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FBI

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events,' Feds Say Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events,' Feds Say
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events,' Feds Say Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries preyed on aspiring models and coerced them into prostitution in order to satisfy his and others’ sexual desires, prosecutors alleged. The 80-year-old Jeffries – along with his life partner Matthew Smith and a third defendant, James Jacobson – are named in a 16-count sex trafficking indictment unsealed in Central Islip federal court on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Prosecutors said the trio relied on Jeffries’ wealth and status, along with a network of employees, contractors, and security professionals, to victimize dozens of men over a seven year peri…
Rally Rage: NY Trump Event's $1M Police Overtime Bill May Have Broken Finance Laws, Dems Argue Rally Rage: NY Trump Event's $1M Police Overtime Bill May Have Broken Finance Laws, Dems Argue
Rally Rage: NY Trump Event's $1M Police Overtime Bill May Have Broken Finance Laws, Dems Argue Who should foot the bill – taxpayers or the campaign? Democrats on Long Island are seething after learning that the extra-tight security measures around former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally at the Nassau Coliseum on Wednesday, Sept. 18, cost taxpayers $1 million in police overtime alone. Ahead of the rally – which came just days after what the FBI called an apparent second assassination attempt on Trump’s life in Florida – Nassau County leaders outlined the extensive security measures that were being taken around the arena. Earlier Report: Security Top Of Mind For Trump's …
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Authorities are warning the public of a nationwide automated scam in which scammers use people’s email addresses to coerce payments by intimidating them with threats of embarrassment. Victims of the "sextortion" scheme, usually children and teens, are manipulated to photograph or video material for extortionists. "After receiving the sexually explicit content from the child, the offender threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces additional explicit material," said the FBI in issuing the warning to parents, educators, caregivers, and children. In a sepa…
Trump Rally: False Report Of Bomb Outside NY Arena Amid Heightened Security Concerns Trump Rally: False Report Of Bomb Outside NY Arena Amid Heightened Security Concerns
Trump Rally: False Report Of Bomb Outside NY Arena Amid Heightened Security Concerns Reports that explosives were found outside the New York arena where former President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally were unfounded, police said. On Long Island, Nassau County Police responded to a report that a bomb was found inside a parked car outside the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on Wednesday morning, Sept. 18. A short time later, Commissioner Patrick Ryder put out a statement saying detectives were questioning a person who may have been training a bomb detection dog near the site. Earlier Report: Security Top Of Mind For Trump's Nassau Coliseum Rally, First Since Att…
Security Top Of Mind For Trump's NY Campaign Rally, First Since Attempted Shooting Security Top Of Mind For Trump's NY Campaign Rally, First Since Attempted Shooting
Security Top Of Mind For Trump's NY Campaign Rally, First Since Attempted Shooting Security will be extra tight ahead of former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in New York, his first since an apparent second assassination attempt on his life. The Republican presidential nominee, age 78, will address supporters on Long Island at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. It will mark his first visit to Nassau County since his presidential run in 2016. Earlier Report: Trump To Hold Campaign Rally In NY: Here's Where, When For local leaders, security around the event is top of mind. The Nassau County Police Department …
Ex-Aide To 2 NY Governors Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds Ex-Aide To 2 NY Governors Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds
Ex-Aide To 2 NY Governors Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds This story has been updated. A former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is accused of acting as an agent for the Chinese government. Long Island residents Linda Sun, age 41, and her husband Chris Hu, age 40, were arrested at their Manhasset home on Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, on charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, money laundering, and related charges. According to federal prosecutors, Sun – who served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff before being fired in 2023 – engaged in numerous political activities at the behest of Chinese government …
Ex-Western Mass Schools Superintendent Who Sent Threats To Police Chief Candidate Sentenced Ex-Western Mass Schools Superintendent Who Sent Threats To Police Chief Candidate Sentenced
Lynn Clark Lied About Sending 99 Threats To Candidate: Feds The former superindentent of a Hampden County school district will avoid jail time for lying to FBI agents about sending nearly 100 threatening messages to a candidate for Chicopee police chief, authorities said.  Lynn Clark, 53, of Belchertown, was sentenced to a year of probation and a $1,000 fine on Tuesday, April 30, after pleading guilty to two counts of making false statements in January, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Clark had been head of the Chicopee School District when she made the threatening texts, authorities said.  Acting US Attorney for Massachuset…
Mass Man Promised 'Better Lifestyle' To Lure 17-Year-Old, Other Sex Trafficking Victims Mass Man Promised 'Better Lifestyle' To Lure 17-Year-Old, Other Sex Trafficking Victims
Mass Man Promised 'Better Lifestyle' To Lure 17-Year-Old, Other Sex Trafficking Victims He promised them a “better lifestyle,” but his victims got anything but. Massachusetts resident Jimall Brown, age 35, of Boston, pleaded guilty to multiple sex trafficking charges in Boston federal court on Monday, April 8. Prosecutors said Brown lured three female victims, including a 17-year-old girl, from out of state and forced them into prostitution between May 2016 and 2022. He admitted to meeting the teen victim on social media and convincing her to fly to Boston from out of state with the promise of a “better lifestyle.” Once she arrived, Brown posted ads of the teen online and arr…
Central Mass Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds Central Mass Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds
Central Mass Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds A Worcester County, Massachusetts, magician who has performed in the area for 20 years was sentenced Thursday, March 28, to six years behind bars for having child sexual abuse material in his luggage after returning from an overseas flight, authorities said.  Scott Jameson, age 47, of Sutton, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and one count of transportation of child pornography, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He had faced potentially decades in prison for the charges.  Action Pour Les Enfants, a Cambodian child-protection group, …
Foreign Citizen Who Threatened To Assassinate Joe Biden, Donald Trump Goes To Prison In PA Foreign Citizen Who Threatened To Assassinate Joe Biden, Donald Trump Goes To Prison In PA
Foreign Citizen Who Threatened To Assassinate Joe Biden, Donald Trump Goes To Prison In PA A Somalian man living in Pennsylvania threatened to assassinate President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, and now he's in a Pennsylvania Prison, according to a release by the US Department of Justice on March 15, 2024. Mohamed Farah, 34, who was living in Cumberland County, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to three years’ imprisonment on Wednesday, March 13.  Following his release, the Court has also imposed a three-year term of probation.  "The indictment alleges that in January 2022, Farah, who is a citizen of Somalia, threatened to ass…
Ex-Mass Detective Who Scammed Multiple Landlords For Years Avoids Jailtime: Feds Ex-Mass Detective Who Scammed Multiple Landlords For Years Avoids Jailtime: Feds
Ex-Mass Detective Who Scammed Multiple Landlords For Years Avoids Jailtime: Feds A former Stoneham police officer who admitted to scamming his former landlords for more than a decade will not go to prison for his crimes, federal authorities announced on Thursday, Jan. 4.  Robert Kennedy, 54, of Stoneham, was sentenced to two years of probation and 90 days of home confinement after he pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud in September, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He must also repay $14,275 to his victims.  Investigators said Kennedy defrauded three landlords from February 2020 through June 2023. The scheme played out similarly each time. H…
Men Faked Mass Armed Robberies So 'Victims' Could Get Immigration Protection: FBI Men Faked Mass Armed Robberies So 'Victims' Could Get Immigration Protection: FBI
Men Faked Mass Armed Robberies So 'Victims' Could Get Immigration Protection: FBI Two New York men are accused of staging at least eight fake robberies so the store owners could receive immigration benefits, authorities said.  Long Island resident Rambhai Patel, age 36, of Farmingdale, and New York City Balwinder Singh, age 39, of Queens, are charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud, the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts said. FBI agents said they linked the men to four robberies in Massachusetts, two in Pennsylvania, and one in Kentucky and Tennessee.  The dates and locations of the alleged fake robberies are:  March 22: Richdale Food Shops, Hing…
IDs Released For Couple Killed In Fiery Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Caught On Video IDs Released For Couple Killed In Fiery Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Caught On Video
IDs Released For Couple Killed In Fiery Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Caught On Video The identities have now been released of a couple killed after crashing near a bridge connecting the United States and Canada on one of the year's busiest travel days. The Thanksgiving Eve incident happened early Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22 on the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls Police say  Kurt Villani, and his wife, Monica Villani, both age 53, died in the vehicle explosion which led to a federal investigation. The two were residents of Grand Island, New York, located about 10 miles southeast of Niagara Falls. Authorities say the couple had originally been…
Officers Shutdown 'Open-Air' Drug Market In Holyoke: Police Officers Shutdown 'Open-Air' Drug Market In Holyoke: Police
Officers Shutdown 'Open-Air' Drug Market In Holyoke: Police Angry neighbors fed up with crime in their neighborhood called police in Hampden County to demand action. Holyoke police created a task force with the FBI and ATF to do just that, and officers and agents were able to shut down a group of alleged drug dealers, authorities announced.  Holyoke police said they received several complaints about drugs from neighbors in the area of Maple Street. As officers began to investigate, they learned there was an "open-air' drug operation being run out of an apartment at 456 Maple St., officials said.  Police raided the apartment and found large…
Mass Teen Tried To Help ISIS In Terrorist Group's War Against 'Disbelievers': Feds Mass Teen Tried To Help ISIS In Terrorist Group's War Against 'Disbelievers': Feds
Mass Teen Tried To Help ISIS In Terrorist Group's War Against 'Disbelievers': Feds An 18-year-old Middlesex County man has been charged with helping raise money for the terrorist group ISIS, federal authorities announced.  Mateo Ventura, 18, of Wakefield, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston this week on the charge of knowingly concealing the source of material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Investigators said Ventura provided multiple gift cards worth $700 to someone he believed was an ISIS supporter. The gift cards would be sold on the dark web for less than their face value, wi…
Mother’s Intuition? Trish Sena Made Prophetic Comment Before Daughter Charlotte's NY Rescue Mother’s Intuition? Trish Sena Made Prophetic Comment Before Daughter Charlotte's NY Rescue
Mother’s Intuition? Trish Sena Made Prophetic Comment Before Daughter Charlotte's NY Rescue Call it mother’s intuition. As the dreaded 48-hour mark approached since 9-year-old Charlotte Sena disappeared from a state park in New York, her mother suddenly had a feeling that everything would be alright just before the girl was rescued, according to Albany radio station WGNA.  Speaking with the station’s “Brian and Chrissy in the Morning” show Tuesday, Oct. 3, Charlotte’s aunt, Jene′ Sena, said the girl’s parents Trisha and Dave were gathered with friends and relatives around their campsite when Trisha made a rather prophetic statement. "I don't know...maybe it's mother's intuition,…
Support Swells For Charlotte Sena's Family After NY Girl's Kidnapping: 'Going To Be Long Road' Support Swells For Charlotte Sena's Family After NY Girl's Kidnapping: 'Going To Be Long Road'
Support Swells For Charlotte Sena's Family After NY Girl's Kidnapping: 'Going To Be Long Road' The hallways of the Corinth Central School District were flooded with orange Tuesday morning, Oct. 3, as students and teachers celebrated the safe return of 9-year-old Charlotte Sena following her kidnapping at a state park in New York and subsequent rescue two days later. “Promote unity by wearing your orange!” reads a message on the district’s Facebook page. “Other schools in our region will be wearing orange to support Corinth, too.” The heartwarming display hinted at the immense support the community has shown the girl’s family throughout the terrifying 48-hour manhunt that garnered na…
Man With Third Eye Didn't See Western Mass Police Raid Coming; 3 Busted Following Tips: Cops Man With Third Eye Didn't See Western Mass Police Raid Coming; 3 Busted Following Tips: Cops
Man With Third Eye Didn't See Western Mass Police Raid Coming; 3 Busted Following Tips: Cops Holyoke residents fed up with a suspected open-air drug market alerted police to the operation, which launched a monthslong sting in Hampden County between police and the FBI, authorities said.  Police arrested three people at an apartment at 365 Appleton Street on Wednesday, Sept.6, and seized "significant quantities" of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine, Holyoke police announced. They also found ammunition inside the home.  Jose Rivera, 39, Emilio Rivera, 36, and Brandy Bellemore, 30, were arrested in the sting that involved FBI agents in Western Massachusetts, police said. T…
NY Serial Murders: Pizza Crust Helped Nab Suspect Who Allegedly Taunted Victim's Family NY Serial Murders: Pizza Crust Helped Nab Suspect Who Allegedly Taunted Victim's Family
NY Serial Murders: Pizza Crust Helped Nab Suspect Who Allegedly Taunted Victim's Family New details are shedding light on just how police in New York tracked down an alleged serial killer who worked on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan suspected in the deaths of at least four women on Long Island more than a decade ago. Nassau County resident Rex Heuermann, age 59, of Massapequa Park, an architect and married father of two, was arraigned on murder charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday, July 14, in the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. The bodies of 10 people, nine of whom were women, are linked to the case. Earlier Report: Suspect In Gilgo Beac…
These School Districts Rank Best In Massachusetts, Report Says These School Districts Rank Best In Massachusetts, Report Says
These School Districts Rank Best In Massachusetts, Report Says Top-performing students are not the only ones getting A+ grades after a report ranked Massachusetts school districts to find out who is best in class. Massachusetts school districts were graded on criteria that include academics, diversity, and administration, and 26 Massachusetts received an A+ grade, according to the community and school ranking site Niche. The Weston Public School District, in Middlesex County, received the highest rating in the state, coming in at the number one position in Massachusetts. It received perfect scores for academics, college prep, and resources and fac…
Serial Rapist: Attorney Charged With 4 Cold Case Attacks In Mass, FBI Says Serial Rapist: Attorney Charged With 4 Cold Case Attacks In Mass, FBI Says
Serial Rapist: Attorney Charged With 4 Cold Case Attacks In Mass, FBI Says The FBI and Boston police said a New Jersey attorney is behind a string of rapes and kidnappings in Boston more than 15 years ago, officials said. Officials arrested the Weehawken man on Tuesday, May 30.  Matthew Nilo, 35, is charged with three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one charge of intent to rape, and one account of indecent assault and battery, the Boston Police Department announced. The alleged attacks happened in August and November 2007 and August and December 2008 in Charlestown, authorities said.  Investigators linked Nilo to the rapes through investigati…
Massachusetts Air National Guard Member, 21, Arrested In Connection To Leaked Pentagon Papers Massachusetts Air National Guard Member, 21, Arrested In Connection To Leaked Pentagon Papers
Massachusetts Air National Guard Member, 21, Arrested In Connection To Leaked Pentagon Papers The unauthorized release of top-secret Pentagon materials has been connected to a 21-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guard member, officials say.  Jack Douglas Teixeira, a member of the United States Air Force National Guard in Massachusetts, was arrested in the afternoon of Thursday, April 13, according to Attorney General Merrick Garland. Teixeira's arrest is part of the investigation into the unauthorized removal and publication of classified government and military documents.  The FBI reported that they took Teixeira into custody at his home in North Dighton, located in Bristol Co…
Four Pounds Of Coke, $40K: Police Score Massive Haul Of Drugs, Cash In Raid Four Pounds Of Coke, $40K: Police Score Massive Haul Of Drugs, Cash In Raid
Four Pounds Of Coke, $40K: Police Score Massive Haul Of Drugs, Cash In Raid A major task force made up of more than a dozen police agencies scored a bust worthy of their size this week in Franklin County, authorities said.  It began in December when police and DEA agents raided a home in Greenfield and seized 114 grams of cocaine, 650 bags of heroin/fentanyl mixture, and $113,000, the Greenfield Police Department said.  But one of the men arrested in that raid — who was out on bail — allegedly decided he wasn't done with the drug game. That's why on Monday, March 6, several police officers and federal agents raided him again and found even more, Gree…
Violent Robberies: 20-Year-Old CT Man Admits To Role In String Of AT&T Store Heists Violent Robberies: 20-Year-Old CT Man Admits To Role In String Of AT&T Store Heists
Violent Robberies: 20-Year-Old CT Man Admits To Role In String Of AT&T Store Heists A 20-year-old Connecticut man who pleaded guilty to several robberies of AT&T stores in the region where he and three others sometimes beat and pistol-whipped employees was the first of the crew to be sentenced this week.  Hartford County resident Deshawn Baugh of Hartford was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, the US Attorney for Connecticut said. He must pay $124,842.45 in restitution, the prosecutor said. Baugh, along with three others, went on a robbery spr…
'Sexual Predator' Gets 12 Years For Blackmailing Massachusetts Teen Into Send Nudes: Feds 'Sexual Predator' Gets 12 Years For Blackmailing Massachusetts Teen Into Send Nudes: Feds
'Sexual Predator' Gets 12 Years For Blackmailing Massachusetts Teen Into Send Nudes: Feds A 33-year-old Chicago man who bullied a 16-year-old Massachusetts girl into sending him nude photos and then threatened to release them to her friends and family if she didn't give him more will spend more than a decade behind bars, federal authorities said.  Ernesto Herrera, who pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor in August, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on Friday, Fed. 24, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Herrera reached out to the victim from an anonymous phone number through a social media app in June 2020 and manipulate…
Guns, Stacks Of Cash, Heroin: Police Bust Suspected Trafficker Following Western Mass Raid Guns, Stacks Of Cash, Heroin: Police Bust Suspected Trafficker Following Western Mass Raid
Guns, Stacks Of Cash, Heroin: Police Bust Suspected Trafficker Following Western Mass Raid Police and federal agents raided a home in Holyoke earlier this week to bust a man suspected of trafficking heroin and found a stockpile of drugs, cash, and an unlicensed gun, authorities said.  Angel Carrasquillo, 32, faces several charges following the Wednesday, Feb. 15, search of his home, including heroin trafficking — 200 grams or more, unlicensed possession of a firearm, having an assault rifle without a license, and other drug offenses, Holyoke police said in a Facebook post.  Officers said they found a Glock 43 with an extended magazine, a cache of drugs, and wads of cash…
FBI Probing Veteran's Claim That George Santos Stole Dying Dog's Charity Money, Report Says FBI Probing Veteran's Claim That George Santos Stole Dying Dog's Charity Money, Report Says
FBI Probing Veteran's Claim That George Santos Stole Dying Dog's Charity Money, Report Says The bad news just keeps coming for embattled New York Rep. George Santos, who is now the subject of an FBI investigation into accusations he stole charity money intended to help a Navy veteran’s dying service dog, Politico reports.  Richard Osthoff, of Howell, New Jersey, told the outlet that two FBI agents reached out to him on Wednesday, Feb. 1, as part of an investigation by the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York. Earlier Report: Bye George: Embattled Nassau Rep Santos Stepping Down 'Temporarily' From Committee Assignments Osthoff told Politico he gave the agents …
Suspected Crack Dealer Shot At Chicopee Cops During Raid: Police Suspected Crack Dealer Shot At Chicopee Cops During Raid: Police
Suspected Crack Dealer Shot At Chicopee Cops During Raid: Police Police said a suspected crack dealer shot at them as they tried to break down his front door during a raid this week.  Austin Colson faces 14 weapon and drug charges stemming from the Tuesday, Dec. 20, raid at his Belcher Street apartment, Chicopee police said.  Police officials said Chicopee narcotics officers and FBI agents with the gang task force knocked on Colson's door and announced their intentions, but after he refused to answer, they started to batter it down. That's when they heard a gunshot from inside the house, authorities said, and then the heavy footsteps of a man r…
Massachusetts Doctor Punched Police Officer During Jan. 6 Attack On US Capitol: FBI Massachusetts Doctor Punched Police Officer During Jan. 6 Attack On US Capitol: FBI
Massachusetts Doctor Punched Police Officer During Jan. 6 Attack On US Capitol: FBI Federal agents arrested an Ashland doctor and charged her with attacking a police officer during the January 6 attack at the US Capitol, authorities said.  Jacquelyn Starer, 68, faces charges of civil disorder, assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, the Department of Justice said.  The FBI alleges that Starer illegally broke into the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, during a "Stop t…
Car Full of Fools Gold Sinks Scammer's Plan To Swindle Central Mass Woman: Feds Car Full of Fools Gold Sinks Scammer's Plan To Swindle Central Mass Woman: Feds
Car Full of Fools Gold Sinks Scammer's Plan To Swindle Central Mass Woman: Feds A Jersey City, NJ, man posing as a DEA agent attempted to scam an Athol woman out of more than $330,000 in a complicated grift involving non-existent drug dealers and a car loaded down with fake gold in a Texas Roadhouse parking lot, federal authorities said.  Gaurang Contractor, 38, an Indian national, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the charge of wire fraud, the US Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Dec. 9.  Investigators said Contractor contacted the woman in August and claimed to be a DEA agent named Oscar White. He told her that she was implicated…
'You're All Gonna Burn': Texas Gun Dealer Threatened Boston Doctor Over Trans-Care: Feds 'You're All Gonna Burn': Texas Gun Dealer Threatened Boston Doctor Over Trans-Care: Feds
'You're All Gonna Burn': Texas Gun Dealer Threatened Boston Doctor Over Trans-Care: Feds Federal agents arrested a 38-year-old Texas man for allegedly leaving threatening voicemails for a doctor who works at the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center in Boston earlier this year, authorities said.  Matthew Jordan Lindner of Comfort, Texas, is charged with transmitting interstate threats and faces up to five years in prison if convicted, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He is being held without bail until a hearing later this week.  The FBI said Lindner, who owns Lindner Ammo in Comfort, called a doctor at the Fenway Health affiliated clinic on Aug. 31 an…