NewzIntel.com

Category: FBI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colombia: Two arrested for live streaming child sexual abuse

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    Authorities have safeguarded victims aged 19 months, 7 and 9.

    LYON, France – Colombia police have safeguarded three children and arrested their mother and aunt, accused of live streaming the children’s sexual abuse for profit.

    Australian authorities first brought the case to INTERPOL’s attention in December 2022 after finding a video depicting child sexual abuse on the Darknet. The video material was uploaded to INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database, where specialized officers from around the world could consult and analyse it for clues.

    One month later, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation alerted INTERPOL’s Crimes against Children (CAC) unit to the possible identity of one of the offenders, pinning their likely location as Colombia. The CAC unit confirmed their hypothesis, uncovering a number of clues and prepared a comprehensive victim identification report for Colombian authorities.

    Upon reception and investigation, Colombia’s national police confirmed the location and identity of the children and the two offenders. They found that the mother and aunt had been using specific platforms to produce and sell made-to-order, live sexual abuse video material for ‘customers’ abroad.

    On 22 February, Colombian authorities carried out a coordinated rescue-and-arrest operation, working with child protection services to safeguard the children and ensure they receive medical and psychological care.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said, “This appalling case shows that live streaming child sexual exploitation is not confined to any region, it is global, and as in this case, usually involving very young children.

    “We will continue to work with Colombian investigators to analyse seized devices, identify further victims and review data to find the individuals who were ordering and facilitating the horrific abuse from behind their screens,” concluded Secretary General Stock.

    Today the ICSE database links 68 countries and connection of additional countries is ongoing. Since its launch, the database has assisted in the identification and documentation of more than 33,000 victims and 14,900 offenders worldwide.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Owner of ‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Luxury Watch Consignment Store in Beverly Hills Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges

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

    LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles man who ran a Beverly Hills luxury watch consignment business and was known as “The Timepiece Gentleman” pleaded guilty today to swindling dozens of his customers of out a total of at least $5.6 million.

    Anthony Farrer, 36, formerly of downtown Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. He has been in federal custody since November 2023.

    According to his plea agreement, from November 2022 to November 2023, Farrer used his business – also called “The Timepiece Gentlemen” – to connect purchasers and sellers of high-end watches. In a typical consignment sale, a client would ship a watch to The Timepiece Gentleman and Farrer would take possession of the watch, agreeing to display it at his Beverly Hills store and through online and social media marketing. The items involved in this case included luxury watches by Rolex, Richard Mille, and Patek Phillipe, among others.

    Once the watch was sold, Farrer was supposed to remit the sales proceeds back to the client, minus a consignment fee, which typically was approximately 5% of the sales price. If the watch did not sell within a specific time or for a specified price, Farrer was to return the watch to the client.

    However, instead of remitting watch sales proceeds – or the unsold watches themselves – back to the clients, Farrer sold the client watches and kept the proceeds for himself. He also used client watches – without the client’s knowledge or permission – as collateral for loans that he took out from lenders. 

    When a client asked about the status of a watch on consignment sale, Farrer lied and said that the watch had not yet been sold. In fact, Farrer already had sold the watch or otherwise disposed of it, keeping the funds for his own personal benefit.

    In addition to his consignment sale business, Farrer also purported to purchase watches on behalf of his clients. Typically, a client sent funds to Farrer, often by wire transfers to his bank accounts or through payment processors such as Zelle, for the purpose of Farrer locating and buying a specified watch on the client’s behalf. 

    But in fact, Farrer took the clients’ money and used it for other purposes, including to fund his lavish lifestyle such as buying or leasing luxury automobiles, apartments, and other luxury goods. 

    When a client who had sent him money asked Farrer about the status of a watch purchase, Farrer often sent another watch to the client to tide the client over or lull them into a false sense of security regarding the status of the purchase. Similar to a Ponzi scheme, the other watch Farrer sent to the client often belonged to other clients who had themselves sent him that watch for a consignment sale. These clients were unaware Farrer was using their watches for that purpose, rather than attempting to sell the watches on behalf of the clients.

    In total, Farrer fraudulently obtained money and property belonging to more than 40 victims and caused total losses of at least $5,691,005.

    United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton scheduled a January 31, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Farrer will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count.

    The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Joshua O. Mausner of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Accounting Chief at Now-Shuttered Girardi Keese Law Firm Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Money From Clients and the Firm Itself

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

    LOS ANGELES – The former longtime head of the accounting department at the now-shuttered Los Angeles plaintiffs’ personal injury law firm Girardi Keese pleaded guilty today to enabling the embezzlement of tens millions of dollars from the firm’s injured clients and to embezzling money from Girardi Keese itself.

    Christopher Kazuo Kamon, 51, formerly of Encino and Palos Verdes and who was residing in The Bahamas at the time of his November 2022 arrest, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. 

    According to his plea agreement, from 2004 until December 2020, Kamon was the head of the accounting department at Girardi Keese, a plaintiffs’ personal injury law firm based in downtown Los Angeles. In this position, Kamon worked closely with Thomas Vincent Girardi, 85, formerly a resident of Pasadena but who now resides in Seal Beach, as well as other senior lawyers at the law firm. 

    In December 2020, Girardi Keese’s creditors forced the once-prominent law firm into bankruptcy proceedings. The law firm dissolved in January 2021 and the State Bar of California disbarred Girardi in July 2022. On August 27, a federal jury in Los Angeles found Girardi guilty of four counts of wire fraud. Girardi’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 6.

    In addition to supervising the law firm’s accounting department, Kamon oversaw facilitating payment of the law firm’s expenses. Kamon had a duty to keep accurate books and records of Girardi Keese, including accounting of money held in its attorney-client trust accounts. Typically, Girardi determined and directed which clients would be paid, how much they would be paid, when they would be paid, and signed all outgoing checks to clients. Kamon had signatory authority on additional Girardi Keese bank accounts.

    From at least 2010 until December 2020, Girardi and Kamon schemed to defraud Girardi Keese clients out of their settlement money, using the misappropriated funds to pay the law firm’s payroll, the law firm’s credit card bills, and to pay Girardi and Kamon’s personal expenses.

    Specifically, one victim – a Girardi Keese client who suffered severe burns all over his body when a natural gas pipeline exploded in San Bruno, California, in September 2010 – had a $53 million settlement negotiated. This deal was negotiated and agreed to without the client’s prior approval. Per the terms of the settlement, $25 million was invested into an annuity. The remaining $28 million was wired into a Girardi Keese client trust account in January 2013. Girardi, assisted by Kamon, misappropriated, and embezzled that client’s settlement money and used the funds to pay other Girardi Keese expenses and liabilities unrelated to this client, including payments to other law firm clients whose own settlement funds previously had been misappropriated by Girardi and others.

    To prevent the victim from discovering Girardi’s embezzlement, Girardi lied to the client by saying the funds had been transferred into a separate interest-bearing account. In fact, no such transfers had been made and no such interest-bearing account containing these funds existed.

    Girardi and Kamon sent lulling payments to the victim as purported “interest payments” deriving from the purported interest-bearing account. In July 2019, they sent the victim a $2.5 million check, purportedly as disbursement of the victim’s settlement funds. In fact, Girardi and Kamon knew these settlement proceeds belonged to other Girardi Keese clients. Girardi already had spent the victim’s settlement funds through disbursements unrelated to the victim’s case.

    In a separate criminal case, Kamon admitted to running a years-long scheme in which he embezzled Girardi Keese funds for his personal enrichment. From at least 2013 to December 2020, Kamon utilized co-schemers to pose as “vendors” who were providing goods and services to the law firm. Kamon caused the supposed vendors to issue fraudulent invoices to Girardi Keese for goods and services that they purportedly provided to the law firm. 

    Kamon caused Girardi Keese to pay the amounts due on the fraudulent invoices. In fact, the law firm was paying the “vendors” for Kamon’s personal benefit, including for construction projects at his homes in Palos Verdes and Encino.

    According to evidence presented at the recent trial of Tom Girardi, part of Kamon’s scheme involved payments to a female companion amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, including a monthly stipend of $20,000, out of the Girardi Keese operating accounts despite the woman having no employment relationship with Girardi Keese.

    United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton scheduled a January 31, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Kamon will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on each count. Kamon has been in federal custody since December 2022.

    Kamon – along with Girardi and David R. Lira, Girardi’s son-in-law, and a former Girardi Keese lawyer – also faces federal fraud charges in Chicago. Trial in that case is scheduled for March 3, 2025.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Ali Moghaddas of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force and Scott Paetty of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oregon Man Found Guilty of Assaulting Law Enforcement with a Weapon and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

    Ryan Wilson of Oregon was found guilty of assaulting law enforcement with a weapon and other charges related to his conduct during the breach of the U.S. Capitol.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Retired DEA Agent of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances

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

    Charity and Disaster Fraud

    Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

    BABY JANE DOE

    Homicide Victim Washington Township, New Jersey December 4, 1986

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Secretly Recording Minor Victim in Shower

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

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Gregory M. Brooks, 53, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2021, Brooks secretly placed a video camera in a bathroom where he knew that a Minor Victim showered. He positioned the camera to capture naked videos of the Minor Victim entering and exiting the shower. Between February 2021, and August 31, 2023, Brooks received and stored the videos of child pornography captured by the video camera on his cellular telephone.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood.

    Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2025, before Judge Geraci.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fraudulent Developer Imprisoned for Spending Over $500,000 of Investor’s Funds on Vacations and Mortgage

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

    Charity and Disaster Fraud

    Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

    BABY JANE DOE

    Homicide Victim Washington Township, New Jersey December 4, 1986

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: More Indicted in Nationwide Business E-Mail Compromise Scheme

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

    HOUSTON – A total of seven people in multiple states have been charged in a superseding indictment related to a large business email compromise (BEC) scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    Authorities have now arrested Houston resident Amber Bush, 29. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

    The three-count superseding indictment also charges Houston residents Bolaji Okunnu, 30, and Philip Ogbeide Jr., 34, along with Ayodeji Okunnu, 25, Austin; Victor Rubio Jr., 27, and Bougar Robert Linares Soto, 42, both of Los Angeles, California.

    Another Houston resident – Destini Godfrey, 30 – is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.

    All are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

    The BEC scheme involved deceiving victims into sending money to others and causing millions in losses, according to the charges.

    Conspirators allegedly posed as legitimate businesses and fraudulently diverted money from victim bank accounts into accounts they controlled. According to the allegations, they gained access to business email accounts and spoofed email addresses to deceive victims into believing they were making legitimate payments.  

    The superseding indictment indicates fraudulently diverted payments from numerous victims throughout the United States, including a financial services company from Oregon, a township in New Jersey, a demolition company in Texas, a healthcare liability insurance company in Georgia and a nutrition products manufacturer outside Texas.

    Conspirators allegedly used email accounts to request payment for services to be sent to new bank accounts that did not belong to the vendor, according to the charges.

    They allegedly deceived victims into wiring millions to fraudulent bank accounts the conspirators opened instead of actually paying the vendor. The charges further allege conspirators laundered the funds in a manner designed to conceal the source, ownership and control of the funds by quickly transferring the money from the receiving account to other bank accounts they controlled.

    They then withdrew the fraud proceeds incrementally in cash, according to the charges.  

    If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison on the conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges as well as five years for the money laundering and illegal money transmitting charge. Each charge carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    The FBI-Bryan Resident Agency and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation with valuable assistance from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and the Edison Police Department in New Jersey and other law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and James Hu are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office Celebrates Annual U.S. Attorney’s Awards

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

    The United States Attorney’s Office annual law enforcement awards ceremony was celebrated yesterday in New Haven.  The ceremony at the City of New Haven’s aldermanic chambers recognized approximately 160 individuals for their investigative work and other contributions to significant federal criminal prosecutions, civil cases, and community engagement efforts in Connecticut.  The majority of recipients are members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including 16 municipal police departments in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

    “This celebration recognizes the many valuable contributions of law enforcement professionals from police departments in cities and towns across Connecticut, those employed by state and federal agencies, and other dedicated individuals who regularly and actively join us in achieving the Office’s mission,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.  “That singular mission is to do justice – do the right and just thing, in every circumstance.  It requires us to always stand firm in furtherance of our three primary and co-equal priorities: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding civil rights, and doing all we can to keep our residents and our communities safe.  We know that our law enforcement collaborations have been, and continue to be, essential to achieving that goal, and we thank each recipient for their invaluable commitment.  We are stronger and safer because of them.”

    In addition to criminal and civil case awards that recognized investigators of violent crime, drug trafficking, national security, child exploitation, public corruption, financial fraud, health care fraud, and other matters, U.S. Attorney Avery presented three special awards during the ceremony.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Investigator was presented to FBI New Haven Supervisory Special Agent Wendy Bowersox for her persistence and dedication that led to many federal and state prosecutions of dangerous human traffickers, and her empathy in interacting with trafficking victims, many of whom are often suspicious of law enforcement and fearful, and traumatized by the sexual, physical, and mental abuse they have suffered.  Agent Bowersox was recently promoted to the position of profiler at the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico, Virginia.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Outstanding Community Award was presented to DEA Special Agent Jonah Mazzacane and several individuals who have lost family members to overdose, who have presented to thousands of students across Connecticut about the dangers of fentanyl, other opioids, and counterfeit pills, through the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s HEAT program.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Outstanding Partnership Award was presented to members of the FBI, Connecticut State Police, State’s Attorneys, and Assistant State’s Attorneys, who participate in United Against Hate events across the state.  UAH helps raise community awareness about hate crimes, hate incidents, and discrimination, and is building bridges between law enforcement and community, ethnic, and religious groups, particularly those with members who have been reluctant to contact law enforcement for help.

    U.S. Attorney Avery also recognized members of the FBI, ATF, Bridgeport Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who recently won an Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team for their investigation and prosecution of 47 members and associates of three Bridgeport gangs who terrorized city residents from 2015 to 2022.  The investigation solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford.

    For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, please visit http://www.justice.gov/ct.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Health Care Manager Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement Scheme

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

    MACON, Ga. – The former office manager of a Middle Georgia chiropractic office was sentenced to serve more than five years in prison after a federal jury found her guilty of committing bank fraud and other federal crimes in an embezzlement scheme that cost an established spinal center more than $200,000 in losses and resulted in its closure.

    Emiliya Radford, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 66 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Oct. 9. In addition, Radford will pay $298,042.72 in restitution to Dr. James C. Smith on behalf of Smith Spinal Care Center. Radford was found guilty of one count each of bank fraud, wire fraud and federal program theft following approximately one hour of deliberations by a federal jury on June 27. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Financial crime can be life-changing for its victims; here, it forced a business’s closure and burdened innocent people with debt and other troubles,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “FBI and our other federal, state and local law enforcement partners will work to protect small businesses from financial crimes and hold fraudsters accountable.”

    “Radford violated the trust of the company that hired her and elevated her to a position of leadership,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “Because of her selfishness and greed, she has not only thrown away her career, but crippled a business and took away jobs from numerous victims. She will now serve a well-deserved prison sentence.”

    According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Radford’s company, Cyber Pinecone, was hired in Sept. 2019 under a one-year contract to perform marketing work for Smith Spinal Care Center (SSCC) in Warner Robins. In May 2020, Radford was hired as Office Manager at the business, and her new salary included marketing work. Radford was given signatory authority over the SSCC bank account and was responsible for issuing and signing all biweekly payroll checks, including her own.

    Radford collected her salary as office manager and, without authorization of SSCC, continued to write and endorse checks to her business, Cyber Pinecone, for extensive marketing work totaling more than $200,000. In addition, she gave herself an unauthorized pay raise and used money from the SSCC bank account to purchase $11,015.67 worth of items from the Apple store that she shipped to her residence. When Radford quit on Dec. 19, 2022, none of the Apple items could be located at SSCC, but some were found inside her home when federal agents executed a search warrant on May 4, 2023. A portion of the embezzled funds came from COVID-19 Federal Economic Disaster Loans (EIDL) directed to aid the business.

    The case was investigated by FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Civil Disorder During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

             WASHINGTON – A South Carolina man pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 2024 to a felony charge stemming from his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

             William Robert Norwood III, 41, of Greer, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols. Judge Nichols will sentence Norwood on Feb. 21, 2025.

             According to court documents, Norwood drove from South Carolina to Washington D.C. to attend then-President Trump’s speech on Jan. 6, 2021, near the Ellipse. After the rally, Norwood walked to the U.S. Capitol building and entered its restricted perimeter. Norwood ascended the partially covered stairs on the northwest side of the Capitol and ultimately entered the building through the northwest Senate Wing door at approximately 2:23 p.m.

             Once inside, Norwood briefly entered an office across the hall from the Old Supreme Court Chamber. Norwood recorded a video of himself entering this office. In this video, Norwood can be heard saying, “Well we in this b— now. What now? This is our house,” upon entering the office, and “Where you at Nancy?” upon leaving the office.

             After leaving the office, Norwood made his way through the Crypt and ultimately toward the Rotunda. There, Norwood was part of a crowd of rioters making their way through Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office suite. As Norwood walked through the Speaker’s wing, he took a paper coaster with the words “U.S. Congress” and the Congressional seal printed on it, which another rioter had thrown to him from a desk outside of Speaker Pelosi’s offices.

             Norwood then walked to the balcony outside the Speaker’s chamber and recorded two videos of the crowd gathered outside on the west front of the Capitol building. In one of these videos, Norwood can be heard shouting, “It’s our house b—.” In the second, Norwood can be heard shouting, “The [inaudible] house! Go home police! Bye, you b—.”

             After leaving the balcony, Norwood entered one of Speaker Pelosi’s offices for approximately 25 seconds. He then walked back through the Speaker’s wing.

             After leaving the Speaker’s wing, Norwood walked back through the Rotunda and to the East Rotunda doors, which were being guarded from the inside by at least three U.S. Capitol Police officers. Norwood went to the front of the line of rioters that had gathered there and began banging on the doors in an attempt to open them.

             Norwood yelled at officers to open the doors, but the officers repeatedly told Norwood and the others that the doors would not be opened.  Norwood knew that the officers were attempting to keep the doors closed, yet he continued to push on the doors with his arms. At approximately 2:38 p.m., Norwood and the rioters behind him eventually pushed open the doors, which allowed hundreds of rioters to enter the Capitol building from the outside.

             After participating in the breach of the doors, Norwood continued wandering around the Capitol building and recorded a one-minute video inside the Rotunda that showed a line of Metropolitan Police Department officers. During the video, Norwood can be heard saying, “Oh these a—, trying to push us out. . . . Should we take our house back? Our house. Y’all are a bunch of p—. It’s about to go down bro.” Norwood then turns the camera on himself and says, “It’s about to go down. Cause I’m gonna go [unintelligible] guns or their asps and attack these m—f— later. No f— around, no no.”

             Norwood eventually left the Capitol through the East Rotunda door at approximately 2:59 p.m.  After exiting the building, Norwood took a U.S. Capitol Police helmet and plate carrier from a bin outside the building.

             The FBI arrested Norwood on Feb. 25, 2021, in South Carolina.

             The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina provided valuable assistance.

             This case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

             In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

             Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montana Man Sentenced to Prison on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

               WASHINGTON— A Montana man was sentenced to prison on Oct. 10, 2024, after he was previously convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Henry Phillip “Hank” Muntzer, 55, of Dillon, Montana, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb.

               Muntzer was convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder, both felonies, following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb. In addition to the felonies, Judge Cobb also found Muntzer guilty of four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

               Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Fischer v. United States, the government voluntarily moved pre-sentencing to dismiss Muntzer’s conviction on obstruction of an official proceeding. Judge Cobb sentenced Muntzer on one felony count of civil disorder and the four misdemeanors.

               According to evidence presented during the trial, Muntzer traveled from Montana to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021, with a group of friends in order to hear the former President’s speech. After the speech, Muntzer joined the crowd as they walked from the Ellipse to the restricted Capitol grounds. Muntzer entered into the restricted perimeter around the Capitol and made his way to the West Plaza. After other rioters had breached the scaffolding erected at the West Plaza’s north side, Muntzer joined the mob in surging up the northwest stairs before reaching the Upper West Terrace at approximately 2:35 p.m.

               After reaching the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace, Muntzer recorded multiple videos in which he commented that he had passed “through all the tear gas” to “tak[e] the Capitol by storm.” From there, Muntzer entered the Capitol building via the Upper West Terrace Door at approximately 2:44 p.m.

               Muntzer then proceeded through the Rotunda and toward the Senate Chamber. While in a hallway just outside the Old Senate Chamber, Muntzer joined other rioters in collectively pushing against law enforcement officers blocking the path to the Senate. Muntzer then entered the Rotunda by approximately 2:55 p.m. There, Muntzer joined other rioters in confronting a group of police officers blocking a doorway leading to the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace. Muntzer positioned himself at the front of this crowd and joined in a collective effort to push back the officers, who had their backs to a set of stairs. The group’s collective pushes ultimately caused at least one police officer to fall down the stairs.

               By approximately 3:03 p.m., police had begun attempting to clear the Rotunda of rioters and had established a line across the middle and instructed rioters to exit through the East Rotunda Door. However, the crowd of rioters, including Muntzer, resisted. Muntzer continued to resist police efforts to clear the Rotunda and was one of the very last rioters present in the area. Muntzer exited the Capitol building via the Rotunda Doors at approximately 3:22 p.m.

               Muntzer was arrested by the FBI on Jan. 18, 2021.

               The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.

               The case was investigated by the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office, Helena Resident Agency, and Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

               In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

               Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Hospital Added to Federal Indictment Alleging Corruption and Embezzlement

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

    CHICAGO — An ongoing federal investigation into alleged corruption and embezzlement at a Chicago hospital has resulted in a conspiracy charge against the hospital’s former Chief Executive Officer.

    A 45-count, second superseding indictment accuses former CEO GEORGE MILLER, JR., 73, of Dallas, Texas, of conspiring with the hospital’s then-Chief Financial Officer, ANOSH AHMED, 40, of Houston, Texas, to corruptly steer vendor contracts and other hospital business to certain medical supply companies in exchange for cash from the companies’ owner, SAMEER SUHAIL, 47, of Chicago.  Ahmed, Suhail, and the hospital’s former Chief Transformation Officer, HEATHER BERGDAHL, 37, of Houston, Texas, were originally indicted earlier this year on fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering counts.  The charges accused them of causing the hospital to issue payments to purported vendor companies for goods and services that they knew had not been provided.  Many of the purported vendor companies were created by Suhail and Ahmed under various names to conceal their association with the fraudulent payments, the charges alleged.  Bergdahl allegedly opened bank accounts in the names of two legitimate hospital vendors and caused the hospital to deposit fraudulent payments into those accounts.

    The second superseding indictment, which was returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago, renews the prior charges against Ahmed, Suhail, and Bergdahl, adds Miller as a defendant, and includes new tax charges against Ahmed for allegedly underreporting income in his individual tax returns.  The newly returned indictment alleges that from 2018 to 2021, Suhail paid Miller and Ahmed a share of $19 million in payments that he received from the hospital, in return for Miller and Ahmed steering those contracts and business to him.  The payments to Miller and Ahmed were in addition to the millions of dollars in fraudulent payments charged in the prior indictment.

    Arraignments on the second superseding indictment have not yet been scheduled.

    The second superseding indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sheri H. Mecklenburg and Kelly L. Guzman.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Defendants Associated with “Everybody Shines Together” Street Gang Sentenced in Federal Drug and Gun Conspiracy

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

    Louisville, KY – This week the last of ten defendants, each of whom were associated with the “Everybody Shines Together” street gang (also knowns as “EST”), was sentenced as part of a conspiracy involving federal drug and firearms offenses. 

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

    “I commend the outstanding work of our prosecutors, federal law enforcement agents, and our local law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful prosecution of the defendants in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “These are significant federal prison sentences for serious violations of the law. Together, we will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute those who seek to flood our streets and neighborhoods with drugs while illegally using and possessing firearms.” 

    “With the sentencing of Mr. Mosley comes the conclusion of a years-long collaborative effort across all levels of law enforcement to put some of Louisville’s most hardened criminals behind bars and disrupt one of the area’s most consequential street gangs,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury. “With multiple significant federal prison sentences, we hope this case serves as a warning sign. As long as you continue to exploit the young and vulnerable and fill our neighborhoods with senseless gun violence and harmful drug operations, the FBI will use every available resource to identify and dismantle your operation.”

    “This sentencing highlights the result of countless hours of dedicated effort from officers and investigators from LMPD and our partner agencies,” stated Chief Paul Humphrey. Each day they place their life on the line to remove criminals such as these from the streets, making Louisville a safer, better place.  The men and women of LMPD will not stop fighting against the scourge of violence and gang activity in our city. There is more work to do, but this particular group of criminals being sentenced and removed from our community is a move in the right direction.”

    According to court documents, Eric D. Mosley, 33, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Mosley was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On December 1, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, enhanced possession of drug paraphernalia, enhanced possession of marijuana, and enhanced possession of heroin.

    On December 1, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, less than 4 grams of cocaine, receiving stolen property (firearm), enhanced possession of marijuana, and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense (less than 2 grams of heroin).

    Zaman Taylor, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 3, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    Darrian Toogood, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on June 6, 2024, to 6 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

    Devonzo Summers, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on March 21, 2024, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    Barry Reed, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on December 18, 2023, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

    Dazaray Rice, 30, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 9, 2023, to 3 years of probation, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substance and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Aerion Cook, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

    Khasi Jones, 31, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and six counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Cedric Palmer, 28, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 12, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and distribution of methamphetamine.

    Ricos Mosley, 36, of Louisville,was sentenced on August 17, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI and LMPD, with assistance from the ATF, IRS-CI, DEA, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter prosecuted the case with assistance from Paralegal Aaron Cooper.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendants prosecuted on federal firearms, drug charges

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

    SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. 

    “Illegally possessed guns, particularly those converted to automatic fire, are a persistent threat to public safety,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to eliminating these sources of violence in our communities.” 

    The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.

    Those indicted in October include:

    • Javon Edwards, 30, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Machine Gun, referring to a pistol converted to automatic fire with a “Glock switch”; and,
    • Travis Sanders, 44, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

    All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:

    • Laron Thompson, a/k/a “Hollywood,” 38, of Savannah, was sentenced to 115 months in prison after pleading guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Thompson is one of 10 defendants, including Tyquian Bowman, a/k/a “Quando Rondo,” 24, of Savannah, indicted in 2023 in a Savannah-area drug trafficking conspiracy.
    • Jacqueline Christmas, 50, of Statesboro, was sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm. An ATF investigation determined that Christmas purchased multiple handguns from a Bulloch County gun store, falsely claiming a legal owner was the buyer of the guns when they were actually purchased by and delivered in New York to Christmas’ brother-in-law, who since has pled guilty to related federal firearms charges.
    • Jakobian Sentell Jones, 25, of Warrenton, Ga., was sentenced to 60 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine. Georgia State Patrol troopers found Jones in possession of a revolver during a traffic stop, and in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine during a subsequent search.
    • Othnell Christian Ferguson, 27, of Pembroke, Ga., was sentenced to 70 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Statesboro police officers determined Ferguson possessed a pistol during a foot chase following a February 2023 traffic stop.
    • Kenyatta Dunn Nero, 40, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies found a pistol in Nero’s vehicle during a July 2023 traffic stop. Nero has multiple previous criminal convictions on state charges that include illegal gun possession.
    • Jamal Brashad Hawkins, 22, of Swainsboro, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Emanuel County deputies found Hawkins in possession of a pistol after a traffic stop in June 2023.
    • Darnell Harold Miller, 25, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police in January found Miller in possession of a pistol while investigating a domestic disturbance.
    • Nathan Sparks, 27, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found a pistol in Sparks’ waistband during a traffic stop. 
    • Anthony McQuarters, 31, of Hardeeville, S.C., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. A Georgia State Patrol trooper arrested McQuarters on state charges following a chase on I-16 by multiple law enforcement agencies through Laurens, Treutlen, Emanuel, and Candler counties, and found pistols in his possession.
    • Christopher Jeramy Blair, 44, of Pembroke, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon. Acting on a tip, investigators from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives seized 11 handguns, rifles, and shotguns during a search of Blair’s residence.

    The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. 

    For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IMPD Sergeant Facing Federal Charges for Possession and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    INDIANAPOLIS—A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant, Javed Richards, 42, with five counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. Richards had his initial appearance in federal court on October 10th.

    According to the indictment, on July 14, 2024, Richards allegedly distributed at least five videos of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct to other individuals via the Kik messenger application. Richards is further charged with possessing numerous images and videos of child sex abuse material on his iCloud account.

    IMPD announced it has suspended Sergeant Richards pending a recommendation of termination to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board.

    The FBI and Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is investigating this case, with cooperation from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. If convicted, Richards faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

    U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who is prosecuting this case.

    This investigation was conducted by the FBI which is part of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.internetcrimesagainstkids.com to learn more about their efforts.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Who Received and Downloaded Child Pornography Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison

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

    A man who received child pornography over the internet was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.

    Christopher Goins, age 47, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 13, 2024, guilty plea to one count of receiving child pornography.

    In a plea agreement, Goins admitted that between December 2019 and December 2021, he knowingly received and downloaded photos and videos of child pornography, including depictions of minors under 12 years of age.  During a search of Goins’ home in December 2021, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized 33 storage devices containing over 600 images of child pornography.  In January 2024, following his arrest on federal child pornography charges, Goins said that additional child pornography would be found on his phone.  During a search of Goins’ home, FBI agents found child pornography on Goins’ laptop and additional storage devices which Goins had obtained after his home was searched in December 2021.

    Goins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Goins was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $3,000 in restitution to a child victim depicted in videos and photos he possessed.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Goins is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

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

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

    The case file number is 24-CR-06.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Sex Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Four Women Using Violence and Threats

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant began recruiting women upon release from state prison for sex trafficking

    BOSTON – A Stoughton man, previously convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to sex trafficking multiple adult women.

    Marvin Pompilus, 39, pleaded guilty to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in in November 2023, and indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 23, 2025.

    In February 2018, Pompilus was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. He was sentenced to six years in state prison and was released in October 2021.

    “Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

    “This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

    “Marvin Pompilus admitted today that after being released from state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex. What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

    Following his release from state custody in October  2021, Pompilus conspired to exploit and recruit multiple women into the commercial sex trade, using a combination of physical violence, sexual violence, threats of violence, verbal abuse and withholding of controlled substances from drug dependent victims to coerce and/or force them to engage in commercial sex acts. He then collected all of the proceeds.  Pompilus required his victims to check in with him, forbade them from interacting with other men, and precluded them from obtaining drugs from anyone other than him. If one of the victims attempted to keep any of the proceeds from commercial sex or attempted to refuse to see a sex buyer, Pompilus would become physically violent, at times striking the victim in the face and kicking them. Pompilus would also engage in other forms of abuse as well such as using degrading names toward his victims, spitting on them, and throwing drinks on them, as well as isolating them from others.

    If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    The charge of conspiracy to sex traffic by force, fraud, or coercion provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least two years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; AAG Clarke; and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston and Randolph Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Justice Department’s Human Trafficking Protection Unit are prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

    The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

    If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

    The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

    If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Civil Rights Charges for Committing Sex Trafficking of Victims Addicted to Opioids and Cocaine and Other Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

    According to court documents, Marvin Pompilus, 39, of Stoughton, conspired to use force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel three adult victims to engage in commercial sex acts in the Randolph, Massachusetts, area between October 2021 and October 2022. He also conspired to compel another other adult victim to engage in commercial sex acts in September 2022. In addition, Pompilus pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute in September 2022. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in November 2023. He has remained in federal custody.

    According to court documents, Pompilus knew that the victims abused opioids and cocaine, and he specifically targeted the victims because of this vulnerability. For example, Pompilus promised the victims cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in exchange for engaging in commercial sex, with all the profits of the sex acts going directly to Pompilus. Pompilus also possessed distribution quantities of cocaine and fentanyl when Randolph Police Department conducted a car stop in September 2022 and found these drugs inside the crotch of his pants.

    Court documents also demonstrate that Pompilus was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court in February 2018 of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. Pompilus was sentenced to six years in state prison and he was released in October 2021. Within days of his release, Pompilus began the sex trafficking conspiracy to which he pleaded guilty today.

    “This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

    “Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

    “Marvin Pompilus admitted today that as soon as he got out of state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office. “What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable. The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025. According to the plea agreement, Pompilus faces a minimum penalty of 12 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Boston Field Office, Massachusetts State Police and Randolph Police Department investigated the case. Massachusetts State Police Troopers Ashleigh Moore and John Hagerty are especially commended for identifying Pompilus and detecting his trafficking scheme during a routine car stop in the summer of 2021.

    Chief of the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit Liz Riley-Cunniffe for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit http://www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at http://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ringleader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Key Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

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

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Derrell Cashawn Massey, also known as “Rell” and “Fat Rell,” 34, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Massey admitted to a leading role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Southern District of West Virginia.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 3, 2023, Massey distributed approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a Ninth Street residence in Huntington where Massey was living. The confidential informant had called Massey beforehand to arrange the transaction, agreeing to pay $2,000 in exchange for the methamphetamine.

    Massey admitted to the transaction and further admitted to participating in the DTO from at least November 2022 through November 2023. Massey’s participation included arranging for quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl to be transported from Detroit and other areas to Huntington for distribution. Massey also distributed at least 30 pounds of methamphetamine to a specific customer in Nitro, West Virginia, and directed other individuals to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl to various customers. Massey admitted that he aided and abetted the distribution of a total of 8.6 pounds of methamphetamine on 10 separate occasions between February 27, 2023, and September 7, 2023.

    Massey and other DTO participants used multiple residences to store and distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, including Massey’s Ninth Avenue residence in Huntington. On September 12, 2023, law enforcement officers seized six 9mm semiautomatic pistols at Massey’s Ninth Avenue residence.

    Massey is among 27 individuals indicted in a 53-count indictment that charges the defendants with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl transported from Detroit, Michigan, in Huntington and other locations within the Southern District of West Virginia.

    Massey is also among 21 defendants who have pleaded guilty in the main case. One other of the 27 indicted individuals pleaded guilty to a related offense in a separate case. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

    United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

    The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-180.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Stefanik Demand FBI Take Action Against Antisemitic Terrorist Threats

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – As antisemitic incidents in the United States have increased 200% since Oct. 7, 2023, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) demanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate Columbia University Apartheid Divest’s (CUAD) terrorist threats.
    After CUAD celebrated the anniversary of the horrific Oct. 7 attacks as a “moral, military and political victory,” praised a Hamas-claimed terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, and once again called for and endorsed violence, Ernst and Stefanik urged the FBI’s New York field office and Columbia University leadership not to repeat last year’s failures, when Jewish students were told to hide at home.
    “The time to act is now. Rarely has the FBI had such public and obvious evidence of potentially imminent violence. This cannot become another instance in which a terrible case of violence takes place at a school and the FBI issues a statement after the fact that the perpetrators were ‘on its radar,’ but did nothing,” the lawmakers wrote.
    Click here to read the full letter.
    Background:
    As cases of antisemitism on campuses started to increase after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Ernst introduced the Students Bill of Rights Act to protect the First Amendment rights of students and stem discrimination at its source.
    In May 2024, Ernst led her colleagues in demanding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigate if 501(c)(3) organizations that have backed the violent pro-Hamas protests on college campuses violated the terms of their tax-exempt status.
    In response to antisemitic incidents on college campuses increasing by 700% last year, Ernst introduced legislation requiring universities and the Department of Education to immediately address civil rights complaints if a student experiences violence or harassment on campus because of their heritage.
    Last week, Senator Ernst raised concern that Hamas-linked entities on college campuses may be circumventing the Foreign Agents Registration Act to shape U.S. public opinion and policy outcomes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former King County Jail Guard Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison for Accepting Bribe to Bring Narcotics Into Facility

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

    Charity and Disaster Fraud

    Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

    BABY JANE DOE

    Homicide Victim Washington Township, New Jersey December 4, 1986

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Series of Vehicle Pipe-Bombings

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Scott Eric Anderson, 46, of Fresno, was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison for conspiracy to destroy property, malicious destruction by means of an explosive device and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, between November 2022 and February 2023, Anderson committed a series of pipe-bombings on unoccupied vehicles and property in Fresno. The bombings damaged vehicles belonging to two auto-related businesses on Clinton Avenue in Fresno. On Feb. 19, 2023, a bomb heavily damaged a vehicle used by a home health care business on Fallbrook Avenue in Fresno. Anderson sometimes recorded his crimes by video. Law enforcement also recovered a pistol in Anderson’s bedroom. Anderson was previously convicted of carrying a loaded and concealed weapon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Tierney prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oxnard Man Affiliated with Local Gang is Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Narcotics Trafficking

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

    Charity and Disaster Fraud

    Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

    BABY JANE DOE

    Homicide Victim Washington Township, New Jersey December 4, 1986

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Statement by President Joe  Biden Marking One Year Since the Killing of Wadee  Alfayoumi

    Source: The White House

    On October 14th, one year ago today, six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, a bright and cheerful American Muslim boy of Palestinian descent, was brutally killed in his family’s home in Plainfield, Illinois. The attacker also repeatedly stabbed and seriously wounded Wadee’s mother, Hanan Shaheen, resulting in murder, attempted murder, and hate crime charges in Illinois. After this heinous attack, Jill and I spoke with their family, as did Vice President Harris. We joined Americans from across the country in expressing our horror and offering our condolences and prayers.

    One year later, we continue to think about them. We are grateful for Hanan’s recovery and her powerful voice for peace. But we know the hole in their heart that remains without their beloved son. Days like this are hard because it brings it all back. We keep them in our hearts.

    On this day, let us all take steps that honor Wadee’s memory and reaffirm together that there is no place for hate in America, including hatred of Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. We can all reject hatred and expose misinformation and disinformation that is cynically aimed at turning us against one another. We can all reach across divides of background and belief to create greater understanding and unity in our country. No one in this country should be subjected to violence or hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric simply because of who they are. No one of any background in this country should be made to feel unsafe in America.  

    Today, we also reaffirm our commitment to mobilize government to counter hate in all its forms. In May 2021, I signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which includes the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act, to enhance hate crime data collection and provide community-centered solutions to assist hate crime victims and their communities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has elevated hate crimes and criminal civil rights violations to its highest-level national threat priority, which has increased the resources for hate crimes prevention and investigations and made hate crimes a focus for all of the Bureau’s field offices. My Administration will continue to spare no effort in countering hate in all its forms.

    Together, we must work to end acts of senseless violence and stand united in support of all of our fellow Americans, no matter their race, ethnicity, or creed. May we summon the courage and the strength to do so. 

    May God bless Wadee Alfayoumi and his family.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Takes New Actions to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab  Hate

    Source: The White House

    Over the past year, the Biden-Harris Administration has continued to take action to fight hatred and violence against Muslim and Arab communities. Members of these communities, including Palestinian Americans, have been murdered or wounded in hate-fueled attacks; shot and subjected to other assaults as they simply walked down streets; bullied at schools, including by having their religious head coverings ripped off; and denied jobs, harassed, or demoted at work merely because of their faith or ethnicity.

    President Biden and Vice President Harris are leading efforts to bring about much-needed change and have repeatedly condemned such violence, discrimination, and bias. These efforts are part of a larger Administration initiative to counter hate in all its forms, to keep every community safe, to promote equal justice, and to afford all Americans a fair shot at success. For generations, Muslim and Arab Americans have contributed to the enrichment and prosperity of our nation through their public, military, and community service, in addition to many other invaluable contributions. And like all Americans, they are entitled to the promise and opportunities of our great nation.

    Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is highlighting some actions taken as part of its forthcoming National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Hatred Against Arabs in the United States, including important steps to address daily concerns regarding safety and discrimination, as well as issues related to travel. The Administration will continue to lead a whole-of-government and a whole-of society effort to counter hate.

    Completed executive branch actions that are part of the forthcoming Strategy include:

    Improving Safety and Security

    • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) have completed an unclassified assessment on violent threats facing Muslim and Arab communities in the United States. The assessment will be published this week, and is the first of what will be an annual assessment by these agencies regarding threats facing these communities.
    • Since 2021, DOJ has awarded over $100 million in grants to law enforcement and prosecution agencies, community-based organizations, and civil rights groups to address hate crimes through outreach, investigations, prosecutions, community awareness and preparedness, reporting, hotlines, and victim services. This figure includes nearly $30 million in grants announced last month.
    • DOJ continues to support law enforcement agencies’ transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Beginning in January 2021, NIBRS became the national standard for law enforcement crime data reporting in the United States and the transition to NIBRS represented a significant improvement in how reported crime is measured and estimated by the federal government. Since 2015, DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the FBI have provided more than $150 million to law enforcement agencies and state Uniform Crime Programs to support their transitions to NIBRS.
    • The DOJ Civil Rights Division continues to prosecute Islamophobic and other hate crimes, including hate crimes directed at students on campus. Last week, a New Jersey man pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday and damaging and destroying religious artifacts because of the Islamic faith of those associated with the facility.
    • DOJ’s United Against Hate initiative, led by all 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs), combats unlawful acts of hate by teaching community members how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes and by building trust between law enforcement and communities. To date, at least 45 USAOs have engaged directly with Muslim communities.
    • Attorney General Garand directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and all 94 USAOs across the country to work with local law enforcement and community leaders to protect communities from hate-fueled violence in the last year and recently reaffirmed DOJ’s commitment to combat the disturbing rise in the volume and frequency of threats against Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian as well as Jewish communities here in the United States. DOJ created a webpage aimed at raising awareness of resources for addressing these threats, and it will continue to publicize its efforts.
    • During the September 2024 Protecting Places of Worship Week of Action, the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships hosted workshops to encourage partnerships to take collective action against hate-based violence, including Islamophobic violence and hate crimes against Arabs. This emphasis included promotion of a guide to applying for Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding.
    • DHS has announced that it will distribute $210 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds as the second tranche of additional funding the Biden-Harris Administration secured to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. This funding opportunity will be made available in late October.

    Tackling Discrimination and Bias

    • The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has published the Workplace Rights Federal Toolkit, a compilation of resources for employees of the federal government regarding their workplace rights, including information about their rights to nondiscrimination and religious accommodation.
    • The Department of Labor sent a letter to American Job Centers and other public workforce entities reminding them about their legal obligations to enforce prohibitions on discrimination based on actual or perceived religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics — including Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and related forms of discrimination – in federally funded activities and programs. The letter also included a fact sheet with examples of these forms of discrimination in the workforce development system.
    • DOJ issued a fact sheet titled Confronting Discrimination Based on Religion in Schools: A Resource for Students and Families, which discusses scenarios involving students’ rights to pray and wear religious attire in schools.
    • ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Fact Sheet on Harassment based on Race, Color, or National Origin on School Campuses, reminding schools of their federal civil rights obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) to take prompt and effective action to respond to harassment that creates a hostile environment. ED OCR continues to investigate and resolve claims of shared ancestry discrimination under Title VI at schools. For example, ED OCR recently entered into a resolution agreement with the Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan to address concerns about a hostile environment for students based on shared Muslim/Arab Palestinian ancestry.
    • The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a letter to the over 200 federally-funded Fair Housing Initiatives Programs and Fair Housing Assistance Programs on how to identify and counter Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and related forms of bias and discrimination in housing. Also, HUD created a webpage on protections against housing discrimination on the basis of religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics, which include the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    • The Department of Transportation (DOT) provided a number of resources related to travelers’ rights and opportunities to file a complaint when there may be an instance of discrimination by airlines or recipients of federal funding, including discrimination on the basis of religion or national origin. The Passengers’ Right to Fly Free from Discrimination is a guide designed to explain DOT’s role in protecting aviation passengers from unlawful discrimination. Similarly, the Guidance for Airline Personnel on Non-discrimination in Air Travel assists airline personnel in understanding their legal obligations not to discriminate against passengers. For example, this guidance notes that it is impermissible to remove a passenger from a flight simply because he is holding a book that appears to be a Quran.
    • DOJ sent a letter to state, county, and municipal officials reminding them of the obligation of public officials to comply with the land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and to inform them about documents issued by DOJ that may be of assistance to them in applying this federal civil rights law. RLUIPA is a federal law that protects people and religious institutions from discriminatory and overly burdensome land use regulations. For example, DOJ recently filed a complaint and consent decree in United States v. Hendricks County, settling allegations that Hendricks County violated RLUIPA and the Fair Housing Act by twice unlawfully denying zoning approval to an Islamic educational organization that sought to develop a religious seminary, school, and housing on land in Hendricks County.
    • Some Americans, including many Muslims and Arabs, have documented how financial institutions use de-risking, a practice to terminate or restrict business relationships indiscriminately with broad categories of clients rather than analyzing and managing the risks of clients in a targeted manner. To help address de-risking, the U.S. Treasury Department has published its National De-Risking Strategy. The Treasury Department also has issued a proposed rule to improve the effectiveness of how banks manage potential risks associated with anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism in a risk-based manner, while avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches that can lead to financial institutions declining to provide financial services to entire categories of customers.

    Addressing Issues Related to Travel

    • On January 20, 2021, President Biden rescinded the previous administration’s discriminatory Muslim Ban, which included many Arab countries and was inconsistent with our nation’s foundation of religious freedom for all. At President Biden’s direction, the U.S. Department of State conducted a review of visa applications and has taken various corrective actions to process applications that were impacted by the prior travel ban, including reconsidering previously denied applications and implementing a one-time fee credit for certain applicants.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Annual Awards Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Contributions From Western Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officers and Prosecutors

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

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Law Enforcement Agency Directors (LEAD) of Western Pennsylvania recognized more than three dozen area law enforcement officers and prosecutors during its 26th Annual LEAD Awards Ceremony, announced United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan. Comprising the Western Pennsylvania heads of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, LEAD bestows awards annually as a way of recognizing outstanding performance from law enforcement agents and officers, as well as prosecutors.

    Notable among the LEAD Awards presented were:

    • The Lifetime Service Award was presented to (Retired) Supervisory Special Agent Louis “Lou” Weiers for his outstanding service with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Weiers began his career with the ATF in January 1991 as a Special Agent with the Pittsburgh field office’s Arson/Explosives group, also serving as a member of the National Response Team from 1998 until 2005. Weiers was promoted to Resident Agent in Charge of the Pittsburgh Firearms Trafficking and Violent Crime group in March 2005, and was among the longest tenured supervisory investigators within the ATF upon his September 2024 retirement. Among the many investigations on which he worked during his career, Weiers served as the first-line supervisor at the 2018 Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, where his group led the ATF response and firearms investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); represented ATF at the September 11, 2001, Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and was involved in the 2014 48-day manhunt for Eric Frein, who killed a Pennsylvania State Trooper and critically injured another during an attack at a State Police barracks. Weiers also served in several acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge details within the Philadelphia Field Division throughout the decades.

    • The Courage Under Hostile Fire Award was presented to Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officer Craig Claflin, who, as the first officer on the scene of a domestic dispute call at a Kincaid Street residence in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood in July 2024, was immediately fired upon by the assailant. Officer Claflin quickly neutralized, disarmed, and detained the assailant, saving lives and preventing injuries to neighboring civilians and fellow law enforcement officers.

    • An individual LEAD award was presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. AUSA Jordan’s work has consistently involved the handling of both complex, long-term investigations and prosecutions of violent individuals and drug traffickers. During the past year, her cases included multiple long-term drug trafficking investigations conducted by FBI’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force—one of which was a Title-III wiretap investigation—as well as a long-term Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization, the latter of which included the execution of multiple search warrants in late-June 2024 that ultimately resulted in the seizure of nearly 120 kilograms of cocaine, over $1.2 million in cash, and eight firearms, in addition to the charging of numerous individuals. In September 2024, shortly after the takedown of her FBI Title-III investigation, AUSA Jordan secured a guilty verdict in the jury trial of local large-scale drug trafficker Leon Ford Sr., whom Jordan and her team of investigators had indicted and successfully convicted of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

    • Several individuals from the ATF, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, received a team award for outstanding performance for their seven-month investigation and prosecution of a complex illegal firearms manufacturing and distribution network out of Altoona, Pennsylvania. The criminal conspiracy involved the manufacture and sale of untraceable ghost guns, AR-15 style rifles, and “hit kits” containing a Polymer 80 privately made firearm with no serial number, a threaded barrel to attach an included silencer, subsonic ammunition, and latex gloves.

    • Members of the Mt. Lebanon Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI received a team award for their investigation of a series of crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

    • Corporals and troopers from Pennsylvania State Police Troops B and D Forensic Services Units were honored with a team award for their processing of a particularly complex Pittsburgh crime scene.

    • Two U.S. Postal Inspection Service officials received individual LEAD awards for their roles in helping to uncover and disrupt criminal operations in separate investigations involving, in one case, a California-to-Western Pennsylvania drug trafficking network, and, in the other, a games of chance theft ring. Officers and agents from organizations including the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Pennsylvania State Police also received individual awards for their performance in a variety of incidents and investigations involving firearms, narcotics, sexual exploitation of minors, tax evasion, and public safety.

    LEAD is composed of the following law enforcement agencies: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration; U.S. Department of Defense – Defense Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services; United States Secret Service; U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Air Marshal Service; U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Veterans Administration – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Federal Protective Service; U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole; Western Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association; Allegheny County Police Department; Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office; Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office; Allegheny County Chiefs of Police Association; Allegheny County Housing Authority Police Department; Port Authority of Allegheny County Police Department; Washington County District Attorney’s Office; Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office; Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; Mt. Lebanon Police Department; Carnegie Mellon University Police Department, and University of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Assembles Federal Law Enforcement Teams; Provides Emergency Support for Hurricanes Helene, Milton

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

    WASHINGTON – The federal government’s Emergency Support Function #13 (ESF #13) was activated to provide federal public safety and security assistance in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. ESF #13 is managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on behalf of the Department of Justice.

    On Oct. 5, ESF #13 was activated to provide force protection for ESF #9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams and ESF #8 Public Health and Medical Services missions following Hurricane Milton. ESF #13 is also positioned to provide direct federal assistance to Florida if needed. Since arriving in Florida, ESF #13 has:

    • Pre-staged 34 Law Enforcement Strike Teams (LEST) comprised of more than 440 federal law enforcement officers (FLEO) from 12 separate federal agencies, including ATF, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Air Marshals (FAMS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). It is anticipated that more FLEOs will be requested to assist with response efforts.
    • Staged resources to provide law enforcement and security support for 22 US&R teams and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT).

    On Sept. 24, ESF #13 was activated for Hurricane Helene to the southeastern part of the United States.

    At its peak, ESF #13:

    • Deployed more than 30 federal LESTs consisting of 400+ FLEOs from 15 federal law enforcement agencies, included ATF, DEA, FBI, USMS, BOP, CBP, BLM, USFWS, CGIS, Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), Department of Transportation OIG (DOT-OIG), U.S. Treasury Inspector General (TIGTA), Health and Human Services OIG (HHS-OIG), FAMS, and IRS.
    • Deployed to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina for Helene recovery support.
    • Supported approximately 30 federal US&R teams from Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.
    • Deployed more than 40 K-9s to assist in searches.
    • Supported four Health and Medical Task Forces (HMTF) and DMATs in the Western North Carolina area.
    • Deployed approximately 10 peer support personnel from ATF and USMS.

    The federal government’s disaster response includes 15 Emergency Support Functions. ESF #13 coordinates the federal law enforcement response to any disaster requiring the federal whole-of-government response. In Feb. 2006, the Department of Justice was designated the ESF #13 coordinating department. In October 2008, ATF was assigned as the lead coordinating agency for ESF #13 on behalf of DOJ.

    [1:01 PM] Herman, Cara A. (ATF) ATF teams up with multiple agencies to stage resources to provide law enforcement and security support to FEMA’s ESF #9 Urban Search and Rescue teams.

    ATF teams up with multiple agencies to stage resources to provide law enforcement
    and security support to ESF #9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue teams.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue teams following Hurricane Milton.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for Federal Urban Search
    and Rescue teams following Hurricane Milton.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team in the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for aUrban Search and Rescue
    team in the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 continues to provide force protection for Urban Search and Rescue teams as they use drones to look for victims across the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 continues to provide force protection for Urban Search
    and Rescue teams as they use drones to look for victims across
    the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    MIL Security OSI –