Thread: ICE's top 5 news stories for the week ending January 29, 2016

I.C.E. News Release

OPERATIONAL

02/01/2016

ICE's top 5 news stories for the week ending January 29, 2016




January 29, 2016 – Human trafficking victim shares story

Tonya spent night after night in different hotel rooms, with different men, all at the command of someone she once trusted. She was held against her will, beaten and made to feel like she had no other option at the time, all by the man she thought she loved. Help eventually came for Tonya in the form of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Keith Owens. Full Story

January 27, 2016 – South Texas law enforcement partners launch task force to combat sexual predators who target children

To further protect children from sexual predators, ICE’s HSI has partnered with other South Texas agencies to form the Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force (RGV CEITF). Full Story

January 26, 2016 – ICE-led sting operation in Colorado nets 10 child predator arrests

Ten child-predator suspects were arrested during a two-day undercover sting operation led by ICE’s HSI in the Denver area. Full Story

January 25, 2016 – Puerto Rico community leaders to form third nationwide ICE-sponsored Citizens Academy

A group of 14 community leaders representing government and the bank, security and media industries formed the third cohort of ICE’s HSI-sponsored Citizens Academy. The participants join a group of 21 citizens who have graduated and become the first graduates of an HSI Academy in the nation. Full Story

January 22, 2016 – ICE removes MS-13 gang member wanted in El Salvador for extortion

A 22-year-old MS-13 gang member wanted in El Salvador on extortion charges was removed by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers in Philadelphia. Full Story

https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ic...anuary-29-2016
==================================

I.C.E. News Releases:


01/29/2016

SANTA ANA, CA

CHILD EXPLOITATION


Long Beach youth soccer coach indicted on federal charges of possessing and distributing child pornography
Robert “Bob” Warden Phillips, 65, of Lake Forest, made his initial appearance in federal court Monday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released on a $50,000 bond pending trial, which is slated to begin March 22.


01/29/2016

SAN DIEGO, CA

CHILD EXPLOITATION

Ohio seminary student accused of traveling to San Diego seeking sex with infants
Joel A. Wright, 23, of Columbus, Ohio, is charged in a criminal complaint with two felony counts, including travelling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor; and attempting to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country within the Southern District of California.


01/29/2016

NEW YORK, NY



FINANCIAL CRIMES


Liberty Reserve founder pleads guilty to money laundering
Arthur Budovsky, 42, founded and operated Liberty Reserve, an underworld cyber-banking system that laundered hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit proceeds for criminals around the world.



01/28/2016

NEWARK, NJ



OPERATIONAL


New special agent in charge takes helm at ICE HSI Newark
“Make no mistake about it, there are always challenges but our special agents are up to the challenge and will excel to help safeguard our country,” said Opiola.


01/28/2016

WORCESTER, MA



DOCUMENT AND BENEFIT FRAUD


Rhode Island woman pleads guilty in Massachusetts to 8 counts of wire fraud
Patria Zuniga, 53, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to eight counts of wire fraud. Zuniga’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 24, 2016.


01/28/2016

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX



NARCOTICS


California man indicted for largest methamphetamine seizure in Southeast Texas
The indictment against Deandre Bennett, 57, of San Bernardino, California, was returned Jan. 28. This is believed to be the largest-ever seizure of methamphetamine in the Corpus Christi Division.


01/27/2016

BROWNSVILLE, TX



CHILD EXPLOITATION


South Texas law enforcement partners launch task force to combat sexual predators who target children
Through the RGV CEITF, local and federal law enforcement agencies are pooling their resources to jointly investigate all crimes committed against children in the Texas Rio Grande Valley.



01/27/2016

FARGO, ND



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


Wisconsin man, woman plead guilty in North Dakota to sex trafficking children
Kurtis William Johnson, 26, and Tara Malinda Ridley, 26, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R Erickson. Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of sex trafficking children and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Ridley pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in aid of prostitution.


01/27/2016

BOSTON, MA



COUNTER PROLIFERATION INVESTIGATION UNIT


Chinese national sentenced to 9 years for providing US goods to Iranian nuclear program
Sihai Cheng, aka Chun Hai Cheng, Alex Cheng, 35, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced to nine years in prison, the longest sentence ever handed down in the U.S. for export violations. In December 2015, Cheng pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring to commit export violations and four counts of illegally exporting U.S. manufactured pressure transducers to Iran.


01/27/2016

WICHITA, KS



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


Kansas massage parlor owner sentenced on federal prostitution charge
Ping Liu, 44, of Wichita, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement to prostitution. Liu was also ordered to serve five years’ probation.


01/27/2016

SPRINGFIELD, MO



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Missouri child sex offender charged with viewing international online sex shows featuring children in the Philippines
Paul L. Sipeer, 65, of Duenweg, Missouri, was charged in a criminal complaint alleging he received child pornography via the Internet. Sipeer had his initial court appearance Jan. 27 and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing Feb. 2.



01/26/2016

MINNEAPOLIS, MN



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


Minnesota man sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison for sex trafficking minor girls
Dontre D'Sean McHenry, aka Dontre Sean McHenry, aka Avon, and aka Rico, 26, of Minneapolis, was sentenced to 293 months in prison for recruiting and prostituting teenage girls throughout Minnesota. McHenry pleaded guilty to these charges Oct. 17, 2014.


01/26/2016

MINNEAPOLIS, MN



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


Minnesota man, girlfriend plead guilty to sex trafficking minor girls
Phillip Dwayne Lloyd, aka Marcus Strong, aka Philip Dwayne Loyd, aka Dwayne Smith, aka Alfred Woods and aka ‘PC,' 44, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty to recruiting and sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl and for directing and producing a video of the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Co-defendant Raquel Mone Belcher, 29, also of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to sex traffic minors.


01/26/2016

KANSAS CITY, MO



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Missouri man charged with distributing child pornography
Cody Lee Davidson, 18, of Raytown, Missouri, was charged in a criminal complaint filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City. Davidson was arrested Jan. 26 and had his initial court appearance the following day.


01/26/2016

FARGO, ND



NARCOTICS


North Dakota man sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for drug conspiracy resulting in teen’s death
Joshua Tyler Fulp, 20, of Grand Forks was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in serious bodily injury and death.



01/26/2016

NEWARK, NJ



FINANCIAL CRIMES


7 California residents charged with conspiracy and fraud from alleged mortgage scheme
According to the indictment, the defendants also routinely ignored cease and desist orders directed at them, including a December 17, 2013 order from the State of Connecticut Department of Banking to cease and desist from charging advance fees to Connecticut residents for mortgage modification services.


01/26/2016

LOS ANGELES, CA



COUNTER PROLIFERATION INVESTIGATION UNIT


Mother and son indicted for allegedly smuggling ammunition and firearms parts to Philippines
Marlou Mendoza, 60, and Mark Louie Mendoza, 30, are named in separate indictments returned by a federal grand jury Dec. 10.


01/26/2016

DENVER, CO



CHILD EXPLOITATION


ICE-led sting operation in Colorado nets 10 child predator arrests
The 10 men were arrested in the Jan. 20-21 operation on state charges of attempted trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, attempted solicitation of a child for prostitution, and attempted sexual assault of a child.


01/25/2016

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


ICE joins Iowa state and local law enforcement to combat human trafficking
U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau held a press conference Monday at the Marion, Iowa, Police Department, in cooperation with HSI, the Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement and local non-profit Cedar Rapids Gives, to make the announcement.



01/25/2016

FARGO, ND



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Minnesota man pleads guilty in North Dakota to sex trafficking of a child
Anthony Lamarr Sims, 21, aka “Mar Mar,” pled guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to one count of sex trafficking of children.


01/25/2016

SAN JUAN, <acronym title="Google Page Ranking">PR</acronym>



OPERATIONAL


Puerto Rico community leaders to form third nationwide ICE-sponsored Citizens Academy
The HSI San Juan Citizens Academy was developed by HSI San Juan special agents to provide members of the general public with an inside look at HSI and how the agency enforces immigration and customs laws.





Pages

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• …

F.B.I. Breaking News
01.29.16
Boston: More than 50 MS-13 members indicted on RICO, drug, weapons charges.
01.29.16
Washington: Andrew McCabe named deputy director of the FBI.
01.29.16
Detroit: Husband and wife charged with distributing infectious human remains.

D.E.A. TOP STORY
Truck Seized with 100 Pounds of Heroin Worth at Least $14 Million

JAN 27 (NEW YORK)

James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Division (DEA), Bridget G. Brennan, New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor, New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton and Joseph A. D'Amico, Superintendent of the New York State Police, announced the arrest of two men charged with transporting approximately 100 pounds of heroin hidden within vehicle parts within New York City.

READ MORE MORE TOP STORIES


D.E.A. LATEST NEWS

JAN 29 (HOT SPRINGS, Ark.) Three Men Sentenced for Drug and Firearm Related Offenses JAN 28 (NEW ORLEANS) Federal Jury Convicts Texas Men in Drug Conspiracy JAN 28 (FRESNO, Calif.) Large-Scale Statewide Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Indictment JAN 28 (SACRAMENTO, Calif.) Defendant from Meth Trafficking Organization Sentenced JAN 28 (GREENBELT, Md.) Convicted Felon Sentenced on Drug Charges and Firearm Possession

MORE NEWS

A.T.F. Press Releases


THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

Six Detroit Vice Lords Gang Members Plead Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Gang-Related Shootings
Detroit Field Division


Six Vice Lords Plead Guilty to Rico Conspiracy and Gang-Related Shootings
Detroit Field Division


Waterville Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegally Possessing Ammunition
Boston Field Division


U.S. Attorney’s Office Violence Reduction Partnership Results in the Prosecution of 55 Drug Traffickers, Illegal Firearms Dealers and Convicted Felons Targeting Our Local Communities
Miami Field Division


WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

Schuele Boys Gang Associate Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge
New York Field Division


Dallas Man Sentenced to 216 Months in Federal Prison on Firearms and Drug Distribution Convictions
Dallas Field Division


TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016

Mother and Son Named in Federal Grand Jury Indictments that Allege Smuggling of Ammunition and Firearm Parts to Philippines
Los Angeles Field Division


Sedalia Man Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy
Kansas City Field Division


Spokane Woman Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Her Role in Violent Drug Trafficking Organization
Seattle Field Division


New York State Court Officer Arrested for Robbery Conspiracy
New York Field Division


MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Meth Traffickers Receive Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences
Dallas Field Division


Two Men Charged in Gas Station Armed Robberies
Tampa Field Division


Stephentown Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm
New York Field Division

Headlines News coverage of the U.S. Marshals

	Man wanted for burning child's arm with iron arrested
	Decades-long search ends with an arrest
	Michigan City man charged with torturing dog
	2 escapees return to OC Central Men’s Jail
	Alleged mastermind may have used women to scam others
	Two Camden City Men Arrested in 2013 Camden Homicide
	New York man accused of leaving friend to die Googled 'how do fugitives escape'
	AC/DC Take Preemptive Move Against Counterfeiters
	Tenn. most wanted suspect found behind Ky. refrigerator
	Amber Alert dispute continues in search for boy, inmate

JUSTICE NEWS



Former Owner and Operator of California Medical Equipment Supply Company Sentenced for Their Roles in $1.5 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
Friday, January 29, 2016




Founder of Liberty Reserve Pleads Guilty to Laundering More Than $250 Million through His Digital Currency Business
Friday, January 29, 2016




Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo Delivers Remarks at the American Bar Association’s Tax Section Midyear Meeting
Friday, January 29, 2016


MORE NEWS

News from CBP

February 1, 2016 | National Media Release
CBP Announces the Open Season for Applications for the Reimbursable Services Program

January 29, 2016 | Local Media Release
CBP Recruiting for America’s ‘First Line of Defense’

January 29, 2016 | Local Media Release
Douglas CBP Officers Seize $235K in Marijuana


More News
=============

C.B.P. Media Releases

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Hosts Graduation for 17 New Emergency Medical Technicians in Multi-Agency EMT Course


Friday, January 29, 2016 | Local Media Release
LAREDO, Texas – Today, the Laredo Sector Border Patrol held a graduation ceremony for 17 federal officers comprised of Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector, Office of Field Operations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Federal...
Read More

CBP Officers, Canine Find Marijuana in Gas Tank
Friday, January 29, 2016 | Local Media Release— U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations officers seized 74 pounds of marijuana on Thursday, worth an estimated $37,000, hidden in the fuel tank of a vehicle attempting to enter the United States through Arizona’s Port of Lukeville....
Read More

Naco CBP Officers Seize $40K in Marijuana
Friday, January 29, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a 29-year-old Mexican man Wednesday, for an alleged attempt to smuggle 80 pounds of marijuana through the Port of Naco. Officers selected Hugo Cancio-Nevarez, of Benjamin Hill,...
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $235K in Marijuana
Friday, January 29, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers at the Raul Hector Castro Port of Entry arrested a Douglas man and a Mexican national Thursday for separate alleged attempts to smuggle nearly 472 pounds of marijuana worth a combined $235,000....
Read More

CBP Recruiting for America’s ‘First Line of Defense’
Friday, January 29, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseYUMA, Ariz. -- Customs and Border Protection is looking for candidates to fill positions as Border Patrol agents and CBP officers. Individuals interested in becoming part of “America’s first line of defense” are encouraged to visit with recruiters...
Read More

Border Patrol Discovers Meth Loaded Bottles Stashed in Gas Tank
Thursday, January 28, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseSAN CLEMENTE, Calif.— Border Patrol agents working at the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint in San Clemente seized more than 38 pounds of crystal methamphetamine that was stashed within plastic bottles hidden inside the gas tank of a SUV on Wednesday....
Read More

Fugitive Turned Over to CBP at the Pacific Highway Port of Entry
Thursday, January 28, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseBLAINE, Wash. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers at the Pacific Highway Port of Entry took into custody a man wanted in Everett, Washington, for alleged dangerous drugs. The man was turned over to CBP by...
Read More

Vehicle Pursuit, Manhunt Ends in Arrests of Three U.S. Citizens
Thursday, January 28, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseDEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Comstock Station arrested three U.S. citizens after a 12-hour pursuit and manhunt initiated by agents assigned to the Sanderson Station. On Jan. 27, at approximately 2 a.m., Border Patrol...
Read More

CBP Air and Marine Operations to Conduct First-Ever Test of UAS at San Angelo
Thursday, January 28, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseSAN ANGELO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations will be testing the feasibility of operating an Unmanned Aircraft System Predator B, out of San Angelo Regional Airport, also known as Mathis Field. CBP Air and...
Read More

Detroit CBP Seizes 76 Pounds of Marijuana from a Trusted Trader at Ambassador Bridge
Thursday, January 28, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseDETROIT— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at the Fort Street Cargo Facility in Detroit seized more than 76 pounds of marijuana Wednesday, and arrested a truck driver who was a member of CBP’s Free...
Read More

Akwesasne Resident’s Tip Leads to Arrest of 4 Illegal Aliens, 2 are Convicted Felons
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseHOGANSBURG, N.Y.— On Jan. 25, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Massena Station responded to a request for assistance from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police (SRMTP), which was initiated by a phone call from an Akwesasne resident that...
Read More

CBP reaches out to Puerto Rico’s trade community on ACE transition
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Juan Office of Field Operations hosted today the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Symposium to familiarize the local trade community about the transition to a single window...
Read More

Nogales CBP Officers Stop Alleged Meth Smuggler
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseCBP officers located and seized nearly 39 pounds of meth from within the rear quarter panels. TUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Nogales, Ariz., woman allegedly involved in a smuggling attempt at the Port of Nogales...
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $113K in Marijuana
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseA CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the front hood of a smuggling vehicle, which was loaded with packages of marijuana TUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Douglas (Raul Hector Castro POE) arrested a...
Read More

Agent Assaulted With Football-Sized Rock
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. –A suspected narcotics trafficker assaulted a Tucson Sector Border Patrol agent with a large rock near Nogales, Ariz., early Jan. 25. At approximately 2 a.m., agents responded to a report of five individuals carrying large...
Read More

CBP Officers at Miami International Airport Apprehend Heroin Smuggler on Christmas Day
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseMIAMI – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers working at Miami International Airport (MIA) arrested a passenger smuggling approximately 4.4 pounds of heroin. The passenger was arriving on a flight from...
Read More

CBP Arrests Three Wanted Persons
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseHOUSTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the ports of entry in Dallas and Houston arrested three international travelers with outstanding warrants Jan. 25. CBP officers arrested three U.S. citizens who were each traveling...
Read More

Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Agents Arrest Subject Convicted of Manslaughter
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseDEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station arrested a Honduran national convicted of manslaughter. “Within days Del Rio Sector has interrupted the entry of multiple criminal aliens capable of causing more...
Read More

CBP Seizes 266 Fraudulent Gift Cards At Peace Bridge
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseBUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Peace Bridge seized 266 fraudulent gift cards after discovery during secondary inspection. Fraudulent gift cards sezied by CBP officers at Peace Bridge Port of Entry “Due to their...
Read More

CBP Seizes Record Amount of Counterfeit Hoverboards
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media Release*Editor’s note: Video and still imagery of the seized hoverboards is available through the links at the bottom of this release. CHICAGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Chicago Field Office have seized over 16-thousand...
Read More

Tucson Sector Agent Involved in Shooting
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. –Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agent involved in shooting after struggle, suspect currently in stable condition. On Monday, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents tracked a vehicle suspected of being involved in cross-border narcotics...
Read More

CBP Advances Efforts to Rescue Migrants in 2015
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents working along Arizona’s border with Mexico stepped up their campaign in fiscal year 2015 to save distressed migrants while giving them options to call for help. As a result, agents report finding fewer...
Read More

Eagle Pass CBP Officers Seize More Than $200k
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseEAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized a large amount of undeclared U.S. currency recently. Officers seized a total of $207,383. Shortly before 8 p.m., Jan. 22, CBP officers at Eagle...
Read More

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents rescue 11 people from callous smugglers; drug smuggler recklessly flees from law enforcement
Tuesday, January 26, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseEDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued 11 illegal immigrants over the past weekend, whose lives were placed in danger due to the dangerous tactics used by human smugglers. The rescues occurred in multiple incidents at the Falfurrias and...
Read More

CBP Agriculture Specialists at Port Everglades Intercept Dangerous Pest
Tuesday, January 26, 2016 | Local Media ReleaseFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) agriculture specialists at Port Everglades intercepted an unusual pest identified as a piercing bug Gonodonta primulina Druse of the Erebidae Family....
Read More


Pages

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• …