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Ukrainian national charged in ransomware attacks on hundreds of victims worldwide

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

New York

Ukrainian national charged in ransomware attacks on hundreds of victims worldwide

BROOKLYN, NY – A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of New York has returned a superseding indictment charging Volodymyr Viktorovich Tymoshchuk, also known as “deadforz,” “Boba,” “msfv,” and “farnetwork,” for his role as an administrator in the LockerGoga, MegaCortex, and Nefilim ransomware schemes. According to court documents, Tymoshchuk, a Ukrainian national, participated in ransomware operations that targeted more than 250 companies in the United States and hundreds of others worldwide between 2018 and 2021. The attacks caused millions of dollars in losses through encrypted data, operational disruptions, and ransom payments. Investigators said Tymoshchuk and his co-conspirators customized ransomware variants for each victim, demanding ransom payments in exchange for d...

Tennessee man pleads guilty to attempting to use weapon of mass destruction and plotting drone attack on energy facility

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Tennessee

Tennessee man pleads guilty to attempting to use weapon of mass destruction and plotting drone attack on energy facility

NASHVILLE, TN – Skyler Philippi, 24, of Columbia, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility. According to court documents, Philippi planned to attack Nashville’s energy infrastructure using a drone equipped with explosives. He conducted reconnaissance of an electrical substation, researched explosives, and communicated his intent to use C-4 or TATP on a drone to disable the facility. Philippi was arrested on Nov. 2, 2024, after meeting undercover FBI employees at a hotel and preparing to attach an armed explosive to a drone. Prosecutors stated Philippi had been motivated by violent extremist ideology, previously affiliating himself with Atomwaffen Division and the National Alliance. He also wrote a manif...

Shreveport police searching for woman wanted for identity theft, vehicle theft, and fraud

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Louisiana

Shreveport police searching for woman wanted for identity theft, vehicle theft, and fraud

SHREVEPORT, LA – The Shreveport Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Hollie Jean Scroggins, 44, who is wanted on multiple charges. Investigators said Scroggins allegedly used a stolen identity to rent a vehicle, leading to her identification as a suspect. She is wanted on charges of identity theft, theft of a motor vehicle, and access device fraud. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300 or Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373. Tips to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous.

DeKalb County Master Firefighter Preston Fant dies while rescuing fellow firefighter in warehouse fire

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Georgia

DeKalb County Master Firefighter Preston Fant dies while rescuing fellow firefighter in warehouse fire

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Master Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, died in the line of duty after responding to a warehouse fire Monday afternoon. According to Fire Chief Darnell Fullem, Fant was attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter when he became overcome by fire conditions and was trapped during the response on South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. He was later rescued himself and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. More than 12 firetrucks and 30 firefighters responded to the blaze, which broke out on a movie production company’s property. Fullem said Fant is the first DeKalb County firefighter to die in the line of duty while battling a fire. Fant spent his 21-year career with Company 24, stationed a...

Police investigating deaths of two people at Davis Park in Anchorage

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Alaska

Police investigating deaths of two people at Davis Park in Anchorage

ANCHORAGE, AK – Anchorage Police are investigating the deaths of an adult male and an adult female found outside at Davis Park, located at 5081 Mountain View Drive. Officers were dispatched to the scene around 3:18 a.m. on September 9, 2025. Upon arrival, they made observations that warranted a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Crime Scene Team responded to process the scene, and the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death for both individuals. Police said there will be a continued presence in the area as the investigation continues, but no road closures are in effect. APD Case: 25-27721

Pct. 4 constable deputies investigating after child struck by car that fled the scene

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Pct. 4 constable deputies investigating after child struck by car that fled the scene

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office are investigating an auto-pedestrian crash in Atascocita in the 6800 block of Hot Creek Trace near Fountain Lilly Drive. According to deputies, a juvenile riding a scooter was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. The incident is being investigated as a failure to stop and render aid (FSRA). The child’s injuries appear to be non-life-threatening at this time but they did suffer a hand injury. More information will follow if it becomes available. .

Jackson police issue bench warrants for 3 suspects in capital murder case

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Mississippi

Jackson police issue bench warrants for 3 suspects in capital murder case

JACKSON, MS – The Jackson Police Department has obtained bench warrants for the arrests of Grayson Jackson, Dequavion Ingram, and Brain Jamal Davis. The three are wanted for capital murder in connection with the death of Reginald Brown, the city’s fortieth homicide victim of the year. The killing occurred in the 5800 block of Ridgewood Road on August 31, 2025. If you know the whereabouts of these suspects, please call the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477)

Suspect charged in fatal shooting of woman on Lorraine Street

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Suspect charged in fatal shooting of woman on Lorraine Street

HOUSTON, TX – Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman found in an apartment at 705 Lorraine Street around 6:25 p.m. on August 4. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Gustavo Lerma, is charged with murder in the 209th Criminal District Court. The victim was identified as 31-year-old Jakayla Alfred. Houston police said patrol officers responded to a person down call and found Alfred unresponsive inside the apartment. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy determined she died from fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators identified Lerma, Alfred’s partner, as the suspect. He was first arrested on unrelated charges by the Northeast Patrol Division’s Crime Suppression Team and later charged for his role in the s...

Suspect wanted for murder in California arrested with help of Constable K-9

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Suspect wanted for murder in California arrested with help of Constable K-9

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – According to Constable Mark Herman, deputies with his office assisted the Houston Police Department with a warrant service at the Comfort Inn and Suites in the 3555 block of FM 1960 Road West at approximately 3:02 a.m. on September 4, 2025. Deputies located a suspect at the scene identified as Christopher Do. Further investigation revealed Do had an open warrant for murder out of the State of California. Constable K-9 “Lanzo” assisted in the operation, helping deputies safely take Do into custody. He was turned over to the Houston Police Department’s Crime Reduction Division without further incident.

Suspect charged in fatal crash on Country Creek Drive

9Sep

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Suspect charged in fatal crash on Country Creek Drive

HOUSTON, TX – Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in connection with a fatal crash in the 9300 block of Country Creek Drive around 9:50 p.m. on September 5. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Yimy Ricardo Ulloa-Padilla, is charged with failure to stop and render aid in an accident involving death in the 262nd Criminal District Court and driving while intoxicated in Harris County Criminal Court #11. Houston police said a white Ford F150 was traveling southbound when it hit 34-year-old Ricky Ornelas, who was walking in a moving lane of traffic. The Ford continued without stopping. Ornelas was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers later located the Ford truck at 11660 West Bellfort Avenue and detained Ulloa-Padilla. He was determined to be impaired and sub...