A Few Clouds 73°
Tag:

Undercover Operations

Police & Fire
Maryland Father–Son Gun Trafficking ‘Family Business’ Busted After Undercover Sting: Police Maryland Father–Son Gun Trafficking ‘Family Business’ Busted After Undercover Sting: Police
Maryland Father–Son Gun Trafficking ‘Family Business’ Busted After Undercover Sting: Police Detectives in Maryland say they shut down a father-son firearms trafficking ring that had been operating across the state for months — and uncovered a stash of illegal guns and drugs along the way. According to Howard County Police, investigators first got a tip in July about someone selling firearms throughout the region, prompting a massive investigation.  Undercover officers began making purchases, and during those transactions, police said they learned the seller was getting help from his father. Detectives widened the investigation and uncovered even more.  Officers said th…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
PA Man Looking For Underage 'Playmate' For 'Ongoing Adventure' Convicted In Virginia: DOJ PA Man Looking For Underage 'Playmate' For 'Ongoing Adventure' Convicted In Virginia: DOJ
PA Man Looking For Underage 'Playmate' For 'Ongoing Adventure' Convicted In Virginia: DOJ A Pennsylvania man is facing life in prison after sending disturbing messages to an undercover officer soliciting a minor in Virginia for sex, authorities announced. Keith Allen Pinkard, 67, of Middletown, faces harsh penalties after pleading guilty this week to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor following a sting operation.  According to court documents, in May, Pinkard sent a private message to another user on social media, unaware that the user was, in fact, an undercover FBI special agent. During that exchange, prosecutors say that Pinkard stated he was seeking "a new pl…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Predator Preying On Maryland Teens While Out On Bail Learns Prison Fate: Feds Predator Preying On Maryland Teens While Out On Bail Learns Prison Fate: Feds
Predator Preying On Maryland Teens While Out On Bail Learns Prison Fate: Feds The Maryland man who used multiple phones and online apps to target teens - even while he was out on bail and charges were pending - will spend years in prison for coercing and enticing minors, federal authorities announced. Michael Vance Culpepper, 56, of Walkersville, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being busted by an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl online, and then doubling down after being released by a judge. He had faced life in prison. According to his guilty plea, in April and May 2023, Culpepper used cellphones and online applications to "persuade…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Predator Preying On Maryland Teens While Out On Bail Facing Life In Prison: Feds Predator Preying On Maryland Teens While Out On Bail Facing Life In Prison: Feds
Predator Preying On Maryland Teens While Out On Bail Facing Life In Prison: Feds A Maryland man who used multiple phones and online apps to target teens - including while he was out on bail and charges were pending - admitted to coercing and enticing minors, federal authorities announced. Michael Vance Culpepper, 56, of Walkersville, is facing life in prison after being busted by an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl online, then doubling down. According to his guilty plea, in April and May 2023, Culpepper used mobile phones and online applications to persuade, induce, entice and coerce two victims whom he believed to be 13- and 14-year-old to engage in sex…

SHARE

by Zak Failla