“Drug Kingpin” Gets 28 Years for Trafficking Drugs From Mexico to Alaska

Source: US FBI

The defendant was arrested and deported to the U.S. in 2021.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The leader of an extensive transnational drug trafficking organization was sentenced to 28 years in prison on Wednesday for running a conspiracy that trafficked vast amounts of dangerous drugs to Alaska.

According to court documents, Miguel Baez Guevara, a.k.a. “Javi,” 41, a U.S. citizen who was living in Mexico, was the leader of a transnational criminal drug trafficking organization. In October 2014 Guevara was indicted by the State of Arizona for drug trafficking, money laundering and weapons offenses. Guevara fled to Mexico where he headed an enterprise that trafficked large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine into the U.S., specifically targeting Alaska, from Mexico. Guevara claimed membership in, and association with, the Sinaloa Cartel.

Guevara’s organization recruited drug couriers who lived in Alaska by using fake personas on social media and encrypted messaging applications. The couriers were promised money or drugs in exchange for traveling to Mexico to collect narcotics for transport back to Alaska. Couriers would travel in small groups led by a team leader and would typically smuggle around 250 grams of drugs on each trip. Guevara gave them instructions on how to smuggle the drugs back to Alaska, where they were met by a member of Guevara’s organization who paid them and collected the drugs for local distribution.

Guevara used violence, threats of violence, and his affiliation with the Sinaloa Cartel to intimidate and maintain total control of his organization. He required drug couriers to submit photos of their driver’s license and maintained records of each worker in his organization. He threatened to have houses burned down in Alaska and on one occasion had a U.S. citizen from Alaska shot in the knee over a drug dispute when they traveled to Mexico. He later bragged he was responsible for the shooting, showed photos and ultimately warned others what could happen if they stole drugs or money from him.

Guevara conducted all these operations from Mexico. The defendant was expelled from Mexico to the U.S. in September 2021 after a federal grand jury in Alaska charged him on a 17 count indictment and he was subsequently arrested by Mexican authorities. Between 2016 and 2022, at least 30 other couriers and dealers working for the defendant were federally prosecuted for participating in Guevara’s drug trafficking organization.

In total, law enforcement seized 7.1 kilograms of meth, nearly 10 kilograms of heroin and 900 grams of cocaine destined for Alaska linked to Guevara’s enterprise. His enterprise grossed millions of dollars in drug sales during the course of the conspiracy. Those proceeds were smuggled to Mexico.

The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of continuing criminal enterprise and one count of drug conspiracy on Jan. 17, 2024, in front of U.S. District Court Chief Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble.

The Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute 21 U.S.C. § 848 is often referred to as the “Kingpin Statute.” The statute is designed to reach the top brass in drug trafficking organizations, and not the lieutenants and foot soldiers. The statute was enacted to target large-scale profit-making enterprises engaged in the illegal importation, manufacture and distribution of controlled substances.

Three other defendants in this case have already been sentenced:

  • Joel Rascone, 30, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute heroin and was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment.
  • Serena Joseph, 41, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering and was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment.
  • Washahiotha Zaragoza, 46, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

Four additional co-defendants are believed to be at large in Mexico.

“I want to thank the FBI, DEA, the Coast Guard Investigative Service and all other supporting law enforcement agencies who helped bring justice in this case,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Keeping our communities safe from violent drug traffickers is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. To those looking to greedily profit by trafficking dangerous drugs to Alaska—our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will use the full force of our resources to investigate and prosecute you to the furthest extent of the law.”

“Mr. Guevara is responsible for trafficking substantial amounts of dangerous drugs into Alaska from Mexico, while preying and profiting on the addictions of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that threaten the safety and security of our communities in Alaska.”

“DEA is committed to protecting Alaskans from violent drug traffickers who prey on our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Guevara ran a drug trafficking organization that used violence to spread the misery of drugs throughout Alaska for his own enrichment. I am proud of DEA’s role, alongside our partners in the FBI, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in stopping him.”  

“The Coast Guard Investigative Service is committed to safeguarding the lives of those who live and work in maritime communities.  We thank our law enforcement partners for their steadfast efforts in removing this threat to the lives of our Alaskan neighbors,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Shultz of the Coast Guard Investigative Service Northwest Field Office.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Office led the investigation, with support from the Anchorage Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations offices in Anchorage, Alaska, and Sells and Nogales, Arizona, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Alaska State Troopers, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police and Alaska National Guard.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ainsley McNerney, Chris Schroeder and William Taylor are prosecuting the case, with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison O’Leary. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, and law enforcement agencies in the state of Arizona provided additional support on the case.

This investigation and prosecution are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), which 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.

UPDATE: This release has been updated to include Homeland Security Investigations offices in the list of investigating agencies. 

Wasilla Man Charged with Child Pornography, Firearm Offenses

Source: US FBI

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man was charged by criminal complaint last week for allegedly possessing child pornography and possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to court documents, in June 2022, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for a cell phone belonging to Paul Allen Greeno, 44. Upon review of the phone’s contents, agents found images of child sexual abuse, including sexual abuse of toddlers aged one to four years old.

On Aug. 5, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant on Greeno’s person and residence. During the search, agents found four long gun rifles from a vehicle on his property. Several boxes of ammunition were also found in Greeno’s closet in his bedroom. Greeno was convicted of felony misconduct involving a weapon in December 2023.

The criminal complaint filed against Greeno alleges that he befriended vulnerable youth in Anchorage with promises to supply them with drugs and then sexually exploited them.

Greeno is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of child pornography depicting minors who have not attained 12 years of age. If convicted, Greeno faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case. If anyone has information concerning Greeno’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone in person or online using the name Paul Allen Greeno, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alana Weber is prosecuting 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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FBI Seeking Information Related to Attempted Bank Robbery

Source: US FBI

ANCHORAGE, AK—The FBI Anchorage Field Office is seeking information regarding an attempted bank robbery that took place on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the First National Bank Alaska branch located at 1210 W Northern Lights Boulevard in Anchorage.

At approximately 5:38 p.m., an unknown female suspect entered the bank, produced a note to one of the bank employees, and verbally demanded money. The unknown suspect then grabbed the note from the employee and fled from the area on a bicycle.

Witnesses described the suspect as a female approximately 5’0″ tall. She wore a dark-colored, cold weather coat, with a face mask and gloves.

If the public has any information concerning the attempted bank robbery, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441 or online at tips.fbi.gov.

Anchorage Man Indicted for Trafficking Drugs, Possessing Fully Automatic “Ghost Gun”

Source: US FBI

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging an Anchorage man with possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute and possessing a “ghost gun” as a felon.

According to court documents, on June 9, 2024, James McKinley, 37, was found passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle in a handicapped parking space in Anchorage. Officers from the Anchorage Police Department contacted McKinley and he attempted to flee by ramming the police vehicle out of the way. When McKinley was unable to escape via his vehicle, he allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody on scene.

Court documents further allege that officers searched the defendant and his vehicle and found fentanyl powder and pills, methamphetamine, $35,000 in cash and a loaded pistol with no serial number that had been modified to be capable of fully automatic fire. These firearms, which contain no serial numbers or other means of tracing their origins, are referred to as “ghost guns.” At the time of the offense, McKinley had three prior convictions for misconduct involving a controlled substance in the third degree in violation of Alaska law.

McKinley is charged with one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a machinegun during a drug trafficking crime and one count of being an armed career criminal in possession of firearms and ammunition. The defendant will make his initial court appearance on July 30. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 45 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office is investigating this case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, with significant assistance from the Anchorage Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Klugman and Mac Caille Petursson are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Palmer Man Charged with Multiple Aviation Violations

Source: US FBI

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a Palmer man with illegally operating an aircraft.

According to court documents, William Marsan, 56, is allegedly the owner and pilot of a private aircraft in Alaska. In June 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received a report that Marsan did not radio his intention to take off from an airport in Palmer and operated the aircraft against the flow of landing traffic, resulting in a near mid-air collision with another aircraft attempting to land.

Law enforcement investigated the June 2023 incident and discovered that Marsan was allegedly operating an aircraft without a valid license or valid registration. They also discovered he had allegedly obscured the identification number on the side of the aircraft with stickers.

As a result of the investigation, the FAA issued an Emergency Order of Revocation of the defendant’s Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which required the immediate surrender of his pilot license or the filing of an appeal of the decision within 10 days. Marsan allegedly failed to file an appeal or surrender his license but has continued to operate his aircraft until the date of this indictment.

Marsan is charged with one count of operating an aircraft without an airman certificate in violation of 49 U.S.C. §46306(b)(7), one count of operating an unregistered aircraft in violation of 49 U.S.C. §46306(b)(6)(A) and one count of operating an aircraft displaying a false registration mark in violation of 49 U.S.C. §46306(b)(3). The defendant was arrested on July 18 and will make his initial court appearance on July 23 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Regional Administrator Michael O’Hare of the FAA, Alaska Region made the announcement.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the FAA, Alaska Region are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bradley is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Anchorage Doctor and Her Husband Charged with Health Care Fraud and Tax Evasion

Source: US FBI

The doctor allegedly deceived patients about what substances were injected and the defendants received more than $10M in fraud proceeds and filed false tax returns

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging an Anchorage doctor and her husband with health care fraud and tax evasion.

According to court documents, from 2010 to 2023, Claribel Tan, 60, a practicing rheumatologist, and her husband, Daniel Tan, 69, operated Claribel K. Tan MD LLC (CKTMD), a medical clinic in Anchorage. The indictment alleges that the couple defrauded health care benefit programs by causing the submission of false claims that misrepresented the type and dosage of medication, and the scope of medical services provided to patients. Further, the indictment alleges that both defendants deceived patients regarding the necessity of receiving medication at the clinic and created false medical records. The indictment also alleges that Claribel Tan deceived patients regarding what substances she injected into their bodies. In total, the Tans received over $10 million in fraudulently obtained funds. In a separate civil action, the Justice Department seized roughly $8.5 million of those funds from the defendant’s accounts.

The indictment also alleges that the Tans evaded income taxes for 2014, 2015 and 2017 by providing false information to their return preparer that overstated CKTMD’s expenses and filing false tax returns that understated their income. The indictment further alleges that Daniel Tan evaded income taxes for 2016 when he provided the Tans’ accountant with false information for that return. The accountant allegedly ceased preparing tax returns for them, and the Tans did not file tax returns for 2016.

The indictment further alleges that the Tans did not file tax returns for 2018 through 2021, despite being required to by law.

The defendants are each charged with one count of health care fraud and four counts of willful failure to file a tax return. Daniel Tan is charged with four counts and Claribel Tan is charged with three counts of attempting to evade and defeat tax. The defendants will make their initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska.

If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for health care fraud, five years for each count of tax evasion and one year for each count of failing to file a tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska made the announcement.

The IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, Defense Contract Audit Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division, Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and State of Alaska Division of Insurance Investigation Unit are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Dominick Giovanniello of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Walker and Seth Beausang for the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Kenai Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening U.S. Senator

Source: US FBI

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Kenai man pleaded guilty yesterday to making interstate threats to kidnap and injure a sitting U.S. Senator.

According to court documents, Arther Graham, 46, sent a web form submission to a U.S. Senator on Sept. 28, 2023, threatening to injure the Senator. Congressional staff members reported the threat to the U.S. Capitol Police and an investigation was launched.

Graham identified himself in the threat. Law enforcement later confirmed the sender was Graham and lived in Kenai. He was taken into custody by special agents from the U.S. Capitol Police and FBI at his home on Oct. 30, 2023.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 1 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Threats of violence against public servants are abhorrent and unacceptable, and as this plea makes clear, the Justice Department will not tolerate them,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Our democracy depends on the ability of members of Congress to do their jobs without fearing for their safety. The Justice Department will continue to do everything in our power to protect those who serve the public and hold accountable those who endanger them.”

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the U.S. Capitol Police made the announcement.

The U.S. Capitol Police and FBI Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Kenai Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw is prosecuting the case.

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Alabama Man Sentenced for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach

Source: US FBI

           WASHINGTON – An Alabama man was sentenced to prison on Nov. 15, 2024, after he was previously convicted of multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses, including assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

           Bryan Shawn Smith, 37, of Huntsville, Alabama, was sentenced to 34 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss.

           Smith was previously convicted of felony offenses of civil disorder, assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings following a bench trial before Judge Moss.

           According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Smith was present on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, and was captured on police body-worn camera footage at approximately 2:10 p.m. confronting officers at a security barricade in this area. As rioters breached the security barricades on the Lower West Terrace, a group of officers fell back behind a door underneath the inaugural stage scaffolding. About 45 seconds later, the door was opened, and Smith held the door open and refused an officer’s command to step away from the doorway to allow the officer to close it.

           Evidence at trial showed that Smith later made his way to the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on January 6th. As he entered the Tunnel, Smith carried a stun gun. At approximately 2:53 p.m., Capitol building surveillance footage captured Smith spark the stun gun and pass it to another rioter in the Tunnel. Within approximately one minute, the stun gun was passed from the rioter who received it from Smith to another rioter and then to yet another rioter.

           Court documents say that Smith then exited the Tunnel quickly after passing off the stun gun and pumped his fist in an apparent effort to inspire others in the large crowd to press into the Tunnel and continue the riot. A rioter who later received the stun gun, Vitali Gossjankowski, later exited the Tunnel and used the stun gun in at least one attempt to assault an officer who was already under assault by other rioters.

           Smith entered the Tunnel a third time at approximately 3:16 p.m. and made his way to the front of the mob in the Tunnel. Inside the Tunnel, Smith joined a group of rioters violently pushing against the police line in an attempt to breach the Capitol. Here, Smith witnessed rioters physically assault police and helped push other rioters into the police line.

           The FBI arrested Smith on Dec. 4, 2022, in Huntsville.

           The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama provided valuable assistance.

           The FBI’s Birmingham and Washington Field Offices investigated this case. The United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance.

           In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

           Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Jefferson County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempting to Meet a Minor for Sex

Source: US FBI

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Jefferson County man was sentenced today on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco sentenced Robert Elton Trimble, 38, of Kimberly, to 120 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release.  In June, Trimble pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. 

According to court documents, on October 16, 2023, Trimble made contact with an individual he believed was a 15-year-old girl on a social networking app. After learning her age on day one, Trimble continued to communicate with the “child,” asking her questions about school, telling her about his work, and requesting photos.  Within two weeks, Trimble turned their conversation sexual by asking the “child” about her sexual experiences and discussing plans to meet her. On November 21, 2023, Trimble arrived for the meeting and was arrested.  Only then did he discover that he actually had been communicating with an undercover officer.  

FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the National Children’s Advocacy Center have partnered and released a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent kids and teens from being victims. This series offers three-to-five-minute videos about current online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities.

The videos can be accessed from the following locations:

https://www.nationalcac.org/sextortion-prevention/

https://www.youtube.com/@nationalcac

If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or online at www.cybertipline.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Justice Department Announces Four Cases Brought by Election Threats Task Force

Source: US FBI

The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force (ETTF) announced developments this week in four cases involving interstate transmissions of threats to election personnel and other victims.

Teak Brockbank, 45, of Cortez, Colorado, pleaded guilty today to threatening a Colorado election official and making other threats to an Arizona election official, a Colorado state judge, and federal law enforcement agents between September 2021 and July 2024.

Brian Jerry Ogstad, 60, of Cullman, Alabama, was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison for sending messages threatening violence to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix from Aug. 2-4, 2022, during and immediately following the Arizona primary elections.

Richard Glenn Kantwill, 61, of Tampa, Florida, was charged on Monday for allegedly sending a threat on Feb. 9 to an election official in addition to already pending charges for threats made to three other victims based on their political commentary in 2019 and 2020.

John Pollard, 62, of Philadelphia, was charged on Monday for allegedly threatening on Sept. 6 to kill a representative of a Pennsylvania state political party who was recruiting official poll watchers.

“As we approach Election Day, the Justice Department’s warning remains clear: anyone who illegally threatens an election worker, official, or volunteer will face the consequences,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Over the past three and a half years, the Justice Department has been aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who threaten the public servants who administer our elections, and we will continue to do so in the weeks ahead. For our democracy to function, Americans who serve the public must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives.”

“Threats to election workers are threats to our democratic process,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “No one should face violence or threats of violence simply for doing their job. The actions announced today make clear that we will not tolerate those who use or threaten violence in an effort to undermine our democratic institutions. To carry out their essential work, election officials must be free from improper influence, physical threats, and others forms of intimidation.”

“Our elections are made possible by the hard work and patriotism of election workers in communities across the country who are also our neighbors, relatives and friends, and they deserve to do this important work without being subjected to threats,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The fact that election workers need to be worried about their security is incomprehensible and unacceptable. While these four cases are examples of the kinds of threats election workers are unfortunately facing, these cases also represent the FBI’s dedication in holding accountable those who undermine our democracy with this conduct. The FBI and our partners on the ETTF will work tirelessly to charge and arrest those callous enough to make these threats and make sure they are held accountable. Free, fair, and safe elections are critical to our country and our democratic ideals.”

“These defendants made serious threats of violence against members of the election community. Threats like these strike at the very heart of our democracy,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The cases announced today underscore the Criminal Division’s commitment to defending our democracy, safeguarding our elections, and protecting all election workers. Through the ETTF, the Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute all criminal threats against members of the election community.”

The four cases were all brought by the ETTF. Created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they join the task force in its critical work.

Under the leadership of the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.

United States v. Brockbank (District of Colorado)

According to court documents, Brockbank admitted to using three social media accounts to post messages threatening Colorado and Arizona election officials between September 2021 and July 2024.

On Sept. 22, 2021, Brockbank posted the following message on social media:

“[Election Official-1] . . . needs to- No has to Hang she has to Hang by the neck till she is Dead Dead Dead. There will be accountability for these peoples actions in Communist Colorado and it won’t be judges and it won’t be weakmided cops that bring it!!! It will be Me it will be You it Will be every day people that understand that there life does not matter anymore with the future our country has laid out before it.”

As part of his plea, Brockbank also admitted to posting a message on Aug. 4, 2022, referring to election officials in Arizona and Colorado, saying: “Once those people start getting put to death then the rest will melt like snowflakes and turn on each other. . . . This is the only way. So those of us that have the stomach for what has to be done should prepare our minds for what we all [a]re going to do!!!!!! It is time.”

In addition, Brockbank admitted to posting a message threatening a Colorado state judge on Oct. 2, 2021, saying: “I could pick up my rifle and I could go put a bullet in this Mans head and send him to explain himself to our Creator right now. I would be Justified!!! Not only justified but obligated by those in my family who fought and died for the freedom in this country. . . . What can I do other than kill this man my self?”

Brockbank further admitted to threatening federal law enforcement on July 13, posting: “I believe every single FBI agent deserves to go explain themselves to our creator right away!!!! I am more than willing to send any/All of you there.”

Finally, Brockbank admitted to illegally possessing multiple firearms and ammunition.

“The security and sanctity of the American election system is core to the foundation of our Democracy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “We will prosecute people who threaten elections, election officials, or election workers to the fullest extent of the law.”

Brockbank pleaded guilty today to interstate transmission of a threat. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Denver Field Office is investigating the case.

Acting Deputy Director Jonathan E. Jacobson of PIN’s Election Crimes Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado are prosecuting the case.

United States v. Ogstad (District of Arizona)

According to court documents, on or about Aug. 2, 2022, Arizona held primary elections for federal and state officeholders, including a gubernatorial primary election that received nationwide media coverage. From the day of the election through on or about Aug. 4, 2022, Ogstad sent multiple threatening direct messages to a social media account maintained by Maricopa County Elections. For instance, on or about Aug. 3, 2022, Ogstad stated: (1) “You did it! Now you are f*****.. Dead. You will all be executed for your crimes”; (2) F*** you! You are caught! They have it all. You f****** are dead”; (3) “You are lying, cheating m****** f******* . . . you better not come in my church, my business or send your kids to my school. You are f****** stupid if you think your lives are safe”; and (4) “You f******  are so dead.” On or about Aug. 4, 2022, Ogstad also stated, “[Y]ou people are so ducking stupid. Everyone knows you are lots, cheats, frauds and in doing so in relation to elections have committed treason. You will all be executed. Bang f******!” In the course of his messages to the recipient, Ogstad transmitted an image of the character “Woody,” from the Toy Story film franchise, lying face down with an unidentified projectile in its back.

“In this election season we honor and respect those public servants who enable Americans to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “And we seek to protect all election workers from intimidation and harassment. Threats of violence, whether conveyed by words or deeds or pictures, will be met in this District with robust prosecution.”

Ogstad was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000 fine, after pleading guilty on July 25 to one count of interstate transmission of a threat.

The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the FBI Birmingham Field Office.

Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.

United States v. Kantwill (Middle District of Florida)

According to court documents, from September 2019 to July 2020, Kantwill, a dentist, sent over 100 threats to various public figures via Facebook and Instagram messages, email, and text. As charged in the superseding information filed on Monday, those threats included a threat sent via email to an author, a threat sent via text to a religious leader, and a threat sent via Instagram to a television personality. From April 2022 to April 2024, Kantwill also sent at least seven additional threats to four public figures via Facebook, including a threat to an election official in another state on Feb. 9, when Kantwill wrote: “You are a degenerate c***. and you are now the target of our own investigation. Take note because liberal t***s like you get raped in alleys, by really big black guys that serve our cause. So, you t*** are going to get raped by at least 5 n*****s, and do nothing. You are the number 1 target, you degenerate t***.”

“If you threaten someone with violence, we will take you at your word,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Law enforcement officers and members of my office will work together to hold accountable and federally prosecute individuals who threaten to injure or kill others.”

Kantwill is charged with four counts of interstate transmission of a threat. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen of PIN and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail K. King for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado.

United States v. Pollard (Western District of Pennsylvania)

According to the indictment, on Sept. 6, Pollard sent threatening text messages to Victim 1, a resident of the Western District of Pennsylvania. Victim 1 had previously posted online, in Victim 1’s capacity as an employee of a state political party, that Victim 1 was recruiting volunteers to “help[] observe at the polls on Election Day” and included Victim 1’s phone number. Pollard allegedly texted Victim 1 that he was “interested in being a poll watcher” and included Victim 1’s first name. Pollard then allegedly texted three threats to Victim 1: (1) “I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T ANSWER ME!”; (2) “Your days are numbered, B****!”; and (3) “GONNA F***ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F***ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F***ING KKK**T!”

“Threats of violence have no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This is no less true when those threats of violence are directed at individuals associated with our electoral process — in this case, someone seeking to organize poll watchers. This conduct will not be tolerated in our district, and we will continue to work with our partners at the FBI to prosecute these offenses with the full weight of the law.”

Pollard was arrested on Monday and appeared in federal court in Philadelphia. He is charged with one count of interstate transmission of a threat. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of PIN and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole A. Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

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An indictment or information is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at tips.fbi.gov/home. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.