EFTA00174628.pdf

Branch C Impact Performance Responses 1. Building Coalitions: Continues to engage with NGOs related to the Banking industry, as well as the Jewelry and Gem Industry, in order to facilitate assistance in investigations and to remain informed about emerging trends or threats to those industries. SSA meets annually with community leaders attending the NYO's Citizens Academy, and presents a brief on the VC program. SA's and recently initiated a joint Title III monitoring with the New York City Department of Investigation (NYCDOI) on case Continue to work with the New York HIS BEST team in order to maximize our efforts at points- of-entry in the northeast. The squad has built relationships with the NYPD Homicide Unit to further our footprint within cold case murders related to drug related homicides. C-20 constantly interacts with established and new contacts within law enforcement, New York City agencies (ACS, NYCDOC, NYCHRA, etc.), the private sector (meetings and banks, etc.), and community leaders (such as NGOs, places of worship, etc), primarily to enhance efforts to better serve victims. Member of the Brooklyn Human Trafficking Taskforce, which includes dozens of participants, to include law enforcement agencies, prosecutor's offices, NGOs, and city and state agencies, who the NYCETTF engages on a regular basis. SSA attends monthly County Stat Meetings hosted by Westchester Intelligence Center, monthly iStat meetings hosted by Westchester County Police Department and attends meetings with Putnam County Sheriff and Rockland Detectives Association. Provided training to Westchester Real Time Crime Center and arranged for embedded IA/SOS to staff the RTC on a part time basis. SSRA is leveraging NY Infragard to meet critical private sector partners in the HVRA AOR. C41 formed an Ad Hoc Task Force with multiple law enforcement agencies on the East End of Long Island to address Bloods controlled narcotics distribution and associated violence. The partnership has resulted in Federal charges on at least 16 significant gang targets along with the seizure of multiple weapons and kilos of drugs. State and local partners report that the case had an immediate effect on reducing violence in the area. Moreover, the liaison relationship established through the successful investigation can be used in future. On a monthly basis, members of Squad C-45 attended the Suffolk County Anti-Trafficking Initiative (SCATI) conference, the purpose of which is to gather all of the relevant government agencies and NGOs in the Eastern Long Island AOR in an effort to further facilitate a task force approach to the current Human Trafficking (HT) threat. The goal of the conferences is to establish and cultivate a shared consciousness and unified approach to addressing HT on Long Island, which has not historically been prioritized, nor combated with sufficient resources. Participants include: USAO Eastern District of New York, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Suffolk County Sheriffs Office, DHS-HIS, NY Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Long Island University-Applied Research Center, Suffolk County Probation, ICE- Community Relations Officer, Suffolk County Police Department HT Squad, Long Island Crime Stoppers, Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island, Suffolk County Safe Harbor Program, Nassau County Police Department, and the Nassau County District Attorney's Office. As a group, all participants collectively established a foundational method of collaboration. It was EFTA00174628 agreed upon that the participating agencies would make a commitment to share information in an effort to progress the manner and method in which HT is approached and de-conflict operations, rather than continue to operate as independent silos. Each participant provided a capabilities brief and contact information has been distributed in order to stimulate a proactive frontal opposition to HT on Long Island here forward. SSA was named the co-chairman of the SCATI Law Enforcement Subcommittee. SSA and Victim Specialist attended a meeting with the Suffolk Count Disaster Disaster Mental Health Response Coalition (SC DMHRC) in Hauppauge, NY. SSA and VS attended the meeting for the purpose of liaising with the myriad agencies and providing contact information and a capabilities brief, should a critical incident arise. VS provided a capabilities brief and SSA made the group aware of the existence of the newly formed Squad C-45 and its mission. The following agencies were represented: American Red Cross Long Island Chapter Family Service League Suffolk County Police Department Suffolk County Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services Suffolk County Division of Emergency Medical Services Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management New York State Office of Mental Health New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. 2. Recruitment Efforts: SSA regularly provides guidance and information to individuals seeking employment with the FBI, whether for an agent position or for a support staff position. In FY19, this guidance led to 2 individuals applying to the FBI. Agents on C-19 also regularly provide the same guidance, and seek to guide these individuals in the right direction to assist in getting the individuals in contact with designated FBI Recruiters. SA' recently participated in Phase II recruitment/meet and greet events to evaluate new agent's candidates. Efforts have been made to engage with college students who are interested in the Honors Intern Program. C-20 personnel are members of the FBI-NYO office wide recruitment team and have attended recruitment events including Fort Dix in 2018 aimed at current military personnel interested in the FBI. Presented on recruitment and careers at Pace Law School, Sacred Heart High School Law Enforcement Club, Yorktown High School Law Enforcement Explorers and Lakeland High School Law Enforcement Explorers. Successfully recruited a prospective new hire ) scheduled for September 2019 class at Quantico. HVRA personnel distribute recruitment information during National Night Out. SAs are engaged with their colleges to promote the FBI and answer questions about recruitment. C41 personnel addressed a group of more than 100 high school/college students at the EDNY, Central Islip Courthouse who were interested in future careers in the field of criminal justice. The presentation included an overview of various positions in the FBI, general requirements for employment, and shared career experiences. In addition, C41 spoke presented an overview of the FBI and career opportunities to a group of students at St. John's University who were pursuing degrees in Homeland Security. EFTA00174629 Members of Squad C-45 participated in the National Night out against Crime on August 6, 2019. Participating Agents conducted robust outreach and recruiting efforts during the community outreach event enhancing the necessary trust and cooperation between communities and law enforcement, especially in areas highly impacted by violent crime or where law enforcement's relationship with the community is not well established. On numerous occasions, SSA , upon request, has spoken at multiple events regarding his career path and experiences unique to him. He has provided briefs regarding his experience-based perspective on the importance of a symbiotic relationship between crisis negotiators and tactical operators, to include briefs on multiple tactical operations and critical events in which he has been involved. SSA has spoken and provided training and capabilities briefs to the majority of law enforcement partner agencies in the Long Island AOR, as well as at local public schools, and the US Military Academy at West Point. 3. Efforts to Maximize Employee Potential: Encourage employees to attend relevant training opportunities to enhance their professional development. Encourage employees to join the relief supervisor program. During periodic check-in sessions discuss opportunities to do TDY's to HQ. Have direct tough conversations about work product and/or professional behavioral conduct. SA's and recently became certified as EAP Peers and SA recently became a certified Crisis Negotiator. SSA utilizes the employee 'check-in" process, as well as informal meetings with the agents of C- 19, to mentor the agents with career and skills development. C-20 supports its personnel in advancing their skill sets. In the past 18 months C-20 agents have been trained in numerous diverse areas including online undercover employee (OCE) certification, undercover employee (UCE) certification, Cyber (SANS and DEXT certifications), GMAN training, and the Adjunct Faculty Program. C-20 personnel have also trained agents throughout the FBI in such areas as VCAC Advanced Online Chatting. Mentor new employees and provide them with training opportunities to further their advancement. Arranged for agents and TFOs to attend numerous training sessions and conferences: NYPD Homicide Investigators Course, NYPD Sex Crimes Course, OCE certification, Active Shooter Conference, National Law Enforcement and Corporate Crimes Convention, SOD/SSGU training. Through daily engagement the HVRA SSRA attempts to give each employee the tools and guidance to develop within their current job as well as promotions. C41 remains committed to actively investigating and prosecuting the violent transnational gang MS-13. To that end, we have rotated multiple investigators through TDYs in El Salvador to embed with anti-gang law enforcement groups. Each of the individuals who has gone through this TDY has reported it to be a leaming experience and enhancing their abilities. Squad C-45 is a newly established squad in the NYO LIRA. In an effort to build the squad into a results oriented, impact driven team, SSA obtained FBIHQ approval to establish two EFTA00174630 task forces under one squad, the LI Violent Crime TF and the LI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking TF. This strategy has allowed SSA to leverage the resources of two separate FBIHQ units in order to create opportunities, acquire equipment, and fund investigative and training opportunities for the Agents, TFOs, and Intel personnel alike. Squad C-45 was newly established in FY19, and part of its stated mission is to investigate Human Trafficking (HT) violations in the Long Island AOR. This violation was previously inadequately addressed in the greater Long Island community, and starting C-45 from scratch necessitated the building of a strong foundation in a swift manner. Given that FSL and space restrictions allowed for just one Agent to be assigned to HT investigations, SSA conducted robust joint operations with the Suffolk County Police Department HT Investigations Squad, building a strong enough relationship to recruit one of their most productive detectives. SSA leveraged his relationship with SCPD and FBIHQ, subsequently obtaining funding from FBIHQ for an additional TFO, resulting in the SCPD detective becoming a productive member of Squad C-45. An additional SA has been added to the LI CEHTTF, as well as an SOS joining Squad C-45 on a full-time basis. As a result of efforts to build a shared consciousness and joint effort to combat HT, Squad C-45 has increased their HT caseload ten- fold. 4. Efforts to effectively use our resources: Encourage agents to review the DIOG to understand and follow administrative requirements of all sophisticated investigative techniques. Demand compliance with all administrative requirements clearly and effectively, hold accountable repeat offenders. Squad recently started utilizing the Scarecrow monitoring system to conduct consensual recordings during controlled firearms/narcotic buy operations. Squad also has closed or put into pending inactive status approximately 20 cases which have little to no recent activity in order to divert squad resources to more active higher priority cases. C-19 FSL is comprised of nearly 50% of agents with less than 3 years of experience, C-19's SSA has established a partnership with the more senior agents and an NYPD Detective TFO to serve as both training agents and senior investigator mentors. C-20 continues to develop new ways to streamline work through the use of technology (both FBI applications and program related applications from the private sector), as well as exploit the data derived from investigative activities. C-20 regularly uses the bureau's technical resources such as CART, the DEXT program, and CAST to assist with the technical vulnerabilities identified in investigations. C-20 has a number of agents trained in collateral technical duties which allow for a greater understanding and application of the bureau's technical resources. Continue to utilize automated systems to set ticklers for managing our various mandatory yearly requirements. Routinely utilized WIDT, TTAs, and Pole Cams; secured funding for Scarecrow system and new concealed recording devices; greatly reduced outstanding/un- finalized evidence; closed numerous inactive cases. Secured equipment to allow for proactive VCAC cases by an OCE. Through daily engagement, squad meetings and file reviews, the squad is kept current on Admin responsibilities. EFTA00174631 Squad C-45 uses CART resources on a regular basis as a result of the nature of the investigations related to the LI CEHTTF. Pole cams have been utilized, as well. No firearms qualification delinquencies have gone unaddressed. Evidence charge-out issues, while challenging due to the high op-tempo of the squad and on-going judicial proceedings, have been addressed by working collaboratively with the Evidence Unit and arranging for an Evidence Tech to work out of LIRA one day per week. 5. Success Stories: Indictment and arrest of 4 Colombian National police officers for Importation of Narcotics into the United States. ; to date, 11 subjects connected to the 8-trey Cowboy Crips have been arrested on charges related to the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms, and multiple acts of violence in the NYPD's 67th and 70th precinct. ; On 07/16/2019, 16 members of a Mac Balla Blood set operating primarily in the Jamaica, Queens area were arrested on a pattern of historical robberies occurring in the Queens/Nassau area. ; 8 members of a violent Queens based MS-13 set were arrested on VICAR attempted murder charges in connection with the shooting that occurred on 10/23/2016 of Luis Serrano, a member of the rival 18th Street Gang. Serrano was paralyzed as a result of the shooting. The dismantlement of the organization after 8 members of the conspiracy were arrested and convicted of drugs, guns, and murder charges. The leaders of the organization received significant prison sentences to a five consecutive life sentence, a life sentence, a 25 year sentence, and a 20 year sentence. — Members of C19 obtained a True Bill on a sweeping Racketeering Indictment involving a crew of ethnic Eastern European burglars targeting financial and commercial businesses. The period of the racketeering activity outlined in the indictment began in 2006 and extended through October 2018, and involved multiple states and several European countries. Sixteen (16) burglaries and attempted burglaries, ITSP, Money Laundering, and Arson are described in the indictment as crimes committed by the enterprise, with losses exceeding $20 million. NY's VCTF conducted an arrest of four (4) of the main subjects, and executed a search of the residence ($10 million building in Manhattan) of the main subject. Additionally, asset forfeiture is being sought, particularly with regard to the $10 million residence of the main subject. This investigation has been lauded by the NYPD and other law enforcement partners as having a significant community impact and is an example of outstanding collaboration between the FBI and the NYPD. — On 12/8/2018, FBI NYO agent was shot and critically wounded while conducting surveillance on an FBI investigation in Brooklyn, NY. Members of C- 19 conducted a tireless investigation into the shooting and were able to achieve indictments on three (3) subjects involved in the shooting. The main subject, Ronell Watson, stood trial in July 2019 and was ultimately convicted of attempted murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, and the use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence. EFTA00174632 This initiative was launched by the NYCEHTTF in October 2017 to identify sex trafficking victims in the foster care and social services system, and to identify pimps affiliated with gangs. The initiative led to the opening of approximately 13 sex trafficking cases, the enhancement of 2 additional sex trafficking cases, and the opening of public corruption, civil rights, and a civil investigations. From approximately July 2018 through December 2018, nineteen (19) subjects across eight (8) cases were arrested in relation to the victimization of over 40 victims, of which over half were from a foster care facility in Westchester County, New York. To date, 10 individuals have been convicted through pleas and trials. This initiative is being worked primarily with SDNY, as well as EDNY, Kings County DA's Office, Bronx DA's office, Queen's DA's office, and the District Attorney's Office of New York, with the assistance of the NYCDOC, the NYHRA, and ACS. : This human trafficking investigation was opened in March of 2018 as it related to sex trafficking on Long Island, NY. To date, approximately 12 subjects have been arrested, 5 of which have pled guilty. This investigation is being worked with the SDNY. Jeffrey Epstein: Case was opened in December 2018 relating to Epstein's involvement of sex trafficking numerous minors. In July 2019, C-20 arrested Espstein and executed a search warrant at his mansion in New York, NY. In August 2019, C-20 and FBI NY executed a search warrant on Epstein's private island, St. James, in the US Virgin Islands. Epstein committed suicide in August 2019 but the case is still ongoing in regards to additional co-conspirators. The innocent images Group I operation has resulted in the following statistical accomplishments over the past year: 957 OCE sessions, 39 ID takeovers, 75 new cases, 31 leads, 97 search warrants, 57 complaints/arrests, 32 indictments/informations, 28 convictions, 39 sentencings, 25 intel disseminations, and 51 minor victims rescued. operation targeting members of 180 street. Indicted over 12 members on RICO charges. Investigation continues and more indictments anticipated (8-10 individuals). , conviction of two individuals associated with cold case murder from mid-1990. Both individuals sentenced to life imprisonment. seizure of 45 kilograms of heroin. Future indictment of at least six individuals associated with drug transportation from Colombia DR, and Mexico. , seizure of 16 kilograms of cocaine. Future indictment pending for at least four individuals, with the potential for four other subjects. Linked to two RPOT's. Arrest and prosecution of Javier DaSilva for kidnapping and murder of Valerie Reyes. Piru Bloods case which resulted in federal murder charges against one defendant for a cold case murder, disrupted murder for hire conspiracy resulting in federal murder for hire charges against two defendants, arrest of 3 members of a violent home invasion crew on Hobbs Act charges, seizure of hundreds of pills of fentanyl and federal narcotics charges against one defendant and the seizure of three firearms. Case Number: NY-NYS-1106 OCDETF; NICHOLAS TARTAGLIONE DTO; Summary: C32 (Hudson Valley Safe Street Task Force) EFTA00174633 initiated an joint investigation with the New York State Police targeting retired police officer NICHOLAS TARTAGLIONE and his associates, who were involved in large scale drug trafficking and suspected in the disappearance and murder of four men. In December, 2016, the HVTF arrested TARTAGLIONE and discovered the bodies of the four men in an unmarked grave on a large wooded/farm property where TARTAGLIONE previously lived. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that multiple individuals, including another retired police officer (GERARD BENDEROTH), a Dean of Students (JOSEPH BIGGS), a construction business owner (JASON SULLIVAN), and a Mexican self—employed handyman (MARCOS CRUZ), were all involved in the planning and/or deaths of the four men. With exception to BENDERHOTH - who committed suicide while law enforcement were attempting to arrest him, all others are cooperating. Agents/TFOs continue to interview potential witnesses and gather information relevant to the case. Multiple and continuous proffers of the four cooperators is ongoing. Additionally, it is anticipated that upwards of fifty prosecution witnesses will be called to testify and therefore the trial witness preparation is anticipated to start in the fall of 2019. In March of 2019, DOJ approved for this case matter to be a death penalty seek case. The investigation has resulted in a tremendous amount of positive press coverage for the FBI and HVSSTF. The case has also resulted in improved relations with local law enforcement (New York State Police, Chester Police Department). Yellow Tape Money Gang and Southside Gang Summary: From December 2015 to February 2018, C32 (Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force (HVSSTF)), in coordination with the City of Newburgh and Town of Newburgh Police Departments, targeted two violent gangs (Yellow Tape Money Gang & SouthSide Gang) engaged in a retaliatory "gang war in the City of Newburgh. C32 directed the investigative efforts, with two cases being operated concurrently due to multiple points of cross-over. To date, 11 members of YTMG have been arrested and convicted on charges of Racketeering Conspiracy (18 USC 1962(d)); Violent Crime In Aid of Racketeering (18 USC 1959) — to include multiple counts of Attempted Murder, Assaults, Firearms Possession, Use and Discharge (18 USC 924(c)) and Narcotics Distribution Charges (21 USC 841 and 846). Twenty-one Members of SouthSide Gang have also been arrested and convicted on charges of Racketeering Conspiracy (18 USC 1962(d)); Violent Crime In Aid of Racketeering (18 USC 1959) — to include two (2) counts of Murder in Aid of Racketeering/Drug Related Homicide (18 USC 1959(a)(1); 21 USC 848(e) and 18 USC 924(j)), multiple counts of Attempted Murder (18 USC 1959 (a)(5),(6)), Assaults, Firearms Possession, Brandishing and Discharge (18 USC 924(c)) and Narcotics Distribution Charges (21 USC 841 and 846). C32 has also recovered 20 firearms. FBI's investigative efforts have been recognized through multiple local newspaper articles and SDNY press releases. The following statistic was provided by the City of Newburgh to the FBI in August 2018 to demonstrate the dramatic decline in specific violent crimes (bullet-to-body shooting incidents): 2015 - 55 incidents; 2016 - 48 incidents (13% reduction from previous year); 2017 —17 Incidents (65% reduction from previous year), with only 3 incidents reported that year since June 2017 arrests of Southside gang. Daniel Mullan; IINI-Producers/Manufacturers/Traders of CP; EDNY; C/As SA TF0 : On 08/15/2019, after Squad C-45 coordinated all logistics, in partnership with LEGAT London, Department of State, US Embassy Dublin, EDNY, FBIHQ CACHTU, FBI NY Crisis Management, and JFKRA, pursuant to Irish judicial authorities approving a diplomatic note and subsequent order of surrender granting MULLAN's extradition to the United States, Squad C-45 members traveled to Dublin and executed a foreign transfer of custody, bringing MULLAN to the US to face charges brought by EDNY. EFTA00174634 By way of background, MULLAN, a United States citizen and resident of Elmont, New York, was extradited from the United States to Ireland in 2014 in connection with the child molestation conviction. In June 2017, the caretaker of MULLAN's Elmont, New York home notified the FBI that he had discovered child pornography in the residence. For approximately four decades, MULLAN participated in the production and possession and sale of child pornography, which involved MULLAN himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with minor children. MULLAN would film, record and/or photograph himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the minors, others engaged in sexual explicit conduct with minors and the minors preforming in sexually explicit conduct on themselves. MULLAN created the child pornography both in the United States and abroad. MULLAN maintained a collection of the child pornography that he created at his NY residence and a storage unit. MULLAN also sold copies of the child pornography that he produced. BULLMUSIK; ENTICEMENT; EDNY; C/As SA and TFO TFO acting in an undercover capacity, communicated with an individual on KIK identified by his KIK usemame BULLMUSIK. BULLMUSIK discussed going to a hotel to meet and have sex with a 13 year old boy. Pursuant to probable cause, on 07/24/2019, CHARLES BULL, date of birth 06/01/1966, was arrested and charged with Title 18, USC 2422 (b) (Attempted Coercion/Enticement of a Minor). At approximately 4:35 PM BULL was arrested at the Hilton Hotel, 598 Broadhollow Rd, Melville, NY and transported to the Suffolk County Police Department, 3rd Precinct, located at 1630 5th Avenue, Bay Shore, NY for further interview, where he gave a full confession and consent to search all relevant technologies and premises. He appeared before The Honorable Arlene R. Lindsay, EDNY. BULL was held on a permanent order of detention. NYPD OFFICER SOLICITING MURDER FOR HIRE; EDNY; C/As SA On 05/31/2019, VALERIE CINCINELLI was indicted in EDNY on two counts related to murder-for-hire, and one count of obstruction of justice. By way of background, members of Squad C-45 conducted an arrest of NYPD officer VALERIE CINCINELLI and subsequent search warrants related to charges relating to her solicitation of a murder-for-hire targeting her soon-to-be ex-husband and the 14 year old daughter of her boyfriend. Squad C-45 received a TTL Guardian on 05/04/2019 from a complainant detailing the aforementioned allegations. After initial assessment and subsequently opening a case, Squad C-45 conducted further investigation, to include multiple consensual recordings, validated the credibility of the plot, and took proactive action to control and mitigate the threat. UNITED BLOOD NATION NINE TREY GANGSTAS; EDNY; C/As SA= : On 07/02/2019 a jury in the Eastern District of New York, Central Islip, found SPENCER JEAN guilty on the following five counts: One count of 18 United States Code, Sections 1951(a), Hobbs Act Robbery of a Marijuana Trafficker. One count of 18 United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), 924(c)(1)(A)(iii), and 924(c)(1)(C)(i), Brandishing and Discharging of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence: Hobbs Act Robbery. One count of 18 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D), Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute. EFTA00174635 One count of 18 United States Code, Section 1512(k), Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice. One count of 18 United States Code, Section 1512(c)(2), Obstruction of Justice. The guilty verdict followed a six day trial in front of the Honorable Judge Anne Seybert. Sentencing was scheduled for November 15, 2019 at which time JEAN faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison. By way of background, SERGINIO JEAN was indicted in the EDNY on charges related to the intimidation of a witness to falsely testify as an alibi at the behest of his incarcerated brother, SPENCER JEAN. On 05/02/2019, members of C-45 executed an arrest warrant and subsequently took SERGINIO JEAN into custody. C-41 and C- 45 members have conducted an investigation relating to the United Blood Nation's commission of violent crimes in the vicinity of Westbury, NY. SPENCER JEAN was arrested by C-45 and indicted in the EDNY for a Federal Hobbs Act Robbery committed in 2017. EFTA00174636