Natuashish — Arrest warrant issued for Wayne Mistenapeo

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

An arrest warrant has been issued for 28-year-old Wayne John Kaniuekutat Mistenapeo who is actively evading police.

Mistenapeo is wanted by Natuashish RCMP in relation to a number of charges including:

  • Assault
  • Uttering threats
  • Mischief under $5,000
  • Breach of probation – two counts
  • Breach of a release order – three counts

An image of Mistenapeo is attached.

Anyone having information on the current location of Wayne Mistenapeo is asked to contact Natuashish RCMP at 709-478-8900 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

Lower South River — Search warrant executed for drug trafficking investigation

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The RCMP’s Antigonish-Guysborough Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has arrested multiple people after executing a search warrant at a home in Lower South River.

On January 2, officers from the Antigonish-Guysborough SCEU, with assistance from the Pictou County Integrated SCEU and the Antigonish County District RCMP, executed a search warrant at a residence on Rogers Dr. in relation to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

Four people were arrested at the home without incident.

At the residence, investigators seized a quantity of cocaine, cash, five firearms, a taser, a baton, and property that had been stolen from a local business.

A 27-year-old man and 25-year-old woman, both of Lower South River, will face charges of:

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
  • Careless Storage of a Firearm
  • Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
  • Possessing a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

They were released from custody to appear in Antigonish Provincial Court on February 26.

Ellsworth Decoste, 37, of Frankville, was also arrested at the residence for outstanding warrants. He faces new charges of Failure to Comply with Release Conditions (three counts) and Theft Under $5,000. He was held in custody and attended Antigonish Provincial Court on January 2.

The fourth person arrested was released without charges.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Note: The PCISCEU is made up of police officers from Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.

Harbour Grace — Harbour Grace RCMP investigates break, enter and theft at Scotiabank in Carbonear, stolen excavators and pickup truck used

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Harbour Grace RCMP is investigating a break, enter and theft that occurred at the Scotiabank in Carbonear today, January 9, 2025. A stolen pickup truck and two stolen excavators were used during the commission of the crime.

Shortly after 1:00 a.m., a commercial pickup truck was stolen from a gated compound on Goff Avenue in Carbonear. Following this crime, two excavators that were parked on a commercial property adjacent to the Scotiabank on Powell Drive were stolen.

At approximately 1:25 a.m., Harbour Grace RCMP received a report of commercial alarm at the Scotiabank in Carbonear. Police arrived on the scene minutes after receiving the call for service and found the business heavily damaged by the two stolen excavators that remained at the scene. An ATM was extracted from inside the bank and was loaded into the stolen pickup truck which had departed the scene prior to police arrival.

Police believe multiple individuals are involved in this crime.

At approximately 6:45 a.m. this morning, police received information that the stolen truck departed Brigus Junction, entered onto the Trans-Canada Highway and exited the TCH at Middle Gull Pond. Following this information, the stolen pickup truck was located abandoned in a gravel pit off the Trans-Canada Highway near Middle Gull Pond and was recovered by Holyrood RCMP. Police believe suspects transported the ATM from the stolen pickup truck into another vehicle.

Harbour Grace RCMP is asking business owners, residents and anyone who may have been in Carbonear during the time of these crimes to check for all available surveillance footage. Additionally, police ask anyone in the area of Brigus Junction check for available surveillance footage of the stolen pickup truck. Officers are also asking individuals in the area of Middle Gull Pond to check surveillance for the stolen pickup truck or any other vehicle traveling in that area during the early morning hours today. Anyone having information about these crimes is asked to contact Harbour Grace RCMP at 709-596-5014. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

The investigation is continuing.

Mahone Bay — Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit leads investigation into intimate partner deaths in Mahone Bay

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation of suspicious sudden deaths in Mahone Bay that were found to be the result of intimate partner violence.

On January 5, 2025, at approximately 1:05 p.m., Lunenburg District RCMP responded to a request to check on the wellbeing of two people at a home on Long Hill Rd. in Mahone Bay. Responding officers found the remains of a 60-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man in the home. The deaths were believed to be suspicious and the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit took carriage of the investigation.

In partnership with the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Office, the investigation has determined that the woman’s death was a result of homicide and that the man, who died as a result of self-inflicted wounds, was responsible for the woman’s death. This incident was the result of intimate partner violence.

Our thoughts continue to be with the loved ones of the deceased persons and the community at this difficult time.

We encourage anyone experiencing, or at risk of, intimate partner violence to reach out. Support is available across Nova Scotia and can be accessed by dialing 211, calling the provincial toll-free line at 1-855-225-0220, or visiting Nova Scotia 211 online. You can access support anonymously.

The ongoing investigation continues to be led by the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit with assistance from Lunenburg District RCMP, Yarmouth Town RCMP, Kings District RCMP, the Lunenburg District RCMP General Investigation Section, the West Hants District RCMP General Investigation Section, Southwest Nova RCMP Traffic Services, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, RCMP Digital Forensic Services and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Office.

U.S. Marshals Service Arrest Fugitive Wanted for Murder of Ex-Wife

Source: US Marshals Service

Chicago, IL – On January 8, 2025, Members of the United States Marshals Service, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF) successfully apprehended Allen Oscar Woods of Hammond, Indiana, in Chicago, IL.

Allen Oscar Woods was charged in Lake Criminal Court with the shooting death of his ex-wife Tiffany Woods. According to the charges Woods was identified as the individual who publicly shot Tiffany Woods multiple times in the afternoon hours of December 27, 2024.

The investigation led officers to believe Woods fled Indiana to the Chicagoland area to evade capture. Law enforcement sought the assistance of local media, providing a photo and description of the fugitive, and requested to be contacted with tips that may lead to his apprehension. At approximately 3:30pm on January 8, 2025, law enforcement received a tip of an individual meeting the fugitive’s description near the 1200 block of South Canal Street in Chicago. Members of the GLRFTF-Chicago in conjunction with Chicago Police Department and Illinois Department of Corrections responded to the lead and successfully arrested Woods in a local establishment near the 1400 Block of South Canal Street.

Participating agencies included the Chicago Police Department, Illinois Department of Corrections, Hammond Police Detective Division and the U.S. Marshals’ Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.

The USMS has a long history of providing assistance and expertise to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in support of their fugitive investigations. Working with authorities at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels, USMS-led fugitive task forces arrested more than 73,000 fugitives and cleared nearly 86,000 warrants in FY 2023.

DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During the Fires in Los Angeles County, CA

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works with its federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support the needs of the people in the areas that may be impacted.

In such circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remind the public that sites that provide emergency response and relief are considered protected areas. To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones.

At the request of FEMA or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may help conduct search and rescue, air traffic de-confliction and public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. DHS officials do not and will not pose as individuals providing emergency-related information as part of any enforcement activities.

DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of a natural disaster or emergency event is able to do so regardless of their immigration status.

DHS carries out its mission without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, ethnicity, disability or political associations, and in compliance with law and policy.

For information about filing a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties about these matters, please visit our Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.

Telephone Scams Using U.S. Marshal’s Name

Source: US Marshals Service

Fort Smith, AR – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is alerting the public to several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be specifically the current U.S. Marshal, which is Gary Grimes (or the U.S. Marshals Service in general).  Scam callers have been known to previously identify themselves as court officers, or other law enforcement officials. We are urging the public to report the calls not only to their local U.S. Marshals Service office, but also to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law enforcement.  “These are not victimless crimes,” said Gary Grimes, U. S. Marshal.  Callers are using the name Gary Grimes or the U.S. Marshals Service to advise the public they have pending civil and/or criminal subpoenas and perhaps other court related documents pending against them.  Callers have previously mandated payment in lieu of service of these court related documents or to avoid appearance in court.  Scam callers have often indicated the fees owed can be paid via telephone with a credit card, debit card, or even a gift card.

These phone scams are just that – scams.  The U.S. Marshal, Gary Grimes, nor the U.S. Marshals Service in general will not place anonymous calls stating any of the above demands.  Those owing fines will always be contacted via official mail first or contacted in person (not by phone), and those who have business with the court, whether it is a criminal or civil subpoena or any other pending case, will be contacted in person by law enforcement professionals more than willing to properly identify themselves with credentials showing their agency, name, title, badge number and photograph.

During these calls, scammers will sometimes attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty or other offenses. They then tell victims they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card, credit card, or gift card and read the card number over the phone to satisfy the fine.

“The U.S. Marshals would never ask for a credit/debit or gift card number or banking routing numbers or ask for funds to be wired for any purpose, said Grimes.  If the caller is urging you to provide this type of information or any other personal or financial information, hang up and report the call to the Marshals and the FTC. You can even report to both agencies anonymously.”

Scammers use many tactics to sound credible. They sometimes provide information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and federal judges, and courthouse addresses. They may also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller ID as if they are calling from the court or a government agency.

If you believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local U.S. Marshals Service office and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Things to remember:

  • The U.S. Marshals Service WILL NEVER ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
  • NEVER divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
  • Report scam phone calls to your local U.S. Marshals Service office and to the FTC.
  • You can remain anonymous when you report.
  • Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order given by the caller.

Whitehorse — RCMP warn Yukoners about email scam

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Whitehorse RCMP have recently received a report of a Yukoner receiving an extortion email claiming to be from the RCMP.

The RCMP states that the e-mail in question was titled as a legal document such as a subpoena would be, and the message accuses the reader of serious criminal charges and asks that they respond by email. The message may include the RCMP crest and use Government of Canada logos. This is a scam.

Law enforcement will never demand payment and will not threaten arrest by email. If in doubt, contact your local RCMP detachment directly. To see some examples of these types of fraudulent emails and to learn more: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/extortion-extorsion-eng.htm

The Canadian Ant-Fraud Centre has a very informative website detailing the types of scams that are happening all over Canada, including the Yukon. If you suspect you’ve been targeted or victimized by a scam, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you were a victim, please also contact your local police.

Associate of Miles Guo, Yvette Wang, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Her Role in an Over $1 Billion Dollar Fraud Conspiracy

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

Daniel M. Gitner, Attorney for the United States, Acting under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, announced today that YVETTE WANG, a/k/a “Yanping,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with her managerial role in a sprawling and complex scheme WANG and her co-conspirator, Miles Guo, orchestrated in order to fraudulently solicit investments from thousands of Miles Guo’s online followers in various entities and programs.  As part of that scheme, WANG and Guo made false representations to induce victims to invest money in various entities WANG and/or her co-conspirators controlled, including GTV Media Group, Inc. (“GTV”), the Himalaya Farm Alliance, G Club Operations, LLC (“G|CLUBS”), and the Himalaya Exchange.  And then WANG and her co-conspirators spent their victims’ money on themselves, purchasing luxurious items such as million-dollar sports cars and a New Jersey mansion.

Attorney for the United States Daniel M. Gitner said: “Yvette Wang worked with Miles Guo to defraud thousands of victims out of more than $1 billion.  Today’s sentence is a reminder that there will be serious consequences for this conduct, and that this Office will tirelessly in its work to detect, prosecute, and punish fraud.”

According to the charging documents, public court filings, statements made in court, and evidence admitted at Miles Guo’s trial:

From at least in or about 2018 through at least in or about March 2023, WANG and others conspired to defraud thousands of victims of more than approximately $1.4 billion.  Miles Guo was the leader of this complex conspiracy.  WANG was Guo’s “Chief of Staff.” In that capacity, WANG played a managerial role in a variety of entities that the Government has alleged were part of the “G Enterprise” – a series of interrelated entities and companies that were used by WANG and her co-conspirators to carry out this billion-dollar fraud scheme.  Through her work in the G Enterprise, and as WANG well knew, WANG directed the expenditure of fraud proceeds on luxury items for herself, Miles Guo’s family, and others.

WANG and her co-conspirators’ fraud relied on several interrelated operations:  the Rule of Law Charities, GTV Private Placement, the Farm Loan Program, G|CLUBS, the Himalaya Exchange, and A10.

Between on or about April 20, 2020, and on or about June 2, 2020, approximately $452 million worth of purported GTV common stock was sold to more than 5,500 investors.  Investors participated in the GTV Private Placement based, in part, on the belief that their money would be invested into GTV to develop and grow that business. In early June 2020, as WANG and her co-conspirators agreed, WANG transferred $100 million of funds raised from the GTV Private Placement into a high-risk hedge fund for the benefit of GTV’s parent company and its ultimate beneficial owner, Guo’s son.

On or about July 22, 2020, in a video distributed via social media, WANG’s co-conspirator promoted the Farm Loan Program, which was a purported opportunity to obtain stock in GTV in exchange for a loan.  However, no stock was ever provided, and WANG and her co-conspirators misappropriated funds that were raised through the Farm Loan Program. For example, approximately $2.3 million was used to cover maintenance expenses associated with an approximately 145-foot luxury yacht worth approximately $37 million.

From at least in or about October 2020 through at least in or about March 2023, WANG and her co-conspirators fraudulently obtained more than approximately $250 million in victim funds through G|CLUBS.  G|CLUBS claimed on its website to be “an exclusive, high-end membership program offering a full spectrum of services” and “a gateway to carefully curated world-class products, services and experiences.”  WANG was the de facto CEO of G|CLUBS, and as she well knew, G|CLUBS did not provide anything other than superficial services to its members.  Moreover, on the basis of Guo’s statements in online videos, victims sent money to G|CLUBS expecting to receive stock in GTV, G|Fashion, or other entities.  But, as WANG well knew, victims never received stock and instead G|CLUBS funds were used—often at WANG’s direction—to purchase, among other things, a 50,000 square foot New Jersey mansion; various furniture and decorative items including, among other items, Chinese and Persian rugs worth approximately $978,000, a $62,000 television, and a $53,000 fireplace log cradle holder; a $900,000 Lamborghini, and a custom-built Bugatti sports car for approximately $4.4 million.

On or about November 1, 2021, WANG’s co-conspirators introduced purported cryptocurrencies called the Himalaya coin and the Himalaya dollar through a fraudulent cryptocurrency exchange called the Himalaya Exchange.  These purported cryptocurrencies were fraudulent and designed so that the conspiracy could collect additional money from victims.  On or about September 20, 2022, and September 21, 2022, U.S. authorities served judicially-authorized seizure warrants on several domestic banks and subsequently seized approximately $335 million of proceeds from bank accounts held in the names of Himalaya Exchange entities and other entities associated with WANG and her co-conspirators.        

Wang was arrested on March 15, 2023, at which time FBI agents located $130,000 of cash in a safe in her apartment.

In connection with the sentencing, Judge Torres said that Wang was an “integral part of the conspiracy and knew what she was doing was illegal.”

*                *                *

In addition to the prison term, WANG, 45, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release concurrently on each count. WANG also agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $1.4 billion. 

Guo was convicted at trial on July 16, 2024. Guo’s sentencing date is pending.

Mr. Gitner praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case is being handled by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit of the Office’s Criminal Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah F. Fergenson, Ryan B. Finkel, Justin Horton, and Juliana N. Murray are in charge of the prosecution.

Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Serve 20 Years Collectively in Federal Prison for Illegally Trafficking Black-Market Marijuana From Oklahoma Grow Operation

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

OKLAHOMA CITY – JEFF WENG, 47, of China and Brooklyn, New York, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Weng and co-defendant Tong Lin, 29, with conspiracy to possess marijuana plants with intent to distribute.  On January 18, 2024, after a two-day trial, a federal jury deliberated about an hour before it found Weng and Lin guilty of drug conspiracy.

Between December 2022 and May 2023, evidence at trial indicated that Weng managed a marijuana grow in Wetumka, Oklahoma, and licensed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Evidence showed that Lin managed matters when Weng was not present. One witness testified that, as part of their participation in the drug conspiracy, they drove delivery vans disguised as commercial vehicles, including one disguised as an “Amazon” delivery van, to the Wetumka Grow 10 to 15 times between December 2022 and March 31, 2023.  The witness further testified that they picked up between 150 and 200 pounds of marijuana each time from the Wetumka Grow, and that Lin helped load the fake “Amazon” delivery van with marijuana. The witness testified they transported the marijuana to a stash house in Oklahoma City. Every Friday, the witness transported the marijuana from the stash house to a warehouse in Oklahoma City. There, they loaded more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana at a time into a semi-truck trailer, which transported the marijuana from Oklahoma to the East Coast. Over approximately seven months, the witness shipped upwards of 56,000 pounds of marijuana out of Oklahoma via semi-truck. Evidence also showed that law enforcement searched the Wetumka Grow in May 2023 and located 19,661 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, more than $100,000 of vacuum-sealed cash hidden in Weng’s closet attic space, and a firearm.

At the sentencing hearing on December 19, 2024, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Weng to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk noted the role Weng played in a “significant” illegal marijuana operation, and the need for deterrence. On June 17, 2024, Lin was sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, along with assistance from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. It is also a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wilson D. McGarry and David Nichols, Jr. prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.