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Williamson County Man Charged With Federal Firearm Violation

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Williamson County Man Charged With Federal Firearm Violation

 

On October 3, 2017, Reginald L. Cavitt, a/k/a “Reggie,” 36, of Marion, was charged by one-count indictment with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on June 28, 2017, in Williamson County. Cavitt made his initial appearance in federal court on January 23, 2018. He is currently being held without bond pending a January 30, 2018, bond hearing.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The firearm offense carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Marion Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

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Williamson County Resident Charged With Methamphetamine Offenses

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Williamson County Resident Charged With Methamphetamine Offenses

 

On January 17, 2018, a Williamson County man was indicted for methamphetamine offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today.

Benjamin A. Burns, 44, of Pittsburg, was charged in a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between April 2017, and January 2018, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Burns made his initial appearance in federal court on January 19, 2018. At his January 24, 2018, detention hearing, Burns was ordered held without bond pending a March 12, 2018, jury trial.

The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine. The distribution offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, and Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

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Statement in connection with Operation Nautical – Oxfordshire

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Statement in connection with Operation Nautical – Oxfordshire

A trial which was due to begin in February in relation to 11 defendants charged in connection with child sexual exploitation offences in Oxfordshire has been dismissed.

At a hearing at Blackfriars Crown Court on Thursday (25/1), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) offered no evidence in respect of the trial of men facing charges of sexual offences against children. Not guilty verdicts were recorded for all defendants in on all counts.

TVP was informed that the decision taken was due to evidential reasons; the CPS having determined that there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction. The dismissal of the case was not the result of a failure to disclose evidence and the decision was not related to the issue of disclosure.

Following an earlier linked trial at Oxford Crown Court, which concluded on 5 December 2017, a jury acquitted seven defendants of various sexual offences in connection with the same investigation. Not guilty verdicts were recorded against all defendants on all counts.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mick Saunders, said: “It was right that the case was brought to court so that a jury could hear and consider the evidence and the defendants could have an opportunity to answer to the case against them. Thames Valley Police respects the decision of the jury.

“Prosecutions are quite properly kept under review and Thames Valley Police accepts the decision of the CPS not to proceed with the second linked trial and to offer no evidence in respect of the defendants in that case.

“We will review the investigation, as we would in all such cases, to identify whether there is any learning for future investigations of child sexual exploitation.

“Thames Valley Police will always take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously. Specialist officers will continue to work to support victims sensitively and to investigate offences thoroughly. We commend the courage of those who come forward to report abuse and will continue to endeavour to bring to justice those who are responsible for the crimes.”

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Update – Murder investigation following the death of two elderly residents in Buckinghamshire

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Update – Murder investigation following the death of two elderly residents in Buckinghamshire

Peter Farquhar died on 26 October 2015, aged 69, and Ann Moore-Martin died on 12 May 2017, aged 83.

The causes of death are yet to be determined.

On Tuesday morning three men were arrested as part of the investigation.

A 22- year old man from Milton Keynes who was arrested on suspicion of one count of conspiracy to defraud, one count conspiring to commit fraud by false representation and one count of suspicion of fraud by false representation has been released under investigation.

A 27-year-old man from Towcester, Northamptonshire who was arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder, two counts of conspiracy to murder, two counts of suspicion of fraud by false representation, one count of conspiracy to defraud and two counts of burglary has been released on bail until 13 February.

A 31-year-old man from Redruth, Cornwall, who was arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder, two counts of conspiracy to murder, two counts of suspicion of fraud by false representation, one count of conspiracy to defraud and one count of burglary has been released on bail until 13 February.

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Man jailed for 18 years for sexual offences – Slough

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Man jailed for 18 years for sexual offences – Slough

Stephen Deville, aged 37, of Uxbridge, was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Friday (19/1).

He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Following a five day trial last year, a majority jury found Deville guilty of three counts of rape of a child under 13 and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Deville was arrested on 11 July last year and charged with the offences on 6 September.

The offences which took place between March and April 2015 in Slough and involved one female victim.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Alethea Cox of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit based in Windsor, said: “I welcome the significant sentence handed down to Stephen Deville. This is a fantastic result for the victim and her family who will no doubt have a difficult road ahead as they come to terms with Deville’s horrendous crimes.

“I hope this case will reassure victims that we will work to support you, safeguard you and get justice for you. I would urge anybody out there who has suffered abuse or has any information about abuse to come forward and report it to police.”

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Appeal to trace car following shooting

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal to trace car following shooting

Detectives investigating a shooting in Newham in which a man was shot in the head are appealing for the public’s help to trace a vehicle.

Police were called shortly before 22:30hrs on Sunday, 21 January to reports of a shooting on Romford Road, at the junction with Vicarage Lane, E15.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended; a 21-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to his head.

He was taken to an east London hospital by the LAS where he remains in a critical condition.

His next-of-kin are aware.

It is believed the suspects were travelling in a silver Lexus, with an index of AY52 CKD. Officers believe the suspects got out of the car, shot the victim and then fled the scene in the vehicle.

Officers from the Met’s Trident and Area Crime Command are investigating and are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses.

Detective Inspector Robert Allen, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would appeal to anyone who remembers seeing this car in the Vicarage Lane area on the evening of Sunday, 21 January, or knows where the vehicle is now, to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“There is a young man in a life-threatening condition and it is vital we uncover exactly what led to him being shot. I need anyone with information about the vehicle or the shooting itself to come forward and speak to police or Crimestoppers anonymously so we can bring those responsible to justice.

“Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

An 18-year-old man [A] was arrested at an address in Brentwood, Essex, on Thursday, 25 January, on suspicion of attempted murder. He was taken to an east London police station for questioning. He has since been bailed to return on a date in late February.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 020 7230 8570 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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UPDATE: Three teenagers arrested after officer threatened with firearm

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: UPDATE: Three teenagers arrested after officer threatened with firearm

Three teenagers have been arrested after a firearm was pointed at an officer who stopped a youth in Lewisham.

At 20:13hrs on Saturday, 27 January, two officers on routine patrol sought to stop a man on Longbridge Way in Lewisham.

The 17-year-old youth pointed a firearm directly at the head of one of the officers before making off on foot. Neither of the officers, both of whom are male, were injured.

The youth was later found near to Lewisham Park having attempted to alter his appearance by changing his clothing.

The teenager [A] was arrested along with another 17-year-old boy [B] and a 14-year-old girl [C] on suspicion of possession of a firearm. All were taken to a south London police station for questioning. 

All three have been released under investigation pending enquiries.

The weapon has been recovered and will be examined by specialist officers.

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Appeal following aggravated burglary

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal following aggravated burglary

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an aggravated burglary in Croydon.

Police were called at approximately 22:00hrs on Thursday, 25 January to reports of an aggravated burglary in Purley Rise, Croydon.

The occupants of the house heard loud banging at the front door. When they went to investigate, they were faced with a group of five suspects all wearing masks, armed with crow bars, who then managed to force entry into the property.

The suspects demanded gold jewellery, hitting one of the victims on the hand with the crowbar. They also carried out a search of the premises.

The suspects made-off with a quantity of gold jewellery, a Rolex watch and cash.

The London Ambulance Service attended and treated two elderly victims for minor injuries. Another victim [no further details] was taken to hospital for non-life threatening or life-changing injuries and was subsequently discharged.

DC Emma Morris, the investigating officer from Croydon CID, said: “This is a traumatic incident for the victims in their own home. It has impacted on them hugely and those responsible must be caught.

“We are seeking anyone who may have any information about the incident to come forward and speak to police. We believe a suspicious dark coloured vehicle was seen in the area shortly before the incident. We would urge anyone with any information about this vehicle to contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact DC Emma Morris on 07769 922 321 or 101 quoting reference number 8883/25JAN.

Alternatively to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Two men sought after firearms incident in Canning Town

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Two men sought after firearms incident in Canning Town

Detectives investigating a suspected firearms incident in Newham have released CCTV footage of two suspects they want to identify and trace.

On Saturday, 30 December 2017, police received reports that shots had been fired in Butchers Road, Canning Town at around 03:25hrs.

CCTV footage shows a man (suspect two) holding a shotgun whilst chasing another male (suspect one) along the street between parked cars.

Both suspects then returned to Butchers Road a few moments later, at which point suspect one produced a handgun from a bag held by another male.

Suspect one then fired the gun on at least two occasions in the direction of suspect two. No one was injured.

Suspect two was not seen on CCTV discharging a firearm.

Both suspects were pushed back at different times by a male wearing a red top who appeared to be trying to calm the situation.

Suspect one is described as a black male and he was wearing black joggers, black trainers and a black coat with a light-coloured fur hood.

Suspect two is described as a black male and he was wearing a knee-length coat with a hood and baseball cap.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Detective Constable Sameera Bhatti, of the Newham Gangs and Firearms Unit, said: “We are committed to tackling gun crime and it is paramount that both men are identified so these firearms can be taken off the streets.

“If you were in the area at the time and have any information that could help identify these suspects then please let us know.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Newham officers on 020 8217 5720 or tweet @MetCC. You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Man charged with three counts of causing death by dangerous driving

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man charged with three counts of causing death by dangerous driving

A man arrested on Friday, 26 January following a fatal collision in Hayes that resulted in the death of three young men has this evening, Sunday, 28 January, been charged.

[A] Jaynesh Chudasama, 28 (26.05.1989) of Hayes has been charged with three counts of causing death by dangerous driving. He will appear in custody at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on Monday, 29 January.

Earlier this evening, a 34-year-old man [B] voluntarily attended a north London police station shortly after 1900hrs. He has now been arrested in connection with this incident and taken into custody for questioning.

Enquiries continue