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 “Kiberphant0m.”
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
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.