Month: January 2021

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

FORT APACHE, AZ—On November 18, 2020 the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service and White Mountain Apache Tribe, in connection with our state, local, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners, executed eight federal arrest warrants on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. In addition, one tribal arrest (not listed) was made as a result of the operation.

Most of the warrants executed were in connection with probation violations however, the following were arrested and indicted in connection with violent crimes:

• Sebastian Benally, 23,18 U.S.C 1153 and 113(a)(6) (CIR: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury), 18 U.S.C. 1153 and 113(a)(3) (CIR: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon).
• Steven Caddo, 29, 18 U.S.C 1153, 113(a)(7) and 226 (CIR-Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury), 18 U.S.C 1152 and 113(a)(3) (CIR: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon) 18 U.S.C. 1153, 113(a)(8), 113(b)(4), 113(b)(5), and 2266 (CIR-Assault by Strangling or Suffocation).
• Zachary Walker, 29, 18 U.S.C 1153, 2241(a), and 2246(2)(A) (CIR-Aggravated Sexual Abuse), 18 U.S.C 1153, 2244(a)(1), and 2246(3) (CIR-Abusive Sexual Contact).

Authorities are still looking for six individuals who were indicted and have outstanding warrants related to probation violations. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is encouraged to call local law enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2, or the FBI at 623-466-1999.

• Steven Lee Caddo, 29 3:20-cr-08127-JJT, Apprehended
• Zachary Walker, 29 3:20-cr-08117-SPL, Apprehended
• Sebastian Benally, 3:20-cr-08136-DLR, Apprehended
• Carmen Dosela, Probation Violation, Apprehended
• Matthew Timothy Nozie, 37, Probation Violation, Apprehended
• Brandon Kyle Aday, 25, Probation Violation, Apprehended
• Larnardo Quillan Quintero, 32, Probation Violation, Apprehended
• Juakeen Koby Wycliffe, 23, Probation Violation, Apprehended
• Chavez Bo Henry, 32, Probation Violation, Outstanding Warrant
• Desman Derwin Wool, 22, Probation Violation, Outstanding Warrant
• Steven Tyler Ivens, 30, Probation Violation, Outstanding Warrant
• Tristin Bradley Aday, 23, Probation Violation, Outstanding Warrant
• Alverson Laban Jack Thompson, 36, Probation Violation, Outstanding Warrant
• Bernita Joy Bonito, 26, Probation Violation, Outstanding Warrant

The suspects listed were charged in indictments, filed in federal court. An indictment is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Related federal court documents may be found on the website of the District Court for Arizona or on PACER.

The FBI would like to recognize the outstanding coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, White Mountain Apache Tribe, United States Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, and all members of the Eastern Arizona Safe Trails Task Force (EASTTF).

The EASTTF is comprised of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, White Mountain Apache Tribe Police Department, Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department, Show Low Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the FBI.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

SAC Robert Britt issued the following statement on the arrest of Wally Roy Carter of Kotzebue, Alaska, for sex trafficking of a minor.

The FBI is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of Alaska’s youth, and today’s charges send a clear message that crimes against children, in both urban and rural Alaska, will never be tolerated. Our collective efforts to promote public safety in rural Alaska remain steadfast, and by using a multi-agency approach, the FBI will continue to investigate, disrupt, and hold accountable those who prey upon the children of our communities.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Special Agent in Charge Robert Britt released the following statement regarding a multi-agency task force led by the Alaska State Troopers Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit’s (SDEU) Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team (WAANT). The successful drug enforcement operation took place during the week of October 27 in Nome, Alaska: 

This operation was a major disruption to the illegal narcotics supply in Nome and the surrounding villages, which is critical to the FBI’s mission in Alaska. “The FBI Safe Streets Task Force works tirelessly with our local partners, and in support of AST’s Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit, to keep Alaskans safe from those who have no regard for the devastation and lasting impacts drugs can have on our communities and its families.”

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are reporting an increase in technical support scams in Alaska and anticipate a further increase in the months leading up to the holiday season.

Technical support fraud involves a criminal claiming to provide customer, security, or technical support to defraud individuals, and can disproportionately victimize our senior population.

In technical support scams, fraudsters will frequently target victims through pop-up warnings on their devices, or unsolicited phone calls that could appear to be from the same area code as the victim. The fraudsters impersonate employees of popular technology companies to mislead victims into thinking there are security problems with their computer or online accounts. They will then offer to resolve the issue, and in many cases, will attempt to gain access to the victim’s device by requesting the victim install remote access programs. Then, using high-pressure tactics, they persuade the victim to pay for the technical support services via prepaid cards, such as gift cards, or via money transfer applications or services.

Technical support scams were originally an attempt by criminals to gain access to devices to extort payment for fraudulent services, but more can happen once they are given access to the device including, but not limited to, access to computer files that may contain financial accounts, passwords, and personal data.

To combat this increasingly common form of elder fraud, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office advise the public to build a digital defense by doing the following:

• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
• Remember that legitimate tech companies will not make unsolicited phone calls, will not request remote access to your device through third party applications, will not ask for account passwords or for payment via gift cards or prepaid cards.
• Ensure desktops, laptops, and mobile devices have anti-virus software installed and routine security updates are applied.
• Disconnect from the Internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.
• If you do need computer support, go to a company that you know and trust. You should make the initial contact, preferably in person or by phone, using publicly available contact information.
• Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
• Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.

If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be, regardless of financial loss, report the incident to the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441, online at tips.fbi.gov, or through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Additional Resources

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News