Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Woman Federally Charged with Attempting to Carry a Weapon on an Aircraft

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

On November 28, 2020, Erine Aisha Robertson, 36, attempted to pass through a TSA checkpoint at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with intent to board a commercial aircraft while carrying a folding knife concealed in her bra. Robertson was charged in a criminal complaint filed in federal court, with Attempting to Carry a Weapon on an Aircraft in violation of 49 U.S.C Section 46505(b)(1). Complaints and indictment are only accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for Arizona at http://www.azd.uscourts.gov/ or on PACER https://www.pacer.gov/, magistrate number: 2:20-mj-00306

The FBI would like to thank the Transportation Security Administration, Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, for their work on this case.

Per policy, the FBI does not release booking photos.

Posted on

Arizona 2020 Money Mule Initiative

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

Federal, State, and Local Partners Join Forces to Serve More Than 70 Warnings

TUCSON, AZ—Increased “money mule” activity in Arizona is the focus of a two-month multi-agency initiative to identify, disrupt, investigate, and prosecute these financial fraud schemes.

A money mule is a person who transfers illegally acquired money on behalf of, or at the direction of, another person. Money mules often receive a commission for the service. Many provide assistance because they believe they are in a trusting or romantic relationship with the individual asking for help or are attempting to get their money back from a previous scheme in which they were victimized.

Much of the money moved through these third parties is stolen through Internet-enabled frauds, thefts, and scams. While some money mules may be genuinely unaware of their involvement in a criminal scheme, many fully understand they are moving money attained from unlawful activities. Those individuals who act as money mules with the knowledge that they are furthering a fraud scheme may be subject to criminal prosecution for committing a serious felony, such as money laundering.

From October 23 to November 18, law enforcement and prosecuting agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with the assistance of 12 partner agencies, united to conduct more than 70 interviews with individuals whose financial transactions indicated they were acting as money mules.

During the initiative, agencies identified a variety of fraud schemes used to exploit these individuals, including computer technical support scams, romance scams, lottery scams, Internal Revenue Service imposter scams, and employment scams.

Over the span of two months, law enforcement took actions throughout Arizona to halt the conduct of money mules by serving more than 70 warning letters, which informed recipients that they could be prosecuted if they continued aiding and abetting these fraud schemes. The coordinated initiative focused on elder fraud cases where senior citizens served as money mules, including grandparent scams and romance scams.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, HSI, and FBI would like to thank the following agencies involved in this initiative for their unwavering commitment and outstanding work:

  • Arizona Attorney General’s Office
  • Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General
  • Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation
  • Marana Police Department
  • Nogales Police Department
  • Oro Valley Police Department
  • Pima County Sheriff’s Department
  • Sahuarita Police Department
  • Tohono O’odham Police Department
  • Tucson Police Department
  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service
  • U.S. Secret Service

For more information on money mules, including tips and what you can do if you think you are being targeted, please visit:

Posted on

Hualapai Tribe Member Charged Federally for Assault

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

On November 10, 2020, Rae Ashley Paya, an enrolled member of the Hualapai Indian Tribe was indicted for kidnapping, robbery, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and assault with a dangerous weapon that occurred on September 27, 2020, within the confines of the Hualapai Indian Reservation. Paya was arrested by Hualapai Nation Police Department and the FBI on November 5, 2020.

Paya was also charged in a criminal complaint filed in federal court. Complaints and indictments are only accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for Arizona at http://www.azd.uscourts.gov/ or on PACER https://www.pacer.gov/, magistrate number: 3:20-cr-08134

The FBI would like to thank the Hualapai Nation Police Department, and United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, for their work on this case.

Posted on

Nine Arrested on Fort Apache Indian Reservation

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.

Posted on

FBI Anchorage Special Agent in Charge Robert Britt’s Statement on Sex Trafficking Arrest

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.