NewzIntel.com

Category: Department of Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.14.2025 Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Allow American Victims of Terrorism to Sue International Organizations Supporting Terrorists

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and colleagues introduced the LIABLE Act, which removes immunity from, and allows suits against, international organizations that provide material support to designated terror groups which commit terrorism against Americans.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “The United Nations Relief and Works Agency officials have for decades knowingly provided support to Hamas terrorists, including salaries and materials. That support facilitated Hamas’s terrorist attack on October 7th, which was the worst one-day massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and included the murder and kidnapping of dozens of Americans. Those victims and their families deserve the ability to hold UNRWA accountable, and the LIABLE Act would give them that opportunity.”
    The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).
    Sen. Cramer said, “International organizations who knowingly support foreign terrorist organizations should be held legally responsible for their complicity in terrorism. The LIABLE Act ensures those who provide material support to terrorism—whether through direct involvement or by aiding and abetting—can no longer hide behind legal immunity.”
    Sen. Budd said, “I’m proud to stand with Senator Cruz and my colleagues to introduce the LIABLE Act, which would ensure that victims of terrorism, along with their families, can seek justice and hold international organizations accountable for aiding and abetting terrorist acts. There is no better example of this than UNRWA, an organization with longstanding ties to Hamas, whose staff members participated in the horrific October 7th attacks.  America must send a clear message: supporting terrorism will never be tolerated or ignored.”
    Sen. Ricketts said, “UNRWA employees provided material support for Hamas terrorists and contributed to the barbaric October 7th attacks,” said Ricketts. “They need to be held accountable for aiding and abetting terrorism. This bill will enable American victims of terrorism to get justice.”
    Sen. Hagerty said, “UNRWA has provided material support to the terrorist organization Hamas and has cultivated anti-Israel extremism and terrorism. UNRWA employees directly participated in the terrorist attacks of October 7th that killed dozens of Americans and UNRWA schools produced over 100 graduates who participated in the atrocities of that terrible day. I am proud to cosponsor this necessary legislation that makes it possible to hold UNRWA accountable for its complicity in terrorism.”
    Sen. Barrasso said, “Any international organization aiding terrorist groups must be investigated and held accountable. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency has a lot to answer for after providing resources to Hamas terrorists. The blood of innocent Americans and Israelis who were kidnapped or killed on October 7 is on their hands. I am proud to join Senator Cruz and my colleagues on this important legislation to give victims and their families an opportunity for much-deserved justice.”
    Sen. Scott said, “For years, UNRWA has been aiding Iran-backed Hamas in their spread of hateful antisemitism. UNRWA has supported Hamas in enabling these terrorists to commit the horrific massacre and mass kidnapping of Israelis and Jewish Americans over 550 days ago, on October 7th, and the sick individuals responsible for this terrorism must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I’m proud to join my colleague, Senator Ted Cruz, to introduce the LIABLE Act and ensure the victims and their families can finally bring UNRWA to justice.”
    Sen. Schmitt said, “International organization like UNWRA are deeply tied with Hamas and must be held accountable for playing a role in kidnapping, murdering, and maiming countless innocent lives on October 7th. I am proud to stand with Senator Cruz as a cosponsor of the LIABLE Act to hold these organizations accountable.”
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    The Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism (LIABLE) Act would allow American victims of terrorist groups to sue international organizations that provide resources to terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. These organizations would otherwise be immune from lawsuits pursuant to the International Organization Immunity Act (IOIA), which parallels the immunity provided to foreign states through the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).
    During the Biden administration, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) received hundreds of millions of dollars which was poured into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. That process would normally constitute material support for terrorism, because the assistance directly and indirectly benefits Hamas—a known terrorist group. And yet, the Biden administration granted waivers among other legislative measures to circumvent the law and enable UNRWA to support Hamas.

    ICYMI: WSJ Op-Ed: “Let Terror Victims Sue UNRWA”
    Sen. Cruz and colleagues wrote to then-AG Garland urging the U.S. Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into UNRWA USA, a U.S.-based non-profit that raises funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), for providing material support for terrorism.

    Sen. Cruz is committed to being the Senate leader in supporting our ally, Israel, and bolstering the U.S.-Israel relationship.

    Sen. Cruz introduced a bill to designate the Iranian-controlled Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization.  
    Sen. Cruz led a letter to then-U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield opposing Palestinian effort to suspend Israel from the U.N. General Assembly.
    Sen. Cruz introduced the Terminating Unlawful Negligence and Nullifying Exemptions and Licenses to Sanctions (TUNNELS) Act of 2024, to rescind the licenses employed by the Biden administration to channel U.S. aid through international and non-governmental organizations to Gaza, and prevent these licenses from being reissued.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorneys for Southwestern Border Districts Charge More than 1,020 Illegal Aliens with Immigration-Related Crimes During the Second week in April as part of Operation Take Back America.

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

    Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Central California, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas charged more than 1,020 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.  

    The Southern District of Texas filed 229 cases in border security-related matters. As part of those cases, 80 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, firearms or sexual offenses, or prior immigration crimes. A total of 126 people face charges of illegally entering the country, 18 cases involve various instances of human smuggling with others relating to firearms, false statements and other immigration matters. One such case alleges Victor D. Perozo-Zarraga committed fraud and misuse of a visa after authorities found him in possession of fraudulent legal permanent resident and Social Security documents. He indicated he had legal status to be in the United States, which he does not, according to the complaint. Other relevant matters this week include a Mexican visa holder who attempted to bring child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and drugs across the border. Christian Christopher Rodriguez-Lopez was ordered to serve 151 months after attempting to enter the United States from Mexico. Upon inspection, law enforcement located approximately five kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle. Further investigation following his arrest resulted in the additional discovery of CSAM on his cell phone. His visa has since been revoked.   

    The Western District of Texas filed 295 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases. Among the new cases, Mexican national Jorge Alberto Garcia-Drue was encountered at the Frio County Jail in Pearsall after he was arrested for allegedly refusing to provide accurate identification. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Enforcement Removal Operations agents determined that Garcia-Drue was an alien illegally present within the United States and that he had been previously removed from the country. A review of his criminal history revealed that he had also been convicted on Dec. 10, 2014 of harboring illegal aliens and aiding and abetting. For that conviction, Garcia-Drue was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison. 

    The District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 261 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 103 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 140 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 14 cases against 18 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

    The Southern District of California filed 116 border-related cases, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, receipt of bribes by public officials, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.  

    The Central District of California filed charges against 21 defendants who allegedly were found in the U.S. following removal. Many of the defendants charged were previously convicted of felony offenses prior to their removal from the United States, including alien smuggling, burglary, grand theft, and assault with a deadly weapon. 

    The District of New Mexico brought the following criminal charges: 63 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326), four individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), and 38 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325). Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions, with some of those convictions being for drug trafficking, alien smuggling, and grand theft. 

    We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Hampshire Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sex Abuse Images

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID EDDY, 59, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses stemming from his sexual abuse of a young girl.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2022, Eddy sexually abused a minor girl, who was approximately five years old, and used his cell phone to take photographs of his sexual abuse.  Analysis of Eddy’s phone revealed more than 150 child sexual abuse images and videos of the minor victim and other child victims of sexual abuse.

    Eddy was arrested on related state charges on October 5, 2022.  On September 25, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

    Eddy has been detained since his arrest.  The state charges are pending.

    This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Simsbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Manchester (N.H.) Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Nancy V. Gifford.

    This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Calls on DOJ to Investigate EPIC City Following Accusations of Religious Discrimination, Sharia Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to open an investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center’s (EPIC) planned Muslim community, EPIC Ranches City, in Josephine, Texas, which is under state investigation by Governor Abbott and has been accused of risking religious discrimination of Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim minorities:

    “A master-planned ‘community of thousands of Muslims’ could violate the constitutional rights of Jewish and Christian Texans, by preventing them from living in this new community and discriminating against them within the community. I further encourage the Department to investigate whether Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim minorities would receive equal protection under the law in this new community. Religious discrimination, whether explicit or implicit, is unconstitutional under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Religious freedom is a cornerstone of our nation’s values, and I am concerned this community potentially undermines this vital protection,” wrote Sen. Cornyn.

    “The East Plano Islamic Center and the for-profit corporation it created to plan this city recently announced a development called ‘EPIC Ranches City’ in Josephine, Texas. The City would be a ‘thriving ecosystem’ of thousands of homes centered around a mosque and a private Islamic school. The 402-acre community will also include commercial developments, a community college, and sports facilities. The Center is designed as an exclusive religious settlement where Islamic principles govern not only daily life and education, but commerce,” he continued.

    “Religious-based discrimination is a constitutional violation as well as a federal rights violation. Appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that this community does not run afoul of these obligations. It may also be appropriate for an investigation to explore whether the proponents of the proposed development are abiding by existing federal and state prohibitions on the enforcement of sharia law,” he concluded.

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    April 11, 2025

    The Honorable Harmeet Dhillon

    Assistant Attorney General

    Civil Rights Division

    United States Department of Justice

    950 Pennsylvania Avenue

    Washington, DC 20530

    Dear Assistant Attorney General Dhillon,

    I write to recommend the Department of Justice open a civil rights investigation into whether a potential planned community in Texas would violate federal law. Specifically, I am concerned that a master-planned “community of thousands of Muslims” could violate the constitutional rights of Jewish and Christian Texans, by preventing them from living in this new community and discriminating against them within the community. I further encourage the Department to investigate whether Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim minorities would receive equal protection under the law in this new community. Religious discrimination, whether explicit or implicit, is unconstitutional under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Religious freedom is a cornerstone of our nation’s values, and I am concerned this community potentially undermines this vital protection.

    The East Plano Islamic Center and the for-profit corporation it created to plan this city recently announced a development called “EPIC Ranches City” in Josephine, Texas. The City would be a “thriving ecosystem” of thousands of homes centered around a mosque and a private Islamic school. The 402-acre community will also include commercial developments, a community college, and sports facilities. The Center is designed as an exclusive religious settlement where Islamic principles govern not only daily life and education, but commerce.

    I want to particularly call attention to the language the Center’s corporation, Community Capital Partners, has used to advertise this development. Community Capital Partners has made clear the homes would be for sale to noncitizens from other countries, and that sales would be restricted to those who “contribute to the overall makeup of [the] community.” After questions from the Dallas Morning News, the developer changed this language to hide their clear intentions, but they still admit the underlying goal, saying that the community would “conduct thorough individualized assessments of prospective buyers to ensure they align with [their] goals.” These stealth edits, only in response to questions, create an impression of potential discrimination. I am concerned that the Center, through its for-profit affiliated entity, is attempting to create an enclave that will discriminate on the basis of religion, and, further, is hiding this intent from the public. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 explicitly prohibits discrimination in housing sales, rentals, and financing based on race, religion, or national origin. The primary goal of this landmark legislation was to combat housing segregation and ensure equal access to housing opportunities. The developer’s description is a reason for caution and indicates the Center’s practices may be in violation of federal law.

    Governor Abbott has opened several investigations at the state level. These include an inquiry into the funeral home operating without the required license, a review of whether investors have been fully informed, and an examination of potential violations of consumer protection laws related to the development. Governor Abbott further announced that the Texas State Securities Board is investigating the Center “for potential failures to comply with applicable state and federal securities requirements, including protections against fraud.” Finally, I note that the Governor, in coordination with the Texas Workforce Commission has opened an investigation under the Texas Fair Housing Act. This law, like the federal Fair Housing Act, prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of religion and explicitly bans any advertising that expresses a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on religion. I encourage the Department to coordinate with Texas-based officials in their important efforts to confirm that this community will not violate the law. 

    In conclusion, I recommend the Department investigate the community’s impact on the rights of Jewish and Christian Texans. I also encourage the Department to take steps ensure that Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim minorities will receive equal protection under the laws in this development. Religious-based discrimination is a constitutional violation as well as a federal rights violation. Appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that this community does not run afoul of these obligations. It may also be appropriate for an investigation to explore whether the proponents of the proposed development are abiding by existing federal and state prohibitions on the enforcement of sharia law. 

    Sincerely,

    Senator John Cornyn

    U.S. Senator

    Cc: The Honorable Pam Bondi, Attorney General

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Winter Haven Man Indicted For Narcotics And Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Dontavious Grant (31, Winter Haven) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, Grant faces a minimum penalty of five years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Grant that the United States intends to forfeit a Glock firearm used in the commission of the offense. 

    According to the indictment, on September 18, 2024, Grant possessed a Glock firearm knowing he had been convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery, attempted manslaughter, armed false imprisonment, attempted robbery, and a prior conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Grant is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. On the same day, Grant also possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute it and his possession of the Glock firearm was in furtherance of that offense. 

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing Two Children Over Six-Year Period

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for sexually abusing two children under 12 years old in separate incidents spanning 2014 and 2020.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, Roderick Bitsilly, 61, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted to engaging in unlawful sexual contact with Jane Doe 1, a child under 12 years old, between February and August 2014. Bitsilly also pleaded guilty to similar charges involving Jane Doe 2, also under 12, between September 2019 and September 2020.

    Upon his release, Bitsilly will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case as 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Nageezi Man Pleaded Guilty to Sexual Abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Nageezi man pleaded guilty to federal sexual abuse charges after he engaged in non-consensual sexual acts with the victim.

    According to court records, between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024, Patrick Wayne Platero, 47, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in a sexual act with Jane Doe without her consent.

    At sentencing, Platero faces up to life in prison followed by up not less than five years and up to life of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case as 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elliot County Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Attempted Production of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHLAND, Ky. – A Sandy Hook, Ky., man, Matthew Nelson, 52, was sentenced on Monday, to 35 years in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for attempted production of child pornography and for committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. 

    According to his plea agreement, in November 2023, law enforcement received information that Nelson, a registered sex offender, was engaging in sexual chatting with minor females via the internet and social media platforms. During an interview with law enforcement, Nelson admitted that he drove to one of the minor victim’s homes and provided her with vape products in an effort to get her to engage in sexual activity with him. Nelson also admitted that he attempted to persuade the victim to take sexually explicit images of herself and send them to Nelson via the internet. 

    Nelson was previously convicted in Alaska for sexual abuse of a minor 3rd degree and was required to register as a sex offender. 

    Under federal law, Nelson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Sheriff Jamie Reihs, Boyd County Sheriff’s Office; and Sheriff Ray Craft, Elliot County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by HSI, Boyd County Sheriff’s Office, and Elliot County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    – END –

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHLAND, Ky. – A Rock Island, Tenn., man, Mark Dillon Mason, 32, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning on Monday to 324 months in prison for production of child pornography. 

    According to his plea agreement, Mason traveled to Morehead, Ky., on three occasions in2022 and engaged in sexual intercourse with a minor victim during each visit. Mason used his cellphone and the victim’s cellphone to record the sexually explicit conduct. 

    Under federal law, Mason must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Derrick Blevins, Morehead Police Department; and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by HSI, Morehead Police Department, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    – END –

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pike County Man Sentenced to 30 Years’ Imprisonment for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Anthony Westemeyer, 37, of Nebo, Illinois, was sentenced on April 9, 2025, to 30 years’ imprisonment for sexual exploitation of a child. The term of imprisonment is to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release.

    At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Westemeyer created a coercive environment of physical and emotional abuse. He forced the minor victim, through threats of violence, into engaging in sexual acts while he filmed the victim. Westemeyer provided compensation to other men, including two co-defendants, in exchange for their participation in sexual acts with the minor victim; some of these men knew they were being filmed and others did not. Westemeyer became verbally and physically abusive if the minor victim was not successful in filming the videos – even if it was one of the men who ended the contact. The government also presented evidence at sentencing that Westemeyer provided methamphetamine to others to entice them to or compensate them for engaging in sexual activity with the minor victim. He also provided methamphetamine to the minor victim.

    Also at the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless found that multiple sentencing enhancements applied including one based on Westemeyer’s role as the leader of the offense and another based on the fact that the minor victim was in Westemeyer’s custody, care or supervisory control. Judge Lawless also referred to the “level of cruelty and abuse” to which the victim was subjected and noted the “heinous nature” of the crime.

    “This case highlights that many children are victimized by someone known to them,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Seberger. “I applaud the victim’s resilience and courage throughout this prosecution. We are also grateful for our partnerships with state and local law, enforcement, which led to this outcome. It was a team effort.”

    “Children should never be subjected to the depraved behavior demonstrated by this defendant,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “Thanks to the outstanding teamwork and tireless effort by HSI special agents and our law enforcement partners, this child predator has been removed from the community and put in federal prison for a 30-year sentence.”

    The defendant pleaded guilty in July 2024. He has been detained since his arrest. The statutory penalties for a count of sexual exploitation of a child are 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment, up to a life term of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and various special assessments. 

    Agencies participating in the investigation include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; the Illinois Attorney General’s Office; the Pike County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pike County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Seberger and Tanner K. Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.

    This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Albuquerque Man Charged in Connection with Arson Attacks on Tesla Dealership and Republican Party of New Mexico Office

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the criminal complaint.

    Federal charges have been filed against Jamison Wagner, 40, an Albuquerque resident, in connection with recent arson attacks targeting the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom and the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) headquarters. Investigators linked Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and scene evidence.

    “Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”

    “Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.”

    “This arrest is part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thank you to our agents and support teams in Albuquerque who did an outstanding job executing the mission. Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, we will continue to locate and arrest those responsible for these acts of domestic terrorism, and the FBI will work with partners at the Department of Justice to ensure such lawbreakers face justice.”

    “A key suspect is now in custody thanks to the exceptional work of ATF’s Special Agents, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists,” said Deputy Director Robert Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This arrest marks a critical step toward justice in the firebombing that targeted a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party Headquarters. Our teams worked around the clock—collecting, analyzing, and connecting forensic evidence across both scenes. With the support of our local partners, the FBI, and the rapid work of ATF’s forensic lab, we were able to link the crimes, identify those responsible, and take swift action to protect the public. This is what ATF does best: we follow the evidence, we find the truth, and we bring offenders to justice.”

    According to court documents, in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2025, the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, one of which was significantly damaged.

    An intact glass container containing an improvised napalm material was found in the second vehicle. Investigators noted a hand-written capital “I” or “H” letter on the top of the green metal lid.

    Graffiti was spray-painted in red and black paint on the building and six other vehicles, including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” along with swastika symbols. 

    Surveillance video captured the suspect on scene, and he was observed as a tall, light-skinned individual, possibly over 6 feet tall, wearing black clothing and a mask, and carrying a white box.

    The following month, in the early morning hours of March 30, 2025, a second arson attack occurred, this time at the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office. The fire significantly damaged the front door and entry area. At the scene, investigators collected shattered glass and metal lids from what appeared to be two to three separate glass containers. Two of the lids bore a handwritten capital “I” or “H,” similar in appearance to the letter found on the lid of the glass container at the Tesla scene.

    Graffiti with the phrase “ICE=KKK” was found on the south wall of the building.

    Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and identified a white sedan parking on the north side of the RPNM office building before the fire. A single individual exited the vehicle, approached the RPNM headquarters, and a flash of light was recorded. The individual then returned to the vehicle and drove away. The vehicle was captured on nearby surveillance as it left the RPNM scene. After review of the available surveillance, law enforcement preliminarily identified the suspect vehicle as in what appeared to be a white Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015.

    Investigators determined that both arsons involved the use of homemade incendiary devices utilizing glass containers and flammable liquids. The resulting investigation connected Wagner as a significant person of interest for both crime scenes. Among other links, Wagner’s physical description matches that of the suspect in the available surveillance footage and investigators determined that Wagner owns a white 2015 Hyundai Accent.

    Wagner Facebook photo.
    Tesla arson suspect.
    Wagner’s driver’s license.

    On April 12, 2025, agents from the FBI and ATF executed a search warrant at Wagner’s residence in Albuquerque without incident. Inside, investigators uncovered substantial evidence linking him to both arson attacks including:

    • A white cardboard box containing eight assembled suspected incendiary devices.
    • Blue Styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire.
    • Materials for manufacturing additional incendiary devices and ignitable liquids consistent with the gasoline used at both fire scenes.
    • A jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters “I” or “H,” similar to markings seen on lids recovered from both arson sites.
    • Black and red spray paint matching the graffiti used at both crime scenes.
    • A stencil bearing the phrase “ICE=KKK,” consistent with graffiti found at the RPNM fire scene.

    Wagner’s white Hyundai Accent was found in his garage during the search. Investigators noted modifications consistent with efforts to avoid identification during the commission of the crimes.

    “The charges today demonstrate that there is no place in our society for politically or ideologically motivated acts of violence and extremism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “We are grateful for the tireless and exceptional work of our law enforcement partners to identify the alleged perpetrator of these unacceptable criminal acts and commit to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Wagner is charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Wagner faces between five and 20 years in prison for each count.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office are jointly investigating the case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Department of Justice.

    Numerous additional agencies responded to the arson scenes or otherwise provided valuable assistance, including the Santa Ana Pueblo Police Department, the Sandoval County Fire Department, the New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Nicholas Mote for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Kilos of Cocaine Seized, Providence Man Detained on a Federal Drug Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A joint federal, state, and local law enforcement drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the seizure of two kilos of cocaine and the arrest and detention of a Providence man, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Eluid Rosa-Escudero, 35, is detained in federal custody charged by way of a criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. 

    It is alleged in charging documents that a three-month, multi-agency investigation into Rosa-Escudero’s drug trafficking activities culminated on April 10, 2025, with the execution of a court-authorized search of his Providence residence and the seizure of two kilograms of cocaine, $10,000 in cash, and other items associated with the trafficking of narcotics.

    As reflected in court documents, law enforcement surveilled the retrieval of a package delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to the front porch of a Providence residence. The package was retrieved by a person who arrived by car and allegedly then drove to a nearby gas station where he met with Rosa-Escudero, who was in a separate vehicle parked at a gas pump. As the two vehicles pulled away, the defendant was followed by a law enforcement surveillance team to his residence. East Providence Police effected an investigative stop of the car driven by the person who allegedly retrieved the package from the porch of the residence, who they then identified as being 15 years old.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine D. Lowell, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.

    The matter is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service Contraband Interdiction and Investigations Task Force, with the assistance of the Providence Police Department, the Pawtucket Police Department, and the Rhode Island State Police.

    A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Cedar Rapids Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    In recent days, two men who conspired to distribute controlled substances pled guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Isaiah Pirtle, also known as “Pudge,” age 33, from Cedar Rapids was convicted today of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.  Daxxton Cook, age 36, from Cedar Rapids was convicted on April 10, 2025, of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.  

    In a plea agreement, Cook admitted that he agreed with other people to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.  On February 7, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Cook sold someone 16 fentanyl pills.  On February 8, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Cook sold someone 1.93 grams of cocaine and 5.37 grams of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl.  On May 28, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Cook sold someone 12.55 grams of cocaine and 20.75 grams of fentanyl.  Cook was previously convicted of a felony drug offense. 

    In a plea agreement, Pirtle admitted that he agreed with other people to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, as well as a detectable amount of cocaine. 

    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.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Pirtle and Cook remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Pirtle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.  Cook faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 25-CR-4.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albuquerque Man Charged in Connection with Arson Attacks on Tesla Dealership and Republican Party of New Mexico Office

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Note: View the criminal complaint.

    Federal charges have been filed against Jamison Wagner, 40, an Albuquerque resident, in connection with recent arson attacks targeting the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom and the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) headquarters. Investigators linked Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and scene evidence.

    “Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”

    “Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.”

    “This arrest is part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thank you to our agents and support teams in Albuquerque who did an outstanding job executing the mission. Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, we will continue to locate and arrest those responsible for these acts of domestic terrorism, and the FBI will work with partners at the Department of Justice to ensure such lawbreakers face justice.”

    “A key suspect is now in custody thanks to the exceptional work of ATF’s Special Agents, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists,” said Deputy Director Robert Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This arrest marks a critical step toward justice in the firebombing that targeted a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party Headquarters. Our teams worked around the clock—collecting, analyzing, and connecting forensic evidence across both scenes. With the support of our local partners, the FBI, and the rapid work of ATF’s forensic lab, we were able to link the crimes, identify those responsible, and take swift action to protect the public. This is what ATF does best: we follow the evidence, we find the truth, and we bring offenders to justice.”

    According to court documents, in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2025, the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, one of which was significantly damaged.

    An intact glass container containing an improvised napalm material was found in the second vehicle. Investigators noted a hand-written capital “I” or “H” letter on the top of the green metal lid.

    Graffiti was spray-painted in red and black paint on the building and six other vehicles, including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” along with swastika symbols. 

    Surveillance video captured the suspect on scene, and he was observed as a tall, light-skinned individual, possibly over 6 feet tall, wearing black clothing and a mask, and carrying a white box.

    The following month, in the early morning hours of March 30, 2025, a second arson attack occurred, this time at the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office. The fire significantly damaged the front door and entry area. At the scene, investigators collected shattered glass and metal lids from what appeared to be two to three separate glass containers. Two of the lids bore a handwritten capital “I” or “H,” similar in appearance to the letter found on the lid of the glass container at the Tesla scene.

    Graffiti with the phrase “ICE=KKK” was found on the south wall of the building.

    Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and identified a white sedan parking on the north side of the RPNM office building before the fire. A single individual exited the vehicle, approached the RPNM headquarters, and a flash of light was recorded. The individual then returned to the vehicle and drove away. The vehicle was captured on nearby surveillance as it left the RPNM scene. After review of the available surveillance, law enforcement preliminarily identified the suspect vehicle as in what appeared to be a white Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015.

    Investigators determined that both arsons involved the use of homemade incendiary devices utilizing glass containers and flammable liquids. The resulting investigation connected Wagner as a significant person of interest for both crime scenes. Among other links, Wagner’s physical description matches that of the suspect in the available surveillance footage and investigators determined that Wagner owns a white 2015 Hyundai Accent.

    Wagner Facebook photo.
    Tesla arson suspect.
    Wagner’s driver’s license.

    On April 12, 2025, agents from the FBI and ATF executed a search warrant at Wagner’s residence in Albuquerque without incident. Inside, investigators uncovered substantial evidence linking him to both arson attacks including:

    • A white cardboard box containing eight assembled suspected incendiary devices.
    • Blue Styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire.
    • Materials for manufacturing additional incendiary devices and ignitable liquids consistent with the gasoline used at both fire scenes.
    • A jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters “I” or “H,” similar to markings seen on lids recovered from both arson sites.
    • Black and red spray paint matching the graffiti used at both crime scenes.
    • A stencil bearing the phrase “ICE=KKK,” consistent with graffiti found at the RPNM fire scene.

    Wagner’s white Hyundai Accent was found in his garage during the search. Investigators noted modifications consistent with efforts to avoid identification during the commission of the crimes.

    “The charges today demonstrate that there is no place in our society for politically or ideologically motivated acts of violence and extremism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “We are grateful for the tireless and exceptional work of our law enforcement partners to identify the alleged perpetrator of these unacceptable criminal acts and commit to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Wagner is charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Wagner faces between five and 20 years in prison for each count.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office are jointly investigating the case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Department of Justice.

    Numerous additional agencies responded to the arson scenes or otherwise provided valuable assistance, including the Santa Ana Pueblo Police Department, the Sandoval County Fire Department, the New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Nicholas Mote for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Texas Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years for Hobbs Act Robbery Conspiracy and Using a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime

    Source: US State of California

    A Texas man was sentenced last week to seven years and 10 months in prison for conspiring with four co-defendants to commit a Hobbs Act robbery and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, Harry Keith Dwyan Goffney, 23, of Houston, conspired to rob a semi-truck trailer, which he believed contained approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine and 400 firearms. When Goffney and co-conspirators approached the trailer, armed with firearms, they were caught on surveillance camera wearing masks and gloves. Goffney and two co-defendants opened the trailer but did not find the cocaine and firearms, so they left.

    Co-defendant Tracy Lee Stevenson, 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Houston Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah J. Rasalam and Justin G. Bish of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years for Hobbs Act Robbery Conspiracy and Using a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A Texas man was sentenced last week to seven years and 10 months in prison for conspiring with four co-defendants to commit a Hobbs Act robbery and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, Harry Keith Dwyan Goffney, 23, of Houston, conspired to rob a semi-truck trailer, which he believed contained approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine and 400 firearms. When Goffney and co-conspirators approached the trailer, armed with firearms, they were caught on surveillance camera wearing masks and gloves. Goffney and two co-defendants opened the trailer but did not find the cocaine and firearms, so they left.

    Co-defendant Tracy Lee Stevenson, 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Houston Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah J. Rasalam and Justin G. Bish of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Calls on Congressional Leaders to Pass Law Prohibiting PBMs from Owning or Operating Pharmacies

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Bipartisan coalition of attorneys general writes that federal action is needed to protect consumers and small businesses

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general in urging the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to enact a law that prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), their parent companies, or affiliates from owning or operating pharmacies. Created in the late 1960s to process claims for drug companies, PBMs were supposed to help consumers access low-cost pharmaceutical care through negotiated volume-pricing discounts, generic substitution, manufacturer rebates, and other tools. However, the attorneys general write, PBMs have overtaken the market and now wield outsized power to reap massive profits at the expense of consumers and local community pharmacies. In particular, PBMs’ use of affiliated pharmacies — pharmacies owned by either the PBM itself or the PBM’s parent company — has exacerbated the problem of manipulated prices, the growth of pharmacy deserts, and the unavailability of certain prescription medications. 

    “PBMs’ priority is not consumers, but rather their own bottom line. They must be reined in,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Drug prices have skyrocketed in recent years, and PBMs have exacerbated the problem. To protect consumers and small businesses, we need more competition — not less — in the marketplace. A federal law prohibiting PBMs, and their parent companies or affiliates, from owning or operating pharmacies is long overdue, and I’m proud to be part of a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general that is calling on Congressional leadership to make it a reality.”

    In the letter, the attorneys general emphasize that:

    • Over the past few decades, horizontal consolidation and vertical integration have transformed PBMs from useful administrative service providers into market-dominating behemoths that control the industry. Horizontal consolidation here is the merger of competing PBMs and vertical consolidation here is the acquisition of pharmacies by PBMs at the expense of competitors of those PBMs and pharmacies.
    • The three largest PBMs — CVS Caremark, Optum Rx, and Express Scripts — process 80% of the nation’s prescriptions and bring in 70% of the specialty drug revenue. Furthermore, each of the top six PBMs operate their own affiliated pharmacies, while five of the top six are also a part of parent conglomerates that operate insurance companies and health care clinics.
    • In addition to owning pharmacies, PBMs also contract with non-affiliated pharmacies, including independent pharmacies, to create pharmacy networks that control where their members can get their drugs and at what prices. This creates the situation where the PBMs — through ownership of affiliated pharmacies — are contracting with and have power over their own pharmacies’ competition. The PBMs then use their place as middlemen to exert this power in ways that harm independent pharmacies, forcing these small businesses to accept contractual terms that are “confusing, unfair, arbitrary, and harmful” and ultimately causing them to go out of business.
    • Over the course of the last decade, approximately 10% of rural independent pharmacies in the United States have closed. The closure of independent pharmacies, and the community services they provide, is felt strongly by consumers — especially those in rural or otherwise underserved areas who are left with dwindling access to retail pharmacies that are ever farther away.

    In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Alaska, American Samoa, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Department of Justice Transfers 13 Mexican Nationals with Drug Convictions to Mexico Pursuant to the U.S.-Mexico International Prisoner Transfer Treaty

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs with the assistance of the Department’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) transferred 13 Mexican nationals, serving prison sentences for drug distribution-related convictions in the United States, to their home country on Friday.

    “Friday’s transfer of 13 federal inmates to correctional authorities in Mexico has saved the United States over $3 million by eliminating the need to pay incarceration costs for the 75 years remaining on their combined sentences,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department’s International Prisoner Transfer Program, which is administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, enhances offender rehabilitation, reduces incarceration costs, and relieves overcrowding in federal prisons. The transfer is pursuant to the Treaty between the United States of America and the United Mexican States on the Execution of the Penal Sentences.”

    All 13 inmates transferred today were serving sentences relating to the distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The inmates will complete the remainder of their sentences in Mexico pursuant to the treaty. The inmates requested to be transferred to their home country, and the governments of both the United States and Mexico approved these transfers.

    The U.S. Congress enacted legislation authorizing the International Prisoner Transfer Program in October 1977, which also set the requirements of the transfer program. The United States signed its first transfer treaty with Mexico in 1976, which entered into force in November 1977, and since that time has entered into 10 additional bilateral transfer agreements and two multilateral transfer conventions. These international agreements give the United States transfer treaty relationships with more than 85 countries.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs’s International Prisoner Transfer Unit (IPTU) administers the program. Under the program, approved foreign national inmates in federal and state prisons are permitted, under certain circumstances, to complete their prison terms in their home countries’ prisons.

    This is the 184th such transfer since the treaty entered into force in 1977. The last transfer prior to today, which took place in December 2024, transferred nine inmates to Mexico pursuant to the treaty. To learn more about the International Prisoner Transfer Program, visit: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-oia/iptu 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Department of Justice Transfers 13 Mexican Nationals with Drug Convictions to Mexico Pursuant to the U.S.-Mexico International Prisoner Transfer Treaty

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs with the assistance of the Department’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) transferred 13 Mexican nationals, serving prison sentences for drug distribution-related convictions in the United States, to their home country on Friday.

    “Friday’s transfer of 13 federal inmates to correctional authorities in Mexico has saved the United States over $3 million by eliminating the need to pay incarceration costs for the 75 years remaining on their combined sentences,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department’s International Prisoner Transfer Program, which is administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, enhances offender rehabilitation, reduces incarceration costs, and relieves overcrowding in federal prisons. The transfer is pursuant to the Treaty between the United States of America and the United Mexican States on the Execution of the Penal Sentences.”

    All 13 inmates transferred today were serving sentences relating to the distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The inmates will complete the remainder of their sentences in Mexico pursuant to the treaty. The inmates requested to be transferred to their home country, and the governments of both the United States and Mexico approved these transfers.

    The U.S. Congress enacted legislation authorizing the International Prisoner Transfer Program in October 1977, which also set the requirements of the transfer program. The United States signed its first transfer treaty with Mexico in 1976, which entered into force in November 1977, and since that time has entered into 10 additional bilateral transfer agreements and two multilateral transfer conventions. These international agreements give the United States transfer treaty relationships with more than 85 countries.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs’s International Prisoner Transfer Unit (IPTU) administers the program. Under the program, approved foreign national inmates in federal and state prisons are permitted, under certain circumstances, to complete their prison terms in their home countries’ prisons.

    This is the 184th such transfer since the treaty entered into force in 1977. The last transfer prior to today, which took place in December 2024, transferred nine inmates to Mexico pursuant to the treaty. To learn more about the International Prisoner Transfer Program, visit: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-oia/iptu 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant sexually abused two minor females, ages 6 and 3, and produced images in 2020 and 2022.

    Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Gary Hammond Jackson, III, 33, of Pasadena, Maryland, to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for the sexual exploitation of a minor and the commission of a felony involving a minor by a registered sex offender.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, Roland L. Butler, Jr. Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP), and State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess, Office of the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

    According to his guilty plea, in 2020 and 2022, Jackson sexually abused two minor females, ages 6 and 3, and produced child sexual abuse material.  In November 2020, Jackson sexually abused the first victim —who was 6 at the time — and used his cell phone to produce three images of the act.  It was discovered that Jackson sexually assaulted the same victim numerous times between January 2020 and December 2020.  As a result, Jackson was convicted of a fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

    Following his release in June 2022, Jackson was placed on probation and required to register as a sex offender. But in November 2022, Jackson produced child sexual abuse material, in the form of images, with the 3-year-old victim. 

    This case 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 the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. Learn more about Internet safety education by clicking on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, MSP, and the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Spencer L. Todd and Paul E. Budlow who prosecuted the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Robert Garcia Statement on Attempted Unauthorized Entry by Homeland Security Agents at Los Angeles Elementary Schools

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Garcia California (42nd District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) released the following statement after unauthorized Homeland Security agents attempted to enter two Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools without a warrant.

    “We should all be deeply angered and concerned by the attempt of Homeland Security agents to access two elementary schools in Southeast Los Angeles,” said Congressman Garcia. “Both schools are in my congressional district and part of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

    I commend the principals and staff at both schools who refused to allow the agents to enter without a warrant, and I’m grateful to Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho for working to protect all students across Los Angeles.

    It’s outrageous that Homeland Security would target children, and as a member of the Homeland Security Committee in Congress, I’m demanding answers immediately from Secretary Noem and the Trump Administration. We will not allow our students and their families to be intimidated or harmed.”

    Congressman Garcia remains committed to reforming our immigration system, creating fair pathways to citizenship, and treating immigrants with respect and dignity. In July 2024, Congressman Garcia introduced the SHIELD Act, which allocated grants through the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to local and state governments to support the recruitment of staff and attorneys to ensure that immigrants receive quality, affordable representation in immigration court. Last Congress, Congressman Garcia led investigations into fundamental integrity and credibility issues within the DHS, including identifying what actions have been taken to address the threat of domestic violent extremism within the DHS. Congressman Garcia has also defended humane immigration procedures and condemned extreme rhetoric on immigration and border security that dehumanizes migrants legally seeking asylum. Congressman Garcia has also investigated the use of inappropriate language and behavior among Border Patrol agents within ICE toward immigrants following reports from the Huffington Post. Congressman Garcia also continues to champion legislation that increases resources and efficiencies for vital government departments and agencies.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marion County Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Transporting a Minor with the Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Thomas Allen Ebersole (32, Dunnellon) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for transporting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Ebersole is also required to register as a sex offender. He entered a guilty plea on January 6, 2025.  

    According to court records, in December 2023, Ebersole met and communicated with a 16-year-old girl through online video games. On December 28, 2023, Ebersole drove from his home in Marion County to Ohio, where the minor lived. He then drove the victim back to his Florida home to engage in sexual activity with her. After the victim’s family reported her missing, law enforcement identified the Internet Protocol (IP) address the victim had used to play video games while at Ebersole’s home. Law enforcement located and removed the victim from Ebersole’s home on January 3, 2024. The victim told law enforcement that she never left Ebersole’s home during the week she had been missing. She also admitted that Ebersole had engaged in sexual intercourse with her multiple times, which was subsequently confirmed through DNA testing.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lima (Ohio) Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southern District of Texas Charges More Than 200 Persons for Immigration and Border Security Offenses This Week

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    HOUSTON – A total of 229 cases have been filed in border security-related matters from April 4-10, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    As part of those cases, 80 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, firearms or sexual offenses, or prior immigration crimes. A total of 126 people face charges of illegally entering the country, 18 cases involve various instances of human smuggling with others relating to firearms, false statements and other immigration matters.  

    One such case alleges Victor D. Perozo-Zarraga committed fraud and misuse of a visa after authorities found him in possession of fraudulent legal permanent resident and Social Security documents. He indicated he had legal status to be in the United States, which he does not, according to the complaint. 

    Other relevant matters this week include a Mexican visa holder who attempted to bring child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and drugs across the border. Christian Christopher Rodriguez-Lopez was ordered to serve 151 months after attempting to enter the United States from Mexico. Upon inspection, law enforcement located approximately five kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle. Further investigation following his arrest resulted in the additional discovery of CSAM on his cell phone. His visa has since been revoked. 

    “Mr. Rodriguez-Lopez is a perfect example of why our more aggressive approach to border security is so critical,” said Ganjei. “Neither these drugs, nor this defendant, have any place in our communities. Due to the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, this cocaine will never make it to the streets and this offender will spend the next decade in federal prison.”

    Also announced was a 29-year-old Mexican national with a felony criminal history who was sentenced for illegally entering the country without authorization. Joaquin Hernandez-Reyes has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as assault of a public servant and possession of a controlled substance. He was first removed from the United States in 2016 and returned illegally several more times. He received a 72-month sentence. 

    A Mexican national who illegally resided in Roma has been ordered to federal prison for 37 months for human smuggling. Allan Eduardo Mar-Uballe was driving a Ford Expedition with the back seats and seatbelts removed. Inside the vehicle were 18 illegal aliens, including two unaccompanied minors. Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, but he evaded at a high rate of speed and drove erratically, disregarding stop signs and other vehicles, before crashing into a ditch. Several inside the vehicle sustained injuries. 

    Another human smuggler was sentenced to 46 months. On Dec. 23, 2024, Felipe Montez attempted to transport seven illegal aliens. He was driving a vehicle waiting by the Rio Grande River near Escobares as the individuals ran from the river towards him. Upon the sight of law enforcement, they all attempted to flee, but authorities apprehended them. Further investigation revealed Montez was involved in four previous alien smuggling events which involved attempts to evade law enforcement. His crimes have involved a total of 41 illegal aliens.

    In a case out of the Corpus Christi office, the court found Hosmel Vences responsible for organizing the smuggling of at least 75 illegal aliens between Aug. 16 – Dec. 17, 2023, and ordered him to serve 48 months. The investigation revealed Vences recruited many different drivers from all over South Texas to drive to Brownsville and Raymondville for the purpose of transporting illegal aliens further into the United States.

    Authorities also arrested a former Texas National Guard soldier for alien smuggling. Mario Sandoval was allegedly deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border with the Texas National Guard as part of Operation Lonestar. The charges allege that following his service in that capacity, Sandoval remained in the Rio Grande Valley and participated in alien smuggling from July 11-23, 2024. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

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

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

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

    The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Butler County Resident Charged with Making Threats to Assault and Murder President Donald J. Trump, Other United States Officials, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents

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

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Shawn Monper, 32, a resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with making threats to assault and murder President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    “I want to applaud the outstanding and courageous investigative work of the FBI and the Butler Township Police Department, who thankfully identified and apprehended this individual before he could carry out his threats against President Trump’s life and the lives of other innocent Americans,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Rest assured that whenever and wherever threats of assassination or mass violence occur, this Department of Justice will find, arrest, and prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law and seek the maximum appropriate punishment.”

    According to the federal criminal complaint, on April 8, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Threat Operations Section (NTOS) received an emergency disclosure regarding threats posted to YouTube by user “Mr Satan.” Federal agents determined that the threatening statements occurred between January 15, 2025, and April 5, 2025. The subsequent federal investigation affirmed that the internet activity associated with “Mr Satan” corresponded with Shawn Monper’s residence in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

    The investigation further established that Monper sought and obtained a firearms permit shortly following President Trump’s inauguration. In February 2025, Monper commented using his “Mr Satan” account: “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.” Further, in March 2025, Monper commented using his account: “Eventually im going to do a mass shooting.” One week later, Monper commented: “I have been buying 1 gun a month since the election, body armor, and ammo.”

    The criminal complaint identified the following threatening statements regarding President Trump, other United States officials, and ICE agents:

    February 17, 2025: “Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way. Remember, we are the majority, MAGA is a minority of the country, and by the time its time to make the move, they will be weakened, many will be crushed by these policies, and they will want revenge too. American Revolution 2.0”

    March 4, 2025: “im going to assassinate him myself.” This threat was made in a YouTube video titled “Live: Trump’s address to Congress.”

    March 18, 2025: “ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them.”

    April 1, 2025: “If I see an armed ice agent, I will consider it a domestic terrorist, and an active shooter and open fire on them.”

    On April 9, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Butler Township Police Department, arrested Monper on the federal criminal complaint. On April 10, 2025, Monper was ordered detained pending preliminary and detention hearings scheduled for April 14, 2025, at 1:00 pm.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Butler Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the criminal complaint against Monper.

    A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Justice Celebrates the 135th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 14 APR 2025 12:41PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Justice is observing the 135th  birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar here today, to honor the legacy of one of India’s foremost politicians, jurists, and social reformers.

    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was Born on 14th April 1891, dedicated his life to the fight against social discrimination and worked tirelessly to secure equal rights for women, laborers, and marginalized communities. His vision laid the foundation for a just and inclusive society, as reflected in the Constitution of India, which he was instrumental in drafting.

    Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Equality Day, commemorates Dr. Ambedkar’s invaluable contributions to social justice and the rule of law. In recognition of his enduring legacy, 14th April 2025 has been declared a public holiday across India.

    This day serves not only to remember Dr. Ambedkar’s monumental contributions to society and the Constitution but also as a call to uphold the principles he championed—equality, justice, and dignity for all.

    This day holds great significance in honouring the remarkable contributions of Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to our nation, particularly in the fields of social justice, equality, and the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

    To commemorate his birth anniversary, a special event was successfully organized, presided over by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice. The event was also graced by the presence of the Secretary (Justice), Senior officers, and the officials/staff of the Department of Justice.

    ***

    Samrat: pibpiolaw[at]gmail[dot]com

      

    (Release ID: 2121544) Visitor Counter : 128

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Child Pornography Offenses

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

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jobie Patterson, age 53, of Syracuse, pled guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to traffic firearms and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Patterson admitted that between approximately December 2022 and January 2023, he conspired with others to unlawfully transfer firearms. Patterson admitted that a coconspirator acquired firearms using a straw purchaser in Georgia, then sent photographs and videos of those firearms to Patterson in Syracuse. Patterson then sold those firearms to a customer in Syracuse. Patterson further admitted that he knew that the customer had previously been convicted of a felony, and that the use, carrying, or possession of the firearms by the customer would constitute a felony. Patterson acknowledged that at a meeting in Syracuse, he sold the customer 4 handguns.

    Patterson further admitted, as part of his guilty plea, that he committed the separate offense of possession of child pornography. Patterson admitted that in May 2023, the defendant knowingly possessed sexually explicit images and videos of a 16-year-old female child. Patterson admitted that in a series of messages he exchanged with the child, the defendant directed the child to produce and transmit specific sexually explicit images to him, which she did. Patterson acknowledged that he then knowingly possessed those images in his personal cloud storage account.

    At sentencing, currently set for August 13, 2025, on the firearms-trafficking conspiracy, Patterson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson may be required to forfeit the firearms involved in the crime. On the child pornography offense, Patterson faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson also faces a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life, to follow any term of imprisonment. Patterson may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Cosponsors Bipartisan, Bicameral Invest to Protect Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced he is once again cosponsoring the bipartisan, bicameral Invest to Protect Act, reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05),John Rutherford (FL-05), and Steven Horsford (NV-04) this week. This critical legislation would make targeted investments in small and midsize departments with fewer than 175 sworn police officers, providing vital funds for recruitment, retention, training, and officer support.

    During the 117th Congress, the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act overwhelmingly passed the House with 360 votes. Other versions of the legislation have also passed the Senate. Despite broad support, a final agreed-upon bill has not yet fully passed out of Congress. This reintroduction renews the effort to deliver critical support to law enforcement officers serving communities across the country.

    “New Hampshire’s local law enforcement does critical work to keep our communities and our families safe, and this bipartisan legislation will ensure they have the resources and training needed to do their jobs,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “By making increased funding available to our local departments, this legislation will improve recruitment, retention, mental health support for officers and ensure they have the support to keep our communities safe. Whether they are keeping deadly fentanyl and other illegal drugs off our streets, protecting individuals from violent crime, or acting as first responders to physical and mental health emergencies, our local police departments do lifesaving work each and every day, and this legislation will help support their work and keep Granite Staters safe.”

    The bipartisan, bicameral Invest to Protect Act of 2025 would:

    • Invest in officer safety, de-escalation, and domestic violence response training, allowing officers to receive critical training that will make them more effective at their jobs;
    • Create grants for small departments to recruit new officers to bolster their departments;
    • Provide retention bonuses to keep existing officers as a part of their communities;
    • Fund officers’ tuition for graduate studies in mental health, public health, and social work up to $10,000; and
    • Allow departments to provide mental health resources for their officers.

    The critical need to support small and midsized police departments: 

    • The vast majority of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. are smaller than 200 full-time sworn officers.
    • More than 94% of local U.S. police departments have fewer than 100 sworn officers.
    • Small law enforcement agencies protect and serve our communities with strained resources and growing needs for additional support, training, and funding. 

    Read the full bill text here.

    The bipartisan Invest to Protect Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Troopers Coalition,the National Sheriffs’ Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).

    “The Fraternal Order of Police applauds the recent reintroduction of the ‘Invest to Protect Act’ in the House. This crucial piece of legislation would establish a program within the U.S. Department of Justice to provide grants to small departments for their training, recruitment and retention, college tuition, and social services like therapy and treatment. Year after year, this bill has remained a priority of the FOP. We owe it to our smaller departments to better equip them with the tools they need to carry out their duties to the best of their ability as they work tirelessly to protect our communities. We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Gottheimer and Rutherford to introduce this bill in the House. We look forward to working closely with Congress to ensure this gets across the finish line,” said the Fraternal Order of Police. 

    “On behalf of the National Tactical Officers Association and its over 40,000 members nationwide, I am proud to support the Invest to Protect Act,” said Thor Eells, Executive Director of the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). “This bipartisan legislation is a needed step in providing critical training and equipment to smaller and rural police departments to help ensure the health, security, and safety of both law enforcement and the citizenry that they are sworn to protect.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: First 100 Days

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: What was on the front burner during the first 100 days of the 119th Congress?

    A:  Congress hit the ground running on January 3 when it opened for business. After committee assignments were adopted, I resumed the helm of the Senate Judiciary Committee and leadership position as Senate President pro tempore. The to-do list on the Senate agenda was shaped by the mandate of the November presidential election. Americans voted for border security, safer streets, lower cost of living and a stronger economy. Processing the nominees to serve on the president’s cabinet was among the top priorities of the first 100 days in Congress. The Senate has the constitutional authority of “advise and consent” in our system of checks and balances. Nominees for the federal judiciary and senior-level positions throughout the executive branch undergo a rigorous background check and vetting process to examine their credentials and qualifications to uphold the public trust. I chaired confirmation hearings for Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, as well as other top leaders for the Department of Justice. During the previous administration, I exposed the weaponization of our government  that created a two-tiered system of justice. I’m committed to help restore public trust in our institutions of government and that includes robust oversight to hold government and wrongdoers accountable.

    The pace by which the Senate processed cabinet nominations underscores the commitment to get the election mandate in motion. In 18 days, the Senate confirmed 13 cabinet officials, reflecting support to get the president’s team in place to implement his agenda. At the top of the list was border security. Since day one of the 47th president’s second term in office, the Trump administration has kept its promise to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and restore U.S. sovereignty at our borders. Compared to the Biden administration, nationwide border encounters dropped drastically. As the president said at his joint address to Congress in March, “all we really needed was a new president.” What’s more, the first piece of legislation Congress sent to the president’s desk was the Laken Riley Act, a bipartisan bill that included Sarah’s Law, named after an Iowan killed by an illegal immigrant driving drunk. I’m also pleased the Senate approved my bipartisan bill called the HALT Fentanyl Act that would permanently schedule deadly fentanyl-related substances created by the cartels to skirt U.S. law. This bill would give law enforcement the tools it needs to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets. Republicans have swiftly delivered on our promise to restore law and order and make America’s streets safer.

    Q: What else does Congress have to show for its work in the first 100 days?

    A:  For starters, I’m glad the Senate has resumed a five-day work schedule, after a long hiatus in recent years, and continued in legislative session for 10 consecutive weeks starting in January. That’s what Iowans expect elected representatives to be doing. That’s how the schedule operated when I first came to the Senate. Many times, I urged then-Senate Majority Leader Schumer to keep the Senate in session five days a week, instead of the sleepy schedule he led during the Biden administration. That light work schedule was a disservice to the American people and contributed to year-end, massive spending packages. Congress must return to regular order and legislate 12 annual appropriations bills in their respective committees. This allows members of Congress to more closely scrutinize every line of spending and offer amendments. Americans deserve better than crisis-to-crisis legislating. As a taxpayer watchdog, I’ve continued to lead efforts to root out Pentagon mismanagement and wasteful spending across the federal government, such as tackling improper Supplemental Security Income payments, continuing my oversight of the EPA, and demanding answers about alleged fraudulent Medicare billing practices.  I also published a committee report of my investigative findings shining light on the full scope of the Obama-Biden State Department’s pervasive obstruction of FBI law enforcement efforts before, during and after the Iran Nuclear Deal negotiations. 

    In addition, the Senate Judiciary Committee has convened 15 hearings in the first 100 days. Among the policies we’ve examined include the Freedom of Information Act; children’s safety in the digital era; legislative solutions to fix universal injunctions; and, the rise in antisemitism in America. I also steered six bipartisan bills through the committee to rein in anticompetitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry to help lower drug prices. When the Senate’s not in session, I return home to Iowa every chance I get to keep in touch with my constituents. In March, I kicked off my 45th annual 99 county meetings, holding a dozen question-and-answer sessions with Iowans. Looking ahead, Congress has a full plate of unfinished business to digest in the coming months, including passing a five-year farm bill,  extending rural hospital support programs and telehealth, preventing the largest tax hike in U.S. history and funding the government through a timely and transparent process. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges 261 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct in Arizona this Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from April 5, 2025, through April 11, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 261 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 103 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 140 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 14 cases against 18 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

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

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Sanchez-Marcial: On April 8, 2025, Ofricino Sanchez-Marcial was arrested and charged for Harboring Illegal Aliens. The criminal complaint alleges that Sanchez-Marcial held a Guatemalan citizen, who was illegally present in the United States, against his will and sent threatening messages to his family members demanding a ransom of $135,000.

    United States v. Renteria-Cruz: On April 8, 2025, Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, 48, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested on Illegal Re-Entry charges during an HSI operation led by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. In January 2025, HSI learned that Reinteria-Cruz had illegally returned to the United States after being deported following a 2006 Aggravated Assault conviction. After his deportation, Mexican authorities charged Renteria-Cruz with homicide for events that occurred on July 20, 2009, in Mexico. He was a fugitive until his arrest on Tuesday by HSI.

    A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

    CASE NUMBERS:         25-3144MJ
                                          25-3128MJ                                                         

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-055_April 11 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    So you just finished watching Microsoft Secure. That means by now, you’ve heard about our new protections for AI and Microsoft Security Copilot agents. These innovations will be the focus of Microsoft Security’s sessions and activities at RSACTM 2025 Conference (RSAC 2025).  

    The can’t-miss conference is just around the corner. Microsoft Security is bringing an exciting lineup of sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities to empower security professionals in the era of AI. Our entire presence at RSAC 2025 is designed to help you boost your AI skills so you can stay ahead of threats and manage security more effectively.  

    Whether you’re interested in protecting all your AI investments, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, or securing cloud environments, we’ve got something for you. To help you plan your time from Sunday, April 27 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in San Francisco, here’s a quick and easy guide to all the key Microsoft Security moments at RSAC 2025.

    Microsoft Pre-Day | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Palace Hotel 

    For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft Pre-Day kicks off the full lineup of Microsoft events and activities throughout RSAC 2025. We will host these at the Microsoft Security Hub at Palace Hotel, just a short walk from Moscone Center.  

    Hear directly from Microsoft Security leaders as they share reporting on emerging cyberthreat trends and the product innovations designed to protect against them. See the lineup below:  

    • Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Business 
    • Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Security 
    • Sherrod DeGrippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy 
    • Dorothy Li, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Copilot 
    • Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President (CVP) and Deputy CISO 
    • And more.  

    Register for Pre-Day today.  

    Networking Reception | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Microsoft Security Hub, Palace Hotel, Second Floor 

    Stick around after Microsoft Pre-Day to attend the Networking Reception—a lively evening designed to connect with the security community, engage with Microsoft leaders, and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off an inspiring week at RSAC 2025. 

    On Monday we ease into things by focusing on what’s new all around. We’ll share lots of goodness about agents and our new innovations announced in March. 

    Security Demo Experience at the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 | All day, every day | Moscone Center North Expo Hall  

    Monday is the first day to explore the show floor. Stop by the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 in Moscone Center North Expo Hall to explore live demos, meet Microsoft Security experts, and get hands-on with the latest tools. 

    Become a defender against cyber threats in a fast-paced, interactive game. You’ll be a part of a mission, navigating realistic incident response scenarios using Microsoft Security solutions, including our new AI Agents. Engage in quick skill challenges and wrap up with expert insights. Are you ready to beat the bad actors? 

    Keynote: Security in the Age of Agentic AI | 4:40 PM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    Agentic workflows will dramatically reshape what is possible in security. By enabling more complex problem-solving, agent collaboration, and iterative learning, agentic AI will empower a new paradigm for security that was once the domain of science fiction. Vasu Jakkal will take an imaginative look at the future of security AI agents, and the very human-driven way they will change the game. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    Our top Microsoft Security experts were chosen by RSAC to share their insights and best practices to help you level up your own security strategy. These sessions are designed for learning, not selling. So, you’ll hear more about what’s happening in the security space and less about products. 

    • Practical Strategies for Security Architecture in a Changing World​ @ 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM 

    This session will delve into the core pillars of security architecture and share practical strategies that uphold foundational principles. Will discuss holistic system thinking and provide a practical playbook for navigating the complexities of security architecture while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals and essential considerations for a secure digital environment. 

    Speaker: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft 

     

    • RSAC Innovation Sandbox @ 9:30 AM – 12:40 PM ​ 

    Ten of cybersecurity’s boldest new innovators compete in Innovation Sandbox for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” ISB celebrates 20 years & spotlights startups with potentially game-changing ideas. The Finalists have 3 minutes to share groundbreaking products & solutions with a panel of judges. Interact first-hand with these companies as the judges deliberate before the winner is crowned. 

    Speakers: Christopher Young, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures, Microsoft; David Chan, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer, Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Razi Howe, Operating Partner, Capitol Meridian Partners; Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman & RSAC Conference Program Committee Chair, RSAC; Paul Kocher, Researcher, Independent Researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO, Verizon 

     

    • AI Era Authentication: Securing the Future with Inclusive Identity @ 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM 

    This session explores the security and usability risks of authentication techniques for users with diverse needs. Emergence of AI agents, a new user identity acting on our behalf, also necessitates a rethink of authentication methods. Discover AI-era authentication using sensors like location and behavior and learn about the shift from active to passive authentication with prototypes in action.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft and Aditi Shah, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft 

     

    • DPRK Remote IT Workers – Have You Hired One and Are You at Risk? @ 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM 

    The DPRK actively deploys remote IT workers to generate revenue for the regime while circumventing sanctions. DPRK IT workers pose risks to companies, including insider access, potential intellectual property theft, and exposure to other malicious cyber activity. This panel will discuss best practices for identifying and preventing the hiring of DPRK IT workers. 

    Speakers: Greg Schloemer, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft; Elizabeth Pelker, Special Agent, FBI; Chris Horne, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence & Investigations, Upwork; Adam Meyers, SVP Intelligence, CrowdStrike; and Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director, FBI 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss our deep-dive sessions happening at the Microsoft Security Hub. Build your AI cybersecurity skills as Microsoft Security experts will share what they’ve learned and provide insights you can apply in your own organization. 

    • Harnessing Diversity – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce in the Age of AI ​@ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Amanda Minnich, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft; Nicole Ford VP, Customer Security Officer, Microsoft; Kyla Guru, Founder/CEO, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education; Tanell Ford, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft; and Sherrod Degrippo, Directory of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft 

     

    • Reshaping SecOps for the Cloud AI Era @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Scott Woodbridge, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft and Corina Feuerstein, Principal Product Manager for Copilot in Defender and Sentinel 

     

    • Practical use of CoPilot AutoFix to address Security Backlog @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub and Marcelo Oliveira, VP, Product Management, GitHub 

     

    • Executive Lunch: Scaling Compliance for Global Regulations @ ​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, CVP, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft  

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Here’s where we talk products. These 15-20 minute informal, come-and-go sessions run all day at the Microsoft Security booth. They’re demo-heavy product showcases to help you learn how to better use the tools you’ve got now. 

    • Identity Security in the Era of AI with Security Copilot @ 5:35PM – 5:55 PM 
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 6:05PM – 6:25 PM 
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security @ 6:35 PM– 6:55PM 

    MISA Awards| Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s time to suit up in heroic attire for an epic celebration at the 6th annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards! Just like the Avengers, assembling to save the world, we’re coming together to honor the extraordinary achievements of our MISA members who work so diligently to protect customers from external threats!  Congratulations to the incredible finalists for the sixth annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards presented by MISA! 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Security experts and enhance your cybersecurity knowledge. From April 28 to April 30, 2025 customers and CISOs can schedule one-on-one meetings at the Palace Hotel to discuss your most pressing security product and threat intelligence questions. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.  

    Tuesday is the busiest day of the conference, with lots of choices in front of you, so plan ahead. 

    Keynote: AI Safety: Where Do We Go From Here? | 8:30 AM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    During this keynote session, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the UK AI Safety Institute leaders come together for this blockbuster panel to explain the evolving landscape of AI safety. Attendees will gain insights into key developments in AI safety that should matter to organizations, its intersection with existing security initiatives, and time-tested approaches to translate AI safety to practice.  

    Speakers: Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Jade Leung, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; and Daniel Rohrer, VP Software Product Security, Architecture & Research, NVIDIA 

     

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    RSAC has chosen top Microsoft Security experts to share insights and best practices, letting you learn about the latest in security without the sales pitch. 

    • Incident Response Dilemmas: Sharing Intel Across Sectors in Critical Times​ @ 9:40 – 10:30 AM ​ 

    An incident may be a singular event affecting one entity. What happens when it affects our critical infrastructure and has the possibility of sector-wide impact and cascading effects? How do companies share information and meet regulatory expectations? The session will dive into the work that financial services companies, the government, and cloud service providers are taking to mature IR. 

    Speakers: Ann Johnson, CVP & Deputy CISO, Customer Security Managment Office, Microsoft; Ted Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Treasury; Heather Hogsett, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of BITS, Bank Policy Institute; and Erez Liebermann, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 

     

    • XPIA Attacks – Rethinking Defense in Depth for an AI-Powered World @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    As adversaries rapidly develop sophisticated AI attacks, the solutions also need to evolve rapidly. This panel will explore Cross/Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks (XPIA) and the need to rethink traditional defense in depth strategies. Gain insights into XPIA trends, risk analysis, and innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Join for practical strategies and expert insights.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft; Aanchal Gupta, CVP, Microsoft; John Leo, Jr, Managing Director – Threat and Vulnerability Management Leader, EY; and Stefano Zanero, Professor, Politecnico di Milano 

     

    • A Year(ish) of Countering Malicious Actors’ Use of AI: What Have We Learned? @ 2:25 –3:15 PM​ 

    Artificial Intelligence has changed the game when it comes to how cyber adversaries operate, and how defenders respond. This panel will explore lessons learned from the past year of countering malicious cyber actors’ use of AI, challenges and limitations of legal actions involving AI, and what roadblocks might appear going forward as AI, and the actors who use it, continues to evolve. 

    Speakers: Sherrod DeGrippo, Director, Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Morgan Adamski, Executive Director, US Cyber Command; Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and Sean Newell, Chief, National Security Cyber Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day | Monday – Wednesday Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Join Microsoft Security product leaders as they share their learnings and how you can apply them in your organization.  

    • Defending Against Modern Threats: Enhancing Endpoint Security and IT Resilience @ 8:00AM – 9:30AM 

    Speakers: Archana Devi Sunder Rajan, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft and Peter M. Thompson, Principal PM Manager, Microsoft   

    • Secure and Govern AI to safeguard your data, reduce risks, and support compliance @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Herain Oberoi, GM, Data & AI Security, Microsoft; Rudra Mitra, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Purview; and Neta Haiby, Director of AI Security, Microsoft 

    • Microsoft Security Copilot @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM 

    Speaker:  Dorothy Li, CVP, Microsoft Security Copilot

    • Secure your data in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    Speakers: Talhah Mir, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview and Maithili Dandige, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview 

    • ​AI and Automation Panel: The Startup Innovation for Enterprise Resilience – moderated by FC @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    **Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a copy of FC’s book, How I Rob Banks, and the chance to have it signed by the author at the end of the session.

    Speakers: Kevin Magee, Director Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups; FC, Co-founder & CEO, Cygenta; Shane Coleman, Chief Data Security Evangelist; Christ “Tito” Sestito, CEO, HiddenLayer; Ravid Circus, Co-founder & CPO, Seemplicity; and Jeremy Vaughan, CEO, Start Left Security 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Stop by the Microsoft Security booth to catch a short demo of your favorite product. 

    • See Beyond Silos and Protect Better with Microsoft Security Exposure Management 11:00 AM –11:20 AM              
    • Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with the Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM 
    • Automating Vulnerability Management: The Power of “Endpoint Vulnerability Remediation Agent” in Microsoft Intune 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM  
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Accelerating post-breach deep content analysis and mitigation with Microsoft Purview @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM  
    • Microsoft Sentinel Uncovered: Advanced Capabilities to Transform the SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Protect AI Workloads from Code to Runtime with Microsoft Defender for Cloud @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM    
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Unified SecOps: Defending Critical Infrastructure with Microsoft Defender @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM  
    • Be Fast as Lighting: Automate Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel Service Delivery @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM  
    • Mastering Cloud Threats: Detect, Investigate, and Respond in real-time with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Defender XDR integration @ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM  
    • Practical Strategies for Securing AI-Driven Data: Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Insider Risk Management @ 4:30 PM – 4:50PM  
    • Secure and govern access to GenAI apps with the Microsoft Entra Suite @5:00 PM – 5:20 PM  
    • Bolster your SOC with Microsoft’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) @ 5:30 PM – 5:50PM  

    Networking and Fun | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    • Secure & Sip: DevOps Edition @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM  

    Speaker: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub 

    Gather with GitHub’s security leaders and experts for meaningful conversations, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a custom ramen bar to round out your day at RSAC. 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Day 2 of meetings with Microsoft Security experts continues. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.  https://MicrosoftSecurityEvents.eventbuilder.com/MicrosoftRSAC2025events?source=blog_techcomm 

    As the conference starts to wrap up, don’t miss your chance to get hands-on with Microsoft Security solutions and ask questions at the Hub and booth and in 1:1 meetings. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | Location: Moscone Center 

    • Guardians of the Cyber Galaxy: Allies Against AI-Powered Cybercrime​ @ 8:30 – 9:20 AM  

    ​AI is revolutionizing cybercrime, putting traditional defenses to the test. Expert panelists unite to detail innovative public-private strategies and real-world case studies from their experience in INTERPOL, the FBI, Microsoft, and the Privacy & Cybersecurity Group of an international law firm. Gain actionable insights to protect the global community and fortify cybersecurity defenses.  

    Speakers: Sean Farrell, Lead Counsel, AI Strategy, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Corporation; Garylene Javier, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP; Craig Jones, Immediate Past Director Cybercrime, INTERPOL; and Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

     

    • Green and Sustainable AI for Cybersecurity​ @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    The session will consider the carbon cost of AI and analytics. It will focus on the estimated energy and carbon costs of many cybersecurity use cases and approaches that can be taken to build more sustainable solutions. This will be illustrated through the use of a threat hunting and detection analytical solution and how that could be designed to be most power efficient.  

    Speakers: Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft and Sian John, CTO, NCC Group 

     

    • Scaling AppSec With an SDLC for Citizen Development​ @ 1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    AppSec programs are difficult. Filled to the brim with vulnerabilities. Overloaded staff and inadequate budget. The common “solution” is to narrow scope and focus on crown jewels and their devs. Increasing the scope to 100x devs and 1000x apps surprisingly worked, resulting in program remediation of >50K vulnerabilities in 3 months. 18K of them in a single night. This session will show how. 

    Speakers: Ryan McDonald, Principal Program Manager, Microsoft and Michael Bargury, Co-Founder & CTO, Zenity 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss the final few Microsoft Security focused sessions at our Hub. 

    • Threat intelligence trends and insights panel: Exclusive briefing from Microsoft Threat Intelligence @10:30AM – 11:30AM​  

    Speakers: Sherrod De Grippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Jeremy Dallman, Senior Director of Security Research in Microsoft Threat Intelligence; and Steven Masada, Assistant General Counsel, DCU 

    • Secure access for your employees with Entra Suite @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speaker:  Irina Nechaeva, General Manager, Identity and Network Access 

    • Securing the AI Powered Enterprise Executive Panel Lunch @​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft; Brandon Dixon, Partner Product Manager, Security AI Strategy, Microsoft; Manny Sahota, Director, Global Cloud Privacy, Microsoft; Herain Oberoi, General Manager, Data Security, Governance, Compliance, Privacy Business and Marketing, Microsoft; and Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Don’t miss your chance to see demos and ask questions casually at the booth. 

    • Make Windows endpoints more secure and prevent downtime 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM            
    • Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Partnering with Microsoft 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM            
    • EY Security Copilot Empowered Solutions 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Microsoft Security Copilot: Protect at the speed and scale of AI 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM           
    • Phishing-Resistant Authentication, Trusted Onboarding & Recovery @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 
    • Building a multi-layered approach to data security SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Secure your email and collaboration tools against sophisticated cyber attacks @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM  
    • The latest intelligence on North Korean remote IT workers @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Secure and govern M365 Copilot with Microsoft Purview @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM 
    • Proactively Mitigate Risks with Microsoft Security Exposure Management @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM 
    • Windows 365: The security of Windows, the scale of the cloud@ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM 
    • Shift your SOC from manual incident response to automatic attack disruption @ 4:30 PM –4:50PM  
    • A Look Inside Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative: Progress, Innovations, and Best Practices @ 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM 
    • Simplifying Data Security for the Modern Network with Microsoft Purview and Netskope One @ 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s your final chance to ask your questions and give your suggestions directly to Microsoft Security experts. Book your meeting here: Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC | Location: Moscone Center 

    Last but certainly not least. 

    • Shaping Cybersecurity: How Regulation Shapes Operational Cyber Defense​ @ 10:50 – 11:40AM​  

    In 2024, elections and growing cyberthreats pushed cybersecurity to the forefront of government priorities. The panel will explore governments’ efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience through regulation, the impact on operational cyber defense, and discuss where greater alignment is possible. Attendees will gain an understanding of the quickly evolving global regulatory landscape.  

    Speakers: Ted Maurer, Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft; Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG Connect, European Commission; Ari Schwartz, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Services, Venable LLP; Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy, Tufts University, The Fletcher School; and Florian Schütz, Director, NCSC – National Cybersecurity Centre 

     

    • Taking the Fight Upstream: Pursuing Systemic Defense Against Phishing​ 12:20 – 11:10 PM​  

    Three decades into the public internet, cybercrime is booming and phishing remains a key vector. With AI-enhanced attacks rising, common users are increasingly ill-equipped to defend themselves. What can be done upstream to protect society? This session explores systemic defense strategies across the ICT ecosystem that hold the potential for significant ecosystem-wide impact.

    Speakers: Kelly Bissell, CVP Security & Fraud, Microsoft; Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy, World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity; Steven Kelly, Chief Trust Officer, Institute for Security and Technology; and Kemba Walden, President, Paladin Global Institute, Paladin Capital Group  

     

    • Fraud, Risk, Hollywood & Government—A Strategy for AI Across Industry 12:20 – 11:10 PM 

    ​Dive into the high-stakes world of AI as the experts in this session unravel AI’s game-changing roles in Hollywood, government, and finance. Experience firsthand revolutionary strategies, ethical showdowns, and futuristic trends set to redefine industry landscapes. Get ready for a session that’s as dynamic and ambitious as a Hollywood blockbuster! 

    Speakers: Vishal Amin, GM, National Security Group, Security; Gurpreet Bhatia, Acting Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, Acting CISO, DOD; David Mahdi, CIO, Transmit Security; and Scott Mann, Film Director & Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Flawless 

    • Generative AI Meets Identity Governance: Automating the Overlooked​ @ 1:30 – 2:20 PM​ 

    Identity governance is often the last thing to be implemented and rarely gets the attention it deserves due to its complexity. This session will explore how Generative AI agents can help overcome this by automating critical but often deprioritized tasks like role mining and identity lifecycle management, particularly addressing the challenges of managing ‘movers’ within organizations.  

    Speakers: Angelica Faber, Sr Security Architect, Microsoft and Wesley Kuzma, Architect Manager, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Catch the last day of theater sessions. 

    • How Enterprises will Continue to Learn from Open Source 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM  
    • Creating Bespoke Identity Governance Solutions with Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM  
    • Identity-first security: Using an event-based approach for threat remediation @ 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Securing and governing Agents built-in Microsoft Copilot Studio @ 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Azure Platform Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 

    How to Make the Most of Microsoft Security at RSAC 2025 

    Plan Ahead: Bookmark this blog to easily find the things that interest you the most. 

    Visit the Booth: Engage with our security experts and experience live demos.

    Follow Along Online: Stay updated by following Microsoft Security on LinkedIn and X. 

    Book a Meeting: Want to connect 1:1 with a Microsoft Security expert? Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

     

    See you at RSAC 2025! 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –