Source: United States Coast Guard
01/23/2024 11:58 AM EST
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Source: United States Coast Guard
01/23/2024 03:10 PM EST
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –Martin D. Cruz-Vázquez, President of FiveStar Pest Control Inc. (FiveStar), and Luis O. Agosto-Meléndez, President of CoolBreeze Air Conditioning, Inc. (CoolBreeze) pleaded guilty to the theft of federal program funds provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the administration of Public Housing Projects (PHPs) in Puerto Rico.
According to court documents, Martin D. Cruz-Vázquez utilized FiveStar to obtain fraudulent contracts with American Management and Administration Corporation (AMAC) and to submit fraudulent invoices for work that was not rendered. From 2014 to August 2022, Martin D. Cruz-Vázquez illegally obtained approximately $363,937 in HUD operational funds that were earmarked for the administration of PHPs.
Similarly, from 2014 to August 2019, Luis O. Agosto-Meléndez utilized CoolBreeze to obtain fraudulent contracts with AMAC causing the theft of approximately $73,199.46 in HUD operational funds.
Both schemes were carried out with the assistance of AMAC’s management, including president Walter Pierluisi-Isern, who were convicted in 2023 for related federal program theft in excess of $3.7 million. See https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/walter-pierluisi-isern-eduardo-pierluisi-isern-and-american-management-and.
“The U.S. Department of Justice will continue to prosecute those who attempt to defraud government programs,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These plea agreements send a clear message to those who misuse government funds that they will be held accountable for their crimes.”
“The guilty pleas relating to theft of funds from a HUD program meant to benefit low-income families is a signal that repercussions await all those that would seek to illegally obtain taxpayer dollars through fraudulent schemes,” said HUD OIG Southeast Region Special Agent-in-Charge, Jerome Winkle. “HUD OIG remains committed to working with our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of HUD’s programs and ensure vulnerable people in our communities are provided critical resources upon which they can rely.”
The defendants Luis O. Agosto-Melendez and Martin D. Cruz-Vazquez are scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2024 and April 30, 2024, respectively, and face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General investigated this case with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy is prosecuting the case.
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Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On January 22, 2024, at approximately 12:00 pm, Island Lake RCMP received a report of a home invasion which occurred earlier that morning at approximately 4:00 am.
It was reported that two males and two females armed with a firearm, broke into a residence, assaulted one of the occupants, stole items and fled. At the time of the incident there were several small children in the home. One adult male sustained minor injuries.
With the assistance of First Nation Safety Officers, three of the suspects were identified and arrested.
Keivn Flett, 26, has been charged with Robbery, Forcible Confinement, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Fail to Comply.
Janelle Wood, 22, has been charged with Robbery, Forcible Confinement and Assault with a Weapon.
Feather Taylor, 27 has been charged with Robbery and Forcible Confinement.
They were remanded into custody.
The fourth suspect, a male, has not been positively identified. Anyone with information is asked to call Island Lake RCMP at 204-456-2290, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The RCMP’s Provincial Financial Crime Team has charged a Strathmore resident with seven criminal offences relating to fraud and making false entries.
Between May 2010 and July 2017, the accused is alleged to have misappropriated more than $6 million in unauthorized wire transfers, payments and bonus cheques to himself while working as the Controller and later as the Chief Financial Officer for Thompson Bros. (Constr.) LP.
On Jan. 17, 2024, Paul Michael Sturt, 49, a resident of Strathmore, was arrested and charged with:
Sturt is scheduled to appear in Stony Plain Provincial Court on Feb. 14, 2024.
“An intensive investigation uncovered a complex fraud which caused significant financial harm to a company who employs more than 1,000 individuals and, by extension, threatened the economic integrity of Alberta’s construction industry. The RCMP remains committed to ensuring the diligent investigation of these crimes and the mitigation of their impact to the financial security of Canadians.”
The Provincial Financial Crime Team is a specialized unit under the RCMP Federal Policing program that conducts investigations relating to multi-jurisdictional serious fraud, investment scams and corruption.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Detectives investigating an alleged terrorism offence are seeking the public’s help to identify a man seen in CCTV footage shortly after the incident during a protest outside Downing Street.
CCTV stills issued by police today show the man detectives wish to speak with walking through Charing Cross Railway Station shortly after the incident, on the evening of 31 October 2023.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We’ve followed a number of lines of enquiry to try and identify this man and now we’re asking the public for their assistance.
“Take a good look at these pictures. Is this someone you recognise? If you have any information that could help us identify him, please get in touch. If you’re the man in the pictures, please contact us – we would like to speak with you.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 6578030/23.
To remain 100% anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The man is described as of Middle-Eastern appearance, in his mid-20s to early 30s, with a dark beard and moustache, and short hair closely shaved at the back and sides. He is wearing a dark top and bottoms, black shoes, and a black and white shemagh scarf.
Detectives launched an investigation after footage emerged on social media, allegedly showing a man outside Downing Street chanting in support of Hamas – a proscribed organisation – on the evening of 31 October.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Timothy Priddy, 49, of Buffalo, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to making a false statement. Priddy admitted that he lied to federal investigators about the verification of invoices for COVID-19 testing that he certified while an official with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR).
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 2, 2022, Priddy was director of WVDHHR’s Center for Threat Preparedness when he was interviewed by federal agents. Priddy had previously been deputy director, and his duties in that position had included reviewing and verifying the accuracy of certain invoices submitted to WVDHHR by vendors supplying COVID-19 testing and mitigation services prior to certifying the invoices for payment. The agents asked Priddy about invoices submitted by a particular vendor that had billed the State of West Virginia for tens of millions of dollars for COVID-19 testing and related services.
Priddy admitted that he knew the agents were investigating the vendor for suspected fraudulent billing, and that information relative to the invoices and subsequent payment was material to that investigation. One series of invoices of interest to the federal investigation related to a COVID-19 testing program for K-12 students, faculty and staff returning to school after the winter holiday break. Priddy certified the K-12 testing program invoices without making any effort to verify their accuracy. Priddy falsely told the agents that he certified the invoices only after two individuals working with the K-12 testing program verified the invoices involved. Priddy admitted that he knew that statement was false.
“After completely failing to verify invoices seeking tens of millions of public dollars, Mr. Priddy significantly affected an important investigation into that spending with his false statement,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson.
Priddy is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the West Virginia Legislature’s Commission on Special Investigations.
“No matter your job or status in the community, it is a federal crime to lie to the FBI,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. “Priddy lied to the FBI during a critical moment in the investigation. This conviction should serve as a reminder that those who lie to federal agents will face serious criminal consequences for their actions.”
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Holly Wilson are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-162.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
RALEIGH, N.C. – Tyrese Stokley, a/k/a “Ty,” age 39 of Elizabeth City, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for distributing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Elizabeth City area. The distribution of fentanyl resulted in an overdose death on February 29, 2020.
“Fentanyl overdoses are ravaging our communities and driving down American life expectancy. Drug dealers lacing fentanyl into their products should take note. The party is over, we are coming for you,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The defendant’s actions, which directly resulted in the tragic overdose death, show a blatant disregard for human life. Individuals should be on notice that we will stop at nothing to bring those responsible for perpetuating this overdose crisis to justice.”
On March 1, 2020, the Currituck Sheriff’s Office began investigating the fentanyl overdose death of a young woman. Ultimately, the investigation revealed that Stokley was responsible for sourcing the drugs that were distributed to the young woman which caused her death on February 29, 2020, from fentanyl toxicity.
According to court documents and information presented in court, The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Nags Head Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine from Stokley. Stokely was responsible for distributing 59.99 grams of cocaine, .2 gram of fentanyl, and 45.3 grams of heroin.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III. The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Nags Head Police Department, Kitty Hawk Police Department, Southern Shores Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 2:21-CR-00016-D.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael Easley announced efforts to combat human trafficking, including expansion of a dedicated task force in Southeastern North Carolina, including Wilmington and Jacksonville. This task force partnership follows the launch of a similar effort in the Raleigh-Cary area last year. As part of the annual observation of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Easley also highlighted several successful human trafficking prosecutions led by his office. In 2023, 12 defendants received sentences averaging 98 months, with one defendant receiving a sentence of more than 32 years in prison. Numerous other individuals are facing charges that have not yet resolved.
“Our unique task force model is dismantling networks in North Carolina. Today we are expanding upon the work already underway in Southeastern North Carolina, bringing together our law enforcement and community partners to rescue victims and prosecute those who are exploiting vulnerable individuals for labor, services, or commercial sex,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “I commend the work of the FBI and our local partners to lay the groundwork for this expanded partnership.”
The dedicated human trafficking task force for Southeastern North Carolina will meet regularly to share intelligence and investigative leads, receive specialized training, develop investigative tools and expertise for law enforcement agencies, and to foster community partnerships to provide the services needed to assist trafficking victims. The task force includes law enforcement partners from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and the Whiteville Police Department, as well as federal and state prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office and the North Carolina District Attorney’s Offices for the 5th and 6th Prosecutorial Districts.
“For years the FBI and our local law enforcement partners have been working tirelessly to combat human trafficking along North Carolina’s coast,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI. “We are deeply appreciative to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District for dedicating additional resources to join our mission to hold those accountable who enslave others for their own profit.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is proud to be part of this all-important human trafficking task force working in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office and our local, state, and federal partners,” said Kyle D. Burns, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte, which covers both North and South Carolina. “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that affects the most vulnerable members of society and by dedicating significant resources to this endeavor, we’re able to work jointly to dismantle these criminal organizations that seek to exploit these victims for their own financial gain.”
“The Sheriff’s Office has had a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking,” said New Hanover Sheriff Ed McMahon. “We will continue to dedicate resources and work with our partners to eradicate this evil crime.”
“The criminals and criminal organizations involved in human trafficking deserve the full attention of prosecutors and law enforcement. Justice for them should be swift and resolute. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is proud to join our partners and we applaud this effort to bring justice to those who so rightly deserve it,” said North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Schurmeier.
Prosecution of Human Traffickers
Finally, the office is highlighting several human trafficking prosecutions from 2023 that have helped to put traffickers and members of their organizations behind bars. Notable cases from 2023 include the following:
USA v. Timothy Bavaro (No. 7:20-CR-115-M)
On March 14, 2023, Timothy Bavaro was sentenced to 180 months in prison and ordered to pay nearly $90,000 in restitution to multiple victims for his role as the leader and organizer of a prostitution enterprise that he operated from at least 2015 to 2019 across various states (including New York, South Carolina, and North Carolina), victimizing at least seven women. Information from the victims and a cooperating witness all provided information regarding Bavaro’s prostitution business, including Bavaro’s physical abuse of victims and the fear that many victims cited as the reason they continued engaging in commercial sex for his financial gain. Victims reported they were required to give Bavaro anywhere from 50-100% of their earnings while still having to pay their expenses, leaving them with little to nothing. Bavaro appealed, but on December 21, 2023, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the sentence imposed by the district court and dismissed the remainder of Bavaro’s appeal.
USA v. Yomere Juan Busbee (No. 5:20-CR-393-M)
On March 24, 2023, Busbee – a violent pimp and drug dealer from Fayetteville – was sentenced to 390 months in prison. In September 2022, a federal jury in Wilmington found Busbee guilty on six counts related to the kidnapping of four victims, including a minor, as well as several drug and gun offenses that came to light during an investigation into the defendant’s sex trafficking activities. Two co-defendants pled guilty and received sentences of 108 and 90 months, respectively.
USA v. Roderick Wall (No. 7:22-CR-90-D)
On May 25, 2023, the court sentenced Roderick Wall to 78 months in prison for his role in a drug conspiracy, during which he facilitated commercial sex out of his house. According to court documents and information presented in court, Wall posted online advertisements for sexual services and allowed females to engage in commercial sex out of his home, often while supplying the females with drugs. Wall’s wife and two minor children lived in the home with him and were present during some of the drug transactions and during a search warrant on August 18, 2021. Additionally, Wall sold fentanyl to a pregnant woman, and home surveillance footage showed another pregnant female injecting fentanyl supplied by Wall.
USA v. Kevin Harold Rudolph (No. 5:19-CR-336-FL)
Marcus Antwan Gambrell and co-defendant Kevin Rudolph were charged with sex trafficking of a 14-year-old minor and using the internet to promote prostitution. In addition, Gambrell faced charges for manufacturing child pornography, and Rudolph for possession of a firearm by a felon. Rudolph pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor and aiding and abetting and was sentenced to 180 months in prison on April 5, 2023.
USA v. Ok Hwa Lee, et al. (No. 7:21-CR-00079)
From January to April 2023, the court sentenced five defendants who had been indicted in connection with an investigation into illicit massage parlors where sexual services were being provided. The indictment charged them with conspiracy, bribery, and operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce. All five defendants pled guilty in 2022, and all five were sentenced in 2023 to 10 years collectively. The leader of the organization, Ok Hwa Lee, 55, was sentenced to 34 months in prison. Shanyu Song, 50, and Xuejin Bai, 51, were sentenced to 26 and 12 months and one day, respectively. Additionally, Lee was ordered to forfeit $151,000; Song $146,000; and Bai $55,000. Ming Ji Cao was sentenced to 18 months, and a $1000 fine, and Og Bun Park was sentenced to 15 months and a $750 fine.
USA v. Brittney McCoy, et al. (No. 7:23-CR-22-M-RJ)
In March 2023, Brittney Chantel McCoy was indicted with sex trafficking of a minor and operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce. McCoy pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor on August 9, 2023, and is set for sentencing in January 2024.
Melody Faye Nobles was initially charged with McCoy but was also subsequently indicted in a superseding indictment in August 2023, charging sex trafficking of a minor and operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce. Nobles allowed her co-defendant, McCoy, and a then 16-year-old minor victim to engage in commercial sex in her home in Wilmington, NC, in exchange for a portion of the money that McCoy and the minor earned. Later that same month, Nobles allowed the minor to travel to Jacksonville, NC, to engage in commercial sex, again in exchange for the proceeds.
Nobles pled guilty to operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce in September 2023 and was sentenced on December 12, 2023, to 48 months imprisonment and ordered to register as a sex offender.
USA v. Brieania Shidae Pinnock, et al. (No. 5:23-CR-210-FL-KS)
In June 2023, the government indicted Brieania Shidae Pinnock, charging her with eight human trafficking and child pornography offenses, including conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor, production of child pornography, operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce, and distribution of child pornography. Co-defendant Trinity Sky Alston was charged with four counts, including sex trafficking of a minor, child pornography. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
USA v. Christopher Todd Evans (No. 7:23-CR-82-M-RJ)
In July 2023, the government indicted a long-term human trafficking investigation, charging two human trafficking-related counts, including promotion or facilitation of prostitution and operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
USA v. Deangelo Taborn, et al. (No. 7:23-CR-92-D-BM)
In August 2023, the government indicted DeAngelo Rarhem Taborn and co-defendant on Imani Jovianna Franco on multiple human trafficking and firearm offenses, including conspiracy, sex trafficking, interstate travel for prostitution by coercion or persuasion, interstate travel for prostitution (Mann Act), operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce and felon in possession of a firearm. Taborn faces eight charges and Franco faces seven. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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If you or anyone you know needs help or has information to provide regarding a potential human trafficking situation, please contact law enforcement by calling 911 if the situation appears unsafe, or contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Harbour Grace RCMP is investigating a break, enter and theft that occurred at two storage sheds on the property of Hant’s Harbour Town Office. The crime occurred between 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. on January 9, 2024.
Suspect(s) drove onto the property in a red car, walked to the rear of the building and forced entry into two storage sheds.
The following items were stolen:
Pictures of the red car are attached. The investigation is continuing.
Anyone having information about this crime, those responsible or the current location of the stolen property is asked to contact Harbour Grace RCMP at 709-596-5014 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.