Crime
DHS Secretary Noem Announces ICE Detention of Alleged Boulder Terrorist’s Family Amid Ongoing Investigation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken into custody the wife and five children of Mohamed Sabry Farag Soliman, the suspect in a recent alleged terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.
The family members, all Egyptian nationals, are currently being processed for removal proceedings from the United States.
“This terrorist will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Secretary Noem said in a formal statement. “We are actively investigating to determine the extent to which his family may have had prior knowledge of, or offered support for, this heinous attack. Justice will be served.”
ICE has confirmed the following family members are in federal custody:
- Hayam Salah Alsaid Ahmed Elgamal, 41, Soliman’s wife
- Habiba Mohamed Sabry Farag Soliman, 18, daughter
- Two minor sons (names withheld)
- Two minor daughters (names withheld)
All six individuals are Egyptian citizens and were listed as dependents in Soliman’s asylum application, which he filed in Denver, Colorado on September 29, 2022.
According to DHS records, Soliman and his family entered the United States legally on August 27, 2022, and were authorized to remain until February 26, 2023.
However, the family overstayed their visa, and Soliman sought asylum during that period under the Biden Administration’s immigration protocols.
ICE officials are reviewing whether the family had any knowledge of or involvement in the alleged terror plot, and Secretary Noem has indicated the investigation is ongoing.
The Department of Homeland Security is working in coordination with federal, state, and local partners to investigate any potential affiliations, communications, or material support related to the attack.
Law enforcement agencies have not released further details about the nature of the alleged plot or the charges Soliman may face.
Secretary Noem concluded her remarks by expressing continued support for the victims and their families:
“I am continuing to pray for the victims of this attack and their loved ones. We will ensure that justice is done swiftly and without compromise.”
Further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
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.