Tag: Traffiking

U.S. says suspected drug trafficker rescued from plane crash off Florida linked to Bahamas politician

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Opposition leaders in the Bahamas are demanding an investigation into a suspected drug trafficker who survived a recent plane crash near Florida and was allegedly found with roughly $30,000, according to a U.S. federal agent. The money was inside a bag labeled with the name of an unidentified high-ranking politician from the archipelago.

The suspect, who was deported to the Bahamas more than a decade ago after being convicted on drug and money laundering charges, is accused of trafficking cocaine through the Bahamas to the U.S.

He also is accused of meeting the unnamed politician in October 2024 at the Bahamian Parliament in Nassau to talk about a deal involving some 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of cocaine, according to a court document filed May 14 in the Southern District of New York, a day after the plane crash. It stated that the politician “could provide security for the planned cocaine shipment” and was introduced to an unnamed suspect as a “future associate.”

The allegations are the latest blow to the Bahamas, whose police commissioner resigned in December 2024 after a sergeant and two officers were indicted in what the U.S. Justice Department at the time called “a massive cocaine conspiracy enabled by corrupt Bahamian government officials.”

“Since at least May 2021, drug traffickers have smuggled tons of cocaine through The Bahamas for importation into the U.S. with the help and support of corrupt Bahamian government officials,” the Justice Department said in 2024 when announcing charges against the chief superintendent of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Michael Pintard, leader of the opposition Free National Movement party, claimed Monday that he does not believe the Bahamas’ prime minister, who secured reelection the day of the plane crash, will hold anyone accountable.

“We issued warnings about the close relationship between members of this administration and characters of interest to police locally and internationally,” he told reporters.

Latrae Rahming, spokesman for the office of the prime minister, shared a statement with The Associated Press on Tuesday noting that the government is taking the matter “extremely seriously.” It stated that local law enforcement will launch its own inquiry and that the government will reach out to U.S. officials to seek the sharing of information and obtain any available evidence, adding that it has received no official information identifying any public official related to the case.

Source: U.S. says suspected drug trafficker rescued from plane crash off Florida linked to Bahamas politician – CBS Texas

O my soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
Psalm 16:2

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10 arrested in Fort Worth undercover sting targeting online child predators, authorities say

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Ten people have been arrested, with nine additional suspects still under investigation, following a Fort Worth Police Department‑led, multi‑agency sting targeting child predators. The three‑day undercover operation, held April 1-3, focused on adults who investigators say were attempting to solicit minors online, authorities said Wednesday. Investigators used multiple online platforms to identify suspects seeking sexual contact with children under 17.

Participating agencies included the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Crowley Police Department, Carrollton Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, and the FBI. Names of arrested suspects listed Among those arrested, according to a Fort Worth police social media post, are the following:

  • Jose Montalvan, 41
  • Stephen Milliken, 30
  • Humberto Aldana Caballer, 23
  • James Klump, 61
  • Jordan Kammerer, 26
  • Joel Stroud, 33
  • Santiago Luque-Calix, 28
  • Jose Morales-Puentes, 25
  • Michael Schweitzer, 48
  • William Johnson, 19

Source: 10 arrested in Fort Worth undercover sting targeting online child predators, authorities say – CBS Texas

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

North Texas woman arrested in widening prostitution, racketeering investigation, authorities say

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A North Texas woman accused of taking part in a years‑long prostitution scheme and an effort to gather intelligence on local public officials has been arrested, authorities said. Ashley Ketcherside, 41, of Godley, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with racketeering. No bond has been set. The District Attorney’s Office for Johnson & Somervell Counties said the investigation centers on ongoing criminal activity involving Ashley Ketcherside, her husband, Michael, 52, and former members of the Godley Police Department. Michael Ketcherside had previously been arrested on charges of continuous promotion and solicitation of prostitution. Ashley Ketcherside, 41   Johnson County Jail Alleged decade‑long operation According to authorities, the couple allegedly ran a prostitution and racketeering operation that investigators describe as a pattern spanning nearly 10 years. The activity allegedly included promoting and facilitating prostitution.

Source: North Texas woman arrested in widening prostitution, racketeering investigation, authorities say – CBS Texas

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:3