Crime
U.S. Army Soldier Cameron John Wagenius Arrested for Alleged Cybercrimes Involving High-Profile Phone Records
He faces multiple charges, including unauthorized access to protected computer systems, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit cybercrime.
A U.S. Army soldier has been arrested in connection with a cybercriminal operation that reportedly targeted sensitive data, including phone records allegedly tied to President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The suspect, identified as Cameron John Wagenius, 20, was apprehended near Fort Hood, Texas, where he was stationed at Fort Cavazos.
Previously assigned to network communications duties in South Korea, Wagenius has been described by his mother as exceptionally skilled in technology.
Federal authorities accuse Wagenius of participating in a sophisticated hacking operation under the online alias โKiberphant0m.โ
He allegedly breached the systems of 15 companies, including major telecommunications providers AT&T and Verizon, to access and sell confidential phone records on black-market platforms.
Investigators claim that the cyber activities were conducted as recently as November, with the stolen data involving high-profile individuals and extensive illegal trade in sensitive information.
The breach is believed to have targeted multiple prominent figures, raising significant national security concerns.
While specific details about the extent of the breach and its full impact remain under investigation, it is clear that the operation exploited vulnerabilities in major telecommunications infrastructure.
Wagenius was arrested following an investigation by federal agencies, which traced his activities back to online forums where stolen data was sold.
He faces multiple charges, including unauthorized access to protected computer systems, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit cybercrime.
Federal officials have emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, citing potential risks to national security and the privacy of individuals targeted in the cyberattacks. Additional details about the case, including other potential suspects or accomplices, are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
This arrest underscores ongoing challenges in protecting sensitive information from cybercriminal activities. The breach of high-profile targets such as government officials highlights the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the increasing need for robust cybersecurity measures.
The U.S. Army and federal agencies have not commented on whether additional disciplinary actions will be taken against Wagenius, pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.