MIL Security Engine-1

Source: US FBI

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 22, 2024

SAN DIEGO – William Hyde of San Diego was arrested in San Diego today for allegedly leaving a voicemail containing a violent threat on the personal cell phone of an election official in the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona.

Hyde, 52, is scheduled to make his initial appearance tomorrow at the federal courthouse in San Diego.

According to an indictment unsealed today, on or about November 29, 2022, Hyde allegedly left the following voicemail message on the personal cell phone of the victim election official: “Run, [expletive].”  Approximately one minute later, Hyde allegedly left a second voicemail message for the same election official: “You wanna cheat our elections? You wanna screw Americans out of true votes? We’re coming, [expletive]. You’d better [expletive] hide.” This followed a Special Meeting held by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors a day earlier to certify the election results in Maricopa County for the November 8, 2022, general elections for federal and state officeholders.  The election official was present at this Special Meeting, which received nationwide media coverage.

“Intimidation of election officials strikes at the very heart of our democracy,” said United States Attorney for the Southern District of California Tara McGrath. “Even just one case can have a ripple effect. This Office will aggressively prosecute any attempt to intimidate, threaten, or frighten election officials as they engage in these critical duties.”

“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant left threatening messages on a Maricopa County election official’s personal cell phone the day after county officials certified the 2022 election results. The indictment alleges that the defendant accused the official of cheating the election and told the official to ‘run’ and ‘hide,’” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting individuals who threaten election officials. We will not tolerate criminal intimidation of those who administer and safeguard our elections.”

“Election integrity starts with protecting those we entrust to administer elections,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “We appreciate the admirable efforts of the Recorder’s Office and Elections Department in Maricopa County to efficiently register Arizonans as eligible voters, and to accurately and transparently tabulate their votes.”

“Individuals who work to ensure the integrity of our elections should not have to worry about their safety while working for the American people,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge TJ Holland of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “We will continue to collaborate with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect election officials and prosecute anyone who threatens to harm them.”

Hyde is charged with one count of communicating an interstate threat. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  The FBI San Diego Field Office investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the FBI Phoenix Field Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Askins for the Southern District of California and Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier for the District of Arizona.

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced 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. A year after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.

Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section 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.

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 www.tips.fbi.gov. 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.

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

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 22cr0276-BAS                                       

William Michael Hyde                                   52                    San Diego

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Interstate Threatening Communication – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 875(c)

Maximum penalty:  Five years in prison and $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Source: US FBI

PHOENIX, AZ—Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is taking this timely opportunity to warn Arizonans about confidence fraud – also known as “romance scams.”

Romance scams occur when someone believes he or she is in a relationship and is tricked into sending money, personal and financial information, or items of value to the fraudster. This includes any scheme in which the perpetrator preys on the victim’s “heartstrings”.

According to the most recent available statistics, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports 680 Arizona victims reported losses of more than $25.4 million in connection with confidence fraud/romance scams in 2022. Of that number, 379 victims suffering $17.7 million in losses were senior citizens.

Romance scams can happen to anyone at any time. The FBI cautions everyone who may be romantically involved with a person online to proceed carefully and stay alert to warning signs.

The FBI suggests these tips if someone develops an online relationship with another person:

• Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the material has been used elsewhere.
• Never provide your financial information or loan money to someone online. Never send money to anyone you don’t personally know.
• Beware if the suitor seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or Facebook to go “offline.”
• Beware if the person attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
• Beware of promises to meet in person but that promise is always broken for one reason or another. If no face-to-face meeting has occurred after a few months, there is good reason for suspicion.
• If a meeting is arranged, meet in a public place, and let others know of the plans.

If anyone suspects an online relationship is a scam, all contact should be stopped immediately. Victims who have already sent money are urged to report the incident to their financial institution and then inform local law enforcement. Victims are also encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI at ic3.gov. For more information on romance scams, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/romance-scams.

Source: US FBI

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jill Marie Jones, 37, formerly of Chandler, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 78 months in prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release. Jones pleaded guilty to Concealment of Funds Intended to Support Acts of Terrorism. 

As early as 2019, Jones regularly posted anti-American content on social media platforms because she believed the United States military unjustly treated Muslims overseas. In 2020, Jones began communicating online with a person she believed to be a member of al Qaeda, but who was in fact working for the FBI. On May 10, 2020, when asked by this individual if she supported al Qaeda and their struggle against the kuffar (non-believers), Jones responded, “Yes, I do.” Jones communicated with this individual about traveling to Afghanistan to support al Qaeda because “supporting AQ against the oppressors would be an honour.” 

On May 18, 2020, when asked whether she could spare any money to buy weapons for al Qaeda to kill American soldiers, Jones responded that, while she was not well-off financially, the U.S. government’s COVID stimulus checks presented an opportunity: “The timing is interesting. Since because of coronavirus we all got government money. Free money basically. … [I]t would be most ironic the money from that goes for this . . . They give us free money, and I turn it around on them.”

Jones agreed to send money, via a prepaid credit card. After researching prepaid cards online, Jones determined that an online purchase could be traced back to her because it required the disclosure of personal information. In order to conceal the source, ownership, and control of her funds, Jones traveled to a national retail store and purchased a $500 prepaid credit card using the COVID stimulus money provided to her by the U.S. government. She then sent the card information to the purported al Qaeda member with the message, “may it help them to be victorious.” Jones intended for these funds to be used by al Qaeda to purchase rifle scopes for use against American soldiers in Afghanistan.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Chang, David Pimsner, and Lisa Jennis, District of Arizona, Phoenix handled the prosecution.
 

CASE NUMBER:            CR-20-0634-PHX-DWL
RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-015_Jones

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: US FBI

PHOENIX, Ariz. – David Allen Harbour, 50, of Scottsdale, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge Douglas L. Rayes, to eight years in prison. After a five-week trial, a jury convicted Harbour of crimes involving wire fraud and transactional money laundering on March 2, 2023. On March 7, 2023, Harbour also pleaded guilty to tax evasion, agreeing that he evaded more than $4 million in taxes.

According to the evidence introduced at trial, Harbour acted as a self-styled investment advisor and defrauded numerous investors between 2007 and 2021. Harbour misrepresented the nature of the various investments and omitted material facts. The total loss to investors exceeded $8 million. Harbour diverted money to pay for a lavish lifestyle including numerous private country club memberships, expensive jewelry, multimillion dollar vacation residences, private jet travel, speed boats, luxury vehicles, and extravagant parties that included a private concert at his 40^th birthday party by the 1970’s rock band the Eagles. Some of these items were seized by the government during the investigation, including a Patek Philippe watch, a Rolex watch, gold and diamond jewelry, and two country club memberships. The proceeds from these items will be used towards partial restitution for the victims. At sentencing, the judge specifically increased Harbour’s sentence for his efforts at tampering with witnesses prior to trial by paying or attempting to pay them off in exchange for not testifying against him.

“The defendant will have eight years in federal prison to reflect on his long-term pattern of deception,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “Justice for the victims continues, as we work to determine the final amount of restitution, and to use the forfeited assets to restore some of the losses.”

“This eight-year prison sentence stands as a reminder that IRS CI will diligently investigate and hold accountable those who seek to defraud the American public,” said IRS CI Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick. “And, by teaming with our federal partners, we will continue to aggressively investigate corruption at every level.”

“This sentence sends a clear message that those who commit financial fraud will be held accountable,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis. “Investors should expect nothing less than complete candor and truth from their investment advisors. The FBI and our agency partners will continue to identify, investigate and pursue those who perpetrate criminal schemes for their own profit.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin M. Rapp and Coleen Schoch, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
 

CASE NUMBER:           CR-19-00898-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-013_Harbour

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: US FBI

TUCSON, Ariz. – Jesus Hector Lagarda-Gil, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release. The court also ordered that Lagarda-Gil forfeit a 2018 Mazda CX5 automobile and $148,000 in United States currency. Lagarda-Gil pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine on September 21, 2023.

A co-defendant, Jesus Omar Encincas-Burruel, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison and three years of supervised release on December 1, 2023.

Lagarda-Gil negotiated and coordinated the delivery of over 300 pounds of methamphetamine to undercover agents during a four-month period in 2022. On March 29, 2022, Lagarda-Gil met with an undercover agent in Las Vegas, Nevada, and personally delivered 45 pounds of methamphetamine to the agent after receiving the methamphetamine from Encinas-Burruel. In June of 2022, Lagarda-Gil traveled to Las Vegas again and delivered another 61 pounds of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. On July 1, 2022, Lagarda-Gil was arrested after delivering 217 pounds of methamphetamine to agents.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Homeland Security Investigations – Tucson office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Tucson office conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
 

CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-1607-TUC-SHR 
RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-009_LaGarda-Gil

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: US FBI

TUCSON, Ariz. – Ryan Schlesinger, 31, of Tucson, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge Raner C. Collins to life in prison for second-degree murder, plus consecutive sentences of 20 years for attempted murder and 50 years for discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent offense.

In November 2023, a federal jury convicted Schlesinger of second-degree murder of a federal officer, three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer, four counts of assault of a federal officer, and five counts of discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent offense.

On November 29, 2018, deputies with the United States Marshals’ Arizona Wanted Violent Offender Task Force attempted to serve a felony arrest warrant on Schlesinger for allegedly stalking a Tucson Police Department (TPD) sergeant. While the Task Force attempted to execute the arrest warrant, Schlesinger outfitted himself in body armor. Schlesinger refused to exit his residence and opened fire on the deputies who were outside his window. Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White was shot twice in the upper torso and died a short time later.

Prior to the murder, Schlesinger had been in a yearlong dispute with the TPD. Schlesinger sent multiple threatening emails, went to a TPD officer’s parents’ home, and attempted to arrest a TPD sergeant. Despite being under multiple active injunctions against harassment, Schlesinger possessed three firearms in violation of those court-issued injunctions. Schlesinger sent a final threatening email to the TPD hours before the murder. After murdering Deputy White, Schlesinger surrendered to the TPD, wearing the body armor and a ballistic helmet.

Deputy White was 41 years old. He is survived by his wife and four children. He was also a lieutenant colonel with the United States Air Force Reserve. Deputy White was the first Deputy U.S. Marshal killed in the line of duty in Tucson in 66 years.

“The courage of survivors was on display this week in federal court,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “I am grateful to the family of Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White for sharing poignant memories of their wonderful son, husband and father; and I am mindful of the valor of the men and women of the Marshals Service.”

“This sentencing finalized the FBI’s efforts to hold Ryan Schlesinger accountable for his senseless act of violence. The diligence and fairness of the legal process has guaranteed Schlesinger will no longer be able to cause harm to law enforcement or members of the Tucson community,” said Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI’s Phoenix Field office. “The FBI will not waiver in its pursuit of justice no matter how long it takes.”

“Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White tragically lost his life in the line of duty while bravely safeguarding the community from a dangerous and violent individual,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Van Bayless. “Chase epitomizes the ideals of a dedicated Guardian and compassionate man who extended his help to those in need. His legacy will live on through the United States Marshals Service and his extraordinary family.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah B. Houston and Jane L. Westby, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
 

CASE NUMBER:           CR-18-02719-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-006_Schlesinger

# # #

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: US FBI

TUCSON, Ariz. – Flavia Annang, 60, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution to 19 victims. Annang pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering on March 9, 2023. 

Between May 2018 and April 2022, Annang laundered money for scammers who lured victims into various online frauds. In some instances, the victims believed they were sending money to support an online romantic partner who falsely stated they needed to pay taxes and fees to release an inheritance or gold bars. The stories told to the victims by the scammers were fraudulent. The scammers directed the victims’ monies into accounts controlled by Annang and her co-conspirator. When Annang and her co-conspirator received the fraudulent monies, they kept a fee for themselves, and then transferred the funds to Ghana. Annang and her co-conspirator set up phony businesses and then opened business bank accounts to hide the transfer of the fraudulently obtained funds. The FBI traced over $4 million, sent by 106 victims, through Annang’s and her co-conspirator’s bank accounts. One Arizona victim lost nearly $5 million to the scams, sending over $1 million to Annang’s and her co-conspirator’s accounts and the remaining money to multiple other individuals. Annang’s co-conspirator pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and was sentenced to 48 months in prison on January 3, 2024.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
 

CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-00893-JCH-1
RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-007_Annang

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: US FBI

            WASHINGTON – A brother and sister from Arizona were sentenced today on a felony charge related to their conduct during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their 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.

            Felicia Konold, 29, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to 45 days in prison and 24 months of supervised release. Cory Konold, 28, of Tucson, was sentenced to 30 days in prison and 24 months of supervised release. The siblings were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly. Both pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and aiding and abetting on Nov. 1, 2023.

              According to court documents, on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, Cory and Felicia made contact with a group of men that included co-defendants William Chrestman, Christopher Kuehne, Luis Enrique Colon, and Ryan Ashlock, all of whom were members of the Proud Boys from the Kansas City area. After joining with the Kansas City Proud Boys, the Konolds followed the men to the National Mall, where they joined with a larger group of Proud Boys members and associates from around the country.

            The Konolds then followed the large Proud Boys group as it marched across the National Mall and in the streets near the U.S. Capitol while shouting, among other things, “Whose streets? Our streets!” The group ultimately made their way to the west side of the Capitol’s grounds, outside of the restricted, fenced-off perimeter of barricades guarded by uniformed United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers. At that location, the Konolds, Proud Boys, and other individuals gathered outside the barricades and chanted phrases including “Whose Capitol? Our Capitol!”

            Shortly before 1:00 p.m., members of the crowd breached the line of barriers and surged toward the Capitol building. The force of the crowd’s combined numbers caused the USCP officers stationed at the barricades to retreat. Just as the first police line was being overwhelmed, the Konolds made their way to the front of the crowd and became some of the first rioters to trample over the toppled barricades. The siblings then made their way past multiple subsequent lines of barricades and onto the Capitol’s Lower West Plaza, inside the restricted area.

            The Konolds remained in this area despite being commanded by the USCP and Metropolitan Police Department officers to disperse. The two remained in close contact with co-defendant Chesterman, who made various efforts to instigate the crowd and oppose police efforts to quell the riot. Near the base of the erected inaugural scaffolding, the Konolds and other members of the crowd came up against another line of police attempting to hold a series of barricades. Members of the crowd were trying to break through the line by force; however, the Konolds, Chrestman, and others opposed this effort, using the force of their bodies to try to push back the barriers and officers. Eventually, the Konolds made their way to the base of the Capitol building and onto the Upper West Terrace. The siblings illegally entered the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door at approximately 2:25 p.m.

            Once inside, The Konolds made their way into the Crypt. Here, the two witnessed a crowd of rioters prevent police from closing a large metal barrier, which would have prevented rioters from progressing further. After witnessing this incident, the Konolds progressed into the Capitol Visitor Center and eventually exited the building via the Senate Wing Door. While inside the building, Cory Konold took possession of a USCP riot helmet. He brought the helmet home with him, and a family member later voluntarily turned it over to law enforcement at the defendant’s direction.

            After the events of January 6, Felicia Konold made posts to social media in which she stated, in part: “I never could have imagined having that much of an influence on the events that unfolded today. Dude, people were willing to follow. You f— lead, and everyone had my back, dude… We f— did it.”

            The Konolds were arrested on Feb. 11, 2021, in Arizona

              This case was 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 Arizona.

            This case was investigated by the FBI Phoenix and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 36 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,265 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 440 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

ANCHORAGE – An Eagle River man was sentenced to a high-end guideline sentence of 78 months imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release by Judge Timothy M. Burgess on Tuesday, March 28. John Daniel Brooks had previously pleaded guilty to one count of Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography.

In September of 2021, the State of Alaska contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage to report that a state employee was suspected of possessing images depicting child sexual exploitation. Two days later, the FBI conducted a search warrant at Brooks’ residence, where he worked for the state of Alaska remotely as an analyst programmer.

The FBI discovered that Brooks had installed an internal hard drive in his State of Alaska computer that was found to contain over 1.2 million images of suspected child exploitation. Those images included depictions of infants and toddlers being tortured and sexually assaulted by adults. All told, Brooks’ collection of child exploitation materials was one of the largest encountered to date by the FBI in Alaska.

“Large scale consumers of child sexual abuse materials like Mr. Brooks directly contribute to the exploitation of children worldwide,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker, District of Alaska. “The sentence imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of this type of abhorrent behavior and we will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI and APD, in coordination with our State partners, Mr. Brooks has been brought to justice.”

“Our investigation revealed Mr. Brooks acquired and possessed one of the largest collections of child sexual abuse materials found in Alaska,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Possession of this material is not a victimless crime, and the FBI will use every legal authority we have to root out predators to protect children from these unconscionable offenses.”

The United States Attorney’s Office thanks the State of Alaska. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide 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, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander is prosecuting the case.

Source: US FBI

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – A Washington man was sentenced on March 9, 2023, for putting a flight crew in fear of being assaulted during a commercial airline flight.

According to court documents, on March 1, 2023, Marc Hetsler, 43, was a passenger aboard Aleutian Flight SRY 1102 with service from Dutch Harbor, Alaska to Anchorage, Alaska. While the aircraft was in flight, Hetsler laid down in the aisle and refused to let flight crew through. He then became combative and began behaving aggressively towards the crewmember. An off-duty police officer aboard the flight stepped in to assist the flight crew. Hetsler became confrontational with the officer as well. Other passengers then assisted in subduing Hetsler who was restrained for the remainder of the flight. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation placed Hetsler into federal custody upon the plane landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Eight days after his arrest, on March 9, 2023, Hetsler pleaded guilty to an Information charging Fear Assault in the Special Aircraft Jurisdiction of the United States, in violation of 49 U.S.C. § 46506 and 18 U.S.C. § 113. He was sentenced to time served for the eight days he spent in federal custody.

“The safety and security of air travel is paramount, and we will continue to prosecute offenders in order to ensure that all passengers are able to travel without fear of assault or harm,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker. “We hope that this case will serve as a warning to others who may consider committing similar acts in the future, and that it will encourage everyone to follow the rules and regulations designed to keep our skies safe and secure.”

U.S. Attorney Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Taylor and Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case.