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Category: Department of Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: DOJ, ATF Repeal FFL Inspection Policy and Begin Review of Two Final Rules

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced today the repeal of the Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy and the review of Final Rule 2021R-08F, related to stabilizing braces, and Final Rule 2022R-17F, related to the definition of “engaging in the business” of firearms dealing.

    The Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy, aka the Zero Tolerance Policy, was a strategy announced in 2021 that set more stringent criteria for Industry Operations compliance inspections to identify licensees with certain qualifying violations. As of today, this policy will be repealed, and Industry Operations inspections will no longer be held to these previously set guidelines.

    Additionally, DOJ and ATF have plans to revisit the regulatory framework surrounding stabilizing braces (Final Rule 2021R-08F) and the definition of “engaged in the business” of firearms dealing (Final Rule 2022R-17F).

    “This Department of Justice believes that the 2nd Amendment is not a second-class right,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The prior administration’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy unfairly targeted law-abiding gun owners and created an undue burden on Americans seeking to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms – it ends today.”

    “Today’s repeal of the Zero Tolerance Policy and the comprehensive review of stabilizing brace regulations and the definition of ‘engaged in the business’ marks a pivotal step toward restoring fairness and clarity in firearms regulation,” said Acting ATF Director Kash Patel. “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure our policies are balanced, constitutional and protective of Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”

    The decision to review the Stabilizing Brace rule, which sought to reclassify certain firearms as short-barreled rifles, as well as revising the guidelines for determining who is considered “engaged in the business” of selling firearms, reiterates constitutional approaches to firearm regulations.

    The DOJ and ATF will conduct an in-depth review over the coming months and will engage in consultations with stakeholders, including gun rights organizations, industry leaders and legal experts. Further updates on the status of these reviews will be released in due course.

    ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes and regulates the firearm industry. For more information about ATF, go to www.atf.gov or follow @ATFHQ on X.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Schiff, Raskin for Bicameral Spotlight Hearing on the Trump Administration’s Attacks on the Rule of Law 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, today joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, for a bicameral spotlight hearing entitled, “Restoring Accountability: Exposing Trump’s Attacks on the Rule of Law,” to examine the Trump Administration’s attacks on the rule of law.  Senator Welch questioned witnesses on the culture that career prosecutors saw breached and the attacks on the rule of law exhibited by the new administration. The hearing was held by Senator Schiff and Representative Raskin.  
    “The lawlessness of the Trump Administration knows no bounds, and Republicans’ silence on President Trump’s flagrant disregard for the rule of law is deafening. Their refusal to hold President Trump accountable only emboldens the President on his quest to make the Justice Department his Justice Department,” said Senator Welch ahead of the hearing. “We need to do everything in our power to speak out and stand up against Trump’s illegal rampage and demand accountability for his attacks on the rule of law.”   
    Lawmakers from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives heard firsthand testimony from:  

    Ryan Crosswell, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) Trial Attorney in the Public Integrity Section who resigned after the Trump DOJ pressured career prosecutors to drop the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams in a shocking quid pro quo deal and cover-up;  

    Liz Oyer, a former DOJ Pardon Attorney who was fired for refusing to give actor and Trump “Special Ambassador” Mel Gibson special treatment to own a firearm despite a domestic violence conviction;  

    Rachel Cohen, a former Senior Associate at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, who resigned in protest following a string of Trump Executive Orders targeting law firms for taking on clients or cases that Trump dislikes; and  

    View the livestream here: 

    Senator Welch asked several witnesses about their personal experiences with the Trump Administration, including Liz Oyer, a fired former DOJ Pardon Attorney who faced intimidation by U.S. marshals, and Ryan Crosswell, who resigned after DOJ pressured career prosecutors to drop the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams. Senator Welch’s exchange with Rachel Cohen, a former Senior Associate at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, who resigned in protest following a string of Trump Executive Orders targeting law firms is below: 
    Senator Welch: “Tell me about how you saw being in Skadden, Arps—a major Wall Street…really world—law firm as being also an opportunity for you to live your values as an attorney, your commitment to justice, and also have an opportunity to work for folks who otherwise wouldn’t be represented.” 
    Rachel Cohen: “While I was on the job, I had unlimited pro bono hours. It was perhaps the most important thing to me when selecting a law firm. Because I wanted to get trained up on the private sector things. My past work was in public education, and I needed to understand how those things work. It drew me to finance. But I devoted anywhere from 20 to 33% of my hours to pro bono every year. And ultimately, that is why I resigned…I did a decent amount of immigration pro bono representation and actions by this administration are making it very clear that that is soon going to be viewed, or already is viewed, as adverse to the administration, despite the fact that it is just to allow people to survive when they are fleeing harm and persecution and death. And I couldn’t stay at a place that I knew was on the verge of not allowing me to take representations that the President viewed as adverse, knowing what he views as adverse, to him.” 
    ■ ■ ■
    “The Trump administration has been using the Justice Department to go after the president’s political enemies — firing prosecutors who uphold the law, attacking law firms that refuse to do his bidding, and seeking to dismiss cases against his political allies. The Republican Party has abdicated any interest in defending the rule of law or providing meaningful oversight, so I look forward to hosting some of the brave individuals willing to speak out, alongside Ranking Member Raskin, as we do the hard work of accountability that Senate and House Republicans refuse to do,” said Senator Schiff.   
    “While my GOP colleagues passively watch Trump punish his critics and take a jack hammer to the work of anti-corruption fighters at the Department of Justice, Democrats are lifting up the tough Americans who are standing strong against the corruption and lawlessness of Trump,” said Ranking Member Raskin.   
    Recently, Senator Welch took to the Senate floor and called on Congress to defend the right to free speech and freedom of the press. He discussed how our First Amendment rights are essential to the well-being of America’s democracy, and highlighted how President Trump has sought to silence or to punish journalists and citizens who speak out about the Trump Administration’s lawless agenda. Watch the Senator’s remarks on his website. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Louisiana Woman Who Provided a Child for Pornographic Photoshoot Pleads Guilty

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A Louisiana woman pleaded guilty today to receiving child sexual abuse material produced by a photographer she arranged to take the images.

    According to court documents, Hannah Kinchen, 40, of Gonzales, coordinated with a photographer, who self-identified as a “pedophile,” to conduct photoshoots for the minor victim’s modeling career. During the photoshoots, Kinchen allowed and assisted the photographer in posing the minor victim wearing scanty attire, including thongs and G-strings. The photographer sent and Kinchen received most of the images through a file-sharing website on the internet. Some of the resulting images qualified as child pornography and some were later sold.

    Kinchen pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Head of the Justic Department’s Criminal Division, Matthew R. Galeotti; Acting U.S. Attorney April M. Leon for the Middle District of Louisiana; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI New Orleans Division – Baton Rouge Resident Agency investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen L. Craig for the Middle District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Charles Schmitz.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana Woman Who Provided a Child for Pornographic Photoshoot Pleads Guilty

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Louisiana woman pleaded guilty today to receiving child sexual abuse material produced by a photographer she arranged to take the images.

    According to court documents, Hannah Kinchen, 40, of Gonzales, coordinated with a photographer, who self-identified as a “pedophile,” to conduct photoshoots for the minor victim’s modeling career. During the photoshoots, Kinchen allowed and assisted the photographer in posing the minor victim wearing scanty attire, including thongs and G-strings. The photographer sent and Kinchen received most of the images through a file-sharing website on the internet. Some of the resulting images qualified as child pornography and some were later sold.

    Kinchen pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Head of the Justic Department’s Criminal Division, Matthew R. Galeotti; Acting U.S. Attorney April M. Leon for the Middle District of Louisiana; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI New Orleans Division – Baton Rouge Resident Agency investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen L. Craig for the Middle District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Charles Schmitz.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Investigating San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, April 7, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    **The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve** 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Stockton, California on Monday, April 7, 2025 at approximately 11:14 a.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual and involved personnel from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department. 

    Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. Anyone that has information related to this officer-involved shooting incident and wishes to report it may do so by calling (916) 210-2871. 

    More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced to 65 Years in Prison for Child Sex Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Monday sentenced a former Phelps County Sheriff’s deputy to 65 years in prison for soliciting and/or receiving sex acts and child sexual abuse material from multiple minors and destroying evidence to impede the FBI.

    Judge Schelp also ordered Justin Bradley Durham, of Rolla, to pay $79,160 in restitution to victims. Durham pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in October to one count of production of child pornography, two counts of receiving child pornography and three counts of destroying records in a federal investigation.

    Durham admitted requesting and receiving a sexually explicit video from a 15-year-old in 2013. He later provided $200 to the victim after she engaged in sex acts with him. He also admitted engaging in sex acts multiple times with a 17-year-old victim, including in his patrol vehicle. He exchanged sexually explicit images and videos with her. Durham met the second victim in 2016 when her friend contacted the police and he responded to the call.

    The FBI interviewed Durham in 2023 after learning that his PayPal account had been used to send money to another account associated with the sale of child pornography. Durham denied purchasing child pornography and claimed that he hadn’t accessed his Dropbox account for years. He refused agents’ request to search his cell phone. Two days later, Durham bought a new phone, destroyed his old phone and deleted about 37 gigabytes of data in his Dropbox account before deactivating it. Among those files were hundreds of sexually explicit images and videos, including files containing child sexual abuse material. Durham was terminated by the Sheriff’s Department on Aug. 9, 2023, and arrested by them. In jail, he told FBI agents that he also destroyed a laptop computer, threw away his phone and conducted a “digital footprint scrub” of his online accounts, his plea agreement says.

    Durham also sent sexual letters to inmates at the Phelps County Jail, solicited sexually explicit images from other women, including a woman who was on parole, according to a sentencing memo filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman.

    “Justin Durham avoided detection by exploiting what he knew about law enforcement. He often targeted vulnerable victims, some of whom suffered from mental health issues, poverty, or sexual abuse,” said Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. “We applaud the bravery of the two victims who came forward to help end Durham’s disgraceful abuse.”

    Sheriff Michael P. Kirn expressed his firm belief that accountability and transparency are essential in maintaining public trust. “The actions of individuals like Justin Durham are not representative of our dedicated law enforcement community. We will continue to ensure that justice is served and that ethical standards are upheld,” he asserted.

    “This case serves as a reminder that the law applies equally to all, and the commitment to justice remains paramount. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to advocate for integrity and accountability within the law enforcement community and beyond,” Sheriff Kirk said.

    The FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought 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 the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MEXICAN NATIONAL INDICTED FOR ILLEGAL RE-ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES BY A REMOVED ALIEN AND FALSE REPRESENTATION OF A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A federal grand jury recently returned a three-count indictment charging Edgar Javier Castillo-Rodriguez, age 53, of Mexico, with illegal re-entry into the United States by a removed alien and false representation of a Social Security number. Castillo-Rodriguez appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges.

    According to court documents, Castillo-Rodriguez, an alien who had previously been removed from the United States on or about October 30, 1996, at or near Brownsville, Texas, and on or about November 6, 2000, at or near El Paso, Texas, was again found in the United States on or about October 29, 2024, without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

    On October 29, 2024, Castillo-Rodriguez knowingly and falsely represented to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office a Social Security number that had not been assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security.

    On April 21, 2023, Castillo-Rodriguez knowingly and falsely represented to a potential employer a false Social Security number that had not been assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security.

    This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, Gonzales Police Department, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson.

    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.

    NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury.  The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ponte Vedra Man Indicted For Conspiracy To Traffic Firearms And Controlled Substances (DOJ)

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

    acksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Braden Huston Hobbs (27, Ponte Vedra) with conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to deal firearms without a license, dealing firearms without a license, making a materially false statement to a licensed firearms dealer, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances—including 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. If convicted, Hobbs faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 95 years, in federal prison.

    According to court documents and proceedings, law enforcement began investigating Hobbs when several firearms he had purchased were recovered during unrelated search warrant executions by law enforcement agencies. These firearms were recovered in the homes of drug distributors and a convicted felon. Additionally, during a series of controlled purchase operations conducted in the summer of 2024, agents purchased 11 firearms from two co-conspirators. Hobbs was the original purchaser of multiple firearms purchased from these two co-conspirators. Cellphone records later showed that at least one of the co-conspirators regularly purchased firearms from Hobbs.

    Through further investigation, agents discovered that between March 2022 and June 2024, Hobbs had purchased more than 120 firearms from 3 different federally licensed firearms dealers in Jacksonville, with 67 of those firearms being purchased between January and June 2024. Hobbs then sold those firearms to others. On multiple occasions, Hobbs advertised firearms for sale to potential customers before completing the purchase of the firearms from the federally licensed firearms dealer.

    Customers typically paid Hobbs in cash for the firearms or traded drugs for the firearms. Hobbs was aware that some of his customers intended to resell the firearms and were drug users or drug distributors. Furthermore, Hobbs asked his co-conspirators to assist him in finding buyers for the firearms and the co-conspirators advertised Hobbs’s firearms for sale. Although he engaged in the business of dealing firearms, Hobbs is not a federally licensed firearms dealer, as required by federal law.

    When Hobbs purchased the firearms from the federally licensed firearms dealers, he indicated on the required ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual buyer or transferee of the firearms. In addition, Hobbs indicated that he was not a user of or addicted to controlled substances. Both statements were false. Hobbs was not the actual buyer or transferee of the firearms, and he was a habitual user of controlled substances.

    In addition, Hobbs was distributing controlled substances, including over 500 grams of cocaine and Adderall. He routinely advertised controlled substances for sale and coordinated deals. Hobbs often sold the controlled substances to the same customers to whom he was selling firearms. On June 26, 2024, Hobbs was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence and trafficking in cocaine. During a search of Hobbs’s car, officers located approximately 330 grams of cocaine and 17 grams of Adderall, as well as various items used to package and distribute controlled substances.

    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 is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the North Florida HIDTA Tri-County Narcotics Task Force with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.

    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 USA: Fact Sheet: Eliminating Barriers for Federal Artificial Intelligence Use and Procurement

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    SUPPORTING AND EMBRACING AMERICAN INNOVATION: Under PresidentTrump’s leadership, America is well-positioned to maintain its global dominance in artificialintelligence (AI) innovation. Today, the White House Office of Management and Budget, incoordination with the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, issued two revised policies to facilitate responsible AI adoption to improve public services. These policies fundamentally shift perspectives and direction from the prior Administration, focusing now on utilizing emerging technologies to modernize the Federal Government.
    The Executive Branch is shifting to a forward-leaning, pro-innovation and pro competition mindset rather than pursuing the risk-averse approach of the previousadministration.
    The Federal Government will no longer impose unnecessary bureaucratic restrictions on the use of innovative American AI in the Executive Branch.
    By embracing AI adoption, agencies will be more agile, cost-effective, and efficient.
    This shift will deliver improvements to the lives of the American public while enhancingAmerica’s global dominance in AI innovation.
    PROMOTING RAPID AND RESPONSIBLE AI ADOPTION: M-25-21 gives agencies thetools necessary to embrace AI innovation, while maintaining strong protections for Americans’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
    Agencies will empower AI leaders to remove barriers to AI innovation.
    Agency Chief AI Officer roles are redefined to serve as change agents and AI advocates, rather than overseeing layers of bureaucracy.
    Chief AI Officers are tasked with promoting agency-wide AI innovation and adoption for lower risk AI, mitigating risks for higher-impact AI, and advising on agency AI investments and spending.

    Agencies will produce an AI adoption maturity assessment to better track progress andneeds.
    Policies introduce a single “high-impact AI” category to track AI use cases that requireheightened due diligence because of potential impacts on the rights or safety of theAmerican people.
    Accountability for AI will mirror the existing process for using government IT, instead ofcreating new layers of approvals.
    Use of American AI will be maximized when seeking new AI solutions.
    DRIVING EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT AI ACQUISITION: M-25-22 provides agencieswith concise, effective guidance on how to acquire best-in-class AI quickly, competitively, and responsibly.
    Agencies must support a competitive American AI marketplace, maximizing the use of American AI systems and services in support of American AI leadership, human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.
    This policy recognizes the importance of competition, communicating clear and specific requirements that avoid vendor lock-in.
    The new approach removes burdensome agency reporting requirements and optimizes the acquisition process, while continuing to protect privacy and ensure lawful use ofgovernment data.
    Agencies will use performance-based techniques to best harness the rapidly developing AI marketplace and create an online shared repository of resources and tools to assist with AI procurement.
    AI WORKING FOR AMERICANS: Federal agencies are maximizing the benefits of AI topromote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security. Illustrativeexamples include the following:
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) optimizes patient care through AI tools that help identify and standardize Veterans’ care.
    The VA uses AI to support the identification and analysis of pulmonary nodulesduring lung cancer screening exams. The AI functionality improves detection of these nodules, assisting clinicians with life-saving diagnoses.

    The Department of Justice (DOJ) improves public safety by leveraging AI to protect theAmerican public.
    The DOJ is using AI to better understand the global drug market and the impact of illicit drugs on communities and individuals, in order to further drug traffickinginvestigations and protect the American public.

    The National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) expands humanity’s ability tosafely traverse Mars by using AI.
    NASA is using AI on the Mars2020 Rover to help it navigate with limited directionfrom Earth, optimizing scientific discovery from the rover’s sensors and assuring it safely traverses the planet’s hazardous terrain.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor, Missouri roofing contractor reach agreement after teen worker’s fatal fall in 2023

    Source: US Department of Labor

    JAMESPORT, MO – The U.S. Department of Labor reached an agreement with Jamesport roofing contractor John Troyer after a federal investigation determined he violated federal laws, resulting in a teen worker’s fatal fall in March 2023.

    The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that Troyer, owner of Troyer Construction LLP which operates as Troyer Roofing & Coatings, failed to provide workers with required fall protection. A separate investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division found he violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by employing minors illegally in roofing work from May 2022 to June 2023.

    Under the agreement, Troyer must pay $290,000, which includes $156,259 in OSHA penalties, $15,000 in child labor penalties, and $118,741 in criminal fines to the U.S. Department of Justice. The company will also enroll in Missouri’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program.

    To learn more about OSHA’s fall protection requirements and how to protect workers from fall hazards, visit OSHA’s stop falls website. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegal Reentry of a Previously Removed Alien and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cosme Marin-Ponce, age 41, of Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien and failure to register as a sex offender.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Marin-Ponce had previously been removed from the United States in 2019, after pleading guilty to indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old.  Marin-Ponce was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. Marin-Ponce also failed to register as a sex offender, as his previous conviction required.

    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 Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This matter was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Individuals Face Federal Charges Following Multi-Agency Immigration Enforcement Operations (DOJ)

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

    TLANTA – Five individuals have been charged in the Northern District of Georgia with firearms-related offenses during a multi-agency immigration enforcement operation in metro-Atlanta during the past week. The operations involved coordinated investigations led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable support from several local law enforcement partners. In addition to the individuals charged federally, law enforcement seized more than a dozen firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in connection with the operations.

    “Our office is proud to support our law enforcement partners in this effort and other enforcement initiatives to protect our communities and safeguard our national security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “This initiative sends a strong message to those engaged in criminal activity, whether regarding immigration-related or firearms offenses, that the ongoing and determined coordinated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners will achieve measurable results in making our communities safer.”

    “The successful enforcement actions taken during this multi-agency operation underscore HSI’s unwavering commitment to upholding immigration laws and targeting illegal aliens allegedly possessing and trafficking in firearms,” said Steven N. Schrank, special agent in charge of HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. “By leveraging our partnerships and resources, we are identifying and apprehending those who exploit our immigration system to engage in criminal activities that threaten public safety and national security.”

    “ATF along with our federal law enforcement partners will utilize all resources to investigate firearms trafficking by transnational criminal organizations and cartels,” said Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “The success of these investigative efforts could not be accomplished without cohesive partnerships, which keep our communities safe.”

    “The DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, are sending a clear message to the Mexican drug cartels and their criminal associates, that keeping our communities safe is our highest priority,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. 

    “FBI Atlanta is dedicated to supporting our federal partners in achieving our mutual objective of ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This case clearly illustrates the success that can be achieved when federal agencies unite their resources and expertise to combat violent criminals.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: From March 24 to April 2, 2025, federal law enforcement agencies conducted a series of enforcement operations targeting individuals allegedly committing firearms and other violations, including those illegally present in the United States.  During the operation, law enforcement seized 13 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.  Significantly, resulting investigations revealed that many of the firearms were bound for Mexico.

    The following defendants have been charged in connection with the operations:

    Hernandez Mora made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker on April 1, 2025.  Gonzales-Hoppo made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins, III on March 28, 2025.  Vick, Macias Montes and Sambrano also made their initial appearances before Judge Larkins on March 27, 2025. 

    Members of the public are reminded that the Criminal Complaints and Indictment only contain charges.  The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, Georgia State Patrol, Sandy Springs Police Department, Doraville Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Clayton County Police Department, South Fulton Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett County Police Department, Clarkston Police Department and East Point Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Northern District of Georgia, including those assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), provided valuable support for these operations.

    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).

    The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (Atlanta Strike Force) is to eliminate transnational organized crime syndicates and major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Atlanta Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, Regional Priority Organization Targets, and their associates.  The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies; and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, law enforcement partners arrest MS-13 gang member in Virginia, wanted in El Salvador for extortion, blackmail, terrorist affiliation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, working with law enforcement partners from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Virginia State Police, apprehended an illegal Salvadoran national and documented member of the notorious MS-13 street gang wanted in El Salvador for extortion, blackmail and terrorist affiliation. Officers from ICE Washington, D.C.; agents from FBI Washington, D.C.; DEA Washington, D.C. and officials from VSP arrested Silvia Lorena Bonilla-De Jandres, 40, in Alexandria, Feb. 25.

    “Silvia Lorena Bonilla-De Jandres is not only the member of a transnational criminal enterprise known for violence, she has also apparently attempted to flee justice in her home country and hide out in Northern Virginia,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russ Hott. “We will not allow our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities to become safe havens for the world’s bad actors. ICE Washington, D.C. remains dedicated to our mission of prioritizing public safety and protecting our residents by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Bonilla after she illegally entered the United States, Feb. 21, 2016, near Rio Grande Valley, Texas. USBP placed Bonilla into removal proceedings. Authorities in El Salvador issued a warrant for Bonilla’s arrest, Aug. 28, 2017, charging her with aggravated extortion, blackmail and terrorist affiliation due to her documented MS-13 membership. Interpol issued a red notice for Bonilla, Nov. 24, 2017.

    On July 11, 2025, a Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Bonilla removed from the United States to El Salvador.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROWashington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two More Sentenced in Federal Pandemic Fraud Unemployment Benefit Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    ABINGDON, Va. – Two more of the 17 defendants charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, commit program fraud, and commit mail fraud in connection to a scheme involving  filing  fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits, were sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

    Last week, Clinton Michael Altizer and Jeramy Blake Farmer were each sentenced to 12 months and 1 day for their roles in the conspiracy.

    Previously sentenced as part of the conspiracy were:  Christopher Webb, 20 months; Russell Stiltner, 24 months; Jessica  Lester, 19 months; Cara Camille Bailey, 19 months; Justin Meadows, 18 months; Terrence Vilacha, 18 months; Joseph Hass, 27 months; Brian Addair, 24 months; and Stephanie Amber Barton and Hayleigh McKenzie Wolfe were each sentenced to 12 months and 1 day.

    Jonathan Webb, the individual charged with recruiting others to file fraudulent claims, mostly inmates at local jails, was sentenced to 48 months was ordered to pay $150,218 in restitution.

    All defendants were also ordered to pay restitution to the Virginia Employment Commission for the amount of their individual fraudulent claims.

    According to court documents, between March 2020 and September 2021, Josef Brown, Jonathan Webb, and Crystal Shaw developed a scheme to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment befits via the Virginia Employment Commission website. The scheme involved the collection of personal identification information (PII) of inmates housed at SWVRJA-Haysi and Abingdon, as well as personal friends and acquaintances of Brown, Webb, and Shaw. The conspirators used that information to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment benefits for incarcerated individuals and others who were ineligible for the benefits.

    In all, the defendants stole $341,205 in pandemic relief to which they were not entitled.

    As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Task Force, this investigation was conducted by the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General were charged with identifying major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending. According to the United States Department of Labor, Virginia paid approximately $1.1 billion in fraudulent unemployment claims between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced the sentences.

    Agencies that assisted with this investigation included the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, the FBI, U.S. Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case for the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fifteen Defendants Charged with Federal Immigration Crimes (DOJ)

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

    IRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama has charged 15 individuals with immigration crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona.

    The following defendants were indicted for illegally reentering the United States after having previously been deported:

    • Salvador Rodriguez-Villa, of Mexico;
    • Noel Paz-Diaz, 34, of Guatemala;
    • Christian Mendoza-Salas, 29, of Mexico;
    • Isidro Gutierrez Gabriel, 35, of Guatemala;
    • Mateo Pascual-Francisco, 40, of Guatemala;
    • Tomas Naz-Gonzalez, 27, of Guatemala;
    • Marco Julio Agustin-Miranda, 27, of Guatemala;
    • Rafael Juan-Francisco, 35, of Guatemala;
    • Jose Rigoberto Acosta-Calles, 36, of El Salvador;
    • Elmer Geovany Sarmiento-Sifrian, 32, of Honduras;

    The following defendants were charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm:

    • Elmer David Hernandez-Garcia, 39, of Honduras;
    • Christian Ivan Sanchez, 36, of Mexico;
    • Jhoan Jesus Rodriguez-Perez, 21, of Mexico;
    • Orli Umberto Marquez-Cordon, 24, of Mexico;

    Maria Monserrat de Jesus Bautista-Hernandez, 41, of Mexico, has been charged with illegal re-entry after a prior removal and for being an alien in possession of a firearm.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Operation Take Back America partners, Homeland Security Investigations – Atlanta, U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Houston Division, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division, investigated these cases. 

    An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures up to $335 Million from Pharmaceutical Company Mylan for Its Role in Fueling Opioid Crisis

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, April 7, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a multistate settlement in principle with pharmaceutical company Mylan Inc. (Mylan) that will deliver up to $335 million nationwide to help combat the opioid crisis. Mylan, which is now a part of Viatris, has manufactured and sold a variety of opioids since 2005, including generic fentanyl patches, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and buprenorphine products. The attorneys general allege Mylan deceptively promoted its products as less prone to abuse despite knowing for years that many of its opioid products — particularly its fentanyl patches — were actually more vulnerable to abuse. The company fueled the opioid crisis by marketing directly to doctors, leading to dangerous overprescribing and diversion of its opioids into the illegal drug market. 

    “Companies and individuals who fueled the opioid crisis must be held accountable. With today’s announcement, the California Department of Justice is continuing to deliver results,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The opioid crisis does not distinguish between Democrats or Republicans – it has affected people from all walks of life. I’m proud to have worked on this with a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general.”   

    Under the multistate settlement in principle, Mylan will pay up to $335 million to participating states over nine years.

    This settlement in principle was negotiated by the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia in coordination with the attorneys general of Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, and Vermont.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Council On Student Safety & Well-Being

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces Council On Student Safety & Well-Being

    Governor Stein Announces Council On Student Safety & Well-Being
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today at Moore Square Magnet Middle School, Governor Josh Stein announced his Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-Being, co-chaired by Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch, Deputy Secretary William “Billy” Lassiter of the Department of Public Safety, and 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Heather Smith. 

    “North Carolina’s children are our future, and it is crucial that they grow and learn in a safe environment that sets them on the right trajectory to thrive,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to establish this council of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement to identify ways to better keep our classrooms safe and our children healthy.”

    “Ensuring the safety of our students is not up for debate — it’s a fundamental responsibility of our state government,” said Democratic Leader Sydney Batch. “Every child in North Carolina deserves the freedom to learn in a secure, supportive environment. I’m proud to co-chair this council and committed to advancing real, enforceable policies that keep our kids safe and our schools strong — and I’m ready to work with anyone willing to get that important work done.”

    “Student and school staff security and wellbeing is an essential part of public safety,” said Deputy Secretary of Public Safety William L. Lassiter, who oversees the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. “We must use the tools at our disposal to upgrade the physical infrastructure of our schools and train our school staff how to recognize and respond to the early warning signs that can lead to public safety threats. We know our students must feel safe and have a healthy mental well-being to achieve academically. Working together, we can keep our students and our schools safe.” 

    “What I’ve seen in my classroom is that if students don’t feel safe, if they are not supported, it’s so much harder for them to learn,” said Teacher of the Year Heather Smith. “Our commitment to giving students the best starts with looking out for their safety and well-being, and I am eager to jump into this work.”

    Governor Stein’s advisory council will work across state agencies and with both state and local leaders to propose and implement policies and solutions that will improve student safety and wellbeing. It will advance recommendations, provide guidance to state agencies, work with local communities, and share best practices. The council’s first priority will be working with the General Assembly to support school systems in implementing policies that will make classrooms cell phone-free.  

    Click here to read Governor Stein’s executive order establishing the Council on Student Safety & Well-Being.

    The members of the Advisory Council are as follows:

    • Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch (co-chair)
    • William L. Lassiter, Deputy Secretary for the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Public Safety (co-chair)
    • Heather Smith, 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year (co-chair)
    • Senator David W. Craven, Jr.
    • Representative Brian Biggs
    • Representative Lindsey Prather
    • Alan Duncan, Vice-Chair of the State Board of Education
    • Bettina Umstead, Board of Education Member, Durham Public Schools
    • Sharon Bell, Deputy Director, Division of Child and Family Wellbeing, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
    • Natalia Botella, Director, Public Protection Section, North Carolina Department of Justice
    • Dr. Ellen Essick, Section Chief for NC Healthy Schools, Department of Public Instruction
    • Karen Fairley, Executive Director of Center for Safer Schools, A Division of the State Bureau of Investigation
    • Anne Goldberg, School Counselor, Alamance-Burlington School System
    • Tara Hardy, School Social Worker, Craven County Schools
    • Roger “Chip” Hawley, Director of The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
    • Emma Hodson, In-House Counsel, Pitt County Schools
    • Kristie Howell, Chief Court Counselor-District 8, Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
    • Melissa Lassen, BSN, RN, NCSN, Lead School Nurse, Chatham County Schools
    • Mark McHugh, Director of Safety, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
    • Dr. Shaneeka Moore-Brown, President, North Carolina Parent Teacher Association
    • Asia Prince, Director of Court Programs, North Carolina Administrative Offices of the Courts
    • Deputy Rhyne Rankins, School Resource Officer, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office
    • Dr. Paul Smokowski, Executive Director, North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center
    • Beckie Spears, Principal, Wilkesboro Elementary School & 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year
    • Mary Katherine Stiles, M.A./S.S.P., School Psychologist, Cumberland County Schools
    • Justice Warren, Assistant Legal Counsel, North Carolina School Boards Association
    • Julie Cecelia Werry, Scholar Advisor, Morehead-Cain Foundation
    • Dr. Freddie Williamson, Superintendent of Public Schools of Robeson County 
    Apr 7, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo Man Arrested on Gun and Drug Charges

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

    UFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeremy Hodge, 39, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 4, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Hodge’s Ernst Avenue residence and his vehicle. Investigators seized a loaded 9mm firearm, a loaded magazine, ammunition, quantities of suspected heroin and fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia. Hodge was arrested at the scene. He has three prior felony convictions and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    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).

    Hodge made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

    # # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of Minor and Child Pornography Production

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl and producing child pornography.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, Kevin Vallo, 41, was on supervised released after serving a sentence for first degree murder when he used the social media app, Telegram, to communicate with Jane Doe, a 13-year-old girl, while falsely claiming to be 16 years old. On February 19, 2024, Vallo persuaded Jane Doe and two other minors to visit his Albuquerque apartment where he engaged in sexual acts with Jane Doe and another minor. Vallo also recorded explicit videos of him engaging in sexual acts with Jane Doe. Vallo later sent the explicit videos to Jane Doe via Telegram.

    The investigation began when one of the other minors disclosed the abuse during a medical appointment. Law enforcement identified Vallo through witness accounts and executed a search warrant on May 9, 2024, recovering multiple videos of Vallo engaging in sexual acts with Jane Doe from Vallo‘s phone. During a subsequent interview, Vallo admitted to the sexual encounters and to recording the acts.

    Upon his release, Vallo will be subject to 30 months 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro 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 Canada: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer Appointed

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotia has appointed lawyer David Nurse as the Province’s new Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Review Officer.

    Mr. Nurse has deep knowledge of the FOIPOP process, gained while working in government and as a private-sector lawyer.

    “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Nurse to this important role,” said Becky Druhan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “His broad range of experience makes him an excellent fit to deliver the crucial mandate of upholding Nova Scotians’ right to access information while safeguarding their personal and private data. I also want to thank executive director Carmen Stuart for serving as acting privacy review officer until Mr. Nurse was appointed.”

    The review officer is responsible for reviewing access to information requests from people and organizations who are dissatisfied with the response they received from a public body under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Government Act, or the Personal Health Information Act.

    The review officer also considers privacy complaints regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by provincial public bodies under the Privacy Review Officer Act.

    Mr. Nurse’s past positions have included roles with the Nova Scotia government at the Office of Immigration and the Department of Justice, owning and operating a law firm, and serving as a lawyer with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

    Mr. Nurse starts work this week. He takes over from Tricia Ralph, whose five-year term ended on February 28.

    Quotes:

    “I am honoured to take on this role. I look forward to serving Nova Scotians in this capacity and to working collaboratively to strengthen transparency and trust in our public institutions.”
    — David Nurse, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer

    Quick Facts:

    • Nova Scotia’s access and privacy laws apply to all government departments and agencies, municipalities and municipal bodies, hospitals, health authorities, universities and colleges

    Additional Resources:

    Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner: https://oipc.novascotia.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ocala Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Attempting To Meet A 13-Year-Old To Engage In Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Alexander Thomas Daugherty (24, Ocala) to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Daugherty entered a guilty plea on December 20, 2024.

    According to court documents, on September 20, 2024, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) posed undercover as a 13-year-old girl on an online social media platform. Daugherty contacted the undercover agent’s account and, after learning the child’s age, discussed engaging in sexual activity. Daugherty arranged to meet the minor for sex at a predetermined location in Marion County. Daugherty then traveled to the location and was arrested by law enforcement. After his arrest, Daugherty provided a written statement in which he apologized for the “disgusting intentions” he had with “the underage female.”  

    “This sentencing sends a strong message that any attempts to exploit and harm minors will not be tolerated,” said Homeland Security Investigation Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “HSI, alongside our partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, are dedicated to protecting our children and ensuring that those who seek to endanger them face severe consequences for their actions.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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: U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Crime Victims and Survivors During 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) April 6–12, by recognizing recent criminal cases involving victims.

    This year’s NCVRW theme—Connecting Healing—recognizes that shared humanity drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. KINSHIP is where victim advocacy begins. The annual observance challenges us to build a world where every connection built through KINSHIP — between survivors, advocates, and communities — holds the potential to heal. It asks us to ensure that resources are available to all survivors and that we show up for one another with empathy and intention.

    With a dedicated team of prosecutors and victim assistance professionals who work together to ensure victims of crime receive the services and support they need, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and is home to an estimated population of 7.6 million people.

    “Federal crimes against victims will not be tolerated in this district—regardless of whether they are violent crimes, drug crimes, or white collar,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “It is a priority of our prosecutors, our victim assistance specialists, and the entire Department of Justice, that we advocate in the best interests of victims and that crime victims have access to proper effective resources.”

    Recently prosecuted cases include the 40-year federal prison sentence of Saint Jovite Youngblood in Austin for four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Youngblood committed wire fraud against his victims by claiming Mexican drug cartel members were planning to commit violence against them. Youngblood falsely claimed to have been part of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special operations unit and offered protection to his victims from the cartels in exchange for money. Youngblood also represented that funds obtained from his victim “investors” would be paid back with a significant return on the money. Instead, Youngblood used most of the money on junkets to Las Vegas to gamble in casinos. Over the course of his scheme, Youngblood defrauded 32 victims for more than $12 million, which he was ordered to pay in restitution.

    In Waco, a former U.S. sailor was sentenced to life in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of coercion and enticement of a minor. Bailey Warren Lowe used a Snapchat account to request sexually explicit images from a 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions. If she acted slowly or the photos did not meet his expectations, Lowe would become angry and threaten to expose her. On one occasion, in early 2022, Lowe drove to the minor’s residence, where they engaged in sexual activity in his vehicle. Lowe did not use a condom and, when the minor repeated that she was 13 years old, he demanded she not tell anyone about them because he was 22 and could get in trouble. An FBI investigation revealed multiple chat conversations and instances of sexual exploitation between Lowe and additional victims between the ages of 10 and 15 years old.

    In July 2024, an Odessa man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for carjacking and discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Isaac Ramirez Carrasco carjacked a couple on Jan. 30 by pointing a shotgun at the driver and ordering both occupants out of their vehicle. The victim did not initially comply, and Carrasco fired the shotgun at least one time in the air before returning his aim to the victim. The couple ultimately exited the truck and Carrasco drove away in it. Odessa Police were able to track the truck to a nearby residence, where they also located Carrasco and the shotgun.

    In November, Alex Georges Tannous, of Ain-Akrine, Lebanon, was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 240 months in prison for wire fraud. Tannous told his victims he was a prince from Dubai who was charged with bringing U.S.-based businesses to market in Dubai. He claimed millions were available, but that an initial payment from the victim was required to initiate the flow of funds. Once the funds were secured, he used the money to support his lavish lifestyle and the lifestyles of multiple family members. In total, Tannous stole more than $2 million from his victims. In addition to his 20-year federal prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $2.2 million in restitution.

    And most recently, David Manuel Garcia was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison on March 20 for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place. Garcia had traveled from the U.S. to Mexico between July 2003 and August 2008 and engaged in forced sexual acts with a minor victim under the age of 18, which resulted in the birth of two children. Records indicate that the victim was 13 years old at the time of the first birth, and 15 years old when she gave birth to the second child.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas will commemorate NCVRW 2025 throughout the week in various ways. Most publicly, employees will be encouraged to wear this year’s theme colors of “midnight,” “mauve,” and “melon,” or colors closely similar, on Thursday, April 10. Community members across the district and beyond are invited to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this endeavor, using the hashtag #NCVRW2025 and tagging @USAO_WDTX on X (formerly known as Twitter), as a symbol of solidarity.

    On April 9, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will host the 2025 NCVRW Candlelight Vigil at 3:30pm (EST) to pay tribute to victims of crime and the many dedicated professionals and volunteers who advocate on their behalf. We hope you’ll save-the-date and join via the livestream at www.ovc.ojp.gov/live or www.justice.gov/live.

    NCVRW began in 1981 to honor victims and survivors of crime, raise awareness of victims’ rights and services and recognize the dedication of those who work with crime victims.

    For more ideas on supporting crime victims, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ponte Vedra Man Indicted For Conspiracy To Traffic Firearms And Controlled Substances

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

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Braden Huston Hobbs (27, Ponte Vedra) with conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to deal firearms without a license, dealing firearms without a license, making a materially false statement to a licensed firearms dealer, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances—including 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. If convicted, Hobbs faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 95 years, in federal prison.

    According to court documents and proceedings, law enforcement began investigating Hobbs when several firearms he had purchased were recovered during unrelated search warrant executions by law enforcement agencies. These firearms were recovered in the homes of drug distributors and a convicted felon. Additionally, during a series of controlled purchase operations conducted in the summer of 2024, agents purchased 11 firearms from two co-conspirators. Hobbs was the original purchaser of multiple firearms purchased from these two co-conspirators. Cellphone records later showed that at least one of the co-conspirators regularly purchased firearms from Hobbs.

    Through further investigation, agents discovered that between March 2022 and June 2024, Hobbs had purchased more than 120 firearms from 3 different federally licensed firearms dealers in Jacksonville, with 67 of those firearms being purchased between January and June 2024. Hobbs then sold those firearms to others. On multiple occasions, Hobbs advertised firearms for sale to potential customers before completing the purchase of the firearms from the federally licensed firearms dealer.

    Customers typically paid Hobbs in cash for the firearms or traded drugs for the firearms. Hobbs was aware that some of his customers intended to resell the firearms and were drug users or drug distributors. Furthermore, Hobbs asked his co-conspirators to assist him in finding buyers for the firearms and the co-conspirators advertised Hobbs’s firearms for sale. Although he engaged in the business of dealing firearms, Hobbs is not a federally licensed firearms dealer, as required by federal law.

    When Hobbs purchased the firearms from the federally licensed firearms dealers, he indicated on the required ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual buyer or transferee of the firearms. In addition, Hobbs indicated that he was not a user of or addicted to controlled substances. Both statements were false. Hobbs was not the actual buyer or transferee of the firearms, and he was a habitual user of controlled substances.

    In addition, Hobbs was distributing controlled substances, including over 500 grams of cocaine and Adderall. He routinely advertised controlled substances for sale and coordinated deals. Hobbs often sold the controlled substances to the same customers to whom he was selling firearms. On June 26, 2024, Hobbs was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence and trafficking in cocaine. During a search of Hobbs’s car, officers located approximately 330 grams of cocaine and 17 grams of Adderall, as well as various items used to package and distribute controlled substances.

    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 is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the North Florida HIDTA Tri-County Narcotics Task Force with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.

    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).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Department of Justice Commemorates 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DES MOINES, Iowa – The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa join federal, state, and local communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services. This year’s observance takes place April 6 to 12, 2025, and features the theme, “KINSHIP,” which encourages people to recognize the shared humanity of crime survivors and victims. The 2025 theme is a call to action for all of us—friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals— to pursue these KINSHIP connections that foster the increased access to vital services, rights and healing.

    As part of this observance, the Southern District of Iowa recognizes the courage and bravery of victims, and the outstanding work of law enforcement, victim advocates, and community service partners throughout Iowa. Eleven individuals are recognized for outstanding service to victims:

    Awards for Excellence in Victim Services

    • Scott Crouch, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
    • Roberta Cruz, Victim/Witness Liaison at the Polk County Attorney’s Office
    • Molly Jansen, Polk County Sheriff’s Office

    Law Enforcement Victim Service Awards

    • Michael Banfield, Federal Bureau of Investigation
    • Luke Eblen, Des Moines Police Department
    • Kira Lazenby, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office
    • Blake Marshall, Ames Police Department
    • Aaron McConnell, Wapello County Sheriff’s Office
    • Brook McPherson, Ames Police Department
    • Caleb Mitchell, Ottumwa Police Department
    • Jeremy Tosh, Ottumwa Police Department

    “Everyday across Iowa law enforcement officers, agents and victim service providers offer a bridge between the criminal justice system and the shared humanity of victims and survivors. This KINSHIP is critical not only to the justice system, but more importantly to healing and hope for victims. During this week we are proud to honor all officers and service providers who, often 24 hours a day, are available as a resource and counsel to victims and survivors who bravely participate in the investigation and prosecution of violent offenders. These awards proudly recognize the exceptional efforts of a number of these individuals who provided assistance to federal and state victims in the Southern District of Iowa,” said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa.

    The 2025 Award for Excellence in Victim Services recognizes the performance of Investigators Scott Crouch and Molly Jansen. As members of the Polk County Attorney’s Office, both Crouch and Jansen are assigned to the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) program. They aid children involved in criminal investigations and diligently act as a liaison with the children and Health and Human Services (HHS) to assure placements in a safe environment.

    The 2025 Award for Excellence in Victim Services recognizes the performance of Roberta Cruz. Cruz is a Victim/Witness liaison with the Polk County Attorney’s Office. Cruz has exhibited supreme dedication in providing a communication bridge between English and Spanish speaking individuals. Her helpful nature and humanity facilitate a valuable connection between victims, witnesses and the criminal justice system.

    The 2025 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes the performance of Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent Michael Banfield, Ames Police Department Sergeant Blake Marshall, and Ames Police Department Detective (former) Brook McPherson for their extraordinary investigation and prosecution of a serial sexual abuser. They showed tremendous compassion, support, and flexibility for the numerous victims and an unrivaled empathy for the shame and trauma the victims continue to endure. The dozens of victims that courageously participated in this investigation were a testament to the tireless effort and established relational kinship that is at the heart of this years’ National Crime Victims’ Rights awards.

    The 2025 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes the performance of Wapello County Sheriff’s Office Detective Aaron McConnell, and Ottumwa Police Department Investigators Caleb Mitchell and Jeremy Tosh in the investigation and prosecution of a violent sexual trafficker. Through caring, listening, and showing empathy, they were able to develop relationships of trust with each of the victims. Their work on this investigation demonstrated their tremendous capacity to nurture relationships with victims in the pursuit of justice and in hopes of leaving the victims better having gone through the criminal-justice system.

    The 2025 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes the performance Des Moines Police Department Investigator Luke Eblen in the investigation and prosecution of a dangerous sex trafficker. Investigator Eblen exemplified fortitude, determination, and a commitment to obtaining justice for victims by overcoming the challenges that arose. His abilities to interact with traumatized victims with respect, honesty and sincere compassion were critical to obtaining a conviction in this case.

    The 2025 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes the performance of Jasper County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kira Lazenby and her unwavering commitment to ensuring victims receive immediate and comprehensive support. Sergeant Lazenby has investigated a wide range of victim-related cases, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes. She has displayed compassion, diligence, and professionalism in her work, ensuring that victims are heard, supported, and protected throughout the investigative and judicial process. In 2024, without direction, Sergeant Lazenby independently developed and implemented a county-wide victim information system to ensure that every law enforcement officer in Jasper County—across five separate agencies—had a standardized and easily accessible process for providing resources to victims.

    President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims’ rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.

    For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: NCVRW 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Beatty Demands Accountability for Trump Officials’ Reckless Leak of National Security Details

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel demanding an immediate and thorough investigation into high-ranking Trump Administration officials’ mishandling of highly sensitive and likely classified information relating to recent U.S. national security operations on the messaging app, Signal:

     

    “I write with grave concern for American national security given the recent report in The Atlantic that several high-ranking members of the Trump Administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance, mishandled sensitive and likely classified information about U.S. national security operations. Any American who values the sacrifices our troops make to keep our country safe should be deeply outraged by this report.”

     

    “It is unconscionable that the very individuals entrusted with keeping our nation safe may have compromised national security and endangered the lives of American troops with grossly negligent actions. National security experts have opined that, based on the messages from the group chat that have been released, the information discussed would be highly restricted, if not classified at some of the highest levels,” Beatty wrote in the letter. “This would make the mention of these details to unauthorized persons – including a reporter like Mr. Goldberg – unlawful and its discussion outside of a secure location like a SCIF, let alone on personal devices, while traveling internationally, and through a commercially available application like Signal, also improper.”

    “As the Department of Justice, you have the responsibility – as part of your stated mission – ‘to uphold the rule of law and keep our country safe,’ and to ‘follow the facts and the law wherever they may lead, without prejudice.’’ Despite this Administration’s clearly demonstrated belief that it is above the law, it is imperative that you fulfill the duties of the positions you swore an oath to serve in,” Beatty continued in the letter, “I therefore demand that you conduct a timely, thorough, and proper investigation into the reported mishandling of national defense-related information by senior Trump Administration officials and take all resulting steps necessary to hold those who committed violations of federal law fully accountable. I look forward to your timely response.”

     

    Read the full letter HERE.

     

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Welch, colleagues demand answers from Justice Department about Deputy Attorney General’s misleading answers to the Senate Judiciary Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee in requesting documents from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to determine the veracity of U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his nomination hearing. The senators’ letter comes as recent public reporting has raised questions as to whether Mr. Blanche testified truthfully to senators at the hearing and in written Questions for the Record , regarding his knowledge of plans to dismiss the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. 

    “As you are aware, all nominees who come before the Senate Judiciary Committee provide testimony under oath. It is a federal crime to ‘knowingly and willfully’ provide ‘any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation’ while under oath with respect to ‘any investigation or review, conducted pursuant to the authority of any committee,” wrote the senators. “Congress has an obligation to investigate whether Mr. Blanche provided untruthful testimony before the Judiciary Committee, including whether a referral to the Department of Justice for a criminal inquiry is warranted.” 

    “At the time of his hearing, Mr. Blanche was a private citizen and not an employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Two days before his hearing, news broke that the DOJ intended to drop criminal corruption charges against Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City. Senator Welch asked Mr. Blanche if he was aware of the instructions to dismiss the charges, and Blanche responded, “I have the same information you have. It appears it was, yes.” In response to Senator Coons’ question regarding the basis for the dropping of charges, Mr. Blanche stated, “I have no idea.” And in response to Senator Booker’s written Questions for the Record, Mr. Blanche stated in writing that he didn’t know why the charges in Mayor Adams’ case were dismissed,” the senators added. “However, recent reporting suggests that Mr. Blanche may have been aware of the orders to dismiss the case against Mayor Adams almost two weeks before he testified.”

    In their letter, the Senators requested the following documentation from the Justice Department: 

    1. Copies of all documentation and records that reference or discuss Todd Blanche in the possession of the Department of Justice related to the decision to dismiss the criminal charges in United States v. Adams, 24 CR 556 (S.D.N.Y.). 
    2. Copies of all communications between and among then-Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove III and Todd Blanche relating to the decision to dismiss the criminal charges in United States v. Adams, 24 CR 556 (S.D.N.Y.). 

    The letter was signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). 

    You can read the full text of the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fatal human smuggling case and two alleged MS-13 members among those charged in relation to immigration and border security

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

    HOUSTON – A total of 225 cases have been filed in border security-related matters from March 28-April 3, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    As part of those cases, 70 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses, among others. A total of 144 people face charges of illegally entering the country, nine cases involve various instances of human smuggling with others relating to firearms and assault of a federal officer.

    Among those charged as part of these cases include an illegal alien and a McAllen resident who are now in custody for alien smuggling resulting in two deaths. Vicente Garcia Jr. was allegedly transporting one illegal alien whom he was to transfer to Jose Alexis Baeza-Combaluzier. Baeza-Combaluzier had four other illegal aliens in his vehicle and departed the area with the passengers but eventually came to a stop due to a flooded road, according to the charges. When authorities attempted to make an approach, he allegedly accelerated and drove through a flooded area and eventually drove into a canal. Law enforcement immediately began rescue operations, but two drowned, including a 14-year-old child, according to the charges. If convicted they face up the life in prison or the possibility of a death sentence.

    Four of those charged in illegal reentry cases include two El Salvadoran males who are identified as potential MS-13 gang members. Authorities found Edwin Geovanny Parada-Granados near Hidalgo less than a year after he was previously removed, according to the charges. Misael Antonio Mendez-Mendez was allegedly found near Mission having previously been removed less than six weeks ago. The charges allege he is also a convicted felon.

    Another El Salvadorian male is alleged to be a convicted sex offender. Nicolas Alberto Hernandez-Lopez was previously sentenced to 60 months for second degree sexual assault, according to the charges and had been removed in 2023. However, he was found again in the United States near Escobares.

    Law enforcement also encountered Cesar Humberto Leal-Garcia unlawfully in the country and attempted to place him into custody, according to a criminal complaint. At that time, he allegedly assaulted two Border Patrol agents. Leal-Garcia is now charged with illegal reentry and assault on a federal officer. He has four prior convictions for illegal reentry after removal, according to the allegations.  

    Also charged this week is a Mexican national facing charges of trafficking firearms and smuggling goods from the United States. Pedro Cardiel Rodriguez allegedly attempted to transport a 9 mm pistol and 1,852 rounds of ammunition to Mexico through the Brownsville Gateway International Bridge. He purchased the pistol on behalf of an individual in Mexico, according to the allegations.

    Other relevant matters announced this week include the sentencing of a repeat illegal alien offender sent to prison for 33 months in a case out of the Brownsville Division. Fidel Jose-Ramirez has other criminal convictions including driving while intoxicated, assault family violence, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance. He was first ordered removed from the United States in 2019 and was previously convicted of being an alien unlawfully found in the United States after removal in 2023. After his conviction and subsequent removal, he had illegally reentered the country Jan. 3, 2024, after crossing the Rio Grande River.

    In Corpus Christi, an illegal alien with seven DWIs was also ordered to prison. In handing down the 24-month sentence, the court noted Arturo Cruz-Badillo’s previous driving while intoxicated convictions (DWI) and how they are very dangerous for communities and its citizens. He has seven prior DWI convictions in addition to a conviction for battery and was removed from the country three times between 2012 and 2023. However, on Aug. 22, 2024, law enforcement discovered Cruz-Badillo again in the country along with 10 other illegal aliens being smuggled in a commercial cargo trailer.

    Also announced this week was the conviction of another human smuggler in an event that resulted in death. Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo admitted to assisting in the smuggling of an illegal alien July 12, 2024. He guided the illegal alien and a brush guide to the border wall before he returned to Mexico. However, after they crossed the wall, the alien had trouble breathing and ultimately collapsed. The alien was pronounced deceased July 17, 2024.

    Also in McAllen, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in San Benito was indicted for using someone else’s identity to pose as an American citizen. Cristina Amezcua Valencia allegedly applied for a U.S. passport, claiming the identity of another individual. She later utilized the passport containing the individual’s name and date and place of birth so she could enter the U.S. from Mexico, according to the charges. If convicted, Amezcua faces up to 10 years for the false statement in application of a U.S. passport and up to three years for false claim to U.S. citizenship. She will also be ordered to serve a mandatory two years for identity theft, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Despite Supreme Court’s Stay Order, California Remains Committed to Fighting to Protect Grants That Support Our K-12 Teacher Preparation Pipeline

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Friday, April 4, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a temporary restraining order (TRO) granted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, in a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unlawful termination of multi-year grants for K-12 teacher preparation programs. California and a coalition of seven other states obtained the TRO on March 10, 2025, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s order today allows the Trump Administration to go forward with terminating the multi-year grant programs that address the ongoing teacher shortage faced by states across the nation through teacher preparation programs while litigation is ongoing. The Supreme Court’s Order does not conclusively resolve any of the issues in this case, and the preliminary injunction motion is still pending. The evidence presented in the district court is concrete and establishes that without immediate relief many of the programs will shutter – harming the States’ students and aspiring teachers.

    “The Trump Administration is pursuing an anti-education agenda that would yank teachers out of schools and prevent new teachers-in-training who are close to being ready to serve our students from filling empty classrooms,” said Attorney General Bonta. “While we would have preferred to maintain the TRO, we respect the court process, and we look forward to continuing to make our case in the lower court. California and our multistate coalition remain committed to fighting, so that our kids — especially those in high-poverty or high need schools — have access to qualified, talented teachers and a quality education.”

    More information on the K-12 teacher grant lawsuit is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Statement on Supreme Court Victory

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Following tonight’s ruling in Department of Education v. California, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement:

    “Today marks a significant victory for President Trump and the rule of law. This Supreme Court ruling vindicates what the Department of Justice has been arguing for months: local district judges do not have the jurisdiction to seize control of taxpayer dollars, force the government to pay out billions, or unilaterally halt President Trump’s policy agenda. Department of Justice attorneys will continue fighting to protect the executive branch from gross judicial overreach.”

    Read the full filing here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Statement on Supreme Court Victory

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Following tonight’s ruling in Department of Education v. California, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement:

    “Today marks a significant victory for President Trump and the rule of law. This Supreme Court ruling vindicates what the Department of Justice has been arguing for months: local district judges do not have the jurisdiction to seize control of taxpayer dollars, force the government to pay out billions, or unilaterally halt President Trump’s policy agenda. Department of Justice attorneys will continue fighting to protect the executive branch from gross judicial overreach.”

    Read the full filing here.

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