American Justice Times

01/11/2020

01/11/2020

FBI ANNOUNCES CHARGES AGAINST TERRORIST WHO KIDNAPPED JOURNALIST IN AFGHANISTAN

The Department of Justice announced the unsealing of a federal indictment charging Haji Najibullah, a/k/a “Najibullah Naim,” a/k/a “Abu Tayeb,” a/k/a “Atiqullah” with six counts related to the 2008 kidnapping of an American journalist and two Afghan nationals. Najibullah, 44, was arrested and transferred to the United States from Ukraine to face the charges in the indictment.

Najibullah will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.

“Najibullah is charged with taking an American journalist and others hostage in Afghanistan in November 2008. Journalists risk their lives bringing us news from conflict zones, and no matter how much time may pass, our resolve to find and hold accountable those who target and harm them and other Americans will never wane,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “The defendant, like many others before and surely others to come, will now face justice in an American courtroom.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Nearly 12 years ago, the defendant arranged to kidnap at gunpoint an American journalist and two other men, and held them hostage for more than seven months,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Audrey Strauss. “The prosecution of Haji Najibullah shows that law enforcement will never stop in our mission to hold accountable those who commit violent crimes against American citizens.”

“Whether someone commits a violent act against an American citizen here at home or overseas, we’ll never stop aggressively pursuing charges against them and, when necessary, seeking their transfer to U.S. custody,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the FBI William F. Sweeney Jr. “Najibullah’s reprehensible actions over a decade ago earned him a flight to the U.S. yesterday. Today he arrived in U.S. federal court to face our justice system.”

“The FBI, along with our partners, continue to work tirelessly in the pursuit of justice and to hold accountable those who are responsible for the kidnapping and hostage taking of U.S. citizens abroad,” said Assistant Director Jill Sanborn of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division. “We remain steadfast in our obligation to see justice served, regardless of the how long it may take or where those individuals are located. This investigation and resulting indictment reflects the FBI’s perseverance and commitment to the victims of these heinous acts – We never forget, and we never give up.”

“Haji Najibullah’s alleged kidnapping of a United States journalist and two Afghan nationals was a crime against America, a crime against the freedom of the press, and against the integral work of shining a light on important international affairs,” said Police Commissioner Shea. “While today’s federal indictment reflects events that occurred a dozen years ago, it shows once again that the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force and all of our law enforcement partners will wait as long and go as far as it takes to bring justice.”

01/11/2020

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01/11/2020

BRAZILIAN FEDERAL POLICE CATCH HUMAN SMUGGLER IN SAO PAOLO

Brazilian Federal Police have caught a Turkish fugitive convicted of smuggling migrants to the United Kingdom from Belgium thanks to swift, concerted action by INTERPOL and national authorities.

In November 2017, the fugitive, whose initials are VK, was sentenced by a Belgian court to eight years in prison for his involvement in an international smuggling ring. The group targeted migrants of Syrian nationality and charged hefty fees to organize their illegal travel to the UK by sailboat, putting the lives of men, women and children at risk.

He escaped justice before ever serving his sentence and had been on the run from Belgian authorities since 2018.

Last week, INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Brazil detected his presence in Sao Paolo. When they discovered he was due to fly back out of the country two days later, they turned to INTERPOL to obtain additional information as well as a Red Notice, or international wanted persons alert, against the fugitive.

Thanks to close coordination between the NCBs in Brasilia and Brussels, via INTERPOL’s Command and Coordination Centre and Smuggling of Migrants unit, authorities issued a national arrest warrant based on the Red Notice with just a few hours to spare. The convicted people smuggler was detained when he returned to the airport.

“The determination of authorities on both sides of this case was essential in obtaining the Red Notice within an extremely challenging timeframe. Had it not been for INTERPOL’s established communications channels and network of experts, this fugitive could have fallen through the cracks,” said Ilana de Wild, INTERPOL’s Director of Organized and Emerging Crime.

VK remains in police custody pending an extradition hearing.

The Turkish national had been on the run since 2018.

01/11/2020

DALLAS POLICE INVESTIGATE HOMICIDE, LOOKING FOR WHITE VEHICLE WHOSE OCCUPANTS ARE PERSONS OF INTEREST

On October 31, 2020, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Dallas Police officers responded to a shooting call at the intersection of S. Harwood Street and Jackson Street.

Upon arrival, they located the complainant, 19-year-old Robert Urrea laying in the intersection with a gunshot wound.

Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to the location and pronounced the complainant deceased.

Detectives were able to locate surveillance video of a vehicle and suspect(s) interacting with the complainant, and once the vehicle leaves, the complainant falls to the ground. The vehicle then fled the location. The suspect vehicle, pictured below is described as a white 4-door, possibly a Ford, with a sunroof and custom wheels.

01/11/2020

DALLAS POLICE MAKE ARREST IN EARLY MORNING HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

On Saturday, October 31, 2020, at approximately 5:31 a.m., patrol elements responded to a shooting call at 1510 E. Missouri Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers were informed that the victim, Josefina Sierra, a 36-yr old Latin female had been shot at the location by the suspect, Jose Arellano, a 50-yr old Latin male who is her husband. The complainant was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The suspect was transported to the Homicide Unit, where he voluntarily waived his rights and admitted to this offense. After the interview, he was transported to the Dallas County Jail and charged with murder. Detectives have made the next of kin notification.

01/11/2020

MURDER SUSPECT APPREHENDED IN HAMLIN FOLLOWING MULTI-JURISDICTION MANHUNT

The suspect wanted in connection with the murder of 23-year-old Selena Ann Bradley has been apprehended.

39-year-old William James Hernandez (AKA Martinez) was taken into custody this morning by officials from the Hamlin Police Department.

Hernandez was named a person of interest early on in a Missing Person Investigation that was led by the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office. Through investigation, deputies believed Hernandez was involved in Bradley’s disappearance and that Bradley may have been at a business or residence that was associated with Hernandez.

On Monday, October 19, 2020, officials with the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the San Angelo Police Department with the ex*****on of two search warrants for a commercial building located in the 1100 block of South Chadbourne Street as well as a residence located in the 100 block of Allen Street. During the search of the residence on Allen, investigators discovered Bradley deceased. The cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy.

Pursuant to the field investigation, detectives obtained information that led them to believe Hernandez could be in Abilene, Texas. In a coordinated effort with the Abilene Police Department, Hernandez was located near a carwash in but he avoided apprehension after he purposefully collided with the apprehension team’s vehicle. The vehicle Hernandez was operating was later discovered in Jones County, unoccupied and disabled in a field. After a multi-agency search that included the aforementioned agencies and Texas Game Wardens, Hernandez successfully eluded officials until he was discovered walking by an officer with the Hamlin Police Department.

Hernandez has been charged with Murder.

01/11/2020

SAN ANGELO POLICE INVESTIGATE ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING INVOLVING ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT

On October 22, 2020, San Angelo Police began investigating the kidnapping of a 30-year-old San Angelo woman where the suspect, who was an acquaintance of the victim, reportedly held the woman captive and physically and sexually assaulted her at a residence located in the 600 block of East Harris Avenue before stealing her vehicle.

Hours later, a San Angelo Police Officer discovered the stolen vehicle in the 2400 block of Jomar. The suspect driver, identified as 40-year-old Lionel Munoz, fled the officers and a brief vehicle and foot pursuit ensued. Muniz was eventually taken into custody without further incident and then treated at a nearby hospital for dog bite-related injuries he sustained while attempting to hide from officers in a stranger’s backyard.

During the subsequent field investigation, Detectives with the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division obtained a Search Warrant for the Harris Avenue residence. During the search, officers located a significant amount of evidence, which corroborated the victim’s allegations.

Munoz has been charged with Aggravated Kidnapping – Bodily Injury/Sexual Abuse and Evading Arrest Detention with Vehicle. Bond has been set for $157,500.00.

01/11/2020

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Today, the Department of Justice announced Standards for Certification that will be used by credentialing bodies so they can begin certifying thousands of law enforcement agencies over the next three months. The Standards of Certification are a result of President Trump’s June Executive Order 13929, Safe Policing for Safe Communities.

“The fundamental responsibility of government is to keep its citizens safe and today’s action to certify thousands of law enforcement agencies around the country will further enable us to do just that,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “President Trump’s Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities affirms this administration’s commitment to protecting the American people. Furthermore, everyone loses when trust erodes between the community and law enforcement. That is why the Department of Justice has worked tirelessly to implement the President’s Executive Order in order to improve accountability, build trust, and ensure the safety of the public as well as members of law enforcement who risk their lives every day.”

Executive Order 13929 requires that all state, local, and university law enforcement agencies be certified by independent credentialing agencies. The President’s Order requires agencies to meet two standards in order to be successfully credentialed: 1) that the agency’s use of force policies prohibit chokeholds, except in situations where the use of deadly force is allowed by law; and 2) that the agency’s use of force policies adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Over the next 90 days, at least 3,000 law enforcement agencies will be certified by independent credentialing agencies. These agencies will conduct independent reviews of law enforcement policies and procedures, which, in turn, will ensure accountability, enhance citizen confidence and trust in law enforcement, and help correct internal issues before they result in injury to the public or to law enforcement officers.

The Department’s certification standards encourage an independent assessment of law enforcement policies and procedures, such as: 1) training protocols on use of force; 2) training protocols on de-escalation; 3) the scope of an officer’s duty and obligation to intervene in order to prevent excessive force by another officer; 4) when and how an officer should provide appropriate medical care; 5) officers identifying themselves as law enforcement and giving verbal warning of their intent to use deadly force; and 6) shooting at or from a moving vehicle. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are encouraged to implement early intervention systems to promote officer wellness and to identify officers who may be at risk of violating use of force policies, policies and procedures to help them recruit and promote the best and brightest, and community engagement plans to address each community’s specific needs.

Since the Executive Order was announced in June, the major stakeholders in law enforcement have been kept apprised of the implementation process, have reviewed the Safe Principles document, and many have endorsed their adoption. These principles provide for more accountability, transparency, and community engagement and will foster community trust, all critical elements in keeping both the public and law enforcement officers safe.

28/10/2019

NEW ORLEANS POLICE SEEK ROBBERY SUSPECT

The New Orleans Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating and identifying a subject in the investigation of a theft that occurred on October 22, 2019.

At about 2:23 p.m., the pictured unknown black male was caught on surveillance camera at a business in the 3400 block of Franklin Avenue, allegedly stealing the victim’s cellphone from the store’s counter. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, heading north on Franklin Avenue.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Third District detectives at 504-658-6030, or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP (7867).

28/10/2019

NEW ORLEANS POLICE SEEK INFORMATION ON ROBBERY SUSPECT
The New Orleans Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in identifying and locating a suspect who is wanted in connection with a simple robbery incident that occurred around 6:18 p.m. on October 27, 2019.

The reporting person told police that he was standing near the intersection of Dauphine and Iberville streets when he was approached by the pictured subject who snatched his backpack and fled the scene.

The subject is described as a black male, approximately 5’7” tall, thin build with short hair and a clean cut beard. He was last seen wearing a grey shirt.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080. Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

15/10/2019

NEW ORLEANS POLICE SEEKING THEFT SUSPECT

The New Orleans Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating and identifying a suspect in the investigation of a theft that occurred on September 26, 2019.

At about 7:22 p.m., the pictured unknown black female allegedly removed the victim’s wallet from the front counter of the location and placed it in her purse before leaving the location on foot.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Second District detectives at 504-658-6020, or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP (7867).

04/10/2019

SAN ANGELO POLICE ARREST TEEN FOR SHOOTING, THEFT, DRUG POSSESSION

On September 16, 2019, San Angelo Police were dispatched to the 1800 block of Coleman Street for the report of shots fired. Investigating Officers located a spent shell casing and nearby home surveillance footage revealed a male driver in a white passenger car discharged a handgun from his vehicle. No one was injured during the incident.

Subsequent to a lengthy follow-up investigation, Detectives with the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division identified a 16-year-old male Juvenile as the suspect. On October 1, 2019, CID Detectives located the teen at a residence in Santa Rita and he was taken into custody without incident.

During a warrant search of the teen’s room, detectives located and seized two handguns, a quantity of suspected Methamphetamine, and a large amount of suspected stolen property linked to several recent burglaries in Santa Rita, Southland, and College Hills.

The teen was initially charged with Deadly Conduct and Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 and booked into the Tom Green County Juvenile Justice Center. Additional charges are pending the outcome of this ongoing investigation.

The Department believes this recent arrest will resolve several ongoing investigations and Department Officials are asking for patience during efforts to return the stolen property to the victims.

04/10/2019

SAN ANGELO POLICE NAB STABBING SUSPECT

The 37-year-old man wanted in connection to the September 12, 2019 double stabbing at the Concho Pearl Ice House has been arrested.

This morning, San Angelo Police and Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office officials developed information about Robert Espinosa Garcia Jr.’s whereabouts. He was located around 10:30 a.m. at a residence in the 100 block of North Emerick Street and taken into custody without incident.

Garcia had a warrant of arrest for Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon as well as a Parole Violation Warrant.

04/10/2019

NEW ORLEANS POLICE SEEKING BURGLARY SUSPECT

The New Orleans Police Department is searching for a subject wanted for simple burglary of a business in the Third District.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 28, 2019 around 3 a.m. in the 4200 block of Old Gentilly Road. The wanted subject, described as an unknown black male, is accused of smashing the front entrance glass door, entered the business and emptied clothes off of an entire rack before fleeing the scene.

Anyone with information on this incident or the identity and whereabouts of the wanted subject is asked to contact Third District Detective Khalid Watson at 504-658-6334 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111 and toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.

04/10/2019

THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN STOLEN GOODS INVESTIGATION

The New Orleans Police Department has arrested three subjects for Illegal possession of stolen things and flight from an officer in the Seventh District.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 28, 2019 around 10:30 a.m. in the 7000 block of Lawrence Road.

Seventh District were dispatched to the location for the report of a suspicious person. Officers learned the subjects were observed in a stolen vehicle at the location.

Upon arrival in the area the officers observed several subjects in and around a stolen vehicle. The subjects attempted to flee when they saw police. Without further incident, officers apprehended three subjects who were in possession of the vehicle without further incident.

The three subjects were taken into custody and booked with possession of stolen things and flight from an officer.

The arrested subjects are identified as follows:

Nathaniel Johnson: (B/M DOB: 07/18/1999)

Juvenile male: (DOB: 12/03.2003)

Juvenile female: (DOB: 12/19/2001)

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact any Seventh District detective at 504-658-6070 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.

29/09/2019

NEW ORLEANS POLICE SEEK RUNAWAY

The New Orleans Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a juvenile male reported as a runaway.

On September 25, 2019, at about 3:40 p.m., 17-year-old Kanyon Ratliff walked out of the Louisiana State Child Protective Services Office in the 1400 block of Poydras Street and has not returned.

Ratliff is described as a black male standing about 5’9” and weighing about 190 pounds. He was last observed wearing black pants, black shoes and a burgundy colored shirt with his school logo on the front.

Anyone with additional information on Ratliff’s whereabouts is asked to contact NOPD Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080.

28/09/2019

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28/09/2019

DRIVER IN EARLY MORNING TRANSIT DEPOT ACCIDENT SURRENDERS TO POLICE

A 38-year-old San Angelo woman who abandoned her two injured passengers after she drove into the Concho Valley Transit building late Saturday night has turned herself in.

Yesterday afternoon, Investigators with the San Angelo Police Department’s Traffic Section obtained a warrant of arrest for Rebecca Moreno for the charge of Accident involving Injury. The warrant’s bond, issued by Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Susan Werner, was set at $10K. Moreno turned herself in this morning.

Moreno is accused of intentionally and knowingly fleeing the scene of the crash without leaving her personal identifying information, and without rendering reasonable assistance to her two passengers, a 34-year-old male and 33-year-old female who were in need of medical treatment.

A preliminary crash investigation revealed Moreno was driving a 2013 Dodge Charger northbound on Chadbourne Street at a high rate of speed when her vehicle left the roadway and struck the building’s south entrance. A surveillance video shows Moreno exited the building through a door located on the north side of the building.

28/09/2019

SAN ANGELO LAKE VIEW STUDENT INJURED IN ACCIDENT

A 15-year-old Lake View High School student was transported to Shannon Medical Center with injuries after she was struck by two vehicles during the morning drop-off at Lake View High School.

The crash occurred just before 8:00 a.m. this morning as the girl exited a 2009 Chevrolet HHR that was properly stopped adjacent to the curb. As the female student crossed in front of the vehicle, a 2004 Honda CRV that was approaching the HHR from behind, collided with the HHR’s back left side. The force of the collision pushed the HHR into the student, knocking the student to the ground in the roadway. The CRV continued traveling and ran over the girl’s lower extremities. The student was treated for minor injuries and has since been released.

The driver of the Chevy HHR, a 62-year-old female, was cited for Expired Registration. The driver of the CRV, a 20-year-old female, was cited for No Driver’s License and Failure to Control Speed.

A preliminary crash investigation revealed excessive speed was not a factor in this morning’s crash; however, one driver cited her vision was limited due to the position of the sun.

Department officials want to remind citizens to use extra caution in school zones and to be mindful of environmental conditions that could cause decreased visibility.

28/09/2019

FIERY ANGELO MOTORCYCLE CRASH SENDS VICTIM TO LUBBOCK HOSPITAL

A 36-year-old San Angelo man was airlifted to a Lubbock area hospital for injuries he sustained during an early morning fiery-crash outside Central Fire Station.

Around 1:00 a.m., San Angelo Police were dispatched to West 1st Street and North Koenigheim for the report of a single-vehicle accident involving a motorcycle. Arriving officers located Fire Department personnel assisting the driver, Luis Chavez Padilla, who was suffering from burns and incapacitating injuries. Chavez Padilla was transported to Shannon Medical Center by ambulance for initial treatment and was later airlifted to a Lubbock area hospital.

A preliminary crash investigation revealed Chavez Padilla was traveling north on Koenigheim at a high rate of speed when his motorcycle left the east side of the roadway and collided with a light pole that is located just outside the Central Fire Station. The collision caused the motorcycle to burst into flames. Alcohol was likely a contributing factor to the crash.

28/09/2019

BROOKLYN BUSINESSMAN PLEADS GUILTY FOR FAILING TO PAY EMPLOYMENT TAXES

A Brooklyn, New York, businessman pleaded guilty today to failing to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

According to documents and information provided to the court, Zhi Hui Zheng owned and operated Good Time Sewing Inc. and Perfect Made Apparel Inc., which did business in Brooklyn. As the owner and operator of these businesses, Zheng was responsible for collecting, truthfully accounting for and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Social Security, Medicare and income taxes withheld from his employees’ wages. For seventeen consecutive quarters, beginning from the first quarter of 2012 and continuing through the first quarter of 2016, Zheng failed to collect and pay over the required employment taxes and failed to file the corresponding Forms 941 with the IRS. Zheng has admitted that he did not pay approximately $688,234 in employment taxes due to the IRS.

24/09/2019

NEW ORLEANS POLICE SEEKING INFO ON RUNAWAY

The New Orleans Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a juvenile female reported as a runaway.

Sixteen-year-old Kurtschell Moore was last seen by a family member in the 3400 block of Garden Oaks Drive on September 21, 2019 at about 7:00 p.m.

A known habitual runaway, Moore is described as a black female standing approximately 5’6” with long black hair. She was last seen wearing a blue Golden State Warriors jacket and white and black striped pants.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact NOPD Fourth District detectives at 504-658-6040.

24/09/2019

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24/09/2019

SAN ANGELO POLICE SEEKING SUSPECT IN PULLIAM STREET STRIPES ROBBERY

Investigators with the San Angelo Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are searching for a man who robbed a Stripes convenience store at knifepoint Saturday night.

Police responded to the Stripes at 1733 Pulliam Street just before midnight. The suspect was described as a dark-complected Hispanic Male, approximately 5’09”, 220 lbs., wearing a blue hospital mask, a gray zip-up hoodie with a pink undershirt, and dark pants. The suspect reportedly fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured.

If you have information on the suspect’s identity or whereabouts, please contact the San Angelo Police Department at (325) 657-4264. To remain anonymous, tip online at http://bit.ly/SAPDTips247 or by text: text TIP SAPD to 888777 and follow the prompts.

24/09/2019

NEW ORLEANS POLICE INVESTIGATING HOMICIDE

New Orleans Police Department First District officers responded to a call of shots fired in the area. Upon investigation, officers discovered an unresponsive male victim on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators are currently in the process of gathering evidence and information to identify the person(s) responsible in this incident, as well as a motive.

No further information is available at this time.

The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office will determine official cause of death for the decedent.

Homicide Detective Maggie McCourt is in charge of the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 504-658-5300 with any information regarding this incident.

Citizens with information that can help solve a crime are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

22/09/2019

NEW ORLEANS POLICE SEEKING INFORMATION ON RUNAWAY TEEN

The New Orleans Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a juvenile female reported as a runaway.

On September 20, 2019, 15-year-old Antavia Allen was last seen by a family member in the 3400 block of Catalina Drive. Approximately 15 minutes later, Allen was reportedly observed by a neighbor leaving her residence with another female juvenile subject. The whereabouts of Allen are currently unknown.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Fourth District detectives at 504-658-6040, or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.