Subject:Fwd: OPA Horizon - 02-14-20
Date:Fri, 14 Feb 2020 21:32:57 +0000
Importance:Normal
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Date: Feb 14, 2020 4:29 PM Subject: OPA Horizon - 02-14-20 To: Cc: ## UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY FBI Office of Public Affairs The Horizon Friday, Feb. 14, 2020 ## National Issues - Uyghurs: OPA – The Christian Science Monitor asked whether the FBI has received an increased number of reports from members of the Uyghur community in the United States reporting threats or intimidation from China. OPA provided the following statement: "The FBI maintains contact with a variety of communities within the United States. Without discussing specifics, we take all reports of threats or intimidation seriously and urge members of the public to report any concerns to local police or the closest FBI field office." - Lone Offender Report: OPA – Reveal News-a social justice investigative news site-requested a background interview regarding the Lone Offender Threat Report and the shift in ideology to taking violent actions, and how the internet and social media has changed the prevalence of lone offenders. OPA in coordination with BTAC, declined to provide an interview and referred the reporter back to the Lone Offender report and appropriate congressional testimony and other statements for the record. - In-Flight Sexual Assault Statistics: OPA – CBS News asked for current statistics on in-flight sexual assaults and other misconduct on airplanes. OPA, in previous coordination with CID, declined to comment or current numbers as an upcoming Department of Transportation report, which will include updated relevant information, may soon be issued publicly. -
• Jeffrey Epstein's Private Island: OPA/NY-The Daily Caller asked for confirmation of online rumors that the FBI found or recovered human remains on or near the island Little St. James in the U.S. Virgin Islands sometime after Jeffrey Epstein's arrest on July 6,2019. OPA,in coordination with New York Division, declined to comment.
- Mafia Boss Tommaso Buscetta: OPA – London-based current affairs show, Going Underground, asked for comment about statements made in an interview they had with director Marco Bellocchio of “The Traitor,” which centered on real-life mafia boss Tommaso Buscetta. Director Bellocchio indicated that Buscetta had collaborated with the FBI and possibly the CIA. OPA declined to comment. - McMillions: OPA – Episode three of a six-series documentary, McMillions will air on HBO on Monday. It’s about the McDonald’s $24 million-dollars that were stolen from McDonald’s Monopoly game in the 1990s. This documentary series unravels and shows how the FBI agents brought down the gaming scam. EFTA00162728 - Looking for Asha, fbi.gov: OPA/CE – Twenty years after the mysterious disappearance of 9-year-old Asha Degree from her home in North Carolina, the FBI and local investigators continue to actively search for clues in the case. Story package includes two videos and multiple photos, including a new age-progressed image by NCMEC: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/20th-anniversary-of-asha-degree-disappearance-021420 ## Local Stories - Albuquerque – A local outlet interviewed the Division PAO about the 2019 Internet Crime Report and its statistics on New Mexico. The article is expected to focus on how people can protect themselves, especially the elderly. - Albuquerque – Albuquerque Journal requested the number of arrests and firearm seizures since the creation of the Albuquerque Division’s Violent Crimes Task Force. PAO worked with VC supervisor to obtain answers that were provided to the reporter. - Albuquerque – Division issued a news release announcing that three Deming men have been arrested on federal charges in connection with a drug-enforcement operation by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working with the Deming Police Department on Thursday. Skeeter Miller, 35; Raul Morales, 36; and Pedro Salas, 58, are charged with intent to distribute methamphetamine. - Knoxville – A local outlet interviewed SA Pack about romance scams and how online imposters look for victims to bilk out of their savings. - Minneapolis – Washington Post reached out asking if the Division had any comment about the investigation of an Indian Health Services doctor in South Dakota who was indicted last month on sexual abuse charges involving Native American patients. The indictment was unsealed yesterday. PAO advised that the indictment underscores the FBI’s commitment to working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners in Indian Country. - New Orleans – SAC Vorndran joined local city officials along with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to announce public safety matters to help keep residents and visitors safe during 2020 Mardi Gras season. SAC Vorndran shared information about the FBI’s role and resources to protect the public. - Norfolk – A local affiliate interviewed PAO Pullen about how to avoid becoming a victim of a romance scam. - Sacramento – SAC Ragan provided the following quote for inclusion in a USAO release announcing a guilty verdict against Jaquorey Rashawn Carter, who has been found guilty of sex trafficking a child, and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion: “Traffickers see their victims as mere commodities to be controlled and sold. This case illustrates the cycle of violence and exploitation victims often face and traffickers’ brazen disregard for the law,” said FBI Sacramento Field Office Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan. “The FBI works with its local and state partners to ensure criminals face justice for their actions and victims of trafficking are connected with the support they need to move forward with their lives.” ## Please send all Horizon submissions to with “Horizon” in the Subject line, and press releases to All correspondence contained in this email, to include all names and associated contact information, may be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552. ## UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY EFTA00162729