FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Schneider Thanks the Community

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

On behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Denver Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider would like to thank the entire community for the outpouring of support as we grieve, along with our colleagues in the FBI Miami Division and the whole FBI Family, the loss of Special Agents Laura Schwartzenberger and Daniel Alfin.

Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger, 43, was killed in the line of duty in Miami, Florida, while attempting to serve a court-ordered federal search warrant for a violent crimes against children investigation. Laura’s colleague, Special Agent Daniel Alfin, was also killed during the incident, and three other agents were wounded.

“The FBI Family is devastated by this immense loss. We have found strength and gratitude in the amazing volume of condolences, kindness, and support from our law enforcement and community partners, as well as the general public. I am proud and humbled by those who generously offered to assist the FBI family and Laura’s family and loved ones here in Colorado. We remain unwavering in our commitment in helping the families through these difficult days. While we mourn the loss of Laura and Dan, we will never forget their sacrifice. They were ordinary people who were willing to do extraordinary things in pursuit of making the world a better place.”—SAC Michael Schneider

Laura was a native of Pueblo and a 1996 graduate of Pueblo South High School, where she was an accomplished diver. She attended Colorado State University and competed with the Rams dive team for one year. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Northeastern University in 2000, and later earned a Master’s Degree in International Studies from the University of Denver. Laura was a 15-year veteran of the FBI, initially assigned to FBI Albuquerque Division in 2005. She transferred to Miami in 2010 and committed her time there investigating crimes against children. She is survived by her husband, who is also from Pueblo, and two children.

During Laura’s memorial service in Miami on Saturday, February 6, FBI Director Christopher Wray commented, “She died the way that she lived—serving her community and keeping kids safe.”

The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and Greenwood Village Police Department Need Your Help Identifying a Bank Robber

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

The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and Greenwood Village Police Department need your help identifying an individual who robbed the Wells Fargo Bank located at 7700 East Belleview, Greenwood Village, Colorado, at 3:23 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 5’9” tall, with a stocky build. He was wearing a gaiter as a face mask, a dark-colored beanie, a dark gray hoodie, light-washed jeans, and surgical style gloves.

Please be on the lookout for anyone matching the suspect’s description. Be aware of anyone similar who might have recently changed their spending habits or discussed coming into money suddenly.

Bank robbery is punishable up to a 20-year prison sentence for each offense, and increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime. The FBI continues to provide financial institutions with the best practices for security to make them less vulnerable to robberies.

If anyone has any information on the bank robbery above, or any bank robbery, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171; or, you can remain anonymous and earn up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).

FBI Investigating Chula Vista Bank Robbery

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force and Chula Vista Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the individual believed to be responsible for a bank robbery in Chula Vista, California.

On February 4, 2021, at approximately 2:10 p.m., a male entered the Citibank located at 352 H Street, Chula Vista, California. Upon entering the bank, the robber approached a teller and verbally demanded money. The teller complied with the robber’s demand and provided him cash. The robber fled the bank on foot. The man wore a hooded sweatshirt over his head and his lower face was covered by a white (COVID) facial mask.

Description of Robber:

  • Sex: Male
  • Race: Black
  • Age: Approximately 20s
  • Build: Thin
  • Height: Approximately 6’1″ to 6’2″ tall
  • Clothing: Black zip-up hoodie with white strings bearing small, red Ralph Lauren logo; blue jeans; white sneakers; and an orange and black striped shirt.
  • Weapon: None seen

If you have information regarding this robber, please contact: 
San Diego FBI:                       (858) 320-1800;  www.fbi.gov/tips
San Diego Crime Stoppers:  (888) 580-8477;   www.sdcrimestoppers.org

Security News in Brief: North Carolina Return Preparer Sentenced to 50 Months in Prison for Multi-Year Tax Fraud Scheme

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A Rocky Mount, North Carolina, tax return preparer was sentenced to 50 months in prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina.