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View in Browser July 10, 2025 Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • FBI Reportedly Seizes 900 Pounds of Meth in Minnesota • Continued Reporting: FBI Launches Criminal Investigations of John Brennan, James Comey • Continued Reporting: Jeffrey Epstein Coverage COUNTERTERRORISM • Rhode Island Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill President Trump, AG Bondi, and Stephen Miller • Continued Reporting: FBI Searching for 12th Suspect in 'Ambush' of Alvarado ICE Detention Facility • ICE Busts Former Children's Hospital Chaplain On FBI Terror Watchlist • Continued Reporting: FBI Warns of an Escalating 764 Threat Leading Young Girls to Hurt Themselves • 17-Year-Old New York Resident Arrested on Terrorism and Weapons Charges • Continued Reporting: Plane Forced to Land After Passenger Claimed His Laptop Was a Bomb • Milwaukee Woman Charged With Making Bomb Threat, Stealing From Pick 'N Save COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • Chinese Spy Arrested on Texas University COVID Research Theft Charges • FISA Court Approves FBI Effort to Share New Evidence With Congress • Trump Officials Keep Getting Impersonated by A.I. 'Vishing' Scammers • Opinion: Trump Administration's Lie Detector Campaign Against Leakers Threatens National Security Priorities • Opinion: Counterintelligence in the Absence of Evidence • Major Colleges Face Heat Over Chinese Scholarship Ties as Espionage Concerns Mount CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Live Entertainment CEO Indicted for Orchestrating Conspiracy to Rig Bidding Process for Public University Arena • Prosecutors Question Doctors About UnitedHealth's Medicare Billing Practices • DC Police and FBI Offer $40,000 Reward for Info on Shooting of Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym • Opening Arguments Wrap Up for Trial of FBI Agent Accused of Sexually Assaulting Three Women • Federal Authorities End Idaho Search for Suspect in Kids' Deaths After Finding Look-Alike Hiker • Three Zizians Face Trial Together in Maryland Amid Sprawling Federal Investigation • President Trump's Justice Department Targets Doctors, Clinics Who Provide Sex Change Procedures to Minors EFTA01655264 • Police Name Suspect in Killing of Three-Year-Old in D.C. • Suspect Still at Large for 2016 Charlotte Murder • 17-Year-Old Georgia Girl Charged in February's Shooting Death of Mom, Stepdad • Former West Virginia Officers Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Their Role in Deadly Inmate Assault • FBI Busts Chinese Nationals For Multi-Million Dollar Drug Ring, Exploiting Immigration System • FBI Warns of Increase in 'Ramp-And-Dump' Stock Fraud • Police Thwart Scammer in Pennsylvania Posing as FBI Attempting to Steal $27,000 • FBI Investigation at Gloucester City, New Jersey Doctor's Office • Tennessee Divers Search For Missing Evidence With FBI • FBI Impersonator Has Made a Deal With Prosecutors • Oklahoma Man Charged With Producing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Pornography and Aggravated Sexual Abuse • Former School Custodian Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography • Mom Tried to Get $400 From Man to Let Him Rape Her Seven-Month-Old Daughter, Police Say CYBER DIVISION • Tennessee Resident Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison on Multiple Cyber Stalking Charges • FBI and Microsoft Bust Massive North Korean Laptop Farm Scam Across U.S. • Continued Reporting: Salt Typhoon 'Largely Contained' in Telecom Networks, Says FBI Official • Connecticut Man Admits Harassing South Carolina FBI Agent • Qantas Data Breach Exposes Millions of Customer Records OTHER FBI NEWS • Sen. Chuck Grassley Reiterates Plans to Investigate DOJ, FBI Over Trump Indictments • FBI Citizens Academy of Indianapolis Hosts Digital Defense Training Seminar • FBI Report on Sig Sauer 'Uncommanded Discharge' Incident Goes Public OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Supreme Court Keeps Hold On Florida Immigration Law Aimed At People In The U.S. Illegally • DHS Used Anonymous Pro-Israel Site to Target Activists for Deportation, Agency Says in Court • Trump Administration Renews Attacks On Harvard With Negotiations Uncertain • Advocates for Day Laborers Arrested After Tire Spikes Found at Immigration Raid • Man Accused of Trump Assassination Attempt in Florida Seeks to Remove Defense Attorneys From Case • Appeals Court Overturns Right-Wing Influencer's Conviction for Spreading 2016 Election Falsehoods • ICE Swoops in on MS-13 Kingpin Hiding in America's Heartland After Investigation • Federal Authorities End Idaho Search for Suspect in Kids' Deaths After Finding Look-Alike Hiker • Trump Administration Sues California Over Transgender Athletes • Opinion: ICE Is About to Become the Biggest Police Force in the U.S. IN THE NEWS FBI Reportedly Seizes 900 Pounds of Meth in Minnesota Fox News (07/09, Compton) reported that nearly 900 pounds of suspected methamphetamine worth approximately $1.7 million was seized in Minnesota and is considered as one of the largest meth busts in the state's history. Two men, 46-year-old Joel Casas-Santiago and 44-year-old Guillermo Mercado Chaparro, were arrested and charged with controlled substance crimes for their alleged involvement. The suspects are believed to be linked to a larger drug organization operating out of Mexico, according to investigators. "Nine hundred pounds of meth seized during two traffic stops in Minnesota yesterday, in a hit targeting drug trafficking rings you'll hear EFTA01655265 about soon," Deputy Director Bongino wrote in a post on X on Tuesday. "We're finding them and crushing their operations. More to come. Thanks to our U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration partners for the coordination." The article noted that Deputy Director Bongino also took to X earlier this week with statistics he says demonstrate the FBI's heightened focus on violent crime and illegal immigration "is working." Over the last few months, the FBI has seized 22% more illicit drugs than in the same period last year, including more than 97,000 pounds of cocaine, over 7,000 pounds of meth and more than 2,500 pounds of fentanyl, he wrote. KTTC (NBC-10) (07/09, McCabe) and KMSP (Fox-9) (07/09, Wermus) also reported on the story. Continued Reporting: Trump Administration Targets Comey and Brennan With New Investigation The New York Times (07/09, Thrush, Barnes) reported that the Trump administration is targeting former FBI director James B. Comey and former CIA director John O. Brennan, who oversaw the investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign's connections to Russia. According to the article, CIA director John Ratcliffe made a criminal referral of Brennan to the FBI, accusing him of lying to Congress, while the FBI is also scrutinizing Comey's role in the Russia investigation. The article noted that even if it is unclear whether the moves will lead to charges, they are among the most significant indications that President Trump's appointees intend to follow through on his campaign to exact retribution against his perceived enemies. The article added that the investigation comes at a precarious moment for the appointed leadership of federal law enforcement agencies. Since Monday, Trump supporters on the far right have lashed out at Attorney General Bondi and FBI brass for closing the investigation into the death of the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Fox News (07/09, Wallace, Doocy, Singman) reported that during a meeting with African leaders in the State Room of the White House on Wednesday, Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked the president for his response to the investigation. "Do you want to see these two guys behind bars?" Doocy asked the president. "Well, I know nothing about it other than what I read today," Trump said. "But I will tell you, I think they're very dishonest people. I think they're crooked as hell. And, maybe they have to pay a price for that. I believe they are truly bad people and dishonest people," the president added. "So whatever happens, happens." The article highlighted that the full scope of the criminal investigations into Brennan and Comey is unclear, but two sources described the FBI's view of the duo's interactions as a "conspiracy," which could open up a wide range of potential prosecutorial options. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Axios (07/09, Falconer), AFP (07/09, Staff Writer), CNN (07/09, Perez, Lillis), Fox News (07/09, Kornick), The Daily Beast (07/09, Ornedo), The Independent (07/10, Marcus), NBC News (07/09, Dilanian, Reilly, Luce), New York Post (07/09, Nelson), the New York Times (07/09, Thrush, Barnes), the Washington Post (07/09, Roebuck, Stein, Nakashima), and the Washington Times (07/09, Picket). What to Know About the Jeffrey Epstein Saga CNN (07/09, Rabinowitz) reported that Jeffrey Epstein was a billionaire and convicted sex offender who was accused of sex trafficking and pedophilia, and had connections to powerful individuals, including Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. Epstein died in his jail cell in 2019, with his death ruled a suicide, but many conspiracy theories have emerged questioning the circumstances of his death and alleging that he had a "client list" of powerful individuals who participated in his alleged crimes. A recent Justice Department memo found no evidence of a "client list" or credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals, and released jailhouse security footage showing no one entered Epstein's cell on the day he died, but the findings have been met with backlash. The article highlighted that conspiracy theories have not subsided and were often pushed by a myriad of right-wing figures, including Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino. News Nation Now (07/09, Djordjevic) reported that Sigrid McCawley, an attorney representing people suing Jeffrey Epstein's former accountant — one of the last Epstein cases in federal court — believes the government is sitting on a "treasure trove" of information regarding the convicted sex offender. "What's really just astonishing about this recent disclosure from the government is that they know they are sitting on a treasure trove of information, and they're not turning it over," McCawley told "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" on Wednesday. "I've worked on these cases for over 10 years now; there's a plethora of information that the public has not been able to see relating to Epstein and his co-conspirators," McCawley added that the information ranges from financial records to other telling information from computers and other items that could help understand how Epstein ran a sex-trafficking scheme for more than two decades without conviction. She criticized the Trump administration for what she believes is contradictory action to its rhetoric that it would be "an open book" administration dedicated to exposing the truth. Fox News (07/09, Ruiz) added that Jeffrey Epstein's brother, Mark Epstein, is disputing the official finding that his brother killed himself in federal custody. Mark Epstein calls an FBI memo defending the suicide ruling "stupid" and believes his brother was murdered, citing inconsistent autopsy findings and his brother's upcoming bail hearing. Additional EFTA01655266 reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (07/09, Video), Al Jazeera (07/09, Staff Writer), CBS News (07/09, Video), NBC News (07/09, Video), Newsweek (07/09, Whisnant), Politico (07/09, McHugh), The Hill (07/09, Crisp), The Independent (07/09, Sommerlad), and Vanity Fair (07/09, Levin). Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Rhode Island Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill President Trump, AG Bondi, and Stephen Miller Fox News (07/09, Wehner) reported that Carl D. Montague, a 37-year-old Rhode Island man, has been charged with threats against President Donald Trump and other administration officials. Montague allegedly wrote a threatening post on Truth Social, targeting Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The FBI investigated and found probable cause to charge Montague, despite his expressing remorse and claiming he did not have the means to carry out the threats. Additional reporting on the story was provided by WKRC (NBC-10) (07/09, Fortier), Boston.com (07/09, Dwyer), WJAR (NBC-10) (07/09, Levine), WFXT (Fox-25) (07/09, Papadopoulos), Newsweek (07/09, Stanton, Castro), and the Boston Globe (07/09, Andersen, Gavin). Continued Reporting: FBI Searching for 12th Suspect in 'Ambush' of Alvarado ICE Detention Facility WFAA (ABC-8) (07/09, Wedding) reported that the FBI is searching for Benjamin Hanil Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist and the 12th suspect, in connection with the "ambush" at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. According to the article, Song is accused of buying guns used in the attack and is charged with attempted murder of federal agents and discharging a firearm during a violent crime, but was not present during the shooting. The article noted that eleven other suspects, including Zachary Evetts, Joy Gibson, Bradford Morris, and others, have been charged with various crimes, including attempted murder and terrorism, and are already in custody, while Song remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Additional reporting on the story was provided by CBS News (07/09, Jenkins), Dallas Morning News (07/09, Torres), Royse City Herald-Banner (07/09, Faram), and Fort Worth Star-Telegram (07/09, Davidson). ICE Busts Former Children's Hospital Chaplain On FBI Terror Watchlist Just the News (07/09, Severi) reported that Imam Ayman Soliman, a former children's hospital chaplain in Ohio, was arrested by ICE officers. Soliman, an Egyptian national, had his asylum status revoked under the Biden administration and was flagged on the FBI's terror watch list. He has denied any wrongdoing and has sued the federal government multiple times over the flag, with two lawsuits remaining pending. The article noted that it is not clear why Soliman was flagged on the FBI's terror watch list. DailyWire (07/09, Lindquist) also reported on the story. Continued Reporting: FBI Warns of an Escalating 764 Threat Leading Young Girls to Hurt Themselves KOAA (NBC-5) (07/09, Cloherty) reported that the FBI is warning about an escalating online threat called "764" that targets young girls, manipulating them into sending explicit images and videos, and coercing them to harm themselves. According to the article, the group, which originated as an online nihilistic gang, uses various platforms, including social media, online games, and email, to contact victims as young as 10 years old. The article explained that the FBI encourages parents and guardians to be vigilant, set parental controls, and look for signs of victimization, such as withdrawal, mood changes, and self-harm, and to report concerns to the FBI hotline. "Unfortunately, we have cases now in every FBI field office across the country, and that's just what we know about. I speculate that there are many, many thousands more," said Supervisory Special Agent Ash Thorne. "So, when a kid tries to get out or says no, that kind of retaliation goes out to their friends, and there's a great fear, right? Because ultimately, these criminal actors gain status within these communities by the sheer number of victims that they have. Ultimately, we've seen children and at-risk individuals commit suicide out of fear," said Thorne. 17-Year-Old New York Resident Arrested on Terrorism and Weapons Charges WRGB (CBS-6) (07/09, Day) reported that a 17-year-old resident of Halfmoon, NY, was arrested on June 17, 2025, for making a threat of mass harm and terrorism-related charges. According to the article, the arrest followed an investigation into concerning online statements, which led to the discovery of materials supporting acts of terrorism and weapons at their home. The teen is currently being held without bail at the Capital District Juvenile Secure Detention Center in Albany, NY, and the investigation remains ongoing. The article noted that the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force assisted with the case. EFTA01655267 Continued Reporting: Plane Forced to Land After Passenger Claimed His Laptop Was a Bomb WKRC (CBS-12) (07/09, Staff Writer) reported that a passenger, 27-year-old Taj Taylor, claimed his laptop was a bomb during Allegiant flight 1023, forcing an emergency landing. According to the article, the FBI and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office investigated and found no bomb, determining the threat was false. Taylor was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat, and reportedly told police he had recently been released from a mental health facility. Milwaukee Woman Charged With Making Bomb Threat, Stealing From Pick 'N Save WISN (ABC-12) (07/09, Schmitz) reported that Andrea Cloud-Jones, a 49-year-old Milwaukee woman, has been charged with making a bomb threat and stealing from a Pick 'n Save store. According to the article, the incident occurred on July 4 when Cloud-Jones tried to leave the store without paying for several items, then claimed to be an FBI agent, and then claimed there was a bomb in the store after being confronted by employees. The article noted that Cloud-Jones is facing one count of terrorist threat causing public panic or fear and one count of robbery. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Chinese Spy Arrested on Texas University COVID Research Theft Charges The Center Square (07/09, Blankley) reported that Chinese national Xu Zewei, 33, has been arrested in Milan, Italy, for allegedly hacking a Texas university to steal COVID-19 research on behalf of the People's Republic of China. According to the article, Xu Zewei and another Chinese national, Zhang Yu, 44, were charged with computer intrusions, including the HAFNIUM hacking campaign, and stealing research from U.S.-based universities and immunologists. Xu Zewei awaits extradition to the United States, while Zhang Yu remains at large, with the FBI seeking information about his whereabouts. "While the world was reeling from a virus that originated in China, the Chinese government plotted to steal U.S. research critical to vaccine development," FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams said. "Xu Zewei, an alleged hacker acting on behalf of China's primary spy agency, targeted COVID-19 data using sophisticated cyber techniques and tradecraft. His landmark arrest by FBI Houston agents in Italy proves that we will scour the ends of the earth to hold criminal foreign adversaries accountable." Additional reporting on the story was provided by Tampa Free Press (07/09, Grissom), TechRadar (07/09, Fadilpasic), Texas Scorecard (07/09, Wilson), and The Epoch Times (07/09, Fang). FISA Court Approves FBI Effort to Share New Evidence With Congress Just the News (07/09, Solomon, Dunleavy) reported that the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court has approved the Justice Department's request to review and share new evidence related to the Russiagate scandal with Congress, specifically regarding the FISA warrants targeting former Trump campaign associate Carter Page. According to the article, the DOJ is seeking to disclose information to Congress while redacting sensitive details, in response to requests from the GOP-led House and Senate Judiciary Committees for documents related to the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. The move is part of an effort to provide Congress with information to guide future hearings and determine if additional reforms of FISA are needed, with Director Patel working to hand over more evidence to Congress at the behest of President Donald Trump. The article clarified that the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane operation was flawed, and Special Counsel Durham's report found no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Durham's investigation undercut the credibility of the Steele dossier, and his report noted that the FBI ignored the lack of corroboration for the dossier's allegations. The article noted that the Dal and FBI are responding to requests from Representative Jordan for documents and transcripts related to the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, including briefing documents and a comparison of the treatment of the Crossfire Hurricane and Clinton investigations. Trump Officials Keep Getting Impersonated by A.I. 'Vishing' Scammers Time (07/09, Guzman) reported that Trump officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, have been impersonated by malicious actors using AI-generated audio in "vishing" scams. According to the article, the scams involve impersonating well-known figures to manipulate officials and gain access to information or accounts, with the goal of exploiting them for sensitive information. The article noted that the FBI and other experts warn that verifying the identity of callers and being cautious of unsolicited requests for sensitive information can help prevent falling victim to these scams. EFTA01655268 Opinion: Trump Administration's Lie Detector Campaign Against Leakers Threatens National Security Priorities An opinion piece published by The Conversation (07/09, O'Neill) reported that the Trump administration's campaign to use polygraphs to uncover leaks to the press is unlikely to succeed due to the subjective nature of polygraph results. Polygraphs measure physiological responses, but there are no specific reactions associated with lying, and results are not generally admissible in U.S. courts. The author assessed that the use of polygraphs may have a chilling effect, discouraging internal candor and diverting energy away from national security priorities, potentially hindering institutional resilience and adaptation to complex threats. The article noted that at agencies such as the DHS and the FBI, polygraphs are reportedly being used more frequently — and more punitively — to identify internal dissenters. Opinion: Counterintelligence in the Absence of Evidence An opinion piece published by Clearance Jobs (07/09, Burgess) reported that the British Security Service's Operation Wedlock was a decades-long surveillance campaign sparked by a CIA tip about a potential MI6 mole, with no direct evidence ever found. The operation's logic was influenced by James Jesus Angleton's worldview, which held that the absence of evidence could indicate a skilled concealment, leading to a mole hunt that damaged trust and careers. The cases of Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanssen, and Yuri Nosenko illustrate the dangers of recursive logic and the need for 360-degree vision in counterintelligence, where the search for certainty can lead to distortion and false accusations. The article highlighted that the cases of Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, who were both found to be moles within the CIA and FBI, respectively, are also examined, and it is noted that these breaches were not detected through the use of intuition or speculation, but rather through concrete evidence and careful investigation. Major Colleges Face Heat Over Chinese Scholarship Ties as Espionage Concerns Mount Fox News (07/09, Phillips) reported that the China Select Committee is investigating major U.S. universities, including Dartmouth, Notre Dame, and the University of California system, over their ties to the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC). According to the article, the committee alleges that the CSC program is a covert pipeline for Beijing to gain access to sensitive American research and technology, and may be indirectly subsidized by U.S. federal research grants. The article noted that Universities such as Notre Dame and Dartmouth have already terminated or plan to end their participation in the CSC program, amid concerns over potential espionage and technology transfer. The article did not contain a direct FBI mention. Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Live Entertainment CEO Indicted for Orchestrating Conspiracy to Rig Bidding Process for Public University Arena KOMO News (07/09, Staff Writer) reported that a federal grand jury has indicted Timothy J. Leiweke, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oak View Group (OVG), for allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas, the DOJ's Antitrust Division announced. According to the article, the indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, claims that from approximately February 2018 through at least June 2024, Leiweke conspired with the Chief Executive Officer of a competitor. The Dal said the alleged conspiracy involved rigging the bidding for the development, management, and use of a multi-purpose arena on the university's campus, referred to as the "Arena Project." "Timothy Leiweke allegedly led a scheme designed to steer the contract for entertainment services at a public university's arena to his company. Public contracts are subject to laws requiring an open and competitive bid process to ensure a level playing field," said Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. "The FBI is determined to ensure that those who disregard fair competition principles do not benefit from a rigged bidding process targeting our communities and public institutions." The Seattle Times (07/09, Bernard), KUSA (NBC- 9) (07/09, Snyder), KXAN (NBC-4) (07/09, Jones), and the Wrap (07/09, Patton) also reported on the story. Prosecutors Question Doctors About UnitedHealth's Medicare Billing Practices The Wall Street Journal (07/09, Weaver, Mathews) reported that the DOD's criminal healthcare-fraud unit is investigating UnitedHealth Group's Medicare billing practices, including how the giant company deployed doctors and nurses to gather diagnoses that bolstered its payments, people familiar with the matter said. According to the EFTA01655269 article, in recent weeks, former UnitedHealth employees said they had been questioned by prosecutors working for the healthcare-fraud unit. The FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General also participated in some of the interviews, the former employees said. The former employees said the investigators asked detailed questions about UnitedHealth's efforts to encourage the documentation of certain lucrative diagnoses, including testing patients, implementing procedures to ensure that medical conditions were captured, and sending nurses to patients' homes. The New York Post (07/09, Herzlich) and Reuters (07/09, Staff Writer) also reported on the story. DC Police and FBI Offer $40,000 Reward for Info on Shooting of Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym ABC News (07/09, Peterson, Forrester) reported that officials have increased the reward for information leading to the person who fatally shot a 21-year-old congressional intern in Washington, D.C., last month. Eric Tarpinian- Jachym, of Granby, Massachusetts, was killed on June 30 at approximately 10:28 p.m. after getting caught in gunfire in northwest Washington, D.C., police said. According to the article, the Metropolitan Police Department said on Tuesday that a reward of $40,000 is available for anyone who is able to provide information that leads to the "arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible." Police were offering a previous award of $25,000, but increased it by an additional $15,000 "thanks to a contribution from our partners at the FBI Washington Field Office," officials said. Investigators said they recovered the suspect vehicle last week and stated that while the shooting was targeted, Tarpinian-Jachym was not among the intended victims. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters last week, "We do have some good video footage, and I say good video footage that's a little grainy, so we're bringing in the FBI to kind of help enhance the video resolution so we can see a little bit better." The Washington Examiner (07/09, Rosciglione) also reported on the story. Opening Arguments Wrap Up for Trial of FBI Agent Accused of Sexually Assaulting Three Women WJLA (ABC-7) (07/09, Flores) reported that jury selection and opening arguments wrapped up Wednesday evening for the trial of the FBI agent accused of sexually assaulting three women after providing free tattoos and photoshoots. According to the article, police arrested Eduardo Valdivia in November 2024. Jury selection took up most of Wednesday's court proceedings, but opening arguments began around 3:20 p.m. Both sides took about an hour each to make their opening arguments. The main argument centered around whether or not the alleged sexual acts that took place were consensual. The prosecutor stated to the jury that Valdivia "preyed on, isolated, and sexually assaulted three women" at his tattoo studios. Meanwhile, Valdivia's lawyer told the jury the alleged acts were consensual and in exchange for the free services he provided to the women. The prosecution team brought up the fact that the FBI agent, who is currently suspended without pay, was trained to be undercover and used those skills in these alleged incidents by having different aliases. WUSA (CBS-9) (07/09, Video) also reported on the story. Federal Authorities End Idaho Search for Suspect in Kids' Deaths After Finding Look-Alike Hiker The Associated Press (07/09, Boone) reported that federal authorities in Idaho say they have ended a search in the Sawtooth National Forest after determining it was all case of mistaken identity. The search began Saturday after the U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force said a family reported they saw a man who looked like Travis Decker, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters in Washington state. The article added that Decker has been wanted since June 2, when a sheriff's deputy in Washington found his truck and the bodies of his three daughters. The family was near a Bear Creek area campsite when they saw a man who was the same height and roughly the same weight as Decker, and also had similar hair, beard and tattoos on his arm and calf. Additional tips followed, and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies joined the Marshals Service in the search. They found the man Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Marshals Service Supervisory Deputy Michael Leigh said in a press release, and determined he was not Decker. The Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Decker's capture. Three Zizians Face Trial Together in Maryland Amid Sprawling Federal Investigation The Associated Press (07/09, Skene) reported that three members of a violent cultlike group, including its alleged ringleader, will be tried together on charges of trespassing, gun and drug possession after police discovered them camping in box trucks in rural western Maryland. The group known as Zizians, which attracted a fringe contingent of computer scientists who connected online over their shared anarchist beliefs, has been linked to six killings spanning three states in recent years. The Maryland cases were originally scheduled for separate trials, but the defendants requested a joint proceeding despite concerns from their attorneys; a judge granted the request following a court hearing Tuesday afternoon. According to the article, Jack "Ziz" LaSota and her associates, Michelle EFTA01655270 Zajko and Daniel Blank were arrested in February after a man told police that "suspicious" people had parked two box trucks on his property and asked to camp there for a month, according to authorities. The trucks were found in a largely remote wooded area near the Maryland-Pennsylvania line, a mountainous region dotted with small towns. The article mentioned that LaSota, a transgender woman who's regarded as the group leader, entered the courtroom Tuesday hoisting a brown paper bag filled with documents. Throughout the hearing, LaSota and Zajko repeatedly interjected to address the judge directly, disregarding conventional courtroom practices and occasionally speaking over their attorneys. The regular interruptions added to the already unusual circumstances of the case, which hinges on the findings of federal investigators despite being prosecuted in state court. The main issue discussed Tuesday was the timeline of the proceedings. After the trio was arrested in February on trespassing and illegal gun possession charges, prosecutors filed a superseding indictment last month with new allegations, including LSD possession. Defense attorneys argued prosecutors are trying to slow-walk the case while federal authorities continue investigating the Zizians. The article noted that Zajko faces federal firearms charges in Vermont because police allege she purchased weapons recovered in connection with a border patrol agent's killing. President Trump's Justice Department Targets Doctors, Clinics Who Provide Sex Change Procedures to Minors Fox News (07/09, Casiano) reported that the Dal on Wednesday said it has subpoenaed more than 20 doctors and clinics that are involved in providing minors with sex change procedures. The agency is investigating healthcare fraud, false statements and more, it said. "Medical professionals and organizations that mutilated children in the service of a warped ideology will be held accountable by this Department of Justice," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. In April, Bondi issued a memo stating that the Dal would be investigating and prosecuting those who offer sex change treatments for minors. The Guardian (07/09, Levine) also reported on the story. Police Name Suspect in Killing of Three-Year-Old in D.C. The Washington Post (07/09, Benn) reported that D.C. police have identified a suspect in the shooting death of 3- year-old Honesty Cheadle. According to the article, police said they have an arrest warrant for first-degree murder while armed for Charles Rucker, 24, of Southeast Washington. The reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction has been raised from $25,000 to $50,000, with funds from the FBI's Washington field office and the U.S. Marshals Service. Suspect Still at Large for 2016 Charlotte Murder WCNC (NBC-36) (07/09, Shiff, Ablon) reported that in 2016, then-18-year-old Alejandro Castillo allegedly killed his coworker 23-year-old Truc Quan "Sandy" Ly Le. Nine years later, Castillo is still wanted. Castillo is currently on the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, wanted for murder. Castillo and Le worked together at a restaurant in Charlotte and had previously dated. The article added that it was reported in October 2017 Le's body was found in a wooded part of Cabarrus County. She was shot in the head according to the FBI. The FBI said in 2017 Castillo owed Le about $1,000. Text messages between him and Le revealed he agreed to repay the loan to Le on Aug. 9, 2016. However, the FBI alleges Castillo instead had Le withdraw a large sum of money from an ATM before killing her, citing an investigation from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. He then fled the state in Le's car along with a new girlfriend. The girlfriend would eventually turn herself in two months later to Mexican authorities. After returning to North Carolina, the FBI said she faces charges tied to the homicide as an accomplice. While Castillo's last known residence was in Charlotte, he has ties to Phoenix, Arizona, where Le's car was found. The FBI also said he was spotted crossing into Mexico and may be living in one of two cities in the state of Aguascalientes: Franciso de los Romo or Pabellon de Arteaga. He's fluent in both English and Spanish. The article mentioned that Beth Boggess, Assistant Special Agent in charge at the FBI's office in Charlotte, said the Bureau has leveraged local, national, and international partnerships to continue working on the case, from Charlotte to Mexico. That work has led them to learn Castillo is getting assistance from others. "What we know is that Castillo has people that are helping him evade law enforcement capture. And what we want those people to know is that they are also committing a crime and helping him evade law enforcement," she said. Boggess credited the work among agencies as a critical part of getting justice for families affected by violent crimes. "Our work and relationships are stronger than ever, and we work together collaboratively to capture these fugitives," she said. 17-Year-Old Georgia Girl Charged in February's Shooting Death of Mom, Stepdad UPI (07/09, Benson) reported that a 17-year-old Georgia girl was charged in the February murders of her mother and stepfather. According to investigators, Sarah Grace Patrick was the initial 911 caller and now the official suspect EFTA01655271 in the shooting deaths of James, 45, and Kristin Block, 41, at their home on Carrollton Tyus Road in Carrollton, a Georgia city and county seat of Carroll County. "We feel confident that she is responsible for their murders," Carroll County spokesperson Ashley Hulsey said Tuesday, adding that Patrick "turned herself in because we notified her that we had warrants for her arrest." On Tuesday, Carroll County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Kim Hope said the investigation was still open and more arrests could come. "We collaborated with agencies such as the FBI, the GBI crime lab, and private forensic laboratories," Hulsey told news media. Former West Virginia Officers Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Their Role in Deadly Inmate Assault The Associated Press (07/09, Staff Writer) reported that two former West Virginia correctional officers were sentenced to decades in prison on Wednesday for their roles in an assault that resulted in the death of an inmate. Mark Holdren, 41, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and Johnathan Walters, 33, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the March 2022 attack in the Southern Regional Jail, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. The article added that Quantez Burks, 37, was a pretrial detainee who died less than a day after he was booked into the jail in Beaver on a wanton endangerment charge, according to court documents. When Burks tried to push past an officer to leave his housing unit, he was taken to an interview room where he was handcuffed and restrained while officers including Holdren and Walters assaulted him. Burks was struck in the head multiple times, kicked and pepper-sprayed, according to the Justice Department. After the assault, Burks became unresponsive, so officers including Walters carried him to a different pod. Walters swung Burks' head into a metal door to open it and the officers dropped his body onto a concrete cell floor. He was pronounced deceased a short time later by emergency medical personnel. A DOJ press release noted that the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case. FBI Busts Chinese Nationals For Multi-Million Dollar Drug Ring, Exploiting Immigration System The Daily Wire (07/09, Mahieu) reported that the FBI busted a multi-million dollar marijuana trafficking scheme run by Chinese nationals, the Justice Department said Tuesday. Seven Chinese nationals were charged over an alleged marijuana conspiracy operating out of Massachusetts and Maine. Investigators said that the operation, which began in January 2020, generated millions of dollars by distributing kilogram-sized quantities of marijuana in bulk. Those charged are 39-year-old Jianxiong Chen, 36-year-old Yuxiong Wu, 38-year-old Dinghui Li, 35-year-old Dechao Ma, 35-year-old Peng Lian Zhu, 35-year-old Hongbin Wu, and 47-year-old Yanrong Zhu. Yanrong Zhu "remains a fugitive," while the others were all taken into federal custody, according to the DOJ. FBI agent Ted Docks said that Chen, who lived in Braintree, Massachusetts, a city about 12 miles south of Boston, smuggled Chinese nationals over the Mexican border and forced them to work at marijuana grow houses to pay off the smuggling fees and get their passports back. In the last several years, Chinese-backed marijuana operations have cropped up across the United States, and there have been major drug busts in states like New Mexico and Maine. In Maine alone, Border Patrol has reportedly identified at least 270 illegal marijuana grow operations that are worth billions of dollars. The Greenfield Recorder (07/09, Cammalleri) also reported on the story. FBI Warns of Increase in 'Ramp-And-Dump' Stock Fraud WHNT (CBS-19) (07/09, Teutsch) reported that the FBI said fraudsters are targeting U.S. stock investors at an increased rate in 2025 compared to previous years. The FBI posted a public service announcement on July 3, warning the public about criminals who are targeting U.S. stock investors through social media platforms and other messaging apps. "The scheme, known as a 'ramp-and-dump' stock manipulation, targets US investors through online engagement, often via social media advertisements or messages promoting an 'investment club' of fellow investors, some of which may be bots or fake accounts," the FBI said. To appear credible, the FBI said perpetrators may present themselves as legitimate brokerage firms or well-known stock analysts. Police Thwart Scammer in Pennsylvania Posing as FBI Attempting to Steal $27,000 WHTM (ABC-27) (07/09, Weaver, Stockburger) reported that scammers posing as the "FBI" in an attempt to steal $27,000 from a Cumberland County woman were thwarted Tuesday by police. Court documents filed by Silver Spring Township Police show, a 73-year-old woman got a text Monday about unusual activity on her Apple ID, and she called the number provided. Court documents show that's when she began talking with the scammers claiming to be the "FBI," who told her she owed them $27,000. She was instructed to withdraw and then deposit the cash at different ATMs. The article added that after the victim told the scammers she wasn't comfortable with that, they told her an "agent" would come to her house to get the money. Police said the victim was instructed not to tell anyone about the situation, to send pictures of her ID and cash to the "FBI." She then put the cash in a box. Police were made aware Tuesday of the scam by the victim's relative, who reported that the woman was on the phone EFTA01655272 with a suspected scammer. "Please talk to your family members, especially older ones, about the dangers of scams and that no law enforcement agent, from any department or agency, will demand cash, cryptocurrency, or gift card payments over the phone or in person to avoid incarceration," said Silver Spring Township Police Chief Christopher Raubenstine. Raubenstine says follow-up investigations are ongoing with ICE and the FBI into similar incidents. WPMT (Fox-43) (07/09, Schweigert) and WHP (CBS-19) (07/09, Embry) also reported on the story. FBI Investigation at Gloucester City, New Jersey Doctor's Office WPVI (ABC-6) (07/09, Pinder) reported that a Gloucester City, New Jersey, doctor's office was raided by FBI agents Wednesday morning. Neighbors were alarmed by law enforcement on their block outside the medical practice of Dr. Edward Lundy, whose name is on the building, on Market Street. Around 9:30 a.m., video showed multiple unmarked vehicles pull up and park on the residential street at the same time. Moments later, agents in suits are seen walking toward the building, some were even dressed in tactical gear. The FBI in Philadelphia confirmed its response to the address as "court-authorized law enforcement activity." Tennessee Divers Search For Missing Evidence With FBI Radio NWTN (07/09, McFarlin) reported that the Stewart County Fire & Rescue Dive team partnered with the FBI and Tennessee City Fire Rescue in an underwater search to help locate missing evidence in an ongoing investigation Tuesday. The local team of expert divers worked closely with federal agents, deploying sonar, and deep diving techniques to aid in the recovery effort. SCFR officials said, "This collaboration demonstrates not only the skill and professionalism of our dive team, but also our commitment to public service and justice. We are honored to have been trusted in such a vital role and will continue to support law enforcement agencies whenever called upon." FBI Impersonator Has Made a Deal With Prosecutors Hawaii News Now (07/09, Staff Writer) reported that a Waialua man found with a fake FBI badge and several guns has made a deal with federal prosecutors. Keone Toguchi pleaded guilty on Tuesday to possessing an unregistered gun silencer. In return, officials dropped two other charges, including one for pretending to be a federal agent. Oklahoma Man Charged With Producing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Pornography and Aggravated Sexual Abuse Hoodline (07/09, Donovan) reported that a Stillwater resident faces multiple federal charges involving child pornography and aggravated sexual abuse, as announced by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. Lee Grant Clark, aged 78, has been indicted on two counts of production of child pornography, alongside individual counts for receipt, possession of said material, and the aggravated sexual abuse of minors. Detailed in a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the indictment followed an investigation that started with the FBI's scrutiny of a computer user soliciting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A DOJ press release noted that this case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office (Stillwater Resident Agency) and the Stillwater Police Department. KOKH (Fox-25) (07/09, Sharfman) also reported on the story. Former School Custodian Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography KTVI (Fox-2) (07/09, Schneider) reported that a former Missouri high school custodian was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday over possession of child pornography. A federal judge sentenced Bernard Ray Mennemeier, 58, of O'Fallon, Missouri, to five years and three months in prison, along with a lifetime of supervised release. Investigators say Mennemeier uploaded five videos containing child sexual abuse material to Dropbox, triggering an FBI investigation. The FBI conducted a court-approved search of Mennemeier's Dropbox account and his home, finding him in possession of child sexual abuse material. Mennemeier pleaded guilty in April to one count of possession of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, he admitted messaging someone on Twitter who sold him child sexual abuse material "numerous" times. "This case was especially concerning given that Bernard Mennemeier was working in a high school at the time he possessed child sexual abuse material," said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division via a news release. "In addition to spending 63 months in federal prison, Mennemeier will never be allowed to work around children again because he will have to register as a sex offender." Mom Tried to Get $400 From Man to Let Him Rape Her Seven-Month-Old Daughter, Police Say The Independent (07/09, Cavallier) reported that an Indiana mother has been charged with attempted sex trafficking after police say she tried to get $400 from a man in exchange for raping her seven-month-old daughter. Morgan Stapp, 32, was arrested on Tuesday at a home in Indianapolis following a months-long investigation that stemmed from disturbing messages and photos shared on Snapchat. The FBI launched the EFTA01655273 investigation in November after they received a report from the social media platform that included the messages sent by user "morgan-stapp." When Stapp was interviewed by the FBI on November 11, 2024, she reportedly claimed that her Snapchat had been "hacked" and that she no longer had access to her "morgan-stapp" account. Back to Top CYBER DIVISION Tennessee Resident Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison on Multiple Cyber Stalking Charges WZTV (Fox-17) (07/09, Griffin) reported that McKenzie McClure, a 31-year-old Franklin resident, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for cyberstalking 14 victims. The victims included individuals tied to Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA), where McClure made threatening statements and attempted to enter locked buildings. After serving her prison term, McClure will serve three years of supervised release with restrictions on communication and travel involving CPA and related entities. "McClure's relentless cyberstalking disrupted many lives, incited fear, and posed significant risks to the Christ Presbyterian Academy and Christ Presbyterian Church community," said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office in the press release. "As demonstrated in this case, those who target innocent lives and threaten violence will be held accountable for their actions. I hope the victims can find some closure to the nightmares they endured during McClure's reign of harassment." FBI and Microsoft Bust Massive North Korean Laptop Farm Scam Across U.S. NDTV (07/09, Pandey) reported that the FBI and Microsoft have busted a massive North Korean laptop farm scam across the U.S., suspending 3,000 Outlook and Hotmail accounts linked to North Korean IT workers. According to the article, the DOJ seized hundreds of laptops, 29 financial accounts, and shut down nearly 24 websites, raiding 29 "laptop farms" where Americans helped North Koreans gain unauthorized access to remote jobs. The article noted that the scam, which generates up to $600 million a year, is used to fund North Korea's nuclear weapons program, with the U.S. government and cybersecurity community identifying thousands of North Korean workers infiltrating companies across various industries since 2020. Continued Reporting: Salt Typhoon 'Largely Contained' in Telecom Networks, Says FBI Official Inside Towers (07/09, Stimson) reported that the FBI's Brett Leatherman says the Salt Typhoon hackers are "largely contained" and "dormant" in telecom networks, but still pose a threat. According to the article, nine U.S. telecoms companies were victimized, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen, and have reportedly purged or contained the hackers from their networks. Leatherman's priorities as head of the FBI Cyber division include assisting victims and imposing costs on bad actors, with a focus on resilience, deterrence, and support for victims. Connecticut Man Admits Harassing South Carolina FBI Agent The Daily Hampshire Gazette (07/09, Staff Writer) reported that Scott Robert Tardy, a 31-year-old Holyoke man and former corrections officer, pleaded guilty to charges related to harassing an FBI special agent. According to the article, Tardy used messaging apps to post threatening messages and share personal information about the agent and their spouse under the usernames "connecticut12345" and "slimybanana". He faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and five years of supervision after pleading guilty to cyberstalking, providing false statements to the FBI, and obstruction of justice. Qantas Data Breach Exposes Millions of Customer Records Fox News (07/09, Knutsson) reported that Qantas experienced a data breach exposing information from up to 6 million customers, including names, email addresses, and frequent flyer numbers. The breach occurred on a third- party customer service platform, but Qantas confirmed that hackers did not access credit card details, financial information, or passport data. Cybersecurity experts, such as Chris Borkenhagen, recommend that affected customers update passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and monitor accounts to protect themselves from potential misuse of their data. The article highlighted that the FBI recently warned that a hacking group called Scattered Spider is actively targeting airlines and the transportation sector. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS EFTA01655274 Sen. Chuck Grassley Reiterates Plans to Investigate DOJ, FBI Over Trump Indictments The Gazette (07/09, Hoff) reported that Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said Wednesday he is committed to investigating the members of the DOJ and the FBI who served during the Biden administration over indictments against President Donald Trump. Grassley mentioned the investigation during Trump's visit to Des Moines on July 3 at an event to kick off a yearlong event celebrating 250 years of American independence. Speaking to the crowded audience, Grassley doubled down on his investigation into federal indictments against Trump, which he referred to as "political weaponization." According to the article, during a press call Wednesday, Grassley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters that he believes wrongdoing by federal prosecutors and investigators that he has pointed out rises to "the criminal level" after it was reported that the FBI is investigating former CIA director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey over possible false statements to Congress. "I can't say that the wrongdoing I have pointed out so far is more in the area of political weaponization of the FBI and the Department of Justice, and I can't say it rose to the criminal level, but evidently the Department of Justice has reason to believe that crime has been committed, and I'll have to defer to them. That's their job, not mine," Grassley told reporters. "My focus is on transparency and accountability for the American people." FBI Citizens Academy of Indianapolis Hosts Digital Defense Training Seminar WTWO/WAWV (NBC-2) (07/09, Gastineau) reported that small and medium-sized business owners and entrepreneurs gathered at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce to learn about cybersecurity. Around 30 people attended the seminar to learn ways to help prevent cyber-attacks and what to do if they or their business falls on the wrong end of a cyber-attack. Shelley Klingerman is the Outreach Director of the FBI Citizens Academy of Indianapolis, and she mentioned how an event like this can give important information to certain types of businesses. "We hope they gain some steps that they can take to protect their data," Klingerman said. "And in the event, it is compromised, some resources and initial steps that can start to be taken to regain that information." FBI Report on Sig Sauer 'Uncommanded Discharge' Incident Goes Public OutdoorLife (07/09, Snow) reported that a report by the FBI's Ballistic Research Facility that was recently made public has placed the Sig Sauer M18/P320 series of striker-fired semi-auto pistols back into the spotlight. The report was based on the BRF's tests of a Sig Sauer M18 that had been issued to a motor officer with the Michigan State Police. That pistol experienced an "uncommanded discharge" in July 2024, according to the document. The incident occurred while the gun was holstered, and in front of multiple witnesses. It joins a substantial list of similar reports, many of which have resulted in lawsuits. According to the article, the results of the August 2024 report were inconclusive, but that hasn't stopped a renewed flow of online speculation by people questioning the pistol's design. The issue is whether the P320 and its variants are capable of an uncommanded discharge. Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Supreme Court Keeps Hold On Florida Immigration Law Aimed At People In The U.S. Illegally Associated Press, Reuters, Washington Examiner, New York Times, Fox News DHS Used Anonymous Pro-Israel Site to Target Activists for Deportation, Agency Says in Court NBC News, ABC News, CNN, Law360, New York Times Trump Administration Renews Attacks On Harvard With Negotiations Uncertain New York Times, USA TODAY, New York Post, Reuters, Wall Street Journal Advocates for Day Laborers Arrested After Tire Spikes Found at Immigration Raid Los Angeles Times, Breitbart, Fox News, Hoodline, DailyWire Man Accused of Trump Assassination Attempt in Florida Seeks to Remove Defense Attorneys From Case Associated Press, News Nation Now, Newsweek Appeals Court Overturns Right-Wing Influencer's Conviction for Spreading 2016 Election Falsehoods Associated Press ICE Swoops in on MS-13 Kingpin Hiding in America's Heartland After Investigation Fox News EFTA01655275 Federal Authorities End Idaho Search for Suspect in Kids' Deaths After Finding Look-Alike Hiker Associated Press Trump Administration Sues California Over Transgender Athletes New York Times Opinion: ICE Is About to Become the Biggest Police Force in the U.S. The Guardian Back to Top Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. 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