EFTA Document EFTA01655368

From: FBI News Briefing To: "FBINewsBriefing_Draft" < Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL) - DRAFT: FBI Daily News Briefing - August 20, 2025 Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:45:04 +0000 Importance: Normal View In Browser Federal Bureau of Investigation Seal August 20, 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 • Tulsi Gabbard Strips 37 Security Clearances Over Obama-Ordered Intel Report That Launched Russiagate • Abrego Garcia's Lawyers Accuse Justice Dept. of Vindictive Prosecution • Continued Reporting: Director Patel Says 21 Arrested Overnight in D.C. Bringing Overall Total to 450 • Continued Reporting: Deputy Director Bongino to Work Alongside 'Co-Deputy Director' of FBI COUNTERTERRORISM • Analysis: Trump Is Turning the FBI Away From Investigating Terrorism and Corruption, Sources Say COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • California Man Who Admitted Shipping Weapons to North Korea Is Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • House Panel to Make Epstein Files Public After Redactions to Protect Victim Identities • FBI Arrests U.S. Gymnastics Academy Coach Accused of Sexually Abusing Young Girls • Woman Arrested, Charged After Threatening to Kill Trump • Man Wanted in Texarkana Home Invasion, Shooting Arrested in Arkansas • FBI Believes More May Be Involved in Louisiana Homicide • Alabama Murder Suspect Arrested by FBI in New Orleans • How an Active Dad' Ended up Allegedly Murdering His Three Daughters • Eighteen Sentenced to Federal Prison From South Carolina Gang Drug Trafficking Ring • North Carolina Drug Kingpin Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison • FBI Issues Alert on Rising Fraudulent 'Law Firms' EFTA01655368 • Texas Man Accused of Using FBI Agent Ex's Identity to Secure $93K Loan for a Ford F150 • FBI Investigation in Indiana Ends With 11 'Unauthorized Immigrants' Arrested • North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty To Civil Rights Violation • Colorado Springs Police, FBI Conducting Potential Human Remains Search • Pennsylvania Man Who Distributed Child Pornography Sentenced • Arkansas Man Sentenced to Ninety Years for Child Pornography, Ai-Generated Images • Arkansas Man Arrested for Online Child Exploitation • No Special Treatment Given to Israeli Official Accused of Nevada Sex Crime • FBI Jacksonville Warns of Sharp Increase in Sextortion Cases, Online Predators Targeting Children • D.C. Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Carjacking Spree Involving Six Victims CYBER DIVISION • Former New York City Department of Education Business Manager Sentenced in Bid Rigging Scheme • Texas Tech University System, FBI Partner on U.S. Cybersecurity • Continued Reporting: Allianz Life Security Breach Impacted 1.1 Million Customers OTHER FBI NEWS • Continued Reporting: FBI Insiders Express Total Frustration With Trump INTERNATIONAL NEWS • Air Canada to Resume Service as Flight Attendants' Union Ends Strike • Kim Jong Un Slams Joint South Korea-U.S. Drills • Finnish Politician Eemeli Peltonen, 30, Found Dead in Parliament After Taking His Own Life • Tension Grows Between Israel and Australia Over Visa Revocation • China and India Should Be Partners, Not Adversaries, Says Foreign Minister • Qatar Urges a Gaza Ceasefire After a 'Positive Response' From Hamas • Iranian Reformers Call for Tehran to End Uranium Enrichment, Strike Deal With U.S. • Israel Demands Release of All Gaza Hostages, Casting Doubt on Ceasefire Proposal • UK Free Speech Crackdown Sees up to Thirty People a Day Arrested for Petty Offenses • Azerbaijani Ambassador Praises President Trump as 'True Peacemaker' After Historic Azerbaijan- Armenia Deal OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • U.S. Destroyers Head Toward Waters off Venezuela to Pressure Drug Cartels • President Trump Says No Ground Troops, but Maybe Air Support, to Back Ukraine Peace Deal • Texas Democrats Plan to Spend the Night in the State Capitol in Protest Amid Redistricting Fight • Potentially Radioactive Shrimp Recalled at Walmarts in a Dozen States • Nebraska Announces Plan for Immigration Detention Center Dubbed the 'Cornhusker Clink' • Oregon Man Accused of Operating One of Most Powerful Attack 'Botnets' Ever Seen • U.S. Strikes Deportation Deals With Honduras and Uganda • Minnesota Sues TikTok, Alleging It Preys on Young People With Addictive Algorithms • Baltimore Shipping Channel Reopened After Explosion on Cargo Ship • Trump Moves to Use the Levers of Presidential Power to Help His Party in the 2026 Midterms WASHINGTON SCHEDULE EFTA01655369 IN THE NEWS Tulsi Gabbard Strips 37 Security Clearances Over Obama-Ordered Intel Report That Launched Russiagate The New York Post (08/19, Christenson) reported that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced that security clearances had been pulled from 37 current and former officials who "abused public trust by politicizing and manipulating" information, including several who were involved in a controversial, Barack Obama- ordered assessment of Russian influence in the 2016 election. "Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right," Gabbard said in a statement. "Those in the Intelligence Community who betray their oath to the Constitution and put their own interests ahead of the interests of the American people have broken the sacred trust they promised to uphold." Gabbard last month began declassifying records about the crafting of the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) under Obama, revealing what she has called a "treasonous conspiracy" by senior administration officials "to subvert President Trump's 2016 victory." According to the article, those records show that then-DNI James Clapper, then-CIA Director John Brennan, and then-FBI Director James Comey spearheaded the ICA report to emphasize Moscow's role in the electoral contest and purported support of then- candidate Trump. The article noted that Trump's Department of Justice has since opened a grand jury investigation into Brennan, Comey, and Clapper over the Russiagate probe. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Fox News (08/19, Koch), Associated Press (08/19, Tucker, Madhani, Lee), New York Times (08/19, Barnes, Haberman), The Hill (08/19, Beitsch), Politico (08/19, Wendler), CNN (08/19, Campbell, Lillis), USA Today (08/19, Ramaswamy), Washington Post (08/19, Miller, Nakashima, Strobel), The Guardian (08/19, Staff Writer), UPI (08/19, Heuer), Al Jazeera (08/19, Staff Writer), Daily Mail (08/19, Lepore), Washington Examiner (08/19, Zimmermann), Center Square (08/19, Roderick-Fitch), The Epoch Times (08/19, Lord), Just the News (08/19, Sever* Newsmax (08/19, Staff Writer), and Daily Caller (08/19, Bradfield). Abrego Garcia's Lawyers Accuse Justice Dept. of Vindictive Prosecution The New York Times (08/19, Feuer) reported that Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia's lawyers have accused the Trump administration of vindictive prosecution, claiming he was charged with a crime after fighting his deportation. According to the article, the lawyers argue that Abrego Garcia was singled out because he refused to acquiesce in the government's violation of his due process rights, not because of the seriousness of his alleged conduct. The case against Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully expelled to El Salvador, is nearing a significant inflection point, with his lawyers seeking to have the charges dismissed due to alleged vindictive prosecution by the government. The article highlighted that at the heart of the case was a 2022 traffic stop during which Garcia was pulled over and discovered to be driving several Hispanic men, some of whom were in the country illegally. Even though the FBI learned about the stop at the time, it decided not to do anything about it, and Garcia was released without charges. Additional reporting on the story was provided by The Hill (08/19, Beitsch), ABC News (08/19, Romero), Associated Press (08/19, McAvoy), Washington Post (08/19, Roebuck), CBS News (08/19, Montoya-Galvez), CNN (08/19, Cole), Bloomberg (08/19, Blumberg), The Independent (08/19, Woodward), Reuters (08/19, Wolfe), and HuffPost (08/19, O'Connor). Continued Reporting: Director Patel Says 21 Arrested Overnight in D.C. Bringing Overall Total to 450 Newsmax (08/19, Freeman) reported that there were 21 additional arrests overnight by federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., Director Patel announced on X on Tuesday. "21 more FBI arrests in Washington D.C. last night August 18-19: -4 gun recoveries -6 drug seizures -Charges including Felony assault, Larceny, Drug offenses, Assault on officer, and more Federal partners have arrested over 450 individuals since this operation began. The work continues." Reuters (08/19, Lynch, Parker) added that the Trump administration has ordered federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., to pursue aggressive charges against people arrested in the city's crackdown. According to the article, the move marks an escalation of Trump's push against what he has described as a wave of crime and homelessness in Washington, in which the Republican president has already called up hundreds of National Guard troops and temporarily taken over the Democratic-led city's police department. Jonathan Hornok, head of the criminal division, directed prosecutors to maximize federal charges, which could strain the court system and raise stakes for defendants. The article highlighted that the orders could place additional stress on federal law enforcement agents, including those from the FBI who are already stretched thin because they have been ordered to participate in nightly rotational shifts to patrol the capital's streets. The Associated Press (08/19, Brown, Whitehurst, Megerian) and Reuters (08/19, Ax) reported that over 1,100 National Guard troops from six EFTA01655370 Republican-led states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee, have been deployed to Washington, D.C. at the request of the Trump administration. The move has faced legal challenges and opposition from local officials, with critics accusing Trump of manufacturing an emergency to seize greater control of Washington and target Democratic cities. The Washington Examiner (08/19, Hunter) reported that AG Bondi announced the arrest of an MS-13 gang member as part of a federal crime crackdown in Washington, D.C. The crackdown has resulted in 465 arrests and 68 firearms seized since it began, with nearly half of the arrests occurring in high-crime areas. President Donald Trump and his administration are touting the results as a success in making the nation's capital a safer place, with AG Bondi declaring, "Make DC Safe Again!" According to the Washington Post (08/19, Stein, Davies), the DOJ is investigating the Washington, D.C. police department over alleged manipulation of crime data to make crime rates appear lower. The investigation, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, will examine the actions of multiple police officials and could potentially lead to charges of fraud, obstruction, or making false statements. The probe is linked to a dispute between the Trump administration and local officials, including D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, over the need for a federal takeover of law enforcement in the city. The article highlighted that crime statistics reported by the D.C. police were generally in line with trends seen nationally. The District's violent crimes — which include homicide, aggravated assault, rape, and robbery — fell 10 percent from 2023 to 2024. At the same time, FBI data showed, those crimes across the country decreased 13 percent. Additional reporting on the story was provided by The Washington Post (08/19, Rizzo), The Guardian (08/19, Lerner), New York Times (08/19, Barrett), and The Daily Beast (08/19, Kimmins). Continued Reporting: Deputy Director Bongino to Work Alongside 'Co-Deputy Director' of FBI The Independent (08/19, Sommerlad) reported that the FBI has appointed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as its new "co-deputy director", who will share duties with current Deputy Director Dan Bongino. The appointment comes after Bongino reportedly clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. "I am proud to announce I have accepted the role of Co-Deputy Director of the FEW" Bailey wrote in a brief post on X. "I extend my thanks to President Donald Trump and AG Bondi for the opportunity to serve in the mission to Make America Safe Again. I will protect America and uphold the Constitution." Deputy Director Bongino responded to a journalist's post about the appointment by writing simply, "Welcome," accompanied by three Stars and Stripes emojis. Explaining the decision, Director Patel stated that the FBI "will always bring the greatest talent this country has to offer in order to accomplish the goals set forth when an overwhelming majority of American people elected President Donald J Trump again. Andrew Bailey will be an integral part of this important mission, and I look forward to the continued fight to save America together." Additional reporting on the story was provided by MSNBC (08/19, Benen), New York Magazine (08/19, Hartmann), HuffPost (08/19, Zhou), and Raw Story (08/19, Davis). Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Analysis: Trump Is Turning the FBI Away From Investigating Terrorism and Corruption, Sources Say An analysis from MSNBC (08/19, Dilanian) reported that the Trump administration, led by Director Patel, is shifting the FBI's priorities to focus more on investigating violent crimes, with agents expected to spend time on such cases. According to the article, this change in priorities is coming at the expense of the FBI's role in protecting the U.S. from national security threats, such as terrorism, hackers, and spies, with a planned 15% reduction in the workforce. The article noted that current and former FBI officials, including Rob D'Amico, are expressing concern that these changes will put the nation in jeopardy and make the FBI a national police force, potentially compromising its ability to address traditional missions like white-collar fraud and public corruption. "Morale is low and people are stressed;' one FBI official in Washington said in a text, adding that a senior colleague reported that "people are coming into her office in tears, talking about how they are really uncomfortable with these orders and their supervisors are at a loss to help them:' Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE California Man Who Admitted Shipping Weapons to North Korea Is Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison EFTA01655371 The Associated Press (08/19, Staff Writer) reported that Shenghua Wen, a 42-year-old California man, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for shipping weapons and ammunition to North Korea. Wen pleaded guilty to conspiracy and acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government, admitting that the weapons were intended for a surprise attack on South Korea. He was instructed by North Korean officials and was paid around $2 million to procure and ship the goods, which included two containers of weapons and other items sent from California to North Korea via Hong Kong. The article highlighted that the FBI in September seized 50,000 rounds of ammunition from Wen's home in the LA suburb of Ontario that had been stored in a van parked in the driveway, the complaint says. They also seized a chemical threat identification device and a transmission detective device that Wen said he planned to send to the North Korean government for military use, the complaint says. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Fox News (08/19, Casiano), USA Today (08/19, Loria), CNBC (08/19, Breuninger), South China Morning Post (08/19, Magnier), UPI (08/19, Benson), Law360 (08/19, Lyskawa), The Epoch Times (08/19, Fang), Washington Times (08/19, Gertz), and Daily Caller (08/19, O'Rourke). Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS House Panel to Make Epstein Files Public After Redactions to Protect Victim Identities CNN (08/19, Barrett, Ferris) reported that the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform plans to make public files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case after redacting sensitive information to protect victim identities. According to the article, the committee will work with the Justice Department to review and redact the materials, which are expected to be received starting Friday. The article noted that release of the files may be delayed, with some Democrats accusing Republicans of slow-walking the process, while Republicans like Speaker Mike Johnson and Chairman Comer say they support transparency but want to handle the matter carefully. Additional reporting on the story was provided by CBS News (08/19, Hubbard), The Independent (08/19, Keane), The Hill (08/19, Brooks), UPI (08/19, Heuer), and Wall Street Journal (08/19, Li). FBI Arrests U.S. Gymnastics Academy Coach Accused of Sexually Abusing Young Girls Associated Press (08/19, Foley, Pells) reported that Sean Gardner, a former coach at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in Iowa, has been arrested by the FBI on a federal child pornography charge. According to the article, Gardner is accused of sexually abusing at least three young gymnasts and secretly recording others undressing in a gym bathroom at his prior job in Mississippi. The case was reported to SafeSport in 2022, but Gardner was able to land a job at an Iowa hospital in 2024, two years after the abuse allegations were reported, before being arrested and charged. The article noted that in a statement made on Tuesday, the FBI said it believes Gardner "primarily targeted children" at the gyms in Iowa and Mississippi, as well as at a third one in Louisiana, where he worked for 10 years until 2014, and was seeking to identify additional potential victims. According to an FBI affidavit, investigators uncovered 50 video files and 400 photos, including some that appeared to be child pornography. One video allegedly shows Gardner entering the bathroom and turning off the camera. Additional reporting was provided by ESPN (08/19, Staff Writer), Fox News (08/19, Thompson), CBS News (08/19, Staff Writer), New York Daily News (08/19, Wilkinson), People com (08/19, Neumann), WDAM (NBC-7) (08/19, Posey), WBRZ (ABC-2) (08/19, Burruss), and Des Moined Register (08/19, Morris). Woman Arrested, Charged After Threatening to Kill Trump The Epoch Times (08/19, Stieber) reported that Nathalie Rose Jones, 50, was arrested and charged for threatening to kill President Donald Trump in social media posts. According to the article, Jones admitted to making the threats and told Secret Service agents she would kill Trump if she had the opportunity, citing a desire to "avenge" lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article noted that Jones was charged with violating laws prohibiting threatening the president and issuing requests for ransom, with authorities stating that threatening the president will be met with swift and unwavering prosecution. "I literally told FBI in five states today that I am willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS," Jones wrote on Facebook on Aug. 6. The article highlighted that FBI official Matt McCool added that "protecting the President of the United States is our highest priority, and every potential threat is addressed with the utmost seriousness." He said that agents "acted swiftly and decisively to neutralize this alleged threat before it could escalate." Man Wanted in Texarkana Home Invasion, Shooting Arrested in Arkansas EFTA01655372 Texarkana Gazette (08/19, Staff Writer) reported that Brandon Lakeith Jenkins, a suspect in a 2023 home invasion and shooting in Texarkana, Texas, has been arrested in Hope, Arkansas. According to the article, Jenkins is accused of shooting three people during the home invasion robbery on August 29, 2023. The article noted that Jenkins was arrested on a warrant for engaging in organized criminal activity, aggravated assault, with the assistance of the FBI's Little Rock field office. FBI Believes More May Be Involved in Louisiana Homicide The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate (08/19, McCallum) reported that the FBI and US Attorneys are investigating the homicide of Billy Jamison, 67, who was fatally shot during a robbery at a Walgreens on January 22. According to the article, Larry Dewayne Lewis, 44, and Kevin Terrell Lewis, 38, are charged in connection with the Walgreens robbery and a similar robbery at a liquor store on December 23, 2024. The article noted that the FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of others who may have been involved in the robberies, as investigators believe additional individuals may have participated. Alabama Murder Suspect Arrested by FBI in New Orleans WVTM (NBC-13) (08/19, Conlon) reported that Harold Dailey, 35, was arrested by the FBI in New Orleans for the capital murder of John Byron Roulaine in Birmingham. According to the article, Roulaine was found shot and killed in a van on First Avenue North on August 11. The article added that Dailey is awaiting extradition to Birmingham to face charges related to the murder. The article noted that the FBI conducted surveillance on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, just off the Pontchartrain Expressway in downtown New Orleans, where they took Dailey into custody. How an 'Active Dad' Ended up Allegedly Murdering His Three Daughters ABC News (08/19, Forrester) reported that Travis Decker, a 32-year-old father, picked up his three daughters on May 30 for a planned visitation and failed to return them, prompting their mother Whitney Decker, to contact police. The girls' bodies were found near a Washington state campground on June 2, and Travis Decker was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping. A multi-agency manhunt for Travis Decker has been ongoing for over two months, with authorities following various leads and tips, but he remains at large. The article highlighted that local officials began working with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Marshal's Office in their search efforts. Eighteen Sentenced to Federal Prison From South Carolina Gang Drug Trafficking Ring WCSC (CBS-5) (08/19, Thompson) reported that 18 individuals have been sentenced to a total of 144 years in federal prison for their involvement in a North Charleston gang drug trafficking ring. According to the article, the investigation, led by the FBI's Lowcountry Violent Crime Task Force, resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of drugs, including over 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 3 pounds of cocaine, 1.5 pounds of marijuana, and 1 pound of crack cocaine, as well as 26 firearms, including four illegally modified full-auto machine guns, and $70,000 in cash. Additional reporting was provided by WCIV (ABC-4) (08/19, Moore), WCBD (NBC-2) (08/19, Renaud), and Spectrum Bay News 9 (08/19, Johnson). North Carolina Drug Kingpin Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison WBTW (CBS-13) (08/19, Benson) reported that Courtney Linwood "Blaze" Matthews, a 47-year-old Fayetteville man, has been sentenced to federal prison for leading a multi-year drug trafficking ring led by the FBI and Fayetteville Police. According to the article, the ring sent over 839 kilograms of cocaine, 9.5 kilograms of heroin, and 2.4 kilograms of fentanyl across North Carolina. Matthews was found guilty of laundering drug proceeds and coordinating with co-conspirators to import and distribute large quantities of drugs in Cumberland and Robeson counties. "The amount of illegal drugs 'Blaze' Matthews is responsible for pumping into our community is staggering," James C. Barnacle Jr., North Carolina's FBI Special Agent in Charge, said. Additional reporting was provided by My Daily Record (08/19, Staff Writer). FBI Issues Alert on Rising Fraudulent 'Law Firms' CoinGeek (08/19, Field) reported that the FBI has issued a public service announcement warning of rising fraudulent "law firms" that target victims of digital asset scams, particularly the elderly. According to the article, these scammers, often posing as fake law firms, charge up-front fees and may steal personal data or additional funds from victims. The article noted that the FBI has provided red flag indicators and due diligence measures to help potential victims, including being cautious of unexpected contacts, verifying credentials, and using a "Zero Trust" model to verify requests. EFTA01655373 Texas Man Accused of Using FBI Agent Ex's Identity to Secure $93K Loan for a Ford F150 Houston Chronicle (08/19, Ferguson) reported that Daniel Field, 35, from Livingston, has been charged with three federal felonies for attempting to use his ex-girlfriend's (an FBI agent) identity to secure a $93,000 truck loan. According to the article, the charges include attempted bank fraud, falsely impersonating a federal officer, and aggravated identity theft, which carry a possible 30-year federal prison sentence. The article noted that Field pleaded not guilty to related state charges and is scheduled to appear before a federal judge, with a potential mandatory sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft if found guilty. FBI Investigation in Indiana Ends With 11 'Unauthorized Immigrants' Arrested WTHR (NBC-13) (08/19, Potter) reported that a joint law enforcement operation involving Seymour Police, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and ICE led to the arrest of 11 undocumented immigrants in and around Seymour on August 18. According to the article, authorities stated that all of those arrested had been charged with or convicted of serious crimes, including drug offenses, child molestation, sexual battery, strangulation, and domestic violence. The article noted that some of the individuals had previously been deported multiple times, but had returned to the U.S. All were taken into federal custody and are subject to deportation. Additional reporting was provided by WHAS (ABC-11) (08/19, Swinney), The Republic (08/19, Staff Writer), WISH (CW-8) (08/19, Montgomery), WWBL-FM (08/19, Szink), and WFIU-FM (08/19, Bouthier). North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty To Civil Rights Violation WCNC (NBC-36) (08/19, Puente) and WJZY (Fox-46) (08/19, Coats) reported that Maurice Hopkins, a 32-year-old man from Mount Holly, pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights violation for threatening customers at a NoDa pizza restaurant. According to the articles, the threats were made because of the customers' race, color, religion, and national origin, and involved Hopkins brandishing a loaded AR-15-style rifle. The articles noted that Hopkins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for interference with federally protected activities, with sentencing to be determined by a federal district court judge. The FBI Charlotte Field Office investigated the case. Colorado Springs Police, FBI Conducting Potential Human Remains Search KKTV (CBS-11) (08/19, Andrews) reported that the Colorado Springs Police Department is conducting a search for potential human remains in the Florissant area of Teller County. The FBI is investigating alongside the Colorado Springs Police Department. The article stated that as of now, it is unclear if human remains have been found, but the search is ongoing. Pennsylvania Man Who Distributed Child Pornography Sentenced WV News (08/19, Staff Writer) reported that Earl Burford, a 47-year-old man from Bethlehem, has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography and firearms offenses. According to the article, Burford pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and possession of a firearm by a felon in May. According to a Department of Justice press release, the case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Additional reporting was provided by WFMZ.com (08/19, Kise). Arkansas Man Sentenced to Ninety Years for Child Pornography, Ai-Generated Images KATV (ABC-7) (08/19, Baribeau) reported that Ethan Tanner Fagan, a 33-year-old Arkansas man, was sentenced to 100 years for possessing and producing child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated explicit imagery of minors. According to the article, Fagan exchanged illegal imagery with an individual in Ohio. The investigation was conducted by the Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Clark County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the FBI Field Office in Cleveland. Additional reporting was provided by THV (CBS-11) (08/19, Romano), KARK (NBC-4) (08/19, Battles), and KJNB (Fox-39) (08/19, Jones). Arkansas Man Arrested for Online Child Exploitation THV (CBS-11) (08/19, Romano) reported that Chad Bennett, a 27-year-old man from North Little Rock, was arrested on August 15 following an undercover operation led by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children task force and the FBI. According to the article, investigators found that Bennett engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old but who was actually an FBI agent. Additional reporting was provided by KATV (ABC-7) (08/19, Baribeau). No Special Treatment Given to Israeli Official Accused of Nevada Sex Crime EFTA01655374 Reuters (08/19, Vicens) reported that Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, a top Israeli cybersecurity official, was arrested in Nevada for soliciting sex from a minor as part of a multi-week operation targeting "child sex predators". According to the article, Alexandrovich posted a $10,000 bail and returned to Israel, sparking speculation that he received special treatment, but Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson and Alexandrovich's attorney, David Z. The article noted that Chesnoff, deny this. Alexandrovich has not yet been formally charged and faces a potential felony charge, with a hearing scheduled for August 27. The article highlighted that the FBI, which participated in the law enforcement operation, declined to comment on Tuesday. FBI Jacksonville Warns of Sharp Increase in Sextortion Cases, Online Predators Targeting Children MIXT (CW-4) (08/19, Sanchez) reported that the FBI Jacksonville has reported a 60% increase in sextortion cases, with losses close to $1 million, targeting children in Northeast Florida. According to the article, FBI officials, including Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley, and local law enforcement, such as St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, are warning parents to be proactive in monitoring their children's online activities. The article noted that the FBI is advising parents to monitor their children's online use closely, have open communication, and keep evidence of interactions to protect them from sextortion and online predators. "The internet is a powerful tool for education and connection, but criminals exploit its anonymity to target children," Special Agent Carley said. "These predators are relentless and adapt quickly. By recognizing the warning signs, parents and caregivers can better protect their children. Taking action early can also stop a predator from harming another child." D.C. Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Carjacking Spree Involving Six Victims MLA (ABC-7) (08/19, Guevara) reported that Andre "Dre" Rushing, a 23-year-old D.C. man, was sentenced to federal prison for his role in a spree of armed carjackings and robberies. According to the article, evidence against Rushing included a March 7th Instagram Live video, where he brandished a handgun with an extended magazine, just minutes before being arrested near a loaded ghost gun. The spree ended on March 30, when police attempted a traffic stop on another carjacked vehicle. Roach fled on foot after crashing into several cars, while Rushing was arrested inside the vehicle with a handgun in the glovebox. The article noted the case was investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Fairfax County Police Department. Additional reporting was provided by DC News Now (08/19, Luzader). Back to Top CYBER DIVISION Former New York City Department of Education Business Manager Sentenced in Bid Rigging Scheme MLex (08/19, Staff Writer) reported that Victor A Garrido, former NYC Department of Education business manager and owner of TranscendBS LLC, was sentenced to 6 months in prison for rigging bids to New York City public schools. According to the article, Garrido and his company were ordered to pay $141,511 in restitution to the New York City Department of Education and $23,100 to the New York State Department of Labor for unemployment benefit fraud. The article noted that the bid-rigging scheme, which impacted approximately 28 public schools, resulted in estimated losses of $141,511 to the NYC Department of Education and allowed TranscendBS to win at least $707,555 in contracts. "Let today's sentence be a warning to those who attempt to cheat the system. You will be held accountable," said FBI Operations Director Chad Yarbrough of the Criminal Cyber Branch in the press release. "The FBI has zero tolerance for those who attempt to rig the system to benefit themselves, inflicting lasting harm on our communities and undermining the principles of fair competition." Texas Tech University System, FBI Partner on U.S. Cybersecurity GovTech (08/19, Richter) reported that the Texas Tech University System and the FBI have partnered through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to advance U.S. national security, cybersecurity, and infrastructure protection. The partnership will utilize university-led research and development to address weaknesses in critical infrastructure, such as the electric grid, water utilities, and communication systems. The article noted that the collaboration aims to enhance the resilience of infrastructure sectors, expand training opportunities, and advance cybersecurity through joint research and development between the Texas Tech University System and the FBI. The Daily Toreador (08/19, Davila) also reported on the story. Continued Reporting: Allianz Life Security Breach Impacted 1.1 Million Customers EFTA01655375 Security Affairs (08/19, Paganini) reported that Allianz Life experienced a security breach that exposed the data of approximately 1.1 million customers. The breach occurred on July 16, 2025, when a threat actor accessed a third- party cloud-based CRM system using social engineering, compromising personal information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. Allianz Life has confirmed the breach, taken steps to contain and mitigate the incident, and begun notifying affected individuals, with the investigation still ongoing. The article noted that the insurance firm stated that it took immediate action to contain and mitigate the incident and notified the FBI. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS Continued Reporting: FBI Insiders Express Total Frustration With Trump Alternet (08/19, Henderson) reported that the FBI is undergoing significant changes under President Donald Trump's leadership, with Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino, both Trump loyalists, reordering the agency's priorities. According to the article, current and former FBI officials express frustration, stating that the changes are compromising the bureau's role in protecting the U.S. from national security threats, such as terrorists and hackers. The article noted that morale is low among FBI agents, with some feeling uncomfortable with new orders and experiencing stress, as the bureau's focus shifts towards violent crime cases and immigration enforcement. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL NEWS Air Canada to Resume Service as Flight Attendants' Union Ends Strike Reuters, Associated Press, Washington Post, BBC News Kim Jong Un Slams Joint South Korea-U.S. Drills Associated Press, Fox News, Washington Examiner Finnish Politician Eemeli Peltonen, 30, Found Dead in Parliament After Taking His Own Life New York Post, Newsweek, BBC News Tension Grows Between Israel and Australia Over Visa Revocation Washington Examiner, The Guardian, BBC News China and India Should Be Partners, Not Adversaries, Says Foreign Minister BBC News, Wall Street Journal Qatar Urges a Gaza Ceasefire After a 'Positive Response' From Hamas Associated Press, The Independent Iranian Reformers Call for Tehran to End Uranium Enrichment, Strike Deal With U.S. New York Post, The Times Israel Demands Release of All Gaza Hostages, Casting Doubt on Ceasefire Proposal BBC News, Reuters UK Free Speech Crackdown Sees up to Thirty People a Day Arrested for Petty Offenses New York Post Azerbaijani Ambassador Praises President Trump as 'True Peacemaker' After Historic Azerbaijan-Armenia Deal Washington Examiner Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS U.S. Destroyers Head Toward Waters off Venezuela to Pressure Drug Cartels Fox News, Associated Press, Newsweek, NBC Miami, CNN EFTA01655376 President Trump Says No Ground Troops, but Maybe Air Support, to Back Ukraine Peace Deal Reuters, Wall Street Journal, The Hill, Telegraph, Washington Post Texas Democrats Plan to Spend the Night in the State Capitol in Protest Amid Redistricting Fight NBC News, CBS News, CNN, Reuters, ABC News Potentially Radioactive Shrimp Recalled at Walmarts in a Dozen States ABC News, Yahoo News, Axios, NBC News, USA Today Nebraska Announces Plan for Immigration Detention Center Dubbed the 'Cornhusker Clink' The Hill, Forbes, Associated Press Oregon Man Accused of Operating One of Most Powerful Attack 'Botnets' Ever Seen Wall Street Journal, CBS News, 0regonlive.com U.S. Strikes Deportation Deals With Honduras and Uganda CBS News, Reuters Minnesota Sues TikTok, Alleging It Preys on Young People With Addictive Algorithms Associated Press, Minnesota Star Tribune Baltimore Shipping Channel Reopened After Explosion on Cargo Ship Associated Press Trump Moves to Use the Levers of Presidential Power to Help His Party in the 2026 Midterms Associated Press Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 9:00 AM: In-Town Pool Call Time • 4:00 PM: The President participates in a Swearing-In Ceremony for the United States Ambassador to the European Union Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule released or announced. US Senate • No events scheduled. US House of Representatives • No events scheduled. Cabinet Members • Secretary of State Rubio meets with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov at the Department of State at 10:00 AM. Visitors • No events scheduled. EFTA01655377 General Events • Brookings: What does well-being mean for Black men and boys in the US? — Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Location: Online event, 1:00 PM. The Wellness in Black Life (WIBL) project at Brookings focuses on community-driven definitions of well-being for Black men and boys. Through research and conversations co- led by the Brookings team and partner organizations, the WIBL project has engaged local communities in elevating the voices and experiences of Black men and boys to identify shared definitions of well-being and explored ways to inform public policy so that Black men and boys will thrive. • CSIS: Can America Lead in Uranium Enrichment Again? Featuring Scott Nolan - Betting on America — Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. On August 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET, Scott Nolan, Founder & CEO of General Matter and Partner at Founders Fund, joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America to chart America's nuclear fuel comeback. He breaks down General Matter's partnership with the Department of Energy to restart uranium enrichment in Paducah, KY, why securing fuel for the nation's nuclear fleet is a strategic imperative, and how public—private collaboration is essential to tackling America's biggest economic and national security challenges. Nolan also shares lessons from his journey as a founder and investor. • CSIS: The Future of U.S.-Australia Critical Minerals Cooperation — Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. On August 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM the U.S.—Australia economic and security partnership ranks among the most enduring and strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific. Today, this alliance is entering a new chapter with expanded opportunities to collaborate on securing critical mineral supply chains. Australia—one of the world's most resource-rich nations—has outlined an ambitious agenda to create diverse, resilient, and sustainable global critical minerals supply chains—most recently announcing the creation of a national critical minerals reserve and the use of government-led offtake agreements. Closer U.S.—Australia alignment is both timely and necessary, particularly in the context of broader strategic frameworks such as the Quad and AUKUS. • CSIS: Press Briefing: Previewing White House Visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung — Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Location: Online event, 2:00 PM. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will host a call-in press briefing on Wednesday, August 20, at 2:00 p.m. ET with a range of experts to preview South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's upcoming White House meeting with President Trump, set to be held August 25. • CATO Institute: Competencies in Civil Discourse: Episode 8 — Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Location: Online event, 6:00 PM. Our guest is Ildi Tillmann, a Hungary-born, New York—based photographer, author, and educator whose work spans art, documentary, narrative journalism, and commissioned photography, placing human stories in a global context. Tillmann will discuss the power of visual rhetoric to deliberate, convey ideas, and facilitate "multimodal" civil discourse. • American Progress: Hope After Harm: Reimagining Victim Compensation — Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Location: Online event, 1:00 PM. The Center for American Progress' Gun Violence Prevention team and Common Justice have partnered to launch the "State Victim Compensation Statute Rubric," a comprehensive review and evaluation of crime victim compensation statutes across 52 states and territories. • Atlantic Council: From Alaska to Washington: Debriefing peace talks on Ukraine — Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. On Wednesday, August 20 at 10:00 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council's Europe Center, Eurasia Center, and Transatlantic Security Initiative will host an expert discussion on the next steps for transatlantic coordination in support of Ukraine. Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA01655378