A local man was sentenced in federal court Nov. 1, for his role in a sex trafficking conspiracy that involved four victims, including two teenagers following a Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), joint law enforcement partner investigation. Cory Lavell Smith, also known as “Fatz,” 28, was sentenced by U.S. District JudgeContinue Reading
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, working jointly with U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents, rescued a 1-year-old girl after the toddler was separated from the mother by human smugglers. “Human smugglers are driven by greed,” said Frank B. Burrola, special agent in charge of HSI El Paso. “HSI remains steadfastContinue Reading
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro port of entry thwarted a significant smuggling attempt after discovering 52 reptiles, tied up in small bags and hidden in and under a man’s clothing as he tried to cross the border into the U.S. The incident occurred at aboutContinue Reading
The Transportation Security Administration confirmed to Fox News on Friday that it allows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants as an alternative form of ID to board airplanes. “For non-citizens and non-U.S. nationals who do not otherwise have acceptable forms of ID for presentation at security checkpoints, TSA may also acceptContinue Reading
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Tatiana Power (41, Weston) today pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy related to a Florida-based international enterprise that operated subscription-based sexually exploitative “child modeling” websites. Power faces up to 20 years in federal prison. According to court documents, Tatiana Power (alsoContinue Reading
A federal judge sentenced a Tampa man to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for sex trafficking of minors, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Luis Berrios-Trinidad, 30, of Tampa, was also ordered to forfeit a Glock 19 9mm handgun and cellular phone,Continue Reading
