Source: United States Airforce
The commander of Pacific Air Forces highlighted the importance of command and control during a panel discussion at the Air and Space Forces Association’s annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Sept. 24, 2025.
Defense News in Brief: U.S. Navy to Christen Future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr.
Source: United States Navy
BATH, Maine — The U.S. Navy will christen the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), during a ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) on Saturday, September 27, at 10:30 a.m. (EST).BATH, Maine — The U.S. Navy will christen the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), during a ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) on Saturday, September 27, at 10:30 a.m. (EST).
Defense News in Brief: CTF-66 showcases RAS capabilities with partners in Portugal-led unmanned systems demonstration during REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger 2025
Source: United States Navy
Commander, Task Force (CTF) 66 conducted a live robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) demonstration with Allies and partners during the experimentation exercise Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS) / Dynamic Messenger 2025, in Troia, Portugal, Sept. 25, 2025.
Justice Department Announces Memorandum of Understanding with Nevada to Collaborate on Immigration Enforcement
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced a new Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Nevada to fully collaborate on immigration enforcement. This follows the Department publishing a list of sanctuary jurisdictions on August 5th, 2025, in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14287.
The list initially included Nevada and has now been updated following work between the Department and the State of Nevada – the first removal since the list’s publishing. Following the release of the Memorandum of Understanding, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement:
“The Department of Justice is committed to eradicating sanctuary policies across America. We applaud Governor Lombardo and Nevada for taking necessary steps to fully comply with the Trump Administration’s immigration policy. This should serve as a reminder to other jurisdictions: come to the table and work with us instead of going to court.”
Read the full MOU here.
Serial Fraudster Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Wilmington, Delaware – U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray of the District of Delaware announced today that a Wilmington man was sentenced on September 18, 2025, to 70 months in prison for amassing over $900,000 in fraudulent proceeds through multiple fraud schemes over the course of years.
According to court documents, Crandall Speights, 43, drove around neighborhoods at night, rifled through mailboxes, and stole checks out of the mail. He then altered those checks and deposited them into bank accounts he controlled. From June 2019 – October 2021, he defrauded individuals and banks out of approximately $345,250 through this scheme.
At the same time, from June 2020 – April 2021, Speights submitted six fraudulent applications for loans available under the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program—two COVID-19 relief programs designed to aid small business owners during the pandemic. Each loan claimed that Speights or an associate owned a small business they did not in fact own. Through this scheme, Speights defrauded the Small Business Administration out of approximately $559,999. Speights also moved these fraud proceeds between bank accounts he controlled in an effort to conceal their fraudulent nature.
A federal grand jury sitting in the District of Delaware returned an Indictment against Speights in September 2023. Speights was released on his own recognizance but was required to remain in the area and keep in contact with an assigned probation officer. Instead, Speights fled for approximately eight months, from May 2024 – January 2025. He was apprehended in an apartment in New Jersey, where law enforcement found additional checks, bank cards, and identifying information belonging to third parties. The checks found in Speights’ apartment totaled $53,760.
Speights admitted to spending fraud proceeds gambling and purchasing luxury goods. Law enforcement seized over 40 pieces of jewelry from Speights’ home with a total appraised value of approximately $477,705, including an 18-karat gold, diamond, and sapphire ring valued at $75,000 and a 1-karat gold bracelet valued at $102,900. Law enforcement also seized 11 fur coats, shawls, and hats from Speights’ apartment with a total appraised value of approximately $56,250.
Julianne Murray, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, stated, “Fraudsters do real damage to our community, by altering checks found in the mail, diverting taxpayer funds, and looting government programs. We will work hard to ensure that wrongdoers are brought to justice, and that no one may divert people’s hard-earned money for their own personal gain.”
Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation stated, “This is an important victory for the American public. Not only is a criminal going to jail for his crimes, but the government has seized a significant portion of the illegal proceeds through asset forfeiture. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and investigate criminals who engage in such brazen and fraudulent conduct.
“Protecting the mail from theft is a core mission of the Postal Inspection Service,” said Christopher Nielsen, Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division. “By perpetrating mail theft, Mr. Speights harmed real people who were using the mail to pay their bills. By filing false claims on government benefit programs, Mr. Speights deprived others of needed assistance. I want to recognize the hard work of the Inspectors and the Special Agents from the IRS who worked this investigation. I also want to acknowledge the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in Delaware for their continued support in investigating and prosecuting these cases.”
The IRS–Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly A. Hudson prosecuted the case.
Former NYPD Detective Pleads Guilty In Violent Racketeering Conspiracy
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Saul De La Cruz Admitted to Participating in a Criminal Enterprise That Committed Bribery and Theft
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced that SAUL ARISMENDY DE LA CRUZ, a/k/a “Nene,” a/k/a “Venom,” pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy to racketeering conspiracy in connection with his participation in a violent theft crew. As alleged, DE LA CRUZ, then a member of the NYPD, accepted bribes for providing crew members with confidential police information about potential victims and ongoing investigations. When he learned that the FBI was planning to arrest members of the crew, he tipped them off, allowing them to flee. DE LA CRUZ is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román.
“The NYPD is the best police department in the world and, sadly, Saul Arismendy De La Cruz turned his back on his colleagues and the people of New York,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The NYPD and the people of New York deserve better, and we will pursue a sentence that matches the seriousness of De La Cruz’s conduct.”
“Saul De La Cruz, a former NYPD detective, provided confidential law enforcement information—including updates in active investigations—to a ring of thieves in exchange for monetary kickbacks,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “His actions violated his oath to protect this city by enabling criminals to continue wreaking havoc on our local residents and ultimately evade arrest. While the vast majority of NYPD officers uphold their sworn dedication to serve, the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who prioritize personal financial enrichment over their duty to others, especially to further the operations of illicit enterprises.”
“The NYPD holds its officers to the highest standards, and it’s an affront to our entire department when someone so blatantly violates them and abuses the public’s trust,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Saul De La Cruz’s actions were not only highly illegal, but they put our officers at great risk and jeopardized our public safety work. We will continue to work with our partners in the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office to root out any misconduct and ensure justice is always served.”
As alleged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictments unsealed in White Plains federal court:[1]
DE LA CRUZ was one of a number of defendants charged for participation in a violent theft crew led by the fugitive DAGOBERTO SOTO-RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Pito,” pictured below.
DAGOBERTO SOTO-RAMIREZ: WANTED BY THE FBI
Between 2017 and 2022, SOTO-RAMIREZ organized a crew that committed residential burglaries and home invasion robberies, repeatedly targeting small business owners. The majority of the targeted victims were Asian American. Armed with guns and other weapons, members of the crew stole money, jewelry, and other property from scores of homes in states across the country. Others took part in the crew’s criminal scheme, which also included the use of false identification, bank fraud, and laundering theft proceeds. In addition, SOTO-RAMIREZ and other members of the conspiracy bribed DE LA CRUZ, first an officer and later a detective of the NYPD, who helped members of the crew escape arrest.
SOTO-RAMIREZ remains a fugitive. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
* * *
DE LA CRUZ, 33, of Queens, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the investigative work of the FBI, the Westchester County Joint Organized Crime Task Force, the New York Public Corruption Task Force, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the NYPD, the Nassau County Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Fort Lee Police Department. He added that the investigation is ongoing.
The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josiah Pertz and Jeffrey C. Coffman are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the description of the Indictment and the other charging documents set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Columbia County resident sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for possessing images and videos of child sexual exploitation
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Defendant possessed more than 50,000 digital files containing child porn
AUGUSTA, GA: On September 25, 2025, a Columbia County resident was sentenced to federal prison for possessing child pornography.
Perry Jason Ward, 27, of Evans, Georgia, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possessing images of sexual exploitation of children, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Ward to register as a sex offender, pay $96,000 in restitution, pay $200 in special assessments, and serve15 years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term.
“Protecting our children means stopping the creation and distribution of any materials that sexually exploits them,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, Defendant Ward is being held responsible for his reprehensible actions.”
As described in court documents and at sentencing, Defendant Ward used the internet to obtain 45,792 images and 4,609 videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The CSAM in his possession included images of infants, toddlers, and pre-pubescent children, some of which were subjected to bondage and other horrific acts of abuse.
The CSAM was discovered after the Columbia County Sherriff’s Office received multiple CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and using that information, obtained and executed a search warrant on Ward’s residence in October of 2023. Ward faces additional charges for other conduct in Columbia County Superior Court.
“Crimes that exploit children are among the most disturbing cases we investigate,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “This sentence reflects our commitment to pursuing those who traffic in child sexual abuse material and ensuring they are held accountable. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect children and remove predators from our communities.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. Blanchard.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/.
Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
MINNEAPOLIS – Anthony John Crowley, 52, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, pled guilty in federal court today to Possession of Child Pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“Anthony Crowley’s crimes against children are a disgrace,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “In the last few months, we have seen a rash of law enforcement officers, public officials, and others in positions of trust abusing children. I have zero tolerance for this betrayal. This office will not relent in holding powerful predators to account.”
According to court documents, Crowley, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, knowingly possessed one or more images which contained visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In 2022, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) received a cyber tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). The tip informed them that someone was using the Kik application to upload child pornography images. The Kik user ID was linked to Crowley’s phone number and email address. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Crowley’s home and seized his electronic devices. On those devices, law enforcement found numerous child pornography images and what are known as “child erotica” stories.
Crowley pled guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Lauren M. Provinzino. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Crowley remains detained pending his sentencing. At the time of his crimes and of his arrest, Crowley was a U.S. Customers and Border Protection Officer. He is now on indefinite suspension.
“As a Customs and Border Protection Officer, Crowley was in a position of public trust. To betray that trust by possessing child sexual abuse material is an egregious perversion of the honor, integrity, and lawfulness that should exemplify federal agents,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Protecting children is our highest calling. This case, made possible by a courageous public tipster and the excellent work of the FBI, BCA, and Minnetonka PD, should send a clear message to anyone who would abuse or exploit children—no matter your position or power, there is no hiding. You will be found and brought to justice.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for their investigation and hard work on this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline is prosecuting the case.
Child Predator in Utah Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Defendant pretended to be a minor on social media to communicate with a 14-year-old
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Carlos Arturo Aparicio Hernandez, aka Raiza Daniela Yasira Aparicio Hernandez, 40, of Taylorsville, Utah, was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment after he pretended to be a minor female and communicated with a child victim on Facebook. The defendant convinced the victim to send sexually explicit photos and then extorted additional sexually explicit images and videos from the victim.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, sentenced Aparicio Hernandez to a lifetime term of supervised release.
According to court documents and admissions made at Aparicio Hernandez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Aparicio Hernandez engaged in sexual conduct with a minor that he met on Facebook while pretending to be a minor female. Specifically, beginning on April 29, 2022, Aparicio Hernandez used his iPhone and iPad while acting as a minor female to communicate with an actual 14-year-old on Facebook. Over months of communications, Aparicio Hernandez convinced the teen to send him explicit photos and videos, which he later extorted for additional explicit images and videos from the victim. He also arranged on two occasions to meet the 14-year-old and engaged in illegal sexual activity, of which he produced images of the illegal sexual encounters and stored them on his electronic devices. Aparicio Hernandez also had sexually explicit photographs of other minors on his devices.
“Aparicio Hernandez is a danger to the children in our communities and elsewhere,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims-especially child victims, who are the most vulnerable among us. His 30-year sentence is a stern reminder that we will track down, arrest and prosecute child predators.”
“Protecting our community’s most vulnerable is our highest priority,” said West Valley City Police Chief Colleen Jacobs. “This sentence sends a clear message: anyone who uses social media to prey on children will be found, stopped, and held accountable.”
“This predator’s actions were deliberate, manipulative, and devastating,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI will continue to stand with our law enforcement partners to protect children, safeguard our communities, and ensure predators face the strongest consequences possible.”
The case was investigated jointly by the West Valley City Police Department and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Chicago Man Convicted of Running Fentanyl Distribution Operation in Northern Panhandle
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Chicago, Illinois man was convicted of multiple drug charges for leading a drug distribution organization that transported fentanyl from Chicago, Illinois, to Weirton, West Virginia.
Gerald Henry, also known as “Unc,” age 41, was found guilty of two counts involving the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine. The testimony at trial established that Henry transported large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine to Hancock County, West Virginia for sale and distribution. Investigators seized more than 400 grams of fentanyl from a search of Henry’s Weirton residence.
Henry faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison for each of the charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jasmine MCullough, 41, of Chicago, Illinois; Stephen Price, 40, of Chicago, Illinois; Daniel Pail Truax, 47, of Weirton, West Virginia; Paula Jean Truax, 44, of Weirton, West Virginia; and William Dean Tredway, 35, of Colliers, West Virginia have each previously entered guilty pleas for their roles in the drug operation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Investigative agencies include the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; the West Virginia State Police; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office; the Steubenville, Ohio, Police Department; and the Wheeling Police Department.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.