EFTA Document EFTA01655527

From: FBI News Briefing To: "FBINewsBriefing_Draft" Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL) - DRAFT: FBI Daily News Briefing - November 17, 2025 Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:50:03 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser ptFederal Bureau of Investigation Seal November 17, 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 • At Trump's Urging, AG Bondi Says US Will Investigate Epstein's Ties to Clinton and Other Political Foes • FBI Arrests Suspect in Attack on US Attorney Alina Habba's New Jersey Office • Trump Pardons Woman Convicted of Threatening to Shoot FBI Agents and Jan. 6 Rioter • Deputy Director Bongino Slams Report That Director Patel Waived His Polygraph Exam • Senate Probes Justice Department Effort to Thwart FBI Investigation of Clinton's Dossier Payments COUNTERTERRORISM • Terror Plot Arrests Reveal 'More Dangerous' Online Pathway to ISIS Radicalization in America • Feds Expand Terrorism Charges in July Shooting at Texas Immigration Detention Center • How the FBI's Massive Search for the DC Pipe Bomber Stalled • Texas Woman Sentenced for Lying to FBI About Recruiting for Terrorist Actions in Pakistan • New Jersey Man Charged with Cyberstalking in Connection with Violent Network '764' • Continued Reporting: Man Sentenced to Nine Years After Pleading Guilty to Sending Money to ISIS • ISIS Plot Against Pride Parade Was Discussed in 2024 • Foiled Terror Plot in US Reveals Turkey's Central Role as Transit, Logistics Hub for ISIS COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • DOJ Announces Nationwide Actions to Combat Illicit North Korean Government Revenue Generation CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • New Mexico Man Sentenced for 2023 Murder • Man Charged in 2004 Fatal Shooting at Downtown Chicago • Suspect in Death of Former Government Informant Indicted EFTA01655527 • Virginia Man Linked to Fourth Cold Case Killing • Illinois Police Report Body Found, Man in Custody After Teen Went Missing • FBI Increases Reward to $20,000 in Ohio Murder Case • Ex-CBP Officer Sentenced to Prison in Drug Trafficking Scheme • Two Connecticut Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking • Connecticut Man Sentenced for Working With Drug Networks • Anti-Gang Operation Uncovers Drugs, Guns and Twenty-Seven Suspects in Texas • Drug, Fraud Case Involving California Grocery Store Leads to Convictions • Fifteen Indicted in FBI Wiretap Investigation • Feds Dismantle Major Meth Conversion Site in Georgia • FBI and Oregon Law Enforcement Seize Fourteen Pounds of Drugs • FBI Captures Man Accused of Conspiring to Distribute Drugs in Alaska • Former Illinois Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Stealing From Clients • Jamaican Man Extradited to US for Wire and Mail Fraud • Two Missouri Men Sentenced on Federal Wire Fraud Charges • Massachusetts Man Responsible for School Bus Safety Accused in Bribery Scheme • Continued Reporting: Timeline of FBI's Case Against Former Top Newsom Aide • FBI Issues Warning to Chinese Speakers in US • Indiana Police and FBI Dismantle Grandparent Scam Operation • Texas Felon Charged With Federal Firearms Violations After Officer Shooting • New Mexico Teenager Charged With Receiving Firearm While Under Indictment • Virginia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Hate Crime • Honduran National Convicted in Louisiana for Kidnapping and Assault • FBI Investigates Human Trafficking Operation in Florida • Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying About Past Human Rights Abuses • Florida Teen Gets Three Years in Federal Prison for Machine Gun Possession • Utah Man Accused of Damaging ICE Van Pleads Guilty • Six Massachusetts Businesses Busted in Inspections • Illinois Man Accused of Making Threats Against Michigan Mosque Arrested • Oregon Man Facing Child Sex Abuse Charges Following Investigation • Alaska Man Sentenced for Exploiting Three Minors • Malaysian National Convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor on Cruise Ship • Texas Coach Indicted on Federal Charges of Sexual Exploitation of Children • Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Luring Girl for Sex, Possessing Images of Minors • Convicted Sex Offender Receives Additional Sentence for Threatening Victim's Mother • $50K Reward Offered for Info on Pennsylvania Kidnapping Suspect • Suspected Child Predators Arrested in Florida • Child Predators Busted in Georgia • North Dakota Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing Girls • Two Dozen Charged With Child Sex Crimes After FBI's Operation Summer Heat • Man Arrested After Allegedly Robbing North Texas Bank • Louisiana Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Texas and Louisiana Bank Robberies • FBI Seeks Assistance in Identifying Suspect in Illinois Bank Robbery CYBER DIVISION • Russian Alleged Cyber-Hacker Faces Extradition to US After Arrest in Thailand OTHER FBI NEWS EFTA01655528 • Seizure of Phone Records Become a Pattern at Center of 'Grand Conspiracy' Weaponization Case • Why Anthropic's Al Claude Tried to Contact the FBI in a Test INTERNATIONAL NEWS • US Forces Kill Three Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific • Trump Says US May Hold Talks With Venezuela's Maduro • New Nuclear Arms Race Pits US Against Both Russia and China • Hamas's Popularity Rises in Gaza, Complicating Trump Plan to Disarm Militants • Zelenskyy Faces Deepest Crisis Yet as Allies Accused in $100M Wartime Scheme • US Marines Exchanged Gunfire With Suspected Gang Members in Haiti, Official Says • Saudi Crown Prince Visits Us With Defence, Al and Nuclear on the Agenda • Russian Missile Strike Kills Three, Wounds 10 in Kharkiv Region, Ukraine Says • UN Climate Talks Shift Into Higher Gear With Government Ministers and Presidency's New Document • Two US Marines Implicated in Killing Family in Notorious Iraq War Shooting OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Homeland Security Agent Opens Fire After Traffic Stop Chase in Nation's Capital • FAA to Lift Government Shutdown-Related Flight Restrictions • Here's What's Going on With Trump's Tariffs, Prices and the Supreme Court • GOP Plans to Replace Obamacare Have Failed. Here's What Lawmakers Propose Now. • Border Patrol Fans Out Across Charlotte, NC, Arresting 81 People on First Day • Trump Defends Tucker Carlson After Nick Fuentes Interview • Trump Buys at Least $82 Million in Bonds Since Late August, Disclosures Show • Some National Guard Troops Being Withdrawn From Chicago and Portland, Officials Say • Foreign Enrollment at US Colleges Holds Steady, for Now, Despite Trump's Visa Crackdown • Firing Squad Executes South Carolina Serial Killer Who Wrote Message With Victim's Blood WASHINGTON SCHEDULE IN THE NEWS At Trump's Urging, AG Bondi Says US Will Investigate Epstein's Ties to Clinton and Other Political Foes The Associated Press (11/14, Sisak, Bedayn) reported that AG Bondi ordered Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's ties to several of President Trump's political opponents after Trump publicly demanded that the Justice Department and the FBI pursue an inquiry. AG Bondi's announcement followed Trump's social-media posts calling for investigations into Epstein's "involvement and relationship" with figures including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman. According to the article, Trump also said he intended to ask the FBI to examine Epstein's alleged connections, even though an FBI memo from July stated, "We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties." The article further explained that none of the individuals Trump identified have been accused of sexual misconduct by Epstein's victims, and assessed that Trump's demand — and AG Bondi's swift compliance — marked another example of the Justice Department's erosion of independence. The article noted that Trump defended his actions by telling reporters, "I'm the chief law enforcement officer of the country. I'm allowed to do it." The BBC (11/16, Sullivan) reported that Trump has called on House Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files, reversing his previous position. The House is expected to vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which aims to release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein. The article highlighted that the major shift in Trump's stance comes as potentially dozens of Republicans signaled that they were willing to break ranks, and vote for the release of the documents. Trump would also have to sign off EFTA01655529 on the release of the documents if it passes both chambers. The New York Times (11/14, Broadwater, Cameron) reported that President Trump has withdrawn his support and endorsement of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her "wacky" and a "disgrace" after she broke ranks with him on several issues. Trump issued a not- so-veiled threat about her seat in Congress. "I understand that wonderful, Conservative people are thinking about primarying Marjorie in her District of Georgia, that they too are fed up with her and her antics and, if the right person runs, they will have my Complete and Unyielding Support," he wrote. "She has gone Far Left, even doing The View, with their Low IQ Republican hating Anchors." Greene quickly shot back with her own post. "President Trump just attacked me and lied about me," she wrote on X, where she published a text message she said she had sent to the president asking him to "lean into" the Epstein investigation. "I haven't called him at all, but I did send these text messages today. Apparently this is what sent him over the edge. The Epstein ffies." Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (11/15, Pereira), Associated Press (11/16, Freking, Megerian) (2), BBC (11/14, Walsh), CBS News (11/15, Quinn), CNBC (11/14, Mangan), CNN (11/14, Holmes, Cancryn, et al.), Fox News (11/14, Wolf), The Guardian (11/14, Campbell), The Hill (11/15, Mancini), Mother Jones (11/15, Mitchell), NBC News (11/14, Gregorian) (2), New York Times (11/14, Green, Thrush, Feuer), NPR (11/15, Bond), Politico (11/14, Svirnovskiy, Orden) (2), Reuters (11/14, Sullivan, Wolfe), USA Today (11/15, Anderson), Wall Street Journal (11/14, Leary, McGraw), Washington Examiner (11/16, Hallas) (2) (3) (4), Washington Times (11/14, Wilson) (2) (3). FBI Arrests Suspect In Attack on US Attorney Alina Habba's New Jersey Office Fox News (11/15, Norman, McAdams) reported that the FBI has arrested Keith Michael Lisa, the suspect wanted in connection with the attack on US Attorney Alina Habba's office in New Jersey. Lisa was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and depredation of federal property after allegedly entering the office with a bat and damaging government property. The arrest was made possible through a joint effort by the FBI, US Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, with authorities stating that they will not tolerate acts of intimidation or violence toward law enforcement. "Today's arrest shows what coordinated federal law enforcement can do. Threats against our U.S. Attorneys aren't just attacks on individuals, they're attacks on the rule of law. And we will respond every time," Director Patel wrote on X. The article noted that AG Bondi announced Thursday that an individual had attempted to confront Habba on Wednesday night, "destroyed property in her office" and then "fled the scene." She added, "Thankfully, Alina is ok. Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated. Period. This is unfortunately becoming a trend as radicals continue to attack law enforcement agents around the country." Additional reporting on the story was provided by Associated Press (11/15, Staff Writer), BBC (11/15, Matza), Bloomberg (11/15, Miller), CBS News (11/15, Tabachnick), Daily Mail (11/15, Hutchinson), Daily Voice (11/14, Levine), The Daily Beast (11/15, Palmer), The Independent (11/15, Lubin), Newsweek (11/15, Higham), New York Daily News (11/15, Schladebeck), New York Post (11/15, Donlevy), New York Times (11/15, Coleman), NTD (11/15, Blalock), Patch (11/15, IJssner), People (11/15, Sheffield), Politico (11/15, Svirnovskiy), USA Today (11/15, Mansfield), and Washington Examiner. Trump Pardons Woman Convicted of Threatening to Shoot FBI Agents and Jan. 6 Rioter Associated Press (11/15, Richer, Mergerian) reported that President Donald Trump issued two new pardons connected to the Jan. 6 investigation, including one for Suzanne Ellen Kaye, who was convicted of threatening to shoot FBI agents after they contacted her in 2021 about a tip suggesting she might have been at the Capitol. In describing her case, the article detailed that Kaye posted a video threatening FBI agents, later testified she never intended the threat, and told authorities she was not at the Capitol. According to the article, Trump also pardoned Daniel Edwin Wilson, whose home was searched during the Jan. 6 probe, leading the FBI and other authorities to discover six guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition despite his prior felony convictions. The article also recounted prosecutors' claims that Wilson communicated with far-right groups, planned for the riot, and sent messages suggesting he envisioned a broader civil conflict. The article noted that both pardons came amid disputes over how far Trump's Jan. 6 clemency extends, and that a Trump-appointed judge criticized shifting Justice Department positions regarding whether the president's earlier pardons covered Wilson's firearms offense. Additional reporting was provided by CNN (11/15, Maher), CBS News (11/15, Breen), The Hill (11/16, Rego), Washington Post (11/15, Kranish), USA Today (11/16, Mansfield), Politico (11/15, Cheney), Al Jazeera (11/15, Everett), NBC News (11/15, Marquez), Newsweek (11/15, Silverman), New York Times (11/15, Feuer), United Press International (11/15, Cone), Washington Examiner (11/15, Knox), Washington Times (11/15, Wilson). Deputy Director Bongino Slams Report That Director Patel Waived His Polygraph Exam EFTA01655530 The Washington Examiner (11/15, LaChance) reported that Deputy Director Bongino rejected a ProPublica (11/14, Turton, Bing) report claiming Director Patel had waived his required FBI polygraph examination, calling the allegation "a complete fabrication." ProPublica said Director Patel granted Deputy Director Bongino a waiver even though the exam is mandatory for all new FBI employees, and that outside lawyers told the outlet that Deputy Director Bongino's "Schedule C" political-appointee status would not exempt him. ProPublica also reported that Director Patel granted similar waivers to two other senior FBI employees, Marshall Yates and Nicole Rucker, and noted prior scrutiny when Director Patel declined to answer Senate questions about alleged "disqualifying alerts" in polygraph results. The article noted that Sen. Dick Durbin reposted the report on X and wrote, "FBI Director Patel refused to respond to whistleblower reports that people failed polygraph tests at the FBI. Now we know why." On Saturday, Deputy Director Bongino stated: "Claiming I was hired 'with no background check' is just a lie. It's a complete fabrication. I held a security clearance, while protecting Democrat and Republican presidents, for over ten years. And all of the background check requirements for my current position as Deputy Director of the FBI have been met. Those are simple facts." The Daily Beast (11/15, Francis), Daily Mail (11/15, Raasch), and Newsweek (11/16, Silverman) also reported on the story. Senate Probes Justice Department Effort to Thwart FBI Investigation of Clinton's Dossier Payments The Washington Times (11/14, Ferrechio) reported that the Senate Judiciary Committee is investigating allegations that Justice Department officials previously thwarted an FBI inquiry into the Clinton campaign's concealed payments for the Steele dossier. The piece explained that Sen. Grassley released 2019 emails showing an FBI agent raising concerns about "unambiguous concealment" of Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign payments to Fusion GPS, and asserting that DOJ officials Richard Pilger and J.P. Cooney shut down the inquiry. According to the article, the FBI agent told a supervisor that Pilger used veiled threats "intended to have a chilling effect and stop me from asking questions," adding that he had "never been met with such suspicion or response intended to have me go away." The article detailed how Grassley sent a letter to AG Bondi and Director Patel requesting additional records related to the halted FBI probe, arguing that "the same partisans who rushed to cover for Clinton rabidly pursued Arctic Frost." The article noted that neither the Clinton campaign nor the DNC faced criminal investigation over the reporting concealment, though both were later fined by the FEC for misreporting the payments used to fund the dossier. Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Terror Plot Arrests Reveal 'More Dangerous' Online Pathway to ISIS Radicalization in America CNN (11/16, Boxer) reported that six young men from New Jersey, Michigan, and Washington state were arrested in an alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot that authorities say involved encrypted online communications promoting attacks in the United States, including a potential Halloween-timed plot in Michigan. The piece detailed how investigators believe the Michigan plan could have approached the scale of the 2015 Paris attacks before the FBI and its partners intervened. According to the article, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force operations unfolded across multiple states as authorities disrupted what officials described as interconnected online networks facilitating self- radicalization, weapons training, and coordination with ISIS-linked individuals overseas. The article included statements underscoring the FBI's role, noting scenes of FBI agents at raid sites in Michigan and New Jersey and highlighting NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner's description of the case as "an incredibly significant disruption." The article noted that officials emphasized both the growing danger of online radicalization networks and the complexity of ISIS-inspired terrorism in 2025, with Weiner praising the FBI's work and warning that "conventional terrorism is unfortunately alive and well." MLive (11/14, Shalhout) also reported on the story. Feds Expand Terrorism Charges in July Shooting at Texas Immigration Detention Center The Associated Press (11/14, Staff Writer) reported that federal prosecutors in Texas have charged six more people with terrorism-related charges in the July shooting at the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas. According to the article, the charges stem from a July 4 shooting that injured a police officer and include rioting, attempted murder, and weapons and explosives charges. The article noted that six others are scheduled to enter guilty pleas in the case, which relies on President Trump's declaration that deems the antifa movement a domestic terrorist organization. How the FBI's Massive Search for the DC Pipe Bomber Stalled EFTA01655531 The Washington Post (11/14, Davis) reported that the FBI dedicated over 50 agents to find the person who planted pipe bombs near the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, but the case remains unsolved nearly five years later. Despite investigating numerous leads, including a gym employee and a teenager who was charged with possession of an explosive device, the FBI has not identified the perpetrator. The investigation involved analyzing video evidence, phone data, and credit card transactions, but so far, no conclusive evidence has been found to link anyone to the crime. Recent conspiracy theories, including a claim that a former Capitol Police officer was the bomber, have been dismissed by the FBI and the officer's attorney as "recklessly false" and "absurd". The article highlighted that on Thursday, Deputy Director Bongino posted on X that the Bureau remains "passionate about solving this case." Deputy Director Bongino said the FBI had been working around-the-clock "on RECENT open source leads in the case." The FBI's efforts, he wrote, have "yet to produce a break through, and some of the media reporting regarding prior persons of interest is grossly inaccurate and serves only to mislead the public." NBC News (11/14, Reilly) noted that Deputy Director Bongino and Director Patel had previously indulged conspiracy theories about Jan. 6. Director Patel previously claimed that "government gangsters at the FBI under Chris Wray are hiding this information" about the pipe bomb investigation. "Do you think the Federal Bureau of Investigation can't find a bomber in the United States of America?" he asked. Deputy Director Bongino called it an "inside job" to stop Trump. "This was a setup. I have zero doubt," he said last year. Texas Woman Sentenced for Lying to FBI About Recruiting for Terrorist Actions in Pakistan KDFW (Fox-4) (11/16, Kite) reported that Kahkashan Haider Khan, a 54-year-old Frisco woman and US citizen, has been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for making false statements related to international terrorism. According to the article, Khan pleaded guilty to the charge, admitting to lying to the FBI about her involvement in recruiting for terrorist actions in Pakistan, including plotting fire-bombings. As a member of the Mujahir Qaumi Movement (MQM), Khan acted as a recruiter and facilitator, raising and wiring funds for violent acts in Pakistan. "The FBI will aggressively investigate individuals planning or taking part in acts of violence in support of terrorism," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "We will not allow the United States to be a launching point for terrorist attacks abroad," said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. "Vigilantly protecting the United States and its interests is inherent in everything we do." New Jersey Man Charged with Cyberstalking in Connection with Violent Network '764' NJ.com (11/14, Enuco) reported that Marek Cherkaoui, a 21-year-old from Egg Harbor Township, was arrested and charged with cyberstalking offenses. According to the article, Cherkaoui is accused of being a member of the Nihilistic Violent Extremist network 764 and threatening a young girl online, telling her to cut herself. He was ordered to be detained after making his first appearance in federal court, facing allegations of advocating for violence, supporting mass shooters, and plotting to commit murder and terroristic acts. The press release highlighted that during the search of Cherkaoui's home, FBI agents found writings in which Cherkaoui discussed and planned murder and terroristic acts, including a multi-step plan that involving joining ISIS and returning to the United States to commit acts of terrorism. Additional reporting on the story was provided by the Philadelphia Inquirer (11/14, Moran), WCAU (NBC-1.0) (11/14, Grassi). Continued Reporting: Man Sentenced to Nine Years After Pleading Guilty to Sending Money to ISIS MLive (11/14, Pair) reported that Jibreel Pratt, a 26-year-old man from Detroit, pleaded guilty to attempting to conceal donations of cryptocurrency to ISIS. According to the article, Pratt donated approximately $900 worth of bitcoin to ISIS in 2023 and had also planned to support the organization in other ways. He was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for his actions. "It should send a strong message to anyone seeking to support foreign terrorist organizations, via financial means or otherwise, that the FBI will not stand idly by and allow this activity to occur within the United States," said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, in a statement. News Nation Now (11/14, Jaworowski) and WJBK (Fox-2) (11/14, Staff Writer) also reported on the story. ISIS Plot Against Pride Parade Was Discussed in 2024 Windy City Times (11/15, Davis) reported that an ISIS plot to attack the Chicago Pride Parade with a backpack bomb was discussed on a terrorist website in 2024, according to FBI records. The plot was part of a planned series of attacks against LGBTQ+ targets, but it never materialized. Three individuals, Mohmed Ali, Majed Mahmoud, and Ayob Nasser, were charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and having firearms to commit an act of terrorism on its behalf. The Jerusalem Post (11/16, Staff Writer) added that during recent raids in Detroit, the FBI uncovered a stockpile of weapons allegedly connected to three individuals planning to attack various LGBTQ+ EFTA01655532 bars and clubs over Halloween. The three are currently being held without bond. An FBI affidavit for the case reportedly showed evidence that the Halloween attacks were a part of the terror attacks meant to follow the Chicago Pride Parade bombing. Foiled Terror Plot in US Reveals Turkey's Central Role as Transit, Logistics Hub for ISIS Nordic Monitor (11/17, Bozkurt) reported that a 48-page FBI complaint reveals that Turkey was a central hub for an ISIS recruitment and logistics network spanning the US, Sweden, the UK, Finland, and the Middle East. According to the article, Tomas-Kaan Jimenez-Guzel and Saed Ali Mirreh, both 19, were arrested for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS by plotting to travel through Turkey to reach Syria. The article noted that the pair and their co-conspirators chose Turkey as their "staging area" due to its geographical and logistical importance, with Diyarbakir being described as a "free black market" where weapons and other supplies could be acquired. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE DOJ Announces Nationwide Actions to Combat Illicit North Korean Government Revenue Generation Politico (11/14, Miller) reported that four Americans and one Ukrainian national have pleaded guilty to helping North Korean scammers pose as remote IT workers to infiltrate US companies. According to the article, the scheme, which took place between 2019 and 2024, generated over $2.2 million in revenue for North Korea's weapons program and impacted at least 136 US companies. The article noted that individuals, including Audricus Phagnasay, Jason Salazar, Alexander Paul Travis, and Erick Ntekereze Prince, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and other charges related to their involvement in the scam. "FBI investigations continue to expose the North Korean government's relentless campaign to evade U.S. sanctions and generate millions of dollars to fund its authoritarian regime and weapons programs," said Assistant Director Roman Rozhaysky of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division in the press release. "These guilty pleas send a clear message: No matter who or where you are, if you support North Korea's efforts to victimize U.S. businesses and citizens, the FBI will find you and bring you to justice. We ask all our private sector partners to improve their security process for vetting remote workers and to remain vigilant regarding this emerging threat." Additional reporting on the story was provided by CyberScoop (11/14, Kapko), TechCrunch (11/14, Franceschi-Bicchierai), and USA Herald (11/15, Akkouche). Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS New Mexico Man Sentenced for 2023 Murder KRQE (CBS-13) (11/14, Cruz) reported that Joey Luarkie, a 25-year-old Zuni man, has been sentenced to 72 months in prison for the 2023 stabbing death of another man. According to the article, Luarkie pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter after stabbing the victim in the neck during an argument. A Department of Justice press release noted that the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Man Charged in 2004 Fatal Shooting at Downtown Chicago WLS (ABC-7) (11/14, Staff Writer) reported that David Barklow, 68, has been charged with the 2004 fatal shooting of Kent Projansky in a downtown Chicago apartment. According to the article, Barklow was extradited from South America, where he had fled after being identified as a suspect, and is now in custody in Chicago. In April 2025, detectives learned from INTERPOL that Barklow traveled from Ecuador to Peru, CPD said. "The U.S. Department of Justice, the DOJ's Office of International Affairs, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. State Department, the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru, and Peruvian authorities" worked together to arrest Barklow. The article noted that he has been charged with one felony count of First-Degree Murder and will appear in court at a later date. Additional reporting was provided by WBBM (CBS-2) (11/14, Feurer), WFLD (FOX-32) (11/14, Westphal), WGN (CW-9) (11/14, Illers), and WMAQ (NBC-5) (11/14, Stefanski). Suspect in Death of Former Government Informant Indicted Hawaii News Now (11/14, Staff Writer) reported that Clarence Luke, 42, has been indicted for the second-degree murder of Jonnaven Monalim, 55, a former FBI informant. According to the article, Luke is also charged with two firearm offenses in connection with the crime, which allegedly occurred on November 5. The article noted EFTA01655533 that Monalim's body was found with multiple gunshot wounds near Waipio Soccer Complex on November 7, and Luke is being held without bail pending his court appearance. Additional reporting was provided by KHON (FOX-2) (11/14, Macedonio) and Island News (11/14, Estrada). Virginia Man Linked to Fourth Cold Case Killing WRC (NBC-4) (11/14, Wagner) reported that Alan Wilmer Sr. has been linked to a fourth cold case killing, the 1988 murder of 19-year-old Laurie Ann Powell, through DNA evidence. According to the article, Wilmer's DNA has also been tied to three other killings: the 1987 murders of David Knobling and Robin Edwards, and the 1989 slaying of Teresa Howell. Cathy Thomas was killed on the Colonial Parkway along with her girlfriend, Rebecca Ann Dowski. The couple is believed to be the first in a series of killings dubbed the "Colonial Parkway Murders." Bill Thomas, Cathy's brother, said he's frustrated that Virginia law prevents authorities from putting Wilmer's DNA into CODIS, the FBI's national DNA databank, because he was never convicted of a crime. The article noted that despite Wilmer's death in 2017, his DNA cannot be entered into the national DNA databank due to Virginia law, hindering investigations into potential additional crimes. Additional reporting was provided by The Washington Post (11/14, Schnedier), WTVR (CBS-6) (11/14, Staff Writer), WTKR (CBS-3) (11/14, Miller), WVEC (ABC-13) (11/14, Harrison), and WWBT (NBC-12) (11/14, Staff Writer). Illinois Police Report Body Found, Man in Custody After Teen Went Missing KTVI (FOX-2) (11/14, Bernthal) reported that a 13-year-old girl was reported missing in Vandalia, Illinois, after last being seen on Thursday night. According to the article, the Vandalia Police Department found a body and took a suspect into custody on Friday. The article noted that the FBI assisted in this investigation. FBI Increases Reward to $20,000 in Ohio Murder Case WTVM (ABC-9) (11/14, Etherton) reported that the FBI has increased its reward to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two suspects in the 2021 murder of Amit Patel, a Columbus gas station owner. According to the article, Amit Patel, 45, was shot and killed on Dec. 6, 2021, while making a business deposit at Synovus Bank on Buena Vista Road. The article noted that anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI. Additional reporting was provided by WSB (CBS-2) (11/14, Staff Writer) and WRBL (CBS-3) (11/14, Richardson). Ex-CBP Officer Sentenced to Prison in Drug Trafficking Scheme The Hill (11/14, Fields) reported that Diego Bonillo, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking scheme. According to the article, Bonillo allowed at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, and over 1 kilogram of heroin to enter the United States by not inspecting vehicles at his assigned lane. "Former CBP Officer Diego Bonillo allowed massive amounts of drugs into the U.S. without regard for the deadly consequences it could have on our communities," Mark Dargis, special agent in charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office, said in a statement. "He disgraced the badge and violated his oath to protect the American people. This conduct betrays the public's trust and is contradictory to the values and standards expected of a federal law enforcement officer. FBI San Diego and our partners will not tolerate such dishonorable behavior. This sentence reflects the FBI's commitment to hold accountable anyone who corrupts their role at the expense of our citizens' safety." The article noted that he used the proceeds from the scheme to purchase luxury items and attempted to buy property in Mexico, betraying the public trust and violating his oath as a law enforcement officer. Two Connecticut Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Patch (11/14, Salzo) reported that Ronald Vincent, 30, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring in southwestern Connecticut. According to the article, Marquis Jones, 30, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for his involvement in the same drug trafficking ring. Prosecutors said that in 2022, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force was investigating gang activity in the South End and West Side of Bridgeport, and identified Christian Pichardo as a supplier of various narcotics to gang members and other drug distributors. The article noted that both Vincent and Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, with Vincent primarily trafficking fentanyl and Jones trafficking fentanyl and crack cocaine. Connecticut Man Sentenced for Working With Drug Networks Hartford Courant (11/15, Muszynski) reported that Luis Munoz, 41, of Waterbury, has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for distributing drugs as part of a Waterbury-based drug network. According to the article, Munoz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, and will also serve 3 years of supervised release. The article noted that he was EFTA01655534 identified as a narcotics dealer during an investigation conducted by the FBI's Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies, according to officials. Anti-Gang Operation Uncovers Drugs, Guns and Twenty-Seven Suspects in Texas KMID (ABC-2) (11/14, Meza) reported that a 3-day law enforcement operation in the Permian Basin resulted in 27 arrests and the seizure of drugs and guns. According to the article, the operation, led by the Texas Anti-Gang Center, targeted Midland, Ector, and Martin counties, with arrests made in each county. The seized items included marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, Xanax, and 2 firearms, as part of an effort to reduce violent crime and drug trafficking in the region. The article noted that the FBI assisted in this investigation. Drug, Fraud Case Involving California Grocery Store Leads to Convictions KGTV (ABC-10) (11/14, Staff Writer) reported that a Mountain View grocery store, Mike's Market, was involved in a drug and fraud case, leading to 22 convictions. According to the article, the store's employees worked with gang members to facilitate drug sales, funded by over $2 million in food assistance benefit fraud. The article noted that a joint San Diego Police Department—FBI investigation known as Operation Mic Drop led to a sweeping 221-count grand jury indictment returned in 2022. According to the District Attorney's Office, the impact over the three years since has been significant: the targeted area has recorded no homicides or robberies, while calls for service have dropped by 75% annually and arrests have decreased by 50%, reflecting what officials describe as a sustained improvement in public safety following the operation. Fifteen Indicted in FBI Wiretap Investigation MLive (11/14, Waterman) reported that a federal grand jury has indicted 15 defendants, including 6 new Saginaw residents, in an alleged cocaine trafficking conspiracy. According to the article, the indictments were made possible by a court-authorized FBI wiretap that caught defendants discussing their enterprise in coded conversations. The article noted that the investigation was led by the FBI, with assistance from BAYANET, and resulted in the seizure of bags of cocaine. Feds Dismantle Major Meth Conversion Site in Georgia Classic City News (11/15, Staff Writer) reported that a major methamphetamine conversion site in Monroe, Georgia, has been dismantled by federal authorities as part of Operation Take Back America. According to the article, the site was responsible for converting and distributing thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine shipped from Mexico, hidden in boxes of jalaperios. "This investigation is a prime example of the critical work being done to dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations that operate with impunity, bringing dangerous narcotics into our communities," said Paul Bown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Office. "The FBI's role in this investigation, alongside our dedicated federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, has led to the disruption of a significant methamphetamine operation and the arrest of multiple individuals responsible for poisoning our communities." FBI and Oregon Law Enforcement Seize Fourteen Pounds of Drugs Hoodline Portland (11/15, Robinson) reported that the FBI and local law enforcement seized 14 pounds of drugs and firearms in the Portland metro area. According to the article, the seized substances included methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax bars, LSD tablets, mushrooms, and MDMA, as well as two firearms. The article noted that two individuals were arrested and are expected to face federal charges as part of the ongoing investigation. Additional reporting was provided by KATU (ABC-2) (11/14, Staff Writer), KPTV (FOX-12) (11/14, Staff Writer), and KKRZ-FM (11/14, Staff Writer). FBI Captures Man Accused of Conspiring to Distribute Drugs in Alaska KTUU (NBC-2) (11/14, Pike) reported that Kenneth Degroff III has been captured by the FBI in Alaska. According to the article, he is accused of conspiring to distribute drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, as part of a large-scale drug distribution conspiracy. The article noted that Degroff is being charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Former Illinois Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Stealing From Clients KSDK (NBC-5) (11/14, Clancy) reported that Jason Caraway, a 51-year-old former Belleville attorney, was sentenced on October 1 to 90 months in federal prison after admitting to stealing more than $1 million from over 40 clients. According to the article, Caraway, formerly a partner at Caraway, Fisher & Broombaugh, pleaded guilty to six counts of wire fraud for writing himself unauthorized checks, falsifying documents, and exploiting his control over the EFTA01655535 firm's bank accounts to misappropriate client funds. "The actions of Mr. Caraway, which involve stealing from his clients, including child beneficiaries, are reprehensible," FBI Springfield's Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. S. Johnson said in the news release. "FBI Springfield believes this guilty plea offers a measure of peace to the victims and hopes this can restore trust in the justice system." Additional reporting was provided by KM0V (CBS-4) (11/14, Staff Writer). Jamaican Man Extradited to US for Wire and Mail Fraud The Jamaica Gleaner (11/14, Staff Writer) reported that Roshard Andrew Carty, a 34-year-old Jamaican man, has been extradited to the US and ordered to be detained pending trial for alleged lottery scamming. According to the article, Carty is accused of scamming a 73-year-old American woman out of over $800,000 between 2020 and 2024 through wire and mail fraud. The US authorities are alleging that between August 2020 and February 2024, the Jamaican man convinced the elderly woman to send him US$800,000 as taxes, fees, and other costs to claim a US$22 million prize from Publishers Clearing House. The article noted that Carty allegedly convinced her that the FBI was recording the call and told her she was not to tell anyone about the big win. Two Missouri Men Sentenced on Federal Wire Fraud Charges Southeast Missourian (11/14, Gladden) reported that Darrell Niswonger, 69, and James Johnson, 78, both of Perry County, were sentenced to federal prison for defrauding over 90 investors of $5.6 million in a wire fraud scheme. According to the article, Niswonger was sentenced to 150 months in prison, while Johnson was sentenced to 188 months. Both men pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges and were ordered to repay the victims, with their assets being forfeited to cover the losses. The article noted that FBI employees interviewed alleged victims on April 29 in Perryville. Additional reporting was provided by KFVS (CBS-12) (11/14, Sweeney). Massachusetts Man Responsible for School Bus Safety Accused in Bribery Scheme Mass Live (11/14, Rotondo) reported that Michael Muller, the former Director of Fleet and Facilities for Boston Public Schools' bus operations, is accused of soliciting over $870,000 in an 11-year bribery scheme with vendors. According to the article, Muller, along with vendor John Colantuoni, faces multiple charges, including bribery, conspiracy, and extortion for accepting cash, goods, and services in exchange for contracts and favors. "Today's arrests are shining a light on an alleged bribery and kickback scheme spearheaded by the manager of a company entrusted by Boston Public Schools to maintain its fleet of vehicles used to transport the city's most precious cargo, its children," said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division. "These two men stand accused of padding their income with ease, turning a tidy profit at the expense of taxpayers. Add in the allegations of extortion and obstruction of justice, and you've practically got a playbook of the varied ways to violate the public's trust. Make no mistake, the FBI will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who violate their obligations to the public are brought to justice," Docks said. The article noted that the alleged scheme, which occurred between 2010 and 2021, involved Muller using his position to demand kickbacks and other forms of payment from vendors, undermining the trust of taxpayers and families who rely on the school bus system. Continued Reporting: Timeline of FBI's Case Against Former Top Newsom Aide The Sacramento Bee (11/14, Wolfe) reported that Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom, was arrested on November 12, 2025, on federal conspiracy and fraud charges. According to the article, the FBI's investigation began in November 2022 and alleges that Williamson was involved in a scheme to funnel money from a dormant campaign account to Sean McCluskie, a former aide to Xavier Becerra. The article noted that Williamson has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to all 23 charges against her, with her next court appearance scheduled for December 11. FBI Issues Warning to Chinese Speakers in US Newsweek (11/14, Stevenson) reported that the FBI has warned Chinese speakers in the US of scammers impersonating US health insurance providers and Chinese law enforcement to obtain personal identifying information. According to the article, the scammers threaten victims with extradition or prosecution and demand large payments for bail, and may also request remote access to devices for "surveillance." The article noted that the FBI advises individuals not to share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers and to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if targeted by such scams. Indiana Police and FBI Dismantle Grandparent Scam Operation Hoodline Indianapolis (11/15, Martinez) reported that the Fort Wayne Police Department and the FBI dismantled a "Grandparent Scam" operation based in the Dominican Republic. According to the article, the scam targeted EFTA01655536 grandparents by claiming their grandchild or family member was in legal trouble and needed immediate funds for bail. The article noted that victims were often manipulated into giving cash directly to couriers or sending it via established carriers like UPS, under the guise of pressing legal fees. Texas Felon Charged With Federal Firearms Violations After Officer Shooting My Texas Daily (11/14, Richards) reported that Bobby Michael Dennis, a 64-year-old Jacksonville man, has been charged with federal firearms violations. According to the article, Dennis allegedly shot a Jacksonville police officer with an AR-15-style rifle and faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm while convicted of a crime of domestic violence. The article noted that the case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations. New Mexico Teenager Charged With Receiving Firearm While Under Indictment Albuquerque Journal (11/14, D'Ammassa) reported that Anthony Jacob Lopez, a 19-year-old from Las Cruces, is charged with receiving a firearm while under indictment in a different case. According to the article, an Instagram message allegedly confirmed the sale of a 9mm Glock handgun to Lopez for $600. A A Las Cruces police detective who works with the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force obtained a warrant to search Lopez's phone and Instagram activity. The article noted that Lopez's possession of the firearm violates the terms of his supervised release in a prior case in Texas, where he received a deferred sentence for human smuggling. Additional reporting was provided by KVIA (ABC-7) (11/14, Staff Writer). Virginia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Hate Crime WUSA (CBS-9) (11/14, Pusatory) reported that a Virginia man, Douglas Wayne Cornett, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to federal hate crime charges stemming from a 2024 shooting that injured two Latino men in a Sheetz parking lot in Spotsylvania County. According to the article, Cornett followed a box truck driven by victim O.G. into the gas station, questioned victim J.M. about O.G.'s time in the United States, and, upon learning he had arrived within the past two years, opened fire, shooting O.G. three times and J.M. once. Cornett later admitted to a sheriff's deputy that he targeted the victims because of their perceived national origin. The article noted that the FBI's Richmond Field Office, with substantial support from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, led the investigation. Additional reporting was provided by WTTG (FOX-5) (11/15, Thrasher) and WTVR (CBS-6) (11/14, Staff Writer). Honduran National Convicted in Louisiana for Kidnapping and Assault Hoodline New Orleans (11/15, Davenport) reported that Hector Mondragon-Flores, a 33-year-old Honduran citizen, was convicted of kidnapping, ransom demands, and assaulting a federal officer in a New Orleans court. According to the article, the conviction was the result of a three-day trial, where prosecutors presented evidence of Mondragon-Flores' crimes, including a kidnapping where a $7,000 ransom was demanded and a victim was held at gunpoint. The article noted that the FBI and New Orleans Police Department investigation efforts led to the successful prosecution. FBI Investigates Human Trafficking Operation in Florida WPLG-10 (11/14, Torres) reported that the FBI is investigating a human trafficking operation with links to a farm in Miami-Dade, which has resulted in three convictions and three pending federal cases. According to the article, the operation involved kidnapping, extortion, and torture of migrants, with traffickers using violence and threats to coerce payment from the migrants' loved ones. Brett Skiles, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami, stated in a Department of Justice press release, "The violent, inhumane conduct that Benitez, Cardenas, and Lopez doled out to the victims of their illegal alien smuggling and kidnapping operation is almost beyond imagination. The depths of their depredation included mock hangings, forced labor, and threats to kill or harm — heinous conduct commensurate with their sentences. Let this case serve as a warning to other human smugglers that their illegal actions will not be tolerated." FBI Miami is investigating the case. Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying About Past Human Rights Abuses Hartford Courant (11/15, Underwood) reported that Nada Radovan Tomanic, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has pleaded guilty to lying about prior human rights violations to obtain U.S. citizenship. According to the article, Tomanic allegedly participated in the physical and psychological abuse of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners while serving with the Zulfikar Special Unit in the 1990s. "Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation," said FBI special agent in charge P.J. O'Brien of the FBI. "Tomanic's admissions of fraud are detestable because of her EFTA01655537 history of targeting people based on their ethnicity and religion. The FBI, along with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security's Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office of Fraud Detection and National Security, will continue to investigate crimes of this nature to ensure the sanctity of the immigration process for all who righteously apply for U.S. Citizenship," he said. Additional reporting was provided by Patch (11/14, Dehnel). Florida Teen Gets Three Years in Federal Prison for Machine Gun Possession Tampa Free Press (11/14, Shultz) reported that Sean Rayvon Hubbard, Jr., a 19-year-old from Ocala, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for possession of a machine gun. According to the article, Hubbard pleaded guilty to the charge on May 22, 2025, after a joint investigation by the FBI and the Ocala Police Department. The article noted that the case involved a handgun that was illegally modified to fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull, with evidence linking Hubbard to the weapon found on his cell phone. Utah Man Accused of Damaging ICE Van Pleads Guilty KTVX (ABC-4) (11/15, Jones, Trauntvein) reported that Ryan Michael Gaines, 32, pleaded guilty to damaging government property exceeding $1,000, a felony. According to the article, the damage to an ICE van in St. George, Utah, totaled $2,883 and occurred in April. The article noted that the case was investigated jointly by St. George Police and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, St. George Resident Agency. Additional reporting was provided by Hoodline Salt Lake City (11/15, Warner). Six Massachusetts Businesses Busted in Inspections Watertown News (11/14, Breitrose) reported that six body works businesses in Watertown were closed indefinitely due to violations of city and state regulations. According to the article, the inspections were conducted by the Watertown Health Department, Watertown Police, and other agencies, including the FBI Human Trafficking Task Force. The article noted that the businesses will not be allowed to reopen until they meet the required standards set by the Watertown Board of Health, Building Department, Zoning Department, and the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure. Additional reporting was provided by WBZ (CBS-4) (11/14, Mutasa), WCVB (ABC-5) (11/14, Haynes), and WFXT (FOX-25) (11/14, Karedes). Illinois Man Accused of Making Threats Against Michigan Mosque Arrested The Detroit News (11/14, Aguilar) reported that Kenneth Gehrke, a 63-year-old Illinois man, was arrested for allegedly making threats against a Dearborn Heights mosque in September. According to the article, Gehrke was booked into the Wayne County jail on a felony charge of false report or threat of terrorism and is currently in custody. The article noted that the arrest was a result of a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, including the Dearborn Heights Police Department, the FBI, and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Oregon Man Facing Child Sex Abuse Charges Following Investigation KEZI (ABC-9) (11/14, Bonham) reported that a 27-year-old Eugene man, James Michael Minton, was arrested after a search warrant was served at a west Eugene apartment. According to the article, Minton faces charges including three counts of first-degree and three counts of second-degree encouraging child sex abuse. The article noted that the search warrant was part of the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force's ongoing investigation into child exploitation. The Lane County Sheriffs Office received support from the Oregon Department of Justice and the FBI. Alaska Man Sentenced for Exploiting Three Minors Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (11/16, Staff Writer) reported that Matthew Jackson, a 23-year-old from Shaktoolik, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually exploiting three minors and cyberstalking them and an adult. According to the article, Jackson pleaded guilty to the charges in May and used tactics such as coercion and supplying marijuana and alcohol to exploit his victims. The article noted that Anchorage Field Office FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle said Jackson's sentence should serve as a "message to anyone who commits crimes against children in Alaska." "The FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue and hold predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Waddle said. Malaysian National Convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor on Cruise Ship WTVJ (NBC-6) (11/14, Hamacher) reported that Lay Ong, a 67-year-old Malaysian man, was convicted of abusive sexual contact of a minor on a cruise ship that departed from Miami. According to the article, the incident occurred while the ship was in international waters, involving a 7-year-old child. "Abusing a child is an unforgivable act," U.S. EFTA01655538 Attorney Jason A. Reding Quinones for the Southern District of Florida said in a statement. "This verdict makes clear that anyone who preys on a child—anywhere, and under any flag—will be held to account. We will continue working with the FBI to protect young victims and bring their abusers to justice." The article noted that the FBI Miami Field Office investigated this case. Texas Coach Indicted on Federal Charges of Sexual Exploitation of Children WFAA (ABC-8) (11/14, Snyder) reported that William Caleb Elliott, a former Celina ISD teacher and coach, has been indicted on eight federal charges of sexual exploitation of children. According to the article, the charges stem from allegations that Elliott took videos and photos of student athletes in a locker room in various states of undress or nude using his cellphone. A Department of Justice press release noted that this case is being investigated by the Celina Police Department, Collin County District Attorney's Office, and the FBI. Additional reporting was provided by Star Local Media (11/15, Albanese). Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Luring Girl for Sex, Possessing Images of Minors Penn Live (11/14, Prose) reported that Ryan Peters, a 36-year-old man from McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. According to the article, he was convicted of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material. The article noted that Peters had tried to meet an FBI agent posing as a 12-year-old girl for sex and was found to have explicit images and videos of minors. Additional reporting was provided by WPXI (NBC-11) (11/14, Staff Writer). Convicted Sex Offender Receives Additional Sentence for Threatening Victim's Mother Hoodline Washington DC (11/15, Choudhury) reported that Franklin Jovany Torres, a 42-year-old convicted sex offender, received an additional 16-month sentence for sending threatening letters to the mother of his underage victim. According to the article, Torres pleaded guilty to mailing menacing communications and will serve the new sentence in addition to his current 21-year term. The article noted that the FBI investigated the case after a mother and son reported sexual abuse when they found a photo on Torres' Facebook page; "The boy victim's parents had allowed Torres to stay in their apartment after Torres lost his job and needed a place to stay," as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The threats were made while Torres was in prison, and he had previously been convicted of producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography, as well as first degree sexual abuse of a minor $50K Reward Offered for Info on Pennsylvania Kidnapping Suspect Patch (11/14, Bennett) reported that a $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the apprehension of Trung Duc Lu, a suspect in a 2014 Philadelphia kidnapping and murder case. According to the article, Lu is wanted on numerous charges, including conspiracy to commit kidnapping, extortion, and racketeering, in connection with the torture and murder of two Vietnamese brothers. The article noted that the FBI is seeking tips to locate Lu, who has ties to New York City and was last confirmed to be in the Republic of Vietnam. Additional reporting was provided by WPG-FM (11/15, Coleman). Suspected Child Predators Arrested in Florida WPBF (ABC-25) (11/14, Rozier) reported that six individuals were arrested in Martin County, Florida, for allegedly trying to meet with who they thought were 14-year-olds as part of a joint operation called "All Tricks, No Treats". According to the article, the operation, which involved undercover officers tracking down alleged child predators online, resulted in 18 individuals interacting with detectives, with half of them sending sexually explicit photos. FDLE, Stuart Police, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations were among the agencies at Thursday's news conference at the Martin County Sheriff's Office. The article noted that the six individuals in custody could face a minimum of 42 months behind bars, according to Tom Bakkedahl, state attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit. Child Predators Busted in Georgia Hoodline Atlanta (11/14, Mehta) reported that a coalition of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, arrested four individuals (Jhirmichael Williams, Bryon Willis, Samantha Reese, and Samantha Bradford) on charges of child exploitation. According to the article, the accused face charges including sex trafficking of a minor, production of child pornography, and enticement of a minor. FBI Special Agent in Charge of Atlanta, Paul Brown, stressed the criticality of protecting children and highlighted the collaborative effort to hold perpetrators accountable. The article noted that the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the FBI. North Dakota Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing Girls EFTA01655539 KFGO-FM (11/14, Hjelmstad) reported that Jordain Smith, a 26-year-old Warwick, North Dakota man, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing girls. According to the article, Smith pled guilty to two charges involving the sexual abuse of two minors and will serve 25 years of supervised release after his prison sentence. "Today's sentence is one more step forward in the pursuit of justice for the two minor females who were viciously abused by Jordain laden Smith," said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr. "Those who sexually exploit children will meet the full force of the law. The FBI has no higher calling than to protect innocent children from sexual predators like Smith. We are proud of our work with our Federal, State, and Local partners on this investigation." The article noted that the case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Two Dozen Charged With Child Sex Crimes After FBI's Operation Summer Heat KSHB (NBC-41) (11/14, Staff Writer) reported that the FBI's Summer Heat Initiative resulted in 24 people being charged with child sex crimes. According to the article, 15 of the 24 people were arrested in August, with charges including electronic solicitation, coercion and enticement of a minor, and distribution of child pornography. "Today's announcement reiterates law enforcement's commitment to protecting our children," said Stephen Cyrus, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Field Office, in a news release. "We must continue to protect our most vulnerable from harm." The article noted that the operation involved law officers from Missouri, Kansas, and other states. Additional reporting was provided by KZRG-FM (11/14, Smith) and KMBC (ABC-9) (11/14, Davis). Man Arrested After Allegedly Robbing North Texas Bank KTVT (CBS-11) (11/14, Brown) reported that a 25-year-old man from Waco allegedly robbed a Bank of America in Bedford. According to the article, the suspect fled the scene on a bicycle after demanding money from a teller. The article noted that the man was arrested with the assistance of the FBI and Bedford Police and will be transferred to the Tarrant County Jail. Additional reporting was provided by WFAA (ABC-8) (11/15, Snyder). Louisiana Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Texas and Louisiana Bank Robberies My Texas Daily (11/14, Richards) reported that Charleston Jamal Washington, a 39-year-old man from Lafayette, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison. According to the article, he pleaded guilty to committing armed bank robberies in Texas and Louisiana, including robberies at Home Bank in Welsh, Louisiana, and First State Bank in Vidor, Texas. The article noted that the investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI's Beaumont Resident Agency, the FBI's Lake Charles Resident Agency, and the Lafayette Resident Agency, as well as several local police departments. FBI Seeks Assistance in Identifying Suspect in Illinois Bank Robbery Fox Valley Magazine (11/14, Stukel) reported that the FBI is seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an armed bank robbery at US Bank in St. Charles on November 8. According to the article, the suspect is described as a masked man wearing a camouflage hoodie and a Chicago Bears baseball cap; photos from surveillance cameras have also been released. The article noted that the FBI is encouraging the public to reach out if they have any information pertaining to the case. Additional information was provided by Shaw Local (11/14, Weslo) and Patch (11/14, Schanezer). Back to Top CYBER DIVISION Russian Alleged Cyber-Hacker Faces Extradition to US After Arrest in Thailand CNN (11/15, Sharman, Regan, Lyngaas) reported that Denis Obrezko, a 35-year-old Russian man, has been arrested, in a joint operation between the FBI and Thai authorities, for alleged cyber-crime and faces extradition to the US. According to the article, Obrezko is allegedly part of the Void Blizzard cyber espionage gang, which is known for hacking attacks that align with Kremlin interests. The article noted that he will be held in Bangkok pending extradition to the US, where he is wanted for breaching security systems and attacking government agencies in Europe and the US. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS EFTA01655540 Seizure of Phone Records Become a Pattern at Center of 'Grand Conspiracy' Weaponization Case Just the News (11/16, Richards) reported that former U.S. Attorney Bud Cummins approached the Justice Department in 2018 with a witness offering alleged evidence of Hunter Biden's misconduct, but the DOJ declined to pursue the information and later subpoenaed Cummins' private phone records. The article stated that Cummins criticized what he described as a "real culture problem" within the DOJ and FBI, arguing that officials ignored an "extraordinary offer of evidence" while subsequently investigating him. According to the article, Cummins' emails to then—U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman detailed claims from Ukrainian officials that Joe Biden had exercised influence to protect Burisma Holdings in exchange for payments to Hunter Biden and others, and that witnesses were prepared to provide documentation supporting those allegations. The article explained that Cummins now believes later IRS whistleblower disclosures, investigative reporting, and congressional inquiries have validated the concerns he attempted to raise in 2018. The article noted that the episode is now viewed as an early example of DOJ officials discounting potential evidence against Democrats while targeting conservatives, citing records indicating that two officials who blocked an FBI probe of Clinton's 2016 dossier payments later served on Special Counsel Jack Smith's "Arctic Frost" team, which issued sweeping subpoenas for Republican lawmakers' and Trump administration officials' phone records. Why Anthropic's Al Claude Tried to Contact the FBI in a Test CBS News (11/16, Croxton) reported that Anthropic's Al model, Claude, was used to operate a vending machine business, called Claudius, as an experiment in autonomy. During a simulation, Claudius tried to contact the FBI's Cyber Crimes Division after it noticed a $2 fee being charged to its account, which it perceived as a scam. The article noted that the experiment revealed interesting insights into the capabilities and limitations of autonomous Al, including its ability to develop a sense of moral responsibility and its tendency to "hallucinate" or present false information as fact. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL NEWS US Forces Kill Three Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific Fox News Trump Says US May Hold Talks With Venezuela's Maduro Wall Street Journal New Nuclear Arms Race Pits US Against Both Russia and China Wall Street Journal Hamas's Popularity Rises in Gaza, Complicating Trump Plan to Disarm Militants Wall Street Journal Zelenskyy Faces Deepest Crisis Yet as Allies Accused in $100M Wartime Scheme Fox News US Marines Exchanged Gunfire With Suspected Gang Members in Haiti, Official Says Fox News Saudi Crown Prince Visits Us With Defence, Al and Nuclear on the Agenda Reuters Russian Missile Strike Kills Three, Wounds 10 in Kharkiv Region, Ukraine Says Reuters UN Climate Talks Shift Into Higher Gear With Government Ministers and Presidency's New Document Associated Press Two US Marines Implicated in Killing Family in Notorious Iraq War Shooting The BBC Back to Top EFTA01655541 OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Homeland Security Agent Opens Fire After Traffic Stop Chase in Nation's Capital Washington Times FAA to Lift Government Shutdown-Related Flight Restrictions Wall Street Journal Here's What's Going on With Trump's Tariffs, Prices and the Supreme Court Washington Post GOP Plans to Replace Obamacare Have Failed. Here's What Lawmakers Propose Now. Washington Post Border Patrol Fans Out Across Charlotte, NC, Arresting 81 People on First Day New York Times Trump Defends Tucker Carlson After Nick Fuentes Interview New York Times Trump Buys at Least $82 Million in Bonds Since Late August, Disclosures Show Reuters Some National Guard Troops Being Withdrawn From Chicago and Portland, Officials Say Reuters Foreign Enrollment at US Colleges Holds Steady, for Now, Despite Trump's Visa Crackdown Associated Press Firing Squad Executes South Carolina Serial Killer Who Wrote Message With Victim's Blood USA TODAY Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 9:00 AM: In-Town Pool Call Time • 2:00 PM: The President meets with the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 • 6:00 PM: The President delivers Remarks at McDonald's Impact Summit Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule released or announced. US Senate • Hearings to examine deterrence on NATO's Eastern flank. — 3:30 PM — Host: Commission on Security and Cooperatin in Europe US House of Representatives • No events scheduled. Cabinet Members EFTA01655542 . Secretary of State Rubio meets with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos at the Department of State at 11:15 AM. Visitors . No events scheduled. General Events . The Eurofile Live Podcast: is a New Era Emerging for the Euro? — Monday, November 17, 2025. Location: Online event, 9:00 AM. On Monday, November 17th, join the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program for a LIVE video episode of The Eurofile podcast! . Carnegie: Trump and MBS: What's in Store for U.S.-Saudi Relations? — Monday, November 17, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. Perhaps no country in the Middle East has attracted more interest of the Trump administration than Saudi Arabia. President Trump took his first foreign trip there during his first term and he remains focused on the possibility of Israeli-Saudi normalization as part of a regional peace agreement in pursuit of a Nobel Peace prize. The visit of Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman (MBS) to the White House on November 18 has focused even more attention on the U.S.-Saudi relationship. . CATO Institute: Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America — Monday, November 17, 2025. Location: Online event, 12:00 PM. Few people exerted as profound an influence on the postwar conservative movement and the "fusionist" project of attempting to align libertarians with traditional conservatives on issues of shared interest as William F. Buckley Jr. The founder and longtime editor of National Review, Buckley hosted the weekly PBS program Firing Line, wrote a syndicated column, and authored roughly 50 books. He also found time to run for mayor of New York City in 1965. He had no real intention of winning but rather hoped to influence the terms of the debate over how the city was governed. . Atlantic Council: What comes next after Chile's presidential election? — Monday, November 17, 2025. Location: Online event, 9:00 AM. Experts will be unpacking the results of Chile's elections, what to expect in the days ahead, and what the outcome means for US-Chile relations. . Atlantic Council: Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's lessons from defending against Russia — Monday, November 17, 2025. Location: Online event, 1:30 PM. Margus Tsahkna, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Estonia, shares Tallinn's perspective on allied support for Ukraine and raising the costs of Russian aggression. . Atlantic Council: Success after service: Careers in tech and cybersecurity for veterans — Monday, November 17, 2025. Location: Online event, 3:30 PM. Experts explore the different pathways from the armed services to a career in tech and cybersecurity. . Hudson Institute: Rogue Galleries: Tackling Illicit Finance in US Art Markets — Monday, November 17, 2025. Location: Online event, 12:00 PM. Art can be valuable, highly portable, and difficult to trace—making it an ideal vehicle for concealing illicit wealth. The United States hosts the world's largest and most dynamic art market, with tens of billions of dollars of sales taking place each year. But high-end art dealers' associations with private wealth and their commitment to customer discretion have made the sector a magnet for money laundering and sanctions evasion. Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA01655543