Category: Security

Source: US FBI

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The former police chief of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 1, 2025, to 15 months in federal prison for narcotics charges, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Shawn Denning, 44, of Delmont, Pennsylvania. Denning pleaded guilty on April 16, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine.

According to information presented to the Court, during the time that he was the Greensburg police chief, Denning was involved in a nationwide drug conspiracy and had helped numerous individuals purchase narcotics from suppliers in California. Those narcotics included cocaine and methamphetamine disguised as counterfeit Adderall pills. One of the individuals with whom Denning conspired was former Greensburg police officer Regina McAtee, who also pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy and will be sentenced later this month.

Despite Denning’s argument during the sentencing hearing that he should not serve any time in prison, Judge Bissoon sentenced Denning to 15 months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and a $2,000 fine. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that “When law enforcement becomes the bad guys, our civil society cannot function.”

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Denning.

This prosecution is a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Source: US FBI

NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County man admitted to using an explosive to damage a Chase Bank Automated Teller Machine (“ATM”) in Prospect Park, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Nicolas Torres, 42, of Passaic, New Jersey pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Julien X. Neals in Newark federal court to a one-count information charging him with using an explosive to damage real property used in interstate commerce.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In the early morning hours of July 5, 2022, Torres was captured on surveillance video approaching the Chase Bank ATM in Prospect Park, New Jersey and igniting an item in front of the ATM. Several seconds later, an explosion was seen at the ATM. Torres was seen fleeing the location with two individuals.

In addition to the surveillance video, cellular phone location data placed Torres in the area of the Chase Bank at the time of the explosion. The investigation also revealed that Torres had traveled to Pennsylvania the day before and purchased approximately $1,000 worth of fireworks.

The use of an explosive to damage real property used in interstate commerce charge carries a statutory minimum of 5 years in prison, a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, and the Prospect Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Rausch, with the investigation leading to today’s plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vera Varshavsky of the U.S. Attorney’s National Security Unit in Newark. 

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Defense counsel: Adalgiza A. Núñez, Office of the Public Defender

Source: US FBI

HOUSTON – A 28-year-old Houston woman has been charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer with a machete, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Authorities have now taken Jennifer Jesselle Perez-Rodriguez into custody. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo at 2 p.m.

According to the now unsealed criminal complaint, on April 17, federal agents were on duty and traveling on Anderson Road in Houston in unmarked vehicles. Perez-Rodriguez allegedly walked into the roadway wielding a machete. She began swinging the weapon and advanced on two of the vehicles, according to the charges. 

Authorities allegedly activated a siren in one of those vehicles as Perez-Rodriguez began running towards them with the machete. As she continued to advance, an FBI agent opened the door of his vehicle and verbally commanded Perez-Rodriguez to drop the machete, according to the allegations. Perez-Rodriguez allegedly did not comply. 

Details from the criminal complaint indicate the agent then discharged his duty weapon at Perez-Rodriguez until she no longer posed a threat. Perez-Rodriguez was struck by the gunfire and subsequently transported to a hospital for medical attention, according to the charges.  

If convicted of assaulting a federal agent, Perez-Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.  

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black is prosecuting the case. 

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. 

Source: US FBI

On May 13, Damien James Madison, 27, a Washington state resident, was arrested along the California state line near Jean, Nevada, after a week-long manhunt.

On May 8, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputies were attempting to arrest Madison on prior felony charges. During the pursuit, Madison used an AR-15-style rifle to fire on them multiple times. No deputies were hit, but their vehicle was disabled. The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Department of Corrections requested the assistance of the FBI, along with the South Sound Gang Task Force, to locate and arrest Madison. Over the next week, the FBI along with their state and local partners assisted the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office in trying to locate Madison.

“Especially during Police Week, it is rewarding to see the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Washington, California, and Nevada join forces to combat violent crime,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office. “We work violent crime every day, and we encourage our partners to call us whenever we can provide specialized capabilities to assist. In addition, the FBI has a worldwide reach. Especially when violent criminals cross state lines, the FBI is ready with our specialized teams and resources in multiple field offices to track them down and keep our communities safe.”

The FBI helped coordinate a multi-state and agency effort to locate Madison and his mother who was aiding his attempt to evade capture. Madison and his mother were first located as they were driving eastbound on Interstate 15 in the California desert near Barstow, California. As Madison and his mother entered Nevada, the FBI Las Vegas Criminal Apprehension Team consisting of FBI agents and task force officers were waiting. The team disabled the vehicle Madison and his mother were driving. Madison was then taken into custody without incident.

“This arrest serves as a notable illustration of how law enforcement partnerships lead to successful apprehensions of dangerous fugitives,” said Spencer L. Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The subject was taken into custody by our Criminal Apprehension Team, which is led by the FBI and includes the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Henderson Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, and the Nevada State Police Patrol and Probation.”

“Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is extremely grateful for all of our partner agencies along the West Coast who assisted in the seizure of Damien Madison,” said Sheriff Derek Sanders. “We also owe a special thanks to the FBI Criminal Apprehension Team that located Damien and utilized excellent tactics with surgical precision to safely capture him. Strong partnerships across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies make for safer communities, and our community is a little safer today as a result of that collaboration.”

“The vast majority of the 13,000 individuals under our supervision follow the law and are taking steps to turn their lives around,” said DOC Secretary Tim Lang. “But when they commit new crimes and try to run, as in this case, quick and effective coordination with local and federal law enforcement can reduce the risk to public safety and bring the individual in to face justice.”

The agencies involved include:

• Thurston County Sheriff’s Office in Washington state
• South Sound Gang Task Force
• Washington State Department of Corrections Community Response Unit
• Department of Homeland Security
• Thurston County Narcotics Task Force
• California Highway Patrol
• FBI Fugitive Task Forces
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
• Henderson Police Department
• North Las Vegas Police Department
• Nevada State Police Patrol and Probation
   

FBI Seattle is one of the 55 FBI field offices located in the United States. The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. For more information, visit fbi.gov or fbi.gov/seattle.

Source: US FBI

En 2024, estafadores robaron $243,517,403 a víctimas en Colorado, según el informe más reciente del Centro de Quejas de Delitos en Internet (IC3 por sus siglas en inglés) del FBI. El estado ocupó el séptimo lugar a nivel nacional en cuanto a la cantidad de denuncias per cápita, con un total de 14,848 reportes presentados ante el IC3.

Las pérdidas reportadas en el estado experimentaron un aumento de casi 56 millones de dólares en comparación con el monto registrado en 2023.

Los fraudes que generaron mayores pérdidas económicas en Colorado fueron: estafas de inversión ($90 millones); compromiso de correos electrónicos empresariales ($48 millones); y filtración de datos personales ($23 millones).

Por volumen de reportes, los fraudes más comunes en el estado fueron: extorsión (2,320 casos);
phishing o suplantación de identidad (1,385 casos); y filtración de datos personales (1,187 casos)

El grupo etario más afectado fue el de personas mayores de 60 años, con 3,125 denuncias que reportaron pérdidas por un total de $74,462,501.

“Este informe es una advertencia clara de que los habitantes de Colorado —especialmente los adultos mayores— siguen siendo blanco frecuente de estafadores que buscan cualquier oportunidad para cometer fraudes”, afirmó Mark Michalek, agente especial a cargo del FBI de Denver. “La vigilancia del público es fundamental frente a amenazas cibernéticas cada vez más sofisticadas y generalizadas, que afectan tanto nuestra vida laboral como personal.”

A nivel nacional, el IC3 recibió en 2024 más de 859,532 denuncias relacionadas con delitos cibernéticos, con pérdidas totales que superaron los $16.6 mil millones, lo que representa un incremento del 33 % en comparación con 2023.

Cabe destacar que estas cifras incluyen únicamente los reportes realizados al IC3. No todas las víctimas presentan una denuncia —o ni siquiera se dan cuenta que han sido víctimas—, por lo que es probable que las cifras reales sean aún mayores tanto en número de víctimas como en montos perdidos.

En todo Estados Unidos, los tres fraudes más comúnmente reportados fueron phishing/suplantación de identidad, extorsión y violación de datos personales. Sin embargo, las mayores pérdidas económicas las generó el fraude de inversión, particularmente aquellos relacionados con criptomonedas, con un total de más de $6.5 mil millones en pérdidas.

El fraude de inversión con criptomonedas aumentó un 29 % respecto a 2023. Además, las denuncias por ransomware aumentaron un 9 % a nivel nacional.

Como grupo, las personas mayores de 60 años fueron las más afectadas en 2024, con casi $5 billones en pérdidas y la mayor cantidad de denuncias presentadas.

Si cree que ha sido víctima de un delito cibernético, puede presentar una denuncia en: IC3.gov

Source: US FBI

A Las Vegas man who pleaded guilty to threatening a U.S. Senator from Nevada and threatening family members of two United States Senators was sentenced today to over three years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

“The threats against these U.S. Senators and their families were vile, dehumanizing, and shameful,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the National Security Division. “Today’s sentence reflects the Department’s firm resolve to holding accountable those who seek to intimidate and harm our public officials. Such threats of violence have no place in our country.”

“With today’s sentencing, the defendant will pay the price for making threats of violence,” said Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “It is unacceptable to threaten public officials or anyone else, and the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable anyone who engages in such illegal activity.” 

According to court documents, from Oct. 11 to 25, 2023, John Anthony Miller left numerous threatening voicemails at the offices of two U.S. Senators. Miller threatened to assault and murder a U.S. Senator with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with U.S. Senator while engaged in the performance of official duties, and with intent to retaliate against the U.S. Senator on account of the performance of official duties.

The following week, on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, Miller threatened to assault and murder a member of the immediate family of two U.S. Senators, with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the U.S. Senators while engaged in the performance of official duties, and with intent to retaliate against the U.S. Senators on account of the performance of official duties.

Miller pleaded guilty to one-count of threatening a federal official and two-counts of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening a family member. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over the sentencing hearing.

The FBI Las Vegas Field Office investigated the case with valuable assistance provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Capitol Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Operskalski and Daniel Schiess for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

Source: US FBI

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Clarence Black, Jr. (49, Tampa) and Jarrek Fabrion Myrick (39, Fort Myers) with drug trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

According to court documents, between January 25 and February 4, 2025, Black and Myrick traveled to California and shipped methamphetamine and fentanyl to Tampa and areas in southwest Florida. The drug-laden parcels were intercepted and the total quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl was approximately more than 90 pounds. Black has a prior federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and Myrick has a prior conviction for second-degree murder.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.          

This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

Source: US FBI

LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy to sell methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.

According to court documents, from about December 11, 2023, to May 16, 2024, Abel Puebla conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine in Las Vegas. As part of the conspiracy, on January 24, 2024, Puebla sold one pound of methamphetamine; on February 14, 2024, he sold three pounds of methamphetamine and a bag containing cocaine; and on March 28, 2024, Puebla sold an ounce of heroin.

Puebla pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.

United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.

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Source: US FBI

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging CARSEN MANSFIELD with extortionate interstate communications.  MANSFIELD was arrested on Tuesday, April 29 in Newburgh, New York, and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “As alleged Carsen Mansfield used Discord to track down and exploit the minor female victim.  Protecting our children is central to our mission, and we will prosecute those who victimize them to the fullest extent of the law.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Carsen Mansfield allegedly extorted and threatened a minor in another state to provide sexually explicit images.  Mansfield’s alleged actions violated a vulnerable victim’s privacy to satiate his personal disturbing desires.  The FBI remains committed to protecting any minor from those who wish to inflict sexual harm, regardless of where they are located.”

As alleged in the Complaint:[1] 

On or about August 4, 2024, MANSFIELD, using the communication platform Discord, contacted a minor female victim (“Victim-1”) and sent her a series of photographs that Victim-1 recognized as nude photographs of her that she had taken previously.  MANSFIELD proceeded to threaten to send the nude photographs of Victim-1 to her friends and family if she did not send him more nude or otherwise sexually explicit materials, writing “Well I have these pictures and if you don’t send me more I’m going to send them to your friends and family . . . Your [sic] my slut now Andy [sic] failure to make me happy will end up exposed to your friends and family.” 

Any individuals with information concerning CARSEN MANSFIELD and any individuals who may have encountered someone using the Discord username “noname45.#0” or the X (formerly Twitter) username “expogirlsss” please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.

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MANSFIELD, 23, of Newburgh, New York, is charged with one count of extortionate interstate communications, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of two years in prison.

The maximum potential 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 outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and Detroit Field Office, as well as the Town of Newburgh Police Department.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret N. Vasu is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Source: US FBI

LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Thursday by Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 160 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Denzel Renyal Michael Loyd’s sentence follows his conviction for four counts of coercion and enticement after he solicited multiple children to engage in prostitution. The defendant utilized Facebook to contact the minors and solicit them to engage in sexual acts, send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, and prostitute themselves on his behalf.

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense,” said United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Over the span of a few months, the defendant, a self-described pimp, solicited numerous minors to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves, induced them to engage in various sex acts – at least one victim complied to his sex demands in exchange for food, and attempted to convince the victims to engage in prostitution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with the FBI to protect our youth from predators, and we will seek justice for victims.”

“Denzel Renyal Michael Loyd deserves each and every day of his 13-year prison term,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “This sentence delivers a message to anyone intent on harming children. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting children from the clutches of offenders like Loyd. Every time a child predator is brought to justice, potential victims are spared immeasurable harm.”

In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Loyd must register as a sex offender and keep the registration current.

United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.

The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jean Ripley and Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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 www.justice.gov/psc.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

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