Thread: I.C.E. and C/.B.P. News releases 6/1/19

I.C.E. News Releases


05/31/2019

PHILADELPHIA, PA

CHILD EXPLOITATION

Former Pennsylvania pastor charged with multiple child exploitation offenses
Jerry Zweitzig, 71, the former pastor of Horsham Bible Church on Upland Avenue in Horsham, faces a maximum possible sentence of 170 years imprisonment, a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, 5 years of supervised release, and a $1,500,000, fine.



05/31/2019

WASHINGTON, DC



INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND COMMERCIAL FRAUD


ICE Homeland Security Investigations warns consumers about counterfeit sports merchandise, tickets during NBA finals
Fake jerseys, ball caps, t-shirts, jackets and other souvenirs are among the counterfeit merchandise and clothing typically sold during these events. Additionally, authorities have seen an increase in the sale of counterfeit tickets being sold to these events.



05/30/2019

LOS ANGELES, CA



FINANCIAL CRIMES


8 residents of Los Angeles' San Fernando valley arrested in check-kiting scheme that allegedly defrauded banks out of nearly $1.5 million
The 36-count indictment unsealed today alleges that the defendants used the bank accounts, which were opened in the names that appeared on the altered passports, to write bad checks to other fraudulently obtained bank accounts. The defendants allegedly exploited bank rules that allowed them to transfer money from one account to another, and then to immediately withdraw funds at ATMs in Las Vegas casinos and other locations before the checks bounced.



05/30/2019

BOSTON, MA



HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS


Guatemalan human rights violator apprehended by ICE HSI, ERO Boston facing federal charges
Francisco Cuxum Alvarado, a/k/a Francisco Cuxun-Alvarado, 64, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry into the United States and detained following arraignment on that charge




05/30/2019

LOS ANGELES, CA



NATIONAL SECURITY


Los Angeles-area businessman sentenced to 46 months in prison for selling counterfeit integrated circuits with military and commercial uses
Rogelio Vasquez, 44, a.k.a. “James Harrison,” of Orange, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who said, “Simply put, the scheme was endangering lives for the sake of illicit profit.” Judge Staton also ordered Vasquez to pay $144,000 in restitution.



05/29/2019

BROWNSVILLE, TX



PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY


3 South Texas former detention contract employees indicted for bribery
The five-count indictment was returned under seal May 28. Today, law enforcement took Benito Barrientez, 42, of Lyford; Damian Ortiz, 30, of Weslaco; and Exy Adelaida Gomez, 42, of Los Fresnos, into custody.



05/29/2019

WASHINGTON, DC



FINANCIAL CRIMES


Florida business executive pleads guilty in Houston federal court to foreign bribery charges in connection with Venezuelan scheme
Jose Manuel Gonzalez Testino, 49, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty May 29 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), one count of violating FCPA, and one count of failing to report foreign bank accounts. His sentencing is set for Aug. 28.



05/28/2019

SAN FRANCISCO, CA



NARCOTICS


Sacramento man sentenced to 3 years in prison for selling a fertilizer as a fat-burning pill
Scott Edward Cavell, 36, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to three years in prison for causing misbranded drugs to be introduced into interstate commerce.



05/28/2019

SAN FRANCISCO, CA



NATIONAL SECURITY


ICE HSI San Francisco aids local law enforcement to arrest 2 murder suspects
Murder suspects 44 year-old Douglas Lomas and 35 year-old Stephanie Ching, both of San Francisco, attempted to evade law enforcement last week by traveling to Beijing, China.



05/28/2019

PHILADELPHIA, PA



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Pennsylvania man charged with enticement, manufacturing child pornography
Richard Blong, 28, was charged after an investigation into his online solicitation of three minor victims (all between the ages of 14 and 16 years old) to produce and send him sexually explicit photos of themselves, and his in-person meeting with one of the minor victims, during which he engaged in sexual contact with her and produced sexually explicit photos of her. These offenses occurred throughout 2018.



05/28/2019

PHILADELPHIA, PA



NARCOTICS


Luzerne County man guilty of "Bath Salts" conspiracy
On May 28, 2019, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Randazzo,46, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on May 23, 2019, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to conspiracy to import into the United States from China alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts.”



05/28/2019

PHILADELPHIA, PA



DOCUMENT AND BENEFIT FRAUD


Hazelton man charged with theft of government property and aggravated identity theft
The indictment alleges that Andres Santos, 37, in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, in Luzerne County, Santos used the social security account number and other identification information of another person and misrepresented his citizenship status in order to obtain Medicaid Medical Assistance benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in an amount over $1000.00 each, to which he was not entitled




05/28/2019

POCATELLO, ID



CHILD EXPLOITATION


Federal jury convicts Pocatello man of producing child pornography
Special Agent in Charge Brad Bench of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle Field Office and U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today that a federal jury sitting in Pocatello returned guilty verdicts against Lex Bennett Goodwin, 34, on five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.



05/28/2019

DALLAS, TX



NARCOTICS


Darknet fentanyl dealer indicted in Dallas for selling deadly drug for bitcoin
A federal grand jury charged Sean Shaughnessy, 51, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance analogue, and eight counts of money laundering.



05/24/2019

CHARLOTTE, NC



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


Federal, state, local law enforcement agencies partner with nonprofits to rescue trafficking victims prior to Memorial Day Weekend race event
As part of the operation, law enforcement teams engaged with more than 15 potential human trafficking victims and gathered intelligence on potential traffickers. Eleven victims agreed to provide details on their situations to law enforcement, and several victims were paired with victim service representatives who can help the victims rebuild their lives through access to housing, medical care, legal assistance, transportation and more.



05/24/2019

DENVER, CO



NARCOTICS


42 arrested throughout Colorado in one of the state's largest black-market marijuana takedowns
This law enforcement action identified marijuana grows in homes across the Metro Denver area. Eight businesses were also searched. More than 80,000 marijuana plants and 4,500 pounds of finished marijuana product were seized from the locations searched.




05/24/2019

NEW YORK, NY



ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL


ICE arrests 31 in 5-day New York City metropolitan-area enforcement surge
During the effort, which focused on persons ordered removed from the U.S. with criminal convictions or pending charges, ERO deportation officers arrested 31 individuals for violating U.S. immigration laws. Of those arrested, more than 26 were convicted criminals or had criminal charges pending, more than 29 had been issued a final order of removal and failed to depart the United States, or had been previously removed from the United States.



05/23/2019

WASHINGTON, DC



HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS


Ethiopian human rights abuser sentenced for fraudulently obtaining US citizenship by admitted series of lies in naturalization process, including failure to disclose participation in persecution during the Red Terror period in Ethiopia
Mergia Negussie Habteyes, 58, previously pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful procurement of naturalization. Negussie was sentenced by U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III of the Eastern District of Virginia.



05/23/2019

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CHILD EXPLOITATION


Former Puerto Rican Olympic athlete, coach found guilty of sexual enticement of a minor
Alexander Greaux-Gomez, 41, was arrested at his place of residence in Salinas following an HSI investigation that revealed that he allegedly engaged in criminal sexual conduct with a 15-year-old female minor.



05/23/2019

BANGKOK, THAILAND



CHILD EXPLOITATION


ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Thailand Department of Special Investigation, Australian Federal Police and INTERPOL announce results of international child exploitation investigation
Operation Blackwrist, which was named after a bracelet worn by one of the victims, was launched by INTERPOL in 2017 following the discovery of material depicting the abuse of 11 boys, all under 13 years old. The material, first identified on the Darkweb, originated from a subscription-based website with nearly 63,000 users worldwide.




05/22/2019

TAMPA, FL



OPERATIONAL


ICE HSI Tampa graduates Citizens' Academy class
During the eight-week course, HSI Tampa agents introduced participants to national security, financial, narcotics, cyber, global trade, human smuggling/trafficking, and child exploitation investigations.



05/22/2019

FRESNO, CA



NATIONAL SECURITY


Former Fresno resident charged with illegally brokering the sale of military arms to a foreign government, money laundering
Ara Dolarian, 58, was arrested on Wednesday, May 15, in Fresno on a criminal complaint charging him with illegally brokering the sale of military-grade arms and munitions, money laundering, and conspiracy, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.



05/22/2019

WASHINGTON, DC



STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM


New, increased fees for international students, exchange visitors, SEVP-certified schools
DHS has finalized changes to fees charged by SEVP to international students, exchange visitors and SEVP-certified schools. The new fees will take effect June 24, 2019.



05/21/2019

MCALLEN, TX



HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING


South Texas human smuggler sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison for smuggling scheme resulting in 2 deaths
Osvaldo Gonzalez, 26, from Mission, Texas, was sentenced May 21 by U.S. District Judge Randy Crane to 262 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the human smuggling charges Nov. 2, 2018.

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News from CBP

May 31, 2019 | Local Media Release
Dulles CBP Seizes $101k in Counterfeit Designer Brand Smartphone Cases

May 31, 2019 | Local Media Release
Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Large Group in Del Rio

May 31, 2019 | Local Media Release
Bi-national Team Finds Illicit Border Tunnel


More News


C.B.P. Media Releases

Media Releases from the previous administrations are available in the Archive section of our website.

K-9 Alerts to Methamphetamine Hidden Inside Fuel Tank
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media Release
CAMPO, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a man Thursday afternoon who had 72 packages of methamphetamine concealed inside his vehicle’s fuel tank. On Thursday, May 30, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the...
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Border Patrol Agents Discover Two Narcotic Loads in One Day
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseSAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two women Thursday suspected of smuggling narcotics in two separate events. The first incident occurred on Thursday, May 30, at approximately 9:30 a.m., when Border Patrol agents patrolling...
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Dulles CBP Seizes Nearly $28k in Unreported Currency from Ghana-bound Travelers
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseSTERLING, Virginia — On consecutive days, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) currency detector dog alert resulted in the seizure Thursday of unreported currency from Ghana-bound travelers at Washington Dulles International Airport. The currency...
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Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Large Group in Del Rio
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseDEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station apprehended a large group of 116 individuals Thursday. “Large groups present a unique challenge for the men and women of the Del Rio Sector,” said Chief Raul Ortiz. “This...
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Customs and Border Protection is Hiring Officers to Serve in Philadelphia
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleasePHILADELPHIA – If you were considering a career as a federal law enforcement officer in the City of Brotherly (and of Sisterly) Love, now is your golden opportunity. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring men and women to serve as...
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Border Patrol Agents Rescue Two Men with Special Needs
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseEAGLE PASS, Texas – Members of the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team rescued two undocumented immigrants with physical limitations in Eagle Pass.“Smuggling organizations have little concern for the wellbeing of...
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CBP Stops Smugglers With Internally Concealed Methamphetamine
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseEL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 1.3 pounds of methamphetamine Thursday. The drugs were being smuggled across the border hidden by two female...
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Equipo Binacional Descubre Túnel Fronterizo Ilícito
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseNOGALES, Ariz. – Miembros de la Patrulla Fronteriza del Sector Tucson junto a la Policía Federal Mexicana, descubren túnel fronterizo incompleto debajo de un estacionamiento en Nogales, el miércoles por la tarde. Agentes capacitados en la...
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Bi-national Team Finds Illicit Border Tunnel
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseNOGALES, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol and members of Mexico’s Federal Police, Policia Federal, discovered an incomplete cross-border tunnel Wednesday afternoon, underneath a parking lot in Nogales. Agents trained in illicit tunnel detection,...
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Dulles CBP Seizes $101k in Counterfeit Designer Brand Smartphone Cases
Friday, May 31, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseSTERLING, Virginia – Consumers are likely to spend $1,000 or more to purchase the newest smartphone model. That’s a hefty price for an essential tool in today’s culture. But then why protect it with a counterfeit smartphone case constructed with...
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Rio Grande Valley Students Honored as “Youth of the Year” Recipients
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleasePHARR, Texas — On Thursday, May 30, 2019, Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector Headquarters recognized the importance of higher education and awarded this year’s Youth of the Year recipients at a ceremony held at the Pharr Events...
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CBP Officers at the Andrade Port Intercept 153 Packages of Crystal Meth Concealed Inside Spare Tire and Gas Tank
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseWINTERHAVEN, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Andrade port of entry Tuesday intercepted 153 packages of crystal methamphetamine concealed inside the spare tire and gas tank of a pickup truck. The seizure occurred...
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U.S. Border Patrol and Law Enforcement Partners Interdict Maritime Smuggling Attempt in Pompano Beach
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseMIAMI — U.S. Border Patrol agents, working closely with deputies assigned to the Broward Sheriff’s Marine Unit, stopped an attempted migrant smuggling event in Pompano Beach on Wednesday. U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector securesover 1200 miles of...
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CBP Air and Marine Operations, First to Locate Aircraft Involved in Plane Crash
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseA CBP, Air and Marine Operations flightcrew from Jacksonville, Florida was thefirst to locate one of two downed civilianaircraft.GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Two civilian aircraft collided near Green Cove Springs on May 29. The Clay County Sheriff’s...
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Dulles CBP Seizes $15k in Unreported Currency from Ghana-bound Traveler
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseSTERLING, Virginia — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently issued travel tips for international travel through Washington Dulles International Airport. Chiefly among those tips is for travelers to truthfully report all currency they...
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Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Largest Group Ever Encountered
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | National Media ReleaseWASHINGTON – U.S. Border Patrol agents from El Paso Sector apprehended the largest group of illegal aliens ever encountered early Wednesday morning. Agents took custody of 1,036 people after they illegally crossed the border in El Paso, Texas,...
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Patrulla Fronteriza detiene a 17 indocumentados tras desembarcar en la costa oeste de Puerto Rico
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseAGUADILLA, Puerto Rico – Durante esta semana, los agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos, junto con colegas de Operation Stonegarden, detuvieron a 17 extranjeros de la República Dominicana que llegaron a la costa occidental de...
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Border Patrol Agents Apprehend 17 Aliens in Separate Incidents in Western Puerto Rico
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseAGUADILLA, Puerto Rico –During this week, U.S. Border Patrol agents, along with Operation Stonegarden partners, apprehended 17 aliens from the Dominican Republic that reached Puerto Rico’s western coast in separate instances. “We continue to work...
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CBP Officers Seize $152K Worth of Methamphetamine
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, officers at the Port of Nogales seized nearly 51 pounds of methamphetamine Tuesday. Nearly 51 pounds of meth were seizedTuesday by officers at the DennisDeConcini...
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Port of San Luis CBP Officers Intercept Teen Body Carrier
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, officers arrested a teenager for an alleged attempt to smuggle almost 3 pounds of methamphetamine through the Port of San Luis Tuesday. A San Luis teen was caught...
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CBP Finds Farmer's Market in Traveler's Luggage
Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseDALLAS - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s agriculture specialists at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport seized 25 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables after a traveler declares food during CBP processing. CBP officers at DFW...
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Phoenix Woman Arrested for Smuggling Meth
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents at the I-19 Immigration Checkpoint near Tubac arrested a Phoenix woman late Saturday night for attempting to smuggle nearly 100 pounds of meth in her car. Eighty packages of methamphetaminewere found in a...
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Border Patrol Agents Prevent a Cocaine Smuggling Attempt at Checkpoint
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseLAREDO, TEXAS – Border Patrol agents prevented the smuggling of cocaine at the Highway 59 Checkpoint near Freer, Texas. Late in the afternoon of May 25, agents working the Freer Border Patrol checkpoint encountered a tractor-trailer with visible...
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Border Patrol K9 Team Apprehends Four Illegal Aliens in Vermont
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseHIGHGATE, Vt. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Swanton Station apprehended four illegal aliens attempting to hide in a wooded area on May 27. U.S. Border Patrol Canine Team patrols the borderbetween the United States and CanadaOn Monday, the...
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CBP Officers Seize $334K of Meth at Port of San Luis
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, officers arrested a San Luis, Arizona woman connected to an alleged attempt to smuggle more than 110 pounds of methamphetamine through the Port of San Luis over the...
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