Category: Security

Source: US FBI

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Evans, age 28, a federal inmate at the Federal Correction Institution Allenwood (FCI Allenwood), Allenwood, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for possession of a weapon.   

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on July 15, 2024, while an inmate at FCI Allenwood, Evans possessed an inmate manufactured weapon commonly referred to as a “shank.”  The manufactured weapon, which was a piece of metal sharpened to a point with a cloth handle measuring six inches in length, was discovered by a correctional officer during a search of Evans.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.

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Source: US FBI

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Xing Zheng, 35, of Queens, New York, was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Savage to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to launder approximately $2.98 million of fraud proceeds from various sources, including more than $426,000 in stolen Social Security retirement funds and COVID-19 funds from the state workforce agencies of Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Arizona, and Ohio. Zheng was also ordered to pay $426,044 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and the various state workforce agencies, and a forfeiture judgment of $745,000.

In December of last year, Zheng pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

As stated in the information and admitted to by Zheng, he and an unidentified coconspirator, who operated under the pseudonyms “Christian Dasilva” and “Christian Hernandez,” agreed to launder fraud proceeds. In furtherance of the conspiracy, fraudulent applications were filed online for SSA Retirement Insurance Benefit (RIB) and COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Act (PUA) funds, using the stolen identities and personal information of eligible retirees and other individuals, and those benefit payments were directed to bank accounts controlled by the conspirators.

“Christian” also conspired with a related defendant, Myrna Ortiz, 46, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whom “Christian” met through an online dating website. The two started a relationship via digital messaging, and Ortiz began helping her online paramour execute the fraud scheme, filing fraudulent claims for SSA RIB payments. The scheme targeted high wage earners over the age of 62 who had not yet filed for Social Security retirement benefits and impacted at least 23 victims.

Ortiz admitted opening 10 bank accounts at “Christian’s” direction, in order to receive the fraudulently issued government funds, and then withdrawing the funds, purchasing gift cards with the cash, and laundering the funds back to her coconspirator through the gift cards, by providing him with the account number and unique four-digit personal identification number (“PIN”) for each gift card.

Beginning in or about May 2020, “Christian” instructed Ortiz to provide him with the debit cards for the bank accounts into which the stolen funds were electronically deposited. Using various encrypted communications platforms, “Christian” and Zheng then conspired to further launder these funds.

They agreed that “Christian” would sell debit cards and gift cards to Zheng in exchange for cryptocurrency, both knowing that the funds were the proceeds of unlawful activity and that the transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds.

During the course of the conspiracy, Zheng purchased approximately 1,565 debit cards and/or gift cards from “Christian,” valued at approximately $2.98 million, which he laundered and exchanged for cryptocurrency for “Christian.” In all, Zheng retained approximately 25% of the value of the debit and gift cards that he exchanged.

Of the approximately $2.98 million laundered, approximately $96,500 worth of fraud proceeds were traceable to Myrna Ortiz’s bank accounts, which contained the stolen SSA RIB and PUA fraud proceeds. All told, through these schemes, Ortiz conspired to defraud the government and to launder stolen government funds totaling almost $600,000. She was sentenced in January to one day in prison, two years of supervised release, and restitution of $688,049.

“While Zheng did not personally participate in the fraud against the government, he knew that the money he was laundering was criminally derived,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Nonetheless, he was happy to participate, launder funds on a near-daily basis, and take his 25% cut, even as his crimes helped perpetuate the underlying fraud. My office will continue to target crooks who steal from the government — and those who enable them — dismantle their schemes, and bring them to justice.”

“The millions of dollars fraudulently obtained in this case were intended to support struggling Americans during a time of unprecedented crisis — not to line the pockets of those driven by greed,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the integrity of these vital relief programs, and we’re grateful for the continued collaboration of our partners as we hold accountable those who exploit them through egregious and complex financial schemes.”

“This 28-month prison sentence holds Mr. Zheng accountable for stealing money from rightful beneficiaries who rely on these funds to survive,” said Colleen Lawlor, Special Agent in Charge, SSA Office of the Inspector General, Philadelphia Field Division. “I thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this complex case.”

“Xing Zheng and his co-conspirators defrauded multiple state workforce agencies by filing for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in the names of identity theft victims who were not entitled to such benefits. As a result, Zheng enriched himself by stealing taxpayer resources intended for unemployed American workers. This sentencing affirms the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the UI system from those who seek to exploit this critical benefit program,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran.

Source: US FBI

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Naim-Shahid Jumah Austin, 28, of Yeadon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cynthia M. Rufe on Monday to 144 months in prison and five years of supervised release for a spate of armed robberies targeting local hotels in late 2022.

In January 2023, Austin was charged by indictment with six counts of robbery which interferes with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), and firearms offenses. In December of last year, the defendant pleaded guilty to all the robberies, and to using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, between September 2022 and December 2022, Austin targeted the hotels in the early morning hours, when one employee was usually working alone at the front desk. He terrorized his victims at gunpoint, demanding that they hand over cash from the registers.

Austin was armed with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol and drove his mother’s car to all six robberies, which occurred at hotels in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties:

• September 16, 2022, 3:23 a.m. – Courtyard by Marriott, Tredyffrin Township, Pa.
• September 18, 2022, 4:02 a.m. – Holiday Inn & Suites, Drexel Hill, Pa. (also robbed hotel guest)
• October 10, 2022, 2:05 a.m. – Fairfield Inn & Suites, Broomall, Pa. (fled empty-handed)
• November 21, 2022, 3:35 a.m. – Home2 Suites by Hilton, Glen Mills, Pa.
• December 2, 2022, 4:04 a.m. – Marriott Philadelphia West, West Conshohocken, Pa.
• December 12, 2022, 4:41 a.m. – Holiday Inn Express & Suites, West Chester, Pa.

West Goshen Township Police located and arrested Austin minutes after the December 12, 2022, hotel robbery.

“Naim Austin was on a one-man crime spree, committing six armed robberies in less than three months,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “He threatened the hotel employees he victimized at gunpoint, to terrify them into compliance. This sentence keeps him off the street and holds him accountable for what he’s done. My office and our partners are committed to making our communities safer by bringing violent offenders like this to justice.”

“Brazen violent criminals like Austin terrorize our communities,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, FBI Philadelphia’s Special Agent in Charge. “This sentencing is a testament to the coordinated efforts between all of law enforcement. The FBI and our partners will never stop working to crush violent crime and ensure our citizens have a safe place to work and live in.”

This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia’s Newtown Square Resident Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Tredyffrin Township Police Department, Upper Darby Township Police Department, Marple Township Police Department, Newtown Township Police Department, West Conshohocken Police Department, Birmingham Township Police Department, West Goshen Township Police Department, and Chester County Detectives. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Urban.

Source: US FBI

This year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed from April 6 to 12, 2025. FBI Philadelphia joins our federal, state, and local partners in honoring crime victims and survivors, along with recognizing the professionals and volunteers who provide critical victim services. 

With this observance, we are shining a light on a vital piece of our Bureau mission that the public may be unfamiliar with—the work of our Victim Services Division (VSD).  

VSD’s mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. Our victim services professionals strive to provide victims with empowerment, dignity, and justice.  

Each of the FBI’s 55 field offices have Victim Specialists. As a vital partner in the FBI’s response to crime, Victim Specialists work directly with Special Agents and serve as the critical link to ensure that victims of crimes investigated by the FBI are provided their rights and are connected to the necessary support, services, and resources.  

The Victim Services Division also manages several specialized resources, including the FBI’s Crisis Response Canine program, the Victim Services Response Team, and Trauma Notification Training. 

“When crimes occur, our job is to pursue justice—but it doesn’t end with making an arrest,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Protecting the American people means standing with victims every step of the way. Our Victim Specialists do this critical work every day, and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a powerful reminder of our ongoing commitment to ensure victims receive the support, resources, and respect they deserve.”

Since its inception in 2001, the FBI’s victim assistance program has provided services—such as crisis intervention, emergency travel assistance, and local referrals for counseling, housing, and other services—to nearly 2 million victims. For more information about FBI resources available to crime victims, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services.  

For more information about the rights of federal crime victims, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/rights-of-federal-crime-victims.  

Source: US FBI

EUGENE, Ore.— The former owner of a Bend, Oregon-based microbrewery equipment company was sentenced to federal prison today for defrauding nearly two dozen customers out of more than $880,000.

Matthew Mulder, 52, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $887,116 in restitution to his victims.

Mulder used his company, We Can Brewing Systems, LLC, which he co-founded in 2014, to solicit payments for custom-built microbrewery systems, keg washers, and other industrial brewing products. Beginning in at least January 2017 and continuing through June 2018, Mulder solicited and accepted orders for equipment he knew his company was not capable of fulfilling. When customers asked for updates on their orders, Mulder falsely stated that they were on schedule or nearing completion.

At the same time, Mulder would entice customers to make additional payments by sending emails and text messages that included photos of nearly-completed orders prepared for other customers. He would then send the customers fake invoices for shipping costs, which they would pay. Many customers received nothing from Mulder following those final shipping payments.

During the fraud, Mulder solicited and accepted new customer contracts requiring large down payments that he would in-turn use for personal expenses, to pay off loans, and to pay suppliers.  In total, Mulder knowingly and intentionally defrauded 23 customers out of more than $880,000.

On February 19, 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a seven-count indictment charging Mulder with wire and mail fraud. He pleaded guilty to all counts on April 3, 2024.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Bend Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Source: US FBI

PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Natalie Wight announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ethan Knight will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.

AUSA Ethan Knight, Cyber and National Security Unit Chief, has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Oregon, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“The Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process,” said Natalie Wight, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The Justice Department has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation on Election Day, threats of violence directed at election officials and workers, and election fraud. The department will address these violations wherever they occur. The department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

The FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. To report allegations, contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or www.tips.fbi.gov.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

If you have questions about the Justice Department’s Election Day Program in Oregon or need assistance directing election-related complaints to the proper authorities, District Election Officer Knight can be reached by calling (503) 727-1000.

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

Source: US FBI

MEDFORD, Ore.— A federal jury found a Klamath Falls, Oregon man guilty after he kidnapped and sexually assaulted two women, and held one in a cell he constructed in his garage.

Negasi Zuberi, 30, also known as Justin Joshua Hyche, was found guilty of kidnapping, transporting a victim for criminal sexual activity, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.

When Zuberi arrived at his residence, he moved the victim from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi’s vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

The next day, on July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

While investigating Zuberi’s crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.

On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms, ammunition, and attempted escape were added by superseding indictment.

Kidnapping is punishable by up to life in federal prison and transporting a victim across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity by up to 10 years. Illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, and attempted escape are punishable by up to 15 years.

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney’s Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office; and Nevada State Police. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Marco A. Boccato, and Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.

Source: US FBI

SEATTLE—A Washington State defense attorney was arraigned in federal court Monday after he was indicted for joining a criminal conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF), a jail located in Seattle, during client visits.

John M. Sheeran, 60, of Pierce County, Washington has been charged with conspiring to distribute controlled substances, possessing and distributing methamphetamine, distributing buprenorphine, and illegally using a communication facility.

According to the indictment, Sheeran used his status as an attorney to smuggle controlled substances, including methamphetamine, ketamine, buprenorphine, and THC, to two of his then- clients and inmates at KCCF during legal visits. During the conspiracy, Sheeran distributed, or possessed with an intent to distribute, sheets of paper that had been soaked in drugs, chewing tobacco cans that swapped out the tobacco with drugs, and trial clothes that had drugs concealed in the soles of the shoes. After Sheeran successfully smuggled the drugs into KCCF, Sheeran’s co-conspirators sold the drugs to other inmates for significant sums.

On October 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Seattle returned an indictment charging Sheeran and four co-conspirators. Sheeran was arrested Monday without incident in Washington Place, Washington.

Sheeran made his initial appearance in federal court Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Seattle. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on December 20, 2024.

If convicted, Sheeran faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a minimum of three years’ supervised release, and a fine up to $1 million.

The case was investigated by the FBI and King County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, acting as Special Attorney for the Western District of Washington.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: US FBI

            WASHINGTON – An Oregon man was found guilty of assaulting law enforcement with a weapon and other charges related to his conduct 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.

             Ryan Wilson, 41, of Athena, Oregon, was found guilty of six felonies, including civil disorder; assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

            In addition to the felonies, Wilson was found guilty of misdemeanor offenses of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings.

            Wilson was convicted following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden. Judge McFadden will sentence Wilson on Jan. 16, 2025.

            According to evidence presented during the trial, Wilson and his father traveled from Oregon to Washington, D.C., and attended the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021, at the Ellipse, where they listened to the former President address the crowd. Wilson and his father then walked with the crowd to the Capitol and then men made their way to the doorway to the Lower West Terrace, also referred to as the Tunnel. The Tunnel was the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on January 6^th.

            Before entering the Tunnel, Wilson put on a black balaclava which covered his face and entered at approximately 2:56 p.m. Court documents say that Wilson and his father made their way into the Tunnel toward the police line and, at about 2:58 p.m., Wilson threw a water bottle at the police. By approximately 3:00 p.m., Wilson was standing directly in front of the police line, separated only by shields that the police officers were using to defend themselves.

            At that time, a rioter behind Wilson began to thrust a pipe toward the police. Wilson then grabbed the pipe and rammed it toward the police repeatedly and forcefully. Wilson then took steps to re-position himself and used the pipe to thrust near the heads and faces of the officers. The police then deployed OC spray, which hit Wilson. He then threw the pipe toward the police line, turned around, and exited the Tunnel.

            The FBI arrested Wilson on Sept. 7, 2023. 

            This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

            This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Portland and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 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.

Source: US FBI

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted JOSEPH FRANCIS BUTLER, 34, of Illinois, of committing aggravated sexual abuse at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On July 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Butler with aggravated sexual abuse. On March 14, 2025, after a 4 day-trial, a federal Jury found Butler guilty of the charge. According to evidence presented at trial, on June 4, 2023, Butler, an inmate at the FTC, entered the cell of another inmate and sexually assaulted him. During the sexual assault, Butler held a shank to the victim’s neck and side. The victim soon after reported the assault to a corrections officer.

At sentencing, Butler faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.