Thread: I.C.E. News Releases 08/13/2018

I.C.E. News Releases

08/13/2018

HOUSTON, TX

ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


ICE arrests 45 in Houston area during 5-day operation targeting criminal aliens, immigration fugitives
Of the individuals arrested during the operation, 15 had previously been removed (deported) and 42 had prior criminal convictions. Several had felony convictions for serious or violent criminal offenses, such as rape, child exploitation, robbery, drug trafficking and assault.



08/10/2018

NAIROBI, KENYA



OPERATIONAL


ICE HSI Nairobi, Kenyan National Police Service implement CyberTipline
After facilitating the December 2017 signing of the official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Kenya (GOK) and NCMEC, HSI Nairobi partnered with both the AHTCPU and other stakeholders to ensure both the technical capacity and resources were in place to begin delivering actionable child exploitation leads to the GOK.



08/09/2018

NASHVILLE, TN



TRANSNATIONAL GANGS


Federal indictment of MS-13 gang members with murder in aid of racketeering
Oscar Degaldo Flores, a.k.a. Flaco, 24, of El Salvador, and Luis Colindres, a.k.a. Listo and Joe, 21, of Honduras, were also charged with conspiracy; witness tampering; using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm.



08/09/2018

NEW YORK, NY



FINANCIAL CRIMES


12 charged in nationwide cellphone fraud scheme which caused million dollar losses
In connection with the fraud, the defendants and their associates improperly accessed more than 3,300 customers’ cellphone accounts, fraudulently obtained more than 1,200 cellphones, and caused losses exceeding $1 million.




08/09/2018

BOSTON, MA



OPERATIONAL


ICE HSI Boston, US Attorney, FBI announce arrest for contract killing threat of ICE agent via Twitter
Brandon J. Ziobrowski, 33, was charged in an indictment unsealed Thursday with one count of use of interstate and foreign commerce to transmit a threat to injure another person. Ziobrowski was arrested Aug. 9 in New York and will appear in Boston at a later date.



08/08/2018

GRAND ISLAND, NE



WORKSITE ENFORCEMENT


ICE executes federal search warrants in Nebraska, Minnesota and Nevada
This enforcement action is part of a 15-month, ongoing HSI investigation based on evidence that these companies allegedly knowingly hired illegal aliens at their facilities, and that many of these aliens are using fraudulent identification belonging to U.S. citizens.



08/08/2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


ICE removes murder suspect wanted in Guatemala
Alexander Revolorio, 27, entered the United States on an unknown date and place without inspection or parole by an immigration officer.



08/07/2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


ICE removes rape suspect wanted in Mexico
Francisco Javier Diaz-Lua, 28, entered the United States on an unknown date and place without inspection or parole by an immigration officer.




08/07/2018

LOS ANGELES, CA



DOCUMENT AND BENEFIT FRAUD


Los Angeles-area man who allegedly led prescription drug ring arrested on new charges of fraudulently procuring US citizenship
Armen Simonyan, 44, who was free on bond in the narcotics-trafficking case, was arrested after being named in a two-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury.



08/07/2018

NEW YORK, NY



INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS


5 charged in multimillion dollar counterfeiting scheme following ICE HSI investigation
As alleged in the complaint, from at least in or about January 2016 up to and including in or about July 2018, Suen, Huang, Songhua Qu, Kin Lui Chen, and Fangrang Qu, imported at least 42 shipping containers holding an estimated more than 380,000 pairs of sneakers from China. These sneakers were manufactured to resemble Nike Air Jordans.



08/06/2018

WASHINGTON, DC



STATEMENT


Statement from ICE Deputy Director Ron Vitiello on his nomination
"ICE’s mission is critical to protecting national security and public safety, and the men and women of this agency continue to carry out that mission with courage, dedication, and integrity – even in the face of unfair attacks and threats. I am honored that the president plans to nominate me to serve as director alongside the brave men and women of ICE." – ICE Deputy Director Ron Vitiello



08/06/2018

WASHINGTON, DC



STATEMENT


DHS statement regarding safety and enforcement during northern California wildfires
ICE is deeply concerned by the devastation wildfires have caused in significant portions of northern California. Our thoughts remain with those impacted by this tragedy, while our highest priority remains the preservation of life and safety wherever possible.




08/03/2018

NEW YORK, NY



NARCOTICS


More than 2 dozen arrested in NYC following a wiretap investigation
Beginning early Friday morning, 32 individuals were arrested in New York City, Massachusetts, Georgia and Florida. An indictment filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) for the City of New York follows a long-term wiretap investigation by HSI and NYPD's Narcotics Borough Manhattan South, Gang Squad Manhattan South and Vice Squad.



08/03/2018

GLYNCO, GA



OPERATIONAL


ICE HSI Academy trains special agent candidates
CITP is a 56-day program that provides HSI special agent trainees, as well as criminal investigators from other federal agencies, with an understanding of basic criminal investigative techniques. Seasoned HSI special agents, along with instructors from FLETC and numerous other federal agencies, bring their expertise and knowledge to instruct trainees on topics such as criminal law, enforcement operations, courtroom testimony and other interdisciplinary approaches to becoming an effective criminal investigator in today’s fast-paced and changing world.



08/03/2018

WASHINGTON, DC



HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS


ICE's Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Program celebrates 15 years
For the past 15 years, the center and its partners have worked collaboratively to support ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) efforts to bring numerous individuals to justice for human rights-related violations, such as genocide, torture, ethnic cleansing and various other forms of persecution. Through its work over the years, the center and its dedicated personnel have ensured that the United States does not become a safe haven for human rights abusers.



08/02/2018

NEW YORK, NY



WORKSITE ENFORCEMENT


7 NYC companies join the IMAGE program
The Trans Group and its five subsidiary corporations, headquartered in Spring Valley, NY, operate more than 1,300 vehicles, employ well over 2,000 employees and provide transportation services to hundreds of thousands of passengers annually. Applied DNA Sciences (ADNAS), headquartered in Stony Brook, New York, has approximately 61 employees.




08/02/2018

FORT WORTH, TX



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


Fort Worth man sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking children
Following a four-day trial in April 2018, Demarcus Davis, aka “Zigg,” 26, of Fort Worth, Texas, and co-conspirators, Herman Sanders, aka “Pooh,” 29, and Pierre Lagrone, “P” or “Pedro,” 34, were found guilty for their roles in a conspiracy to sex traffic underage girls.



08/01/2018

LOS ANGELES, CA



FINANCIAL CRIMES


Former agents sentenced to a combined 10 years in life insurance scheme
Former insurance agents Ali Kakande, 38, and Sulaiman Lutale, 36, pleaded no contest to multiple felony counts of insurance fraud, grand theft, and forgery after falsifying life insurance applications to collect over $150,000 in unearned commissions.



08/01/2018

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



CONTRABAND


Puerto Rican man found guilty of possessing, training dogs for fighting
According to the original charging document, Ehbrin Castro-Correa arrived March 4, 2016 at the Pan-American Dock in a pickup truck with several dogs inside crates. At approximately 5:45 p.m., HSI special agents observed he placed six crates, each containing a dog, in the luggage drop-off area before he presented his boarding pass to board the Caribbean Fantasy Ferry.



07/30/2018

HONOLULU, HI



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Former military police officer sentenced to 15 years in prison for production of child pornography
As part of his sentence, Christopher Ernest Fox, 21, was ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victim and her family, serve 10 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.




07/27/2018

SPRINGFIELD, MO



CHILD EXPLOITATION


2 men sentenced in Missouri for child exploitation
Ronald Lee Fields, 56, of Joplin, Missouri, and Shannon Calhoun, 33, of Philippi, West Virginia, (formerly of Joplin) were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark. Fields was sentenced to 20 in federal prison without parole. Calhoun was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Fields and Calhoun to each spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.



07/27/2018

SAN DIEGO, CA



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


ICE detainee passes away
Consistent with the agency’s protocols, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have been notified about this death, as have the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility.



07/26/2018

ROCHESTER, NY



HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS


Liberian national sentenced in false testimony case
U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Isaac T. Kannah, 51, of Philadelphia, PA, who was convicted of misprision of a felony, was sentenced to time served and one year unsupervised release by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. In addition, the defendant has agreed to revocation of his immigration status and will voluntarily depart the United States immigration proceedings.



07/25/2018

NEW YORK, NY



FINANCIAL CRIMES


ICE HSI's El Dorado Task Force investigation leads to money laundering charges against operators of nationwide prostitution enterprise
Pursuant to an investigation by ICE's HSI-led El Dorado Task Force, two Florida men were arrested Tuesday for money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with their ownership and operation of Flawless Escorts, a nationwide business offering prostitution services, as well as the seizure of Flawless Escorts’ website.




07/25/2018

WILMINGTON, DE



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Wilmington man sentenced to prison for producing child pornography
Miguel Pagan, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography on April 25, 2018.






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F.B.I. Top Stories

• 08.10.2018
  Domestic Terrorism
  Joseph Mahmoud Dibee, one of two remaining fugitives linked to a domestic terrorism group in the late 1990s known as The Family, has been apprehended overseas and returned to the United States.
• 08.10.2018
  Indian Country Gang Dismantled
  The violent Red Skin Kingz gang, led by a mother-son team on the Navajo Nation, has been dismantled and its leaders sent to prison thanks to an investigation by an FBI-led Safe Trails Task Force.
• 08.06.2018
  Serial Fraudster Gets 40 Years
  A long-time financial predator was recently sentenced following his extradition from Mexico, where he carried out his latest scheme while he was a fugitive from justice in another case.
• 08.02.2018
  A Global Approach to Rooting Out Terrorism
  At the International Law Enforcement Academy in New Mexico, delegates from six African nations worked with the FBI to explore the underlying causes of terrorism and how to counter violent extremism.

More

D.E.A. Press Releases


August 13, 2018
River Parish defendants convicted of narcotics conspiracy and firearms violations after five-day trial

NEW ORLEANS – Four River Parish residents, Andre Staggers, a/k/a “Dre,” age 44, Corey Session, age 44, Gregory London, Jr., a/k/a “Lil Gregg,” age 42, and Leonard Morrison, a/k/a “Leonard London,” age 36, were convicted today after a five-day trial in U.S. District Court.


August 10, 2018Eleven members of Lakeland Drug Trafficking Organization plead guilty to causing four overdose deaths, overdose resulting in serious bodily injury, and heroin and fentanyl trafficking

TAMPA, Fla. – Eleven members of a drug trafficking organization have pled guilty to charges stemming from conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, 400 hundred grams of fentanyl, and 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue. This distribution resulted in four deaths and in serious bodily injury to a victim. The defendants face penalties from 10 years to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. The plea agreements also require certain individuals to make restitution to the families of the victims.


August 10, 2018Lake Worth resident sentenced to 10 years for distributing heroin and fentanyl

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Wilfredo Roy Madrigal, a/k/a “Fredo,” a/k/a “Wolfman,” 34, of Palm Beach County was sentenced yesterday by a federal judge to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.


August 10, 2018Members of Alabama drug trafficking organization plead guilty to drug and gun charges

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Four members of a drug trafficking organization based in Lee County pled guilty to charges against them on the second day of their trial. Their guilty pleas bring the total number of members of the DTO who have pled guilty in federal court to eighteen. A nineteenth federal defendant, Phillip Maddox, 41, from Auburn, Alabama, is set for trial in October.


August 9, 2018Omaha DEA announces successful month in drug enforcement

OMAHA – Matthew R. Barden, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the DEA Omaha Division today announced a hugely successful month within the Omaha Division in the constant battle against drug trafficking. The past month has consisted of prison sentences of almost two decades in federal prison for methamphetamine traffickers, and charges with potential prison time of two decades or more for heroin traffickers.


August 8, 2018Los Angeles Strike Force targets drug trafficking organizations that allegedly smuggled Sinaloa Cartel narcotics into U.S.

LOS ANGELES – Capping a three-year investigation by the Los Angeles Strike Force, authorities this morning arrested 20 defendants named in a series of indictments that allege the smuggling of large quantities of narcotics from Mexico on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel.


August 8, 2018Buffalo man convicted on state murder charge

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jeffrey Brown, 43, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin, was sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.


August 7, 2018DEA target found guilty of drug trafficking

PHOENIX - Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office announced the conviction of 63-year-old Alphonso Taylor for Conspiracy, Illegally Conducting an Enterprise, and Transportation of Marijuana for Sale.


August 6, 2018Approximately $150K in Narcotics Disguised as Children’s Gifts Recovered in Brooklyn and the Bronx: Three Indicted

NEW YORK - James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division, Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill, Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Bronx District Attorney Darcel D.


August 6, 2018New Orleans man pleads guilty to various drug trafficking and firearms crimes, resulting in shooting of DEA Task Force Officer Stephen Arnold

NEW ORLEANS - Jarvis Hardy, 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty this week to multiple charges that led to the shooting of a DEA task force officer. Hardy is charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of a mixture/substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; distribution of a quantity of cocaine base; discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime; and intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.

A.T.F. Press Releases


FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

Previously Convicted Bank Robber Thwarted by Law Enforcement During Cedar Grove Bank Robbery Attempt

Field Division: Newark Field Division

St. Petersburg Man Convicted of Federal Firarms Offense

Field Division: Tampa Field Division

THURSDAY, AUGUST 09, 2018

Danville Man Pleads Guilty to Seven Federal Drug and Gun Charges

Field Division: Washington Field Division

Unlawful Firearms Dealer Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison

Field Division: Seattle Field Division

Plymouth Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years After Conviction of Robbery and Firearm Offense

Field Division: Charlotte Field Division

Three Harrisburg Men Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

Field Division: Philadelphia Field Division

KC Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm after Police Chase

Field Division: Kansas City Field Division

Drug Dealer Who Shot At Police Officer Sentenced

Field Division: Seattle Field Division

Pittsburgh Man Charged with Violating Federal Firearms Laws

Field Division: Philadelphia Field Division

Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Marijuana Conspiracy and Firearm Offenses

Field Division: Tampa Field Division

Springfield Man Charged with Illegal Firearms following Police Pursuit

Field Division: Kansas City Field Division

Scranton Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Armed Robberies of Efuel and Sunoco Gas Stations

Field Division: Philadelphia Field Division

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 08, 2018

Gainesville Brothers Sentenced for Distributing Crack Cocaine

Field Division: Atlanta Field Division

Two MS-13 Gang Members Charged with Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Other Charges

Field Division: Nashville Field Division

Wilkes-Barre Woman Sentenced to 30 Months' Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking

Field Division: Philadelphia Field Division

Jefferson County, Ohio Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Drug Distribution and Firearms Charges

Field Division: Louisville Field Division

Raleighn Man Sentenced to 240 Months Imprisonment in Federal Prison for Hobbs Act Robbery While Armed with a Gun

Field Division: Charlotte Field Division

TUESDAY, AUGUST 07, 2018

Slippery Rock Firearms Dealer Charged with Violating Federal Gun Laws

Field Division: Philadelphia Field Division

Edenton Man Sentenced for Armed Bank Robbery

Field Division: Charlotte Field Division

Fayetteville Man Sentenced to more than 12 Years for Firearm Charges

Field Division: Charlotte Field Division

Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Revolver

Field Division: Philadelphia Field Division

13 Men Charged with Federal Gun Offenses through Harford Project Safe Neighborhoods Program

Field Division: Boston Field Division

North Carolina Fugitive Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Gun

Field Division: New York Field Division

MONDAY, AUGUST 06, 2018

Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Gun a Day After Being Released from Prison

Field Division: New York Field Division

Indiana Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison

Field Division: Chicago Field Division

U.S. Marshals News

More »

August 09, 2018 - The U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Derrick Berry, who is wanted for failure to appear in court on multiple charges of sexual assault of minors in Jefferson and Berkeley counties. August 07, 2018 - U.S. Marshal Pete Tobin is pleased to announce that during the morning hours of August 7, 2018, the U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, Colerain Township Police Department, and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit arrested Fugitive Rondell Hooks on an outstanding warrant from the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, for the charges of Murder, Felonious Assault, Weapons Violations and Aggravated Robbery. August 06, 2018 - The U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force arrested Michael Colclough, an Atlanta man wanted by the Atlanta Police Department for aggravated assault with a weapon, which took place during a domestic dispute, and cruelty toward a child in an incident on July 10. August 03, 2018 - From July 30-August 3, 2018, the United States Marshals Service Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force conducted Operation Southern Star VII. This operation focused on reducing violent crime in Pima, Cochise, and Graham Counties by targeting violent fugitives wanted for violent crimes and drug offenses.

JUSTICE NEWS

Maryland MS-13 Member Ordered to Serve Two Consecutive Life Sentences for Federal Racketeering Conspiracy, Murder, and Other Violent Crimes
Monday, August 13, 2018


Justice Department Reaches Settlement Agreement with Native American Community Health Center Resolving the USERRA Claims of United States Navy Reservist
Monday, August 13, 2018


Justice Department Settles Race Discrimination Lawsuit Against Mississippi Delta Community College
Monday, August 13, 2018


Washington State Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Connection with Reveton Ransomware
Monday, August 13, 2018


Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Guardian Convicted of Sexual Abuse of A Minor
Monday, August 13, 2018


North Carolina Man Sentenced to Prison for Obstructing the IRS
Monday, August 13, 2018


Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski Announces Newark/Philadelphia Medicare Fraud Strike Force to Focus on Health Care Fraud and Illegal Opioid Prescriptions
Monday, August 13, 2018


United States Reaches Settlement with Providence Schools to Ensure Equal Opportunities for English Learner Students
Monday, August 13, 2018


Mississippi Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns
Friday, August 10, 2018



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