West
Former, active-duty Army soldiers charged in scheme allegedly selling sensitive military information to China
Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier were arrested in Oregon on Thursday for their alleged roles in gathering and sending sensitive information to individuals in China, the Department of Justice said.
The accused are Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and former soldier Ruoyo Duan.
All three are charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. Zhao is facing additional charges of conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to an individual not authorized to receive it.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
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The Department of Justice announced indictments against three U.S. Army soldiers – two active-duty and one former – for their alleged roles in gathering and selling sensitive information to China. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Duan and Tian are accused of conspiring with each other to “surreptitiously gather sensitive military information related to the United States Army’s operational capabilities” from Nov. 28, 2021, to at least Dec. 19, 2024, the DOJ said. Information included that of technical manuals and military weapon systems, specifically Bradley and Stryker U.S. Army fighting vehicles.
Active-duty Army officer Tian was tasked with gathering the above information for former soldier Duan in return for money, the DOJ said.
Zhao, an active-duty Army supply sergeant, allegedly began conspiring to obtain and send national defense information to people in China sometime in July 2024.
“Specifically, Zhao was charged for his conspiracy to collect and transmit several classified hard drives, including hard drives marked ‘SECRET’ and ‘TOP SECRET,’ negotiating with individuals based in China for their sale, and agreeing to send the classified hard drives to the individuals in China,” according to the DOJ.
Attorney General Bondi said the three men charged “are accused of betraying our country” in an effort to empower China. (AP)
He allegedly received at least $10,000 in exchange for the classified hard drives.
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He is also accused of conspiring to sell a computer stolen from the U.S. government and sensitive military documents and information, including information related to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and military readiness in the event of a conflict with China. Zhao allegedly accepted around $5,000 in payments for the aforementioned items.
“Zhao is alleged to have violated his duties as a U.S. Army Soldier and public official to protect sensitive military information in exchange for money,” the DOJ said.
Two of the men accused are Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who were both stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. (Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, described the behavior of all three as “unconscionable.”
“These arrests should send a message to would-be spies that we and our partners have the will and the ability to find you, track you down, and hold you to account,” Herrington said. “Protecting the nation’s secrets, especially those necessary to preserve our military advantage and protect our troops, is one of the FBI’s top priorities.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said the men will “face American justice” after “stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country.”
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Oregon
Oregon spa advertised on escort website, offered commercial sex acts, police say
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two people were arrested Tuesday on prostitution charges after search warrants were served on both a spa and home in Newport, authorities said.
According to Newport police, the investigation into Amazing Lotus Spa began in March after they learned it was advertising on a prostitution/adult escort website, as well as “alluding to commercial sex acts being offered at the spa.”
During the investigation, officers surveilled the business, and “observed activity inconsistent with the normal business patterns of legitimate massage establishments,” police said.
This led to the obtaining and execution of a search warrant on both the spa and a home located in the 800 block of Northeast Avery Street.
At the spa, investigators found evidence indicating they were operating without a license, police said.
At the 8th Street home, they found large quantities of cash, as well as “evidence related to services allegedly being offered at the spa beyond unlicensed massage activity,” officials said.
Both 63-year-old Jia Hui and 67-year-old Bing Li were arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of prostitution and practicing of massage without a massage therapist license.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Newport police.
Utah
Litchfield Park man arrested in connection to missing Utah girl
Maricopa County officials used Snapchat to locate a missing 17-year-old girl allegedly held and assaulted by a man recently released on sexual assault charges. FOX 10’s Andrew Christiansen learns more about how he held the teen against her will at his Litchfield Park home.
Wyoming
Rep. Elissa Campbell announces reelection campaign for Wyoming House District 56
CASPER, Wyo. — On Tuesday, Rep. Elissa Campbell announced her campaign for reelection to Wyoming House District 56.
A release from Campbell says that she’s determined to continue “a commitment to strong conservative leadership, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that the people of Wyoming have a clear unwavering voice in their state government.”
Campbell is a Wyoming native and University of Wyoming alumna. She currently serves as the executive director for the Wyoming Foundation for Cancer Care. She is also a Casper Rotarian and volunteers with Casper’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for kids in need.
Campbell has served in House District 56 since August 2024, taking over for former Representative Jerry Obermueller.
“Since taking office, Representative Campbell has diligently represented the values and priorities of the people of District 56 and communities across Wyoming,” the release states. “Her legislative efforts have focused on protecting Wyoming’s economy, defending individual freedoms, strengthening families, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
Campbell has supported and advanced legislation that promotes energy independence. She has also advocated for policies that support local government, law enforcement and small businesses.
“Serving as the Representative for House District 56 has been a tremendous honor,” Campbell said. “Wyoming deserves leaders who listen, work hard, and never forget who they represent. I am running for re-election to continue fighting for our communities, our values, and our Wyoming way of life.”
Campbell emphasized that her campaign will continue to prioritize the principles that have guided her term: limited government, personal responsibility, economic opportunity and preserving Wyoming’s traditions for future generations.
“As long as I have the privilege of serving, I will continue to be a strong and independent voice for the people of Wyoming,” Campbell said. “District 56 deserves leadership that reflects our values and puts Wyoming first.”
The release notes that Rep. Campbell will host a series of community events in the coming months to meet with voters and discuss priorities for the next legislative session.
In her first term, Campbell sponsored House Bill 22, co-sponsored House Bill 208 and helped advance Senate File 145.
On Aug. 20, 2024, Campbell defeated a pair of challengers to win the primary race for House District 56. She received 806 votes, roughly 55% of the ballots cast. Pete Fox received 37% of the votes and Pamela Mertens received 8% of the votes.
For more information on Campbell, visit www.campbell4wyoming.com.
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