Month: April 2021

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

Now that effective vaccines have been developed to combat COVID-19, criminals are capitalizing on public demand to steal money, identity, and personal information.

The FBI and Virginia Department of Health are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes such as advertisements or offers promising early access to a COVID-19 vaccine for a fee, or callers requiring irrelevant personal or financial information to register for a vaccine appointment.

A COVID-19 vaccine is always free, and no legitimate source will try to sell you a vaccine. Virginia state and local agencies will not ask for a social security number or immigration status. Health care providers may ask for insurance information, but your vaccination is not dependent on your insurance status.

How to verify legitimate information:

Because calls to schedule vaccine appointments could come from a variety of sources, the Virginia Department of Health encourages everyone to answer their phone even when they do not recognize the number. If the call is coming from the statewide call center, the number should show up as 877-VAX-IN-VA or 877-829-4682; however, the call could also be coming from your local health department, a local pharmacy, or other private providers or partners.

If you are asked to visit a website or give information online, make sure the website or email ends in “gov.”

The public should be aware of signs of potential scams:

You are asked to pay out of pocket to get the vaccine.

You are asked to pay to put your name on vaccine waiting list or to get early access.

You are offered a vaccine appointment but asked to provide financial information, or irrelevant personal information such as your social security number.

Tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud:

Follow guidance from official sources. To obtain information regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Virginia, visit the state website at https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/.

Do not post a photo of your CDC vaccination card on social media. These cards may contain your name, date of birth, and the location where you received your vaccine. Criminals can use these images to steal your identity and commit fraud.

Do not provide financial or irrelevant personal information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails, or advertisements. Examples of sensitive information include but are not limited to banking information, social security numbers, and answers to online security questions such as your mother’s maiden name.

Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly report any errors to your health insurance provider.

Report COVID-19 Fraud

Report possible fraud to the FBI at ic3.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Contact the Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section at 1-800-552-9963. 

Resources:

View related flyer (pdf)

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

Brian Dugan, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, selected Reverend Charles Cheek for a 2020 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). Every year, the FBI recognizes nearly 60 individuals and organizations across the country who have supported law enforcement and helped improve their communities for the DCLA. Reverend Cheek has been selected for his dedication to racial unity, education, and serving as a liaison between law enforcement and the community. He is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, distinguished leader, mentor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion.

For several years, Reverend Cheek’s work has intersected with the FBI’s mission of protecting the civil rights of all Americans. He is a leader with Made to Flourish, a national network that seeks to empower faith leaders, churches, and communities, and he co-facilitates a monthly Pastors’ Dialogue on racism, poverty, and violence. Reverend Cheek also coordinates a network of allies from local, minority-led churches that encourage collaboration on diversity and inclusion solutions. As a result, the FBI’s Norfolk civil rights unit has engaged in proactive outreach efforts with members of the Pastors’ Dialogue and others to address concerns about local threats and crimes motivated by race, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Reverend Cheek’s work includes organizing Community Explosion events where local law enforcement and other organizations share resources with communities of color, sponsoring a circle of reconciliation for mothers of murdered children, and managing the Hampton Roads Christian Community Development Network which seeks to empower men and women of all backgrounds and social statuses. Reverend Cheek also coordinates the Hampton Roads Works for Life Network, which helps to mitigate poverty by preparing the unemployed for work and helping create job opportunities for the underprivileged.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, Reverend Cheek continued his community efforts by hosting discussions between members of law enforcement and violence-prevention advocates, providing school supplies to at-risk families, and helping agencies provide joint services to the community.

Reverend Charles Cheek has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the community and many families in Hampton Roads have benefited from his service. The Norfolk FBI is grateful for his work.

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

SALT LAKE CITY—The Salt Lake City FBI invites all interested high school juniors and seniors, 16-18 years of age, in Utah, Idaho, and Montana to apply to the FBI’s Teen Symposium. Classes will be held virtually on Thursday, April 22, 2021, and Friday, April 23, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The FBI Teen Symposium provides an opportunity for high school students to catch a behind-the-scenes look at the FBI through presentations and demonstrations. Upon completion, students will foster a greater understanding of the FBI’s mission and how we serve our citizens, community, and nation.

During the two-day symposium, students will be given the opportunity to learn about how evidence and hazardous material are collected at crime scenes; enhance student awareness of issues like cyber, terrorism, and civil rights; and hear from FBI agents and other FBI personnel who support our overall mission—to protect the people of the United States and defend our constitution.

The FBI offers diverse career paths including: Special Agent, Accounting, Nursing, Intelligence, and Administration. Any student with an interest in the FBI is encouraged to apply. This program is not exclusive to students interested in criminal justice.

This is a competitive program, and not all applicants will be selected. Student selection will be based on a quality application and essay. The application, release form, and a supporting essay must be received by the Salt Lake City FBI office by April 9, 2021. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted.

Apply online at https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/salt-lake-city-teen-symposium-application-2021-032521.pdf/view

For questions about the Teen Symposium and application, e-mail SU_Outreach@fbi.gov

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

The FBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Lodge Grass on the Crow Indian Reservation on the morning of Sunday, March 14, 2021.

An adult male left the scene and has not been located at this time. His condition is unknown.

The officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, who was involved, received minor injuries.

The BIA and Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

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

Press release available in both English and Spanish.

SAN JUAN, PR—Special Agent in Charge Rafael A. Riviere Vázquez, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Field Office, announced the arrest of Miguel Cancel Marrero (Cancel Marrero).

Cancel Marrero was charged under a complaint with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951 (Interference with Commerce by Threat or Violence) and 924(c) (Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence) for events which took place in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, on January 14, 2021.

The subject was arrested by special agents of the FBI San Juan Violent Crimes Task Force on April 1, 2021.

This case is being investigated by the FBI San Juan Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Puerto Rico, Jonathan Gottfried and Luis Valentín, from the Violent Crimes Section. The FBI would like to thank the Police of Puerto Rico for their assistance on this case.

Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Citizens with information are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-987-6500, or to submit tips through the FBI’s Internet complaint portal at Tips.FBI.Gov Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The public is reminded a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty by a court of law. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Arresto de Miguel Cancel Marrero

SAN JUAN, PR—El Agente Especial a Cargo de la Oficina de San Juan del Negociado Federal de Investigación (FBI, por sus siglas en inglés), Rafael A. Riviere Vázquez, anunció el arresto de Miguel Cancel Marrero (Cancel Marrero).

Cancel Marrero fue acusado mediante querella por violaciones al Título 18, Código de los Estados Unidos, United States Code, Secciones 1951 (Interferencia con el comercio por amenazas o violencia) y 924(c) (Uso de un arma de fuego durante la comisión de un crimen violento) por eventos que ocurrieron en Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico el 14 de enero de 2021.

El sujeto fue arrestado por Agentes Especiales del Violent Crimes Task Force (Fuerzas Conjuntas Contra Crímenes Violentos) de la Oficina de San Juan del FBI. El arresto se llevó a cabo el 1 de abril de 2021.

El enjuiciamiento de este caso está a cargo de los Fiscales Federales Jonathan Gottfried y Luis Valentín de la Sección de Crímenes Violentos y es investigado por la Oficina de San Juan del FBI. El FBI desea agradecer a los compañeros de la Policía de Puerto Rico por su asistencia en este caso.

Las confidencias e información ayudan al FBI y a sus colegas federales, estatales y locales en el desempeño de sus funciones. Por ello, se le solicita al público que contacte a la Oficina de San Juan del FBI al 787-987-6500, o reporte confidencias a través de la línea de pistas (tips) del FBI, disponible en la página de internet Tips.FBI.Gov.

Los querellantes podrán permanecer anónimos.

Se le recuerda al público que una Querella sólo contiene cargos y no es evidencia de culpabilidad. Todo acusado se presume inocente hasta que se pruebe lo contrario más allá de toda duda razonable. El Gobierno de los Estados Unidos tiene el peso de la prueba.