Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Fugitive Added: James Garland WATTS‏

James WATTS is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) on an Allegheny County, PA Bench Warrant for a Homicide charge. Additionally, WATTS is wanted for a Probation Violation out of Ohio.

Date of Allegheny County Bench Warrant: 06/27/2008. Date of Ohio Parole Warrant: 03/10/2008.

WATTS is an escape risk and is considered armed and extremely dangerous. WATTS has ties to the Clairton, PA area.

Call the U.S. Marshals Service, Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) at: 412-422-GRAB(4722) or 412-644-6628 with any information. All information WILL remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. A cash reward may be available.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Monday, December 15, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Dean VANKIRK‏

Dean Vankirk is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for a Pennsylvania Parole Violation. Additionally, Vankirk is wanted by the McKeesport, PA Police Department for a Larceny charge.

Date of PA Parole Warrant: 09/10/2008; Date of McKeesport PD Warrant: 09/29/2008.

Vankirk has a history of violent tendencies and is considered extremely dangerous. Vankirk has previously assaulted police officers.

Call the U.S. Marshals Service, Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) at: 412-422-GRAB(4722) or 412-644-6628 with any information. All information WILL remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. A cash reward may be available.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Friday, December 12, 2008

ARIZONA MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 18 YEARS IN PRISON...

ARIZONA MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 18 YEARS IN PRISON ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

WASHINGTON – An Arizona man was sentenced today to 220 months in prison after he was previously convicted on multiple child pornography charges, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Diane J. Humetewa for the District of Arizona announced.

U.S. District Court Judge Mary H. Murguia for the District of Arizona also ordered that Paul Richard Butts, 39 , be placed on lifetime supervised release following his release.

Butts was convicted in February 2008 for distributing and possessing child pornography following a four-day jury trial. At trial, the jury heard evidence that Butts used a peer-to-peer program, “iMesh,” to distribute child pornography to undercover FBI agents on Aug. 10, 2005. Peer-to-peer software programs permit computer users connected to the Internet to link computers around the world for the purpose of sharing files. A search warrant executed at Butts’ home on Oct. 6, 2005, led to the seizure of computers and numerous hard drives, external storage devices and computer discs containing child pornography. Computer forensic analysis performed on the seized materials revealed that Butts had more than 24,000 images of child pornography. After hearing testimony for four days, the jury found him guilty of the child-pornography distribution count, as well as 15 child pornography possession counts.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharon K. Sexton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney James Silver of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and involved cooperation among agents based in Arizona, Idaho and Wisconsin.

Source: FBI - Phoenix, AZ Office

New Fugitive Added: Robert H. SUMRALL‏

Robert Sumrall is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for a Pennsylvania Probation Violation.

Date Warrant: 03/12/2007; Sumrall is considered armed and dangerous.

Call the U.S. Marshals Service, Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) at: 412-422-GRAB(4722) or 412-644-6628 with any information. All information WILL remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. A cash reward may be available.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: John R. WILLIAMS‏

John Williams is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for a Pennsylvania Probation Violation.

Date Warrant: 04/24/2006; Williams has a history of drug and alcohol abuse and has violent tendencies. Williams is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Call the U.S. Marshals Service, Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) at: 412-422-GRAB(4722) or 412-644-6628 with any information. All information WILL remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. A cash reward may be available.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Ronald Duane SCOTT‏

Ronald Scott is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for a Pennsylvania Probation Violation.

Date Warrant: 06/27/2008; Scott has a history of drug and alcohol abuse and is possibly suicidal. Scott is an escape risk and has violent tendencies.

Call the U.S. Marshals Service, Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) at: 412-422-GRAB(4722) or 412-644-6628 with any information. All information WILL remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. A cash reward may be available.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Thursday, December 11, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Edward WILLIAMS‏‏

Edward Williams is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for a Pennsylvania Probation Violation. Williams is also wanted on 3 Allegheny County, PA Bench Warrants for Violation of Probation, Robbery, and Disorderly Conduct. Additionally, Williams is also wanted on an Allegheny County, PA Family Division Warrant.

Date of PA Probation Warrant: 05/01/2007; Date of Allegheny County Warrants: 09/18/2007, 06/05/2007, and 04/28/2008. Date of Allegheny County Family Division arrant:12/10/2007.

Edwards is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous. Call the U.S. Marshals Service, Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) at: 412-422-GRAB(4722) or 412-644-6628 with any information. All information WILL remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. A cash reward may be available.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Elias VELASQUEZ, Jr.‏‏

Elias Velasquez Jr. is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for a PA Parole Violation.

Date of Warrant: 03/24/2008, NIC#: W494044255
Velasquez has a history of drug abuse and has violent tendencies.

Call the U.S. Marshals Service, Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) at: 412-422-GRAB(4722) or 412-644-6628 with any information. All information WILL remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. A cash reward may be available.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Monday, December 8, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Sterling Wesley HICKMAN‏

HICKMAN is wanted by the Michigan Department of Corrections for Parole Violation and by the Grand Rapids Police Department for Escape from Custody.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Jermaine Lee PEARSON‏

PEARSON is wanted by USMS for Supervised Release Violation and by Wyoming PD for Armed Robbery.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Johnnie Randell GRIGGS‏

GRIGGS is wanted by the Grand Rapids Police Department for Domestic Violence.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Copper Theft

Several informal task forces between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have been established to combat copper theft, most notably in Nevada. In one such case, they are charging a copper thief with a more serious federal statute that can carry up to a 20-year sentence.

There is still a lot of work to be done, our agent acknowledged, but now, the serious issues surrounding copper theft are known and being addressed.


Source: FBI - Phoenix, AZ Office

Sunday, November 30, 2008

NEW TOP TEN FUGITIVE - Edward E. Harper

A truck driver and ranch hand wanted for allegedly having sexual relations with two young girls has been added to our Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, and we are offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information directly leading to his arrest.

Edward Eugene Harper, who has been on the run for 14 years, is 62 years old and may be doing ranching work in Montana and Wyoming. He was arrested in Mississippi in 1994 and charged with sex crimes for attacks on the three-year-old and eight-year-old girls, who lived in the neighborhood.


After posting bail, Harper skipped town and was later charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Source: FBI - Phoenix, AZ Office

Friday, November 28, 2008

"WIG BANDITS" FACE MORE FEDERAL CHARGES

A federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a 12-count superseding indictment against Julio Cesar Feliciano, Jr., 45; Herardo Joaquin Islas, 22; Andrei Ulisses Chavez, 25; and Julie Castillo, 29, all of Phoenix; and Francisco Javier Serrano, 23, a Mexican citizen living in Phoenix, for Armed Bank Robbery, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Bank Robbery, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm, and Re-entry after Deportation.

Feliciano and his associates were dubbed the "Wig Bandits" because they wore wigs in most of the robberies. Chavez was arrested on November 4, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. by the Glendale Police Department. The other four defendants were arrested on August 12, 2008 by Glendale and Phoenix Police Officers in Avondale, Ariz. immediately after an armed bank robbery occurred. All defendants, except for Castillo, have been in custody during the on-going, FBI-lead investigation as they await trial.


The superseding indictment alleges that Feliciano robbed four Phoenix area banks between June 17, 2008 and August 12, 2008, and that he used a gun in each robbery. Serrano is charged with two of those robberies, in addition to illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Islas and Castillo were indicted for their roles in the August 12, 2008 robbery, and Chavez was indicted for his role in a July 3, 2008 robbery that he allegedly committed with Feliciano in Glendale.

A conviction for Armed Bank Robbery carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of up to life, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Bank Robbery carries a maximum penalty of 5 years, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, and Re-entry after Deportation carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, a $250,000 fine or both. In determining an actual sentence, U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

The superseding indictment was returned on November 20, 2008 and adds counts 4-12 to the original indictment returned on August 19, 2008. An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the superseding indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Glendale Police Department and the Phoenix Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Avondale Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Alison S. Bachus, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

Source: FBI - Phoenix, AZ Office

Monday, November 24, 2008

Suspected Murderer Added to U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted Fugitive List‏

November 24, 2008 - Addition of 15 Most Wanted Fugitive - The U.S. Marshals announced today the addition of Joseph Allen Garcia to the service’s 15 Most Wanted fugitive list. Garcia is wanted in Texas on charges of murder, manslaughter, three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and failure to appear. He is also wanted on a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New 15 Most Wanted Fugitive: Joseph Allen GARCIA‏

On December 13, 2003, Joseph Allen Garcia and two associates traveled to a residence in Laredo, Texas. According to the associates, the three were planning to fight another group of individuals, but when they arrived at the residence Garcia produced a weapon and opened fire, killing one and wounding three victims. Garcia has an extensive violent criminal history that includes arrests for murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful weapons, narcotics, and theft. Garcia has aligned himself with Mexican drug cartels and is a suspected member of the Zetas, the enforcers for the Mexican Gulf Cartel. Garcia is also known to be associated with the Mexican Mafia.

REWARD: A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading directly to GARCIA’s arrest.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Friday, November 21, 2008

Suspicious activity near Websites of America LLC

Location:

Websites of America LLC
602 W. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013

Google Maps link:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=602+w+indian+school+road,+phoenix,+az&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.757664,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=33.496367,-112.081168&spn=0.006451,0.009613&t=h&z=17&g=602+w+indian+school+road,+phoenix,+az&layer=c&cbll=33.49486,-112.081214&panoid=Xmz6DMiktFomHKxEmlJVQw

I have been having these clowns walking down the alleys and streets opening smoking pot on their 'breaks'. The Phone number listed on sign out from has been disconnected.

I will continue to monitor these folks and continue talking to neighbors RE: issues. We'll keep you posted with any PD involvement.

Source: R

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

New Fugitive Added: William David ROWELL‏

William D. Rowell, Jr. is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. Anyone with information concerning the location of Rowell should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for information leading to the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Cameron RANSON‏

Cameron Ranson is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) on a Glassport, PA Magistrate Warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver, and Use and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additionally, Ranson is wanted for a Pennsylvania Parole Violation.

Date of Magistrate Warrant: 12/03/2007, NIC#: 183492966 Date of PA Parole Warrant: 12/03/2007, NIC# W153497348

Ranson has ties to the Clairton, PA; Pittsburgh, PA: and Killeen, TX. Ranson is an escape risk and is considered armed and dangerous.

***Call the U.S. Marshals Service, Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPA FTF) at: 412-422-GRAB (4722) or 412-644-6628 with any information. All information will remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. ***A reward may be available.***

Source: U.S. Marshals

Monday, November 17, 2008

BIKER DUO BANDITS

The FBI Phoenix Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the “Biker Duo Bandits”. In the first robbery, an unknown female entered the bank alone demanding money and fled. In subsequent robberies the unknown female and an unknown male approach the teller. They utilize a note to demand money and threaten they have a gun. The demand note is usually written in brightly colored ink (red, pink, and purple). After the November 7, 2008 robbery, they were seen leaving the area on a black motorcycle, possibly a Harley Davidson Custom soft-tail. All of the robberies have taken place in a bank located within a grocery store.

The Wells Fargo & Company is offering up to $5,000.00 for original information leading to identification, arrest, and conviction in connection with robberies committed at three of the company’s stores and at a Compass Bank location.

The locations and dates are as follows:

November 13, 2008 @ Wells Fargo , 155 W. Combs Road , Queen Creek
November 07, 2008 @ Wells Fargo , 1954 E. McKellips Road , Mesa
October 29, @ Compass Bank, 455 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa
- July 22, 2008 @ Wells Fargo , 155 W. Combs Road , Queen Creek

The unknown male is described as a White male, 6’0”, mid. 20”s, medium build. The unknown female is described as a White female, 5’5”, early 20’s, thin build.

Please contact the FBI Phoenix Division at (602) 279-5511, with any information about the “Biker Duo Bandits” identity and/or information about the bank robberies.

Source: FBI (Phoenix, AZ Division)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Darryl TAYLOR‏

Darryl Taylor is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. Anyone with information concerning the location of Taylor should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Cornelius EWING‏

Cornelius Ewing is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. Anyone with information concerning the location of Ewing should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Kathlen VICTORIAN‏

Kathlen Victorian is wanted for Federal firearms violations and is a convicted sexual offender. Victorian may be in the New Roads area or elsewhere in Pointe Coupee Parish. Anyone with information concerning the location of Victorian should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Kelvin DANCY‏

Kelvin Dancy is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. He also uses the dates of birth of May 6 and May 17, 1981. Anyone with information concerning the location of Dancy should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Ron Christopher CAGE

Ron C. Cage is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. Cage has a long criminal history and should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information concerning his location should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for information leading to the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Ismael BALTAZAR-FLORES‏

BALTAZAR-FLORES is wanted by the Milwaukee Police Department for First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety While Armed. He was with Homicide fugitive ALDO FLORES-LOPEZ when he shot and killed two rival gang members outside of a bar in Milwaukee, on 07-17-2004, and drove him away from the scene. BALTAZAR-FLORES is a Brown Pride gang member. He is also wanted for Unlawful Flight To Avoid Prosecution. He may be avoiding apprehension in Mexico.

Contact Randy Smith at 414-221-6743.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

New 15 Most Wanted Fugitive: Johnny Mack BROWN

In 1997, BROWN shot an armored car guard three times during a robbery near Athens, Georgia.

He was subsequently apprehended, convicted and sentenced to life in prison plus 70 years. In 1998, BROWN escaped and committed more crimes in three states, including beating an 84 year-old man whose home he had burglarized. On October 13, 2008, BROWN and fellow prisoner Michael TWEEDEL escaped from the state prison in Chatooga County, Georgia. Again, BROWN allegedly broke into a home, kidnapped a woman and forced her to drive him to a location near Athens, GA.

BROWN is a career criminal with a history of violence. He has demonstrated that he is willing to use deadly force against innocent victims to accomplish his crimes and remain at large. He should be considered extremely dangerous.

REWARD: A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading directly to BROWN’s arrest.

NOTICE: Before arrest, verify warrant through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If subject is arrested or whereabouts known, contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office or call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications center at 1-800-336-0102.


Source: US Marshals

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Super Bowl Threats - Tempe Man Sentenced

TEMPE MAN SENTENCED TO 1 YEAR IN FEDERAL PRISON
ON CHARGES RELATED TO SUPER BOWL THREATS

Kurt William Havelock, 36, of Tempe, Ariz. was sentenced on October 27, 2008 to one year and one day in federal prison, plus three years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver. Havelock was found guilty in June 2008 of six counts of Mailing Threatening Communications in connection with an investigation into his threats to injure people in the vicinity of Super Bowl XLII in February 2008.

Havelock mailed threatening letters to various media outlets including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Phoenix New Times, containing threats to kill people in the vicinity of Super Bowl XLII played in Glendale, Ariz. The threatening letters were mailed from a Post Office in Glendale but were intercepted by law enforcement prior to reaching the intended recipients.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Tempe Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Michael T. Morrissey, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.


Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (Phoenix Office)

Monday, October 27, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Anthony THOMAS

Anthony Thomas is Wanted by the U.S. Marshals for Possession of Child Pornography.

Thomas fled Lafayette, LA on 10/17/2008.

If you have any information that may lead to Thomas's location please call:

U.S. Marshals Deputy Corey Britt
Lafayette, Louisiana
337-262-6666 (Main)
337-262-6792 (Direct)

Source: US Marshals

Tell Corey you read about this on the Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association's Crime Blog.

Team Up to Hunt Down Two Escapees

U.S. Marshals and the Georgia Department of Corrections Team Up to Hunt Down Two Escapees

On October 13, 2008 inmates Johnny Mack Brown (52) and Michael Tweedel (48) escaped from Hays State Prison in Trion, GA by scaling the perimeter fence. Johnny Mack Brown was serving a life plus 70 year sentence and Michael Tweedel was serving a 20 year sentence. Investigators believe that Brown and Tweedel are currently still in the area but may attempt to flee the country via either the Canadian or Mexican boarders.

Source: US Marshals

Friday, October 24, 2008

Chase Bank Letters‏

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008, United States Postal Inspection Service, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Phoenix Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Mesa Police Department, Gilbert Police Department, and Hazard Materials Response Teams from Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale responded to nine Chase Banks involving a series of threat letters containing a powder substance. In addition, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health assisted in this matter.

This multi-agency response was coordinated through the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center. The powder substance was collected and sent to the Arizona Bio-Terrorism Laboratory at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Lab results were negative for hazardous materials.

The Arizona investigation is a part of a nationwide effort to identify the person or persons responsible for these letters being sent to financial institutions throughout the United States. Sending even a hoax letter is a serious crime. If you have information about any of these incidents, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI or the United States Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. As this is an ongoing matter, we cannot discuss any further details.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (Phoenix Office)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Threatening Letter Hoax

Help Us Find the Culprit!



A series of threatening letters filled with an unknown powder were sent to financial institutions nationwide this week.



Click here to see images of the letters:



http://www.fbi.gov/page2/oct08/threatletters_102308.html



Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (Phoenix, Arizona Office)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Pensacola Escapee Being Sought

Pensacola Escapee Being Sought by U.S. Marshals Task Force and Bureau of Prisons‏

The United States Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force is asking the public's assistance in locating escaped federal inmate, Joaquin Rios who escaped from the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Pensacola, Florida. Rios was discovered missing at approximately 1:30pm when he failed to report for the hourly head count during his lawn maintenance work detail at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. It is unknown whether or not Rios received any outside assistance at this time.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Escape Suspect Arrested

A fugitive wanted by the Georgia Department of Corrections was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Jacksonville, Florida Fugitive Task Force. Ross Singleton, 33, was being sought on warrants issued in Savannah, GA charging him with Escape.

Singleton was being housed at the Coastal Transitional Center on Stiles Avenue in Savannah after serving a prison sentence for trafficking cocaine, possession of burglary tools, obstruction of an officer and impersonation from a 2003 conviction.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Monday, October 20, 2008

'DARK MARKET' TAKEDOWN

Exclusive Cyber Club for Crooks Exposed

Last week the FBI and its global partners wrapped up a two-year undercover cyber operation that resulted in 56 arrests worldwide, the prevention of $70 million in potential losses, and the confirmation that while there might be honor among thieves, in the end, they are still just thieves.

Here’s what happened:

...A discerning group of cyber criminals established a forum on the Internet called “Dark Market,” where they bought and sold stolen financial information such as credit card data, login credentials (user names and passwords), and even electronic equipment for carrying out financial crimes.

...At its peak, this vast criminal network had over 2,500 registered members, who all believed they were operating in a protected cyber environment because they went to great lengths to vet members and to weed out undesirable elements.

...What they didn’t know was that one of the site’s administrators and most respected members, who called himself Master Splyntr, was one of us—an undercover FBI agent who had infiltrated the site posing as a cyber crook.

“It was a group of people who trusted each other,” said the undercover agent after the arrests. He explained that there are two types of cyber criminals: those who steal, but not from one another, and “rippers,” who steal from anyone.

Keeping the rippers off the Dark Market site, the agent explained, gave the other members a false sense of confidence. “They did a good job of trying to be secure, and they felt secure. There was honor among thieves, so to speak.”

“What’s worked for us in taking down spy rings and entire mob families over the years—embedding an undercover agent deep within a criminal organization—worked beautifully in taking down Dark Market. And once again, our global partnerships paid off.” FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Shawn Henry

Master Splyntr was on the site nearly every day, anywhere from one hour to 15 hours a day. Dark Market was like an exclusive club for cyber crooks, a meeting place for getting advice and brokering deals. During his time online, the undercover agent said, “we saw millions of dollars being exchanged.” At the same time, the operation prevented the millions of dollars in losses by tipping off potential cyber crime targets.

From the outset, our agent pointed out, “the goal was to infiltrate the organization.” The operation was extremely successful in developing intelligence on Dark Market’s leading members and the ways in which they conducted their far-flung crimes.

Throughout the operation, we worked closely with our international law enforcement partners, including the U.K.’s Serious Organised Crime Agency, the Turkish National Police, and the German Federal Criminal Police.

“What’s worked for us in taking down spy rings and entire mob families over the years—embedding an undercover agent deep within a criminal organization—worked beautifully in taking down Dark Market,” said our Cyber Division Assistant Director Shawn Henry. “And once again, our global partnerships paid off.”

As for our undercover agent who became a trusted member of the forum, he explained that he often had to think like a crook when signing on as Master Splyntr. “But at the same time,” he added, “you remember what your job is—to get the criminals.”

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (Phoenix, AZ Office)

Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association would like your comments.

15 Most Wanted Fugitive: Sarah Jo PENDER‏

Pender was serving a sentence of 110 years in the Rockville, Indiana Correctional Facility when she escaped on August 4, 2008. Pender, along with a co-defendant, had been convicted of the brutal shotgun-slayings of her male and female roommates, whose bodies were concealed in a dumpster. Pender also has both ears and her tongue pierced.

Pender, 29, was convicted in 2002 on two counts of murder.

REWARD: A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading directly to PENDER‘s arrest.

Source: US Marshals

Tell them you read about it on Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association's Web site.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Welcome!

Are you interested in being a volunteer Crime Blog roving reporter?

We encourage you to share your news and comments on this daily Blog. Feel free to use this news Blog to distribute press releases for crime deterrent programs, graffiti sightings and suspicious criminal activity within our neighborhood. Email links within our site are provided to submit Blog content.

You must be at least 13 years of age, reside, own property or hold a business license within our geographical boundaries of Indian School and Thomas roads and 7th Avenue and 3rd Street.

Please include your name, so that we can cite you as the post's author.

Contact our Squaw Peak Police Precinct at 602.495.5007 if necessary.

Alton Jones

Chair, Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association