NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard welcomes new commander to Sector Columbia River

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/13/2025 04:45 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 13th District PA Detachment Astoria
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria
    Office: (503) 861-6380
    After Hours: (206) 220-7237
    PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

     

    06/13/2025 04:25 PM EDT

    PORTLAND, Ore. — Coast Guard Sector Columbia River held a change of command ceremony Friday morning at the Sector, near Swan Island in Portland.  During the ceremony, Capt. Anthony Migliorini relieved Capt. Justin Noggle as commander of Sector Columbia River.  Rear Adm. Charles Fosse, commander, 13th Coast Guard District, presided over the ceremony.  Sector Columbia River is one of two sectors within District 13 and has an area of responsibility spanning from the California-Oregon border to southern Washington, encompassing 420 miles of coastline. In addition, Sector members operate within the 33 ports along 465 miles of waterways on the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette River systems, extending from the Pacific Ocean to Lewiston, Idaho. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tribunal Initiates Inquiry—Thermal Paper Rolls from China

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Ottawa, Ontario, June 13, 2025—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today initiated a preliminary injury inquiry into a complaint by McDermid Paper Converters Limited of Markham, Ontario, Media Cash Register Inc. of Saint‑Laurent, Québec, and Custom Paper Ltd. of Richmond, British Columbia, that they have suffered injury as a result of the dumping and subsidizing of thermal paper rolls from China. The Tribunal’s inquiry is conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) as a result of the initiation of dumping and subsidizing investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

    On August 11, 2025, the Tribunal will determine whether there is a reasonable indication that the alleged dumping and subsidizing have caused injury or retardation, or are threatening to cause injury, as these words are defined in SIMA. If so, the CBSA will continue its investigations and, by September 10, 2025, will make preliminary determinations. If these preliminary determinations indicate that there has been dumping or subsidizing, the CBSA will then continue its investigations and, concurrently, the Tribunal will initiate a final injury inquiry.

    The Tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance. It hears cases on dumped and subsidized imports, safeguard complaints, complaints about federal government procurement and appeals of customs and excise tax rulings. When requested by the federal government, the Tribunal also provides advice on other economic, trade and tariff matters.

    Any interested person, association or government that wishes to participate in the Tribunal’s inquiry may do so by filing a Form I–Notice of Participation.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Online Tool Helps Juneau Residents Prepare for Glacial Outburst Floods

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Suicide Basin is a glacier-fed lake that branches off Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. Since 2011, Suicide Basin has been collecting melt- and rainwater each summer, creating a temporary glacier-dammed lake. Water that accumulates typically gets released through channels that run beneath the glacier. These channels are normally blocked by ice, but if the water pressure gets too high the chann

    Learn More

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Myers Man Sentenced To More Than 20 Years For Pizza Shop Armed Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Shadarien Lamarr Ward (22, Fort Myers) to 22 years in federal prison for robbing a pizza shop at gunpoint near downtown Fort Myers. Ward previously pleaded guilty to interfering with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. 

    According to court documents, on the evening of September 1, 2024, Ward robbed a pizza shop at gunpoint, pistol-whipping an employee in the process. After grabbing the cash register drawer and approximately $700 in cash, Ward fled the area on foot. Though he was hooded and masked during the robbery, he was later identified by law enforcement after an extensive review of surveillance cameras in the area tracked him to a nearby motel.

    Ward, a registered sex offender, was wearing a GPS monitor at the time of the robbery as part of his state sex offender probation. Though he had cut off his GPS monitor and absconded from supervision following the robbery, Ward was located and arrested at a North Fort Myers motel soon thereafter.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Freeport, Ill. Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Distribution of Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCKFORD — A Freeport, Ill. man has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for knowingly and intentionally distributing cocaine. 

    PARIS WALKER, 39, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.  U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the sentence during a hearing on Thursday in federal court in Rockford.

    Walker admitted that from 2019 to 2022, he knowingly and intentionally distributed cocaine to a confidential informant for the government.  Additionally, Walker possessed cocaine on multiple occasions with the intent to distribute it.  The total amount of cocaine involved in the offense of conviction and relevant conduct was at least 30.3 grams.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CFO Of Sf Seafood Wholesaler Convicted For Embezzling Over $9 Million From Company

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Used Stolen Funds to Pay for Personal Travel, Luxury Purses, and College Tuition

    SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury yesterday convicted Antonietta Nguyen of multiple counts of wire fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to transport monetary instruments for the purpose of laundering, and tax evasion in connection with a scheme to embezzle millions of dollars from a San Francisco-based seafood company. The jury’s verdict followed a two-week trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Illston.

    Nguyen, 57, of Brisbane, was a minority shareholder of ABS Seafood, a private Former CFO Of Sf Seafood Wholesaler Convicted For Embezzling Over $9 Million From Companyseafood wholesaler and importer, and served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from January 2014 to around May 2020, Nguyen fraudulently used a company credit card and funds from the company’s bank account to pay for millions of dollars of expenses on her personal credit cards. She also charged personal expenses to her corporate credit card, which were then paid for by the company. Nguyen used the stolen funds to pay for personal travel, purses and other luxury goods from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Goyard, Chanel, and Neiman Marcus, property taxes for one of her residences, and college tuition fees for a relative. The evidence presented at trial showed that Nguyen misappropriated approximately $2.7 million in company funds over the course of six-and-a-half years.

    The jury also found that Nguyen devised an inflated invoice scheme involving family members who operated Pescaderia Pacifica International, Inc., a Filipino seafood exporter that was one of ABS’s top vendors and main source for tuna imported into the United States. Nguyen caused ABS to pay over double the true value of the imported seafood by creating false invoices that Nguyen hid from others at the company. Her family members then split the proceeds, with some of the money being wired back to bank accounts in the United States in the names of Nguyen’s husband and daughters.

    The evidence presented at trial also showed that Nguyen evaded personal income taxes that she and her spouse owed for tax years 2018 and 2019 by underreporting the amount of joint taxable income they had for those two years.

    “The defendant devised multiple ways to defraud her business partners of several millions of dollars and got away with it for over six years. She exploited her position of trust in order to fund a lavish lifestyle for herself and her family members,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “The jury’s verdict today holds the defendant accountable for her long-running fraud scheme.”

    “Antonietta Nguyen’s conviction reflects the serious consequences of the scheme she orchestrated to defraud her business partners,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “As CFO, she systematically stole millions from her own company to bankroll a lavish lifestyle, betraying the responsibilities of her position. The FBI remains committed to working with our partners to uncover and stop financial crimes, and to ensure those who commit them are held fully accountable.”

    “Antonietta Nguyen’s brazen multi-million-dollar embezzlement scheme is a betrayal and breach of trust against her employer and runs afoul of well-established financial law. Her conviction is befitting and a strong deterrent, sending a clear message that white-collar crime has serious consequences.” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen. “IRS-CI Special Agents are the experts at tracking down ill-gotten gains and bringing financial criminals to justice.”

    Nguyen was released on bond. Nguyen’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 10, 2025 before Judge Illston. Defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine for the count of conspiracy to transport monetary instruments for the purpose of laundering, and five years in prison and a $100,000 fine for each count of willful tax evasion. Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sailaja M. Paidipaty and Colin Sampson are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Janice Pagsanjan, and Kathy Tat. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possessing A Loaded Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Mickey Colangelo, Jr. (44, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Colangelo to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the commission of the offense. Colangelo pled guilty on February 26, 2025.

    According to the plea agreement, on October 30, 2024, Colangelo was stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a wanted suspect for a felony offense. In his backpack, deputies located a loaded pistol. Court records confirm that Colangelo had previously been convicted of a felony, which prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Colangelo has at least three prior felony convictions that qualify as “violent felonies” under federal law, thus subjecting him to enhanced punishment as an Armed Career Criminal. Colangelo also agreed to forfeit the firearm used in the offense.

    This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Warns Americans of Elder Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the FBI is reminding elderly Americans and their loved ones about elder fraud. This type of fraud takes many forms as criminals seek to take advantage of this vulnerable and growing population. The FBI is committed to educating the public about these scams and investigating financial fraud schemes against seniors. Not only are there devastating financial consequences, but these victims and their loved ones can suffer great emotional and mental effects because of these scams.

    The FBI investigates financial scams targeting seniors, including investment scams, technical/customer support schemes, money mule and romance scams, and others. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, in 2024 there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints. This is a 46% increase in complaints from 2023, as well as a 43% increase in losses. In Arkansas, victims over the age of 60-years-old lost a total of $27,253,501 in 2024. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly.

    “Anyone can be a victim of fraud, but unfortunately scams targeting the elderly remain a growing problem,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “Our goal is to educate Arkansans about this threat so together we can protect seniors in our communities.”

    Seniors are frequently targeted by criminal actors, as they are often perceived to be more polite and trusting. These actors may also assume that seniors are more financially stable, own real estate, spend a great deal of time alone, and are less likely to report fraud if they feel ashamed or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as IC3.gov.

    Fraud can happen to anyone, and small steps can be taken to protect yourself and your information:

    • Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have
      likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
    • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust and inducing empathy or fear, or the promise of monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities.
    • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
    • Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
    • Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

    If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be—regardless of financial loss—immediately report the incident to your local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or

    • by calling 1-800-CALL FBI, or
    • online at tips.fbi.gov or
    • to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Michigan Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material on a Military Base

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Michigan man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possessing over 41,026 images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He was also ordered to pay $63,000 in restitution.

    According to court documents, David Mark Bartels, 38, of White Cloud, admitted to purchasing collections of CSAM while he was employed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Forensic review of a five-terabyte hard drive seized from Bartels revealed tens of thousands of CSAM files within the folder “NSFWNopeDont openYou were WarnedDeeper.” These files included 1,500 images and videos of 285 known victims. Bartels used the Tor browser, which allows users to surf the dark web, to access images and videos of CSAM, including content depicting bondage, domination, and sadomasochism.

    Bartels pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of possession of child pornography by a person employed by the armed forces outside of the United States.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge for the Western District of Michigan, and Special Agent in Charge Norm Dominesey of the NCIS Southeast Field Office made the announcement.

    NCIS Resident Agency Guantanamo Bay investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Doaa K. Al-Howaishy for the Western District of Michigan prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine: New Report Shows over 302,000 Virginians will Lose Health Insurance Under GOP Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after a new Joint Economic Committee (JEC) report found that an estimated 302,608 Virginians would lose their health insurance under President Trump and Republicans’ tax plan:

    “This new report estimates that the Trump tax plan would cause over 302,000 Virginians, including low-income children and people with disabilities, to lose their health insurance—all to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. That’s over 302,000 Virginians who will be forced to forgo a trip to the doctor’s office or get the critical medication they need. These cuts will have long-term, negative consequences for the health and wellbeing of our communities and our already overburdened health care system. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop this bill that will do real harm to communities across Virginia and the country.”  

    According to the JEC, an estimated 136,583 Virginians would lose coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and 166,025 Virginians would lose coverage under Medicaid. This JEC report is based off of the latest numbers available, including from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s recent analysis of the Republican tax bill.

    Warner and Kaine have been sounding the alarm about the effects of the GOP plan on Virginia families if Republicans in Congress continue to insist on gutting vital programs in order to pay for tax breaks for the richest Americans. The senators have noted that the GOP bill would cut SNAP benefits for more than 204,000 people in Virginia, raise energy costs for Virginia households, and jeopardize more than 20,000 Virginia jobs. The bill would also explode the deficit, eliminate a program allowing Americans to file federal taxes for free, raise taxes on minimum-wage workers while giving the richest 0.1% a $188,000 tax cut, and eliminate gun safety measures.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Question President Trump over Decision to Fire NTSB Vice Chair

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote to President Trump questioning his administration’s decision to remove National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Vice Chair Alvin Brown. The move is especially alarming given that NTSB plays a critical role in investigating transportation accidents like the deadly January 29th collision that killed 67 people.

    In their letter the senators highlighted the independent nature of NTSB and stressed the need to have qualified individuals serve on the board.

    The senators wrote, “Congress designed the Board to represent a range of viewpoints by mandating that no more than three of the five members be of the same political party. Additionally, Congress removed the Board from the Department of Transportation and reestablished it as an independent establishment of the U.S. government to ensure the NTSB retains its independence and that NTSB staff are able to fulfill their mission of performing investigations into certain transportation accidents, including every civil aviation accident in the United States, by determining the probable cause of the accident and issuing safety recommendations.”

    They continued, “The NTSB provides support to the victims, survivors, and families following a transportation accident – including facilitating the recovery and identification of fatally injured passengers. The NTSB has earned the trust of the transportation industry and millions of Americans through many grueling investigations; because of the NTSB, improved transportation safety has come out of calamity and tragedy.”

    The senators also questioned the rationale behind President Trump’s decision to remove Vice Chair Brown without naming a replacement, leaving a vacancy in this crucial role that manages nearly 1250 investigations in the United States and supports more than 150 foreign investigations each year.

    “Mr. Brown’s removal is consistent with your Administration’s dismissals of federal government leaders on the basis of bald partisanship and animus, however it is inconsistent with the law. The recklessness of vacating a leadership role on the NTSB in this critical moment in aviation safety runs counter to your obligations to the American people,” they wrote.

    This is only the latest in the Trump administration’s reckless purge of qualified federal workers for political reasons. Earlier this week, Sen. Warner lead a group of colleagues objecting to Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard’s decision to unilaterally terminate the Acting Counsel of the Office of the Intelligence Community Inspector General, and he has repeatedly warned of the lasting damage of the Trump administration’s continued politicization of nonpartisan government positions and removal of employees.

    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.

    Dear President Trump:

    On January 29, 2025, 67 souls were lost in the midair collision between an American Airlines flight inbound to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and a U.S. Army helicopter. The survivors of the loved ones lost and our unanimous commitment is to prevent a tragedy like this from happening ever again. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB or Board) is vital to ensuring that outcome which is why we were alarmed by the abrupt firing of Alvin Brown who recently served as the Vice Chair of the Board. We urge you to reevaluate your Administration’s actions related to Mr. Brown and reinstate his membership to the NTSB. 

    The law directs the President to appoint, and the Senate to consent to, the five members of the Board, each serving a term of five years.   Congress designed the Board to represent a range of viewpoints by mandating that no more than three of the five members be of the same political party.  Additionally, Congress removed the Board from the Department of Transportation and reestablished it as an independent establishment of the U.S. government to ensure the NTSB retains its independence and that NTSB staff are able to fulfill their mission of performing investigations into certain transportation accidents, including every civil aviation accident in the United States, by determining the probable cause of the accident and issuing safety recommendations. 

    The NTSB provides support to the victims, survivors, and families following a transportation accident – including facilitating the recovery and identification of fatally injured passengers. The NTSB has earned the trust of the transportation industry and millions of Americans through many grueling investigations; because of the NTSB, improved transportation safety has come out of calamity and tragedy. Upwards of “82 percent of NTSB recommendations have led to the implementation of safety improvements deemed acceptable by the Board.” 

    On May 5, 2025, you fired the Vice Chair of the NTSB, Mr. Alvin Brown. Mr. Brown was appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in December 2024 to a term expiring on December 31, 2026. When you fired Mr. Brown, you failed to identify a potential replacement, creating a vacancy on the Board as it manages nearly 1,250 investigations in the United States, and supports close to 160 foreign investigations.  You provided no justification or explanation for Mr. Brown’s abrupt removal even as the law requires that a Board member may only be removed for cause in the form of inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance of office.   When your Administration removed Mr. Brown from his position on the National Transportation Safety Board, you made it clear that it was for reasons unrelated to those enumerated in law and even thanked him for his service.  Had Congress intended NTSB members in good standing to be removable by the President at will, it would have written the law accordingly. Mr. Brown’s removal is consistent with your Administration’s dismissals of federal government leaders on the basis of bald partisanship and animus, however it is inconsistent with the law. The recklessness of vacating a leadership role on the NTSB in this critical moment in aviation safety runs counter to your obligations to the American people.

    The traveling public relies on the NTSB to be a strong watchdog for transportation safety. Too many advances in aviation safety have come on the heels of a tragedy; but since 1967, the NTSB has worked to ensure the lessons learned are integrated into the aviation industry. Your recent actions indicate that your priorities for aviation safety are focused more on partisan politics rather than the safety of the millions of Americans who use our skies. We hope you will prove us wrong and ask that, in the absence of a showing that your actions to remove Mr. Brown complied with the law, you immediately reinstate Mr. Brown to the NTSB to complete his term of service as Vice Chair and to affirm your commitment to upholding the independence of the NTSB and allow the Board to perform their Congressionally-mandated duties to keep America’s transportation systems safe.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Port of Prince Rupert corridor update

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LYCOMING COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Visit Summer Employment Program Empowering Students with Disabilities with Access to Meaningful Work Opportunities Across Pennsylvania

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 16, 2025 – Trout Run, PA

    ADVISORY – LYCOMING COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Visit Summer Employment Program Empowering Students with Disabilities with Access to Meaningful Work Opportunities Across Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker will visit Rider Park to spend time with students from Williamsport and Montgomery area high schools on the first day of their summer jobs. The students are employed through MY Work, a summer program for high school students with disabilities created by L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to match students with job opportunities and work experience in their local municipalities.

    Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget calls for an additional $5 million investment in OVR, which helps people of all ages with disabilities find employment through personalized services such as vocational counseling and guidance, goal setting, training, and job placement. OVR also offers a variety of other supports that enable a person with a disability to be successful in the competitive labor market. The proposed investment would play a key role in helping OVR continue to offer the MY Work program, as well as many other crucial services.

    WHEN:
    Monday, June 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM

    WHERE:
    Rider Park, 1769 Calebs Creek Road, Trout Run, PA 17771
    https://maps.app.goo.gl/DbycJ78QjBEq1W2G9

    PARKING DIRECTIONS: Upon arrival at the main parking lot, drive through the open yellow gate and proceed up to the picnic pavilion. There will be parking adjacent to the picnic pavilion, as well as on the south lawn below the maintenance shed.

    RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP to dlipress@pa.gov with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Massachusetts Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

    Source: US State of California

    A Massachusetts man and a former attorney pleaded guilty today to evading his taxes.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: until 2020, Paul Anthony Conte, of Upton, Massachusetts, was an attorney and member of the Massachusetts Bar.  From approximately January 2003 through at least 2020, through several companies, Conte earned income by offering services as a taxation, investments, and real estate specialist.

    Yet, from at least 2016 through 2020, Conte did not file any tax returns either for himself or his companies. Conte also attempted to conceal his income from the IRS by using his business bank accounts to pay for his personal expenses, including purchasing auto parts, guns, jewelry, and powersports vehicles. Conte further concealed his income by transferring funds from his business entities to his wife, and then using his wife’s bank accounts, in which Conte was not a signatory until 2020, to pay his personal expenses. 

    Conte is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 9. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney for Criminal Matters Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Catriona Coppler and Assistant Chief Jorge Almonte of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni chairs video conference meeting on military escalation in the Middle East

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, chaired a video conference meeting earlier today to assess the consequences of the military escalation in the Middle East. The meeting was also attended by Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the Council of Ministers Matteo Salvini, Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti, Undersecretaries of State Alfredo Mantovano and Giovanbattista Fazzolari, and the heads of Italy’s intelligence services. 

    During the meeting, the IAEA reports finding Iran in violation of its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons were noted with concern.

    In this context, full support was reaffirmed for the negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme, as shown by the two rounds of negotiations held in Rome, and it was stressed that a diplomatic solution must remain the top priority. 

    The Italian Government will continue to work with all partners to support a de-escalation and to best ensure the safety of Italian citizens and military personnel in the region.

    Constant coordination is to be carried out to ensure continuous monitoring of the situation, allowing for the necessary measures to be adopted at any time.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Massachusetts Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Massachusetts man and a former attorney pleaded guilty today to evading his taxes.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: until 2020, Paul Anthony Conte, of Upton, Massachusetts, was an attorney and member of the Massachusetts Bar.  From approximately January 2003 through at least 2020, through several companies, Conte earned income by offering services as a taxation, investments, and real estate specialist.

    Yet, from at least 2016 through 2020, Conte did not file any tax returns either for himself or his companies. Conte also attempted to conceal his income from the IRS by using his business bank accounts to pay for his personal expenses, including purchasing auto parts, guns, jewelry, and powersports vehicles. Conte further concealed his income by transferring funds from his business entities to his wife, and then using his wife’s bank accounts, in which Conte was not a signatory until 2020, to pay his personal expenses. 

    Conte is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 9. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney for Criminal Matters Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Catriona Coppler and Assistant Chief Jorge Almonte of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor, Trade Representative seek review of alleged denial of rights at steel pipe manufacturer in Mexico

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement requested that the government of Mexico review an alleged denial of workers’ rights at Tubos de Acero de Mexico S.A., a manufacturer of seamless steel pipe located in Veracruz, Mexico.

    The U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Trade Representative co-chair the Interagency Labor Committee. 

    The request follows a May 14, 2025, petition filed by SINAIN, a Mexican union.

    Filed under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism, the petition alleges that the company is systematically denying SINAIN members their right to freedom of association and collective bargaining through acts of anti-union discrimination and interference with union activity.

    After the Interagency Labor Committee found sufficient and credible evidence supporting the petition’s allegations, the U.S. government submitted a request for Mexico to review the case using the RRM.

    The Mexican government has 10 days to decide whether to conduct a review and 45 days from today to investigate the claims and present its findings. 

    TAMSA is one of the world’s leading producers of seamless steel tubes for the oil and gas, automobile, and construction industries. It exports to more than 50 countries, including the U.S.

    Learn more about the department’s international work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hays woman appears on witness tampering and failure to report child abuse charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Hays woman accused of witness tampering and failing to report child abuse appeared this week for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Chantel Lee King, 56, pleaded not guilty to a superseding indictment charging her with two counts of attempted obstructing justice by witness tampering and two counts of failure to report child abuse. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the superseding indictment, King faces 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston presided. King was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

    Count 1 of the superseding indictment alleges that in September 2020, King knowingly attempted to intimidate and corruptly persuade another person, with intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer or judge of the United States of information relating to the commission or possible commission of a federal offense, namely aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country, sexual abuse in Indian Country, and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country, and took a substantial step towards the commission of the offense.

    Count 2 of the superseding indictment alleges that in September 2020, King, a teacher, school counselor, instructional aide, teacher’s aide, and teacher’s assistant, employed by a tribal, Federal, public, and private school, knowing or having reasonable suspicion that  Jane Doe 1 was abused in Indian Country, did fail to immediately report such abuse to the local child protective services agency or local law enforcement agency.

    Count 3 of the superseding indictment alleges that in October 2020, King, a teacher, school counselor, instructional aide, teacher’s aide, and teacher’s assistant, employed by a tribal, Federal, public, and private school, knowing or having reasonable suspicion that  Jane Doe 2 was abused in Indian Country, did fail to immediately report such abuse to the local child protective services agency or local law enforcement agency.

    Count 4 of the superseding indictment alleges that in October 2020, King knowingly attempted to intimidate and corruptly persuade another person, with intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer or judge of the United States of information relating to the commission or possible commission of a federal offense, namely aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country, sexual abuse in Indian Country, and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country, and took a substantial step towards the commission of the offense.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

    The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    PACER case reference. 25-38.

    The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prison Term for Unprovoked Attack on a Man at Navy Yard Metro Station

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Rashad King, 20, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in Superior Court to eight and a half years in prison for assaulting a man at the Navy Yard Metro station in July 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                King pleaded guilty March 27, 2025, to one count of aggravated assault while armed. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered five years of supervised release.

                According to the government’s evidence, just before midnight on July 20, 2024, King approached the victim at the Navy Yard Metro Station and, unprovoked, started to punch him until he fell to the ground. The defendant then stomped on the victim’s head over twenty times. As the victim lay unconscious, King took the victim’s bag and fled the scene. An off-duty FBI Special Agent saw the encounter, followed the defendant, and observed him enter a Metro Bus. The agent flagged down an officer and pointed out the defendant.

                King was arrested and has been in custody since. At the time he was arrested, the defendant had the victim’s bag, which contained the victim’s license.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke Albi and Mark Levy, who prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Indicted for Unlawful Reentry into the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A Guatemalan national was indicted on the charge of unlawful reentry into the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Jorge Misael Niz, 42, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Salem, was previously deported back to Guatemala on March 30, 2006.  He was located in Salem on April 27, 2025. Niz is currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. He will appear in federal court at a later date.

    The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.

    This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Guilty Of Drug and Racketeering Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JULIO CESAR DELGADO (“DELGADO”), age 39, formerly a resident of Brownsville, Texas pled guilty on June 5, 2025, before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, 846; and Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1952(a)(3).

    The charge of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Cocaine, now carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 8 years.  Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

    Sentencing will occur on October 9, 2025.

    Court documents reflect that the Defendant was part of a sophisticated conspiracy that smuggled cocaine from Mexico into the United States at Brownsville, Texas and transported it to customers in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Michigan.  DELGADO, and others, would also collect payment from the customers.  During the investigation, the Louisiana State Police seized approximately $31,000 from DELGADO and another individual during a traffic stop.  The money was payment received for cocaine delivered to a trafficker in Michigan.  This money is subject to forfeiture.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Midlands Men Sentenced for Injuring Officers During Riot on May 2020

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Brandon Jemar Pickett, 38, of Cayce and Luis Rosario, 29, of Columbia, have been sentenced to four years and one year and one day, respectively, in federal prison for interfering with law enforcement officers during civil disorder.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on May 30, 2020, organizers held a peaceful protest at the South Carolina State House to protest the death of George Floyd. After the protest, some individuals continued protesting at the City of Columbia Police Department. However, the protest turned into a violent riot when multiple individuals began throwing objects at police officers, destroying property, and setting police cars on fire.

    During the riot, Brandon Pickett picked up a large rock and threw it at a police officer causing the officer to suffer a chipped tibia. Rosario threw water bottles with an unknown substance at officers and picked up a wooden barricade and threw it at an officer resulting in a head injury requiring seven stitches.

    Pickett has prior convictions for assault with intent to kill, failure to stop for a blue light, and attempted burglary. Rosario has no prior convictions.

    United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Rosario to 48 months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision.  Judge Lewis sentenced Rosario to one year and one day followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar Fyall is prosecuting the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western District of Texas Adds 331 New Immigration Cases

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO –United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 331 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from June 6 through 12.

    Among the new cases, Guatemalan national Geremias Ambrocio-Vicente was arrested for illegal re-entry less than four miles west of the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso on June 8. Ambrocio-Vicente is a felon with multiple convictions including a 2020 conviction in Albany, New York for rape, and an illegal re-entry conviction in 2022 in Rio Grande City. He was previously deported on July 13, 2022, through New Orleans, Louisiana.

    The El Paso Division also filed multiple cases for charges of transporting or harboring illegal aliens. Miguel Angel Enriquez-Ramirez is a Mexican national who, according to an affidavit, admitted to working for the Transnational Criminal Organization La Linea. On June 9, he was arrested during an immigration inspection conducted by U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations at an El Paso residence. During the inspection, agents allegedly encountered a total of nine individuals—eight of whom who were determined to be citizens of Mexico, one a citizen of Guatemala, and all illegally present in the United States. The affidavit alleges that Enriquez-Ramirez admitted to getting paid $600.00 per week to harbor illegal aliens at the apartment and had been harboring between eight and 12 illegal aliens since arriving at the apartment earlier this year.

    Mexican national Ranferi Alonso-Osorio was arrested for allegedly picking up several illegal aliens in a pickup truck near the International Boundary fence and transporting them further into the U.S. Alonso-Osorio was pulled over by Texas Department of Public Safety, after which, the DPS troopers and partnered USBP agents allegedly observed seven individuals flee from the vehicle. A criminal complaint alleges that five of the individuals were quickly detained and the sixth was located and detained shortly after. The seventh individual, Alonso-Osorio, was allegedly located inside the recycling bin in the backyard of a residence. The complaint alleges that Alonso-Osorio admitted to picking up and transporting the illegal aliens and that he would be paid $50 for each alien he picked up. He also allegedly claimed to have picked up illegal aliens on about 15 previous occasions and believed he had picked up about 30 illegal aliens in total.

    In Del Rio, Salvadoran national Alberto De Jesus Moran-Mejia was arrested by USBP agents for illegal re-entry. Moran-Mejia is a twice convicted felon, with an illegal re-entry conviction in 2010 and an assault on a law enforcement officer in 2024, which coincided with a DWI conviction. He has been deported five times, the last one being to El Salvador on Aug. 30, 2024, through Washington DC.

    Mexican national Luis Cesar Carmona-Lopez is also charged with illegal re-entry, having been deported six times—the last one being to Mexico on Dec. 21, 2024, through Del Rio. Carmona-Lopez has been previously convicted for illegal re-entry felonies three times, and had also been found to have violated the terms of his felony probation in August 2024.

    Marlon Catalino Diaz-Flores, a Honduran national, was arrested in Eagle Pass and charged with illegal re-entry. He was recently removed for the fourth time on March 16 through El Paso, after being convicted in January for illegal re-entry.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trinitarios Gang Leader Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Triple Shooting in Queens

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant, the Leader of the “OZP” set of the Trinitarios, Orchestrated a Months-Long Conspiracy to Murder Gang Rivals

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Pedro Serrano, also known as “Papo,” the leader of the Ozone Park (or “OZP”) set of the Trinitarios street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano to 183 months in prison for carrying out a June 29, 2021 shooting that injured three victims.  The shooting was part of a long-running conspiracy to murder members of a rival Trinitarios gang set.  Serrano pleaded guilty in March 2024 to assault in-aid-of racketeering and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

    Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.

    “Serrano was ruthlessly committed to a dangerous criminal enterprise, and he and his co-conspirators shot multiple victims in furtherance of a senseless gang rivalry to advance his enterprise,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Such warfare jeopardizes public safety and underscores the importance of my Office’s mission to eradicate violent gangs from our communities.”

    Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department for their work and assistance on the case.

    According to court filings, Serrano, along with other members of the gang, engaged in a series of violent feuds with rivals, including rival sets within the Trinitarios.  Beginning in at least 2021, disputes arose between OZP and other sets of Trinitarios from Queens and Brooklyn, including the Southside set, resulting in back-and-forth shootings between sets.  On June 29, 2021, Serrano carried out a retaliatory shooting—while driving through a residential neighborhood in Queens—targeting Southside members.

    Serrano enlisted fellow OZP members—including co-defendant Albert Santana-Fernandez, also known as “Pipa,” a Pennsylvania-based member of OZP—to help attack OZP rivals.  After departing from Serrano’s house, the co-conspirators drove around until they located a rival group of Trinitarios on 77th Street near Jamaica Avenue near the Queens-Brooklyn border.  Serrano and Santana-Fernandez were armed with firearms and after locating their rivals, fired shots at them from their moving vehicle.  At least 13 shell casings were recovered at the scene, and three victims were wounded—one of whom sustained a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Santana-Fernandez pleaded guilty to his role in the shooting in October 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States  Attorneys Lindsey R. Oken and Benjamin Weintraub are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendants:

    PEDRO SERRANO (also known as “Papo”)
    Age: 24
    Brooklyn, NY

    ALBERT SANTANA-FERNANDEZ (also known as “Pipa”)
    Age: 27
    Philadelphia, PA

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-28 (ENV)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Minnesota Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Xa Xiong, 32, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Xiong pled guilty to this charge on February 21, 2025.

    In July 2024, investigators received information from a confidential source that a large quantity of methamphetamine was being stored inside a storage unit in Eau Claire. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the storage unit and found a backpack with about six pounds of methamphetamine inside, ultimately linked to Xiong. On July 26, 2024, Xiong sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine to an undercover police officer in Menomonie, Wisconsin. A week later, Xiong met up with the same undercover officer to sell the officer two pounds of methamphetamine and Xiong was arrested during the attempted delivery.

    At Xiong’s sentencing, Judge Conley expressed concern over the large quantity of drugs the defendant was distributing. Judge Conley remarked that it was far beyond what was necessary to support a personal drug habit.

    The charges against Xiong were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Levins prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Couple Arrested For Stealing More Than $1.7 Million Dollars In COVID Relief Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the indictment and arrests of Earlisha Louis (44, Newnan, Georgia) and Somoza Louis (44, Newnan, Georgia) for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. If convicted, each faces up to 30 years in federal prison on each count. Earlisha Louis is also charged with two counts of illegal monetary transactions. Each of those counts carry a maximum penalty of 3 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the pair that the United States intends to forfeit a residence and $1,705,553.80, which are alleged to be traceable to the proceeds of the offense.

    According to the indictment, between April 2020 and June 2021, Earlisha and Somoza Louis devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting multiple false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. These programs were some of the sources of economic relief provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. After receiving one of the loans, Earlisha Louis transferred more than $10,000 of the fraud proceeds between her accounts. 

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn E. Hoenemeyer.         

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by contacting the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven defendants charged with trafficking drugs from Lower 48 to Alaska

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned two unrelated indictments last month charging seven defendants with trafficking drugs from California and Nevada to Alaska for distribution.

    “These cases are a reminder that our office takes seriously the threat of drug traffickers targeting Alaska, and we will be relentless in working with our law enforcement partners in stopping the flow of dangerous drugs to keep Alaskans safe,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska.

    U.S. v. Miles et al.

    According to court documents, beginning in at least March 2024 and continuing through February 2025, Kinarla Miles, 67, of Highland, California, Jerome Larue, 51, of Juneau, and Edie Seslar, 60, of Juneau, allegedly conspired with each other to traffic meth to Alaska and knowingly and intentionally attempted to possess meth with intent to distribute it in Alaska.

    During the same offense period, Miles, Larue, Seslar and Travis Lind, 38, of Juneau, also allegedly conspired to launder money from their drug trafficking activity.

    Miles, Larue and Seslar face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for their drug trafficking charges. Lind faces up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy.

    The USPIS Juneau Domicile, Juneau Police Department and Alaska State Troopers, as part of the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs Task Force (SEACAD), are investigating the case, with assistance from the USPIS San Bernadino Domicile.

    U.S. v. Rodgers et al.

    According to court documents, beginning in at least September 2024 and continuing through March 2025, Christian Rodgers, 33, of Kenai, Helmut Mey, 37, of Las Vegas, and Jonhatan Lau-Osuna, 37, of Las Vegas, conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in Alaska.

    Rodgers is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time of the alleged conduct, Rodgers had two prior felony convictions for misconduct involving controlled substances and misconduct involving weapons in Alaska Superior Court, Kenai.

    Mey is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lau-Osuna is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

    If convicted, all three defendants face between 10 years to life in prison.

    The charges are a result of an investigation conducted by the USPIS Anchorage Domicile, FBI Anchorage Field Office, and Alaska State Troopers through the Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Initiative’s Southcentral Area-Wide Narcotics (SCAN) team, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is prosecuting these cases, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central District of California, District of Nevada and District of Idaho.

    These cases were brought as part of the Alaska Parcel Interdiction Initiative, a statewide partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Alaska State Troopers and other local law enforcement to disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics into Alaska through the mail. Together, the agencies work tirelessly to interdict suspicious U.S. Postal Service and other carriers’ parcels, with a goal of seizing narcotics before they enter communities and prosecuting those responsible for trafficking drugs to Alaska. 

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Warns of Dangers of Israeli Violations on International Peace and Security

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Vienna, June 13

    The State of Qatar has reiterated its strong condemnation and deep denunciation of the Israeli attack that targeted the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing it as a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security at a time when countries around the world are striving to reach diplomatic solutions to restore peace to the Middle East.

    This came in Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna Jassim Yaqoub Al Hammadi before the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during discussions on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the Israeli nuclear file.

    His Excellency called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities to urgently stop Israeli violations before it is too late, warning of their grave consequences for the region, particularly the destruction of prospects for peace and the endangerment of the people of the region as well as regional and global security.

    He further urged the international community and its organizations to pressure Israel, the occupying power, to immediately end its campaign of genocide against unarmed civilians in the Gaza Strip, its use of food as a weapon, and its ongoing military operations and settlement projects in the occupied West Bank.

    His Excellency reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s firm and unwavering position in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also noted that Qatar continues its mediation efforts alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America to reach a permanent ceasefire and create conditions conducive to launching serious negotiations toward achieving a two-state solution.

    Regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities, His Excellency emphasized the need for the international community and its institutions to fulfill their commitments under United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as IAEA decisions and the 1995 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference resolution, all of which call on Israel to subject its entire nuclear program to the Agency’s comprehensive safeguards system and to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister Holds Phone Call with Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 13

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, held a phone call today with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Abbas Araghchi.

    The two sides discussed the latest regional developments, particularly the Israeli attack on Iranian territory.

    In this context, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Qatar’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack, describing it as a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and a clear breach of international law and its principles.

    His Excellency also extended the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims, affirming that Qatar will work with its regional and international partners to urgently end the aggression against Iran and to spare the region the disastrous consequences such escalation could have on its security, safety, and stability.

    His Excellency emphasized that constructive dialogue among all parties remains the only path to defusing crises and resolving outstanding issues, in order to build lasting peace and security in the region and the world. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement on Israel’s Attack on Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 12, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Thursday released the following statement:
    “Israel’s attack on Iran, clearly intended to scuttle the Trump Administration’s negotiations with Iran, risks a regional war that will likely be catastrophic for America and is further evidence of how little respect world powers – including our own allies – have for President Trump. Iran would not be this close to possessing a nuclear weapon if Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu had not forced America out of the nuclear agreement with Iran that brought Europe, Russia, and China together behind the United States to successfully contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This is a disaster of Trump and Netanyahu’s own making, and now the region risks spiraling toward a new, deadly conflict. A war between Israel and Iran may be good for Netanyahu’s domestic politics, but it will likely be disastrous for both the security of Israel, the United States, and the rest of the region. As Secretary Rubio stated, the United States was not involved in today’s strikes, and we have no obligation to follow Israel into a war we did not ask for and will make us less safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –