Category: Federal Bureau of Investigation

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Mull of Kintyre 30th anniversary

Source: United Kingdom Security Service (MI5)

Published date: 03 Jun 2024

Yesterday marked 30 years since the Mull of Kintyre helicopter crash, in which 29 people lost their lives including four members of MI5.

At an event this weekend to commemorate the victims of the disaster, our Director General, Ken McCallum, paid tribute on behalf of MI5 to all those who lost their lives. 

Following the event, the Director General said: 

“The commemoration was a fitting tribute to all those on board the helicopter which crashed on the Mull of Kintyre 30 years ago, including our four colleagues. 

“When people join MI5, they do so in order to keep their country safe. The members of staff who lost their lives that day were no different. 

“Their dedication to protecting their fellow citizens is their lasting legacy.”

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Practitioners share expertise on battlefield evidence to tackle terrorism and core international crimes

Source: Eurojust

High-level representatives and prosecutors from the United States, the European Union, international organizations, and civil society have been taking stock of the latest developments and cooperation tools for the use of battlefield evidence collected in the context of an armed conflict. During a dedicated expert meeting at Eurojust, specialised prosecutors from the European Union dealing with counter-terrorism were joined for the first time by their counterparts from core international crimes units.

The expert meeting was co-organised by the Eurojust Counter-Terrorism Working Group, the U.S. Department of Justice and the EU Network for the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against impunity and war crimes (Genocide Network). The exchanges over the past two days are of crucial importance to prosecutors of terrorism offences and core international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Expertise in the use of evidence from past armed conflicts can be used in proceedings related to ongoing and future conflicts.

Commenting on the importance of the meeting, Mr Matthew F. Blue, Chief of the Counterterrorism Section in the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice said: ‘Terrorists and war criminals should have no illusions that they are safe from prosecution when they plot and commit crimes in conflict zones. The United States is committed to ensuring that battlefield evidence is available for use in its domestic cases and those pursued by its European allies. Today’s meeting reaffirms the strong transatlantic commitment to ensuring that this vital tool is effectively harnessed.’

Mr Baudoin Thouvenot, National Member for France and Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Team at Eurojust, stated: ‘We are experiencing challenging times, with a continuing terrorism threat and war at the borders of the EU, and now more than ever, impunity is intolerable. The use of evidence collected on battlefields is a crucial asset in the fight against war crimes, genocide and terrorism. Having the EU and the U.S. judicial authorities working together and sharing expertise sends a strong message on the international scene.’

In view of continued terrorist threats, the fight against terrorism remains high on the EU agenda. Eurojust has been assisting cases against returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) and analysing the criminal justice response for some twenty years. A specific focus has been placed on FTFs who travelled to the conflict zone in Syria, but also other areas, to join jihadist terrorist groups.

The complex and dynamic FTF phenomenon has been changing through the years. The support provided by Eurojust has been evolving to ensure that challenges faced by national authorities, including the gathering and admissibility of evidence, e-evidence and financial investigations, are addressed and national efforts are strengthened by solid multilateral cooperation and coordination.

Battlefield evidence plays a key role in such cases. Such evidence may include registration forms, photos depicting crimes committed against civilians, fingerprints on explosive devices and e-mails describing terrorist plots. This evidence can demonstrate the operational workings and command structures of terrorist organisations, including the role of specific suspects and their associates. Battlefield evidence also can assist in assessing the intent and policies of different terrorist organisations operating in the EU, U.S. and globally.

Battlefield evidence is also crucial to build cases that go beyond the prosecution of membership and financing of terrorism to also entail core international crimes. Some FTFs may be prosecuted for both sets of crimes cumulatively. For example, battlefield evidence shared by U.S. authorities and other partners such as the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD), whose mandate will come to an end in September 2024, has strongly supported EU prosecutors to obtain cumulative convictions against FTFs on terrorism and core international crimes charges. This for instance has led to a higher level of sentencing of FTFs who were involved with Da’esh/ISIL in crimes against Yezidi victims.

The expert meeting at Eurojust is another milestone in the long-standing cooperation between Eurojust and U.S. authorities on enhancing the access and use of battlefield evidence. It provided a platform for the sharing of challenges and best practice amongst practitioners, which is key to overcoming legal and practical hurdles in ongoing and future criminal cases. It demonstrated information and evidence sharing between EU, U.S. and international partners is of prime importance in investigating and prosecuting alleged FTFs and has proved to be successful in the past.

In joining forces, Eurojust, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Genocide Network have laid the foundation for a community of practice between prosecutors from diverse backgrounds, from all over the EU and partner countries. The expertise is essential to strengthen capacities and foster further cooperation in present and future investigations and prosecutions concerning crimes committed in conflict areas.

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FBI Youth Academy

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

Headline: FBI Youth Academy

The FBI’s Youth Academy program helps high school juniors and seniors explore the world of law enforcement, build leadership skills, and become positive role models in our shared community. The Portland Division is now accepting applications for the July 2018 overnight Youth Academy to be held in Salem, Oregon.

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BRIAN WILLIE NELSON

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News

Headline: BRIAN WILLIE NELSON

Use/Carry of Firearm During Crime of Violence/Drug Trafficking Offense; Interference with Commerce by Threats or Violence

Images

Aliases:

Brian Nelson, Bill Nelson, Brian W. Nelson, Brian W. Nelson, Jr., Brian William Nelson, Brian Willie Nelson, Jr., Bryan Nelson, Robert Nelson, William Nelson, William Eric Nelson, William R. Nelson, William Robert Nelson, William Ronald Nelson

Description

Date(s) of Birth Used August 31, 1953, June 21, 1950, August 21, 1950, August 31, 1950, August 21, 1952, August 21, 1960, October 9, 1950
Place of Birth Ohio, may also use Illinois
Hair Black, worn bald
Eyes Brown
Height 5’9″ to 5’10”
Weight 160 to 180 pounds
Sex Male
Race Black
Nationality American
Scars and Marks Nelson has a tattoo on his right arm. He has a scar on his left wrist.
NCIC W450632430

Caution:

Brian Willie Nelson is wanted for his alleged involvement in the armed robbery of a store in Memphis, Tennessee. On June 6, 2016, Nelson allegedly robbed a home furnishings store while armed with a revolver. After allegedly obtaining money by force from the store’s employees, Nelson fled the business.

On August 25, 2016, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Nelson in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, after he was charged with use/carry of firearm during crime of violence/drug trafficking offense, and interference with commerce by threats or violence.

SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

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John Brosnan Named Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division for the New York Field Office

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

Headline: John Brosnan Named Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division for the New York Field Office

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced the appointment of John Brosnan as the special agent in charge of the Criminal Division for the New York Field Office. Mr. Brosnan most recently served as the section chief of the Violent Crimes Against Children Section of the Criminal Investigative Division.

Mr. Brosnan entered on duty as a special agent with the FBI in 1995 and was first assigned to the New York Field Office, where he worked white-collar crime matters.

Throughout his career, Mr. Brosnan has held leadership positions in the Philadelphia Division and the Counterterrorism Division.

Mr. Brosnan is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner.

Mr. Brosnan will report to the New York Field Office in early March.

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Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced for Stealing Funds Which Resulted in Closing of Credit Union

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

Headline: Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced for Stealing Funds Which Resulted in Closing of Credit Union

CONTACT:  Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX #:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Norma Gold, 57, of Eldred, PA, who was convicted of making false entries in federal credit union reports, was sentenced to 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $179,939.21.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who handled the case, stated that Gold was an employee of the Olean Tile Employees Federal Credit Union (OTEFCU) for approximately 26 years between 1986 and December 2012. For a portion of her tenure, Gold served as office manager and was responsible for keeping accurate financial records on behalf of the Credit Union. 

Between December 2007 and December 2012, Gold embezzled funds and made false entries in OTEFCU’s general ledger and altered financial statements, making it appear that the OTEFCU’s account balances were larger than they actually were. Gold’s conduct caused substantial hardship to the OTEFCU and it was ultimately forced to close as a result of the theft. The OTEFCU suffered a total loss of $179,939.21. 

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin P. Lyons; the National Credit Union Administration; the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson; and the Olean Police Department, under the direction Chief Jeffrey Rowley.  

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Bridgeport Man Admits Robbing Five Connecticut Banks

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

Headline: Bridgeport Man Admits Robbing Five Connecticut Banks

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYCE ALEXANDER LAISTER, 25, formerly of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of armed bank robbery and admitted that he robbed a total of five Connecticut banks between November 2016 and June 2017.

According to court documents and statements made in court, LAISTER robbed the Webster Bank at 314 Merwin Avenue in Milford on November 30, 2016; the Key Bank at 133 East Main Street in Plainville on April 7, 2017; the Key Bank at 1328 Boston Post Road in Westbrook on May 5, 2017; the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop and Shop at 898 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton on May 30, 2017, and the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop and Shop at 112 Amity Road in New Haven on June 10, 2017.

During the Shelton robbery, LAISTER brandished a pistol, and during the Plainville and Westbrook robberies, LAISTER threatened to kill or shoot bank employees if they did not comply with his demands.

LAISTER was located and arrested in Stratford on June 15, 2017, after he engaged in a two-hour standoff with local and federal law enforcement officers.  At the time of his arrest, LAISTER possessed a .380 caliber pistol and a magazine loaded with two bullets.  A subsequent search one of LAISTER’s vehicles revealed clothing he wore during the robbery on June 10, a makeup kit he used to disguise his features, and a Stop and Shop circular.

LAISTER is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello on May 17, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.  He has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and the Milford, Plainville, Shelton, New Haven and Stratford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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Elder Fraud

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Headline: Elder Fraud

Fraud schemes against the elderly also include a variety of mass mailing and telemarketing frauds such as lottery phone scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, IRS imposter schemes, and others. Many of these schemes are perpetrated by criminals outside the United States. All of the schemes have one goal: to trick and deceive senior citizens into turning over their hard-earned savings.

“These fraudsters view our seniors as prime targets,” Bowdich said. Many senior citizens have large nest eggs saved over decades. At the same time, they may not be technologically savvy. The scammers also know that elderly victims often don’t report being victimized either because they feel guilty or embarrassed, “or because they don’t even realize they are being scammed,” Bowdich explained.

Other agencies participating in today’s announcement included the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission, which actively investigate elder fraud, and, like the FBI, offer educational material and other resources to senior citizens so they can become more aware of the threat.

“While criminals see the elderly as trusting people with money,” Bowdich explained, “we see them as national treasures. The elderly are the cornerstone of this country. Many of them sacrificed for their families … for their nation.” He added, “We understand how devastating a fraudulent scheme against elderly victims can be, not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and even physically.”

Sessions and others at the press conference—including a woman whose elderly grandmother committed suicide after losing her life savings to scammers—encouraged senior citizens and their caregivers to report elder fraud to the authorities so that these “despicable con artists” can be brought to justice. “I hope that no victim of fraud feels ashamed,” Sessions said. “This can happen to anyone.”

To report elder fraud to the FBI, visit your local FBI office, call 1-800-CALL FBI (225-5324), or file a complaint online at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

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Altoona Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

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

Headline: Altoona Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. has been sentenced today in federal court to 84 months in prison, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, and was ordered to register as a convicted sex offender within three days of this sentence, on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Trenton Stehley, 20, of Altoona, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on August 11, 2015, Stehley knowingly possessed videos and images in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Altoona Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Stehley.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Judge Sentences Johnstown Heroin Dealer to Nine Years in Prison

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

Headline: Judge Sentences Johnstown Heroin Dealer to Nine Years in Prison

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 108 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on her conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Ava Blackwell, 25, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from Aug. 25, 2016, through Sept. 14, 2016, Blackwell conspired with a co-defendant to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Blackwell.