attempt to sexually exploit children as young as nine years old. The defendant enticed the victims by pretending to be a modeling scout and by using accounts with names like "future models" and "preteen beauty pics." The FBI recovered over 100 photos and videos of child pornography on the defendant’s phone. Burgos-Collazo committed these crimes while he was a registered sex offender.
• In March 2006, he was convicted of sexually abusing and attempting to sexually abuse multiple minors, all of whom were under the age of eleven, and one as young as seven. 
• "It has been proven that the defendant is an extremely dangerous predator, who, while being a registered sex offender, coerced a 10-year-old child to perform sex acts for him on Instagram and threatened the child when she pleaded that he leave her alone. And sadly, she was not the only vulnerable victim," stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace. "With today’s sentence, the goal of incapacitating this master manipulator and sextortionist has been achieved. We are dedicated to protecting our children from those who weaponize social media in order to sexually exploit and harm them."
• Full press release

Rochester Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Home Invasion Targeting Drug Dealers
Raekwon Green was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison after being convicted of Hobbs Act Conspiracy and Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery.

• Between February 2020 and April 1, 2020, Green conspired with Robert Forbes, Jr., and others, to commit four home invasion robberies in Rochester and Greece, NY. During some of the home invasions, individuals were restrained, pistol-whipped, and/or suffered injuries, while the defendants took controlled substances and U.S. currency from the homes.
• Robert Forbes, Jr. was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 19 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

Elder Fraud is an Expensive Crime 

September 4, 2024

In 2023, elder fraud complaints to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (or IC3) increased by 14%, and associated losses increased by about 11%, according to IC3’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, released on April 30, 2024.   

Here are five key takeaways from the 2023 report:  

1. Elder fraud is an expensive crime.  
2. Older Americans seem to be disproportionately impacted by scams and fraud. 
3. Tech support scams were the most widely reported kind of elder fraud in 2023. 
4. Investment scams were the costliest kind of elder fraud in 2023.  
5. Scammers are coming for people’s cryptocurrency. 

Read IC3’s full 2023 Elder Fraud Report to see more statistics from last year. 

If you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. If the suspected fraud was internet-facilitated, you can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. 

August 2024 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

August 30, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Three Owners of Notorious Prostitution Website Backpage Sentenced
Michael Lacey, Scott Spear, and John Brunst, owners of the prostitution website, Backpage, were sentenced for offenses arising from their promotion of and associated money laundering.

• "The defendants and their conspirators obtained more than $500 million from operating an online forum that facilitated the sexual exploitation of countless victims," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "The defendants thought they could hide their illicit proceeds by laundering the funds through shell companies in foreign countries," said Argentieri. "But they were wrong. Their sentences should serve as a stark reminder that the Criminal Division and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting victims and following the money to unmask those who exploit human beings for financial gain."
• Full press release

Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking
Montae D. Jacobs was sentenced to a term of 20 years’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, after being convicted following a bench trial of two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, one count of sex trafficking of a child, and ten other related charges.

• The offenses for which Jacobs was convicted began in 2019 and continued through 2023, including conduct that occurred after his arrest and indictment in this case, while he served a state prison sentence.
• Jacobs solicited, and in some cases paid, his fellow inmates for the contact information of women and girls they thought might be susceptible to Jacobs’ pitch, which was that they could quickly become wealthy by prostituting and live-streaming pornographic content if they followed his detailed instructions.
• "The sentence in this case reflects the fact that human trafficking is a brutal offense, involving victimizing individuals day after day," said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. "In this case, Mr. Jacobs not only engaged in this conduct while in the community but he also continued to seek to victimize vulnerable individuals even after being placed in custody. I commend the hard work of all involved in seeking justice for and giving a voice to the individuals exploited by Mr. Jacobs."
• Full press release

Owner of Pittsburgh Resale Businesses Convicted at Trial of Running Lucrative Interstate Fencing Operation Involving the Sale of Hundreds of Thousands of Stolen Retail Items
Durrell Waters was found guilty of five counts of money laundering and conspiracy in connection with the sale and interstate transportation of stolen goods.

• Waters was one of the primary owners of a series of second-hand or resale businesses called Trader Electronics, Last Call Entertainment, and The Outlet. Waters conspired with others to use these businesses as a front for a criminal fencing operation that sold over the internet a wide variety of health and beauty aids and over-the-counter medications. Waters and his co-conspirators knew that the vast majority of the products they were buying for their businesses were stolen.
• "Legitimate businesses and the greater community suffer when fraud and money laundering take place,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. "The ripple effect of consequences from these criminal acts undermines the foundations of fairness and trust in the economy. The FBI and our partners continue to work diligently to investigate and bring to justice those who feel they can get ahead through criminal means."
• Full press release

Palmdale Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Importing Ancient Roman Mosaic from Syria Depicting Hercules
Mohamad Yassin Alcharihi was sentenced to three months in federal prison for illegally importing an ancient floor mosaic from Syria depicting the Roman demigod Hercules that is believed to have been made nearly two millennia ago.

• The mosaic depicts a story from ancient Greek and Roman mythology depicting Hercules rescuing Prometheus, who had been chained to a rock by his fellow gods for stealing fire for humanity.
• In August 2015, Alcharihi illegally imported the mosaic by means of a false classification as to its value and quality. The mosaic arrived at Alcharihi’s direction at the Port of Long Beach as part of a shipment from Turkey.
• Instead of disclosing to U.S. customs officials that he was importing a Syrian antiquity for which he had paid approximately $12,000 and that he knew was worth much more, Alcharihi lied to his customs broker and caused it to falsely declare that he was importing ceramic tiles from Turkey valued at less than $600. Alcharihi paid $40,000 to restore the mosaic and the government’s appraisal expert valued the mosaic at $450,000.
• Full press release

Two Foreign Nationals Charged in Swatting Conspiracy Targeting Lawmakers, Private Victims, Houses of Worship, and Businesses
Thomasz Szabo and Nemanja Radovanovic were charged with being part of a years-long conspiracy to perpetrate "swatting" attacks and bomb threats against U.S. victims that included senior government officials.

• The conspirators obtained personal identifying information, including home addresses, for their intended victims, and then carried out swatting attacks by falsely reporting emergencies for the purpose of provoking a police response at the victim’s home.
• "Swatting is not a victimless prank—it endangers real people, wastes precious police resources, and inflicts significant emotional trauma," said U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves. "We will use every tool at our disposal to find the perpetrators and hold them accountable, no matter where they might be."
• "Today’s charges demonstrate how seriously the FBI takes the crime of swatting, which can prevent law enforcement resources from getting to people who actually need them, as well as put lives in danger," said Assistant Director in Charge Sundberg. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who commit this dangerous crime, no matter where they reside."
• 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

Sextortion Scams on the Rise   

August 29, 2024

The FBI has seen an increase in the number of cases involving children and teens being threatened and coerced into sending explicit images online—a crime called sextortion. 

Sextortion can start on any site, app, messaging platform, or game where people meet and communicate. In some cases, the first contact from the criminal will be a threat. The person may claim to already have a revealing picture or video of a child that will be shared if the victim does not send more pictures. 

More often, however, this crime starts when young people believe they are communicating with someone their own age who is interested in a relationship or with someone who is offering something of value.  

This back to school season, keep your kids safe by learning how you can protect your loved ones from these devastating schemes.  

Learn more at https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion/sextortion

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

August 23, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Brooklyn Man Charged with Sex Trafficking and Interstate Prostitution of Multiple Victims at the "Penn Track" in East New York
Ferron Facey was charged with two counts of sex trafficking and one count of interstate prostitution for bringing young women from out of state to the Eastern District of New York to prostitute under threat of force, fraud, and coercion.

• Facey allegedly recruited young women—including at least one 16-year-old minor—in another state and brought them to New York to work for him in prostitution at an open-air sex market in East New York, Brooklyn, known as the "Penn Track" or "blade." Facey used violence, coercion, and threats of force to exert control over these victims and to keep them working in prostitution for him.
• "Ferron Facey allegedly coerced two young women, including a minor, to travel to New York where he subsequently trafficked them for sex under threats of violence. The defendant’s violent history and alleged actions not only pose a grave danger to the community, but also to potential victims out of state, as his depravity knows no bounds. With the assistance from our law enforcement partners, the FBI is determined to dismantle sex trafficking operations in our city and apprehend the criminals who exploit their victims for profits," stated FBI New York Acting Assistant Director in Charge Curtis.
• Full press release

Indiana Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child Pornography
Darin Schilmiller was sentenced to 30 years in prison and life on supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to produce child sexual abuse materials.

• Schilmiller, and his co-conspirator Denali Brehmer, conspired to murder Cynthia Hoffman in June 2019 while Schilmiller was residing in Indiana. While they were conspiring to commit Hoffman’s murder, they also conspired to exploit a minor victim to produce sexually explicit images, which Brehmer took and sent to Schilmiller via text message at his direction.
  
• "Mr. Schilmiller committed some of the darkest crimes imaginable, causing immeasurable harm to the victims and their families," said FBI Anchorage Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day. "This sentencing underscores the unrelenting efforts by the investigative and prosecution teams to ensure that none of his sadistic crimes went unpunished. The FBI, the Anchorage Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize holding dangerous offenders accountable and protecting our most vulnerable."
• Full press release

Oregon Man Charged in Swatting and Bomb Threats Scheme That Targeted Jewish Hospitals in New York City and Long Island
Domagoj Patkovic was charged with conspiring to make and making threats concerning explosives, conspiring to transmit and transmitting threatening communications, and conveying false information concerning explosives.

• Beginning at least as early as May 2021, the defendant and others made anonymous phone calls in which they made violent threats, including threats to detonate explosive devices, to Jewish hospitals and care centers within the Eastern District of New York, among other targets throughout the U.S. 
• "Domagoj Patkovic allegedly issued a series of false bomb threats against Jewish healthcare facilities that prompted repeated emergency responses from local law enforcement and a partial evacuation from at least one hospital. These alleged actions incited unnecessary hysteria and redirected limited resources to mitigate a false alarm. The FBI will not tolerate those who utilize hoax bomb threat schemes to satisfy their anti-Semitic beliefs and endanger the wellbeing of our communities," stated FBI New York Acting Assistant Director in Charge Curtis.
• Full press release

Washington D.C. Man Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Stealing $32,000 in High-End Goods
Linworth Hayes Crawford, III, was sentenced in federal court in Boston for stealing thousands of items from a high-end outlet store in Wrentham, Massachusetts.

• On the evening of September 16, 2021, Crawford, along with his co-defendants Nathaniel Owens, and others, traveled from the Washington D.C. area to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Massachusetts. In the early morning hours of September 17, 2021, Crawford and his co-defendants entered the Gucci store by smashing the store’s glass front door and stole $32,000 in high-end merchandise including handbags, duffle bags, backpacks, and sunglasses.
• The day after the theft, a co-defendant allegedly posted on his Instagram account that he had Gucci bags available for sale. Images of the bags appeared to be identical to the Gucci bags stolen during the burglary earlier that day.
• Crawford also took responsibility for a second similar burglary at a Prada store in Dawsonville, Georgia, where $37,000 in merchandise was stolen.
• Full press release

White Swan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Intent to Commit Murder in Violent Stabbing Attack
Taylor Thomas Rayne Sinclair of White Swan, Washington, was sentenced on one count of assault with intent to commit murder.

• When Sinclair entered the victim’s property, the victim didn’t recognize Sinclair and asked if he needed help. Sinclair pulled out a folding knife, ran up to the victim, and stabbed her several times, including in the face, abdomen, and hands. The victim and Sinclair wrestled for control of the knife.
• The victim managed to call 911 with the help of her young child. The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for multiple stab wounds, including an orbital fracture and a collapsed lung.
• "I commend the bravery of the victim in this case. What began as an offer of help to a stranger, unexpectedly escalated to an unprovoked, violent attack. The victim courageously fought off her attacker, then, despite having serious injuries, managed to call for help and get herself, and her young child, to safety inside a locked bathroom," stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa R. Waldref. "By working closely with our federal, tribal, and local law enforcement partners we will continue to hold those accountable who commit violent acts in tribal communities and work together to make Eastern Washington safer and stronger."
• 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

Director Wray Visits Minnesota, the Dakotas to Reaffirm FBI Partnerships in the Region 

August 23, 2024

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

August 14, 2024

On July 29, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country. 

The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous). 

Since June 29, 2024, nine people have been removed from the list, and seven people have been added. 

Below is a list of those who were added:  

• Blaine Alcott
• Colton Bahe
• Emilio Brown
• Freddie Chee
• Allee Clark
• Frederick Clark
• Katherine Domingo

  
  

Missing Person Alert: Help the FBI Find Liliana Munguia

August 13, 2024

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

August 2, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

FBI Releases Human Trafficking and Drug Offenses 2013—2022 Special Report
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program released the special report, Human Trafficking and Drug Offenses 2013-2022, on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.

• For this special report, UCR Program staff examined drug offenses in connection to human trafficking incidents compared to the number of human trafficking incidents per year.
• From 2013 to 2022, an average of 86% of agencies participated in the UCR Program, and the average population covered by the UCR Program was 94%.
• More than 8,700 reported incidents involved human trafficking from 2013 to 2022. Since 2013, the number of reported human trafficking incidents, offenses, and victims has increased.

• Full press release

Habitual Domestic Violence Sends Lapwai Man to Federal Prison
Gordon Milton Bennett was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for domestic assault by habitual offender.

• In June 2023 Bennett committed a domestic assault against his wife. The investigation found that Bennett had at least two prior convictions in Nez Perce Tribal Court for domestic violence.
• Federal criminal law makes it a felony offense to commit a domestic assault within the borders of a reservation if a defendant has at least two prior convictions for domestic assault.
• "Domestic violence not only harms the victim but has a long-lasting impact on families and communities too," said FBI Salt Lake City Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha. "We want victims to know they are not alone. The FBI and our partners will work to help end the cycle of abuse, bring offenders to justice, and protect others from this horrible crime."
• "I am grateful for the collaboration that allows the Tribe and our office to fight against domestic violence," said U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Josh Hurwit. "We must all work to prevent the distressing trauma that victims and survivors endure from repeated abuse."
• Full press release

Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Brandishing Gun and Using Death Threats and Racial Slurs to Intimidate Two Black Children and an Adult
Austin Schoemann admitted that on July 27, 2022, he brandished a firearm and used racial slurs in order to threaten two Black juveniles while they were entering a QuikTrip gasoline station, and that he also used his firearm to threaten a Black adult who intervened to support the juveniles.

• Schoemann also acknowledged that from January to August 2022, he interfered with the federally protected housing rights of a white woman by making threats to hurt or kill any Black people who visited her home.
• "There is no place for race-based violence in the state of Kansas," said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. "Every individual is entitled to the fundamental right to live their lives without fear and intimidation based solely on their race. Today’s plea underscores the FBI’s commitment to investigating and preventing racially motivated crimes. These crimes have a wide-ranging impact and the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, have no tolerance for these types of threats."
• Full press release

Former Science Director for the Office of Naval Research Global Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Conviction
Daniel Marc Lofaro, a cleared research scientist at U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and former assistant professor at George Mason University, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for receiving, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and coercion and enticement of minors.

• Lofaro collected CSAM for nearly a decade, amassing approximately 600 CSAM images and videos on two laptop computers.
• In addition to prior sexually explicit interactions with minors, between at least August 2021 and February 2022, Lofaro distributed and received numerous CSAM files through social media. Lofaro was a member of multiple social media groups dedicated to discussing sexual abuse of children and exchanging CSAM. Lofaro frequently discussed with other users his sexual interest in children and the sexual abuse of children in real life.
• On Feb. 5, 2022, Lofaro chatted with another individual about his sexual abuse of a minor relative while the child slept, and that he was "looking for someone who has a daughter that they are willing to share."
• Full press release

Delaware Man Convicted of Kidnapping, Hobbs Act Conspiracy, and Firearm Charges for Multi-State Crime Spree, Which Ended in Sexual Assault
Tonnaire McNair-Matthews was convicted on charges of kidnapping, carjacking, Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy, and brandishing and use of a firearm in relation to Hobbs Act robbery and kidnapping.  

• "The amount of harm and senseless violence McNair-Matthews and his coconspirators carried out in a single day is astonishing," said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings.
• "There is no place in our society for a violent rapist, kidnapper, and criminal like Tonnaire McNair-Matthews. This conviction ensures he will spend time behind bars for the horrible and cruel attack he viciously inflicted upon an innocent woman,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. "I am proud of the work the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force does with our local, state, and federal partners to identify and arrest dangerous criminals like McNair-Matthews and bring them to justice."
• 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

July 2024 

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

July 30, 2024

On July 26, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country. 

The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous). 

Since July 15, 2024, three people have been removed from the list, and nine people have been added. 

Below is a list of those who were added:  

• Brooke Bahe 
• Eazion Begay 
• Harvey Boone 
• Hailah Frank 
• Michael James 
• Tivani Lahi 
• Christopher Marks 
• Gwendolyn Nelson 
• Janell Watchman 

Celebrating 116 Years of Service

July 26, 2024

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

July 26, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

New Jersey Man Charged with Terrorism Offenses Relating to His Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
Hadi Matar was arraigned in federal court in connection with attempting to provide material support to Hizballah, a designated foreign terrorist organization; engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries; and providing material support to terrorists. 
Matar attempted to kill and did in fact assault Rushdie.

• "We allege that in attempting to murder Salman Rushdie in New York in 2022, Hadi Matar committed an act of terrorism in the name of Hizballah, a designated terrorist organization aligned with the Iranian regime," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. 
  "The defendant attempted to carry out a fatwa endorsed by Hizballah that called for the death of Salman Rushdie — a fatwa issued in 1989 by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Violence directed at Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights will never be tolerated. The FBI will work with our partners to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence."
• Full press release

Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threats to Arizona Election Office
Brian Jerry Ogstad pleaded guilty to sending threatening messages to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix.

• "Violent threats to election workers are threats to our democracy and democratic process. We cannot allow threats of violence against public servants to become normalized," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "The FBI takes seriously all threats of violence against public officials and will continue to pursue threats and acts of violence aimed at election workers."
• "The functioning of our democracy requires that our country’s public servants be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "We have no tolerance for this kind of heinous criminal conduct and the danger it poses to people’s safety and to our democratic process. Threats and acts of violence targeting those who serve the public will be met with the full force of the United States Justice Department."
• Full press release

Nevada Man Arrested and Indicted for Threatening to Murder Federal Officials and State Employees
Spencer Christjencody Gear was charged with threatening to assault and murder federal officials, including federal judges, and state employees in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, and Montana.

• Gear made threatening phone calls and sent a threatening email to assault and murder eight federal officials with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the officials while engaged in the performance of official duties, and with intent to retaliate against the officials on account of the performance of official duties. Gear also threatened three state employees. 
• "The FBI will not tolerate individuals who threaten government officials for doing their jobs and who create a climate of fear," said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI National Security Branch. "As this case demonstrates, we will work with our partners to investigate and hold accountable all those who threaten or interfere with government officials as they carry out their duties."
• Full press release

Georgia Man with Seven Prior Felony Convictions Pleads Guilty to Armed Drug Trafficking Charges
Mandrell Antwoin Hull pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

• Hull faces a minimum mandatory of 15 years in prison up to a maximum sentence of life in prison.
• "Criminals like Hull continue to plague our communities with blatant disregard for the safety of others and reckless indifference to the law. It is only through our local and federal partnerships that we are able to put a stop to these violent repeat offenders," said Senior Supervisory Special Agent Robert Gibbs of FBI Atlanta's Athens office. "This case is another example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to keeping the streets of Georgia safe for everyone in our community."
• Full press release

U.S. Attorney Announces Prison Sentence for Domestic Violence Against Pregnant Intimate Partner
Steven Williams was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for brutally assaulting and strangling his pregnant girlfriend.

• Between February 11 and 14, 2023, Williams, an enrolled member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe. Jane Doe was five months pregnant at the time of the assaults.
• As a result of the attacks, Jane Doe suffered severe bruising, a broken hand, defensive knife wounds, and strangulation. Fortunately, the unborn child survived. 
• After enduring days of abuse, Jane Doe eventually managed to escape and receive medical treatment with the help of concerned family members.
• 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

Director Discusses Threat Environment, Partnerships in Capitol Hill Appearance

July 24, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray on July 24 testified at a regularly scheduled House Judiciary Committee hearing about Bureau oversight.

During his opening remarks to the committee, Director Wray addressed the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump; the current threat environment the FBI is facing, from counterterrorism to cybersecurity; and the crucial role of partnerships in combating these threats.

He also took a moment to thank the FBI’s workforce and partners ahead of the Bureau’s 116th anniversary, which we’ll commemorate on July 26.

“... As we approach this week’s anniversary, I would just like to say to all those who are part of the FBI family—from our current employees to our formers, and to our partners across law enforcement and the Intelligence Community: Thank you,” Wray said. “Thank you for dedicating your lives to this country and to its people. It is both humbling and an honor to serve alongside you, and I look forward to the work we’re going to continue to do together.”

Resources:

• Director Wray's Opening Statement to the House Judiciary Committee
• Testimony: Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

July 19, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Georgian National Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes and a Mass Casualty Attack in New York City
Michail Chkhikvishvili, a leader of Maniac Murder Cult (MMC or MKY), a white supremacist group, allegedly recruited others to commit arson and bombings targeting racial minorities and the Jewish community.

• MKY is a racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist group with members in the U.S. and abroad. Members share a common goal of challenging social order and governments via terrorism and violent acts that promote fear and chaos.
• "As alleged, the defendant sought to recruit others to commit violent attacks and killings in furtherance of his Neo-Nazi ideologies," stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace. "His goal was to spread hatred, fear, and destruction by encouraging bombings, arson, and even poisoning children for the purpose of harming racial minorities, the Jewish community, and homeless individuals. We will not hesitate to find and prosecute those who threaten the safety and freedoms of all members of our community, including members of minority communities, no matter where in the world these criminals might be hiding."
• Full press release

Operation Clean House: New Orleans
The operation targeted the most violent individuals as part of a long-term effort to uproot crime in the city and throughout Louisiana.

• Law enforcement teams spread across New Orleans to combat violent crimes, such as homicides, armed robberies, carjackings, and shootings.
• The operation resulted in a combined 155 arrests, 54 firearms confiscated, 10 firearm switches, and 39 instances of illegal narcotics taken off the streets. 
• "Together, we focused on collective intelligence gathered from all our partners and what we were hearing from our own community members in the most affected neighborhoods," said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil. "Community is particularly important to the culture in New Orleans, and this level of overt coordination between law enforcement agencies had an immediate positive effect."
• Full story

Floresville Man Gets 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Child at a Home Daycare
Rodney Allan Felux was sentenced in federal court to 360 months in prison for the sexual exploitation of a seven-year-old girl.

• Felux sexually assaulted and exploited the child victim while the child attended a residential daycare in December 2022. The victim advised her mother of the incident leading to an investigation. 
• "This sentencing sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in our community," said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp. "The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners at the Wilson County Sheriff's office, will continue to vigorously pursue every lead to rescue children who are being victimized, and bring their perpetrators to justice."
• Full press release

U.S. Attorney Secures 26-Year Prison Sentence for Gambling-Fueled Crime Spree
Marc Candelaria was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for orchestrating a violent home invasion against his father-in-law, John Doe, and robbing a bank in order to fuel a severe gambling addiction.

• Candelaria was assisted by an unknown co-conspirator who acted as the actual intruder during the home invasion. The intruder entered the home and ultimately forced John Doe to write a $23,000 check, then the intruder brutally beat him.
• Over a month later, Candelaria robbed a Bank of America branch using a typewritten demand note that threatened cartel violence. The bank teller, fearing for his life, gave Candelaria cash from his register.
• Candelaria committed both crimes to fund a severe gambling addiction. Between September 2020 and May 2022, he visited a local casino approximately 169 times, losing large sums of money.
• Full press release

Former Army Soldier Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact on an Aircraft
A former Chief Warrant Officer in the Army, James Benecke, who was stationed in Alaska, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for abusive sexual contact while on board an aircraft.

• "Preying on teenagers in the confined space of an aircraft is traumatizing, and is happening far too often," said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington Tessa M. Gorman. "Those convicted of this crime are required to register as a sex offender. Some have been banned from certain airlines. We need to get the message across that this conduct is unacceptable and will be prosecuted."
• As noted in the government’s sentencing memorandum, the Western District of Washington "has experienced a significant increase in the number of reported airline sexual assaults over the last few years," and these crimes "have serious consequences on the victims." For the two victims in this case, "teenagers embarking on exciting travel opportunities, Mr. Benecke’s actions diminished their sense of personal safety, and turned what should have been joyous, meaningful trips—one to a school sporting competition, and one returning home from college orientation—into sources of trauma."
• 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

Celebrating Women Special Agents

July 17, 2024

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

July 12, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Criminals Are Targeting Bank and ATM Customers in Maryland
The FBI and local law enforcement partners are investigating a surge of armed robberies, known as "jugging" crimes, at financial institutions in Maryland. At least 21 bank and ATM customers have been victimized by these crimes just in the first week of July.

• "Jugging" refers to a crime in which a suspect, or group of suspects, targets customers believed to have large amounts of cash. The perpetrators either rob customers while in the parking lot of a bank, credit union, or ATM or follow them to their next location.
• A majority of the crimes have taken place in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties.
• "These assailants are brazenly targeting bank and ATM customers, posing a significant risk to the public of both physical and financial harm. FBI Baltimore’s Violent Crime Task Forces and our partners are working together to combat the alarming rise of these dangerous incidents," said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. "We will continue to pursue criminals with all our available resources and remain determined to eradicate violent crime from our streets."
• Full press release

Former Teacher Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Exploiting Children in Laos
Michael Sebastian was sentenced to 12 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for sexually exploiting minors to whom he taught English in Laos.

• Sebastian is charged with sexually abusing three minor children who lived with him between May 2018 and March 2020.
• While teaching children in Laos, Sebastian allowed certain students to live with him in his apartment. Students who were unable to pay for their living expenses were forced to perform "chores" around the house to earn credit towards their rent payments, which entailed Sebastian sexually abusing them. 
• "Michael Sebastian apparently thought, because he was halfway around the world, he could commit these heinous crimes with impunity. Today’s sentence makes it clear that was wrong," said FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen. "This serial sex offender shamelessly exploited three Laotian boys who were destitute and dependent upon him for shelter and education for his own gratification. Protecting vulnerable kids from predators like him is a top priority for FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation—Human Trafficking Task Force."
• Full press release

Bloods Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Charges
Howard Davis, a leader of the violent Bloods street gang, was sentenced to life in prison plus 132 years for attempted murder, assault, robbery, distribution of controlled substances, obstruction of justice, and brandishing and discharging firearms during the commission of these offenses.

• As proven at trial and in court filings, Davis was the leader of Long Island-based G-Shine set of the Bloods, a racketeering enterprise that engaged in multiple crimes of violence and narcotics trafficking.
• While leading this criminal organization, Davis directed a campaign of violence against his rivals, including issuing a standing order to kill certain individuals whenever and wherever they were found, in addition to other crimes.
  
• "Howard Davis’s tyranny over Long Island has come to an end. His myriad of crimes repeatedly violated the law as Davis used his status as the gang’s leader to breed further criminality and gun violence. Today’s sentence demonstrates the FBI’s determination to take armed criminals who threaten the safety of our communities off the streets," stated FBI New York Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis.
• Full press release

Tahlequah Resident Sentenced to Life in Prison for First-Degree Murder
Isaac Newman Sockey was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder stemming from a fatal knife attack on September 8, 2023, at a Tahlequah residence in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

• On the day of the murder, Sockey retrieved a butterfly knife from his bedroom, placed the knife to the victim’s throat, and threatened the victim in response to a verbal insult. The victim pushed the knife away and attempted to disarm Sockey.  Sockey then stabbed the victim more than twenty times, including in the neck, head, and torso.
• Despite life-saving measures, the victim died from injuries sustained in the attack.
• "Senseless tragedies such as this reverberate through our communities, and those who perpetrate these acts must be brought to justice," said FBI Oklahoma City Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Kaplan. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to preventing violent crime in Indian country by removing offenders like Mr. Sockey from our streets."
• Full press release

Senior Leaders of Lev Tahor Sect Sentenced to 14 and 12 Years in Prison for Kidnapping and Sex Trafficking Crimes
Yakov Weingarten, Shmiel Weingarten, and Yoil Weingarten were sentenced to 14 years, 14 years, and 12 years in prison, respectively, for child sexual exploitation and kidnapping offenses.

• The defendants are U.S. citizens and senior leaders of Lev Tahor, an extremist religious sect that has been located in several different jurisdictions, including New York, Israel, Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala. Lev Tahor leaders, including the Weingarten brothers, embraced several extreme practices, including forced family separations, child marriages, and underage sex.
• The defendants masterminded a scheme to kidnap a 14-year-old girl ("Minor-1") and a 12-year-old boy ("Minor-2") from their mother in Woodridge, New York. The defendants then smuggled the children across the U.S. border to Mexico, where they reunited Minor-1 with her adult "husband" to allow him to continue his illegal sexual relationship with Minor-1. 
  
• "The sentencing of the Weingarten brothers holds them accountable for kidnapping children from their mother in the middle of the night, including for the purpose of coercing a child into a sexual relationship with an adult," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams.
• 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   

July 11, 2024

On June 26, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country. 

The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous). 

Since June 26 2024, 24 people have been removed from the list, and 10 people have been added. 

Below is a list of those who were added:  

• Triphina Ben
• Gerald Benally
• Juan Charley
• Nicole Curley
• Alexander Dale
• Roy Etsitty
• Leon Spoonhunter
• Lucas Williams
• Thomas Yasteya
• Tarail Yellowmexican 

  
  

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

July 5, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

FBI Cleveland Renews Call for Tips About Missing Teen’s Whereabouts
As the 17th anniversary of Ashley Summers’ disappearance approaches, the Bureau’s Cleveland Field Office is encouraging the public to come forward with any information they may have about her disappearance.

• Summers was 14 years old when she was last seen in Cleveland, around July 7-8, 2007. She was reported missing to the Cleveland Department of Police on July 11, 2007.
• The FBI joined the investigation in 2008 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted the FBI Cleveland Field Office about Ashley’s case.
• "This is still very much an active investigation," said FBI Cleveland Special Agent Cristin McCaskill. "We still hope to bring resolution to Ashley’s family. And I believe that the only way we're going to be able to do that at this point is through tips—and the only way to generate those tips is by getting Ashley’s story out to the public. I am certain there are individuals out there who we haven’t spoken to yet. If someone believes they saw Ashley or knows where she may be, we welcome all tips."
• Full press release

California Man Arrested for Allegedly Using Instagram to Advertise and Distribute Child Sexual Abuse Material and to Commit Sextortion
Alejandro Garcia Aranda, 23, of Sylmar, has been charged with one count of advertisement of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count transmitting threatening communications with intent to extort.

• According to the indictment, in April and May of 2020, Aranda used an Instagram handle in hopes of “[e]xposing” victims: local girls who attended schools in California’s San Fernando Valley.
• Aranda allegedly used Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle to receive payments from customers who wanted to obtain sexually explicit content of the victims that he had advertised and offered to sell on the Instagram account. Aranda allegedly used Instagram to direct-message customers a link to a ZIP file containing sexually explicit photographs of his victims after receiving and confirming payment.
• When victims discovered that Aranda was advertising and disseminating sexually explicit materials depicting them—and asked him to stop and remove the materials—Aranda allegedly tried to extract further more sexually explicit material from them, including by threatening to post more photographs.
• Full press release

Texas Man Pleads Guilty in Racketeering Scheme That Resulted in Nationwide Lockdown of Federal Prison System
Juan Carlos Rivas-Moreiera pleaded guilty on July 2 for his role in a racketeering conspiracy in furtherance of the violent transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13.

• In April 2022, seven defendants—including Rivas-Moreiera—were indicted and charged with the planning and execution of a violent attack orchestrated by MS-13 members against Mexican Mafia and Sureños associates.
• The attack resulted in two deaths, two attempted murders, and a nationwide lockdown of all inmates in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for almost a week.
• Rivas-Moreiera—the last remaining defendant to plead guilty—faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
• The FBI investigated this case in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
• Full press release

Member of Violent Connecticut Gang Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison
Michael Lockhart was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport, Connecticut, street gang.

• Lockhart was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs.
• He was arrested after a search of his residence revealed the following items:
  • Large bags of marijuana
  • Numerous items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, including thousands of glassine bags typically used to package fentanyl and heroin
  • Five Glock handguns
  • Three empty boxes for other Glock handguns
  • Extended magazines
  • Ammunition
  • Body armor
  • Other gun accessories
• He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
• This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, Project Longevity, and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces programs.
• Full press release

South Dakota Mother and Son Convicted of Second-Degree Murder and Assault Charges
A jury has convicted 47-year-old Theodora Belt and 23-year-old Bailey Belt of second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

• The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on May 27, 2023, in Bridger, South Dakota, within the Cheyenne River Reservation.
• Theodora and Bailey Belt got into an argument while visiting the home of their two victims.
  • The two went on to assault the first victim by punching, kicking, and beating him with a shovel. Theodora’s car then ran over the first victim while he lay on the ground outside the home, ultimately killing him.
  • Bailey Belt struck a second victim in the head with a shovel, requiring him to be life-flighted to Rapid City, South Dakota, for medical treatment. The victim survived.
• The FBI investigated this case in partnership with Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.
• 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

June 28, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

"King" of Violent Haitian Gang Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Gun Smuggling and Money Laundering
Joly Germine was sentenced to 420 months in prison for his role in a gunrunning conspiracy that smuggled firearms to Haiti in violation of U.S. export laws, and the laundering of ransoms paid for U.S. hostages held by the notoriously violent Haitian gang known as 400 Mawozo. 

• Eliande Tunis, who styled herself as Germine’s "wife" and was described at trial as the "Queen" of 400 Mawozo, was sentenced on June 5, to 150 months in prison for her role in the conspiracy. 
• "Joly Germine is being held accountable for his role in smuggling weapons into Haiti using funds laundered from the ransoms of kidnapped American citizens," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "The 400 Mawazo gang not only wreaks havoc in its own communities but targets innocent Americans living and traveling in Haiti. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to target the leadership and take down any violent criminal group who preys upon Americans abroad and uses unlawful and dangerous tactics like weapons-trafficking and kidnapping to further their criminal enterprise."
• Full press release

Local Partners Join FBI New Orleans in Announcing Latest Violent Crime Initiative Operation Clean House
For four weeks, teams of law enforcement from a variety of agencies fanned out across the city, targeting areas plagued by narcotics trafficking, shootings, and killings.

• Operation Clean House officially ended Wednesday, June 26, 2024, with a combined 155 arrests, 54 firearms confiscated, 10 firearm switches, and dangerous narcotics taken off the streets.
• "This is not a 'one and done' effort," said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Myrthil. "This is not a superficial attempt because New Orleans is hosting a major sporting event next year. We are here for the long haul…To the members of our great city who literally cheered us on, thank you. New Orleans we are here. We are listening, and we care."
• Full press release

Members of a Cargo Theft Ring Sentenced to Prison
Yunior Hernandez, Roberto Quesada Lopez, Carlos Alberto Valdes, and Yubani Millares Vera have been sentenced to prison for multiple cargo thefts throughout the southeastern U.S. totaling more than $1.7 million.

• "The FBI takes cargo theft very seriously, due to the significant impact it has on the United States economy, and the potential for stolen goods to be used to fund other criminal organizations," said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley. "This theft conspiracy did not stop at our state border, and neither did our investigation. Thanks to our partnership with Miami agencies, we tracked these thieves across the entire southeast, and now they will be held accountable for their crimes."
• "Thefts of interstate shipments disrupt the production and delivery of needed goods and result in detrimental financial impact on businesses, consumers, and the U.S. economy generally," said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Ryan K. Buchanan. "The sentencing of these defendants is an example of our office’s commitment to prosecute these criminals as well as a warning to others that these offenses are an investigative priority for our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners."
• Full press release

Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Offense of Excessive Force
Former Elmore County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks was sentenced to 29 months in prison and three years of supervised release for depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law. 

• Hicks willfully used unreasonable force against an arrestee. Specifically, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked the arrestee in or around the head while the arrestee was handcuffed and incapacitated on the ground. The arrestee suffered a broken cheekbone, concussion, and lacerations from Hicks’ assault.
• "This defendant had a duty to respect the rights of people in his custody and to keep them safe," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "Instead, he violently assaulted a person under arrest who was not resisting or threatening harm to the defendant or the public. The Justice Department remains firmly committed to holding accountable law enforcement officials who abuse their powers and use excessive force against people in custody."
• Full press release

Former Airline Mechanic Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Assault of Woman Seated Next to Him on Plane
A former commercial airline mechanic was sentenced to six months in prison and five years of supervised release for abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft.

• Brick was on a March 20, 2023, flight from Phoenix to Seattle. He was seated in a middle seat, with the 24-year-old victim in the window seat. The victim was anxious about flying and had taken an anti-anxiety medication.
• The victim fell asleep and awoke to find Brick repeatedly sexually assaulting her.
• Assistant U.S. Attorney Grace Zoller said the assault was "intentional, methodical, and prolonged…it took place over many minutes. He knew she was not consenting and when he was caught, he blamed her."
• 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

Chasing the CryptoQueen: New Reward Announced for Tips Leading to FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive's Arrest, Conviction  

June 27, 2024

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

June 21, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Former Colorado Resident Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Hate Crimes and Firearm Offenses Related to Mass Shooting at Club Q
Anderson Lee Aldrich was sentenced to 55 concurrent life sentences to run consecutive to 190 years in prison after pleading guilty to 74 hate crimes and firearms charges related to the Nov. 19, 2022, mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQIA+ establishment in Colorado Springs.  

• Aldrich admitted to murdering five people, injuring 19, and attempting to murder 26 more in a willful, deliberate, malicious, and pre-mediated attack at Club Q. According to the plea, Aldrich entered Club Q armed with a loaded, privately manufactured assault weapon and began firing. Aldrich continued firing until subdued by patrons of the Club.
• "The 2022 mass shooting at Club Q is one of the most violent crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community in history," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "The FBI and our partners have worked tirelessly towards this sentencing, but the true heroes are the patrons of the Club who selflessly acted to subdue the defendant. This Pride Month and every month, the FBI stands with the survivors, victims, and families of homophobic violence and hate."
• Full press release

Fort Hall Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Causing the Death of Her Seven-Week-Old Baby by Methamphetamine Exposure
Keisha Cody was sentenced to five years in federal prison for felony injury to a child, following the death of her seven-week-old baby boy on December 10, 2019.

• Cody admitted to recklessly causing the health of her child to be injured by willfully exposing the child to methamphetamine and causing the child to become malnourished, which resulted in the child’s death.
• "This case painfully demonstrates the deadly consequences of substance abuse and drug addiction,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Josh Hurwit. "We stand with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, as well as the law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who responded to this tragedy, in mourning this loss of life."
• "The loss of her innocent newborn is something this mother will now have to live with for the rest of her life," said FBI Salt Lake City Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha. "This case shows the unintended and devastating consequences of drug addiction. The FBI and our partners are continuously working to combat this problem which has resulted in so much pain and destruction in our communities."
• Full press release

Three Hells Angels Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Related Crimes
Jonathan Nelson, Brian Wayne Wendt, and Russell Taylor Ott, were all sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison.

• A jury concluded in June of 2022 that the defendants participated in an enterprise that engaged in a broad array of violent crimes, including murder, assault, robbery, extortion, and witness intimidation.
• "These three Hells Angels members were the most violent of the dozens convicted in this investigation. They used violence and fear to intimidate our community, but their brutality and disregard for human life have now earned them life in prison,” said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. "Today’s announcement is the direct result of years of persistence, dedication, and collaboration with our partners at the California Highway Patrol and Santa Rosa Police Department. Today, these individuals have faced the consequences of their actions, and today, we are a step closer in fulfilling our mission of eradicating organized criminal activity and keeping our neighborhoods safe."
• Full press release

Ten Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and Drug Trafficking
Ten members of a south Minneapolis street gang have been charged in federal court for various crimes including illegal possession of firearms, possession of a machine gun, and drug trafficking.

• The Minneapolis street gang known as the 10z are involved in narcotics and firearms trafficking in south Minneapolis, as well as violent crime throughout the Minneapolis metropolitan area.
• "Violent criminals who carry guns pose a deadly threat to communities and, as recent tragedies show, to the law enforcement officers and first responders who are sworn to protect us all," said U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Andrew Luger. "Our federal resources are focused on holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities. My message to the community: We are working for you, for your families and your children, to make sure violent crime continues to drop and we can all enjoy our beautiful cities this summer."
• Full press release

U.S. Attorney Announces Extradition of Indian National Charged in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Citizen in New York City
At the direction of an Indian government employee, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian National, worked to carry out a plot to murder U.S.-based leader of Sikh separatist movement.

• Gupta has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
• "As alleged, the defendant conspired from India with an Indian government employee in an unsuccessful assassination plot to assassinate, right here in New York City, a U.S. citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs, an ethno-religious minority group in India," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams. "Today’s extradition makes clear our unwavering resolve to investigate, thwart, and prosecute those who seek to harm and silence U.S. citizens here and elsewhere. We thank our Czech government counterparts for their close cooperation in this extradition."
• "This defendant has been extradited for his alleged role in a plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen on American soil," said FBI Director Christopher A. Wray. "The FBI will not tolerate attempts by foreign nationals, or anyone else for that matter, to repress constitutionally-protected freedoms in the U.S.  We will continue to work with our partners at home and abroad to protect our citizens and these sacred rights."
• 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

Global Partnerships: FBI Director Visits Kenya, Nigeria

June 14, 2024

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

June 14, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Sureno Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murder on Yakama Nation Indian Reservation
Jaime Herrera was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of second-degree murder in Indian Country and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.

• On July 19, 2017, Herrera, who is a Sureno gang member and not affiliated with the Yakama Nation, accused two men of being traitors to the gang. Herrera pulled out a rifle and killed one of the men—an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. The second man—who survived the shooting—is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe.
• Herrera also committed a second, unrelated homicide in the Yakima Valley—arranging an ambush and ultimately shooting the victim. Herrera was arrested shortly after the second murder, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment in that case.
• "Senseless is the only word to describe this crime," said FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi. "The violence Mr. Herrera displayed in this case, and subsequently in a separate case, indicates prison is where he belongs. I applaud the work of our investigators and partners who work so hard to make our state’s reservations safe for the people who live on them."
• Full press release

Former Police Officer Sentenced to Four Consecutive Life Sentences for 2016 Quadruple Murder
Nicholas Tartaglione was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for his role in the 2016 murders of Martin Luna, Urbano Santiago, Miguel Luna, and Hector Gutierrez.  

• Tartaglione who is a former police officer, orchestrated the kidnapping and murders of all four victims.
• "Nicholas Tartaglione brutally and senselessly murdered Martin Luna over money, and then ruthlessly executed Urbano Santiago, Miguel Luna, and Hector Gutierrez simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time," sad U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams. "He tried to cover up his crimes by burying all four victims in a shallow grave on his property...Today’s sentence of four consecutive life terms justly reflects the pain and suffering each victim underwent at Tartaglione’s hands. I hope that this outcome brings some measure of closure to the victims’ families and to their community."
• Full press release

Carmel Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Thomas Cade Martin has been sentenced to 275 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child sexual abuse material.

• Martin also admitted to sexually exploiting a minor victim in Carmel, Indiana. Martin asked Minor Victim 1 (MV1), a 15-year-old male, to meet in-person after being introduced through Grindr, an online dating application. Martin continued conversations with MV1 through Instagram and Snapchat, initially lying about his identity and age in order to groom MV1.
• "Martin sexually abused and exploited a 15-year-old boy, having gained his adoration and trust online. Taking advantage of vulnerable teens for sexual gain is a despicable crime that merits significant prison time," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers. "The sentence imposed today should serve as a warning to would-be groomers and offenders: if you solicit and exploit minors for sex, you will spend many years in federal prison."
• Full press release

Member of Violent New Haven Gang Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison
Jaedyn Rivera, also known as "Jae Honcho," was sentenced to 182 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent New Haven street gang, Exit 8. 

• The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.
• Rivera and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms—and since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.
• Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence. Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites.
• Full press release

Yakima Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison on Drug Trafficking Charges
An investigation into stolen skis for sale on Craigslist, led investigators to Jacob Rodney Penny, who was sentenced on drug trafficking charges and possession of a firearm. 

• The victim of a residential burglary saw a Craigslist ad for ski equipment that matched items that had been stolen. Law enforcement contacted the seller, Penny, and asked to purchase the skis. Law enforcement detained Penny and executed a search warrant on Penny's Tahoe.
• The Tahoe held four large bags that contained hundreds of fentanyl pills, two smaller bags containing between 100 and 200 fentanyl pills each, a small quantity of methamphetamine, a scale with drug residue, two 9mm pistols, and $2,600 in cash.
• "Sometimes an unexpected break leads to success," said FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi. "In this case, a property crime led to sending a drug trafficker to federal prison. The FBI and our partners will continue working to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets and out of our communities."
• 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

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 

June 13, 2024

June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The observance aims to educate the public about the dangers of elder fraud—crime intended to separate older Americans from their money or cryptocurrency.  

Elder fraud can take many forms. This year, however, the FBI and our partners are drawing attention to government impersonation scams.  

In these scams, fraudsters pretend to be government employees. Then, they threaten to arrest victims or charge them with crimes unless they agree to pay up.  

You can read a 2022 public service announcement from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to learn more about this risk.  

You can also listen to a recent episode of our Inside the FBI podcast to learn about the Phantom Hacker scam—a hybrid tech-support/government-impersonation scam that's growing in popularity—and how to avoid becoming its next victim. 

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have been targeted by a government impersonation scam (or any other type of elder fraud), you can report it to the FBI by: 

• Contacting your nearest FBI field office; 
• Submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.gov; or 
• Filing a complaint with IC3 online at ic3.gov. 

Resources: 

• How We Can Help You: Elder Fraud
• fbi.gov Story: Elder Fraud, in Focus
• IC3 2023 Elder Fraud Report (ic3.gov PDF) 
• IC3 PSA: FBI Warns of the Impersonation of Law Enforcement and Government Officials (ic3.gov PDF)
• Inside the FBI Podcast: The Phantom Hacker Scam  

Reported Violent Crime Fell By 15.2% from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024, New FBI Data Release Shows

June 12, 2024

Reported violent crime fell by 15.2% between the first quarter of calendar year 2023 (January 1-March 31) and the first quarter of this year, according to the FBI’s first Quarterly Uniform Crime Report data release for calendar year 2024. 

Additional highlights from the release, which was based on data that law enforcement agencies voluntarily shared with the Bureau, included: 

• A 26.4% decrease in reported murders; 
• A 25.7% decrease in reported rapes; 
• A 17.8% decrease in reported robberies; 
• A 12.5% decrease in reported aggravated assaults; and 
• A 15.1% decrease in reported property crime within the same time period. 

“This continued historic decline in homicides does not represent abstract statistics,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement about the data release. “It represents people whose lives were saved—people who are still here to see their children grow up, to work toward fulfilling their dreams, and to contribute to their communities.” 

Garland’s statement also stressed the ongoing nature of the Justice Department’s quest to quell violent crime. 

“Our work will not be done until all Americans feel safe in their communities,” he said. 

You can read an FBI press release to learn more about the data release and how it was compiled. You can visit the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer to dig into the data more deeply. 

The FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report data releases, published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, include data on violent crimes (including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and property crimes (including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft). The data releases provide a nationwide overview, data breakdowns by population group size or region, and data reported by cities with 100,000 and over in population. They also show how data points changed from the previous year. 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

June 7, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Former U.S. Soldier Turned Foreign Fighter Extradited from Ukraine to the U.S. for 2018 Double Homicide, Armed Robbery, Immigration Document Offenses, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Other Charges
Craig Austin Lang faces criminal charges in the Middle District of Florida, the Eastern District of North Carolina, and the District of Arizona.

• "As alleged in the indictments, Craig Austin Lang went on an international crime spree that included a double murder in Florida, attempts to travel internationally to engage in other acts of violence outside the United States, and a plot to evade law enforcement detection by trading guns, a grenade, and cash to use another person’s identifying information to apply for a U.S. passport under an assumed name," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. 
• "The alleged conduct of Craig Austin Lang, which includes homicide and armed robbery, will not be tolerated by the FBI," said Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. "Individuals that engage in such activity must face the consequences of their actions. We would like to thank our partner law enforcement agencies for their efforts in ensuring that criminals face justice. If you cause harm to the American public, we will relentlessly pursue you even if you are located beyond our borders."
• Full press release

Ex-Husband of 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' Star Convicted of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering and Obstruction of Justice
Thomas Manzo was convicted on one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, one count of conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering resulting in serious bodily injury, and one count of falsifying and concealing documents related to a federal investigation.

• In the spring of 2015, Manzo hired Lucchese crime family soldier John Perna to assault his ex-wife’s then-boyfriend in exchange for a free wedding reception for Perna held at an upscale venue Manzo owned. Perna, who is a "made man" in the Lucchese crime family with his own crew, worked with his associates to plan and carry out the violent assault, which took place on July 18, 2015.
• "Manzo now faces a lengthy federal prison sentence because he chose to hire a 'made man' to carry out an assault on his ex-wife’s boyfriend," said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy. "He then gave away a free wedding and hid the documents to cover it up. The facts and circumstances in this case read like something from a bad TV crime drama, but the evidence and testimony presented in court prove it was reality. We truly hope the victims in this investigation are able to move on with their lives and forget about Manzo and his criminal mafia bedfellows."
• Full press release

Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Violent and Extortionate Takeover of the New York City Fire Mitigation Industry
Jatiek Smith was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role as the leader of a violent and extortionate racketeering enterprise that terrorized the fire restoration industry in New York City.

• The fire restoration industry refers to the businesses that repair properties that have suffered damage from fires or exposures to fires.  Within this industry, fire restoration companies (sometimes referred to as emergency mitigation services companies) provide emergency mitigation services, demolition, and construction services to properties that have suffered such damages. First Response Cleaning Corp. ("First Response") was one such EMS company.
• In 2019, Smith joined First Response and quickly assumed control over its operations. Smith, a member of the Bloods, the violent street gang, recruited other gang members and associates to join him at First Response. As the leader of this crew, Smith and his associates used violence, threats of violence, and extortion to terrorize and dominate the fire restoration industry in New York City.
• Full press release

Illinois Predator Sentenced to 42 Years in Federal Prison for Years of Sexual Abuse of a Young Child he Drugged with Methamphetamine
Zachary Nichols has been sentenced to 42 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of permitting or assisting by a parent or guardian in the sexual exploitation of a child.

• Nichols had been in a romantic relationship with a relative of an eleven-year-old child. Beginning in at least 2016, Nichols began sexually abusing the child and recording the abuse.
• Nichols was an active user of methamphetamine and supplied the child with the drug to facilitate some of the sexual abuse. The child is nearly incapacitated because of drug use in some of the child sex abuse material that Nichols created. Nichols continued supplying methamphetamine to the child well into the victim’s teenage years.
• "This sentence clearly demonstrates the gravity of the defendant’s heinous actions and ensures he will be behind bars for years to come and unable to perpetrate such depravity on another child," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue and hold accountable those who engage in these crimes."
• Full press release

Meridian Man Sentenced for Destruction of an Energy Facility After Shooting at Two Idaho Power Hydroelectric Power Plants
Randy Scott Vail was sentenced to five years of probation for destruction of an energy facility.

• On June 8, 2023, and continuing into June 9, 2023, Vail shot at the Hells Canyon Dam hydroelectric power station and the Brownlee Dam hydroelectric power station causing power loss and substantial damage to both. The dams are essential to electricity production, transmission, and storage in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
• "The citizens of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington rely on this infrastructure, and the damage potentially could have been catastrophic," said FBI Salt Lake City Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha. "The FBI and our partners will work diligently to identify, arrest, and hold accountable those who use violence to further ideology."
• 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   

June 6, 2024

On May 28, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country. 

The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous). 

Since May 28, 2024, 13 people have been removed from the list, and 11 people have been added. 

Below is a list of those who were added:  

• Kiowa Benally 
• Emy Bennett 
• Nathan Boone 
• Latisha Clark 
• Lyle Clarke 
• Tomacina Etcitty 
• Galeeyia Holiday 
• Star Nez 
• Angel Ricotta 
• Roy Sampson 
• Harmony Yslas 

Staying Safe at ATMs and in Stores 

May 20, 2024

Did you know that scammers can steal your debit, credit, or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card information and PIN when you pay for gas, take out cash, or use a point-of-sale (or POS) terminal?  

This crime, called skimming, uses devices that are illegally installed onto or inside ATMs, fuel pumps, or POS terminals to steal and store the data from customers’ cards during legitimate transactions. Some “skimmers” fit over a terminal’s card reader, though many ATM devices are installed inside the machines and outside customers’ view.

ATM “skimmers” are often accompanied by hidden cameras that film you entering your PIN on a keypad, or by keypad overlays that record which keys you tap. POS “skimmers,” such as those capturing EBT card data, typically include a keypad overlay.

Scammers then use that hijacked information to create an impostor card they can use to run up credit-card charges or clean out your bank or benefits account.

EBT cards have become a particular target for card-skimming criminals and groups. This is because EBT cards lack an embedded microchip to protect customer data. This feature is standard to most other payment cards, though.

Visit our resource page about skimming to learn more about this threat, how to protect your financial information, and how—and where—to report suspected skimming. 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

May 17, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Ten District Men Arrested in Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy
Law enforcement arrested 10 members of a District-area drug trafficking crew charged in a 17-count indictment with participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, as well as multiple firearms counts.

• Law enforcement executed search warrants for 21 residences, nine vehicles, and 14 individuals in the District and Maryland, and seized nearly two dozen firearms as part of the operation.
• Each defendant has been charged in a conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a protected location, specifically Phelps ACE High School and AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School in Northeast Washington, D.C.
• Two of the defendants, Charles Manson and Damien Jenkins, were also charged in connection with a shooting that occurred on March 7, 2024, near 19th and I Streets NE. For that incident, Manson was additionally charged with possession of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence and unlawful possession of ammunition.
• Full press release

Thirteen People Indicted in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine
Thirteen people who were indicted in a significant drug trafficking investigation are being sought by law enforcement. Ten of them are in custody.

• The lead indictment names ten members of the conspiracy who distributed controlled substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and alprazolam.
• In the investigation prior to the arrests, law enforcement seized: 59 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 21 kilos of cocaine, and 11 firearms.
• "Today’s enforcement action demonstrates the strength of partnerships around the region in keeping our communities safe,” said FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi. "It’s satisfying to know the illegal drugs and weapons seized are now off the streets. The FBI and our partners will continue investigating these cases and holding those responsible accountable."
• "These defendants were brazenly bringing large loads of drugs to western Washington and didn’t hesitate to arm themselves with high-powered firearms," said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington Tessa M. Gorman. "Even after law enforcement seized the drugs in various traffic stops in Oregon and Washington, they were not deterred."
• Full press release

Former Bryant High School Teacher Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity
Heather Hare was sentenced to serve the next 13 years in federal prison for transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of unlawful sexual activity.

• Hare taught Family Consumer Science classes at Bryant High School and met the minor victim on their first day of their senior year. Hare began one-on-one counseling sessions with the minor victim, eventually giving them her personal phone number and primarily communicating with them through Instagram and Snapchat.
• In addition to engaging in sexual activity between 20 to 30 times during the school term, in April 2022, during a field trip to Washington, D.C., in which Hare was the sponsor and chaperone, Hare and the minor victim engaged in the unlawful sexual activity to which she pleaded guilty.
  
• "The FBI takes crimes against children very seriously,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. "Today’s sentencing shows that the federal government will continuously work to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals who abuse their position of trust and authority to exploit children in our community."
• Full press release

Four Imprisoned in Mexican Mafia Murder-for-Hire Plot
Several California residents have received significant sentences for their roles in a South Texas murder-for-hire scheme.

• In 2018, Mexican Mafia gang members arranged for the murder of a male residing in Mission, California.
• Viola Elizabeth Garcia and Christopher Andrade, a mother and son duo, were convicted in July 2023. Two others—Noah Solis and Ronaldo Gallegos—had previously pleaded guilty. Diego Morales was incarcerated at the time, but also pleaded guilty to his role in the crime.
• "The Mexican Mafia, a deadly criminal enterprise that traffics in fear and terror, imported a mother and son duo—Garcia and Andrade—from California to murder a local man for $20,000," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Alamdar S. Hamdani. "Garcia and Andrade thought the scheme would raise their family’s fortunes, but thanks to the work of law enforcement, there won’t be any family reunions for years to come."
• Full press release

Former Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, Resident Sentenced to Three Decades in Prison for Sexual Exploitation and Extortion of Several Minors
Kuang Myat Kyaw has been sentenced in federal court to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release, in addition to being ordered to pay a restitution of $27,826.57 on his conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

• Between August 2020 and September 2021, Kyaw used the Internet to entice and coerce five female minor victims ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old to produce photographs and videos depicting their sexual exploitation and engaging in sadistic and masochistic sexual acts.
• Kyaw initially tricked the minors into providing him with photographs showing themselves naked, and then used the threat of disseminating those images to their family and friends to extort the minors to engage in what he referred to as a "seven-day challenge," during which he would demand that the victims produce increasingly depraved sexual imagery.
• "Preying on children, tricking them into producing child sexual abuse material, and extorting them into ever-escalating behavior ranks among the most sadistic crimes the FBI investigates," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. "We will never stop working to serve justice for the victims of predators like this individual. Today’s sentencing reflects the unyielding resolve of the FBI and our partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our community."
• Full press release

Five Defendants Sentenced Following the Robberies of Two Cell Phone Stores in Montgomery, Alabama
Five individuals were sentenced for their roles in robbing two cell phone stores at gunpoint. 

• According to the plea agreements and other court records, on April 25, 2023, members of the group entered a cell phone store located on the Eastern Boulevard in Montgomery. One of the members pointed a gun at store employees and demanded to be taken to the store’s safe. After gaining access to the safe, the defendants took assorted electronic devices.
• The group repeated the same actions on May 18, 2023, this time at a cell phone store on Ann Street in Montgomery. Again, the defendants used a firearm to threaten store employees and gain access to the safe.
• "The sentences imposed on these defendants should send a strong message to anyone contemplating other violent criminal acts," said FBI Mobile Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown. "Those who work and live in Montgomery deserve to feel safe and secure in their community."
• 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  

May 17, 2024

On May 15, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country. 

The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous). 

Since May 13, 2024, 13 people have been removed from the list, and 7 people have been added.  

Below is a list of those who were added: 

• Carl Bergen 
• Shanna Happy 
• Leslie Mitchell 
• Candice Pinto 
• Omneya Skywater 
• Chanda Villa 
• Tyson Woods 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

May 10, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Justice Department Strengthens Efforts, Builds Partnerships to Address Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Dakota joined its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day.

• In recognition of MMIP Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and human trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and other pressing public safety challenges, like the fentanyl crisis, in Tribal communities.
• "There is still so much more to do in the face of persistently high levels of violence that Tribal communities have endured for generations, and that women and girls, particularly, have endured," said U.S. Attorney General Garland. "In carrying out our work, we seek to honor those who are still missing, those who were stolen from their communities, and their loved ones who are left with unimaginable pain. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. This day challenges all of us at the Justice Department to double down on our efforts, and to be true partners with Tribal communities as we seek to end this crisis."
• Full press release

Man Who Carried Out Machete Attack on NYPD Officers in Times Square on New Year’s Eve 2022 Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison
Trevor Bickford was sentenced to 324 months in prison for attempting to kill officers and employees of the U.S. government and persons assisting them during his brazen attack using a machete-style knife against three New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Times Square on Dec. 31, 2022.

• "Today’s sentence holds Trevor Bickford accountable for his premeditated 2022 terrorist attack in Times Square during which he attempted to kill three NYPD officers in a violent rampage," said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The Justice Department is deeply grateful to the NYPD for its quick actions and bravery in disrupting this New Year’s Eve attack, and for the work it does every day to keep New Yorkers safe. The Justice Department will always stand by its state and local law enforcement partners as we work together to counter the threat of terrorism, and that includes being relentless in prosecuting those who seek to harm officers."
• "The defendant’s brutal ambush of three New York City police officers keeping watch over New Year’s Eve celebrations was a premeditated act of terrorism," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Police officers work tirelessly to protect the communities they serve and assaults on them are reprehensible. He planned, prepared, and travelled to conduct a savage attack in support of his violent ideology and now he is being held accountable for his actions."
• Full press release

Trinitarios Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering a Confidential Informant
William Jones was sentenced to life in prison for the December 2019 murder of Frederick Delacruz. 

• Jones was a high-ranking member of the Trinitarios, a racketeering enterprise that has engaged in a pattern of murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness tampering and retaliation.
• On December 28, 2019, Jones and other Trinitarios lured Frederick Delacruz from the Bronx, New York, to Suffolk County, New York, where Jones shot and killed Delacruz because Delacruz was acting as a confidential informant for law enforcement.
• "William Jones executed Frederick Delacruz in cold blood because Delacruz had the courage to cooperate with law enforcement," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams. "Now, Jones will spend the rest of his life in a federal prison."
• Full press release

Grant Man Charged with Transporting Explosive and Possessing a Destructive Device
Luke Isaac Terpstra has been charged with transporting an explosive with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals or to unlawfully damage or destroy a building. 

• Terpstra also faces a separate charge that he illegally possessed a destructive device. The indictment charges that Terpstra built several devices that he characterized as “bombs” and then transported those devices, along with multiple firearms and ammunition, from Michigan to the site of The Satanic Temple (TST) in Massachusetts in September 2023.
• "Today's indictment is a sobering reminder of the threats we face as a society and a true testament to the FBI's mission of protecting the American people," said FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson. "We stand united with our partners to combat all forms of violence and will take all necessary measures to ensure the public's safety."
• Full press release

Tanner Washington Sentenced to Life for Murder of Girlfriend
Tanner Dean Washington was sentenced to life in prison for the 2019 murder of his girlfriend, Faith Lindsey.

• In August 2022, Washington pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree. As part of the plea, Washington admitted to murdering 17-year-old Faith Lindsey on October 27, 2019.  
• Despite an extensive investigation and exhaustive search efforts, Lindsey’s body has yet to be found.
• "The defendant’s life sentence is part of our effort to seek justice and accountability for the tragic murder of an innocent young woman, who had a long and vibrant life ahead of her," said FBI Oklahoma City Acting Special Agent in Charge Sonia Garcia."
• 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

May 3, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Newberry Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, Firearm Possession and Witness Tampering
Eric Rashun Jones was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to human trafficking conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and witness tampering.

• From August 2018 through November 2022, Jones violently exploited women in the commercial sex trade for his financial gain. He did so by means of physical violence and force, including beating victims with a pistol and other objects and hitting victims with closed fists causing victims multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, broken bones and teeth, permanent injuries, and scarring.
• Jones also abducted two of his victims and restrained them for multiple days, introduced drugs to some victims and promoted the drug addictions of others, and engaged in sexual violence. 
• "Jones’ crimes revealed the depth of human depravity and outright evil he casually and continuously imposed upon his victims," said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen. "His heinous crimes yielded lifelong trauma that will be hard to reverse. This stiff sentence of justice removes him from the innocent victims’ lives and places him where he will no longer be able to inflict harm. The FBI is grateful for our local law enforcement partners for conducting this joint comprehensive investigation to hold this violent offender accountable. We also recognize the diligent work of the Victim Specialists who supported and continue to support the victims with valuable resources."
• Full press release

South L.A. Gang Member Who Led Meth and Cocaine Trafficking Ring from His Storefront Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison
A member of the Hoover Criminals Gang, Andrew Tate, was sentenced today to 144 months in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking enterprise that distributed narcotics, including crack cocaine and methamphetamine, which were sold from his storefront in South Los Angeles.

• Tate is the lead defendant in an indictment targeting the gang's members and associates as part of an investigation dubbed "Operation Hoover Dam." He also is the final defendant to be sentenced in this case. In total, federal prosecutors secured 10 convictions in this matter.
• "Tate participated in an extensive and long-running drug conspiracy to sell drugs, including methamphetamine and crack cocaine, in South Los Angeles," prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. "Tate’s role in the drug conspiracy was significant; he was the head of the entire drug trafficking enterprise pumping drugs into a vulnerable area of Los Angeles."
• Full press release

Former Oregon Department of Human Services Employee Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Violating the Civil Rights of a Developmentally Disabled Woman in his Care
A former Oregon Department of Human Services employee, Zakary Edward Glover, was sentenced to 25 years in federal today for violating the civil rights of a woman with developmental disabilities in his care by engaging in sexual misconduct with her.

• The victim, who has severe autism and cognitive deficits, was one of the individuals under Glover’s care.
• In November 2021, while on an outing with the victim, Glover drove down a dead-end road near a cemetery in Aumsville, Oregon. Upon reaching the dead-end, he parked the van near the cemetery’s gate and proceeded to engage in sexual acts with the victim without her consent. 
• "Zakary Glover's actions are inexcusable and appalling," said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Olson. "The FBI will not stand by when people in positions of trust violate and victimize vulnerable community members. Mr. Glover abused his power and today’s sentence sends the message that the FBI and our partners will hold accountable anyone in a position of power who fails the citizens of their community."
• Full press release

Three Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang Members Convicted of Murder in Aid of Racketeering, RICO Conspiracy, and Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
Three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, Ronald Yandell, Danny Troxell, and Billy Sylvester, were found guilty of racketeering activity that included murder and drug trafficking.

• "Today’s convictions further our effort to dismantle a violent criminal enterprise run from inside California prisons," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California Phillip A. Talbert. "The Aryan Brotherhood controlled its members, associates, and others both inside and outside prison walls, ordering multiple murders and running a drug trafficking operation that spanned counties and states. We will continue to use every law enforcement tool to protect the communities plagued by the violence and criminal activities of the Aryan Brotherhood."
• "Prior convictions and lengthy prison sentences didn’t alter the defendants’ disrespect for the law and public safety. They continued to commit brutal murders and other heinous crimes from behind bars, all while coordinating the distribution of drugs into the community for financial gain," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark. "These convictions deal a significant blow to the Aryan Brotherhood leadership and underscores our commitment to tackle violent criminal enterprises from the top down."
• Full press release

Repeat Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal Prison for Waycross Heist
Matthew McCloskey, who had previous robbery convictions, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for robbing a Waycross bank.

• McCloskey’s sentence will run concurrently with his state sentence on a kidnapping conviction related to the bank robbery. McCloskey has also been ordered to pay $877 in restitution, and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
• In 2022, McCloskey entered the Ameris Bank in Waycross, and handed a note to the teller demanding money. After receiving cash, he ran to a waiting vehicle and fled the scene.
• Investigators learned that McCloskey and his girlfriend took a taxi to a local motel and used cash from the robbery to pay for the taxi. Officers took McCloskey into custody at the motel after a struggle that resulted in the kidnapping conviction on state charges when McCloskey refused to allow his girlfriend to leave their room.
• "By now, Matthew McCloskey should realize robbing a bank is not a winning proposition," said Savannah Senior Supervisory Resident Agent Will Clarke of FBI Atlanta. "Those who choose to become involved in such a lifestyle should know that law enforcement at every level will work together tirelessly to bring them to justice."
  
• 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  

May 1, 2024

On April 15, FBI Albuquerque released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country. 

The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous). 

Since April 15, 2024, 14 people have been removed from the list, and 10 people have been added.

 Below is a list of those who were added: 

• Yvonne Benally
• Leianah Bennett
• Shane Chee
• Begay Dejuan
• Judith Garcia
• Letoya Hobson
• Alana Jackson
• Joycelynn Miller
• Lambert Nathaniel
• Keith Yazzie Jr.

Elder Fraud Losses Grew by Nearly 11% in 2023, New FBI Report Finds

April 30, 2024

Protecting Americans from Internet Crime, One PSA at a Time

April 29, 2024

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (also known as IC3) regularly publishes public service announcements, or PSAs, to help the American public stay in-the-know about scams, cyber threats, and other internet-facilitated risks to their safety and wallet. 

These PSAs provide an overview of a given threat in a way that non-experts can understand. They also explain how people can report suspected internet-based scams or crimes to the FBI, and provide tips for how they can protect themselves. 

View IC3’s full library of PSAs to increase your scam-prevention savvy. 

And visit this resource page to learn what kinds of suspected crimes should be reported to IC3. 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

April 26, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Burlington County Couple Convicted of Forced Labor and Other Federal Crimes
Bolaji Bolarinwa and Isiaka Bolarinwa were convicted of forced labor and other crimes related to their coercive scheme to compel two victims to perform domestic labor and childcare in their home, harbor the victims knowing that they were unlawfully present in the U.S., and unlawfully confiscate the victims’ passports.

• "Imagine showing up in a foreign land, hoping for a better life, and ending up trapped with no place to go and no one to turn to for help," said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy. "The victims in this investigation suffered in unimaginable ways at the hands of their captors, enduring years of physical and mental abuse. Human trafficking often takes on many different forms and can hide in plain sight. I want to commend the agents and victim specialists who worked on this case, alongside our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office. We want everyone to know if you or anyone you know is a victim – you can come to us for help. We will bring your tormentors to justice."
• The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each forced labor count. The defendants also face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the alien harboring count and Bolaji faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each unlawful document conduct count. 
• Full press release

Beretta Bandit Serial Robber Convicted at Trial
A federal jury has found Richard Allen Randolph guilty of Hobbs Act robberies—namely three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm, and one count of discharging a firearm during the commission of the robberies.

• Randolph faces a minimum statutory penalty of 100 years in federal prison on the firearm counts and a maximum of 20 years on each of the robbery counts.
  
• Randolph entered four Tampa commercial businesses between January 27 and February 26, 2020, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and facial covering. During each of the robberies, Randolph brandished and threatened the victims with a Beretta Pico pistol and removed cash from the registers. During the attempted robbery on February 26, 2020, Randolph again concealed his identity, entered the store, and threatened the clerk with the firearm.
  
• Randolph faces a minimum statutory penalty of 100 years in federal prison on the firearm counts and a maximum of 20 years on each of the robbery counts.
  
• Full press release

Louisville Father Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Enticing Two Indiana Children to Obtain Sexually Explicit Material via Facebook
Anthony Michael Bentley has been sentenced to seventeen years in federal prison, followed by fifteen years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of making false statements to the FBI. 

• "This supposed family man posed as an attractive teen boy on Facebook to win the trust of underage girls and entice them to send him sexually explicit material—exploiting children as young as just twelve years old for his own gratification,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers. "Making his crimes worse, Bentley distributed nude images of the minor boy whose pictures he stole to create his alias, casting suspicion on an innocent person. He then lied to the FBI when he was discovered and confronted. Unfortunately, sexual predators know that social media platforms like Facebook are a fertile hunting ground. We urge caring adults to talk to their children about staying safe online..."
• Full press release

White Supremacist Leader Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Make Death Threats Against Brooklyn Journalist
Nicholas Welker was sentenced to 44 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to make death threats. 

• Welker, the leader of Feuerkrieg Division ("FKD"), an international racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist group, which translates to "War Fire," posted death threats against a Brooklyn-based journalist so that the journalist would stop reporting on the Neo-Nazi group.
• "Welker tried to silence a journalist from reporting on his white supremacist group so that his fellow extremists could continue to commit violence against racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community," stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace. "There were real victims of this crime—the journalist and his news media organization. Today’s sentence demonstrates that we will stand up for them and other journalists who bravely report on these violent hate groups."
• Full press release

Woman Pleads Guilty to Transporting Stolen Human Body Parts Out of the State of Arkansas
Candace Chapman Scott, a former employee of a mortuary services provider, pleaded guilty to transporting stolen body parts across state lines and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. 

• The investigation revealed that Scott, while an employee at a mortuary services provider between October 2021 through approximately July 15, 2022, stole human body parts and fetal remains.
• Scott would then sell the stolen human body parts and fetal remains, arranging for them to be transported across a state line to the purchaser.
• Full press release

Waukesha Man Sentenced to 30 Years’s Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking
Cornelius M. Jackson was sentenced to a term of 30 years’ imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after being convicted of four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

• In announcing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig emphasized that it is "hard to overstate the seriousness" of Jackson’s conduct, describing how Jackson had "manipulated, used violence, and coerced many young women to sell their bodies for the sexual gratification of others" over a period of six years.
• Judge Ludwig recounted the "mental and physical torture" that Jackson to which subjected his victims, including strangling several of his victims on multiple occasions. He also noted that Jackson’s "real failure to come to grips" with the gravity of his crimes or to take any meaningful responsibility, even at the sentencing hearing, impacted the court’s sentencing decision.
• 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

Director Warns of Chinese Government Threat to U.S. Critical Infrastructure at Vanderbilt   
April 25, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray (at right) speaks with Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier during the Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats in Nashville on April 18, 2024.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, during recent remarks to the Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, cautioned students and experts that the Chinese government is targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.

“The PRC [People’s Republic of China] has made it clear that it considers every sector that makes our society run as fair game in its bid to dominate on the world stage, and that its plan is to land low blows against civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic and break America’s will to resist,” he said at the April 18 event in Nashville.

He also discussed how the FBI responded to cyber incidents that aimed to target our nation’s critical infrastructure, such as our recent Volt Typhoon case—in which, Wray said, “we found persistent PRC access in our critical telecommunications, energy, water, and other infrastructure sectors.”

• Learn more about the Director’s appearance at the summit. 
• Read the Director’s full remarks from the event. 

Ensuring Justice for All: FBI Director Talks Civil Rights in Birmingham  
April 23, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks at 16th Street Baptist Church on April 15, 2024, opening the annual Birmingham Civil Rights Conference.

In an April 15 keynote address at the Birmingham Civil Rights Conference, FBI Director Christopher Wray encouraged civil rights activists and law enforcement leaders to forge ahead in their fight for justice despite the persistence of violent, bias-motivated hate crimes.  

Director Wray also reflected upon the FBI’s investigation into a deadly 1963 bombing at the very setting of the conference—the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama—which culminated in the sentencing of the final two conspirators in the early 2000s.

"Looking back across the 61 years since this church—and the ideas and the movement it stood for—were attacked by four men with hate in their hearts, I see progress towards a better present and a more hopeful future," Wray said. "I see that your work, and the work of many before us, has changed society—has bent the arc—so that when hateful acts occur, rather than obscuring that ugliness and protecting those who inflicted it, people instead shine a light on it, and we can move more swiftly to get justice." 

He also discussed the Bureau’s contemporary work investigating hate crimes and color-of-law violations, as well as FBI efforts to "to bend the world towards justice” in the future—including training initiatives, community outreach, and strategic partnerships. 

• Read our story about the Director’s conference appearance. 
• View the Director’s full remarks from the event.
• Learn more about the FBI’s Civil Rights program, the specific crimes we investigate, and where our authority to look into those crimes comes from. 

Protecting Communities, Together: Director Wray Honors 2023 DCLA Recipients   
April 22, 2024

FBI Director Wray and the 2023 Director's Community Leadership Award recipients pose for a group photo at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 2024.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on April 19 honored people and organizations from across the United States who help strengthen communities and reduce crime and violence with Director’s Community Leadership Awards (DCLA). 

Since 1990, FBI field offices have chosen award recipients on behalf of the current Director. 

This year’s recipients were recognized for a broad range of efforts, including building bridges between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, combatting human trafficking and providing resources to victims, and supporting local youth programs. 

View the full list of 2023 award recipients and learn more about them and the organizations they represent. 

You can also learn more about FBI Oklahoma City’s 2023 honoree, prisoner-turned-pastor Thaddeus Black, in our profile of him.  

The Oklahoma City Bombing, 29 Years Later   
April 19, 2024

On April 19, 1995, an ex-Army soldier and security guard named Timothy McVeigh parked a rented Ryder truck in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City.  

The truck contained a powerful bomb made out of a deadly cocktail of agricultural fertilizer, diesel fuel, and other chemicals. When the bomb went off, it took the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, with several hundred more injured.  

This devastating event was the worst act of homegrown terrorism in the nation’s history. The Oklahoma City bombing case would go on to shape the FBI’s approach to investigating terrorism. 

Resources 

• Oklahoma City Bombing 
• Inside the FBI: The Oklahoma City Bombing: 25 Years Later  
• The Oklahoma City Bombing: 20 Years Later 

Videos 

• Jim Norman, Case Agent, Oklahoma City Bombing Investigation 
• Barry Black, Special Agent, Oklahoma City FBI 
• Bob Ricks, Former Special Agent in Charge, Oklahoma City FBI 
• Florence Rogers, Survivor of Oklahoma City Bombing 
• Kari Watkins, Executive Director, Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
• James Finch, Special Agent in Charge, Oklahoma City FBI 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up

April 12, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Principal Drug and Weapons Supplier for MS-13 in Honduras Arrested and Extradited for Racketeering, Narcotics, and Firearms Offenses
David Campbell, one of the principal narcotics and weapons suppliers to MS-13 in Honduras, was charged with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses.

• In addition to Campbell, the superseding indictment unsealed also charged Yulan Andony Archaga Carías, the leader of MS-13 in Honduras and one of FBI’s, DEA’s, and HSI’s Most Wanted Fugitives.
• "The FBI and our partners remain committed to the combating the violent criminal activity related to MS-13 occurring in communities across America," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Criminals that engage in illegal activity targeting the American people should take today's announcement as a warning—they cannot hide beyond our borders. We are proud of the close collaboration with our partners which resulted in David Campbell having to face the consequences of his actions."
• "Over the course of decades, MS-13 has sowed unspeakable violence in communities here in the United States and abroad," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "With the arrest and extradition of the alleged principal MS-13 drug and weapons supplier, the Justice Department is making clear that those responsible for flooding our communities with violence and deadly drugs will be held accountable in an American courtroom."
• Full press release

Spokane Tribal Member Found Guilty of Assaulting His Partner with a Knife and Attempting to Suffocate Her
Marvin Samson Butterfly was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Suffocating and Attempting to Suffocate in Indian Country, and Attempted Witness Tampering.

• Butterfly was upset with the victim because the victim had let another woman shelter in her home because of the cold weather. Butterfly began shouting, took out a long knife and began stabbing the floors, doors, and furniture, then assaulted the victim by holding the knife against her throat.
• He then attempted to suffocate the victim, then fled the home in the victim’s vehicle.
• "Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of violence. Native Americans experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country, a situation that is more tragic in light of the generations of trauma already suffered by Indigenous people, especially Native American women," stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa R. Waldref. "By working with our tribal and federal law enforcement partners, we can continue to build trust and foster safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington."
• Press Release

Decatur Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Minors
Kevin Dial was sentenced on April 5, 2024, to 50 years imprisonment for sexual exploitation of minors, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

• At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Dial directed the sexual abuse of three minors, including a two-year-old child, and ordered that the abuse be recorded.
• During the hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Colin S. Bruce described Dial’s actions as “horrific,” noting the defendant had destroyed the lives of his victims.
• "From Decatur, Illinois, to the Philippines, the FBI’s extensive reach delivered justice to children who were victims of one of the worst child sexual abuse cases we have seen in some time,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. "The investigation, which resulted in a significant sentence, demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to use the full strength of our authority to protect children."
• Full press release

Man Who Bound and Raped Au Pair Pleads No Contest
Arisknight Arkin-Everett Winfree plead no contest to the five counts against him; kidnapping, coercing and enticing someone to travel for the purposes of illegal sexual activity, attempted coercion and enticement, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

• Winfree used the website AuPair.com to create a fake listing to lure au pairs to his home, where he intended to sexually assault them. A woman from Kansas came and escaped after her parents called the police. An Italian au pair came, and Winfree handcuffed, bound, and raped her. He then spoke with his friend Paul Heiselman, indicating to Heiselman he intended to kill the Italian woman and dispose of her body. 
• Winfree faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.
• "The collective investigative efforts of the FBI and East Lansing Police Department prevented Mr. Winfree from potentially victimizing countless other young women," said FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson. "We remain grateful for the bravery of the victims for coming forward to law enforcement. This case is stark reminder of the dangers and reach predators have through online methods, and how vigilant we must be while using the internet."
• Full press release

Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced to a Total of Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Robberies of Six Indianapolis Banks
Sierra Hunt has been sentenced to 68 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery.

• Between April 9 and April 15, 2022, Sierra Hunt robbed four Chase Banks in the Indianapolis area. In each robbery, she approached the teller, gave a note demanding the teller put money in the bag and no one would get hurt, and left with cash. As a result of the four bank robberies committed by Sierra, the banks suffered a loss of $26,655.
• In October of 2023, Sierra’s daughter, Shamiya Hunt, was sentenced to 76 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery and attempted bank robbery while on supervised release for a previous heroin trafficking conviction.
• "It is incredibly disheartening to see a mother and daughter working together to victimize so many folks who were just going about their day working at and patronizing the bank," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers. "Thanks to the quick investigative work of the FBI, these defendants have been held accountable for their actions. The serious federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that these crimes carry serious consequences."
• 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 Director Christopher Wray Testifies Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Fiscal Year 2025 Funding 

April 11, 2024

On April 11, FBI Director Christopher Wray appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies to discuss FBI funding for fiscal year 2025. 

Director Wray stressed the importance of the FBI’s work, the impacts our personnel have, and the threats and challenges faced by the nation and the FBI.  

“Each day, Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel are making a real difference in communities across the nation, tackling some of the most complex national security and criminal threats with perseverance, professionalism, and integrity—sometimes at the greatest of costs. I am extremely proud of their service and commitment,” Director Wray said in a statement for the record. 

Director Wray highlighted some of the significant issues the FBI is working to address, including:

• Homegrown violent extremists   
• Sophisticated cyber attacks 
• Internet-facilitated sexual exploitation of children  
• Human trafficking 
• Violent gangs  
• Criminal organizations  
• Public corruption 
• Corporate fraud 

Resources:

• Statement for the record
• Opening remarks

FBI's Section 702 Authorities Take Center Stage During Director's Remarks in Washington   

April 9, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray addresses the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Law and National Security on April 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on April 9 said requiring the FBI to obtain a warrant to query its database of information collected under its Section 702 surveillance authorities would impede investigations, hinder the Bureau's ability to combat cyberattacks and terrorism, and hamper our ability to contact victims of cyber incidents in a timely manner. 

“If there’s no constitutional, legal, or compliance necessity for a warrant requirement, then Congress would be making a policy choice to require us to blind ourselves to intelligence in our holdings,” Wray told the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Law and National Security in Washington, D.C.

During his remarks, he also addressed legal and compliance questions surrounding a potential warrant requirement and highlighted the Bureau's recent progress in improving Section 702 query compliance.

You can read more about his discussion of Section 702 here and view his full remarks from the event here.

Director Unveils New Kansas City Field Office, Talks Cyber During Midwest Visit  

April 4, 2024

(From left to right) David Rumsey, acting regional commissioner for the General Services Administration; Stephen Cyrus, special agent in charge of the FBI Kansas City Field Office; FBI Director Christopher Wray; and Ruth Noah, granddaughter of former Kansas City Police Chief and FBI Director Clarence Kelley cut the ribbon on the new FBI Kansas City Field Office headquarters building in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 3, 2024.

This week, FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the Midwest to help usher in a “new beginning” at our Kansas City Field Office and to address a cybersecurity conference co-hosted by the Bureau. 

On April 3, Director Wray delivered keynote remarks at the Kansas City Division’s ribbon cutting ceremony for its new field office, located in Kansas City, Missouri.  

"Today is a big day—not just for this field office, but for the entire FBI and for the communities we serve here—because today, as we officially open the doors of this new facility, we renew our commitment to the people of Kansas and Western Missouri: that the FBI here is working hard for you to support your communities and keep you safe," he said. 

Wray also paid homage to how the Kansas City Division’s operational successes and role in molding Bureau history—noting that the new building is named for Kansas City Police Chief-turned-FBI Director Clarence Kelley.

He also expressed gratitude for the Bureau’s partners in the Kansas City area of responsibility.  

"I’m especially grateful to the agencies that have sent their agents, officers, and deputies to work on our FBI task forces," he said. "More than half of them are with us full-time, and I know it’s not easy to entrust your personnel to us like that, especially at a time when we’re all in need of additional resources. It’s a testament to the close and fruitful partnerships we’ve built, and to the trust we share, and I can promise you that none of us takes that trust lightly."

He also challenged the FBI personnel to continue to brainstorm ways to be of service to the agencies they work with. 

You can read his remarks from the ceremony in full here.

On April 4, Wray addressed the FBI and University of Kansas Cybersecurity Conference in Lawrence, Kansas.  

There, he painted a picture of today’s cyber threat ecosystem, explained how the Bureau is leveraging "joint, sequenced operations" with stateside and international partners to combat these risks, explained the FBI’s strategy for neutralizing cybercriminal groups, and encouraged students to consider careers at the FBI.  

You can read more about the Director’s appearance at the conference here, and view his full remarks here. 

The FBI Laboratory  

April 3, 2024

At the FBI, science and technology professionals work in a variety of roles where their contributions can crack cases and prevent crime. 

The FBI’s Laboratory Division—one of the largest and most comprehensive crime labs in the world— collects, analyzes, and shared scientific and technical information. And it’s not just scientists at work: Electronics engineers, crime-scene-response experts, photographers, and so many more all perform the essential functions that the FBI Lab provides. 
 
The FBI is constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to employing science and technology to conduct investigations, and the work done at the FBI Laboratory—including providing expertise and resources to law enforcement partners—furthers the FBI’s commitment to protecting the public. 

• Learn about the FBI Laboratory Division and their highly specialized work. 
• Listen to Inside the FBI: Evidence Response Teams to learn how evidence teams close the gap between a crime scene and the FBI Lab.
• Unearth stories from the FBI Laboratory’s Recovery of Human Remains course at the "Body Farm."

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

April 1, 2024

On March 18, the FBI released an updated list of Native Americans it has verified as missing throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This list is part of an effort to improve the reporting and recovery of missing persons in Indian Country. 

The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on the cases. If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous). 

Since March 18, 2024, 16 people have been removed from the list, and 25 people have been added. 

Below is a list of those who were added: 

• Lance Armstrong  
• Ashley Austin  
• Kenneth Barbone 
• Delilah Begay  
• Angel Begaye  
• Kevin Belinte  
• Patricia Bennett 
• Antoinette Bileen 
• Lawrence Casias 
• Joshua Daugherty 
• Ty Furcap 
• Matthew Haudley  
  
• Richard Hosteen  
• Ariel Martinez 
• Miah Martinez  
• Joycelynn Miller  
• Andrew Nathaniel  
• Jackie Padilla  
• Delphine Paul 
• Natesha Paul 
• Cordell Shay  
• Tommy Smith 
• Belinda Sotelo 
• Shawn Tsosie 

March 2024  

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

March 29, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft. 

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases. 

Jumbotron Hacker and Prolific Child Molester Sentenced to 220 Years in Federal Prison
Samuel Arthur Thompson was sentenced to 220 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing, receiving, and possessing child sex abuse material (CSAM), producing CSAM while required to register as a sex offender, violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), sending unauthorized damaging commands to a protected computer, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

• The court also ordered Thompson to forfeit computers and a firearm that were used in the offenses.
• "This case exemplifies the unrelenting tenacity of investigators who pursue justice for innocent victims of crime," said FBI Jacksonville Acting Special Agent in Charge Coult Markovsky. "Samuel Thompson repeatedly abused and exploited innocent children, inflicting immeasurable hurt on his victims. He also abused and exploited his employer by installing malicious software to manipulate their systems, which could have caused significantly more damage if not detected. Let this sentence serve as a pledge to all victims of crime that the FBI and our partners will doggedly pursue those who prey on them."
• Full press release

Human Smuggling Family Admits to Over $2 Million Money Laundering Conspiracy
Four Mission residents have entered guilty pleas for their roles in a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and a related conspiracy to transport aliens within the U.S.

• An investigation began in November 2019 and revealed the smuggling organization brought approximately 300 undocumented migrants from the Southwest border regions further into the northern parts of the U.S. The network spanned from Honduras to as far north as Boston, Massachusetts, with a heavy emphasis on smuggling Brazilian nationals.
• On March 9, 2023, Authorities executed multiple search warrants at the properties of the defendants, at which time they seized over $1.5 million in cash. The locations included their residence and a purported car dealership they operated as a front business. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement also seized approximately $2.69 million in assets and several luxury vehicles, jewelry, and several pieces of real property.
• Full press release

White Swan, Washington, Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Carjacking and Violent Assault on the Yakama Nation
Sundron Larsell Miller was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison; Miller’s codefendant, Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison.

• On December 28, 2021, the victim was with both Miller and Cantu-Lopez driving in the area of Fort Simcoe Road on the Yakama Reservation. The victim was driving her pickup, and Miller began assaulting Cantu-Lopez. When the victim tried to intervene, both Miller and Cantu-Lopez turned and assaulted the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation.
• During the assault, Miller attempted to shoot the victim with her own rifle, but the rifle was unloaded. 
• Ultimately, the victim was able to break away and run for her life. Law enforcement quickly responded.
• Full press release

Seventh Correctional Officer at Federal Facility in Dublin California Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of Female Prisoners
Nakie Nunley was ordered to serve six years in prison after admitting he engaged in sexual acts, sexual contacts, and other inappropriate conduct with multiple women who were serving prison terms.

• In addition to admitting he engaged in illegal and improper conduct towards prisoners, Nunley also admitted in his plea agreement that he lied to federal investigators about sexually abusing his victims and about sending one of his victims sexually explicit notes.
• "This sentence is the result of the tireless efforts by the FBI and our partners to bring to justice Dublin FCI corrections officers and personnel who abused their positions to commit deplorable crimes,” said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. "We continue to work with our partners to protect the safety and civil rights of all individuals and hold public servants accountable when they violate the law and betray public trust."
• Full press release

Charlotte Man Convicted of Robbing Two Businesses is Sentenced to Life in Prison
John Henry Moore was sentenced to life in prison for the armed robbery of two businesses.

• In October 2022, a federal jury convicted Moore of two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• On March 26, 2024, Moore received an enhanced sentence under the provision of the “Three Strikes” statute, which mandates a sentence of life in prison for defendants previously convicted, on separate occasions, of two or more serious violent felonies.
• Full press release

New York Man Who Traveled to Lynchburg to Meet 14-year-old for Sex Pleads Guilty
Derrick Loi of New York drove 8 hours, crossing state lines, to attempt to have sex with a 14-year-old Lynchburg, Virginia girl, with whom he had been chatting online.

• In February 2023, Loi met a 14-year-old girl from Lynchburg on Twitter (now known as X), and began chatting with her on Discord. Loi told the young girl not only was he was interested in buying sexually explicit images and videos of her, but also wanted to meet her in person to have sex.
• Loi and the victim made plans for Loi to travel to meet the victim in Lynchburg.
• Just as Loi arrived at the pre-arranged location, an officer from the Lynchburg Police Department drove up and began questioning Loi. Initially, Loi provided a false name and lied to law enforcement about why he was in Lynchburg.
• A subsequent search of Loi’s vehicle revealed that the trunk of the car contained a large yellow plastic storage bag and was lined with a vinyl or rubber shower liner, on top of which sat a flattened cardboard box.
• 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 Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Addresses Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse  

March 26, 2024

FBI Evidence Response Team members work at the site of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore on March 26, 2024.

On March 26, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno took part in an interagency press conference about the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge the same day. 

"Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially to the victims and their families," he said at the engagement. "On behalf of the FBI, I would like to say we are with you and with the families involved.” 

You can read FBI Baltimore’s full statement about the situation here. 

The bridge collapsed in the early hours of March 26 after being struck by a cargo ship that was departing the Port of Baltimore, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).  

Violent Crime Decreased in 2023, New FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report Shows 

March 25, 2024

The FBI on March 18 released its final Quarterly Uniform Crime Report for calendar year 2023, which indicated a decrease in violent crime across the country that year.  
 
These reports, published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, include data on violent crimes (including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and property crimes (including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft). The reports provide both a nationwide overview and data breakdowns by city, size, or region. They also show how data points changed from the previous year. 
 
The overall nationwide decline in violent crime in 2023 was demonstrated across all violent crime categories, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. 
 
“We are encouraged by this data indicating a decrease in violent crime in communities across the country in 2023 compared to the prior year, including an over 13% decline in homicides,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement about the report’s release. 
 
Garland also emphasized that “the Justice Department will continue to remain laser-focused on working with our law enforcement and community partners to drive down violent crime. We will not rest until every community in our country is safe.” 
 
The Q4 2023 report was based on data from over 15,000 law enforcement agencies across the country.  
 
The FBI's Crime Data Explorer, the interactive online tool that hosts the report, aims to provide transparency, create easier access, and expand awareness of criminal, and noncriminal, law enforcement data sharing; improve accountability for law enforcement; and provide a foundation to help shape public policy with the result of a safer nation.  
 
Additional Resources:

• Quarterly Uniform Crime Report 
• Uniform Crime Reporting Program

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

March 22, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft. 

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases. 

Father and Two Sons Indicted and Arrested for Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Catalytic Converters and Money Laundering
According to court documents, the three men conspired to purchase stolen catalytic converters and transport them in interstate commerce to sell them—all in order to enrich themselves.

• The defendants allegedly used Facebook to advertise the purchase of catalytic convertors from the public in Puerto Rico, and used their two metal recycling companies to purchase stolen catalytic convertors.
• After amassing catalytic convertors, they allegedly used private commercial shipping companies to transport and sell them to various catalytic convertor extraction companies in the continental United States, earning more than $3,000,000 from the sales.
• "The theft and resale of catalytic converters is a serious crime that not only harms the environment but also undermines the safety and security of our communities," said FBI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Joseph González. "This coordinated effort spanned multiple states and involved numerous law enforcement agencies. I am proud of the tireless efforts of our agents and law enforcement partners in bringing these criminals to justice."
• Full press release

U.S. Citizen Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for the Murder of His Mother, a Department of Defense Employee Working in Bahrain
After pleading guilty to second degree murder, Giovanni Pope was sentenced to prison for the fatal stabbing of his mother.

• While living as a dependent with his mother, a Department of Defense employee assigned to Bahrain, Pope fatally stabbed his mother with a knife he obtained from the kitchen and subsequently cleaned her body and removed evidence of the crime from the apartment.
• Pope was apprehended by Bahraini authorities the next day; he admitted to the crime and his plans to return to the United States the following day.
• Pope was ordered detained and removed from Bahrain to the United States and was charged by indictment with one count of Murder while Employed by or Accompanying the Armed Forces Outside the United States.
• Full press release

Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Racist Death Threats to Black Family in His Apartment Complex
According to court documents, Charles Allen Barnes recorded and transmitted a racial-slur-laden voice message in which he threatened, in graphic and violent terms, to kill his neighbor.

• In the message, Barnes made repeated derogatory references to the neighbor’s race and stated he was waiting in his car outside the neighbor’s apartment, and would kill the next person who emerged from it. Barnes then sent the recording to an acquaintance, whom he knew to be close personal friends with the neighbor.
• "Charles Barnes admitted today to using his words as a weapon and making violent, racist threats against his neighbor," said FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen. "Threats to life are most certainly not protected speech, and the FBI will continue to work with our partners to bring to justice anyone who crosses the line and commits this type of crime."
• Full press release

Toppenish Man Sentenced to Prison for Strangling and Threatening His Partner with a Firearm
Tyler Jonas Senator was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty.

• While driving in the victim’s vehicle, Senator assaulted the victim by grabbing her neck and strangling her. Later that day, Senator resumed the assault, hitting, kicking, and biting the victim.
• Senator also hit the victim in the head with the butt of a rifle, then pointed the firearm at the victim and threatened her.
• "While no sentence will take away the horror of being assaulted by a trusted partner, we hope this case shows our continued commitment to fighting back against violent crime on our state’s reservations," said FBI Seattle Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kelly M. Smith.
• Full press release 

St. Augustine Convicted Child Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Producing a Video of Sexually Abusing a Minor
Christopher Lee Smith faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 25 years in federal prison.

• Smith, a registered child sex offender, was previously convicted in 2012 of traveling to meet a child to commit a sex offense
• According to court documents, in 2021, Smith engaged in online conversation with an undercover FBI agent, who was posing as the parent of a minor child. Smith advised the undercover agent that he wanted to have sex with the "child" and discussed, in detail, the sexual acts that he wished to perform on the child.
• Smith told the undercover agent that he had previously abused a child and sent a video that depicted the child being sexually abused by an adult male. FBI agents identified Smith as the man in the video.
• 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 Right Thing in the Right Way’: Director Talks Government Accountability at UGA  

March 21, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the University of Georgia’s Athens campus on March 19 to deliver the school’s annual Getzen Lecture on Government Accountability.  

“While there will always be people out there looking to exploit their positions of public trust by serving themselves rather than the American people, with an agency like the FBI on the job—and with institutions like UGA shining a light on why government accountability is so important in the first place—I like our chances,” Wray said.   

During his talk, Director Wray discussed three ways in which the FBI works to further the lecture’s central topic: by investigating law enforcement officers who abuse their power, by investigating public corruption, and by ensuring the Bureau does “the right thing in the right way.”  

He also discussed internal and external oversight the Bureau’s efforts receive and how those extra pairs of eyes help keep us accountable to our mission. 

Finally, he spoke to how lessons learned from the Bureau’s past missteps have been incorporated into training for new special agents and intelligence analysts. 

You can learn more about the lecture here and read his full remarks here. 

Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the FBI’s Forensic Accountant Program  

March 20, 2024

Fifteen years ago this month, the FBI launched our Forensic Accountant Program to support the ever-increasing complexity of financial investigations.   

The financial landscape abruptly changed in the early 2000s after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and large-scale corporate frauds like Enron. This transformation highlighted the need for a standardized professional financial investigation position: the FBI forensic accountant. 

The Forensic Accountant Program—created, in their own words, “by agents, for agents”—sees forensic accountants digging into financial records, following the money to unravel cases and bring criminals to justice. FBI forensic accountants have worked as financial experts on thousands of cases over the years. 

At the FBI, forensic accountants provide expert insight and rigorous financial analysis into Bureau investigations into everything from white collar crime to counterterrorism. Any FBI investigation with a nexus to financial crime might leverage their private sector experience and investigative techniques to analyze and track money laundered by terrorists, spies, and criminals. 

When discussing the program’s anniversary, one FBI forensic accountant recalled the many cases that they’ve worked on throughout their career, including the Lafarge S.A. case—which marked the first time a corporation was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, providing material support to a terrorist organization.  

Another forensic accountant emphasized the variety of the work that the Forensic Accountant Program entails and said the job “is always evolving” since “criminals are getting smarter and finding new ways to commit fraud, and we need to be a step ahead.” 

You can learn more about how FBI forensic accountants support the Bureau’s mission here (informational PDF). 

FBI Minneapolis and the Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Police Department announced the return of a pair of ruby slippers featured in the classic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" and stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids in 2005.

The sequined shoes, known as the "traveling pair," are one of at least four pairs used in the film that are still in existence. They were returned to owner Michael Shaw at a ceremony held at the Judy Garland Museum.

"We are incredibly honored to return the ruby slippers to their rightful owner," said Alvin Winston Sr., special agent in charge. "Beyond the glittering allure of the shoes lies a testament to the FBI’s unyielding commitment to preserving the everlasting legacy of cherished memorabilia. This piece of cinematic history has been returned to Mr. Shaw through the diligent efforts of our dedicated agents, professional staff, and invaluable partners."

Resources:

• There’s No Place Like Home: FBI Minneapolis and Grand Rapids Police Department Return the Ruby Slippers to the Rightful Owner
• Ruby Slippers Recovered

On This Day in FBI History: FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Program  

March 14, 2024

On March 14, 1950, the FBI started the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program. In the 74 years following the list’s creation, over 500 fugitives have been added to the list—many of whom have been caught thanks to the public’s assistance.

The first fugitive placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list was Thomas James Holden, wanted for the murder of his wife, her brother, and her stepbrother. Holden was later arrested after a citizen contacted the FBI with a tip. 

There are two main criteria for adding individuals to the list—they must be considered dangerous based on crimes already committed or must be considered likely to continue committing crimes. Additionally, investigators must determine that public awareness can assist in the subject’s apprehension. 

Take a look at today’s Top Ten list—and if you have any information concerning the individuals listed, contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

For more on the list’s history, see the Top Ten Most Wanted archive for historical photos of each fugitive added to the list. You can also listen to our Inside the FBI episode Top Ten List Turns 70.

FBI Releases 2023 Internet Crime Report  

March 6, 2024

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center released its annual report, the 2023 Internet Crime Report, which includes information from over 880,000 complaints of suspected internet crime.  
 
Nationwide, there was a near 10% increase in complaints compared to 2022, and victims' reported losses exceed $12.5 billion—a 22% increase from last year. The FBI also releases state-specific statistics, which are included in the 2023 Internet Crime Report and in separate 2023 State Reports.  
 
One of the most concerning trends this year was the rise in ransomware incidents, with reported losses in 2023 totaling $59.6 million. Ransomware can impact individuals and businesses, regardless of their size and industry—and many instances aren’t reported. When victims report instances of ransomware—or any cybercrime incident—the FBI can gain insight on the crime and the tactics used by the criminals to help bring the perpetrators to justice.  
 
If you believe you may have fallen victim to cybercrime, visit ic3.gov to file a complaint and help aid in the fight against cybercrime.  

Resources:

• On Inside the FBI, we discuss the Phantom Hacker scam, in which different scammers work together, misrepresenting themselves as tech support, financial institutions, and government agencies, to try and convince victims to transfer money. 
• On Inside the FBI, we discuss romance schemes, common online scams in which criminals adopt fake online identities to gain a victim’s affection and trust.  

February 2024  

FBI, U.K., and International Law Enforcement Partners Announce Disruption of LockBit Ransomware Group 

February 20, 2024

FBI Director Wray Talks Partnerships with Sheriffs  

February 15, 2024

On February 9 in Washington, D.C., FBI Director Christopher Wray joined the Major County Sheriffs of America during their 2024 Winter Conference to talk about key issues, including violent crime, extremism, border security, election security, and swatting. 

During Director Wray's panel appearance, he told the sheriffs that partnerships are the key to better protecting the American people. “Partnerships are how we leverage our respective strengths and capabilities,” he said. 
 
FBI-led task forces are working cases nationwide, Wray said, and they include more than 6,000 officers from hundreds of departments and agencies, “including many from the departments represented in this room.” 

The association includes the more than 100 sheriff's offices in counties or parishes with a population of 500,000 or more. 

• Full story

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

February 9, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.  

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases. 

International Law Enforcement Partners Announce Results of Takedown Targeting International Drug Trafficking Organizations

China-Sponsored Hackers Targeting America's Essential Resources, FBI Director Says  

February 5, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies before the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party in Washington, D.C., on January 31, 2024.

Chinese government-sponsored hackers are working to infiltrate American critical infrastructure systems so they can take them down in the event of a U.S.-China conflict, FBI Director Christopher Wray recently told Capitol Hill lawmakers.  

“There has been far too little public focus on the fact that PRC [People’s Republic of China] hackers are targeting our critical infrastructure—our water treatment plants, our electrical grid, our oil and natural gas pipelines, our transportation systems. And the risk that poses to every American requires our attention now,” Director Wray told legislators during a January 31 appearance before the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. 

The FBI and our partners recently disrupted one such effort, but the FBI needs more funding to help us keep the economic and national security threats posed by Chinese government-sponsored cyber activity at bay. 

“I do not want those watching today to think we can’t protect ourselves,” he testified. “But I do want the American people to know that we cannot afford to sleep on this danger.”  

You can read Wray’s full written testimony here and his opening remarks, as prepared, here. 

Protecting Yourself Against ID Theft  

February 1, 2024

• Keep systems and software up to date and install a strong, reputable anti-virus program.  
• Be careful when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network.  
• Create a strong and unique passphrase for each online account and change those passphrases regularly.  
• Set up multi-factor authentication on all accounts that allow it.  
• Examine the email address in all correspondence and scrutinize website URLs before responding to a message or visiting a site.  
• Don't click on anything in unsolicited emails or text messages.  
• Be cautious about the information you share in online profiles and social media accounts.
• Sharing things like pet names, schools, and family members can give scammers the hints they need to guess your passwords or the answers to your account security questions.
• Don't send payments to unknown people or organizations seeking monetary support and urge immediate action.  

  
Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself from cyber criminals, how you can report cyber crime, and the Bureau's efforts in combating the evolving cyber threat.   

January 2024 

Submitting Tips to the FBI  

Approximately 120 cases that have been featured in the Most Wanted section of the FBI website have been solved as a direct result of tips from the public. Additionally, four Ten Most Wanted Fugitives have been arrested as a direct result of the public seeing their information on the FBI website and providing the FBI with tips.  

• Listen to an Inside the FBI Podcast episode to learn more about how these tips help.
• Have a tip to submit? You can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. You can share information with us anonymously. 

Director Wray’s Advice to Students with FBI Dreams: Character Comes First  

January 23, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray (center) takes part in a fireside chat with U.S. Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone—the dual-hatted National Security Agency director and U.S. Cyber Command commander—that was moderated by National Public Radio journalist Mary Louise Kelly (right) at Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus as part of the 2024 Fordham International Conference on Cybersecurity in New York City on January 9, 2024.

If you’re a student who aspires to work at the Bureau, how you interact with others is more important than the degree you pursue, FBI Director Christopher Wray recently told college students in New York City. 

Wray shared this wisdom at the tail end of a fireside chat with U.S. Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, the dual-hatted director of the National Security Agency and commander of U.S. Cyber Command, during the 2024 Fordham International Conference on Cybersecurity.  

When asked his advice for students hoping to join the Bureau, Wray brought the conversation back to character. 

First, Wray said, you should cultivate good listening skills. "We're in a society these days where people are far more interested in talking than they are in listening,” he said. For this reason, he explained, active listeners can obtain a “competitive advantage very quickly." 

Secondly, he said, treat everyone you encounter with respect. "Everything your parents told you when you were growing up still applies," he said.  

"If you do those things, what field of study you pursue and things like that, I think, are very secondary by comparison," he said. 

You can visit fbijobs.gov/students-and-graduates to explore opportunities for college students and recent graduates to work at the FBI. 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

January 19, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft. 

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases. 

Former Oahu Schoolteacher Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography
Alden Bunag was sentenced to 210 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for the production of child pornography.

• When Bunag was working as a middle school teacher on Oahu, he engaged in repeated sexual activity with a 13-year-old student. Bunag recorded the sexual activity on multiple occasions, and later sent the video(s) to others, including a teacher in Pennsylvania, who was also prosecuted for child exploitation offenses.
• In addition to the videos Bunag recorded of his former student, he also possessed thousands of images of child pornography.
• "This sentence shows that the FBI will target those individuals who prey on our most vulnerable members of our community and do whatever it takes to protect our keiki," said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. "We will hold them accountable for their heinous actions, especially when they were entrusted by students and parents alike to serve as role models and not a sexual predator going after young boys."
• Full press release

Six Members or Associates of Violent Street Gang Convicted of Federal Racketeering Offenses Including the Murder of Chicago Rapper
A federal jury in Chicago today convicted six members or associates of the O-Block street gang on racketeering offenses that included the murder of Carlton Weekly, a Chicago rapper also known as "FBG Duck."

• The O-Block gang publicly claimed responsibility for their violence and used social media and music to increase their criminal enterprise.
• The jury found that the defendants conspired to murder Weekly in order to maintain and increase their positions in the gang.
• "All too often, our residents are held hostage to violence and other dangerous activity on our city streets," said FBI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Robert W. Wheeler, Jr. "These convictions show that there are very real consequences for murder in the city of Chicago today, tomorrow, and every day going forward."
• Full press release

U.S. Attorney Charges Two Men with Firebombing a Mount Kisco Residence and Conspiring to Stalk a Westchester Businessman
Damjan Stanivukovic and Vladamir Radunovic were each charged with one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device and one count of conspiracy to commit stalking.

• On or about January 11, 2024, the defendants transported a homemade destructive device to a neighborhood in Mount Kisco, New York, and dropped the destructive device off in the driveway of the victim’s residence, where it exploded.
• FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: "Damjan Stanivukovic and Vladamir Radunovic allegedly tried to resolve a contentious business relationship with threats of violence and a homemade bomb. While business deals aren’t always successful, neither are overt acts of violence that bring forth federal charges. Thankfully, in this case, no one was injured. The FBI will continue to ensure that anyone willing to solve personal grievances with threats and attempts of violence are punished to the fullest extent in the criminal justice system."
• Full press release

Providence Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Enticing Minor Children to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity
Akinola Akinlapa has been sentenced for coercing a 10-year-old Utah girl and more than a dozen other minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct while he recorded their actions via a live internet link that he provided to them.

• A forensic review revealed evidence that Akinlapa had victimized the Utah girl and 14 other young girls, and had attempted to do the same with approximately 60 other minor girls but was unsuccessful.
• "What Akinola Akinlapa did—in sexually exploiting dozens of children—was cruel and disgraceful, and with this sentence, this predator will not be able to harm any more children for quite some time," said FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen. "This case is a prime example of how children can be victimized in the safety of their own homes and underscores the importance of talking to kids about the dangers of the internet. Parents, caregivers, and educators, please make it clear to your kids that they are not to blame if they fall victim, and please report these incidents so the FBI and our law enforcement partners can bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice."
• Full press release

Delaware Man Sentenced to 118 Months in Federal Prison for His Murder-For-Hire Plot
Javier A. Rodriguez was sentenced for hiring a hitman to murder his ex-wife.

• Over the course of the investigation, Rodriguez held multiple meetings about the murder plot, which were audio and video recorded by the FBI. During those meetings, Rodriguez explained exactly how he wanted his ex-wife murdered. Rodriguez made a down payment of $5,000 to another individual to pay for the hitman and agreed to pay an additional $5,000 once the murder was completed.
• The FBI arrested Rodriguez before anyone was injured.
• "The FBI is committed to investigating violent crimes such as this," said FBI Baltimore Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "The thwarted murder-for-hire plot in this case affirms the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies. Had it not been for their combined efforts, the consequences could have been tragic. The FBI remains steadfast in our goal of making Delaware's streets safer for everyone."
• 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

Financially Motivated Sextortion 

January 18, 2024

The FBI is warning parents, young persons, teachers, and caregivers about financially motivated sextortion. 

In these schemes, predators typically pretend to be alluring young girls to befriend teen boys—often on social media and gaming platforms. The predators then trick these teens into exchanging sexually explicit material or believing the predators have already obtained it.

Once the scammers have a victim's pictures or video, they demand money to keep the explicit material from being shared with the victim’s family and friends. Even when victims comply, scammers often demand more money and escalate the threats.

Contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov if you, your child, or someone you know is being exploited. 

Learn more about financially motivated sextortion and how to stay safe online:

• The Financially Motivated Sextortion Threat
• Financially Motivated Sextortion
• Downloads and Resources: Financially Motivated Sextortion
• Sextortion: A Growing Threat Targeting Minors

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

January 12, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft. 

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases. 

Man Who Carried Out Machete Attack on NYPD Officers in Times Square on NYE 2022 Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges
Trevor Bickford pleaded guilty to multiple counts of attempting to kill officers and employees of the U.S. government and persons assisting them based on his jihadist attack using a machete-style knife against three New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2022.

• In December 2022, Bickford, a U.S. citizen and resident of Maine, traveled from Maine to New York City to, in his own words, wage jihad and kill as many of his targets as possible. After considering his options, researching his target location, and settling on his plan of attack, he packed a large machete-like blade and went to one of the most densely populated areas in the United States at one of the most densely populated times possible: Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
• "The defendant in this case, motivated by violent extremist views, traveled to New York City for the sole purpose of committing acts of violence and attacked three police officers causing serious injuries," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Police officers bravely protect the American people and attacks against them cannot be tolerated. The FBI will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable all those who engage in acts of terrorism."
• Full press release

Chaparral Man Sentenced to 90 months in Prison for Hostage Taking
Ricardo Arce, III, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for conspiracy to take a hostage and two counts of hostage taking.

• Arce admitted to conspiring with his co-defendants, Jonathan Matthew Gonzalez and Vicki Sowell, to take two foreign nationals hostage.
• Gonzalez transported the hostages to Arce’s residence, took their phones and wallets, and told them they were not allowed to leave unless their families paid money to secure their release.
• While held against their will, Gonzalez assaulted both of the hostages. Arce recorded videos of Gonzalez assaulting one of the hostages while Sowell turned up music to cover the sounds of the beating. Gonzalez sent the videos to the hostage’s family along with a demand for money. Gonzalez threatened to kill the hostages if they did not pay the ransom.
• Full press release

Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for His Enticement of an Orange County Minor
Matthew Mills was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his enticement of an 11-year-old minor. 

• Mills exchanged text messages with an 11-year-old minor (Victim-1) and directed Victim-1 to take and transmit sexually explicit photographs and videos of Victim-1 to Mills.
• In addition to the prison sentence, Mills was sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release.      
• "Matthew Mills’s crimes are the nightmare of every parent," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams. "Even after registering as a sex offender, Mills was able to prey on a young child from across the country, but the career prosecutors of this office and our investigative partners were relentless in pursuing this predator. Today’s lengthy sentence ensures that Mills will face justice for his reprehensible conduct."
• Full press release

Woman Sentenced for Threatening to Murder U.S. Probation Officer
Tammy Morgan has been sentenced to time served in federal custody after pleading guilty to transmitting a threatening interstate communication.

• On multiple occasions spanning from October 2018 through August 2022, Morgan sent repeated voicemails, texts messages, and physical notes threatening a federal probation officer.
• "Federal probation officers play a critical role in protecting the public by helping offenders successfully reenter society and ensuring they comply with the law following their return from prison—an inherently difficult and sometimes dangerous job," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers. "No public servant should have to suffer death threats just for doing their job. Our office takes threats to all federal employees very seriously and is committed to supporting and protecting our counterparts in the court system."
• Full press release

St. Paul Man Charged for Armed Robbery of Postal Employees
Rubin David Adams has been charged in a federal criminal complaint for armed robbery of postal employees on two separate occasions

• In both cases, Adams pointed a handgun at the victims and demanded/and or stole mailbox keys.
• Mailbox keys are valuable to criminals who use them to steal mail, cash, checks, and other financial instruments. Mailbox keys are the property of USPS, and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one.
• "This is part of an alarming trend that law enforcement is seeing around country, including here in the Twin Cities," said U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Andrew M. Luger. "We take this issue very seriously and will continue to ensure postal employees are safe and free from violence as they serve their communities."
• 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 Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month 

January 11, 2024

Each January, the FBI joins our U.S. government partners in marking National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. But our work to combat human trafficking happens year-round.  

Human trafficking is the illegal exploitation of a person. Anyone can be a victim, and it can occur in any U.S. community—cities, suburbs, and even rural areas. The FBI takes a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach when investigating these cases.  

You can visit our human trafficking landing page to learn more how we pursue these cases and how our agents' collaboration with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners helps us identify victims and investigate traffickers.

You can also explore the resources below to learn more about our efforts to combat this crime and provide assistance to survivors once they've been identified. 

• Listen to an Inside the FBI Podcast episode to learn how we fight trafficking and provide assistance to victims. 
• Download a brochure about how the FBI’s Victim Services Division provides assistance to victims of trafficking. This resource is also available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Tagalog. 
• Read about Operation Cross Country, a coordinated operation among the FBI, other federal agencies, state and local police, and social services agencies across the country to find and assist victims of human trafficking, particularly child victims.
  
  

Report Trafficking and Get Help

If you’re a human trafficking victim or have information about a potential trafficking situation, you can:

• Submit a tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or contact your local FBI field office.
• Contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) by at 1-888-373-7888, by text at 233733, or online at humantraffickinghotline.org. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST if you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation. FBI personnel assigned to NCMEC review information that is provided to the CyberTipline. 

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

January 5, 2024

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft. 

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases. 

Former Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Professor Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Produce Child Pornography
Kyle Knezevich pleaded guilty to attempting to produce child pornography.

• In September 2023, an EKU student located a hidden camera in a men’s bathroom on campus. An investigation revealed that the camera had been placed in the bathroom by Knezevich, who at the time was a professor at the university.
• After the discovery, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Knezevich's home and electronic devices, which revealed that Knezevich knowingly produced surreptitious recordings of both adult and minor males, from approximately 2009 through 2023.
• As part of his plea, Knezevich admitted that his intent in creating the videos was to capture the minor males engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
• Knezevich faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison.
• Full press release

Thief Ordered to Pay Back Gun Lake Casino Over $80,000 in Stolen Funds
Jordan Lewis Cook was sentenced to four months in prison and two years of supervised release for theft from a tribal organization, and ordered to pay $84,564 in restitution. 

• Between September 2021 and November 2022, Cook stole over $100,000 from the Gun Lake Casino, which is owned and operated by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe).
• During his theft scheme, Cook was employed at the Gun Lake Casino. Shortly after being hired, Cook began stealing cash from the cash-out kiosks located around the casino gaming floor. An internal casino audit and security surveillance video footage showed Cook pocketing large amounts of cash when he was supposed to be clearing jammed cash-out machines.
• Cook’s bank records also revealed a large influx of cash deposits around the same time that the money was being stolen from the casino kiosk machines.
• Full press release

St. Joseph Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Producing Child Pornography
Tyler B. Wirth, who produced pornographic images of three child victims and shared them online, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole.

• In January 2023, Wirth pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
• Wirth admitted that he produced pornographic images of three children, which he distributed to multiple users on the Kik application during his sexual conversations with them.
• Wirth received hundreds of images and videos of child pornography from other Kik users, and distributed numerous other images and videos of child pornography from his possession of child pornography, which included over a thousand images and videos of child pornography.
• Full press release

Four Gang Members Charged With Multiple Shootings and Armed Carjackings
A superseding indictment was filed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Amaury Guzmán, Ian Diez, Ruffi Fernández and Jonathan Rodríguez, members of the Trinitarios street gang, with a string of violent crimes including multiple shootings and armed carjackings between November 2022 and February 2023. 

• "Taking violent offenders off the street should send a message to Trinitarios members and their associates that violence and senseless murder will not be tolerated," said FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge James Smith. "New Yorkers should have the opportunity to live, work, and play without fear, and we ask the community to join us in our stand against violence. You can make a difference. If you have information about crime in your community, call our tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or submit information online to tips.fbi.gov to help ensure a safe environment in all our neighborhoods"
• Full press release

Illegally Armed Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to Over 22 Years in Federal Prison
Gary Sistrunk has been sentenced to 22.5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

• "This criminal has engaged in a pattern of violence throughout his life,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers. "Several years in prison for prior armed robberies did not convince him to change his behavior. The sentence imposed here should serve as a warning to repeat, violent offenders—reducing violence is a top priority for this office, and repeat offenders face lengthy terms in federal 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

December 2023

Violent Crime Case Round-Up 

December 22, 2023

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft. 

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases. 

Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Crimes Related to Sexually Exploiting and Sextorting More Than 25 Identified Victims
Lorenzo A. Winfield pleaded guilty to crimes related to sexually exploiting and sextorting more than 25 known victims—including one as young as 11-year-old—in at least three states.

• Winfield, 22, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting minors, possessing child pornography and communicating interstate with the intent to extort. As part of his plea, the parties involved have recommended a sentence of 23 to 27 years in prison.
• From at least 2016 to 2021, Winfield contacted students at the Arts and College Preparatory Academy (ACPA) to demand nude photographs of them; he would also hack into victims’ social media accounts and use the photos he obtained against them. Winfield would further tell the victims he had nude photos of them or other students that he would distribute to friends or family unless the victims complied.
• On numerous occasions, Winfield followed through on these threats, distributing sexually explicit photos of his victims to others to prove he was serious with his threats in a bid to contain more content. In addition, Winfield told the victims to send him sexually explicit images or videos in order to regain control of their own social media accounts.
• Full press release

Leader of Large Cartel-Connected Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison
Alan Gomez-Marentes, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

• Gomez-Marentes has been federally convicted of drug trafficking twice. He was arrested in July 2020 following an 18-month investigation of an extensive drug trafficking organization. FBI Seattle, FBI SWAT, and FBI Portland Tactical were involved in the investigation. 
• The investigation into the conspiracy resulted in the seizure of 45 pounds of methamphetamine; 12 pounds of heroin; 3,200 fentanyl pills; 22 firearms; and $566,391. 
• Full press release

Montgomery Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sex Trafficking 
Laporchie Howard, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after entering a guilty plea to the charge of sex trafficking a minor. 

• In early 2017, Howard resided with two co-defendants in an apartment located in Montgomery. Sometime before May 4, 2017, a female runaway under 18 and an adult female were invited to live with Howard. In return for food and housing, the two new residents—including the minor —engaged in commercial sex, with Howard receiving the proceeds. 
• This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 
• Full press release

Two Inland Empire Brothers Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Trafficking Heroin via Home Delivery Service in Orange County  
Julio Cesar Martinez and Victor Martinez, two brothers who ran a drug trafficking operation, were each sentenced to 288 months in federal prison. 

• From at least 2003 to July 2021, the brothers ran a drug trafficking organization that imported heroin from Mexico into the United States by couriers. They used two Orange County-based call centers that took telephone orders for deliveries of the drug. 
• "Operation Horse Caller targeted all levels of this international drug trafficking network, ranging from suppliers in Mexico to mules and runners delivering drugs to customers in Orange County at the direction of the Martinez brothers," said Donald Alway, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "Federal and local law enforcement agencies working in partnership led to the dismantling of the Martinez brothers' network and closed off a main pipeline of the heroin supply in Orange County that operated for years and led to deadly consequences."
• Full press release

Two Men Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charge for Allegedly Murdering Man to Increase Positions in Chicago Street Gang  
Diontae Harper and Amonti McClure have been indicted on a federal racketeering charge for allegedly murdering a man to maintain and increase their positions in a violent Chicago street gang. 

• The indictment accuses the pair of murdering Paul Harris in May 2020 for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the Faceworld street gang. 
• The Faceworld street gang is a criminal organization based on the South Side of Chicago whose members engage in violence and traffic narcotics.   
• Full press release

'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams 

December 22, 2023

This time of year, criminals put a holiday twist on the methods they use to scam you and your loved ones. As you check things off your shopping list, keep an eye out for deals that seem too good to be true.

• Read the FBI's tips on how to identify and report holiday shopping scams at fbi.gov/holidayscams.
• Remember to stay vigilant. Report suspicious activity and suspected scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Be Air Aware 

December 21, 2023

Did you know that the FBI investigates crimes committed aboard aircraft, in airports, and related to air travel? 

The FBI investigates the following violations if they’re committed during a flight: 

• Sexual misconduct
• Assault
• Interference with flight crew members
• Theft 

We investigate the following airport-based violations: 

• Violence against persons and property at international airports (when the victim or offender is a United States national or if the offender is located within the U.S.) 
• Interfering with airport security screening personnel ahead of a flight 

The FBI also investigates bomb threats, whether they’re made on the ground or in-flight. 

If you’ve been the victim of one of these crimes or have witnessed one take place, report it to your flight crew, airport authority police, and the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov. Also reach out to the FBI if you observe any suspicious activity in an airport or during a flight. 

• Learn more

Raising Awareness of Adoption Fraud  

November 20, 2023 

FBI Internship Opportunities for Wounded Warriors 

November 8, 2023 

FBI Returns 18th-Century Painting to German Museum 

National Native American Heritage Month 

November 1, 2023 

This National Native American Heritage Month, the FBI honors the contributions of our Native American partners, neighbors, and colleagues who serve communities across the nation.

Learn more about the FBI's work with Native American and Alaska Native communities:

• Indian Country
• Operation Not Forgotten
• Indian Country Onboarding Program
• Navajo Victim Specialist Shows How Role Is Key to Supporting Crime
• Tribal Community Event in Arizona Illustrates FBI Role in MMIP Initiative
• Supporting Victims in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

Learn more about the Osage murders case, one of our most prominent Indian Country cases in history:

• Osage murders case history
• Inside the FBI podcast: The Osage Murders
• Osage Discussion Spotlights Relationship Between FBI and Native Americans

Inside the FBI: Making Sense of FISA Section 702  

October 25, 2023 

For most people, the number 702 may not mean very much.

But for the Intelligence Community, which is charged with protecting the nation’s security, that number refers to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.  

This part of the broader law gives the FBI and other federal agencies the authority to conduct targeted surveillance of non-U.S. citizens located outside the United States, but only under specialized circumstances and with proper approvals and oversight.

Section 702 is indispensable to the Intelligence Community’s role in protecting the country from spies, malicious cyberattacks, terrorists, and other foreign threats.

On this episode, FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate explains Section 702: what it is, what it's not, and why you’ll likely be hearing a lot about it in the future.