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

PORT CHESTER, NY—The FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and Port Chester Police Department are asking for help in identifying possible victims in a sextortion investigation involving a man from Port Chester, New York. Investigators arrested Jose Zafra on January 9, 2021, and charged him with production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), or what is commonly known as child pornography.

Based on the criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of New York, investigators allege Zafra asked for and received sexually explicit photos and videos from a 9-year-old girl in the Panama City, Florida, area. They also allege Zafra extorted his victims by using flattery, lies and other methods to get them to produce CSAM. Other victims have been identified across the United States to include Columbus, Georgia, and Austin, Texas. Agents believe there may be many other possible victims.

Zafra used the social media application Snapchat to communicate with most of his victims. His usernames include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Definitely jose
• Bigdickdaddy
• Jose.zafra
• Openshit

If anyone has information about Jose Zafra, or believe they may have been a victim or know a victim, they are asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or submit a tip online at https://www.fbi.gov/tips.

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

(TAMPA)—An Orlando man is charged in a federal criminal complaint for violating national defense airspace after FBI agents detected his drone flying in a restricted area. Henry Alejandro Jimenez, (33), faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison.

On February 3, 2021, FBI agents saw an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a “drone,” flying near the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk—an area within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR).

Jimenez, who is an FAA-licensed remote pilot UAS operator, stated that he was aware that a TFR was in place for the Super Bowl.

Since the Super Bowl TFR went into effect on January 29th, (27) drone operators were contacted, the majority of whom were given verbal warnings.

“Our goal is your safety this week and part of that effort is enforcing the NO DRONE ZONE,” said Michael McPherson, special agent in charge of FBI Tampa. “This is a perfect example of the serious consequences drone operators face when they choose to ignore the temporary flight restrictions.”

The FBI was given countering unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) authority in 2018 with the passage of the Preventing Emerging Threats Act. We are prepared to utilize that authority if such a decision is made to maintain the security of an event.

The FBI continues to work closely with our state and local law enforcement partners to assess any potential threats to public safety. As always, the FBI asks the public to maintain awareness of your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

For more information about the FAA restrictions visit: https://www.faa.gov/superbowl/ Drone pilots should check the FAA’s app to determine when and where they may fly. Where Can I Fly App

The public should be reminded the above allegations are merely allegations and that all persons are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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

Colleagues, family, and friends gathered this weekend to honor the lives of FBI Special Agents Laura Schwartzenberger and Daniel Alfin, who were killed in the line of duty February 2, 2021, in Sunrise, Florida, while serving a federal search warrant in a crimes against children investigation.

Memorial services were held Saturday and Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Law enforcement officers escorted the caskets to the stadium, where both agents were eulogized by FBI Director Christopher Wray. The services included an honor guard salute, a riderless horse, a pipe and drum corps, and a helicopter flyover. Director Wray also presented the American flags that had draped the caskets to the agents’ families.

“On Tuesday, we lost not one of our own, but two,” Wray said at the services. “Two warriors who took on one of the hardest jobs in the FBI, crimes against children. Two best friends who shared the same passion, the same determination, and—in spite of all they had witnessed in their extraordinary careers—the same sense of optimism and hope that comes from work that matters.”

We will always honor and remember our fallen FBI Family members. And in the words of Director Wray, “We take inspiration from their example and the sacrifices they heroically made for all of us.”

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

On behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Denver Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider would like to thank the entire community for the outpouring of support as we grieve, along with our colleagues in the FBI Miami Division and the whole FBI Family, the loss of Special Agents Laura Schwartzenberger and Daniel Alfin.

Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger, 43, was killed in the line of duty in Miami, Florida, while attempting to serve a court-ordered federal search warrant for a violent crimes against children investigation. Laura’s colleague, Special Agent Daniel Alfin, was also killed during the incident, and three other agents were wounded.

“The FBI Family is devastated by this immense loss. We have found strength and gratitude in the amazing volume of condolences, kindness, and support from our law enforcement and community partners, as well as the general public. I am proud and humbled by those who generously offered to assist the FBI family and Laura’s family and loved ones here in Colorado. We remain unwavering in our commitment in helping the families through these difficult days. While we mourn the loss of Laura and Dan, we will never forget their sacrifice. They were ordinary people who were willing to do extraordinary things in pursuit of making the world a better place.”—SAC Michael Schneider

Laura was a native of Pueblo and a 1996 graduate of Pueblo South High School, where she was an accomplished diver. She attended Colorado State University and competed with the Rams dive team for one year. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Northeastern University in 2000, and later earned a Master’s Degree in International Studies from the University of Denver. Laura was a 15-year veteran of the FBI, initially assigned to FBI Albuquerque Division in 2005. She transferred to Miami in 2010 and committed her time there investigating crimes against children. She is survived by her husband, who is also from Pueblo, and two children.

During Laura’s memorial service in Miami on Saturday, February 6, FBI Director Christopher Wray commented, “She died the way that she lived—serving her community and keeping kids safe.”

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

The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and Greenwood Village Police Department need your help identifying an individual who robbed the Wells Fargo Bank located at 7700 East Belleview, Greenwood Village, Colorado, at 3:23 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 5’9” tall, with a stocky build. He was wearing a gaiter as a face mask, a dark-colored beanie, a dark gray hoodie, light-washed jeans, and surgical style gloves.

Please be on the lookout for anyone matching the suspect’s description. Be aware of anyone similar who might have recently changed their spending habits or discussed coming into money suddenly.

Bank robbery is punishable up to a 20-year prison sentence for each offense, and increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime. The FBI continues to provide financial institutions with the best practices for security to make them less vulnerable to robberies.

If anyone has any information on the bank robbery above, or any bank robbery, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171; or, you can remain anonymous and earn up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).