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Stolen chemical-dispersing drones could have facilitated ‘action against the homeland,’ fmr DHS official warns
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Federal authorities have recovered 15 stolen industrial drones capable of dispersing liquid chemicals, but a former Department of Homeland Security official warns the biggest question remains unanswered: were they stolen for a “quick buck,” or to “facilitate action against the homeland?”
Fifteen Ceres Air C31 industrial spray drones were stolen from CAC International, a logistics and shipping company in Harrison, New Jersey, on March 24, according to The High Side Substack. The drones were recovered over a month later on April 27 in Dover, New Jersey.
In an earlier statement to Fox News, the New Jersey State Police said that the drones were recovered at Prudent Corporation, a trucking company that has a warehouse at the location.
“On April 27th, the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit recovered 15 stolen agricultural drones and spray systems. These drones are labeled as agricultural drones due to their specified function as registered crop dusters. The theft occurred on March 24th at CAC International, a logistics and shipping company located in Harrison, NJ. The drones were recovered at Prudent Corporation located in Dover, NJ. This is an active, ongoing investigation that Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Patrol are assisting with. No additional information is available,” the New Jersey State Police wrote.
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Despite the drones being recovered, Vincent Martinez, former DHS tactical terrorism response team member and director of service enhancement at ZeroEyes, told Fox News Digital that he “cannot underscore the risk that this poses.”
While Martinez said it’s good the drones were recovered, he warned the biggest questions remain unanswered.
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“Where were these intended to land? Who is the ultimate end user? Were they meant simply as a quick buck — or to facilitate action against the homeland?” he said.
In the wrong hands, Martinez warned, the drones could “absolutely” pose a “substantial threat,” particularly if loaded with a chemical agent and deployed over a populated area, which he believes is the primary concern.
“Because of its design and nature, that is the absolute primary concern in and of itself. Who’s actually conducting the thefts, where they’re going to, who’s funding and financing these? It’s a litany of different phases of escalation that we have to actually look at when we’re conducting the investigation,” Martinez said.
He said it’s “not difficult” for an adversary to weaponize these kinds of drones with the proper training and knowledge.
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“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to go into the root menu of a lot of these hardware systems. What it does take is a lot of open source knowledge and an acumen to be technically savvy and technically sound. You can break into almost any drone platform. And there are a lot of laws and regulations specifically by the FAA that prevent that. But I would argue that using these against an adversary or against a homeland, let’s just say, it’s not difficult. You just have to know how to research how to do it,” Martinez said.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Ceres Air said “at no point was there a risk of unauthorized use.”
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“Ceres systems are built with multiple layers of control, including secure activation protocols, remote lock capability, and separated battery logistics. Without proper authorization, these units cannot be operated,” the company said.
“This situation highlights a broader reality in the drone industry. When systems are built and supported domestically, there is accountability. Our equipment is fully traceable through serial tracking and coordinated support networks, all of which exist within the USA. It doesn’t disappear, and it doesn’t operate outside of controlled channels. We build our systems in the United States so they can be tracked, secured, and supported here. That’s exactly what allowed this situation to be resolved quickly and without risk.”
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In total, a Ceres Air C31 costs around $58,000, meaning that nearly $870,000 of equipment was allegedly stolen.
The drones were allegedly stolen by a delivery driver who duped the company, according to The High Side Substack. The report said that a fraudulent bill of lading was shown when picking up the drones, and CAC International allegedly considered them legitimate.
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NJ father-daughter team accused of peddling fake Picassos, Warhols and more to NYC art houses plead guilty
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Federal prosecutors obtained a guilty plea on Wednesday from a father-daughter duo accused of selling counterfeit art purported to be from famed contemporary artists.
Erwin Bankowski, 50, and Karolina Bankowska, 26, are facing maximum sentences of 20 years in prison, as well as restitution of up to $1.9 million. Prosecutors say the pair were selling “lies on canvas,” going so far as to generate false ownership histories for the counterfeit works they sold.
“These two individuals didn’t just sell counterfeit art – they undermined trust, exploited buyers, and attempted to profit from fraud. In this instance, the FBI with its partners has made it clear that those who manipulate the market for personal gain will be caught and held accountable,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle.
“From 2020 through 2025, the defendants, who are father and daughter, conspired to consign for auction over 200 counterfeit artworks. The Counterfeit Works were allegedly painted by famed artists,” the DOJ wrote in a statement.
ANCIENT RARE CHINESE MANUSCRIPTS STOLEN IN ALLEGED SCHEME BY MAN USING MULTIPLE ALIASES
Those artists included Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Banksy, Raimond Staprans, Richard Mayhew, and Native American artist Fritz Scholder.
“To make some of the Counterfeit Works appear to be legitimate, the defendants generated false histories of prior custody and ownership, also known as provenance. To do so, they conducted research to represent falsely that some of the Counterfeit Works had been in private collections of individuals associated with the artists, had been owned by since-closed art galleries, or had been in the private collections of corporations that were no longer in operation,” the DOJ wrote.
“The defendants chose galleries and corporations that were no longer operating to make it difficult for galleries and potential buyers to verify the purported provenance of the Counterfeit Works,” the statement added.
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The DOJ says the defendants consigned the fake pieces to art galleries and auction houses throughout the U.S., which then attempted to sell them to buyers for prices of up to $160,000. Over the course of their scheme, the defendants defrauded victims out of at least $2 million.
The father and daughter — Polish citizens living in New Jersey — pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and misrepresenting Native American–produced goods, the latter charge stemming from their duplication of the Luiseño artist, Fritz Scholder.
In court on Tuesday, Bankowska told a judge that her “conduct was wrong and I am guilty.” Her attorney, Todd Spodek, said his client had placed more than $1 million in an escrow account.
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Through a Polish interpreter, Erwin Bankowski also apologized. His attorney, Jeffrey Chabrowe, added that his client had “regrettably made a terrible decision in an effort to support his family.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Cold case suspect nabbed overseas after DNA revived decades-old child abduction mystery
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A man living overseas has been arrested in a nearly 40-year-old cold case after authorities say DNA evidence linked him to the 1989 kidnapping and sexual battery of a young Florida girl.
Young Tom Talmadge, 69, was taken into custody at his home in Cavite, Philippines, on April 23 after local authorities received information regarding the case from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines said in a press release.
The development comes after Hillsborough County authorities issued a warrant for Talmadge’s arrest in March, according to officials.
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Authorities allege Talmadge was at the bowling alley Tampa Lanes when he approached a 7-year-old girl and offered her coins to play arcade games in 1989, FOX 13 reported.
He then allegedly lured the young girl into his car and sexually battered her, authorities said, according to the outlet.
Immediately following the incident, Talmadge allegedly dropped the child off at a second bowling alley nearby and fled the scene.
The young girl’s disappearance sparked a frantic search by Tampa Lanes employees until a man at the second bowling alley recognized the child and facilitated her return, the outlet reported.
The case ultimately ran cold for nearly 40 years, until investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement used genealogical research and preserved DNA evidence to identify Talmadge as a suspect, authorities said.
His arrest was a result of the BI’s #ShieldKids campaign, an initiative launched “to protect children from foreign sex offenders,” the agency said.
“We will continue to work closely with international counterparts to protect Filipino children and uphold justice,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a statement. “Foreign fugitives who commit crimes against children will find no refuge here.”
Following his arrest, Talmadge was transported to the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, where he awaits extradition to the United States.
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He faces charges of sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years old by an adult, lewd and lascivious acts on a child, and kidnapping to commit a felony on a child, according to the BI.
The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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Maritime spies catch $800M oil scheme as Trump’s naval blockade squeezes Tehran and more top headlines
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Good morning and welcome to Fox News’ morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here’s what you need to know to start your day …
TOP 3
1. Maritime spies catch $800M oil scheme as Trump’s naval blockade squeezes Iran
2. US weighs deploying ‘Dark Eagle’ hypersonic missile for possible Iran strike
3. TPUSA reporter speaks out for first time after three indicted in viral assault case
MAJOR HEADLINES
CRUNCH TIME — House GOP greenlights budget blueprint to fund ICE without a single Democrat vote.Continue reading …
CROWN & COUNTRY — King Charles follows Queen Elizabeth’s playbook with a twist during Trump state visit.Continue reading …
OFF THE RAILS — New mayor hauled off in cuffs after allegedly stumbling to train wreck site drunk.Continue reading …
BERLIN BLOWBACK — Trump weighs pulling US troops from Germany amid clash with chancellor over Iran war.Continue reading …
GUARD DOWN — Sheriff slapped with charges in breakout fiasco that freed dangerous inmates. Continue reading …
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POLITICS
CAPITOL GRILLING — Hegseth testifies at Senate as Iran war’s $25B price tag and 60-day War Powers deadline loom. Continue reading …
TABLES TURNED — Moms group labeled ‘extremist’ flips script on SPLC after federal indictment. Continue reading …
‘INSANE’ — Dem mayor calls anti-crime signs ‘expressions of exclusion’ as city removes final sign. Continue reading …
GLOVES OFF — EPA chief fires back at Sen Whitehouse with ‘all-White’ beach club jab after coal clash.Continue reading …
MEDIA
CLASSROOM CLASH — Educators face backlash, firings after posts lament Trump surviving WHCA Dinner shooting.Continue reading …
DEER IN HEADLIGHTS — Dem candidate freezes on live TV when asked who replaces ICE if it’s abolished.Continue reading …
CLASS ACT CONTRAST — Resurfaced clip of Johnny Carson’s grace after Reagan shooting contrasts with Kimmel.Continue reading …
ROAD RAGING — Liberal residents furious after California city calls street Charlie Kirk Way. Continue reading …
OPINION
REP. GARAMENDI & SEN. KELLY — We must work together to make America a shipbuilding power. Continue reading …
SEN. JOHN KENNEDY — Democrats’ anti-ICE tantrum leaves Republicans with one option going forward. Continue reading …
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IN OTHER NEWS
NEW DETAILS — ‘Melrose Place’ actor’s official cause of death at 57 revealed. Continue reading …
NO LOOPHOLES — Disneyland cracks down on guest behavior with sweeping new restrictions, sparking backlash. Continue reading …
AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on baseball bests and restaurant revamps. Take the quiz here …
CLASSIC SHAKEUP — Costco just quietly changed its famous $1.50 hot dog combo deal. Continue reading …
ROAD TRIP — Heartland state yields secrets in an anniversary year. See video …
WATCH
VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE — Tim Walz is like an arsonist trying to take credit for the fire department. See video …
GREGG JARRETT — There could be something more nefarious behind Comey’s ‘86 47’ stunt. See video …
LISTEN
Tune in as we break down the Supreme Court’s ruling on Louisiana’s congressional map and what it means for the future of redistricting nationwide. Check it out …
FOX WEATHER
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Georgia man says he suffered severe medical neglect leading to amputations at scrutinized Atlanta jail
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A Georgia man said on Wednesday that he was traumatized after suffering severe medical neglect at a jail in Atlanta marred by allegations of unsanitary conditions, leading to the amputation of his fingers and lower legs.
Rashaad Muhammad was arrested in August and booked into the Fulton County Jail, where medical staff failed to give him antibiotics and other medical supplies he repeatedly told them he needed, according to his lawyers.
Less than two weeks later, his condition had deteriorated so much that he could no longer stand, and he was taken to a hospital, where he was eventually told the amputations were needed to save his life.
“I’m not okay. Every day is a battle. It’s a struggle,” Muhammad, who now uses a wheelchair, said during a news conference outside the jail after a meeting with Sheriff Pat Labat.
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Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Muhammad, said the meeting with the sheriff at the jail was like “coming back to a nightmare that you pray every day isn’t real,” adding that the treatment Muhammad received was “the very definition of deliberate indifference” and violated his constitutional rights.
The Fulton County Jail has faced numerous issues over the years, which led the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate a civil rights probe into jail conditions in 2023. The investigation revealed prisoners were housed in filthy and unsafe conditions that violated their constitutional rights.
The DOJ and county officials announced a year ago that they had entered into a court-enforceable consent decree. An independent monitor has been visiting the county’s jails and recording the issues and any progress in resolving them.
Crump argued that the Fulton County Board of Commissioners bears significant blame for what happened to Muhammad since its members were made aware of the problems but did not take action.
He suggested the county needs a new jail, a move the sheriff has supported.
Earlier this month, the board of commissioners voted to borrow up to $1.3 billion for jail improvements, including a new special purpose facility and renovations at the current main jail.
Crump also blamed the jail’s medical provider, NaphCare, alleging that its employees, as well as jail guards, ignored Muhammad’s calls for help.
He said NaphCare should not be providing medical services at the jail after another man held at the facility died in a bedbug-infested cell in 2022.
Muhammad said his meeting with the sheriff was “productive” but “not enough.”
Crump said he and his client asked for a criminal investigation into the events leading to the amputations.
Muhammad’s legal team is collecting details and exploring “every possible legal remedy” to secure justice for Muhammad and to hold those responsible accountable, Crump said.
Another one of his attorneys, Liza Park, said he uses a catheter for a chronic bladder condition that makes him very susceptible to infection and that he constantly brings necessary antibiotics and other medical supplies with him.
Muhammad was in jail in connection with a shooting on Aug. 11. He called 911, according to Park, but when police arrived, they arrested him on aggravated assault and gun possession charges. He told officers as he was being taken into custody that he required the antibiotics and medical supplies that were in his car, Park said.
He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was cleared to be taken to the jail, his lawyers said. He repeatedly told the medical staff at the jail that he needed antibiotics and other medical supplies. As his condition worsened, other inmates also urged jail and medical staff to help him.
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Muhammad was in “severe medical distress” when he was moved back to the hospital on Aug. 22, according to Crump.
After he woke up from a coma a couple of weeks later, Muhammad’s hands and legs had become so infected that doctors told him that his fingers and lower legs would need to be amputated, saying it was a matter of “life over limbs,” Crump said.
Muhammad spent months in the hospital and had multiple surgeries.
The criminal charges against him were dropped while he was in the hospital, Park said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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LAPD chief warns Los Angeles not prepared to secure 2028 Olympics due to staffing shortages
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The police chief in Los Angeles is warning the city is not prepared to secure the 2028 Olympics, citing staffing shortages and a lack of dedicated funding.
The warning comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding large-scale public events across the country.
Speaking during a City Council Budget and Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the department lacks dedicated funding beyond a shared security pool with other agencies, the New York Post reported.
“LA28 confirms that they have zero police or other safety budgets,” McDonnell said. “While they do have a security budget, it doesn’t cover law enforcement.”
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“The funding that exists is for all agencies involved in the Olympics, not just the LAPD, and it will be restricted primarily to police officer overtime,” he added.
The Olympics Special Events Unit has determined Los Angeles will need roughly 6,700 officers across eight venues during the 2028 Games, according to the report.
Police will also require an additional 700 to 800 patrol vehicles — a need that is not fully funded.
USA TODAY COLUMNIST LABELS TRUMP ‘TODDLER’ FOR TAKING A ROLE IN 2028 OLYMPICS PLANNING
Officials warned the department is already losing more than 500 officers per year to attrition, driving up overtime costs.
The LAPD expects to log roughly 1.4 million hours of overtime this year, contributing to a projected $16.5 million deficit, the report said.
While Olympic organizers have said the federal government will help handle security, given the Games’ designation as a National Special Security Event, LAPD officials pushed back on that claim, calling it “inaccurate.”
Democratic Socialists of America member and Los Angeles City Council member Eunisses Hernandez questioned whether the scale of police deployment is necessary.
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“Do they all need to be cop cars?” she asked. “Can we not use school buses?”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the LAPD and LA28 for comment.
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Maritime spies catch $800M oil scheme as Trump’s naval blockade squeezes Tehran and more top headlines
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