Source: United States Navy
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy began their joint mission in the Western and Central Pacific under the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) to reduce and eliminate illegal, unregulated, unreported (IUU) fishing, combat transnational crimes, and enhance regional security, April 5.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
OCONEE COUNTY, GA—The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect who shot and killed a clerk at a RaceTrac in Watkinsville, Georgia, on Friday, March 19, 2021.
RaceTrac is also offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect.
The FBI has opened an investigation in conjunction with the Oconee County Sheriff Office into the deadly shooting.
At about 1:40 a.m. on Friday, the Oconee County Sheriff Office responded to the RaceTrac at 7921 Macon Highway in Watkinsville and found the clerk, Elijah Wood, 23, of Watkinsville, dead behind the counter in the store.
Investigators released surveillance photos and video of a suspect in the apparent attempted robbery. He is described as wearing dark-colored clothing, a face mask, gloves and armed with a handgun. We ask anyone who might know the suspect not to approach him. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the shooting is asked to contact FBI Atlanta at 770-216-3000 or the Oconee County Sheriff Office at 706-769-5665 or go to tips.fbi.gov.
Source: United States Navy
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), along with guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) and guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), completed a southbound Suez Canal transit into the Red Sea, April 2.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
JACKSON, MS—The FBI Jackson Field Office’s Oxford Resident Agency arrested former Boonville, Mississippi Police Officer Dustin Rambo Friday, March 12, 2021, on five color of law violations.
Rambo is charged with one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law – privacy/bodily injury and four misdemeanor counts of deprivation of rights under color of law – unreasonable search and seizure/taking of property without due process.
According to the criminal complaint unsealed Friday, Rambo allegedly sexually assaulted the victim who believed that they were in custody of law enforcement. Following the alleged sexual assault, the victim was released without being charged. Also, on four separate occasions, Rambo allegedly took personal possession of cash, a debit card, prescription narcotics, and other personal items.
The FBI is seeking information regarding additional related encounters with Rambo. If you have information about this case or believe that you are a victim of similar incidents with Rambo, contact the FBI at 601-948-5000 or tips.fbi.gov.
Rambo made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Roy Percy in the Northern District of Mississippi in Oxford on Friday, March 12, 2021. The case will be presented to a grand jury at a later date for indictment.
The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Field Office’s Oxford Resident Agency and the Booneville Police Department.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely an accusation, and those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
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