Category: United States of America

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FBI Arrests California Man on Drug Trafficking Charges

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

Thirteen Pounds of Methamphetamine, Two Pounds of Cocaine Seized in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, AK—On October 7, 2020, the FBI Anchorage Field Office Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF), arrested Margus Gipson, a/k/a “Melly Mel,” 35, of Compton, California, pursuant to a federal arrest warrant issued in a FBI Los Angeles’ investigation known as “Operation Klondike.”

As part of this operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced the charges of several individuals, including Gipson, who allegedly participated in a Southern California-based outfit that trafficked large quantities of drugs to Alaska for further distribution.

After attempting to elude law enforcement, Gipson was taken into custody at 15th and Cordova in Anchorage. A search warrant served at an Anchorage residence used by Gipson resulted in the seizure of approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine, two pounds of cocaine, one pound of marijuana, and two firearms—a MAC-9 and a stolen Glock pistol. Approximately $7,500 in cash was also seized at the time of Gipson’s arrest.

The national FBI SSTF Initiative began in January 1992 and was designed to enable each field office to address violent street gangs and drug-related violence through the establishment of FBI sponsored, long-term, proactive task forces focusing on violent gangs, crimes of violence, and the apprehension of violent fugitives.

This investigation was conducted in support of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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FBI Anchorage Issues Public Guidance on 2020 Election Security

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

Today, the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is providing public guidance on election crimes and security ahead of the November 3, 2020 general election. States have primary responsibility for conducting free and fair elections, and the FBI stands ready to investigate federal election crimes.

Nationwide, the FBI has initiated public awareness messaging about election security at fbi.gov/elections and across its social media platforms. The FBI’s goal is to increase public awareness and to inform Americans how they can help the FBI ensure a safe and secure election.

For decades, the FBI has served as the primary law enforcement agency investigating federal election crimes. This includes investigating allegations of voter and ballot fraud, campaign finance crimes, civil rights violations, unique cyber threats targeting the election process, and threats posed by foreign governments and actors.

“Every American citizen should have the right to vote in a fair and honest election, and without interference or discrimination,” said Robert Britt, special agent in charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Violating federal election laws in Alaska will not be tolerated, and the FBI is committed to supporting our election security counterparts and protecting Alaskans’ constitutional rights throughout the election season.”

In efforts to mitigate federal election crimes, all 56 field offices have an election crimes coordinator assigned to identify and assess potential threats and to protect the public’s constitutional right to vote.

If you have information about allegations of federal election crimes, voter fraud, or suppression, please call the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441 or send an e-mail to tips.fbi.gov. For more information on what constitutes a federal election crime, visit fbi.gov/elections.

For the most up to date election security information and education resources about how Alaskans can protect their voice this election season, follow FBI Anchorage on Twitter at @FBIAnchorage and @FBI.

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Federal Agencies Warn of Emerging Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Vaccines

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines.

The FBI, HHS-OIG, and CMS have received complaints of scammers using the public’s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information (PII) and money through various schemes. We continue to work diligently with law enforcement partners and the private sector to identify cyber threats and fraud in all forms.

The public should be aware of the following potential indicators of fraudulent activity:

  • Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee
  • Requests asking you to pay out of pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list
  • Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine
  • Marketers offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine, domestically or internationally, in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee
  • Unsolicited emails, telephone calls, or personal contact from someone claiming to be from a medical office, insurance company, or COVID-19 vaccine center requesting personal and/or medical information to determine recipients’ eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine
  • Claims of FDA approval for a vaccine that cannot be verified
  • Advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources
  • Individuals contacting you in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

Tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud:

  • Consult your state’s health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and only obtaining a vaccine through such channels.
  • Check the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for current information about vaccine emergency use authorizations.
  • Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any vaccination.
  • Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals.
  • Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider.
  • Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals.

General online/cyber fraud prevention techniques:

  • Verify the spelling of web addresses, websites, and email addresses that look trustworthy but may be imitations of legitimate websites.
  • Ensure operating systems and applications are updated to the most current versions.
  • Update anti-malware and anti-virus software and conduct regular network scans.
  • Do not enable macros on documents downloaded from an email unless necessary and after ensuring the file is not malicious.
  • Do not communicate with or open emails, attachments, or links from unknown individuals.
  • Never provide personal information of any sort via email; be aware that many emails requesting your personal information may appear to be legitimate.
  • Use strong two-factor authentication if possible, using biometrics, hardware tokens, or authentication apps.
  • Disable or remove unneeded software applications.

If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to the FBI (ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI) or HHS OIG (tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS).

View related flyer (pdf)

For accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit:

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U.S. Space & Rocket Center and FBI Sign MOU in Support of U.S. Cyber Camp

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

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are entering a joint agreement in support of U.S. Cyber Camp, the newest of the four STEM camp programs at the Rocket Center. FBI Associate Deputy Director Paul Abbate and USSRC Executive Director and CEO Louie Ramirez will sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration Wednesday, October 21, at 10 a.m.

The Rocket Center held its first U.S. Cyber Camp session in July 2017, with the help of Cyber Huntsville and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Since that time, the Center has continued to expand the program designed to engage U.S. students in the critical fields of cyber security and computer science. With the agreement, the FBI joins the Rocket Center in those efforts by providing help with curriculum development that will include realistic cyber scenarios and real-life responses. U.S. Cyber Camp students will also hear from subject matter experts and get to tour the FBI facilities at Redstone Arsenal.

Cyber Camp students will also learn about the FBI’s cyber programs and cyber-focused career opportunities. Rocket Center staff will also support FBI youth cyber educational initiatives and public outreach efforts.

“This memorandum of understanding is formalizing the FBI’s interest in Cyber Camp,” said Ramirez. “Just as our Space Camp students learn about space exploration and the careers that support it, with the FBI’s help, our cyber program will educate students about the exciting and important field of cyber security and what it takes to be part of our nation’s top cyber-crime fighting agency.”

“In today’s complex cyber environment, partnerships at every level are absolutely essential,” said Abbate. “We’re in the fight against cyber threats together and we won’t succeed without each other. We’re very pleased at this opportunity to partner with the USSRC to cultivate a new generation of cyber talent.”

“The Birmingham Division of the FBI has been working with U.S. Space & Rocket Center leadership since the inception of U.S. Cyber Camp, and today’s memorandum of understanding solidifies the FBI’s partnership,” said Johnnie Sharp, FBI Birmingham special agent in charge. “It is my hope that this agreement and our partnership will encourage young people from across America to consider the FBI and service to their country as a career.”

Today’s memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center confirms the FBI’s commitment to developing future STEM professional talent and leadership to help carry out the FBI’s mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.

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FBI Charlotte Seeking Information on Illegal Drone Activity

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking to identify the person(s) responsible for illegally flying a drone on multiple occasions near a flight path to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Between October 30, 2020, and December 8, 2020, there have been at least five reports by commercial airline pilots of a drone flying at least 4,000 feet in the air in the Fort Mill area.

In 2018, The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act included 18 USC 39B, which federally criminalizes “Unsafe Operation of Unmanned Aircraft”. Specifically, knowing or reckless interference or disruption of a manned aircraft, and the operation of unmanned aircraft in close proximity to airports. While the drone(s) did not come into direct contact with an airplane or cause a pilot to make an evasive maneuver, the actions are illegal and extremely dangerous.

Anyone flying a drone as prohibited by law and described in 18 USC 39B can face federal criminal charges, fined and imprisoned for up to life or both. It is possible the drone operator(s) are not aware they are violating the law. We encourage anyone with knowledge of illegal drone flying, especially one or more in the Fort Mill area to contact the FBI at 704-672-6100.

As we get closer to Christmas, drones will be given and received as gifts. We encourage the public to abide by federal and state laws. You can learn more https://www.faa.gov/uas/.