Category: FBI

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

JACKSON, MS—The FBI Jackson Safe Streets Task Force and Cleveland Police Department arrested 13 individuals Wednesday on various federal drug distribution and weapons charges in the Mississippi Delta and Jackson areas.

The arrests come subsequent to an extensive investigation into violent street gang activity following an increase in violent crime in the Mississippi Delta and surrounding areas.

The 13 individuals taken into federal custody today are:

• Frederick Belvin, 31, of Cleveland.
• Matthew Cochran, 35, of Greenville.
• Larry Douglas, 25, of Cleveland.
• Choya Gee, 28, of Cleveland.
• Jimmie Griffin, 49, of Cleveland.
• Davion Hunter, 37, of Mound Bayou.
• Antuwan Jones, 36, of Grenada.
• Bobby Jones, 53, of Cleveland.
• Edward Leach, 44, of Sardis.
• Marcus Miller, 41, of Cleveland.
• Otis Robinson, 58, of Shelby.
• Anthony Williams, 40, of Cleveland.
• Cedric Williams, 32, of Cleveland.

The individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 7, 2021, and are scheduled to make their initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Mississippi today.

The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Field Office’s Oxford Resident Agency and the Cleveland Police Department. Agencies assisting with the investigation and arrests were the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, United States Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

All charges are merely an accusation, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

Twenty-five years ago, two young female hikers decided to do what many people do for exercise, relaxation, and sport—hike through the Shenandoah National Park; however, their journey ended when they were murdered at their backcountry campsite near Skyland Resort in Virginia.

The bodies of 24 year old, Julianne “Julie” Williams and 26 year old, Laura “Lollie” Winans were found by Park Rangers on June 1st, 1996, after Lollie’s dog—Taj, was located wandering the paths and turned over to Rangers.

The initial investigative, media, and community response to these murders was enormous and generated leads that would have investigators interview individuals all across the country. To this day this investigation continues to grip the consciousness of Julie and Lollie’s family and friends and those who have worked diligently to identify and bring to justice the person(s) responsible for this senseless crime. Five years ago today, the FBI Richmond Division distributed a press release imploring the public for assistance in sharing an FBI Seeking Information poster, we are again asking for the public’s assistance.

The beauty of Virginia’s Parks and Trails are enticing to people, not just from Virginia, but other states; and during these outdoor adventures people come across other hikers and visitors—some who make a memorable impression. Over the past twenty-five years we are cognizant that those who were hiking in the Park at the time of the murders, were visiting local establishments, and even resided in the area may not be local to Virginia any longer—therefore it is crucial that this case continues to be shared throughout the country. It is possible there are people anywhere from Virginia to the west coast that could have information valuable to investigators.

The FBI has updated the Seeking Information posters with additional photos of Julie and Lollie. The investigation into their murder continues to be a joint effort by the FBI Richmond Field Office, the National Park Service, and the Virginia State Police. No bit of information is insignificant, and your tip could be the piece of evidence that brings closure to this 25-year-old case. If you have information to share, please contact your local FBI office, FBI Richmond at 804-261-1044 or send tips to https://tips.fbi.gov/.

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

Ward compared these types of scams to large-scale bank robberies. Instead of stealing a few hundred dollars, scammers can steal millions with just a few clicks from half a world away.

“Many scammers have realized it’s no longer cost effective to target individuals. Instead, they go after these big companies—real estate firms, law firms, anyone moving huge amounts of money is a target,” Ward explained. “We’re losing billions to these kinds of schemes, so we have to go after these guys whenever possible.”

Any organization that deals with money can be a victim of BEC, so everyone should be careful when organizing financial transactions online.

“We live in an age of instant communication, and it’s easy to get complacent. My biggest piece of advice is to pick up the phone and verify any large transfer like that,” Ward said. “And if you are a victim, tell your bank immediately and report it to IC3.”

Ward noted that if victims contact their bank in time, they can sometimes stop those fraudulent transfers, saving a company or organization millions of dollars.

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

Join the Houston Field Office on June 22, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST for a virtual recruiting event to learn more about the special agent career path.

Speak with special agents working violent crime, cyber crime, counterterrorism, and more. You will hear more from physical fitness advisors and the special agent applicant coordinator and recruiters.

The FBI’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion is integrated into every facet of employment, including recruitment. Special agents enforce over 300 federal statutes and conduct criminal and national security investigations. To be successful, the FBI needs special agents from a wide range of unexpected career backgrounds.

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

On April 29, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation El Paso Division, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, El Paso Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and El Paso County Constable’s Office Precincts One, Four, and Six are announcing the conclusion of Operation April Fools, a sexual coercion and enticement of a minor operation that occurred from April 23rd-24th, 2021.

More than 67 investigative personnel conducted undercover operations, executed search warrants, and arrested suspects. This collaborative operation resulted in the arrest of 4 individuals, who are charged with offenses ranging from attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to possession of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. The operation resulted in three federal arrests and one state arrest.

Three men have been charged federally with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The defendants include: 35-year-old Armando Rafael Mascorro (U.S. Citizen), 30-year-old Justin Allen Thomas (U.S. Citizen), and 34-year-old Carlos Adan Hernandez (legally admitted permanent resident) were arrested separately for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

38-year-old, Genaro Dominguez (U.S. Citizen), has been charged with state charges on attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

“The FBI will always be vigilant in pursuing those who choose to prey on our community’s children,” said Jeffrey L. Coburn, acting special agent in charge of the FBI El Paso Division. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners and their task force officers as part of the FBI’s El Paso Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking task force for their commitment to making these arrests.”

Operation April Fools task force was compromised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Against Children Squad, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, El Paso Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct One, El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct Four, El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct Six, the United States Attorney’s Office – Western District of Texas, and the El Paso District Attorney’s Office.

Operation April Fools is an example of the dedication and commitment by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together to protect our children in West Texas. This combined effort sends a clear message that predators will be brought to justice.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.