CBS 60 Minutes on Sunday May 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM, will highlight the WFO spy Cuban spy case.  Retired WFO SA Pete Lapp is a contributor.  For decades, prolific Cuban spies working in the US government, serving in high-profile positions with top security clearances, evaded American intelligence officials.  Correspondent Cecilia Vega reports on the stories of two of these undercover agents – former US Ambassador Manuel Rocha and one-time Pentagon official Ana Montes.  

SA Peter Lapp authored a book – Queen of Cuba – published in 2023 should you be interested in reading further about this case.  

FBI Special Agent Kevin Vázquez has been part of the FBI extended family since his mom, Supervisory Special Agent Marilyn Santos, joined the Bureau when he was a kid. Their interconnected journeys highlight a shared dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to justice.

Santos started her career with the IRS before joining the FBI as a special agent in 2006. As a mother of three young children navigating the challenges of single parenthood, her path to law enforcement was born out of a conviction to make an impact.

“I had two main goals: to serve my country and provide for my children,” said Santos. “The Bureau offered me a way to do both.”

Santos’ first assignment as a new agent was with the Miami Field Office, where she and her kids relocated to from their home in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“I was a divorced mother, with three young children, in an unknown state, with a new job—it was very challenging,” said Santos. “But I knew that as long as we were together, we were going to accomplish great things.”

Nearly two decades later—with the help of coworkers she now calls family—Santos has delivered on her promise to herself, her kids, and to her country. While in Miami, Santos worked on drug and international terrorism investigations and was awarded the Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award before relocating back to San Juan.

In 2010, the FBI launched Operation Guard Shack, a massive public corruption takedown in San Juan that led to more than 130 arrests. Nearly 1,000 FBI personnel from 50 of the FBI’s 56 field offices supported the takedown—including Santos, who was a case agent as part of the Police Corruption Squad.

According to Santos, being a public servant requires an immense sacrifice, but her career with the FBI has allowed her the opportunity to help others, to seek justice, and, most importantly, to set an example for her children.

“I had two main goals: to serve my country and provide for my children.”

Supervisory Special Agent Marilyn Santos

Growing Up in an FBI Family

Strict. That is how Vázquez recalls his household growing up. And he was no stranger to sacrifice himself—often taking on the role of both older brother and caretaker for his younger siblings while his mom worked long hours.

“As I got older, I realized what kind of work my mom was doing and the sacrifices involved,” said Vázquez. “I’m really proud of the work she’s done as a successful agent. It’s been an inspiration for my own career.”

In 2011, Vázquez traveled to Washington, D.C., to see his mom receive the Director’s Award for Outstanding Criminal Investigation and the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. Vázquez said it was the first time he recognized the scope of the FBI’s mission, and the critical and personal impact his mom’s work was having.

Continuing a Legacy of Law Enforcement

Vázquez’s journey started with the FBI Honors Internship Program. “Through all my experiences and the people I met,” he said, “I quickly realized I wanted a career with the Bureau, and it became my goal to become a special agent.”

As an intern, Vázquez work on multiple squads—counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and cyber—before accepting a full-time administrative position as an operational support technician where he did anything and everything for three years.

“I got really involved in a lot of different areas because I wanted to take it all in and learn as much as I could,” Vázquez said. “I learned a lot about the foundation of how everything runs.”

“I quickly realized I wanted a career with the Bureau, and it became my goal to become a special agent.”

Special Agent Kevin Vazquez

Vázquez then spent four years as an intelligence analyst and gained critical experience as part of the FBI San Juan Field Office. Seeking out new work opportunities across the FBI, a curiosity for learning, and the support of his colleagues prepared him for his next role as a special agent.

“I wanted to be an FBI special agent because that’s what I saw growing up through my mom’s example,” said Vázquez. “It’s also the agency I wanted to give back to for everything that it gave to me.”

In 2022, Vázquez passed the FBI’s special agent application process.

“I was really happy for him,” said Santos. “I knew he really wanted to do this, and he went into it knowing the sacrifices and knowing the hard work, the long hours, everything that’s entailed in becoming an agent, and that made me super proud.”

When it was time for Vázquez to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for the intensive Basic Field Training Course, Santos had mixed feelings.

“I was concerned. I was scared. He was still my boy. I had experienced it, and I knew how hard it was,” said Santos. “I had to just realize that this is his calling, and I knew that he is meant to accomplish great things.”

The years of sacrifice and dedication paid off in August 2023 when Vázquez reached his goal of graduating as a special agent with the FBI—and receiving his badge and credentials from his mom.

“I remember the day of the graduation,” said Santos. “I was looking his way and felt tears coming out of my eyes. As he was walking on the stage, and I was walking to him, I knew right then and there that everything was going to be fine.”

Now, after 17 years as a special agent, Santos has a new title at work: Kevin’s mom. And she loves it.

“I just feel an immense sense of gratitude, and I’m so happy for him,” said Santos. “And I know that he’s going to accomplish even greater things than I have accomplished because he cares, he knows what the mission is, and he does it with passion and with commitment.”

Their paths converged in a poignant moment in September 2023, as they found themselves side by side on a joint operation with Vázquez—a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

“It requires a lot of commitment, but I wouldn’t change what I do,” said Santos. “When I look back, I will do it all over again because it matters. Even if it is only for one person, it does matter. We are touching lives, we’re helping, and that is something that no one can take away from you.”

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/elder-fraud-in-focus

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/chinese-government-poses-broad-and-unrelenting-threat-to-u-s-critical-infrastructure-fbi-director-says

https://oig.justice.gov/news/doj-oig-issues-results-congressionally-required-120-day-review-creation-and-content-fbi

FBI Statement

“We thank the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General for its review. The FBI has said numerous times that the intelligence product did not meet our exacting standards and was quickly removed from FBI systems. We also have said there was no intent or actions taken to investigate Catholics or anyone based on religion; this was confirmed by the findings of the OIG.  The FBI’s mission is to protect our communities from potential threats while simultaneously upholding the constitutional rights of all Americans. We do not conduct investigations based solely on First Amendment protected activity, including religious practices.”

The FBI is marking May 15^th Senior Fraud Awareness Day with a public awareness effort to help older Americans and their families identify and avoid scams & schemes that target the elderly.  As part of this effort, the FBI has produced a public service announcement featuring former FBI Director William Webster, now 98-years-old, as he tells of his encounter with a potential fraudster. We ask that you share this information in your community with those who may be vulnerable or who may be a caregiver of someone who is. The video and more information can be found here.

How significant is the problem of Elder Abuse? 

Each year, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme, including romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams, to name a few. Criminals will gain their targets’ trust and may communicate with them directly via computer, phone, mail; or indirectly through the TV and radio. Once successful, scammers are likely to keep a scheme going because of the prospect of significant financial gain. 

Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers. 

Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed at having been scammed. They might also be concerned that their relatives will lose confidence in their abilities to manage their own financial affairs. When an elderly victim does report a crime, they may be unable to supply detailed information to investigators. 

With the elderly population growing and seniors racking up more than $3 billion in losses annually, elder fraud is likely to be a growing problem. 

What to do if you or someone you know is a victim of Elder Fraud 

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI field officeand request to speak to a Duty Agent or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3. 

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September 11, 2019
To All –

Today marks the 18th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. This day in history will always mean something to us in the FBI, as a nation, and as Americans. This day represents hatred and loss. But it also represents sacrifice and selflessness. It represents grit and resilience and strength in the face of great adversity. It represents the way that Americans from all walks of life – with different backgrounds and beliefs – can stand together as one when tragedy strikes home. And nearly two decades later, it has come to represent the FBI’s continued ability to adapt to a changing world, and to stay laser focused on keeping our country safe from an attack like this again.

As I visit field offices and walk the halls of Headquarters, I see that our workforce is evolving. Many of the folks who lived through the dark days of 9/11 have retired or moved on, and then there are folks here now who were school age when the attacks happened. But we all feel the impact of that day, no matter where we were or what we lived through.

That’s one of the reasons I added a visit to the National September 11Memorial and Museum for all new agents and intelligence analysts at Quantico, so that they can see and feel firsthand what that day was like, and why we’ve transformed the way we do our work in so many ways. We’ve integrated intelligence into every program and every investigation. We’re working in new ways with new partners. And we’re thinking not just about current threats, but about what new dangers may lie ahead.

Ask anyone who was working for the FBI on September 11th and in the weeks and months afterward, and they’ll all say the same thing: After that terrible day, we had one purpose – to make sure nothing like it ever happened again. Despite the passage of time, we must never forget that feeling, and we should honor the anniversary of 9/11 by renewing our commitment to protect the American people.

We’ve all seen the additions to the Wall of Honor. And more and more, we hear about members of the FBI family who are fighting for their lives due to 9/11-related illnesses. We can never adequately express our gratitude and admiration for the folks who walked the walk when it mattered most.

I’d like to once again urge those who served as first responders after the 9/11 attacks to review the resources available to you, so you can get the support you need – whether that’s today or years from now.

And let’s all take a moment to remember the men and women at the FBI, and around the law enforcement community, who dropped everything and raced toward danger without a second thought. We honor them by forging ahead, and by staying focused on why we do the work, who we do the work with, and who we do the work for.

Thank you.

Chris Wray

Members of the FBI family:

Each year during Police Week, we remember those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving those they were sworn to protect. Their deaths remind us all that the safety and security we enjoy come at great cost. 

Here at the FBI, we honor our fallen colleagues on the Wall of Honor. I’m saddened to say that we’re adding the names of nine special agents to our memorial this year. Earlier this year, the Wall of Honor Board voted to expand the Wall of Honor criteria to include those killed during official travel. With that expansion, we’re adding SA Edward J. Knartzer Jr., and SA Sheila Jean Regan, who were both killed in a 1974 plane crash while returning from different assignments. We’re also adding SA Rickey O’Donald and SA Sang Jun, who each passed away following FBI-supervised events. Finally, we’re adding the names of five special agents who died of 9/11-related illnesses: SA Dennis Bonelli, SSA Brian Crews, SSA Mark Johnston, SAC David LeValley, and SSA Mark Mikulski.

We’ll honor and remember the dedication and bravery of these nine agents — and far too many others — who have laid down their lives in service to our country during our annual Special Agent Memorial Service at FBIHQ on Tuesday and at other events at field offices throughout the country during Police Week.  

I encourage you to read about each of the special agents we’re adding to the Wall this year, and to reflect on their sacrifices. I know I will, as all of us in the FBI renew our commitment to continuing their legacies through our work.

Chris Wray

SA Dennis Bonelli (1951-2017) entered on duty in September 1983. He worked in the then-Alexandria Field Office on both the Applicant Squad and the General Criminal/Narcotics Squad, where he investigated crimes at the Lorton Prison Complex and other government facilities. He also developed credible sources for a tax fraud case that resulted in eight convictions. In 1985, SA Bonelli went to the New York Field Office, where he worked on a counterintelligence squad and later became the division security officer. On 9/11, SA Bonelli was in the north tower assisting with the building evacuation when the second plane struck the south tower. He exited the tower before it collapsed and was exposed to toxic dust and debris. In the following months, he regularly travelled between Ground Zero, an emergency command post, and his office, which had been filled with dust and debris from the nearby collapse. In 2012, he was diagnosed with chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease and later with lung cancer. He succumbed to his illnesses on November 28, 2017. He is survived by his fiancée and brother. 

SSA Brian Lawrence Crews (1965-2018) SSA Crews entered on duty as a file clerk in 1988, serving in the Criminal Investigative Division and the then-Administrative Services Division. He became a special agent in 1994, and went to the Sacramento Field Office’s Fresno Resident Agency. There SSA Crews worked on the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing and other high-profile cases, including the Unabomber investigation. In 2003, he joined the Enron Task Force, which received the 2006 Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service. He next went to the Special Operations Division, where he helped coordinate multi-agency criminal investigations and disrupt transnational criminal organizations. After 9/11, as a member of Sacramento’s Evidence Response Team, SSA Crews volunteered to support the investigative efforts and later worked 8- to 12-hour shifts at the Fresh Kills landfill, processing evidence and debris from the World Trade Center. In 2015, SSA Crews was diagnosed with lung cancer (adenocarcinoma), which later spread to his spine. He succumbed to the disease on June 10, 2018. He is survived by his wife.

SSA Mark Johnston (1952-2017) entered on duty in May 1983. He worked in the Buffalo Field Office and later went to the New York Field Office, where he was an integral part of a three-year investigation that resulted in convictions of more than 150 motorcycle gang members for drug trafficking and other offenses. He went to Headquarters in 1989 to work in the Inspection Division. In 1993, he went to the Newark Field Office’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, where he investigated organized crime cases. He became an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselor, which led to his response to the World Trade Center on 9/11. SSA Johnston responded to Ground Zero, initially as an EAP counselor. In another role, he escorted personnel who lacked security clearances to sensitive areas of the site, including the FBI Command Center. In 2011, SSA Johnston was diagnosed with bile duct and ampulla of vater cancer, which was also found in his lymph nodes. SSA Johnston succumbed to the disease on September 12, 2017. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

SA Sang T. Jun (1972-2008) Motivated by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, SA Jun entered on duty in August 2003. He worked in the San Francisco Field Office, applying his advanced computer skills to cyber and high technology cases. In one major case, SA Jun helped identify and analyze terrorists’ use of the Internet for command, communication, and attacks and uncovered hundreds of cyber attacks. In 2008, the team earned both the Director’s Award and the Attorney General’s Award. In April 2008, SA Jun went to the El Paso Field Office. In October 2008, SA Jun participated in the field office’s SWAT tryouts. After a challenging run, SA Jun collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Despite light duty in the following days, he continued to have headaches, breathing difficulties, and chest pains. Days later, his wife found him unresponsive and rushed him to the hospital where did not regain consciousness. SA Jun passed away on October 22, 2008. He is survived by his wife, his mother, his father and stepmother, and three sisters.

SA Edward J. Knartzer Jr. (1940-1974) SA Knartzer entered on duty in November 1963. He was assigned to the accounting squad in the Philadelphia Field Office and helped capture Jesse James Gilbert, who was wanted for the murder of a police officer during a bank robbery in California. In 1973, SA Knartzer went to the Indianapolis Field Office’s Gary Resident Agency. On December 1, 1974, SA Knartzer was traveling to Washington, D.C., aboard TWA flight 514, along with SA Sheila Jean Regan. As the aircraft approached Dulles International Airport in high winds, fog, and heavy rain, it crashed into a hillside near Upperville, Virginia. All those aboard died in the crash. SA Knartzer is survived by his wife and two sons.

SAC David J. LeValley (1964-2018) SSA LeValley entered on duty in September 1996. He worked in the New York Field Office, where he investigated narcotics cases. In 2004, he was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Criminal Investigative Division, where he helped establish the MS-13 National Gang Task Force. He became a Washington Field Office (WFO) supervisor in 2007 and a WFO ASAC in 2011. After serving as a section chief, he was promoted to SAC of WFO’s Criminal Investigative Division. In 2016, he was named SAC of the Atlanta Field Office. On 9/11, the south tower collapsed as SSA LeValley reported to the FBI’s command post near the World Trade Center, engulfing him in a cloud of dust, debris, and smoke that was filled with carcinogens. For the first two days, he participated in the investigative, rescue, and recovery operations at Ground Zero. Over the next two weeks, he was part of the “bucket brigade,” which involved removing the debris by hand. In 2010, he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He succumbed to the illness on May 26, 2018. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter.

SSA Mark Joseph Mikulski (1963-2014) SSA Mikulski entered on duty in May 1995. He worked in the Washington Field Office investigating cyber cases and, five years later, was promoted to the Counterterrorism Division at Headquarters. He joined the Cyber Division in 2003, where he specialized in cyber operations development and technical analysis. In 2009, SSA Mikulski moved to the Operational Technology Division, where he worked with Fortune 500 technology companies to enhance cooperative development of new digital forensic methods. In 2010, SSA Mikulski went to the Lab’s Hazardous Materials Response Unit, where he developed ways to retrieve digital media from contaminated evidence and hazardous environments. On 9/11, SSA Mikulski was en route to Headquarters when he witnessed the Pentagon attack from an adjacent highway and immediately used his Bureau vehicle to set up traffic control. He then headed to the Pentagon, where he helped the injured evacuate the scene and secure evidence. In that work, he was exposed to fire, debris, smoke, and toxic particles from the burning jet fuel. SSA Mikulski returned to the Pentagon the next day to assist with recovery efforts. In January 2013, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He succumbed to the disease on February 25, 2014. SSA Mikulski is survived by his son and brother.

SA Rickey O’Donald (1962-2017) SA O’Donald entered on duty in November 1987. He worked in the Miami Field Office on the Applicant Squad and later investigated fugitives and violent crimes. He also worked on bank robbery and international organized crime investigations. For most of the last 20 years of his career, he worked with the technical investigative squad, which used advanced technology to support investigations. On February 17, 2017, SA O’Donald completed his mandatory annual fitness test. He met the fitness requirements but commented about fatigue after the run. He drove himself to a local emergency room, but collapsed from cardiac arrest before making it inside. He died later that morning. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

SA Sheila Jean Regan (1941-1974) SA Regan, who was among the first female special agents to join the Bureau, entered on duty in September 1972. Initially assigned to the Philadelphia Field Office, she later went to the New York Field Office, where she investigated Selective Service violators, bank robberies, and civil rights cases. In March 1974, SA Regan transferred to the Washington Field Office and served on a security detail for the U.S. Attorney General and his wife. On December 1, 1974, SA Regan was returning to Washington, D.C., from an assignment in Columbus, Ohio, aboard TWA flight 514, along with SA Edward J. Knartzer Jr. As the aircraft approached Dulles International Airport in high winds, fog, and heavy rain, it crashed into a hillside near Upperville, Virginia. All those aboard died in the crash. SA Regan is survived by her mother, stepfather, and brother.