Crime
Kwamaine Jerell Ford Indicted in Alleged Fraud and Sex Trafficking Scheme Targeting Professional Athletes
Federal prosecutors have charged a Georgia man with orchestrating a complex fraud and sex trafficking scheme that allegedly targeted professional athletes, even while he was serving time in federal prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Kwamaine Jerell Ford, 34, of Buford, has been indicted on multiple federal charges related to an alleged operation that involved phishing scams, identity theft, financial fraud, and sex trafficking.
Prosecutors say the scheme began in November 2020 while Ford was already in federal custody. Investigators allege he carried out a sophisticated two-part phishing operation designed to gain access to the Apple accounts of professional athletes, including individuals in the National Basketball Association and the National Football League.
According to the indictment, Ford allegedly posed online as a well-known adult film star, contacting athletes and offering to send them explicit videos. At the same time, he reportedly sent messages that appeared to come from Apple customer support, instructing the victims to provide their Apple ID login credentials and multi-factor authentication codes in order to receive the content.
Authorities say dozens of athletes were deceived into providing their account information, allowing Ford to gain unauthorized access to their Apple accounts. Prosecutors allege he then used the compromised accounts to obtain financial and personal information, which he used to make thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases with victimsโ credit and debit cards.
Federal investigators say the scheme escalated in May 2021, when Ford allegedly recruited and manipulated a woman into engaging in commercial sex acts with professional athletes.
According to prosecutors, Ford allegedly falsely promised the woman that a prominent adult film performer could help advance her modeling career, convincing her to participate in the arrangement.
The indictment alleges that Ford:
- Advertised the woman to professional athletes
- Coordinated her travel arrangements to meet them
- Negotiated payments for the sexual encounters
- Took a portion of the money earned from those meetings
Authorities also allege Ford coerced the victim into secretly recording videos of the encounters without the athletesโ knowledge. Prosecutors say he used multiple fake online identities to threaten, manipulate, and pressure the victim into continuing to participate in the scheme.
Ford had previously been convicted in 2019 in federal court in the Northern District of Georgia on charges of computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors in that case said he used stolen financial information belonging to athletes and celebrities to fraudulently spend nearly $325,000.
Ford appeared in federal court on March 13, 2026, where he entered a plea of not guilty to the new charges.
The indictment includes:
- 9 counts of wire fraud
- 7 counts of computer fraud
- 1 count of access device fraud
- 4 counts of aggravated identity theft
- 1 count of sex trafficking
A U.S. magistrate judge ordered that Ford remain in federal custody without bond while awaiting trial.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, specifically the FBI Atlanta Field Office. Federal authorities say the case remains ongoing as investigators continue reviewing evidence and identifying potential victims.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon โ Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.