NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Guidance on Restoring America’s Fighting Force

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Today, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth published a memorandum to reinforce that the Department of Defense (DoD) has an obligation to the American public to ensure their sons and daughters serve under the best leadership we can provide them. Doing so is a national security imperative. A foundational tenet of the DoD must always be that the most qualified individuals are placed in positions of responsibility in accordance with merit-based, color-blind policies.

    The full memorandum can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Over Twenty Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl, Meth, and Cocaine Charges After High-Speed Police Chase

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    INDIANAPOLIS— Lamone Lauderdale, 37, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 248 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, on January 19, 2022, a Zionsville Police Department K9 officer pulled Lamone Lauderdale over for speeding. A K9 sniff indicated the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle. When Lauderdale was asked to step out of the car, he fled and led officers on a high-speed pursuit down US-421. Lauderdale eventually came to a stop after striking two other vehicles and popping his tire on a median near Michigan Road in Indianapolis. Lauderdale then fled on foot carrying a black bag.

    Lauderdale was eventually found and arrested but was no longer carrying the black bag. Officers located the abandoned bag, which contained 170 grams of methamphetamine, 60 grams of fentanyl, 111 grams of cocaine, a pill press, a digital scale, a 9mm handgun, and 11 rounds of live ammunition.

    A later search of Lauderdale’s vehicle recovered an additional 22 grams of methamphetamine, another digital scale, another handgun and five rounds of ammunition.

    “Traffickers of deadly drugs, armed with deadly weapons, are a poison in our communities,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Those who choose to endanger our families to further their own greed will be identified and prosecuted. With our federal, state, and local partners, we are committed to ensuring dangerous criminals are taken off our streets and held accountable for their actions. I commend the talented professionals at the Zionsville Police Department and ATF, and our federal prosecutor, for their efforts to apprehend and successfully prosecute this dangerous criminal.”

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Zionsville Police Department and investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.

    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.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Dorchester Men Charged as Felons in Possession of Firearms

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    BOSTON – Two Dorchester men were charged yesterday with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition following the execution of a federal search warrant in Dorchester.  

    Rickey Simmons, 46, and Robert Campbell, 35, were each charged by criminal complaint with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  

    According to the charging documents, two loaded firearms were allegedly recovered from the first floor living area occupied by Simmons. Campbell was allegedly found in possession of a key to a safe in in his bedroom that was found to contain thousands of dollars along with a loaded Glock firearm. The room also contained a small amount of what is believed to be cocaine. Additionally, just outside the door of the bedroom, a bag containing three additional Glock firearms was located, including one that was equipped with a machine gun conversion device, allowing it to fire fully automatically. In the same bag, a loaded, extended magazine that fit the converted machine gun was recovered. According to court records, Campbell has prior convictions for assaulting police officers and resisting arrest.

    The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years 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.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Grady and Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit are  prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Helena man sentenced to more than seven years in prison for conviction of firearm crime

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    GREAT FALLS — A Helena man who admitted to a firearm crime after a welfare check led to him being arrested on a warrant while attempting to flee officers was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Scott Hamilton, 44, pleaded in October 2024 to receipt of a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

    In court documents, the government alleged that at 4 a.m. on Dec. 20, 2023, law enforcement officers stopped a man wearing dark clothing and carrying a duffel bag on Montana Highway 12 for a welfare check. The man, identified as Hamilton, told officers he had car trouble and was walking to East Helena. Officers learned there was an active warrant for Hamilton out of Broadwater County. When officers attempted to arrest Hamilton, he fled across the highway and dropped his bag as he ran. Officers pursued and arrested Hamilton and recovered the duffle bag. Inside the duffle bag were two firearms, a .22 caliber revolver and a 9mm pistol, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Hamilton had prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Son and Mom Sentenced for Their Role in Shooting a Victim and Conspiring to Tamper with Witnesses

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    TULSA, Okla. – The U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Marco Dionte Atkins and his mother, Sidney Brook Mayfield, after a jury found them guilty in September.

    “Atkins acted recklessly and violently when he shot at someone outside of an occupied business, where children were present,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “After being arrested, Atkins and his mother relentlessly campaigned against witnesses, trying to evade being held accountable for their actions. I commend law enforcement for their hard work in pursuing justice.”

    In Nov. 2023, Sidney Mayfield pulled into a convenience store directly across the street from a high school. Five teenagers were in the car, including Marco Atkins, Mayfield’s then 18-year-old son. The teens, Mayfield and Atkins, were seen entering the store on video surveillance. After a few minutes inside the store, a verbal altercation began between the teens and the victim. The teens, Mayfield and Atkins, left the store. The teens continued to argue with the victim outside. The video shows Atkins inside the vehicle, firing multiple rounds toward the victim, eventually hitting him in the stomach. Mayfield then sped off.

    Shortly after Atkins was arrested in January 2024, Mayfield and Atkins began tampering with witnesses, obstructing the investigation, and commenting publicly about retaliation. Atkins’ original trial was set to begin in June of 2024 but was forced to be continued due to their obstruction and witness tampering. After the trial was continued in June, evidence showed Mayfield ranting on social media about a witness being a “snitch,” announcing the witness’s full name and where the family resided. In the video played for the jury, Mayfield stated that she would “kill anybody” that went against her or her son and that she would “ride with Marco until the [explicit] wheels fell off.” Shortly after she posted that video, Mayfield was indicted and arrested, and Atkins was charged with additional counts.    

    Atkins, 19, was sentenced to 180 months, followed by five years of supervised release. He was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; and Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

    Mayfield, 39, was sentenced to 70 months, followed by three years of supervised release. She was found guilty of Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim, and Informant; Corruptly Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant; and False Declaration Before a Grand Jury.

    They were both found guilty of Conspiracy to Tamper with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Corrupt Persuasion and Corruptly Obstructing the Due Administration of Justice.

    Atkins and Mayfield are citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. They will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Dowdell and Kenneth Elmore prosecuted the case.

    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. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Production begins at CH4 Global’s first full-scale EcoPark

    Source: CH4 Global

    ADELAIDE, Australia – January 30, 2024 – CH4 Global, Inc., will today officially open phase one of its first full-scale EcoPark, where it has begun to grow and process Asparagopsis in 10 large-scale cultivation ponds with a combined capacity of 2 million litres – capable of producing 80 metric tonnes of the seaweed each year.

    Over the next year, the facility will expand to 100 ponds capable of producing enough Asparagopsis to serve 45,000 cattle per day – a significant step toward meeting demand from CH4 Global’s existing commercial partners in Australia and beyond. With additional investment, the facility could eventually expand to 500 ponds capable of serving hundreds of thousands of cattle per day.

    South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas attended the launch of the EcoPark in Louth Bay, 23km north of Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula.

    “I congratulate CH4 global on this significant achievement,” Mr Malinauslkas said.

    “South Australia is already a world leader in decarbonisation.

    “Helping the rest of the world achieve this challenge presents an incredible opportunity to deliver a more complex economy and more jobs for South Australians.

    “CH4 Global’s EcoPark is a shining example of what we can achieve – using Research and Development to develop new industries.

    “Propagating a local seaweed to feed cattle has the potential to drastically reduce methane emissions from agriculture, both here and around the globe.”

    The EcoPark consists of research and development facilities, a seedling hatchery, patented in-land growth ponds, and harvesting and drying technologies to convert Asparagopsis into CH4 Global’s Methane Tamer products – allowing end-to-end production.

    The EcoPark will sustainably grow methane-reducing Asparagopsis at scale. Asparagopsis, which is a red seaweed native to South Australia, drastically reduces methane emissions from cows by up to 90 per cent.

    CH4 Global founder and Chief Executive Dr Steve Meller said the EcoPark was the first commercial facility of its kind, enabling the scalable propagation of Asparagopsis to meet the needs of feedlots under contract. CH4 Global’s system delivers consistent, high-quality production at a fraction of the cost, enabling profitability throughout the value chain without government subsidies.

    With its proprietary pond-based system, CH4 Global aims to reduce production costs by up to 90 per cent compared to conventional tank-based methods, enabling rapid scaling while positioning CH4 Global to deliver its feed supplement at a price point that ensures profitability throughout the agricultural value chain.

    “The EcoPark allows us to now grow Asparagopsis at-scale, providing more Methane Tamer to the feedlots and farmers we are already working with, and to meet the needs of the increasing number of organisations contacting us to help them change the feeding habits of their cows as we start bending the climate curve,” Dr Meller said.

    “We are well and truly working towards eliminating one billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and reaching 150 million cattle by 2030 through our local and international partnerships with feedlots and farmers, and it’s fantastic to see beef from these cows hitting shelves in Australia and heading overseas.”

    Dr Meller said the Louth Bay EcoPark was an essential step on the climate journey and would be positive for the Eyre Peninsula community and economy.

    CH4 Global has committed to preventing the creation of one gigatonne of CO2 emissions by 2032.

    To do so, CH4 Global needs to reach 150 million cattle —10 per cent of the world’s total.

    “Along with supporting farmers in South Australia, Queensland and overseas to reduce emissions, we’re working closely with the Eyre Peninsula community by having worked with local contractors to build the EcoPark, sourcing local materials and providing regional jobs.”

    CH4 Global has also been working with First Nations communities across South Australia, including with the planting of native species and on a land management plan, and providing a gathering space on-site.

    CH4 Global has implemented a sustainable design framework for Louth Bay and future EcoParks, guiding the use and management of energy and natural resources, waste and GHG emissions, and efficient use of eco-friendly materials.

    As part of its sustainable design framework, CH4 Global has remediated the 14ha site and will be responsible for 13km of beach. Remediation has included removing 5,000 tonnes of concrete tanks – crushed and recycled; 11.76 tonnes of HDPE to be recycled in Adelaide, 10 tonnes of plastic aquaculture trays and other plastic equipment for filtering water and other purposes, which have been rehomed and reused within the community; and sent five tonnes of steel to recycling.

    CH4 Global will be holding an opening event at Louth Bay this morning, at 10.30am. The media is invited to attend.

    Dr Meller is available for interviews. Video footage and photography will also be available post-event.

    About CH4 Global

    CH4 Global, founded in 2018, is on an urgent mission to bend the climate curve, through collaboration with strategic partners worldwide. We deliver market-disruptive products that enable the food industry value chain to radically reduce GHG emissions.

    The company’s first innovation, Methane Tamer feed additives for feedlot cattle, harnesses the power of Asparagopsis seaweed to reduce enteric methane emissions by up to 90 per cent. CH4 Global is headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, in the US, with current subsidiaries in Australia and New Zealand.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – International project to support Australia’s transition to clean energy with next-gen electrolysers – Swinburne University

    Source: Swinburne University


    An international team is developing new electrolysers to support Australia’s transition to clean energy. 


    Led by Swinburne University of Technology researchers Associate Professor Rosalie Hocking and Associate Professor Andrew Ang, the project will strengthen Australia’s capability in domestic manufacturing for renewable technologies, positioning the country as a leader in the global energy transition. 


    “This grant enables us to tackle key challenges in scaling up electrolysers by innovating catalyst design and electrode manufacturing, advancing CO₂ reduction technologies for a sustainable energy future,” says Associate Professor Hocking. 


    Hydrogen electrolysers enable the production of clean hydrogen from water using renewable electricity. This process provides a high-energy, low-emission alternative for sectors that are challenging to electrify, such as heavy transport and industrial processing. 


    By 2050, CSIRO predicts that manufacturing of hydrogen electrolysers industry could generate $1.7 billion in revenue and 4,000 jobs, plus $1.2 billion and 1,000 jobs from installation services. Associate Professor Ang says a key part of making this a reality is reducing costs. 


    “The cost of manufacturing is often overlooked in new technologies despite being a critical consideration in any scalable technology.”  


    “By scaling up these cutting-edge electrode systems, the project will contribute to the development of next-generation electrolysers that support Australia’s transition to clean energy.” 


    The international collaboration between Swinburne’s Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering team and Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP) in Thailand will examine innovative ways to fabricate catalysts materials and Australia’s capacity to scale those technologies. 


    This project aims to develop innovative copper oxide (CuOx) and multimetal oxide catalyst systems for the production of value-added C2+ products, such as hydrocarbons and syngas, using renewable energy in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers. 


    By advancing catalyst design and optimising manufacturing techniques, the project addresses key challenges related to cost and scalability in the deployment of hydrogen production technologies.  


    Associate Professor Hocking says that international partnerships are essential for building Australia’s science and research capabilities. 


    “Employing innovative techniques like thermal spray will help position Australia as a global leader in renewable technology development.” 

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: 

    Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  Parents trust America’s schools to provide their children with a rigorous education and to instill a patriotic admiration for our incredible Nation and the values for which we stand.  
    In recent years, however, parents have witnessed schools indoctrinate their children in radical, anti-American ideologies while deliberately blocking parental oversight.  Such an environment operates as an echo chamber, in which students are forced to accept these ideologies without question or critical examination.  In many cases, innocent children are compelled to adopt identities as either victims or oppressors solely based on their skin color and other immutable characteristics.  In other instances, young men and women are made to question whether they were born in the wrong body and whether to view their parents and their reality as enemies to be blamed.  These practices not only erode critical thinking but also sow division, confusion, and distrust, which undermine the very foundations of personal identity and family unity.

    Imprinting anti-American, subversive, harmful, and false ideologies on our Nation’s children not only violates longstanding anti-discrimination civil rights law in many cases, but usurps basic parental authority.  For example, steering students toward surgical and chemical mutilation without parental consent or involvement or allowing males access to private spaces designated for females may contravene Federal laws that protect parental rights, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), and sex-based equality and opportunity, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).  Similarly, demanding acquiescence to “White Privilege” or “unconscious bias,” actually promotes racial discrimination and undermines national unity.

    My Administration will enforce the law to ensure that recipients of Federal funds providing K-12 education comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in various contexts and protecting parental rights, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.; Title IX, 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.; FERPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; and the PPRA, 20 U.S.C. 1232h.

    Sec. 2.  Definitions.  As used herein:
    (a)  The definitions in the Executive Order “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” (January 20, 2025) shall apply to this order.
    (b)  “Discriminatory equity ideology” means an ideology that treats individuals as members of preferred or disfavored groups, rather than as individuals, and minimizes agency, merit, and capability in favor of immoral generalizations, including that: 
    (i)     Members of one race, color, sex, or national origin are morally or inherently superior to members of another race, color, sex, or national origin; 
    (ii)    An individual, by virtue of the individual’s race, color, sex, or national origin, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; 
    (iii)   An individual’s moral character or status as privileged, oppressing, or oppressed is primarily determined by the individual’s race, color, sex, or national origin; 
    (iv)    Members of one race, color, sex, or national origin cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to their race, color, sex, or national origin; 
    (v)     An individual, by virtue of the individual’s race, color, sex, or national origin, bears responsibility for, should feel guilt, anguish, or other forms of psychological distress because of, should be discriminated against, blamed, or stereotyped for, or should receive adverse treatment because of actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, sex, or national origin, in which the individual played no part; 
    (vi)    An individual, by virtue of the individual’s race, color, sex, or national origin, should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion; 
    (vii)   Virtues such as merit, excellence, hard work, fairness, neutrality, objectivity, and racial colorblindness are racist or sexist or were created by members of a particular race, color, sex, or national origin to oppress members of another race, color, sex, or national origin; or
    (viii)  the United States is fundamentally racist, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory.
    (c)  “Educational service agency” (ESA) has the meaning given in 20 U.S.C. 1401(5), and the terms “elementary school,” “local educational agency” (LEA), “secondary school,” and “state educational agency” (SEA) have the meanings given in 34 C.F.R. 77.1(c).
    (d)  “Patriotic education” means a presentation of the history of America grounded in: 
    (i)    an accurate, honest, unifying, inspiring, and ennobling characterization of America’s founding and foundational principles; 
    (ii)   a clear examination of how the United States has admirably grown closer to its noble principles throughout its history; 
    (iii)  the concept that commitment to America’s aspirations is beneficial and justified; and
    (iv)   the concept that celebration of America’s greatness and history is proper.
    (e)  “Social transition” means the process of adopting a “gender identity” or “gender marker” that differs from a person’s sex.  This process can include psychological or psychiatric counseling or treatment by a school counselor or other provider; modifying a person’s name (e.g., “Jane” to “James”) or pronouns (e.g., “him” to “her”); calling a child “nonbinary”; use of intimate facilities and accommodations such as bathrooms or locker rooms  specifically designated for persons of the opposite sex; and participating in school athletic competitions or other extracurricular activities specifically designated for persons of the opposite sex.  “Social transition” does not include chemical or surgical mutilation.

    Sec. 3.  Ending Indoctrination Strategy.  (a)  Within 90 days of the date of this order, to advise the President in formulating future policy, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall provide an Ending Indoctrination Strategy to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, containing recommendations and a plan for:
    (i)   eliminating Federal funding or support for illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology; and
    (ii)  protecting parental rights, pursuant to FERPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, and the PPRA, 20 U.S.C. 1232h, with respect to any K-12 policies or conduct implicated by the purpose and policy of this order.
    (b)  The Ending Indoctrination Strategy submitted under subsection (a) of this section shall contain a summary and analysis of the following:
    (i)    All Federal funding sources and streams, including grants or contracts, that directly or indirectly support or subsidize the instruction, advancement, or promotion of gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology:
    (A)  in K-12 curriculum, instruction, programs, or activities; or 
    (B)  in K-12 teacher education, certification, licensing, employment, or training; 
    (ii)   Each agency’s process to prevent or rescind Federal funds, to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, from being used by an ESA, SEA, LEA, elementary school, or secondary school to directly or indirectly support or subsidize the instruction, advancement, or promotion of gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology in: 
    (A)  K-12 curriculum, instruction, programs, or activities; or 
    (B)  K-12 teacher certification, licensing, employment, or training; 
    (iii)  Each agency’s process to prevent or rescind Federal funds, to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, from being used by an ESA, SEA, LEA, elementary school, or secondary school to directly or indirectly support or subsidize the social transition of a minor student, including through school staff or teachers or through deliberately concealing the minor’s social transition from the minor’s parents.
    (iv)   Each agency’s process to prevent or rescind Federal funds, to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, from being used by an ESA, SEA, LEA, elementary school, or secondary school to directly or indirectly support or subsidize:
    (A)  interference with a parent’s Federal statutory right to information regarding school curriculum, records, physical examinations, surveys, and other matters under the PPRA or FERPA; or 
    (B)  a violation of Title VI or Title IX; and
    (v)    A summary and analysis of all relevant agency enforcement tools to advance the policies of this order.
        (c)  The Attorney General shall coordinate with State attorneys general and local district attorneys in their efforts to enforce the law and file appropriate actions against K-12 teachers and school officials who violate the law by:
    (i)    sexually exploiting minors; 
    (ii)   unlawfully practicing medicine by offering diagnoses and treatment without the requisite license; or
    (iii)  otherwise unlawfully facilitating the social transition of a minor student.
    (d)  The Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall regularly convene the heads of the agencies tasked with submitting the Ending Indoctrination Strategy under subsection (a) of this section to confer regarding their findings, areas for additional investigation, the modification or implementation of their respective recommendations, and such other policy initiatives or matters as the President may direct.
     
    Sec. 4.  Reestablishing the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission and Promoting Patriotic Education.  (a)  The President’s Advisory 1776 Commission (“1776 Commission”), which was created by Executive Order 13958 of November 2, 2020, to promote patriotic education, but was terminated by President Biden in Executive Order 13985 of January 20, 2021, is hereby reestablished.  The purpose of the 1776 Commission is to promote patriotic education and advance the purposes stated in section 1 of Executive Order 13958, as well as to advise and promote the work of the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday (“Task Force 250”) and the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in their efforts to provide a grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026.
    (b)  Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Education shall establish the 1776 Commission in the Department of Education.
    (c)  The 1776 Commission shall be composed of not more than 20 members, who shall be appointed by the President for a term of 2 years.  The 1776 Commission shall be made up of individuals from outside the Federal Government with relevant experience or subject-matter expertise.  
    (d)  The 1776 Commission shall have a Chair or Co-Chairs, at the President’s discretion, and a Vice Chair, who shall be designated by the President from among the Commission’s members.  An Executive Director, designated by the Secretary of Education in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, shall coordinate the work of the 1776 Commission.  The Chair (or Co-Chairs) and Vice Chair shall work with the Executive Director to convene regular meetings of the 1776 Commission, determine its agenda, and direct its work, consistent with this order.
    (e)  The 1776 Commission shall:
    (i)    facilitate the development and implementation of a “Presidential 1776 Award” to recognize student knowledge of the American founding, including knowledge about the Founders, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitutional Convention, and the great soldiers and battles of the American Revolutionary War;
    (ii)   in coordination with the White House Office of Public Liaison, coordinate bi-weekly lectures regarding the 250th anniversary of American Independence that are grounded in patriotic education principles, which shall be broadcast to the Nation throughout calendar year 2026; 
    (iii)  upon request, advise executive departments and agencies regarding their efforts to ensure patriotic education is appropriately provided to the public at national parks, battlefields, monuments, museums, installations, landmarks, cemeteries, and other places important to the American founding and American history, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law; 
    (iv)   upon request, offer advice and recommendations to, and support the work of Task Force 250 and the United States Semiquincentennial Commission regarding their plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence; and
    (v)    facilitate, advise upon, and promote private and civic activities nationwide to increase public knowledge of and support patriotic education surrounding the 250th anniversary of American Independence, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.
    (f)  The Department of Education shall provide funding and administrative support for the 1776 Commission, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (g)  Members of the 1776 Commission shall serve without compensation but, as approved by the Department of Education, shall be reimbursed for travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707).
    (h)  Insofar as chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Advisory Committee Act), may apply to the 1776 Commission, any functions of the President under that Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary of Education, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Administrator of General Services.
    (i)  The 1776 Commission shall terminate 2 years from the date of this order, unless extended by the President. 

    Sec. 5.  Additional Patriotic Education Measures.  (a)  All relevant agencies shall monitor compliance with section 111(b) of title I of Division J of Public Law 108-447, which provides that “[e]ach educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution,” including by verifying compliance with each educational institution that receives Federal funds.  All relevant agencies shall take action, as appropriate, to enhance compliance with that law. 
    (b)  All relevant agencies shall prioritize Federal resources, consistent with applicable law, to promote patriotic education, including through the following programs:
    (i)    the Department of Education’s American History and Civics Academies and American History and Civics Education-National Activities programs; 
    (ii)   the Department of Defense’s National Defense Education Program and Pilot Program on Enhanced Civics Education; and
    (iii)  the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Fulbright, U.S. Speaker, and International Visitor Leadership programs, as well as the American Spaces network.

    Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: 
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or 
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to improve the education, well-being, and future success of America’s most prized resource, her young citizens, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose.  Parents want and deserve the best education for their children.  But too many children do not thrive in their assigned, government-run K-12 school.  According to this year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 70 percent of 8th graders were below proficient in reading, and 72 percent were below proficient in math.  Moreover, geographically based school assignments exacerbate the cost of housing in districts with preferred schools, straining the finances of millions of American families sacrificing for their children’s futures. 

    When our public education system fails such a large segment of society, it hinders our national competitiveness and devastates families and communities.  For this reason, more than a dozen States have enacted universal K-12 scholarship programs, allowing families — rather than the government — to choose the best educational setting for their children.  These States have highlighted the most promising avenue for education reform:  educational choice for families and competition for residentially assigned, government-run public schools.  The growing body of rigorous research demonstrates that well-designed education-freedom programs improve student achievement and cause nearby public schools to improve their performance. 

    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of my Administration to support parents in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children. 

    Sec. 3.  Guidance on Supporting State-based K-12 Educational Choice.  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Education shall issue guidance regarding how States can use Federal formula funds to support K-12 educational choice initiatives.

    Sec. 4.  Encouraging Education Freedom through Discretionary Grant Programs.  (a)  The Secretary of Education shall include education freedom as a priority in discretionary grant programs, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. 
    (b)  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education shall review their respective discretionary grant programs and each submit a plan to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, that identifies, evaluates, and makes recommendations regarding using relevant discretionary grant programs to expand education freedom for America’s families and teachers. 

    Sec. 5.  Expanding Opportunities for Low-Income, Working Families.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue guidance regarding whether and how States receiving block grants for families and children from the Department, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDGB), can use them to expand educational choice and support families who choose educational alternatives to governmental entities, including private and faith-based options.

    Sec. 6.  Helping Military Families.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense shall review any available mechanisms under which military-connected families may use funds from the Department of Defense to attend schools of their choice, including private, faith-based, or public charter schools, and submit a plan to the President describing such mechanisms and the steps that would be necessary to implement them beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

    Sec. 7.  Helping Children Eligible for Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Schools.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior shall review any available mechanisms under which families of students eligible to attend BIE schools may use their Federal funding for educational options of their choice, including private, faith-based, or public charter schools, and submit a plan to the President describing such mechanisms and the steps that would be necessary to implement them for the 2025-26 school year.  The Secretary shall report on the current performance of BIE schools and identify educational options in nearby areas.  

    Sec. 8.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Expanding Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to Full Capacity

    Source: The White House

    MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY

    SUBJECT:       Expanding Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to Full Capacity

    I hereby direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to take all appropriate actions to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States, and to address attendant immigration enforcement needs identified by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.

    This memorandum is issued in order to halt the border invasion, dismantle criminal cartels, and restore national sovereignty.

    This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose.  It is the policy of the United States, and a purpose of this order, to provide a grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026.  It is also the purpose of this order to take other actions to honor the history of our great Nation.

    Sec. 2.  Establishing the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. (a)  There is hereby established the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday (Task Force 250).
    (b)  The President shall be the Chair of Task Force 250 and the Vice President will serve as Vice Chair.  The Chair shall appoint an Executive Director, who shall administer and execute the day-to-day operations of Task Force 250, and who shall report through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.  The Chair, the Vice Chair, or a member of Task Force 250 designated by the Chair, shall convene regular meetings of Task Force 250, determine its agenda, and direct its work, consistent with this order.  The Executive Director and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall assist in the performance of these duties.  The Chair may designate any member of the Task Force to preside over meetings of the Task Force.  
    (c)  In addition to the Chair and Vice Chair, Task Force 250 shall consist of the following members:
    (i)     the Secretary of State;
    (ii)    the Secretary of the Treasury;
    (iii)   the Secretary of Defense;
    (iv)    the Secretary of the Interior; 
    (v)     the Secretary of Agriculture;
    (vi)    the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;
    (vii)   the Secretary of Education;
    (viii)  the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy;
    (ix)    the Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs;
    (x)     the Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Chief of Staff;
    (xi)    the Director of Speechwriting;
    (xii)   the Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities;
    (xiii)  the Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts;
    (xiv)   the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services; and
    (xv)    the heads of such other executive departments, agencies, and offices that the Chair or the Vice Chair may, from time to time, designate or invite to participate.
    (d)  The Chair and the Vice Chair, as they deem appropriate, shall invite the Executive Director of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to provide recommendations and advice to Task Force 250. 
    (e)  Task Force 250 shall coordinate with the executive departments and agencies (agencies) to plan, organize, and execute an extraordinary celebration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence and shall coordinate agencies’ communications with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission.  In addition, the Executive Director may seek information or advice from such other agencies as Task Force 250 shall direct.
    (f)  For administrative purposes, the Task Force shall be housed in the Department of Defense, which shall provide funding and administrative support for Task Force 250, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (g)  Agencies shall provide a report to Task Force 250 regarding their respective planning and activities with respect to the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.  These reports should be submitted to the Executive Director of Task Force 250 no later than March 1, 2025.
    (h)  Task Force 250 shall terminate on December 31, 2026, unless extended by the President.

    Sec. 3.  National Garden of American Heroes.  (a)  Executive Order 13934 of July 3, 2020 (Building and Rebuilding Monuments to American Heroes) and Executive Order 13978 of January 18, 2021 (Building the National Garden of American Heroes) are reinstated as they were prior to issuance of Executive Order 14029 of May 14, 2021. 
    (b)  The Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall recommend to the President additional historically significant Americans for inclusion in the National Garden of American Heroes, to bring the total number of heroes to 250.
    (c)  Section 3(c)(ii) of Executive Order 13934 is amended by striking “prior to the 250th anniversary of the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026” and inserting in its place “as expeditiously as possible”.

    Sec. 4.  Protecting America’s Monuments from Vandalism.  Executive Order 13933 of June 26, 2020 (Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combatting Recent Criminal Violence) is hereby reinstated as it was prior to the issuance of Executive Order 14029 of May 14, 2021.  Recent examples of conduct necessitating reinstatement of this order include pro-Hamas-related vandalism of historically significant public monuments and related assaults on Federal officers and employees following October 7, 2023, including the vandalism of the exterior of the Department of the Treasury and of statues in Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. on June 8, 2024, and the assaults on Federal officers and vandalism of the Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain and Freedom Bell at Union Station in Washington, D.C. on July 24, 2024.   

    Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Donald J. Trump Signed S.5 into Law

    Source: The White House

    On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the President signed into law:

    S. 5, the “Laken Riley Act,” which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on RCMP investigation in Fairy Creek

    Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement in response to reported tree spiking in the Fairy Creek watershed:

    “Last week, I was notified that there are reports of tree spiking in the Fairy Creek area of southern Vancouver Island.

    “Spiking a tree, or even attempting to, is a dangerous criminal activity that puts the health and safety of B.C.’s forestry workers at risk. These reports are incredibly alarming and I condemn this criminal behaviour.

    “We immediately notified both the forestry licensee and the local First Nation. We have also referred this matter to the RCMP.  An investigation is ongoing.

    “If anyone has any information, I encourage them to contact the Nanaimo RCMP detachment at 250 754-2345 and reference this file number: NA25-2275.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New data shows more people applying to become school teachers

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    New data shows more people applying to become school teachers.

    Data analysis by the Department of Education shows both applications and offers are up for people wanting to study an undergraduate course in education.

    Overall, preliminary results from tertiary admission centres are showing a 7 per cent increase in applications and a 14 per cent increase in offers compared to 2024.

    These positive early results come after the Albanese Labor Government and state and territory governments have been working together to tackle the teacher workforce shortage through the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan.

    Many states and territories have delivered significant pay increases for the teaching profession over the past two years.

    They have also taken important steps to help reduce teacher workload. 

    The Albanese Government brought back teaching scholarships worth up to $40,000 each to encourage more people to study teaching. 

    And for the first time ever, the Australian Government is introducing a Prac Payment for teaching students which provides financial support while they do the practical part of their course. 

    These initiatives come on top of the biggest reforms to teacher training in a generation, which include a stronger focus on how to teach children to read and write and do maths and manage behaviour.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “Being a teacher is the most important job in the world, and we don’t have enough of them.

    “The Liberals ripped the guts out of public school funding and under them, the teacher shortage crisis got worse. 

    “We’re now starting to see this turn around.

    “I want more young people to leap out of high school and want to become a teacher, rather than a lawyer or a banker.

    “That’s why we are tackling the teacher workforce shortage with teaching scholarships, reforms to teacher training and paid prac for teaching students.”

    Additional background

    Tertiary Admissions Centre total (undergraduates) – preliminary data(1) as at 16 January each reporting year
     

       2022    2023  2024 2025 (preliminary) % change from 2024 to 2025
    Applications 12,082 11,966 11,816 12,659 7%
    Offers 7,816 8,774 8,672 9,905 14%

    1.    Domestic, undergraduate student applications and offers for first semester study in Commonwealth Supported Places at Table A universities
    2.    Data reflect each applicant’s highest preference application and the most recent offer made to each applicant (one application and one offer per person).
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Final step underway to decide council election boundaries

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council’s final proposal for representation arrangements will soon be considered by the Local Government Commission, taking Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland one step closer to confirmed electoral boundaries and the total number of elected members for the October 2025 elections.

    A public hearing on 4 February at Auckland Town Hall is where the Commission will hear the council’s proposed changes, following a complex review on representation carried out in 2024.

    ​Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward Councillor Julie Fairey, chair of the council’s Joint Governance Working Party, says the process, through consultation, captured valuable public and local board feedback (2,359 submissions and 19 from local boards) that helped refine the recommendations for change.

    “Tāmaki Makaurau is always changing and it’s vital for us to review our local representation structure at least every six years. Keeping Auckland’s council electoral boundaries and elected member ratios up to date helps to ensure fair and effective local and regional representation, and keeps decision-making as local as possible,” says Cr Fairey.

    The council’s final proposal for the 2025 representation arrangements was resolved in September and publicly notified in October 2024, so that anyone with outstanding concerns could officially submit an appeal or objection.

    The Commission will consider the 18 appeals and objections it received and invite those who submitted an appeal or objection to speak in person at the hearing.

    Important changes proposed for Auckland include adjusting the North Shore /Albany ward boundary, central Auckland ward boundaries, and Rodney and Howick local board subdivisions.

    These adjustments will accommodate faster growth in some areas by ensuring that each elected member represents more or less the same number of people within their ward or local board area, to provide fair and effective representation for all Aucklanders – no matter where they live.

    The Commission must also consider the council’s decision not to comply with the fairness rule in certain areas to keep connected communities together, and to maintain fair representation for those living in less-populated areas.

    Areas where exceptions are proposed include the North Shore/Albany wards, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board subdivisions, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board subdivisions, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board subdivisions and Franklin Local Board subdivisions. 

    Minor local board boundary changes may also be discussed. The council has proposed making changes to the Upper Harbour/Devonport-Takapuna local board boundary, in Kaipātiki /Upper Harbour, and Puketāpapa/ Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.

    Once the hearing concludes, the Commission must decide whether to approve the council’s proposed changes by 11 April 2025, allowing time for changes to be introduced ahead of the October 2025 elections.

    Everyone is welcome to attend the hearing or watch it live-streamed online. The full recording will be made available on the Commission’s YouTube channel afterwards.

    To read more on the council’s final proposal, visit OurAuckland and akhaveyoursay/representation.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 30 January 2025 How the healing power of a home has given Matt his voice Moving into a Kāinga Ora home has been such a game-changer for Matt that just three months on he’s regained the ability to speak.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    It’s an extraordinary development, more than anyone expected, and one that Matt firmly attributes to the healing power of home and family.

    A year ago, Matt was left paralysed from cancer treatment. It was a devastating blow made worse by the fact he couldn’t return home as there was no wheelchair access. The only accommodation that could be found for him was a room in an Auckland retirement home, a very long way from his wife and daughters in the Waikato.

    Wife Pene says it was a dark time for the whole family. “We missed each other, and I could see Matt was getting depressed because he couldn’t do much for himself.”

    The turning point came in a call from Kāinga Ora; an accessible family home with flat access, wide doorways and a wetroom had become available in Takaanini, South Auckland.

    “We were over the moon,” says Pene. “It really was a dream come true. I met the occupational therapist (OT) at the house to ensure it would be suitable then I went straight to Matt to tell him the good news.”

    Kāinga Ora Wellbeing Advisor Angeline had coordinated with all stakeholders involved in Matt’s care to aid the search for a suitable home – his social worker, OT and physiotherapist, ACC and the rest home where he was staying.

    “Where there are multiple agencies involved, it’s important to take a holistic approach to ensure customers’ needs are met,” she says.

    “It was also very lucky that the right home, in the right location became available as it’s often a challenge to find a property that ticks all the right boxes for a whanau with accessibility needs.

    “I know Matt and his whānau had endured a long separation, so it was a pleasure to see them reconnect as a whānau unit in their new home.”

    “We’re so happy to be back together and it’s had an incredible effect on my physical health,” says Matt.

    “My OT and physiotherapist are amazed by how well I’ve progressed since moving in here; I’ve even regained some movement in my legs.

    “All the little things like being together and being able to do normal family stuff feels amazing. I used to feel hopeless for myself and worried about my family not having the security of a permanent home.

    “Thinking back to where we were a year ago makes me realise how good life is now. I don’t have the words to accurately describe how grateful I feel, it’s overwhelming, but I know I have been blessed.”

    Pene says opening the door to their new home “was like the sun coming out and showing us the way out of the dark. Honestly, we’re ecstatically happy to have a home and be together, soaking up the time we have together.”

    Page updated: 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David Lamont Hicks, age 48, of Steubenville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 81 months in federal prison for the distribution of methamphetamine. 

    According to court documents and statements made in court, as part of a drug investigation, officers searched an apartment on Wheeling Island. Hicks fled the apartment on foot and was arrested. Investigators seized methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Hicks has prior convictions for aggravated robbery, drug trafficking, and attempted burglary.

    Hicks will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.   

    U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Allegedly Attempting To Extort Money From Chicago Restaurateur

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a man for allegedly threatening and assaulting a Chicago restaurateur to collect a debt the man claimed he was owed.

    An indictment returned Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges JAWAD FAKROUNE, also known as “Angelino Escobar” or “Anjelino Escobar,” 45, of Morocco, with extortion.  Arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah.

    In 2023 and 2024, Fakroune privately loaned approximately $405,000 to the restaurateur to start a new restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, according to a criminal complaint previously filed in the case. The restaurateur repaid a portion of the loan, but in November 2024 Fakroune and the restaurateur engaged in a dispute regarding the amount of money still owed, the complaint states. On the evening of Nov. 25, 2024, Fakroune went to the restaurant, threatened the restaurateur over the manner and nature of the repayments, and claimed that $1.5 million was still owed, the complaint states.  Fakroune then choked, kicked, and punched the restaurateur, while continuing to demand money and threatening the restaurateur’s life and the lives of his family members, the complaint states.

    The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Hennessy and Richard M. Rothblatt.

    The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: General President of International Union of Operating Engineers Pleads Guilty and Agrees to Resign

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON –James T. Callahan, the International President of the International Union of Operating Engineers, pleaded guilty to knowingly filing false annual reports with the United States Department of Labor. These reports, called LM-30s, are required by law and must be truthful and complete. 

               The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia.

               Callahan, of Lindenhurst, NY, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Ana C. Reyes of the U.S. District Court for the District of the District of Columbia who accepted his plea of guilty.  Judge Reyes will determine any sentence for Callahan after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Judge Reyes scheduled sentencing for May 19, 2025. 

               The Operating Engineers represents nearly 400,000 heavy machinery operators on construction and industrial sites throughout the United States and Canada. From 2011 to the present, Callahan has served as General President of the Operating Engineers at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

               In pleading guilty, Callahan admitted that he filed LM-30 reports that omitted his receipt of goods and services from an advertising firm that Callahan and the Union used to place ads. From 2015 through 2023, Callahan requested from the advertising firm and received free tickets to nearly 100 sports, concert, and theater events, as well as hospitality packages associated with those events. Those tickets and amenities were worth at least $315,000 and properly belonged to the Operating Engineers. Callahan did not reveal the existence of those tickets and did not obtain authorization from the Union’s Executive Board to use them. Callahan used many of those tickets personally and provided other tickets to members of his family and persons who were not members of the Operating Engineers. 

               As a condition of his plea, Callahan agreed to repay the Operating Engineers $315,000 for the tickets and resign as General President immediately.

              The United States Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Labor Management Standards and DOL-Office of Inspector General, are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Brian Kelly and Trial Attorney Vincent Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering section are prosecuting the case.

    ##

    24cr555 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Felon Found with a ‘Ghost Gun’ Is Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON — Alonte Wilkinson, 31, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 57 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm, a “ghost gun” that was recovered after he was stopped by police on suspicion of shoplifting from a CVS in Southwest Washington D.C.

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Wilkinson pleaded guilty on October 23, 2024, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 57-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered Wilkinson to serve three years of supervised release.

                According to court documents on January 17, 2024, about 5 p.m., MPD officers were conducting a retail theft operation at the CVS on the 1100 block of 4th Street SW. At 5:18 p.m., Wilkinson and another man entered the store. At 5:22 p.m., two CVS employees took note of Wilkinson and the other man exiting the store without paying for their items. The officers stopped the pair as they walked northbound on 4th Street SW.

                MPD officers searched both men. One of the officers recovered a firearm from Wilkinson’s right jacket pocket. Wilkinson claimed he had a license to carry a concealed weapon, but that he did not have the license in his possession. The firearm recovered from the Wilkinson was a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol with one live round in the chamber, and 12 more rounds in the magazine. The serial number on the pistol was obliterated and rendered unreadable. A check of the D.C. Gun Registry database revealed that Wilkinson did not have a license to carry a firearm nor was the firearm in his possession registered to him, given the obliterated serial number.

                A criminal history search confirmed that Wilkinson was a felon, having been previously convicted for a firearms offense in 2019 for which he was sentenced to prison for more than one year.

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emory Cole.

    24cr0058

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Browning man sentenced to more than three years in prison for burning woman with hot knife on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to burning a woman on the hand with a hot knife in a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Dale Ray Racine, 32, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to assault with a dangerous weapon.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of Feb. 14, 2024, Racine was drinking at a residence in Browning. The victim, Jane Doe, also was present. At some point, Racine placed a knife in a wood stove until it was red hot. Racine removed the knife from the fire and burned Doe with it. Doe reported to law enforcement and medical providers that Racine was trying to brand her neck. Doe held up her hand to stop the branding, at which point Racine intentionally burned her hand. Doe was treated for second-degree burns to her hand. Racine committed the assault one month after having been released from federal prison and while on supervision for an assault he committed in 2021 in which he repeatedly struck a man in the head with a metal pipe.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, investigated the case.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Taos Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Counts of Child Sexual Abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Taos Pueblo man pleaded guilty in federal court today to three counts of sexual abuse of children.

    According to court documents, Ben John Martinez, 76, an enrolled member of Taos Pueblo, admitted to exploiting his traditional roles in Taos Pueblo to sexually assault minors during traditional ceremonies and at his home on Taos Pueblo between 2001 and 2010. Martinez used his position to gain unsupervised access to children including John Doe, Jane Doe 1, and Jane Doe 2 as well as other currently known victims as described in the plea agreement.

    Martinez was taken into custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Martinez faces 15-40 years imprisonment.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany J. DuChaussee is prosecuting the caseas part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    The FBI continues to investigate Martinez’s involvement in crimes against other victims.  If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or Chief Summer Mirabal of the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety at (575) 741-0764.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Darren Patterson, 31, a previously convicted felon from Washington D.C., was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 36 months in federal prison in connection with an April 2024 incident in which he attempted to flee from police in his car, struck several vehicles, drove his vehicle into a fence, and crashed into a tree. At his arrest, Patterson was found to be in possession of more than 70 grams of crack cocaine and in illegal possession of a stolen Glock 47 that had been outfitted to fire as a machine gun.

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Patterson pleaded guilty on July 25, 2024, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 36-month prison term, U.S. District Court Loren L. AliKhan ordered Patterson to serve three years of supervised release.

                According to court documents, on April 13, 2024, members of the MPD’s Fifth District Crime Suppression Team (CST) were patrolling in the 1000 block 16th Street, NE. The officers approached a sedan parked on the block and observed a black firearm in plain view in between the feet of Patterson, who was seated behind the wheel. Officers attempted to stop Patterson for further investigation, but Patterson attempted to flee. He reversed the car, causing it to strike another vehicle that was parked behind it. Officers again attempted to stop Patterson, at which point he drove forward, struck a second parked vehicle, and then drove onto the public sidewalk. Patterson then crashed the car into a private fence before driving the car into a tree, which finally stopped him. 

                During a search of the car, MPD officers recovered a stolen Glock 47 that had one round in the chamber, and 19 rounds in the magazine. The stolen firearm was outfitted with a “giggle switch” that allowed it to be operated as a fully automatic machine gun.

                In a search of Patterson, officers recovered crack cocaine – 13 grams of a white rock-like substance in his pocket, 58.5 grams of a white rock-like substance on the ground where Patterson was arrested – and $2,030 from his person.

                Patterson previously had been convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm (prior conviction); possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

                This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emory Cole, Meredith Mayer-Dempsey, and Jared English.

    24cr204

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooklyn Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Earlier today, an indictment was unsealed charging Ramel Warner with sexual exploitation of a child.  The defendant was arrested this morning and arraigned before Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. He was detained pending trial.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charge.

    “As alleged, while babysitting a seven-year-old boy, the defendant horrifically abused him, filmed the acts and subsequently distributed it on the dark web,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Our Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who abuses children.”

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

    “Ramel Warner is alleged to have used his access to a young child, while babysitting him at his own home, to film himself sexually assaulting the child. Warner’s alleged actions are unconscionable, and we believe there may be more victims. We ask anyone with information regarding his actions to please come forward, so that we can further investigate and aid his victims.  The FBI is committed to ensuring the safety of children and holding their abusers accountable in the criminal justice system,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.

    As set forth in court filings, in approximately 2022, the defendant raped the young son of a family friend in the child’s own home when he was supposed to be babysitting him.  The defendant recorded six videos of his sexual abuse of the child, one of which was over four minutes long.  The videos the defendant created depict him anally penetrating the child and performing oral sex on him.  Those videos were subsequently distributed on the dark web.

    The government believes the defendant has worked at afterschool programs in Brooklyn public schools, including a dance group for minor children operating out of a Brooklyn middle school. Anyone with information about sexual exploitation by the defendant should contact the FBI at RWarnerCase@fbi.gov.

    This prosecution is 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years.

    The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Assistant United States Attorney Vincent Chiappini is in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    Ramel Warner
    Age: 23
    Brooklyn, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-32

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Returns Seven Indictments

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    LAS VEGAS MAN CHARGED WITH COCAINE TRAFFICKING AND ILLEGAL FIREARMS POSSESSION

    Enrique Rodriquez possessed over 5 kilograms of cocaine

    Enrique Rodriguez, 41, Las Vegas, Nevada, is charged with distributing cocaine, possessing cocaine intended for distribution, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that on June 6, 2024, Rodriguez distributed 500 grams or more of cocaine. The indictment also alleges that on January 16, 2025, Rodriquez possessed 5 kilograms or more of cocaine intended for distribution, illegally possessed a firearm as a felon, and possessed the firearm to further a drug trafficking crime. 

    If convicted, Rodriguez faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison for the count charging distribution of over 500 grams of cocaine. The count involving 5 kilograms or more of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The felon in possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life.

    The charges against Rodriguez are the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Madison and Milwaukee, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Madison Police Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.

    MARSHALL MAN CHARGED WITH DRUG AND GUN CRIMES

    Deontrae C. McIntosh, 21, Marshall, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; possessing cocaine and fentanyl intended for distribution; possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon; and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.

    The indictment alleges that McIntosh distributed cocaine on September 23, 2024, and on September 27, 2024. The indictment alleges that McIntosh distributed cocaine and heroin on October 4, 2024. The indictment further alleges that on November 6, 2024, McIntosh distributed cocaine and fentanyl, possessed cocaine and fentanyl intended for distribution, and possessed a loaded Glock 23, 40 caliber semi-automatic handgun as a felon and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

    If convicted, McIntosh faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each drug charge. The felon in possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, McIntosh faces a penalty of not less than 5 years in prison with a maximum of life in prison.

    The charges against McIntosh are the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea is handling the case.

    CHIPPEWA FALLS MAN CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE AND FENTANYL

    Jason Barnard, 39, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and with possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that on October 6, 2024, Barnard distributed a mixture of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that Barnard distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Finally, the indictment alleges that on December 6, 2024, Barnard possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, all intended for distribution.

    If convicted of the charge involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine or 40 grams or more of fentanyl, Barnard faces a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted of the charge involving 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, Barnard faces a minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The other distribution charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

    The charges against Barnard are the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Enforcement Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the case.

    WAUSAU MAN CHARGED WITH COCAINE TRAFFICKING AND ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARMS

    Johntay L. Johnson, 39, Wausau, Wisconsin, is charged with maintaining a drug involved premise, distributing cocaine, and possessing firearms as a felon. The indictment alleges that between December 19, 2023, and November 21, 2024, Johnson used his residence in Wausau to store, manufacture, and distribute illegal drugs. The indictment further alleges that Johnson distributed cocaine on nine occasions in 2024 and possessed three firearms as a felon on September 10, 2024.

    If convicted of the drug counts, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. If convicted of the felon in possession count, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. 

    The charges against Johnson were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of agents from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.

    SUN PRAIRIE MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARM AND AMMUNITION

    Cashius Carter, 20, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The indictment alleges that Carter possessed a loaded Glock 9mm handgun and Federal 9mm ammunition between June 21, 2024, and September 26, 2024.  

    If convicted, Carter faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

    The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.

    FITCHBURG MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARM

    Malcolm Whiteside, 29, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges that Whiteside possessed a loaded Glock Model 27 pistol on August 12, 2024. 

    If convicted, Whiteside faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

    The charge against Whiteside is the result of an investigation conducted by the Monona Police Department, Madison Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma is handling the case.

    MADISON MAN CHARGED WITH DRUG CRIMES

    Gregory P. Robinson, 41, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing cocaine, possessing cocaine and fentanyl intended for distribution, and maintaining a drug trafficking place. The indictment alleges that Robinson distributed cocaine on four occasions in June 2024. The indictment also alleges that on June 25, 2024, Robinson possessed cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and cocaine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, all intended for distribution. Finally, the indictment alleges that Robinson maintained a drug trafficking place from June 13, 2024, to June 25,2024.

    If convicted of the charge involving 400 grams or more, Robinson faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. If convicted of the charge involving 40 grams or more, Robinson faces a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. The distribution charges, the possession of cocaine charge, and the maintaining a drug trafficking place charge all carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison.

    The charges against Robinson are the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, the Madison Police Department, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case.

    CHIPPEWA FALLS MAN CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE

    Leroy T. McNamara, 61, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that McNamera distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on July 8, 2024, and July 24, 2024.

    If convicted, McNamara faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on each charge.

    The charges against McNamara are the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force and the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes is handling the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Searcy Landlord Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison After Being Convicted of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

          LITTLE ROCK—A Searcy man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison today. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.

          Thomas Ray Kelso, 74, of Searcy, Arkansas, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 1, 2023. Prior to that, an investigation by the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force revealed that Kelso frequently distributed methamphetamine at an apartment complex in Searcy. Kelso, who owned the apartment complex, exploited female residents in the complex and forced them into performing sex acts in order to keep the power on in their apartment, satisfy their rent obligations, or obtain illegal narcotics.

          The investigation also revealed that when one woman refused Kelso’s sexual advances, he pulled her electricity meter to cut her power. Kelso also employed one woman to recruit other women for him so he could exploit them to engage in performing sexual acts on him.

          After a two-day trial that concluded on August 14, 2024, a federal grand jury found Kelso, guilty on all four counts for which he was indicted: three counts of sex trafficking and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

          Judge Moody also sentenced Kelso to five years’ supervised release, a $50,000 fine, and $50,000 in restitution for a total of $100,000. There is no parole in the federal system.

          The investigation was conducted by the Searcy Police Department and Central Arkansas Drug Task Force, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Shelby Shelton.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Ammunition

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles-area man with multiple prior felony convictions has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for illegally possessing ammunition during an incident last year in which pointed a firearm at a victim and also threatened to shoot the victim’s dog, the Justice Department announced today.

    Edward Conway, 47, who was a transient at the time of the offense, was sentenced Monday afternoon by United States District Judge Percy Anderson. Conway pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

    According to court documents, on February 25, 2024, Conway held a gun to the head of his ex-girlfriend’s cousin, demanding that the victim get Conway’s ex-girlfriend on the phone. Conway also threatened to shoot the man’s dog if he didn’t cooperate.

    During the incident, Conway pointed to a camera on the man’s house and demanded that the victim turn the camera off. When the victim told Conway he was unable to do so, Conway fired his gun at the camera, pushed his gun into the victim’s back and pinned him to a car while continuing to threaten him.

    When Conway shot toward the camera, a child was taking shelter from the commotion in a house adjacent to where Conway fired the gun, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. Investigators recovered a 9mm caliber shell casing from the scene.

    After shooting at the camera, Conway fled the scene on foot, but he was later arrested by officers with the Los Angeles Police Department.

    Earlier that same day, Conway harassed and strangled his ex-girlfriend outside of a grocery store in Los Angeles, then proceeded to throw her car keys onto a neighboring apartment, preventing her from escaping him, according to the sentencing memo.  As a result of this conduct, Conway was convicted of felony domestic violence and sentenced to 60 days in custody.

    Conway is not legally permitted to possess ammunition because of his criminal history, which includes felony convictions in Los Angeles Superior Court for second-degree robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and assault with a deadly weapon.

    The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department investigated this matter. 

    Assistant United States Attorney Mirelle N. Raza of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect AM Radio

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Each week, nearly 47 million Americans rely on AM radio to deliver updates on news, sports, weather, and emergency alerts. Despite this, several car manufacturers proposed removing AM radio in their newer vehicles. 
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA) in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The legislation aims to address critical public safety and communication challenges by ensuring broadcast AM radio remains accessible in all passenger vehicles, including electric vehicles.
    If enacted, the bill would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring new vehicles to maintain access to broadcast AM radio at no additional cost to the consumer and provide small vehicle manufacturers at least four years after the date DOT issues the rule to comply. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act also requires automakers to inform consumers, during the period before the rule takes effect, that the vehicles do not maintain access to broadcast AM radio.
    “AM radio connects millions of listeners across the country to reliable news, critical emergency alerts, and vital weather updates every week,” said Cramer. “I joined my colleagues in reintroducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to prevent automakers from removing this essential communication tool from vehicles. We must keep Americans safe, and this legislation will protect life-saving access to necessary alerts, while preserving emergency communication infrastructure.”
    “During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe. AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades. I am honored to once again partner with Sen. Markey on this bipartisan legislation on behalf of our constituents who depend on AM radio and public airwaves for access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts,” said Senator Cruz.
    “As we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication. AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information,” said Senator Markey. “Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles. Our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act heeds their words and ensures that this essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial.”
    Additional cosponsors include U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Todd Young (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jim Banks (R-IN), and John Hoeven (R-ND).
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Confirms Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Senate confirmed Lee Zeldin to serve as the 17th Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator by a vote of 56 to 42 today. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after voting in favor of Zeldin’s nomination.
    “Lee is primed and ready to slash the mountains of backwards regulations at the EPA to restore primacy of states and common sense,” said Cramer. “I look forward to working with him as he brings some sanity back to EPA and makes the bureaucracy work for the people it purportedly serves.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey and Cruz Reintroduce Bill to Keep AM Radio in New Vehicles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill Text (PDF)
    Washington (January 29, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.
    “As we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication. AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information,” said Senator Markey. “Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles. Our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act heeds their words and ensures that this essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial.”
    “During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe. AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades. I am honored to once again partner with Sen. Markey on this bipartisan legislation on behalf of our constituents who depend on AM radio and public airwaves for access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts,” said Senator Cruz.
    Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.),    Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wy.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).
    In May 2023, Senators Markey and Cruz led their colleagues in introducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.  The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in July 2023 and passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –