Thread: ICE's top 5 news stories for the week ending March 20, 2015

I.C.E. News Release

OPERATIONAL

03/23/2015

ICE's top 5 news stories for the week ending March 20, 2015



Ancient antiquities and Saddam Hussein-era objects returned to Iraq

March 16, 2015 – Ancient antiquities and Saddam Hussein-era objects returned to Iraq

More than 60 Iraqi cultural treasures illegally smuggled into the United States were returned to the Republic of Iraq March 16, following five separate investigations led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Full Story

March 18, 2015 – Dominican, US authorities rescue 29 sex trafficking victims including 20 minors

Twenty-nine sex trafficking victims were rescued in Sosua, Dominican Republic, March 11 following an international undercover law enforcement investigation. Full Story

March 19, 2015 – ICE Assistant Special Agent in Charge featured in drug war full length film

“Kingdom of Shadows,” premiered March 16, at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. The film follows three people grappling with the hard choices and destructive consequences associated with the illicit drug trade.” ICE ASAC Oscar Hagelsieb’s role was to present the perspective of a U.S. law enforcement officer. Specifically, he provides a compelling story of someone who grew up in a border town directly impacted by drug trafficking, who would later become a U.S. federal agent, aggressively investigating the crimes that affected that same area he knows so well. Full Story

March 17, 2015 – ICE deports Czech national, convicted felon wanted for theft, larceny

A Czech national wanted for breaking and entering, theft, larceny and violation of domestic freedom was deported and turned over Tuesday to law enforcement authorities in Prague to face criminal charges there. Full Story

March 18, 2015 – ICE announces enhanced oversight and release procedures for custody determinations involving detainees with criminal convictions

On March 18, ICE announced enhanced oversight and release procedures for custody determinations involving individuals with criminal convictions. Full Story

https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ic...-march-20-2015

F.B.I. Breaking News
03.20.15
Cincinnati: Seeking information on Buckeye Bandit serial bank robber.
03.20.15
Chicago: Four individuals convicted in $1.6 million luxury auto loan fraud scheme.
03.20.15
New York: Man guilty of operating racketeering enterprise that ran multiple scams.

D.E.A. TOP STORY

DEA Issues Nationwide Alert on Fentanyl as Threat to Health and Public Safety
MAR 18 (WASHINGTON)

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today issued a nationwide alert about the dangers of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues/ compounds. Fentanyl is commonly laced in heroin, causing significant problems across the country, particularly as heroin abuse has increased. This alert was issued through the multi-agency El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) to all U.S. law enforcement.
READ MORE MORE TOP STORIES


D.E.A. LATEST NEWS

MAR 20	(HOUSTON) Former HPD Officer Ordered to Prison
MAR 19	(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) Sacramento Men Indicted for Meth Trafficking
MAR 19	(BALTIMORE) Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison
MAR 18	(LAREDO, Texas) Alleged Member of Los Zetas Cartel Arrested
MAR 18	(DETROIT) Doctors and Owner of Pain Management Clinic Charged

MORE NEWS

A.T.F. NEWS

• Mobile Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud, Bankruptcy Fraud
  Posted on 03/23/15
  United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Jean Sanborn of Mobile, Alabama pled guilty, in United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, to one count of mail fraud in regard to falsely claiming to be entitled to monies in ...
  >> FULL STORY
  
  

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• 03/23/15
  Renton Man Who Killed 18-Year-Old in Deadly Drug Deal Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
• 03/20/15
  Man Indicted in Connection with June 2014 Arson at Sheridan County Attorney's Office
• 03/20/15
  U.S. Attorney General Makes Statement on ATF Director B. Todd Jones Resignation
• 03/20/15
  ATF Announces B. Todd Jones to Depart

>> PRESSROOM

U.S. Marshals Service News

'Fugitive of the Week' Just Arrested in Manchester by U.S. Marshals Task Force

March 18, 2015 - This week’s “Fugitive of the Week,” Lynn Taylor was arrested in Manchester, NH by members of the U.S. Marshals – NH Joint Fugitive Task Force. Taylor was wanted on an outstanding Merrimack County warrant for probation violations. Taylor was on probation as a result of her ... read more

Dayton Man Has Nowhere Else to Hide

March 18, 2015 - Federal fugitive Lance Ealy knows the true meaning of the “long arm of the law.” Ealy was indicted by a federal grand jury for 46 counts of fraudulent activity, including buying and selling stolen identities, access card devices, and filing false income tax returns. The manhunt ... read more

Attorney General Holder Delivers Special Remarks at Memorial Service for Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells

March 17, 2015 - Attorney General Holder Delivers Special Remarks at Memorial Service read more

U.S. Marshals Arrest Wisconsin Armed Robbery Suspect

March 17, 2015 - U.S. Marshals arrested a Cedar Rapids man today, wanted in Wisconsin on multiple charges of armed robbery, and battery. Christopher Green was charged in January 2015 by the Stevens Point Police Department for an Armed Robbery that had taken place. Following the incident, the Cedar Rapids ... read more

Fugitive Wanted for 2008 Murder Apprehended in Mexico, Deported to U.S.

March 17, 2015 - The U.S. Marshals Service South West Investigative Fugitive Team task force took custody of one of New Mexico’s most wanted fugitives, U.S. citizen Mario Jerardo Talavera, on Friday, March 13. In 2011, Talavera was featured on Fox’s America’s Most Wanted in connection with the gruesome 2008 ... read more

U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrests Arizona Man Charged with Sexually Victimizing a Child

March 17, 2015 - The U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team arrested an Arizona man today on outstanding warrants issued in Willcox, AZ. James Wade Bell is wanted in Arizona on three counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Public Sexual Indecency to a ... read more

U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrests State Fugitive in Georgia

March 17, 2015 - Today, U.S. Marshal Martin Pane announced the arrest of Sheena Johnson, who was wanted for Institutional Sexual Assault. On March 11, 2015, state authorities requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force to locate and apprehend Johnson. read more

Federal Fugitive Wanted by U.S. Marshals Arrested in Mexico

March 13, 2015 - Today, U.S. Marshal Martin Pane announced the arrest of Harrison Michael Rineholt, who was wanted for violating Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law. On December 10, 2012, Rineholt was convicted of sexual abuse of children in York County, Pennsylvania, and as a result of that conviction, was required to ... read more

Two Year Manhunt for “Jelly” Ends Near Myrtle Beach

March 12, 2015 - United States Marshal Robert W. Mathieson announces the capture of Lenard Tyrone Davis, who is better known as “Jelly.” Davis had numerous outstanding felony warrants including; Attempted Malicious Wounding (five counts), and Hit & Run (one count). These warrants stem from an incident when it is ... read more

Deputy U.S. Marshal Killed in the Line of Duty

March 11, 2015 - Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells died from a gunshot wound received in the line of duty in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 10. Wells, 27, a native of Mississippi had been with the U.S. Marshals Service since January 2011. read more

The United States Marshals Service Cold Case Unit Closes Case from 1972

March 11, 2015 - U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott and Adult Parole Director Todd Ishee announce the closure of one of Ohio’s oldest warrants. In 1967, Perry Greathouse, was charged with 1st degree Murder and convicted of Manslaughter in the beating and strangulation death of his 3 year old step-daughter in ... read more

U.S. Marshals Service to Hold Auto Auction

March 10, 2015 - The U.S. Marshals Service will be auctioning 20 vehicles which were seized due to illegal activities. The auction will begin promptly at 10:00am on March 13th, 2015 in Albuquerque. Detailed photos of the vehicles are available at www.appletowing.com. read more

Alleged Facebook Schemer Wanted by the U.S. Marshals

March 10, 2015 - The U.S. Marshal Service is currently searching for fugitive Paul Ceglia, based on arrest warrant that was issued in the Western District of New York by U.S. Magistrate Judge McCarthy. Ceglia was awaiting trial in the Southern District of New York for allegedly creating a "multi-billion-dollar ... read more

U.S. Marshals Arrest Top Ten Most Wanted Puerto Rico Fugitive

March 10, 2015 - The U.S. Marshals Service Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force announces the arrest of Wilfredo Rodriguez-Rodriguez, who was wanted on a federal warrant for Possession with Intent to Distribute Dangerous Drugs. Rodriguez-Rodriguez was featured by the U.S. Marshals Service as one of the top ten most ...read more

Man Responsible for School Lockdown Arrested by U.S. Marshals in Pfafftown, NC

March 10, 2015 - The man who is responsible for the Kernersville Middle School being placed on lockdown Monday afternoon is in custody. Today, Benjamin Martin was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force. Martin was wanted by the Department of Community Corrections - Probation/Parole for absconding Post-Release ... read more

JUSTICE NEWS



Owner of Los Angeles Medical Supply Company Convicted in $3.3 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
Friday, March 20, 2015





Former U.K. Rabobank Trader Appears in U.S. Court to Face LIBOR Interest Rate Manipulation Charges
Friday, March 20, 2015





Owner of Medical Equipment Supply Company Convicted for $3.5 Million Medicare and Medi-Cal Fraud Scheme
Friday, March 20, 2015


MORE NEWS

D.H.S. Press Releases

Statement By Secretary Jeh C. Johnson On Incident At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

March 21, 2015 —The senseless act of violence that occurred last night at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a reminder of the variety of threats we face and the important work that the men and women of the Transportation Security Administration do every day to keep millions of passengers traveling through our airports safe.


March 20, 2015
Statement By Secretary Jeh C. Johnson Announcing The U.S. Secret Service Deputy Director And Creation Of The Chief Operating Officer Position

March 16, 2015
United States and Canada Sign Preclearance Agreement

March 16, 2015
Statement By Secretary Jeh C. Johnson On The Seizure Of Six Tons Of Marijuana

News from CBP


March 20, 2015 | Spotlights
Kevin K. McAleenan Sworn in as CBP Deputy Commissioner

March 20, 2015 | Local Media Release
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents rescue two people hidden inside speaker box

March 20, 2015 | Spotlights
A Pioneering Spirit: Ana Hinojosa Breaks New Ground for Women in Customs

More News

I.C.E. News Releases


03/20/2015

WASHINGTON, DC

OPERATIONAL

Statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Director Sarah R. Saldaña
Yesterday, during my testimony before the House of Representatives’ Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I was asked whether it would help if Congress clarified the law to make it clear that it was mandatory that local jurisdictions cooperate with ICE. I want to be sure there is no confusion about my response.


03/20/2015

WHEELING, WV

CHILD EXPLOITATION

West Virginia man arrested for producing child pornography
Robert J. Gongloff, 25, originally from Terra Alta, West Virginia, is alleged to have produced numerous images and videos depicting nude minors and minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Gongloff is also alleged to have misrepresented his name and age on a website known as MeetMe.com, claiming to be 17 years old and using the name “Johnny Williamson,” in order to transmit sexually explicit photographs to minor females.


03/20/2015

SACRAMENTO, CA

ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL

Former Sacramento-area priest convicted of child sex offense now faces deportation
Hector Coria-Gonzalez, 46, was taken into custody at his Davis residence early Friday morning by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers. He is being held without bond at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center while his case undergoes review by the immigration court.


03/19/2015

CHICAGO, IL

CHILD EXPLOITATION

Former Illinois state representative sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for transporting child pornography
Farnham, 67, of Elgin, Illinois, was also ordered to pay a $30,000 fine and must report to prison May 19. He will remain on a bond that restricts him to his home and requires around-the-clock electronic monitoring.


03/19/2015

MIDLAND, TX



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Previously convicted west Texas sex offender sentenced to nearly 30 years for coercing, enticing a minor
Kenneth Simon Brzoznowski, from Midland Texas, was also ordered to be placed under supervised release for 10 years after he completes his federal prison term. On Oct. 17, 2014, Brzoznowski pleaded guilty to using a cell phone to entice a minor female to engage in sexual activity.


03/19/2015

WASHINGTON, DC



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


Director Saldaña testifies on enforcement and removal policies and procedures
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Director, Sarah R. Saldaña, testified March 19 before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform at a hearing entitled, “A Review of the Department of Homeland Security’s Policies and Procedures for the Apprehension, Detention, and Release of Non-Citizens Unlawfully Present in the United States – Part II.”


03/19/2015

NEWARK, NJ



CHILD EXPLOITATION


New Jersey man charged with taking cellphone photos of his sexual abuse of children
Justin Kinney, 26, of Newark, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of producing child pornography. Kinney was previously arrested and charged by federal complaint on April 20, 2014, and is currently in state custody on related charges.



03/19/2015

WASHINGTON, DC



OPERATIONAL


ICE Assistant Special Agent in Charge featured in drug war full length film
It wasn’t until Bernando Ruiz, who was in the process of writing and directing a film that would highlight the realities and consequences of drug trafficking along the United States – Mexico border, contacted Hagelsieb and began to interview him that he began to fully reflect on the significance of his job. As Hagelsieb began to share his personal experiences, he realized that the work he does was far from normal, and inherently presented challenges that most Americans will never be faced with.


03/19/2015

SEATTLE, WA



CONTRABAND


Top-ranked 'Silk Road' drug dealer sentenced to 5 years in prison
Steven Sadler, 40, of Bellevue, pleaded guilty last May to conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs, following an investigation by the Seattle-Tacoma Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST Seattle), including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. According to investigators, Sadler was one of the top-ranked sellers on the site.


03/19/2015

SAN FRANCISCO, CA



COUNTER PROLIFERATION INVESTIGATION UNIT


Bay Area man and his company indicted for smuggling sophisticated electrical components to Russia
Pavel Semenovich Flider, 65, of San Rafael, and his company, Trident International Corporation, LLC, were indicted by a federal grand jury March 5 for smuggling goods; conspiracy to commit international money laundering; and money laundering. The case is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI.


03/19/2015

EL PASO, TX



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


ICE El Paso officers remove 2 homicide suspects to Mexico
Clemente Chavez-Cruz, 68, and Manuel Orpinela-Servin, 47, were handed over to Mexican law enforcement officials at El Paso’s Stanton Street Bridge Port of Entry.



03/18/2015

SOSÚA,DOMINICAN REPUBLIC



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


Dominican, US authorities rescue 29 sex trafficking victims including 20 minors
Those arrested include: Rubén Darío Sosa, Luis Manuel Martínez Castillo, Franklin Sánchez García, Rolfi Ismael Ventura, Manuel Emilio Martínez, Idalia Luciano Ferrera and Aniberca Castro Peña.


03/18/2015

WASHINGTON, DC



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


ICE announces enhanced oversight and release procedures for custody determinations involving detainees with criminal convictions
"Like Secretary Johnson, I am determined to do what we can to improve and reform our immigration system within the confines of existing law," said ICE Director Sarah R. Saldaña. "Today’s announcement is an example of this, and I believe it will enhance public safety and public confidence in our enforcement and administration of the immigration laws."


03/18/2015

SPRINGFIELD, MO



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Missouri man sentenced to nearly 24 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting 4-year-old girl
Tony Lasiter, 33, of Duneweg, was sentenced to 23 years and 10 months in federal prison for one count of sexually exploiting a child. Lasiter previously pleaded guilty to the charges Sept. 4, 2014.


03/17/2015

PHILADELPHIA, PA



FINANCIAL CRIMES


Philadelphia store owners charged with defrauding food stamp program
Farhan Ali Abu Siam, 42, and Mohammed Abuawada, 26, both of Philadelphia, were charged with conspiracy to commit fraud against the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as the federal food stamp program.



03/17/2015

NEWARK, NJ



CHILD EXPLOITATION


New York man admits enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct
Gabriel Toro, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.


03/17/2015

PHILADELPHIA, PA



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Suspected child pornographer charged after ICE probe
Rickie Sitler, age 57, allegedly persuaded and induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images. The indictment alleges that Sitler committed the crime between November 2014 and Dec. 20, 2014.


03/17/2015

PHILADELPHIA, PA



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Pennsylvania man charged with production, distribution of child pornography
The indictment alleges that between August 2013 and January 2015, Robert Ferraro, 44, persuaded and induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images.


03/17/2015

SEATTLE, WA



DOCUMENT AND BENEFIT FRAUD


Seattle-area Chinese immigrant charged with scamming US investor visa program
Shilan Zhao, 51, of Newcastle, and her ex-husband Jianjun Qiao, 51, are charged in a federal grand jury indictment unsealed Tuesday with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud and international transport of stolen funds, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering. Additionally, Zhao is charged with one count of immigration fraud.



03/17/2015

CLEVELAND, OH



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


ICE deports Czech national, convicted felon wanted for theft, larceny
In August 2014, Petr Vana, 38, was convicted federally of bank fraud in Chicago. On Dec. 5 2014, the District Court in Uherske Hradiste issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of breaking and entering, theft, larceny and violation of domestic freedom. On Dec. 29 2014, ICE issued a final order of removal against Vana as an aggravated felon.


03/17/2015

MADISON, WI



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


Mexican national sentenced in Wisconsin to 3½ years in federal prison for illegally re-entering US
Ramiro Varela-Garcia, 38, a Mexican national who was living in Cambridge, Wisconsin, was sentenced March 16 by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 42 months in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States after having been deported, which is a felony. Varela-Garcia pleaded guilty to this charge Dec. 19, 2014.


03/17/2015

FRESNO, CA



FINANCIAL CRIMES


Fresno-area couple indicted in unemployment insurance fraud scheme
Raul Oropeza Lopez, 47, and Ana Maria Oropeza, 41, both of Delano, were arrested Tuesday. They are named in a 10-count indictment accusing them of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Both defendants have been released on bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for May 4.


03/17/2015

BEAUMONT, TX



CHILD EXPLOITATION


East Texas man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for producing child pornography by sexually exploiting a child
John Dale Clark, 61, of Newton, was sentenced March 17 to 180 months in federal prison for sexually exploiting a child by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield. Clark was indicted by a federal grand jury Sept. 4, 2013, and pleaded guilty Oct. 28, 2014.



03/16/2015

GREEN BAY, WI



NARCOTICS


Chinese national charged in Wisconsin with drug trafficking
On Dec. 19, 2014, a federal grand jury returned a three-count sealed indictment charging Tian with importing a controlled substance and manufacturing a controlled substance knowing it would be unlawfully imported into the United States from China. This indictment was unsealed following Tian’s arrest.

• Page 1

News from CBP

March 23, 2015 | Local Media Release
CBP Seizes 797 Pounds of Cocaine at the Miami River

March 23, 2015 | Local Media Release
Wilmington, Del., CBP Intercepts Rare Destructive Leafhopper Pest Seen Only Once Before in the U.S.

March 23, 2015 | Local Media Release
Blaine Border Patrol Agents Seize Narcotics Valued Over a Quarter of a Million Dollars

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