“Nigerian Man Extradited in Connection to Sextortion Case”
Federal authorities in South Carolina have arrested 24-year-old Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal of Osun State, Nigeria, in connection with a sextortion scam that tragically led to the suicide of Gavin Guffey, the 17-year-old son of state representative Brandon Guffey.
“Leon-Bobby Jones-Hubbard Indicted on Multiple Child Exploitation Charges”
Federal prosecutors announced on January 23, 2025, that a grand jury in Columbia, South Carolina, returned a 22-count indictment against 31-year-old Leon-Bobby Jones-Hubbard of Columbia, accusing him of numerous serious charges.
“Sean Michael Moinette Sentenced to 12 Years for Drug Distribution”
Sean Michael Moinette, 46, of Spanaway, Washington, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his leadership role in a drug distribution network responsible for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine across Western Washington. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman.
“Johan Portilla-Guzman Arrested for Organized Fraud in Jacksonville”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has arrested Johan Portilla-Guzman, the owner of Pro-Remodeling, on charges of organized fraud. Detectives with the JSO Economic Crimes Unit are now searching for more potential victims who may have fallen prey to his scam.
“DEA Task Force Officer James Hickox Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison”
James Darrell Hickox, 38, a former task force officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and member of the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, has been sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution, fraud, and tax evasion.
“Three Women Arrested for Stealing Debit Card Information in Saratoga Springs”
Three women have been arrested in Saratoga Springs, accused of stealing debit card information from residents at the Capital District Development Disabilities Services Office in Clifton Park. Lashea Pettway, 30, Jessie Gabriel, 34, and Christin McGrath, 45, are facing multiple charges, including grand larceny and identity theft.
“Arizona Couple Arrested for Fraudulent Cancer Treatment Scheme”
Mary and Frank Blakley, a couple from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, have been arrested and indicted on multiple felonies for allegedly running a chain of medical clinics that offered fraudulent cancer treatments. Federal prosecutors announced the charges, which include conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, and violating the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
“Maine Fugitive Arrested in Plymouth for Bank Fraud Attempt”
A 42-year-old fugitive from Maine was arrested in Plymouth on Thursday after allegedly attempting bank fraud at a Webster Bank on North Riverside Avenue. Police were called to the bank at 3:30 p.m. after staff reported suspicious activity, claiming that a man was attempting to make unauthorized withdrawals using a fake ID.
“New York Man Pleads Guilty to Murder of Jeffrey Vanech in Stamford”
More than four years after 49-year-old Jeffrey Vanech was fatally shot in Stamford’s South End, a New York man has pleaded guilty to the crime. Ernest Rosario, 23, from New York, entered a guilty plea for murder before Judge John F. Blawie at state Superior Court in Stamford on Friday. The court session saw Vanech’s family and members of the Stamford Police Department in attendance.
“Nevada Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Life in Prison After Arrest”
Kerry Williams, a convicted drug trafficker, has been sentenced to life in prison following his arrest with five pounds of methamphetamine and 12 ounces of heroin. Williams will be eligible for parole after serving 18 years of his sentence, according to the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office.
“Two Women Arrested in Connection with Nationwide Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly Victims”
Peel Regional Police (PRP) have charged two women in connection with a multi-year lottery scam that targeted vulnerable elderly individuals across Canada. The scheme ran from 2019 to 2023, deceiving victims into believing they had won large lottery prizes and then pressuring them to send money to cover alleged fees and taxes.
Lawrence Allen Bourne Sentenced to 15 Years for Drug Charges
A 53-year-old man from Hillsboro, Lawrence Allen Bourne, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug-related charges, marking at least his sixth conviction. Additionally, his probation from a prior drug offense was revoked by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Victor J. Melenbrink on January 21, 2024. Bourne’s sentence includes a 10-year term from a previous conviction in 2022, which he will now serve concurrently.
Two Men Arrested in Elmont Home Burglary Incident
Two men are facing multiple charges following a burglary in Elmont, Nassau County, on Saturday morning. The incident occurred at 11 a.m. on Hoffman Avenue, where Nassau police arrested Luis Ramos and Steeve Severe at the scene.
Pasco Property Manager Michael Bundy Arrested for Stealing $1M+
Michael Jason Bundy, 63, the owner of Sunista Realty in New Port Richey, was arrested on Wednesday after an investigation revealed he had stolen more than $1 million in escrow funds from dozens of clients. Bundy faces one count each of grand theft and scheme to defraud, according to the New Port Richey Police Department.
Six Men Charged in Cattle Theft from Anglesey Farm
Six men have been charged in connection with the theft of 14 cows from a farm near Llanerchymedd, Anglesey, in December 2022. The arrests come after a thorough investigation by the Rural Crime Team, which led to several warrants being executed.
Man Charged Over £15,000 Handbag Thefts in Wimbledon & Cobham
Joshua Grant McKenzie, a 22-year-old man from Feltham, has been charged in connection with the theft of high-value handbags from shops in Wimbledon and Cobham. The thefts, which reportedly occurred less than 24 hours apart, are believed to have amounted to £15,000 in total value.
Five Arrested in Connection to San Jose Gang-Related Shooting
San Jose police have arrested five individuals in connection to a gang-related shooting that took place on July 21, 2023. The incident began when four male suspects threatened an adult male victim with weapons, including a machete, knife, and firearm, at a home on Dubert Lane near Santee Drive.
Two Women Sentenced for Murder of Bryan Altamirano-Solano
Las Vegas (KSNV) — Erika Covington, 21, and Arionna Taylor, 22, have been sentenced to prison for the 2023 murder of 25-year-old Bryan Altamirano-Solano. A judge accepted a plea agreement on Thursday, sentencing the two women to serve between 10 and 25 years behind bars.
Six Arrested in Johnson City for $80K Retail Theft Scheme
JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. (WBNG) — Six individuals were arrested following an investigation into a large retail theft operation at a local retailer, according to Johnson City Police.
Mesa County Woman Arrested for Car Theft and Burglary
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) — A 24-year-old woman from Mesa County was arrested on Sunday for car theft and burglary after a series of incidents involving stolen property, according to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.
Six Arrested, Stolen Handgun Recovered in Lyon County Investigation
LYON COUNTY, Nev. (CBS12) — A two-day investigation by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit has led to the recovery of a stolen handgun and the arrest of six individuals.
Two Arrested in $28,000 Theft of Guns and Property in Lee County
LEE COUNTY, Ala. (CBS12) — Two individuals from Notasulga have been arrested in connection with the theft of more than $28,000 worth of guns, firearm accessories, ammunition, reloading equipment, and tools from a residence in Lee County.
South Texas Man Arrested for Theft of Alcohol Cargo
DONNA, Texas (CBS12) — Matthew Tafolla, 37, from South Texas, was arrested on January 24 by agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) on a second-degree felony charge for the theft of a cargo shipment of name-brand distilled spirits.
Chino Hills Man with Extensive Criminal Record Arrested for Alleged Costco Theft
CHINO HILLS, Calif. (CBS12) — A Chino Hills man with an extensive criminal history was arrested on Sunday after allegedly stealing items from a Costco store in Chino Hills. Authorities responded to the theft in progress around 5 p.m., according to a media release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Tupman Men Andrew Smith and Jimmie Beck Arrested for Theft
Two men from Tupman, Andrew Smith, 27, and Jimmie Beck, 54, were arrested in connection with a recent copper wire theft near Highway 166 and Old River Road in Kern County.
Steve Havens Arrested for Copper Wire Theft in Kern County
Steve Havens, 53, was arrested on Thursday in Taft after detectives from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigation Unit, along with deputies from the Taft Substation, followed up on a string of copper wire thefts in the area.
Florida Deputy Arrested for Drug Trafficking, Planned Cruise Smuggling
A former Florida deputy is facing serious charges after being accused of drug trafficking. Francisco Melo, a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy, was arrested last week on allegations of smuggling narcotics onto a Royal Caribbean cruise. Police say Melo planned to sell MDMA, also known as ecstasy or “molly,” disguised in Skittles packets at an electronic dance music festival onboard.
Three South Dakota Men Sentenced for Counterfeit Currency Operation
Oacoma, SD — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota announced on January 13, 2025, that three men involved in a counterfeit currency scheme have been sentenced for their crimes.
Two Arrested After Stolen U-Haul and Drugs Found in Chillicothe
Chillicothe, OH — On January 25, 2025, two individuals were arrested after officers recovered a stolen U-Haul truck and discovered drugs during a routine traffic stop.
Marissa Lancaster Arrested with Stolen Firearms and Credit Cards in Livermore
Livermore police arrested 21-year-old Marissa Lancaster from Vallejo on Friday evening after she was caught with a stolen firearm, an unserialized gun, and stolen credit cards. Officers responded to a theft in progress at Target on Las Positas Road, where they identified Lancaster and another suspect.
Truck Driver Jose Guillen Charged with Cocaine Trafficking in Illinois
On January 18, 2025, Illinois State Police (ISP) arrested 55-year-old truck driver Jose J. Guillen from California after a traffic stop along I-80 in Henry County revealed more than 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine hidden in his tractor trailer.
Juan Chaverria Montoya Arrested for Two Burglary Incidents in San Mateo
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office officials have arrested 28-year-old Juan F. Chaverria Montoya of San Jose, who is suspected of burglarizing a residence twice in two days.
Tijah Williams-Rogers Charged with Theft and Money Laundering
A 28-year-old woman from New York, Tijah M. Williams-Rogers, has been charged with several offenses, including theft, conspiracy to commit theft, money laundering, and unlawful computer access, following an investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Fort Gay Mayor and Treasurer Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement and Fraud
The mayor of Fort Gay, West Virginia, Joetta Hatfield, and the town’s treasurer and recorder, Sheila Bowen, were arrested and charged with a series of financial crimes following a lengthy investigation by the West Virginia State Police.
Two Arrested in Logan County Arson Investigation
Logan County, West Virginia — Two individuals have been arrested, and a third is being sought in connection with an arson investigation in Logan County.
