On-going Investigations

The follow on-going investigations are being provided expert digital forensics services by the RCFL Program.

Chicago RCFL

8/30/10: A New Chapter Begins—Blagojevich Faces January 2011 Retrial — Federal prosecutors will retry former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich in January 2011 after Judge James. B. Zagel declared a mistrial in the public corruption case. The Chicago RCFL will continue providing digital forensics support for the investigation — click here to learn more.

1/14/10: The Chicago RCFL (CGRCFL) is supporting an international terrorist investigation against a group of Chicago men who may have been involved in plotting to bomb a Dutch newspaper, along with the attacks in Mumbai, India in October 2008, which killed approximately 170 people. To date, CGRCFL personnel examined approximately two dozen computers—providing their findings to U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald in less than 24 hours. Click here to read the FBI Chicago Division's press release dated 1/14/10.

Heart of America RCFL

5/5/10— FBI’s Kansas City Division and the Belton Police Department Announce Reward—Kara Kopetsky, then 17, vanished without a trace in 2007. The Heart of America RCFL supported the investigation, and now law enforcement is offering a $50,000 award for anyone with information regarding Kara’s whereabouts—click here to learn more.

Intermountain West RCFL

7/23/10: Intermountain West RCFL Aids Homicide Investigation of Four-Year Old Ethan Stacy — The remains of Ethan Stacy, 4, were found by investigators just one day after his mother and stepfather reported him missing—his death was classified as “severe abuse.” His mother and stepfather, Nathaniel and Stephanie Sloop, were charged in his murder. The Intermountain West RCFL (IWRCFL) is providing digital forensics expertise to investigators — click here for the full story.

6/15/2010: Utah Mom Still Missing The Intermountain West RCFL is supporting the investigation of missing person Susan Powell. The mother of two was reported missing on December 7, 2009. Anyone with information should contact the West Valley City Police Department on 801-840-4000 - click here for the full story.

Miami Valley RCFL

4/27/10:MVRCFL ASSISTS WITH PAIN CLINIC RAIDS—Prescription drug abuse is considered an epidemic in Ohio, with federal agencies joining forces with local law enforcement to combat the problem. The Miami Valley RCFL (MVRCFL) provided digital forensics assistance during several raids on pain clinics in southern Ohio, which has been hit particularly hard—click here to learn more.

Northwest RCFL

8/30/10: Still No Answers in Kyron’s DisappearanceThe Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, a participating agency in the Northwest RCFL (NWRCFL), is continuing their
criminal investigation into the disappearance of 7-year old Kyron Horman, last seen on June 4, 2010 by his stepmother, Terri, at his elementary school. The NWRCFL is providing digital forensics expertise to investigators. Authorities are asking the public for information regarding the whereabouts of Terri Horman and distributed flyers with pictures of her and her truck to determine who was in or around the vehicle on the day of Kyron’s disappearance.

Authorities have not named Terri Horman as a suspect or person of interest in the case. A $25,000 reward for information leading to Kyron is available—to report a tip, call 503-261-2847.

8/3/10: NWRCFL Supports Bank Bombing Investigation — Marion County prosecutors announced on July 23, 2010 they will seek the death penalty against alleged bank bombers Joshua Turnridge and his father, Bruce. On December 12, 2008 authorities rushed to the West Coast Bank in Woodburn, Oregon after an employee found a bomb on the premises. Oregon State Police Senior Trooper William Hakim, and Woodburn police captain Tom Tennant were killed after the bomb detonated. Trooper Hakim was a member of the Oregon State Police – a participating agency in the Northwest RCFL. Authorities arrested the pair and charged them with aggravated murder of the officers. The NWRCFL is providing digital forensics support of the ongoing investigation, and the trial is expected to start in September 2010.

Philadelphia RCFL

6/15/10— "Jihad Jane" Trial Postponed—Colleen LaRose’s trial was set to begin on May 3, 2010, but the judge declared the case “complex” and postponed the trial to give her attorney more time to prepare. Ms. LaRose faces a possible life sentence and a $1 million fine, while Ms. Ramirez faces 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Philadelphia RCFL (PHRCFL) is supporting the federal investigation. Click here to read the full story.

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