Category: Finance

MIL-OSI Security: North Ridgeville Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud Conspiracy

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

Scheme billed Medicare more than $14M for unnecessary medical equipment and lab tests

CLEVELAND – An Ohio doctor has pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy that prescribed medical equipment and lab tests for patients who did not need them and then submitted claims to Medicare to receive payment. Medicare is a federal health benefit program administered under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and most notably covers beneficiaries aged 65 and older.

According to court documents, Timothy Sutton, 43, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, admitted that he and other co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to fraudulently bill more than $14.5 million in payments from Medicare. Sutton was employed by two telemedicine companies; Real Time Physicians, LLC, based in Nevada, and 24 Hour Virtual MD, LLC, based in Florida. The companies provided Sutton with pre-completed orders for durable medical equipment (DME), such as braces, and/or cancer genetic testing (CGX) for him to approve and digitally sign. In doing so, he affirmed that he had examined patients using a telemedicine platform and determined that they needed DME or that CGX testing was necessary. In truth, he never examined any of the patients who resided throughout Ohio and Florida.

Once Sutton prescribed the equipment or ordered testing, Real Time Physicians and 24 Hour Virtual MD furthered the conspiracy by forwarding the orders to companies under their control or sold the orders to other medical entities to provide DME or conduct the lab testing. Sutton defrauded Medicare by submitting claims that were not reasonable and necessary for medical treatment and did not comply with Medicare rules and regulations or applicable federal laws.

On April 4, 2025, Sutton pleaded guilty to attempt and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, false statements related to health care matters, and aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum penalty of 27 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 26, 2025. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI Cleveland Division. In the Northern District of Ohio, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Rebecca Lutzko are prosecuting the case.

About the Northern District of Ohio

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio covers the 40 northern-most counties in the state of Ohio, which is home to nearly six million people. The office operates from its main headquarters in Cleveland, with additional branches in Akron, Toledo, and Youngstown. The U.S. Attorney serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the District and oversees the prosecution of federal crimes and protect victims’ rights.

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Sky Quarry to Host Investor Webinar on Waste-to-Energy Strategy and National Expansion – April 24th at 2:00 PM EDT
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WOODS CROSS, Utah, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYQ) (“Sky Quarry” or “the Company”), an integrated energy solutions company committed to revolutionizing the waste asphalt shingle recycling industry, today announced it will host a live investor webinar on Thursday, April 24th at 11:00 a.m. PDT / 2:00 p.m. EDT.

Attendees will gain insights on:
- The scale and urgency of the asphalt shingle waste problem and why it matters
- Sky Quarry’s solution through its proprietary technology and revenue model
- How California’s tightening fuel supply is driving demand for regional refining solutions
- Regulatory tailwinds and the national blueprint for growth through modular waste-to-energy units
The event will feature Sky Quarry founders David Sealock, Chairman & CEO, and Marcus Laun, EVP and Director, and will be moderated by Lloyd MacNeil, a partner at Troutman Pepper and a project finance attorney specializing in energy infrastructure development.

The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing ir@skyquarry.com

Registration is open to all investors, industry partners, and media.

To register for the webinar, please click here.

About Sky Quarry Inc.

Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ:SKYQ) and its subsidiaries are, collectively, an oil production, refining, and a development-stage environmental remediation company formed to deploy technologies to facilitate the recycling of waste asphalt shingles and remediation of oil-saturated sands and soils. Our waste-to-energy mission is to repurpose and upcycle millions of tons of asphalt shingle waste, diverting them from landfills. By doing so, we can contribute to improved waste management, promote resource efficiency, conserve natural resources, and reduce environmental impact. For more information, please visit skyquarry.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include ”forward-looking statements.” All statements pertaining to our future financial and/or operating results, future events, or future developments may constitute forward-looking statements. The statements may be identified by words such as “expect,” “look forward to,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “project,” or words of similar meaning. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of our management, of which many are beyond our control. These are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and factors, including but not limited to those described in our disclosures. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or our achievements may (negatively or positively) vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. We neither intend, nor assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and the Company’s other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained.

Investor Relations
Jennifer Standley
Director of Investor Relations
Ir@skyquarry.com

Company Website
www.skyquarry.com

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Nine Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions

Source: US State of Missouri

APRIL 17, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nine appointments to various boards and commissions.

Scott Boswell Sr., of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.

Dr. Boswell is a recently retired chairman of Commerce Trust and currently serves as a professor for the Executive Master of Business Administration program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). In addition to his professional career, he is an active member of several boards and organizations including the Heart of America Council for the Boy Scouts of America, the UMKC Board of Trustees, the Kansas City Symphony Board, and more. Dr. Boswell earned his Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, and Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College.

Alphonso Hogan II, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

Mr. Hogan has served as a police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department since 2015. Prior to entering into law enforcement, he served in the United States Air Force, earning a rank of E-3 Airman 1st Class before his honorable discharge. Hogan is a legal board member and representative of the St. Louis Police Officers Association. He earned his Missouri Peace Officer license in 2008.

Thomas Leasor, of Wentzville, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

Dr. Leasor is the executive director of the Eastern Missouri Police Academy, overseeing the training of police officer recruits and continued education courses for current police officers as well. He is also a Subject Matter Expert for the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. Dr. Leasor worked in law enforcement before 25 years before retiring and later assuming his current role. He currently sits on the Eastern Missouri Peer Support Council and Lindenwood University Criminal Justice Advisory Board. Dr. Leasor holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Maryville University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University.

Tracey Lewis, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

Mr. Lewis is the president and chief executive officer of Economic Development Corporation. Previously, he served as the senior vice president at the Commerce Trust Company. Lewis was previously appointed to the Missouri Housing Development Commission in 2019. Lewis also sits on the boards of the Truman Medical Center and SchoolSmartKC. Mr. Lewis earned a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications from Boston College.

Pat McCuthen, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

Mr. McCuthen is a captain at the Jefferson City Police Department with over 20 years of experience in police instruction, leadership, and operational management. He is highly active in his community, serving on the Council for Drug-Free Youth, Community Resource Counseling Committee, Jefferson City Day Care Center board, Disproportionate Minority Committee, and the Jefferson City Youth Hockey Club board. Mr. McCuthen holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College and a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia School of Public Safety. He also earned his Missouri Peace Officer license in 1998.

Paul Ogier, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri.

Mr. Ogier currently serves as a board member of LeadingAge Missouri and as treasurer of Nursing Facility Agency Corporation (NFAC). Prior to retirement, Mr. Ogier spent over 40 years in the finance industry. He previously served as chief financial officer for Lutheran Senior Services in Brentwood. Mr. Ogier holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Missouri State University.

Bryan Strider, of Richmond, was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

Mr. Strider is a fifth-generation farmer and business development manager for Holganix. With deep roots in the farming community and a career built on hands-on experience, Strider’s focuses on advancing sustainable farming practices and helping make farmers for profitable and resilient. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Northwest Missouri State University.

William “Billy” Thiel, of Richmond, was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

Mr. Thiel is a partner of more than 40 years in a family farm that produces corn and soybeans. Thiel was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority in 2016. He is a past president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association and has been active in the National Corn Growers Association. Thiel also served as chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, is a director on the Board of the Rural Electric Association, and a member of the Mid-Missouri Energy Board.

Tom Werdenhause, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

Mr. Werdenhause previously served as the general manager and chief executive officer for Three Rivers Electric Cooperative prior to his retirement in 2019. He is the current president of the State Technical College of Missouri Foundation, and past president of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Central Electric Power Cooperative, and Missouri Institute of Cooperatives. Mr. Werdenhause earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Missouri State University.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Man Admits Distributing Methamphetamine Pills and Crack While on Supervised Release

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

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD OGMAN, also known as “Mainey-O” and ”Manny O,” 43, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to methamphetamine and cocaine distribution offenses. A trial in this matter was scheduled to begin this morning.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ogman has been a leader of the Grape Street Crips (GSC), a violent New Haven gang. In 2012, the FBI arrested Ogman for offenses related to his role in GSC, including drug trafficking. He pleaded guilty to narcotics offenses and, on March 10, 2015, was sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. In August 2022, a federal judge granted Ogman’s motion for compassionate release, reduced Ogman’s sentence to time served, and he was released from prison.

Ogman resumed his drug trafficking activity while on federal supervised release, distributing multi-colored pills containing methamphetamine in and around New Haven. The investigation included surveillance, trash pulls, and controlled purchases of methamphetamine pills from Ogman in March and April 2024.

Ogman was arrested on May 9, 2024. On that date, searches of his person and residence revealed additional quantities of methamphetamine, as well as crack cocaine.

Ogman pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, methamphetamine; three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine.

Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for July 9. Due to Ogman’s prior conviction for a serious drug felony, he faces a prison term of at least 10 years. He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Ogman has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department. The NHDO Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Level Three Sex Offender From Chicopee Arrested and Charged for Transferring Obscene Material to a Minor

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

Defendant previously convicted of attempted rape of a minor and unlawful contact with a minor

BOSTON – A Chicopee man has been arrested and charged for transferring obscene material to a minor female victim who he believed to be 12 years old.

Carl Norton, Jr., 37, is charged with one count of transferring obscene material to a minor. Norton was arrested on April 11, 2025 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield, was detained pending a hearing scheduled for April 16, 2025.

According to the charging documents, from February through June 2024, Norton exchanged numerous Snapchat messages, images and videos with the minor victim. It is alleged that Norton sent the minor victim media files that depicted adult pornography many of which appeared to be self-produced. On multiple occasions, Norton allegedly asked the minor victim to send him nude photos and videos of herself. Norton also allegedly requested to meet the minor victim numerous times – offering to pay for her travel and arrange hotel rooms. Throughout the messages, Norton allegedly described in explicit detail the sexual acts the two would engage in upon meeting.

Norton is a Level 3 sex offender with prior convictions for attempted rape of a minor and unlawful contact with a minor.

The charge of transferring obscene material to a minor provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Barnico, Jr. of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

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

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

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

BOSTON – A self-admitted gang member from Brockton, who was previously convicted of killing a 17-year-old outside a Roxbury high school, pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Andre McNeil, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2025. McNeil was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024.

On Feb. 2, 2024, a series of searches were executed on McNeil’ vehicle and several associated residences. As a result, approximately 31 grams of cocaine, three handguns, two high-capacity magazines, five other magazines, approximately 101 rounds of 9mm ammunition and approximately $17,406 dollars, along with numerous cellular devices were seized. Numerous items used in drug trafficking, including scales, a money counter, baggies and a drug ledger were also observed at the search locations.

McNeil is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2014 manslaughter conviction in Suffolk Superior Court for shooting and killing a 17-year-old boy outside a Roxbury high school, for which he was sentenced to more than 12 years in state prison.

The charge of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute provides for sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton, Foxboro and Taunton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Kyle Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Causing a Death on the Pine Ridge Reservation

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on April 10, 2025.

Jeremy Red Owl, 29, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release on each count. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. Red Owl was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution to the family of the victim.

Red Owl was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November of 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025.

Along with other passengers, Red Owl was riding in the backseat of a moving vehicle while he was under the influence of cocaine. He was in possession of a loaded firearm as well. Red Owl told law enforcement that he leaned over causing the firearm in his possession to inadvertently discharge, striking and killing the driver.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.

Red Owl was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Woman Sentenced To 7 Years’ Imprisonment For Wire Fraud And Money Laundering In Connection With Embezzlement Of Funds From Her Employer

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rhonda Rochelle Canidate, age 49, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was sentenced on April 15, 2025, to 84 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Kelli M. Neary for wire fraud and money laundering, arising from Canidate’s scheme to embezzle funds from her employer between 2021 and 2022.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between March 2021 and July 2022, Canidate was employed as an accounting specialist at Henry Molded Products Company (“Henry Molded”) in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Between October 2021 and June 2022, Canidate entered false payment entries for former Henry Molded employees into Henry Molded’s third-party payroll software, causing the software to issue direct deposit payments from Henry Molded’s bank account to bank accounts controlled by Canidate in the name of the former employees. This fraud not only financially injured Henry Molded, but it also harmed the former employees by creating an overpayment for tax purposes.

“The role of IRS Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel,” stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office. “The federal tax laws are normally violated in these cases which can add to additional jail time. As we often see, the victims are not only the taxpayers, but also the individuals and entities who suffer the financial harm.”

Judge Neary further ordered Canidate to pay restitution in the amount of $480,033.12.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Sixteen Defendants Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Drug Trafficking within the Pine Ridge Reservation

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

RAPID CITY, SD – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a multi-agency law enforcement operation has resulted in 16 federal arrests in Rapid City, South Dakota, and within the Pine Ridge Reservation. Operation Snowy Ridge was organized by the FBI to clear outstanding warrants related to federally indicted drug trafficking cases. The operation began on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and continued through the morning of Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

“Operation Snowy Ridge brought together vast resources from federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies for a two-day takedown of alleged drug traffickers living within the Pine Ridge Reservation and Rapid City, South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “Thanks to law enforcement’s sophisticated planning and extraordinary collaboration, the operation accomplished its intended goal—improve public safety in tribal communities by removing individuals who drive violence and facilitate drug addiction in Indian country.”

“This operation disrupted the networks fueling violence and trafficking deadly drugs on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Through strong and sustained partnerships with our federal, state, tribal, and local counterparts, we are committed to holding violent offenders accountable and protecting our communities.”

“The success of this operation reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared dedication to protecting the people of Pine Ridge,” said Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Chief of Police Danielle Means. “By targeting violent offenders and drug trafficking networks, this effort directly addressed the threats impacting our community. We are appreciative for the unified effort and remain committed to working together to ensure safety for our community.”

As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested: Echo Winters (35, Pine Ridge, SD); Esther Winters (43, Pine Ridge, SD); Garren Wilson, Sr. (42, Pine Ridge, SD); Gabriel Gibbons (52, Pine Ridge, SD); Michaela Peoples (44, Pine Ridge, SD); Reed Brown (68, Wanblee, SD); Jackie Black Bear (60, Pine Ridge, SD); Skyler Red Cloud (31, Wounded Knee, SD); Theodore Coomes, Jr., a/k/a TC (38, Pine Ridge, SD); Abe Marshall (39, Batesland, SD); Laquetta Rouillard (34, Pine Ridge, SD); Anja Little Hawk (35, Pine Ridge, SD); Lisa Mills (33, Pine Ridge, SD); Demitre Ecoffey (30, Wounded Knee, SD); Tucker Fischbach (29, Rapid City, SD); Sesalie Red Owl (41, Rapid City, SD). Federal prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office have charged each of these individuals for their involvement in various drug conspiracies.

“The combined effort of law enforcement agencies involved in this operation allowed for the removal of life-threatening substances including cocaine and methamphetamine,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “For DEA, the goal at the end of the day is to keep our communities safe from the harm associated with these drugs.”

“This operation reflects the very best of what sustained, strategic partnership between law enforcement can accomplish,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Stephen Houghtaling. “Together, we targeted those driving violence and drug trafficking on the Pine Ridge Reservation and we did so with one goal in mind—to protect the community. We are proud of the successful outcome of this operation and remain committed to the pursuit of justice.”

“This operation exemplifies the power of collaboration and the effectiveness of agencies uniting their resources toward a shared goal,” said Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services Deputy Bureau Director Richard “Glen” Melville. “BIA-OJS remains steadfast in its commitment to Indian Country and its mission to combat the drug crisis gripping tribal communities.” Director Melville also praised the Oglala Sioux Tribe for their unwavering dedication and partnership in this large-scale operation. “The success of this initiative is a testament to the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s willingness to work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies including FBI, DEA, US Marshal’s Service, and BIA Division of Drug Enforcement to protect their communities. Their cooperation was instrumental in making this operation possible.”

The operation was spearheaded by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Task Force (Task Force), which is comprised of agents from the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Division of Drug Enforcement (BIA DDE), the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the Martin Police Department. In executing this takedown, the Task Force received critical assistance from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Investigations are currently underway to determine if any of those arrested in this operation will be charged with additional crimes. Charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Tarbay and Meghan Dilges.

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Westamerica Bancorporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westamerica Bancorporation (Nasdaq: WABC), parent company of Westamerica Bank, generated net income for the first quarter 2025 of $31.0 million and diluted earnings per common share (“EPS”) of $1.16. First quarter 2025 results include a reversal of provision for credit losses of $550 Thousand, which increased EPS $0.01. These results compare to fourth quarter 2024 net income of $31.7 million and EPS of $1.19.

“Westamerica’s first quarter 2025 results benefited from the Company’s valuable low-cost deposit base, of which 46 percent was represented by non-interest bearing checking accounts during the quarter; the annualized cost of funding our loan and bond portfolios was 0.24 percent in the quarter. Operating expenses remained well controlled at 38 percent of total revenues and credit quality remained stable with nonperforming assets of $277 thousand at March 31, 2025,” said Chairman, President and CEO David Payne. “First quarter 2025 results generated an annualized 11.9 percent return on average common equity. Shareholders were paid a $0.44 per common share dividend during the first quarter 2025,” concluded Payne.

Net interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent (FTE) basis was $56.4 million for the first quarter 2025, compared to $59.2 million for the fourth quarter 2024. The annualized yield earned on loans, bonds and cash for the first quarter 2025 was 4.14 percent compared to 4.25 percent for the fourth quarter 2024. The annualized cost of funding the loan and bond portfolios was 0.24 percent for the first quarter 2025 unchanged from the fourth quarter 2024.

The Company recognized a $550 thousand reversal of provision for credit losses in the first quarter 2025. The Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans was $13.9 million at March 31, 2025.

Noninterest income for the first quarter 2025 totaled $10.3 million compared to $10.6 million for the fourth quarter 2024.

Noninterest expenses for the first quarter 2025 were $25.1 million compared to $25.9 million for the fourth quarter 2024. The decline in noninterest expense is primarily due to lower salaries and benefits expense due to fewer business days in the first quarter 2025 compared to the fourth quarter 2024, lower occupancy and equipment expense, and lower estimated operating losses from limited partnership investments.

The income tax provision (FTE) for the first quarter 2025 was $11.1 million compared to $12.3 million for the fourth quarter 2024. The fourth quarter 2024 income tax provision includes a $305 thousand increase to reconcile the 2023 income tax provision to the filed 2023 tax returns.

Westamerica Bancorporation’s wholly owned subsidiary Westamerica Bank, operates commercial banking and trust offices throughout Northern and Central California.

Westamerica Bancorporation Web Address: www.westamerica.com

For additional information contact:
  Westamerica Bancorporation
                1108 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
  Robert A. Thorson – Investor Relations Contact
                707-863-6090
                investments@westamerica.com

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

The following appears in accordance with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements about the Company, including descriptions of plans or objectives of its management for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of its revenues, earnings or other measures of economic performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.”

Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. A number of factors — many of which are beyond the Company’s control — could cause actual conditions, events or results to differ significantly from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company’s most recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed on Form 10-K and quarterly report for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 filed on Form 10-Q, describe some of these factors, including certain credit, interest rate, operational, liquidity and market risks associated with the Company’s business and operations. Other factors described in these reports include changes in business and economic conditions, competition, fiscal and monetary policies, disintermediation, cyber security risks, legislation including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, and mergers and acquisitions.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date forward looking statements are made.

Public Information April 17, 2025

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

March 31, 2025

1. Net Income Summary.

(in thousands except per-share amounts)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Net Interest and Loan Fee

Income (FTE)

56,390

66,094

-14.7

59,247

(Reversal of ) Provision

for Credit Losses

(550

)

300

n/m

–

Noninterest Income

10,321

10,097

2.2

10,633

Noninterest Expense

25,127

26,099

-3.7

25,853

Income Before Taxes (FTE)

42,134

49,792

-15.4

44,027

Income Tax Provision (FTE)

11,097

13,375

-17.0

12,327

Net Income

31,037

36,417

-14.8

31,700

Average Common Shares

Outstanding

26,642

26,674

-0.1

26,699

Diluted Average Common

Shares Outstanding

26,642

26,675

-0.1

26,701

Operating Ratios:

Basic Earnings Per Common

Share

1.16

1.37

-15.3

1.19

Diluted Earnings Per

Common Share

1.16

1.37

-15.3

1.19

Return On Assets (a)

2.03

2.24

2.02

Return On Common

Equity (a)

11.9

15.2

12.1

Net Interest Margin (FTE) (a)

3.90

4.30

4.01

Efficiency Ratio (FTE)

37.7

34.3

37.0

Dividends Paid Per Common

Share

0.44

0.0

0.44

Common Dividend Payout

Ratio

2. Net Interest Income.

(dollars in thousands)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Interest and Loan Fee

Income (FTE)

59,786

69,095

-13.5

62,713

Interest Expense

3,396

3,001

13.2

3,466

Net Interest and Loan Fee

Income (FTE)

56,390

66,094

-14.7

59,247

Average Earning Assets

5,794,836

6,119,368

-5.3

5,850,620

Average Interest-Bearing

Liabilities

2,770,099

2,955,565

-6.3

2,796,675

Yield on Earning Assets

(FTE) (a)

4.14

4.50

4.25

Cost of Funds (a)

0.24

0.20

0.24

Net Interest Margin (FTE) (a)

3.90

4.30

4.01

Interest Expense /

Interest-Bearing

Liabilities (a)

0.50

0.41

0.49

Net Interest Spread (FTE) (a)

3.64

4.09

3.76

3. Loans & Other Earning Assets.

(average volume, dollars in thousands)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Total Assets

6,187,321

6,525,921

-5.2

6,243,799

Total Earning Assets

5,794,836

6,119,368

-5.3

5,850,620

Total Loans

789,935

853,553

-7.5

821,767

Commercial Loans

120,189

133,422

-9.9

131,088

Commercial Real Estate

Loans

497,379

488,989

1.7

503,546

Consumer Loans

172,367

231,142

-25.4

187,133

Total Investment Securities

4,395,565

5,098,539

-13.8

4,557,436

Debt Securities Available for

Sale

3,553,755

4,224,474

-15.9

3,710,378

Debt Securities Held to

Maturity

841,810

874,065

-3.7

847,058

Total Interest-Bearing Cash

609,336

167,276

264.3

471,417

Loans / Deposits

15.9

16.3

4. Deposits, Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities & Equity.

(average volume, dollars in thousands)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Total Deposits

4,958,554

5,379,060

-7.8

5,028,363

Noninterest Demand

2,293,059

2,532,381

-9.5

2,342,092

Interest-Bearing Transaction

935,054

1,058,292

-11.6

934,876

Savings

1,649,631

1,691,716

-2.5

1,666,542

Time greater than $100K

29,460

36,135

-18.5

31,541

Time less than $100K

51,350

60,536

-15.2

53,312

Total Short-Term Borrowings

104,604

108,886

-3.9

110,404

Bank Term Funding Program

Borrowings

–

62,582

n/m

–

Securities Sold under

Repurchase Agreements

104,604

46,304

125.9

110,404

Shareholders’ Equity

1,055,925

965,840

9.3

1,039,017

Demand Deposits /

Total Deposits

46.2

47.1

46.6

Transaction & Savings

Deposits / Total Deposits

98.4

98.2

98.3

5. Interest Yields Earned & Rates Paid.

(dollars in thousands)

Q1’2025

Average

Income/

Yield (a) /

Volume

Expense

Rate (a)

Interest & Loan Fee Income Earned:

Total Earning Assets (FTE)

5,794,836

59,786

4.14

Total Loans (FTE)

789,935

10,744

5.51

Commercial Loans (FTE)

120,189

1,845

6.21

Commercial Real Estate

Loans

497,379

6,473

5.28

Consumer Loans

172,367

2,426

5.70

Total Investments (FTE)

4,395,565

42,339

3.85

Total Debt Securities

Available for Sale (FTE)

3,553,755

33,753

3.80

Corporate Securities

1,991,278

13,522

2.72

Collateralized Loan

Obligations

915,873

14,422

6.30

Agency Mortgage Backed

Securities

254,126

2,034

3.20

Securities of U.S.

Government Sponsored

Entities

311,297

2,777

3.57

Obligations of States and

Political Subdivisions

(FTE)

62,651

496

3.17

U.S. Treasury Securities

4,303

5.13

Other Debt Securities

Available for Sale (FTE)

14,227

448

12.60

Total Debt Securities Held to

Maturity (FTE)

841,810

8,586

4.08

Agency Mortgage Backed

Securities

56,006

329

2.35

Corporate Securities

736,089

7,815

4.25

Obligations of States and

Political Subdivisions

(FTE)

49,715

442

3.56

Total Interest-Bearing Cash

609,336

6,703

4.40

Interest Expense Paid:

Total Earning Assets

5,794,836

3,396

0.24

Total Interest-Bearing

Liabilities

2,770,099

3,396

0.50

Total Interest-Bearing

Deposits

2,665,495

3,229

0.49

Interest-Bearing Transaction

935,054

0.02

Savings

1,649,631

3,128

0.77

Time less than $100K

51,350

0.30

Time greater than $100K

29,460

0.24

Total Short-Term Borrowings

104,604

167

0.65

Securities Sold under

Repurchase Agreements

104,604

167

0.65

Net Interest Income and

Margin (FTE)

56,390

3.90

(dollars in thousands)

Q1’2024

Average

Income/

Yield (a) /

Volume

Expense

Rate (a)

Interest & Loan Fee Income Earned:

Total Earning Assets (FTE)

6,119,368

69,095

4.50

Total Loans (FTE)

853,553

11,413

5.38

Commercial Loans (FTE)

133,422

2,385

7.19

Commercial Real Estate

Loans

488,989

5,911

4.86

Consumer Loans

231,142

3,117

5.42

Total Investments (FTE)

5,098,539

55,399

4.32

Total Debt Securities

Available for Sale (FTE)

4,224,474

46,552

4.38

Corporate Securities

2,114,861

14,555

2.75

Collateralized Loan

Obligations

1,461,182

26,700

7.23

Agency Mortgage Backed

Securities

252,828

1,552

2.45

Securities of U.S.

Government sponsored

entities

308,807

2,777

3.60

Obligations of States and

Political Subdivisions

(FTE)

72,569

544

3.00

Other Debt Securities

Available for Sale (FTE)

14,227

424

11.92

Total Debt Securities Held to

Maturity (FTE)

874,065

8,847

4.05

Agency Mortgage Backed

Securities

76,062

427

2.25

Corporate Securities

729,273

7,816

4.29

Obligations of States and

Political Subdivisions

(FTE)

68,730

604

3.52

Total Interest-Bearing Cash

167,276

2,283

5.40

Interest Expense Paid:

Total Earning Assets

6,119,368

3,001

0.20

Total Interest-Bearing

Liabilities

2,955,565

3,001

0.41

Total Interest-Bearing

Deposits

2,846,679

2,106

0.30

Interest-Bearing Transaction

1,058,292

119

0.05

Savings

1,691,716

1,917

0.46

Time less than $100K

60,536

0.33

Time greater than $100K

36,135

0.23

Total Short-Term Borrowings

108,886

895

3.30

Bank Term Funding Program

Borrowings

62,582

843

5.40

Securities Sold under

Repurchase Agreements

46,304

0.45

Net Interest Income and

Margin (FTE)

66,094

4.30

6. Noninterest Income.

(dollars in thousands except per-share amounts)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Service Charges on Deposit

Accounts

3,381

3,470

-2.6

3,501

Merchant Processing

Services

2,733

2,507

9.0

2,735

Debit Card Fees

1,581

1,543

2.5

1,902

Trust Fees

899

794

13.2

867

ATM Processing Fees

463

591

-21.7

506

Other Service Fees

429

438

-2.1

428

Life Insurance Gains

102

–

n/m

–

Other Noninterest Income

733

754

-2.8

694

Total Noninterest Income

10,321

10,097

2.2

10,633

Operating Ratios:

Total Revenue (FTE)

66,711

76,191

-12.4

69,880

Noninterest Income /

Revenue (FTE)

15.5

13.3

15.2

Service Charges /

Avg. Deposits (a)

0.28

0.26

0.28

Total Revenue (FTE) Per

Avg. Common Share (a)

10.16

11.49

-11.6

10.41

7. Noninterest Expense.

(dollars in thousands)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Salaries and Related Benefits

12,126

12,586

-3.7

12,461

Occupancy and Equipment

5,038

5,040

-0.0

5,219

Outsourced Data Processing

2,697

2,536

6.3

2,610

Limited Partnership

Operating Losses

915

1,440

-36.5

1,095

Professional Fees

395

402

-1.7

369

Courier Service

688

649

6.0

692

Other Noninterest Expense

3,268

3,446

-5.2

3,407

Total Noninterest Expense

25,127

26,099

-3.7

25,853

Operating Ratios:

Noninterest Expense /

Avg. Earning Assets (a)

1.76

1.72

1.76

Noninterest Expense /

Revenues (FTE)

37.7

34.3

37.0

8. Allowance for Credit Losses.

(dollars in thousands)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Average Total Loans

789,935

853,553

-7.5

821,767

Beginning of Period

Allowance for Credit

Losses on Loans (ACLL)

14,780

16,867

-12.4

15,318

(Reversal of ) Provision

for Credit Losses

(550

)

300

n/m

–

Net ACLL Losses

(316

)

(1,288

)

-75.5

(538

)

End of Period ACLL

13,914

15,879

-12.4

14,780

Gross ACLL Recoveries /

Gross ACLL Losses

Net ACLL Losses /

Avg. Total Loans (a)

-0.16

-0.61

-0.26

(dollars in thousands)

3/31/25

3/31/24

Change

12/31/24

Allowance for Credit Losses

on Loans

13,914

15,879

-12.4

14,780

Allowance for Credit Losses

on Held to Maturity

Securities

0.0

Total Allowance for Credit

Losses

13,915

15,880

-12.4

14,781

Allowance for Unfunded

Credit Commitments

201

0.0

201

9. Credit Quality.

(dollars in thousands)

3/31/25

3/31/24

Change

12/31/24

Nonperforming Loans:

Nonperforming Nonaccrual

Loans

–

957

n/m

201

Performing Nonaccrual

Loans

–

n/m

–

Total Nonaccrual Loans

–

958

n/m

201

Accruing Loans 90+ Days

Past Due

277

525

-47.2

534

Total Nonperforming Loans

277

1,483

-81.3

735

Total Loans Outstanding

771,030

844,677

-8.7

820,300

Total Assets

5,966,624

6,464,685

-7.7

6,076,274

Loans:

Allowance for Credit Losses

on Loans

13,914

15,879

-12.4

14,780

Allowance for Credit Losses

on Loans / Loans

1.80

1.88

1.80

Nonperforming Loans /

Total Loans

0.04

0.18

0.09

10. Liquidity.

At March 31, 2025, the Company had $727,336 thousand in cash balances. During the twelve months ending March 31, 2026, the Company expects to receive $265,000 thousand in principal payments from its debt securities. If additional operational liquidity is required, the Company can pledge debt securities as collateral for borrowing purposes; at March 31, 2025, the Company’s debt securities which qualify as collateral for borrowing totaled $3,498,151 thousand. In the ordinary course of business, the Company pledges debt securities as collateral for certain depository customers; at March 31, 2025, the Company had pledged $713,752 thousand in debt securities for depository customers. In the ordinary course of business, the Company pledges debt securities as collateral for borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank; at March 31, 2025, the Company had pledged $724,966 thousand in debt securities at the Federal Reserve Bank. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company’s average borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank and other correspondent banks were $-0- thousand and $-0- thousand, respectively, and at March 31, 2025, the Company had no borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank or other correspondent banks. At March 31, 2025, the Company had access to borrowing from the Federal Reserve up to $724,966 thousand based on collateral pledged at March 31, 2025. At March 31, 2025, the Company’s estimated unpledged collateral qualifying debt securities totaled $1,615,433 thousand. Debt securities eligible as collateral are shown at market value.

(in thousands)

3/31/25

Debt Securities Eligible as

Collateral:

Corporate Securities

2,517,299

Collateralized Loan

Obligations rated AAA

269,817

Obligations of States and

Political Subdivisions

109,065

Agency Mortgage Backed

Securities

302,248

Securities of U.S. Government

Sponsored Entities

299,722

Total Debt Securities Eligible

as Collateral

3,498,151

Debt Securities Pledged

as Collateral:

Debt Securities Pledged

at the Federal Reserve Bank

724,966

)

Deposits by Public Entities

(713,752

)

Securities Sold under

Repurchase Agreements

(439,287

)

Other

(4,713

)

Total Debt Securities Pledged

as Collateral

1,882,718

)

Estimated Debt Securities

Available to Pledge

1,615,433

11. Capital.

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

3/31/25

3/31/24

Change

12/31/24

Shareholders’ Equity

923,138

791,691

16.6

889,957

Total Assets

5,966,624

6,464,685

-7.7

6,076,274

Shareholders’ Equity/

Total Assets

15.47

12.25

14.65

Shareholders’ Equity/

Total Loans

119.73

93.73

108.49

Tangible Common Equity

Ratio

13.71

10.56

12.90

Common Shares Outstanding

26,360

26,678

-1.2

26,708

Common Equity Per Share

35.02

29.68

18.0

33.32

Market Value Per Common

Share

50.63

48.88

3.6

52.46

(shares in thousands)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Share Retirements (Issuances):

Total Shares Retired

361

n/m

–

Average Retirement Price

50.96

45.58

n/m

–

Net Shares Retired (Issued)

348

)

n/m

(22

)

12. Period-End Balance Sheets.

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

3/31/25

3/31/24

Change

12/31/24

Assets:

Cash and Due from Banks

727,336

434,250

67.5

601,494

Debt Securities Available for

Sale:

Corporate Securities

1,802,791

1,879,980

-4.1

1,835,937

Collateralized Loan

Obligations

822,111

1,420,584

-42.1

982,589

Agency Mortgage Backed

Securities

250,844

225,564

11.2

218,026

Securities of U.S.

Government Sponsored

Entities

299,722

292,583

2.4

292,117

Obligations of States and

Political Subdivisions

60,581

70,466

-14.0

62,186

U.S. Treasury Securities

–

n/m

4,955

Total Debt Securities

Available for Sale

3,236,049

3,889,177

-16.8

3,395,810

Debt Securities Held to

Maturity:

Agency Mortgage Backed

Securities

53,528

73,023

-26.7

57,927

Corporate Securities

737,146

730,350

0.9

735,447

Obligations of States and

Political Subdivisions (1)

48,674

65,352

-25.5

51,260

Total Debt Securities

Held to Maturity (1)

839,348

868,725

-3.4

844,634

Loans

771,030

844,677

-8.7

820,300

Allowance For Credit Losses

on Loans

(13,914

)

(15,879

)

-12.4

(14,780

)

Total Loans, net

757,116

828,798

-8.6

805,520

Premises and Equipment, net

25,722

26,458

-2.8

26,133

Identifiable Intangibles, net

291

-75.2

125

Goodwill

121,673

0.0

121,673

Other Assets

259,308

295,313

-12.2

280,885

Total Assets

5,966,624

6,464,685

-7.7

6,076,274

Liabilities and Shareholders’

Equity:

Deposits:

Noninterest-Bearing

2,241,802

2,514,161

-10.8

2,333,389

Interest-Bearing Transaction

920,461

1,066,038

-13.7

953,863

Savings

1,633,445

1,681,921

-2.9

1,642,360

Time

78,387

92,805

-15.5

82,238

Total Deposits

4,874,095

5,354,925

-9.0

5,011,850

Bank Term Funding

Program Borrowings

–

200,000

n/m

–

Securities Sold under

Repurchase Agreements

113,219

50,334

124.9

120,322

Total Short-Term

Borrowed Funds

113,219

250,334

-54.8

120,322

Other Liabilities

56,172

67,735

-17.1

54,145

Total Liabilities

5,043,486

5,672,994

-11.1

5,186,317

Shareholders’ Equity:

Common Equity:

Paid-In Capital

470,844

473,989

-0.7

476,506

Accumulated Other

Comprehensive Loss

(136,768

)

(196,857

)

-30.5

(168,104

)

Retained Earnings

589,062

514,559

14.5

581,555

Total Shareholders’ Equity

923,138

791,691

16.6

889,957

Total Liabilities and

Shareholders’ Equity

5,966,624

6,464,685

-7.7

6,076,274

13. Income Statements.

(unaudited, in thousands except per-share amounts)

Q1’2025

Q1’2024

Change

Q4’2024

Interest and Loan Fee Income:

Loans

10,669

11,324

-5.8

11,167

Equity Securities

195

174

12.1

195

Debt Securities Available

for Sale

33,430

46,243

-27.7

36,843

Debt Securities Held to

Maturity

8,494

8,722

-2.6

8,538

Interest-Bearing Cash

6,703

2,283

193.6

5,659

Total Interest and Loan

Fee Income

59,491

68,746

-13.5

62,402

Interest Expense:

Transaction Deposits

119

-61.3

Savings Deposits

3,128

1,917

63.2

3,148

Time Deposits

-21.4

Bank Term Funding Program

Borrowings

–

843

n/m

–

Securities Sold under

Repurchase Agreements

167

222.1

204

Total Interest Expense

3,396

3,001

13.2

3,466

Net Interest and Loan

Fee Income

56,095

65,745

-14.7

58,936

(Reversal of) Provision

for Credit Losses

(550

)

300

n/m

–

Noninterest Income:

Service Charges on Deposit

Accounts

3,381

3,470

-2.6

3,501

Merchant Processing

Services

2,733

2,507

9.0

2,735

Debit Card Fees

1,581

1,543

2.5

1,902

Trust Fees

899

794

13.2

867

ATM Processing Fees

463

591

-21.7

506

Other Service Fees

429

438

-2.1

428

Life Insurance Gains

102

–

n/m

–

Other Noninterest Income

733

754

-2.8

694

Total Noninterest Income

10,321

10,097

2.2

10,633

Noninterest Expense:

Salaries and Related Benefits

12,126

12,586

-3.7

12,461

Occupancy and Equipment

5,038

5,040

-0.0

5,219

Outsourced Data Processing

2,697

2,536

6.3

2,610

Limited Partnership

Operating Losses

915

1,440

-36.5

1,095

Professional Fees

395

402

-1.7

369

Courier Service

688

649

6.0

692

Other Noninterest Expense

3,268

3,446

-5.2

3,407

Total Noninterest Expense

25,127

26,099

-3.7

25,853

Income Before Income Taxes

41,839

49,443

-15.4

43,716

Income Tax Provision

10,802

13,026

-17.1

12,016

Net Income

31,037

36,417

-14.8

31,700

Average Common Shares

Outstanding

26,642

26,674

-0.1

26,699

Diluted Average Common

Shares Outstanding

26,642

26,675

-0.1

26,701

Per Common Share Data:

Basic Earnings

1.16

1.37

-15.3

1.19

Diluted Earnings

1.16

1.37

-15.3

1.19

Dividends Paid

0.44

0.0

0.44

Footnotes and Abbreviations:

(1) Debt Securities Held To Maturity and Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions are net of related reserve for expected credit losses of $1 thousand at March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024.

(FTE) Fully Taxable Equivalent. The Company presents its net interest margin and net interest income on a FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate. Management believes the FTE basis is valuable to the reader because the Company’s loan and investment securities portfolios contain a portion of municipal loans and securities that are federally tax exempt. The Company’s tax exempt loans and securities composition may not be similar to that of other banks, therefore in order to reflect the impact of the federally tax exempt loans and securities on the net interest margin and net interest income for comparability with other banks, the Company presents its net interest margin and net interest income on a FTE basis.

(a) Annualized

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Margarita Finance launches a first of its kind AI Investment assistant ‘Bartender’ to facilitate investing in DeFi
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ZURICH, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Margarita Finance, a next-gen DeFi platform, is proud to introduce the AI Bartender — a smart, conversational trading assistant designed to make decentralized finance (DeFi) radically easier and more accessible for everyone.

Built natively on Solana and powered by Wormhole, the AI Bartender allows users to seamlessly trade, swap, and earn across chains without complexity.

What is the Margarita AI Bartender?

The AI Bartender is a powerful yet intuitive DeFi assistant that allows users to:
- Request an investment product based on their preferred assets, risk and yield
- Reduce the complexities of investing in DeFi
- Bridge across other chains via Wormhole’s integration
“We’re building a future where trading DeFi is as simple as going to order a zesty Margarita” said Margarita Co-Founder Matthias Wyss. “The AI Bartender breaks down the barriers that have kept many out of DeFi.”

To mark the occasion of crossing 10,000 signups and 10,000 X followers, Margarita Finance is hosting a $10,000 “AI Bartender a Signup Event” giving early users the chance to test the AI Bartender, trade on-chain, and earn rewards. Users can participate here:

The team secured a $1M in pre-seed round in late 2024 with backing from top-tier VCs and angels including:

Jump Crypto
Solana Ventures
G20
Tomahawk
And many others

They are currently raising a $4M seed round from top tier VCs, and are exploring a TGE for their native $MARG token in Q3.

Margarita’s AI Bartender is one of the first real-world products to deeply integrate Wormhole for seamless crosschain access. Users can interact with DeFi apps across Solana, Ethereum, Arbitrum, and beyond — all from one intuitive interface.

To learn more about Margarita Finance, join their Telegram, and follow these useful links:
Website
Twitter/X
Telegram
Zealy Quests

Contact Info: Matthias Wyss
Email: matthias@margarita.finance

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: DHS Marks One-Year Milestone of Know2Protect® Campaign, Strengthening Nationwide Efforts to Combat Online Child Exploitation
Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation™ public awareness campaign.

Since its inception, the Know2Protect campaign, housed within the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3), has had a profound impact, reaching millions through traditional and digital media channels. The campaign has empowered young people, parents, educators, corporations, and community leaders with essential resources to prevent and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA).

“At the Department of Homeland Security, our mission is to protect the American people, and that includes protecting our children. The internet has completely changed how we connect, but it has also opened new doors for predators who want to harm our kids,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “It’s a topic that should unite all of us, and I appreciate the opportunity to highlight the work of Homeland Security Investigations and all that they do to combat online child exploitation.”

The threat of online child exploitation has never been bigger or more sophisticated. DHS increased the footprint of law enforcement partners at C3, last year, to enhance coordination across all DHS agencies and offices to combat cyber-related crimes and further the Department’s mission to combat online CSEA. In 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified and arrested nearly 5,000 individuals involved in online CSEA, while also recovering over 1,700 child victims. In the same year, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 20 million reports of online child sexual abuse material.

By providing comprehensive tools on Know2Protect.gov, the campaign has become a powerful force in raising awareness about the severe risks children face online, while emphasizing prevention, safety measures, and offering critical support for survivors. Since its inception last year, the campaign has made a tangible impact through its outreach efforts—resulting in 128 victim disclosures and over 90 investigative leads in the fight against online child exploitation.

Know2Protect’s work to coordinate federal efforts to combat online child exploitation and abuse has made an astounding impact across the world. The campaign has achieved more than a half a billion (683M) impressions online, with 18% of the impressions coming from donated advertising dollars from campaign partners such as Google, Snapchat, X, Lamar, Meta and Roblox.

“We all have a responsibility to protect children from online exploitation,” said Head of Global Government Affairs at X, Romina Khananisho. “As the global town square, X is proud to partner with DHS’ Cyber Crimes Center to support the Know2Protect campaign. We commit to raising awareness about all the tools available to combat child exploitation and encourage all our users to join us in this critical mission by sharing the information with your communities.”

Expanded Partnership Efforts

The K2P campaign’s success is fueled by partnerships with leading technology companies, major sports leagues, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement associations and other private sector partners. These collaborations have expanded Know2Protect’s reach, delivering its vital message to young people across social media platforms, sporting events, and community organizations, ensuring it resonates wherever they live, learn, and play.

Past and current partners like Snap, Meta, X, and Roblox have played a crucial role in disseminating safety messages to their vast user bases, while NASCAR and the NFL have supported the campaign by integrating Know2Protect PSAs and other materials into their events.

“Snap congratulates the Department of Homeland Security on the first anniversary of its impactful Know2Protect public awareness campaign,” said Jacqueline Beauchere, Global Head of Platform Safety at Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat. “Snap was the first entity to support the campaign in 2024, commissioning bespoke research, offering free ad space on Snapchat for educational campaign materials, and creating a fun Snapchat Lens to promote learning and engagement. We applaud and join in the Department’s efforts to educate youth, parents, policymakers, and others about the risks of child sexual exploitation and abuse both online and off.”

“At Meta, we’ve spent over a decade building tools to fight criminals who try to exploit young people online,” said Meta’s Global Head of Safety, Antigone Davis. “To complement our in-app protections and make them even more effective, it’s important that young people also feel confident to spot the signs of online harm and know where to go for help. That’s why we’ve also been focused on educational campaigns for teens and parents, and why we’re proud to continue supporting the Department of Homeland Security’s vital Know2Protect campaign as it moves into its second year.”

Education and Support

Know2Protect’s educational initiative, Project iGuardian, provides direct training to schools, community groups, and organizations to help identify and address online safety risks. As the official in-person training program of the Know2Protect campaign, Project iGuardian is led by Homeland Security Investigations and offers presentations to children, teens, parents, and trusted adults. Since its re-launch in October 2023, Project iGuardian has conducted nearly 2,000 presentations, reaching over 200,000 people both domestically and internationally.

“We know it is critical to provide children, parents, and caregivers with access to resources and information on how to report crimes targeting children online,” said Director of Global Programs at Google.org, Amanda Timberg. “We are proud to once again donate Google Search and YouTube ad credits to promote the Department of Homeland Security’s Know2Protect campaign to raise awareness on the issue and to help children stay safe online.”

More Accomplishments

The campaign has achieved several notable milestones over the last year, including:
- 2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards Finalist for its 90-second PSA.
- 2024 Homeland Security Today Holiday Hero Award where the campaign was honored with the Most Innovative Campaign to Combat Child Exploitation.
- 2024-2025 school year #Back2School sub-campaign, featuring engaging and educational resources for teens and family members in the form of crossword puzzles, word searches, Project iGuardian coloring pages, a first day of school picture sign, Family Online Safety Agreement, Internet Safety Checklist, and printable safety posters and tipsheets for schools to display in classrooms and hallways.
- The release of nine new videos, including the widely popular 90-second PSA on the dangers of online CSEA, which has accumulated 6.8 million views on YouTube and 14.8 million impressions through TV advertising. Other key releases include the Sexting and Sextortion PSA, as well as 15- and 30-second PSAs highlighting how quickly online interactions can take dangerous turns. These have also aired on the NFL Network and at NASCAR events, significantly extending the reach of the Know2Protect message. The campaign also recently released a 60-second PSA focusing on how online exploitation happens and why we need the public’s help.
- The launch of the K2P Kids and Teens Portal, a dedicated space for children and teens aged 10 and up, offering age-appropriate tips and resources to help them protect themselves online.
- The impactful activation of partnerships across the technology, sports, social media, and gaming industries, including:
  - Snapchat Lens activation.
  - K2P activations at high-profile events like the Daytona 500, NASCAR Talladega 24, NFL Flag Championship 2024, MLB and MLS All-Star Games 2024, having a presence at the NFL Super Bowl Experience and a NASCAR Kids newsletter feature.
  - Scouting America and Know2Protect unveiled a special Project iGuardian scouting patch that honors the commitment of scouts who attend the DHS-led online safety training and who pledge to keep themselves and others safe online.
Upcoming Initiatives

Know2Protect is taking bold steps to further amplify its impact and continue the fight against online CSEA. Upcoming initiatives and events will provide even more opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved and take action, including:
- A Project iGuardian presentation livestream on X for parents, trusted adults and teens, hosted by country music star John Rich — tune in April 23 at 8 p.m. EST and learn how you can help keep children safe online. Be sure to follow @Know2Protect on X so you don’t miss it!
- June marks Internet Safety Month and there’s no better time to reinforce the importance of setting healthy online boundaries. Know2Protect’s #DigitalBoundaries sub-campaign continues DHS’s momentum to educate and empower children, teens, parents and trusted adults to prevent and combat online CSEA by setting healthy online boundaries during the summer months when kids will have time to spend online.
- In August 2025, the campaign will launch Pledge2Protect, the official, nationwide call-to-action of the Know2Protect campaign. The goal of Pledge2Protect will be to galvanize communities to take action by taking the pledge to prevent crimes of exploitation targeting kids online. Parents, teens and kids will have the opportunity to take the pledge, receive age-appropriate resources, and share that knowledge with others by passing the pledge. It’s time to move from awareness to action—help us prevent online exploitation and implement life-saving strategies.
- A variety of previously signed partners are expected to continue their official partnership with Know2Protect.
- Know2Protect welcomes its new partnerships with X, American Camp Association, Panini America, Kodex and Simple Learning Systems.
“As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Know2Protect campaign, it’s clear that protecting children from online exploitation demands a united, collective effort,” said Noem. “I urge more organizations to join us in this urgent mission—because every partnership brings us one step closer to eradicating this devastating crime.”

Know2Protect is working hand-in-hand with private sector leaders, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to execute this nationwide campaign. Learn more about becoming an official Know2Protect partner.

“Know2Protect is not just about raising awareness—it’s about sparking real, impactful change,” Noem said. “Backed by our powerful partnerships, this campaign is equipping communities with critical tools to protect children from online predators while also safeguarding against exploitation before it happens. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the fight to prevent further victimization.”

Early intervention is critical. If you suspect a child may be a victim of online CSEA, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline™. If you believe a child has been abducted or is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement and the NCMEC Tipline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

###

MIL Security OSI –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Enlight to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TEL AVIV, Israel, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy (“Enlight”, “the Company”, NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT.TA), a leading renewable energy platform, today announced it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, before market open on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Conference Call Information

Enlight will host a conference call to review its financial results and business outlook at 8:00 AM ET on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Management will deliver prepared remarks followed by a question-and-answer session. Participants may join by conference call or webcast:

Conference Call

Please pre-register to join the live conference call:
https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI2f3b7998abd744a590906d1adabe0ad1
Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

Webcast

Please register and join the live webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/z2k323sj

The press release with the financial results as well as the investor presentation materials will be accessible on the Company’s website prior to the conference call. Approximately one hour after completion of the live call, an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://enlightenergy.co.il/events/

About Enlight

Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at www.enlightenergy.co.il.

Investor Contact

Yonah Weisz
Director IR
investors@enlightenergy.co.il

Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
+1 617 542 6180
investors@enlightenergy.co.il

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; the potential impact of the current conflicts in Israel on our operations and financial condition and Company actions designed to mitigate such impact; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, tariffs, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Equinor (OSE: EQNR, NYSE: EQNR) suspends offshore construction activities for the Empire Wind project

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

In accordance with a halt work order issued by the US government, Empire Offshore Wind LLC (Empire) will safely halt the offshore construction in waters of the outer continental shelf for the Empire Wind project.

On 16 April, Empire received notice from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), ordering Empire to halt all activities on the outer continental shelf until BOEM has completed its review.

Empire is engaging with relevant authorities to clarify this matter and is considering its legal remedies, including appealing the order.

The federal lease for Empire Wind was signed with the US Administration in 2017. Empire Wind 1 has validly secured all necessary federal and state permits and is currently under construction. The project is being developed under contract with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide an important new source of electricity for the State of New York. The construction phase has put more than 1,500 people to work in the US. Empire wind 1 has the potential to power 500,000 New York homes.

Empire is complying with the order affecting project activities for Empire Wind. Upon receipt of the order, immediate steps were taken by Empire and its contractors to initiate suspension of relevant marine activities, ensuring the safety of workers and the environment.

Empire Wind has per 31 March 2025 a gross book value of around USD 2.5 billion, including South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

Equinor’s ownership to Empire is held through the Equinor Wind US LLC.

Total amount drawn under the project finance term loan facility per 31 March 2025 was around USD 1.5 billion. Empire is in the process of ascertaining the impact on the project and project financing. Equinor US Holdings Inc has provided guarantees for the equity commitment in the project financing. In a full stop scenario, the USD 1.5 billion will be repaid from the equity commitment to the project finance lenders and Empire Offshore Wind LLC will be exposed to termination fees towards its suppliers.

The halt work order will be disclosed as a subsequent event in the first quarter 2025 report.

Equinor is a broad energy company with more than 35 years of history in the US. Equinor has invested more than 60 billion USD in the US to date, including in oil, gas and renewables.

Contact persons:

Investor relations:
Bård Glad Pedersen, Senior vice president Investor Relations,
+47 918 01 791

Media relations:
Sissel Rinde, Vice president Media Relations,
+47 412 60 584

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars From Employer

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman plead guilty in federal court today to a fraud scheme in which she embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from her employer.

Jennifer L. Cabral, 51, plead guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuana Counts to one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering.

By pleading guilty today, Cabral admitted that she stole approximately $306,034.28 from her employer’s bank account and used those funds for her personal benefit and use. As part of the scheme, Cabral accessed her employer’s accounting software and directed payments to her own personal bank accounts through the employer’s online account at a local financial institution. Cabral used those funds for various personal benefits including vehicle payments toward the purchase of her car, which was forfeited as part of the plea agreement.

Under federal statutes, Cabral is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole on the bank fraud count and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the money laundering count. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Grandview, Mo. Police Department.

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Congo Energy & Investment Forum Returns to Brazzaville in March 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, April 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Republic of Congo will host the second edition of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) from March 10-12, 2026. As the country gears up for a significant increase in its oil output over the next three years and plans to strengthen its position in the natural gas sector, CEIF – under the theme Invest. Build. Empower: Transforming Congo’s Energy Landscape – underscores Congo’s growing role in the global energy landscape.

The 2025-2026 period promises to be an exciting time for Congo’s energy sector. Set to begin operations by December 2025, Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project will enable energy major Eni to increase gas production from 0.6 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 3 mtpa. Meanwhile, the Fouta refinery construction project is expected to start up by the end of the year and is set to produce 2.5 million tons of petroleum products per year – including diesel and gasoline – upon commissioning. These developments highlight the commitment of major operators to position Congo as a global oil and gas producer, with upcoming regulation and investments further supporting this goal.

In the gas sector, the country is targeting 3 million tons of LNG per year by this year from Eni’s Marine XII development – featuring the Congo LNG project. This target comes on the heels of Congo’s February 2024 milestone where the country exported its first LNG cargo from the Tango FLNG facility. The Republic of Congo boasts over 10 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas resources and is set to unveil its Gas Master Plan, launch a National Gas Company and release a new Gas Code this year.

Driven by a series of landmark projects spearheaded by industry giants including TotalEnergies, Trident Energy and Perenco, Congo aims to nearly double oil output from the current 280,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd by 2027. With aims to harness untapped reserves and maximize the potential of existing assets, this strategy will focus on expanding production in both new and mature fields. To support this goal, the country is set to launch a new international oil and gas licensing round this year. This initiative is expected to usher in a new wave of investment in sub-Saharan Africa’s third-largest oil producing market. The licensing round is designed to attract international oil companies with technical expertise and financial capacity to develop deepwater resources, as well as local and independent companies to exploit marginal fields.

At CEIF 2025, Congo unveiled plans to double its power generation capacity to 1,500 MW by 2030, with a strong focus on renewable energy projects. The country holds an estimated hydropower potential of 27,000 MW, though only 1% of this resource has been developed. As such, the government has identified several key projects, including water diversion and storage techniques, to maximize hydropower output.

Through a series of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations at CEIF 2026, the event will provide an in-depth look at Congo’s investment landscape. The conference will highlight crucial developments across the country’s energy sector as well as the broader strategic importance of Congo’s energy ambitions.

“CEIF 2026 serves as a vital platform to showcase Congo’s dynamic energy transformation. As the country scales up oil and gas production and prioritizes renewables, the conference fosters meaningful dialogue, attracts investment and strengthens partnerships essential to unlocking the full potential of Congo’s evolving energy and investment landscape,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

Supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company Société nationale des pétroles du Congo, CEIF 2026 will bring together local, regional and international delegates to explore new partnership opportunities across the energy and investments sectors. This highly anticipated event builds on the success of the inaugural edition, which convened government officials, top investors, IOCs, NOCs, independents and industry experts who shared vital insights into Congo’s oil, gas and energy landscape – paving the way for expanded collaboration and professional networking in 2026.

For more information and to register your interest for CEIF 2026, please visit www.CongoEnergyInvestment.com

MIL OSI Africa –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Four Sentenced for Roles in Morgantown-Area Drug Trafficking Operation
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four people were sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization that stretched from Philadelphia to Detroit to Morgantown, West Virginia.

Those sentenced today were:
- Charles Johnson, 33, of Detroit, Michigan, sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison;
- Sandra Tennant, 55, of Morgantown, West Virginia, sentenced to 51 months;
- Stephanie Miller, 48, of Charleston, West Virginia, sentenced to 84 months in federal prison; and
- Jordan Spadafore, 34, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years of probation.
According to court documents, Johnson, Tennant, Miller, and Spadafore were distributors for the operation that was selling methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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 https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

MIL Security OSI –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 30 Year Prison Sentence for Convicted Killer

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the brutal killing of a man on the Navajo Nation in 2020.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between February 6, 2020, and February 14, 2020, Tyran Begay, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, helped confine and torture John Doe alongside Camille Damon and Ronald Belone by binding and beating the victim, and leaving his body exposed to frigid weather in a remote area near Smith Lake, New Mexico.

Upon his release from prison, Begay will be subject to five years of supervised release.

Damon and Belone remain in custody pending trial, which has yet been scheduled.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco and Meg P. Tomlinson are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Sheep Springs Couple Faces Federal Charges for Assault and Reckless Child Endangerment

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBUQUERQUE – A couple from Sheep Springs is facing federal charges related to an alleged assault and subsequent medical neglect of a minor.

According to court records, on September 9, 2024, Raeshawn Doctor, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly assaulted Jane Doe, a minor, causing serious bodily injury. Additionally, between September 9, 2024, and January 31, 2025, Doctor and Harley Nelson, 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, are accused of knowingly and recklessly endangering Jane Doe’s life and health through medical neglect.

Doctor and Nelson will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Doctor faces up to 10 years in prison and Nelson faces up to three years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is 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 Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Twenty Arrested in Waco on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

WACO, Texas – A group of 20 federally indicted individuals were arrested Friday in Waco on criminal charges related to their alleged drug trafficking conspiracy that had been in operation since April 2024.

The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine and face 10 years to life in federal prison:
- Osvaldo Vences
- Brenda Lou Brasher
- Juan Delgado
- Anthony Mark Fimple
- Brian Quinn Knox
- Ronald Vincent Rodriguez, Jr.
- James Holland Young
- Tandy Jay Day
- William Brett Lafferty
- Michael Earl McDonald
The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 1 kilogram of heroin and face 10 years to life in federal prison:
- Arthur Lee Pimpton
- Quincy Shun Cook
- Osvaldo Vences
- Reginald Dewayne Bible
- Reginald Vernard Branch
- Deordrick Derrion Brown
- Direshia Marie McDaniel
- Reginald Lionel Thornton
- Kevin Eugene Hubby
- Rockelle Lashan Parker
- Marvin Lydell Starks
The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine and face five to 40 years in federal prison:
- Juan Delgado
- Anthony Mark Fimple
- Ronald Vincent Rodriguez, Jr.
- Fabian Angel Fabela
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The FBI, Waco Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting the case.

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

###

MIL Security OSI –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Donegal Group Inc. Announces Increase in Quarterly Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MARIETTA, Pa., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ:DGICA) and (NASDAQ:DGICB) reported today that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1825 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock and $0.165 per share of the Company’s Class B common stock. The dividends are payable on May 15, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 1, 2025.

These dividends represent percentage increases of 5.8% for the Company’s Class A common stock and 6.5% for the Company’s Class B common stock compared to the previous quarterly cash dividend rates.

About Donegal Group Inc.

Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in 21 Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, Southern and Southwestern states. Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and its insurance subsidiaries conduct business together with the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).

The Class A common stock and Class B common stock of Donegal Group Inc. trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols DGICA and DGICB, respectively. The Company is focused on several primary strategies, including achieving sustained excellent financial performance, strategically modernizing its operations and processes to transform its business, capitalizing on opportunities to grow profitably and providing superior experiences to its agents, customers and employees.

Investor Relations Contact

Karin Daly
Vice President, The Equity Group Inc.
Phone: (212) 836-9623
E-mail: kdaly@equityny.com

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: BexBack Hits 500,000 Users Milestone With 100x Leverage, No KYC, and Massive Bonus Campaign
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crypto trading platform BexBack, which officially launched in May 2024, has rapidly surpassed 500,000 registered users globally, cementing its place as one of the fastest-growing derivatives exchanges in the industry. With up to 100x leverage, no KYC requirements, and an aggressive bonus-driven growth strategy, BexBack is transforming the way crypto enthusiasts engage with trading — putting speed, privacy, and profitability at the forefront.

“BexBack was built for traders who value freedom, performance, and simplicity,” said David, Operations Director at BexBack. “Our platform removes friction without compromising power — no verification, no delays, just fast, secure trading and real rewards.”

What Sets BexBack Apart?
- 100x Leverage: Execute high-risk, high-reward strategies with maximum exposure.
- No KYC: Trade anonymously from anywhere, with total privacy.
- $50 Welcome Bonus: Instantly available after registration and first completed trade.
- 100% Deposit Bonus: Double your trading capital (bonus funds are non-withdrawable but usable in trading).
- $100 Flash Bonus Campaign: For a limited time only, users who deposit more than 0.01 BTC or 1000 USDT within 48 hours of joining the campaign will receive an extra $100 trading bonus. While the bonus itself is non-withdrawable, profits generated from using it are fully withdrawable.
- Zero Spread, Zero Slippage: Enjoy institutional-grade execution with real price integrity.
- Demo Mode: Practice with 10 BTC & 1 million USDT in virtual assets — ideal for beginners and strategists.
In addition, BexBack’s affiliate program offers up to 50% commission on referred users’ trading fees — with no limit and permanent referral binding.

Since launching, BexBack has earned a loyal global following across North America, Europe, and Asia, praised for its user-first approach, multilingual 24/7 support, and lightning-fast platform design.

Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers, Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus Instantly

About BexBack?

BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

Website: www.bexback.com

Contact: business@bexback.com

Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71abc268-4df7-4ec4-be94-c647dae843de

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ceef4dc-3e06-4519-bf0a-e6bd4c00b743

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: FCI Schuylkill Inmate Charged With Possessing A Weapon

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jamal Townsend, age 35, an inmate at FCI Schuylkill, was indicted on March 27, 2025, by a federal grand jury on a charge of possessing a weapon in prison.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on February 20, 2025, Townsend possessed a piece of plastic, approximately 7 inches in length, sharpened to a point at one end with a cloth handle.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years and a fine. A sentence would also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Blount County Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years for Child Pornography Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On April 16, 2025, Julian Paul Gerdeman, 26, currently of Blount County, Tennessee, was sentenced to 189 months in prison by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Following Gerdeman’s imprisonment, he will be on lifetime supervised release and will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions during his supervised release.

As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Gerdeman agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with two counts of receipt of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2) and one count of possession of and access with intent to view child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B).

According to filed court documents, on August 7, 2023, Maryville Police Department (MPD) received a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cybertip reporting a Google user that uploaded child pornography to the user’s Google storage drive. During the investigation it was determined the IP address of the Google user came back to the home address of Gerdeman’s mother. Gerdeman was living in the unattached garage of his mother in Maryville, Tennessee at the time of the Cybertip.

On August 21, 2023, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for the Gerdeman’s electronic devices. Forensic examinations on those items determined they contained 4,324 images of child pornography. Further, the exams found that Gerdeman had received child pornography videos on several different dates.

The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by several local and federal agencies. The investigation was headed by task force officer Detective Thomas Evans of the Homeland Security Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (HSI-ICAC) and Detective Clayton Hall of the MPD. Also assisting in the prosecution were Knoxville Police Department and Alcoa Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab “resources.”

###

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ashland City Doctor Sentenced to Three Years for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud

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

Defendant Signed Medically Unnecessary Orders and Prescriptions Resulting in Over $41 Million in Fraudulent Claims

NASHVILLE – Dr. John R. Manning, 64, of Ashland City, Tennessee, was sentenced last week to three years in federal prison for his participation in a health care fraud conspiracy, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee

Manning, a licensed medical doctor, was indicted in July 2022, with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and eight counts of health care fraud. In August 2023, Manning pled guilty to the conspiracy count. As part of his guilty plea, Manning admitted to allegations in the indictment, including that he worked for multiple “telemedicine” companies and signed doctor orders or prescriptions for durable medical equipment (DME), topical creams, and cancer genetic tests (CGx) based on only a brief conversation with a patient, or often no conversation at all. Manning signed those orders and prescriptions in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes.

From approximately June 2016 through April 2019, Manning signed orders and prescriptions that caused the submission of at least $41,083,490.62 in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, and Medicare paid over $19 million of those claims. Manning accepted the payment of kickbacks in connection with these orders and prescriptions totaling over $812,000.

“This doctor ignored his oath to help people and bilked the taxpayers out of almost $20 million,” said Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney, “now he faces accountability for his actions and the taxpayers get some justice for being taken advantage of.”

“Health care providers that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws and regulations meant to protect the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid program,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and hold providers accountable when they do not follow the law.”

“Health care fraud is a crime that hurts all of us and drives up health care costs,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Nashville Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “The FBI is committed to fighting fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars, and with our law enforcement partners we will continue to identify, investigate and bring to justice the criminals who, driven by greed, manipulate the system for personal benefit.”

As part of the sentence, Manning was ordered to pay $19,780,565.44 in restitution to the Medicare program. Manning was also ordered to pay criminal forfeiture in the form of a money judgment totaling $812,303.41.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services-Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, with the assistance of the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Levine and Trial Attorney Kathryn Furtado of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

# # # # #

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: ROTH Conference Celebrates 25 Years in Dana Point with Unforgettable Community Partnerships and Recognition

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN — The 37th Annual ROTH Conference welcomed thousands of participants from around the globe to Dana Point, California, where the event has been proudly hosted for the past 25 years. This year marked more than just another successful gathering of institutional investors, company executives, and industry visionaries. It was also a milestone in Roth Capital Partners, LLC’s (ROTH) enduring commitment to the local community that has helped shape the event’s identity over the last quarter-century.

One of the most meaningful moments of the conference took place on March 17, when the City of Dana Point formally recognized Bryon Roth, Ted Roth, and Gordon Roth for their 25-year contribution to the city’s cultural, economic, and philanthropic landscape. The recognition ceremony, coordinated by the Eco Yacht Group in collaboration with Dana Point officials, brought together mayors, community leaders, nonprofit founders, and ROTH team members to celebrate the positive local impact made possible by this long-standing partnership. Mayor Matthew Pagano and Mayor Pro Tem John Gabbard presented official certificates of recognition, applauding the Roth family’s dedication to fostering opportunity, economic development, and charitable contributions since the conference began its residency in Dana Point.

The honorees received custom gift baskets curated with premium items from local and sponsor partners including El Septimo cigars and cognac, Kindred Wines, Hook Hand Rum, Perduret Champagne, Once Upon A Coconut premium beverages, and several other thoughtful tokens of appreciation that reflect both the spirit of Dana Point and the caliber of the “ROTH Experience”.

Throughout the weekend, the conference’s connection to the Dana Point community was woven into a number of thoughtfully planned experiences. In partnership with the City of Dana Point, Visit Dana Point, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses such as the Dana Cliffs Marriott, attendees were welcomed not just as guests, but as contributors to a shared community story. ROTH worked with a local artist to create a custom welcome card that was placed in each hotel room, offering a heartfelt introduction to Dana Point’s coastal heritage and creative spirit. A Dana Point Heritage Walk, held in conjunction with the Challenged Athletes Foundation charity event, gave guests the chance to explore the town’s cultural and historical landmarks while engaging directly with local partners.

The spirit of giving was further highlighted through support of the California Love Drop initiative, which provides meals and supplies to first responders and communities affected by California wildfires. ROTH’s support of this initiative was represented by longtime partner Wing Lam, founder of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and exemplifies the company’s ongoing dedication to social impact initiatives that extend far beyond the financial sector.

Two signature gatherings helped deepen the sense of connection between conference attendees and community leaders. The Eco Yacht Group’s VIP “Tide to Table” Dinner at Glasspar Seafood & Steakhouse and the Tide to Table Yacht Luncheon in Dana Point Harbor brought together a diverse group of innovators, creatives, ocean conservationists, and executives. These experiences were supported by local sponsors including Once Upon A Coconut, Luxicon, and Stillwater Spirits & Sounds. Guests enjoyed meaningful conversations around sustainability, entrepreneurship, and shared responsibility in a setting that was both elegant and grounded in community values.

Among the many distinguished guests in attendance were ROTH CEO Sagar Sheth, CMO Isabel Mattson-Pain, ROTH Sustainability Banking Senior Advisor John Cavalier, Meta World Peace, Roma Stibravy, President of NGO Sustainability and UN Advisor to ROTH, Herbert (Beto) Bedolfe III, Founder of OCEANA, Executive Director of the Marisla Foundation, and Board Member of SIMA, Scott Kitcher, CEO of Sustain SoCal, Grammy-winning producer Jimmy Thomas, and leadership from organizations including Hollo.ai, Cox Communications, the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association. Their presence spoke volumes about the type of environment ROTH continues to foster—one that blends innovation and investment with purpose and connection.

“The Dana Point community has been an incredible partner to us over the last 25 years,” said ROTH CFO Gordon Roth. “We are honored and deeply grateful for the recognition from the city. But more importantly, we are proud of the meaningful relationships we’ve built and the positive impact we’ve been able to make together. From local nonprofits and small businesses to civic leaders and artists, this conference is a success because of the people who come together to make it so.”

The ROTH Conference continues to be one of the premier investor events in the country, yet its strength lies in the relationships it cultivates—both in boardrooms and in the heart of Dana Point. As ROTH looks ahead to the next chapter, it remains committed to growing those relationships and deepening its impact as a partner, neighbor, and responsible corporate citizen.

About ROTH
ROTH is a relationship-driven investment bank focused on serving growth companies and their investors. Our full-service platform provides capital raising, high-impact equity research, macroeconomics, sales and trading, technical insights, derivatives strategies, M&A advisory, and corporate access. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, ROTH is a privately held, employee-owned organization and maintains offices throughout the U.S. For more information on ROTH, please visit www.roth.com.

Investor Contact:
Roth Capital Partners
Isabel Mattson-Pain
Managing Director, Chief Marketing Officer
949.720.7117, imattson-pain@roth.com
ROTH – Member FINRA/SIPC – www.roth.com

Media Contact:
IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Federal Correctional Officers

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Davonta McCrorey (25, Baltimore) has pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting federal correctional officers. McCrorey faces up to eight years’ imprisonment on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, in March 2024, McCrorey was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. On March 16, 2024, McCrorey aggressively charged out of his cell and struck two federal correctional officers in the face multiple times, causing injuries. McCrorey then resisted other correctional officers who attempted to restrain him by verbally threatening them with violence and biting one of them on the hand.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: SUNation Energy Issues Letter to Shareholders in Conjunction With Filing of Form 10-K
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SUNation Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNE) (“SUNation” or the “Company”), a leading provider of sustainable solar energy and backup power to households, businesses, municipalities, and for servicing existing systems, today issued a Letter to Shareholders from CEO Scott Maskin in connection with the filing of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (“FY 2024”) on April 15, 2025. A copy of the Company’s Form 10-K is available at www.sec.gov.

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

I am writing to you with a renewed sense of optimism for SUNation’s future, tremendous pride in the dedication and hard work of our team, and appreciation for the continuing faith of our residential and commercial customers in our ability to provide an outstanding end-to-end solar experience. Over the last several quarters, we have made it a priority to address a variety of legacy financial, operational, and governance issues that impeded our growth potential, which included recruiting a new leadership team and a refreshed Board of Directors with relevant industry, capital markets, and public company experience.

This journey has not been easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Many of these decisions were among the most difficult of my career, with a significant impact to our people and our investors; they were, however, necessary. While we still have work to do, we believe that we have positioned the Company to resume growth and thrive in the years ahead.

Our results for 2024 reflect both the encouraging and unpredictable aspects of our industry, as well as the specific issues that affected our operations. The last two years have been some of the most challenging in our space, and some companies – many larger than us – have not survived. While being a smaller company can make us more vulnerable to the effects of macro conditions, it also provides us with a significant advantage – specifically, the ability to act quickly and with resolve.

As we look ahead to 2025, we see a significant opportunity to pursue a myriad of commercial and residential opportunities in our core markets and surrounding regions, consider strategic acquisition opportunities, and fortify our operations to support a pivot to sustainable growth and profitability. For full year 2024 results, and other recent developments, please review our annual report on Form 10-K, which we filed on April 15, 2025, and can be found at www.sec.gov, free of charge.

2024 Performance Overview and Recent Events

Full Year 2024
- Total sales of $56.9 million declined as expected from last year’s sales of $79.6 million driven by a decrease in residential and commercial solar projects, as well as lower service revenue. However, sales increased on a consecutive basis for each quarter of 2024 with Q4 2024 sales of $15.4 million up 9.3% from Q1 2024 sales of $13.2 million.
- Over 50% of our installed jobs in 2023 and 2024 came from referrals or repeat customers, a rate that ranks among the best in our industry. This also helped drive down year-over-year customer acquisition costs by approximately 8%.
- Gross margin for 2024 improved to 35.9% from 34.8%, reflecting tighter controls over direct costs.
- Total operating expenses declined by nearly 7% to $32.7 million from $35.2 million.
- The decline in total operating expenses in 2024 was offset by a $3.1 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge associated with Hawaii Energy Connection (“HEC”) and a $750,000 intangible asset impairment loss related to technology related intangible assets within the HEC segment; there were no such charges realized in 2023.
- A series of cost optimization and efficiency measures implemented in 2024 are expected to produce annual selling, general and administrative expense cost savings in 2025 of over $2.0 million.
- Operating loss from continuing operations was $12.3 million compared to $7.5 million in 2023
Recent Developments
- We secured $20 million in aggregate gross proceeds via a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors (“the Offering”).
- This fresh capital allowed us to eliminate $12.6 million of secured debt and other long-term contractual obligations. This included the repayment in full of $9.4 million of senior and junior secured debt that removed an average annual cash drain of approximately $3.4 million through 2027, and the payment in full of a $2.5 million earn out consideration.
- This reduction in debt has produced material benefits, including lowering our annual interest expense for 2025 by an estimated $1.4 million, while enhancing cash flows that provide the flexibility necessary to invest appropriately in our long-term expansion and/or other strategic options.
Q1 2025 Outlook

We expect that our financial position for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 will reflect the positive effects of this deleveraging and the cost containment initiatives that began in 2024, including:
- cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.4 million, up from cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million at December 31, 2024; cash at March 31, 2025 did not include $5 million in gross proceeds raised as part of the Offering that closed in early April 2025.
- total debt of approximately $9.3 million, a $9.8 million reduction from $19.1 million at December 31, 2024; this reduction does not include the impact of the above-mentioned $2.5 million earn out payment.
The Path Forward

Our strategy is designed to provide customers with sustainable energy security by leveraging our people, technology, and processes to deliver solutions that improve the performance, increase the reliability, and reduce the cost of energy.

Our industry is highly fragmented, consisting primarily of small, regional companies that control the majority of installations. We believe that this creates a great opportunity for a company like SUNation. With our corporate transformation substantially complete, an injection of fresh capital, and our outlook for the solar industry positive, we believe that the best pathway for long-term growth is a combination of organic expansion initiatives, while pursuing net profitable accretive strategic acquisition opportunities.

With respect to organic growth, we will continue to focus on lowering customer acquisition costs by capitalizing on our premier referral rates, achieve economies of scale that support a lower cost of goods sold, and explore opportunities that widen the scope of solar services to become a one-stop shop for solar and storage-related needs. By leveraging our two-decade reputation for high quality and dependable solar installation, we are investing heavily in the operations of our roofing division, a natural extension of our solar offerings, as well as strengthening our outreach to non-SUNation clients in need of service for their existing PV and battery systems. We also believe that we can increase our service revenue by addressing service gaps created by solar providers that are no longer in business.

Our approach to any potential acquisitions will be deliberate and thoughtful, with a focus on well-run residential and commercial solar companies in a select group of states that contain markets with the factors that are necessary for fruitful expansion. We believe that regional companies with robust corporate support are best suited to navigate their respective state and regulatory operating environments. Our acquisition criteria includes exposure to battery storage and value-added energy services, opportunities that can deliver meaningful cost and revenue synergies, and compatible business cultures, with a focus on the customer. Our goal is to achieve scale while maintaining the regional identity and connection to the community that these companies have developed over the years.

We believe that SUNation’s value proposition of energy independence, our sterling reputation, customer-centric approach, and diversified service portfolio will help us navigate the macroeconomic environment, including tariffs, government subsidies, and interest rates.

In Closing

I founded SUNation in 2003 and built it into one of the largest and most respected solar installers on Long Island. This was accomplished through hard work, a respect for the customer, and surrounding myself with the best possible team. In 2022 we acquired HEC and E-GEAR, both Hawaii-based sustainable energy solution providers, as a reflection of our commitment to capitalize on the growing demand for solutions that provide home energy security.

After more than two decades, we are just beginning.

I am optimistic about the future of the solar and storage industry and SUNation. Our industry creates good paying jobs and generates substantial revenue at the regional level, positioning us as a significant contributor to the national energy mix alongside oil, coal, gas, and wind. Importantly, our distributed energy solutions fortify local energy infrastructures, making us a vital part of energy security. Our industry is resilient and has always aligned with economic expansion – a stronger economy equals strong energy demand.

I remain committed to capitalizing on the significant opportunities inherent in our industry and delivering long-term value to our shareholders.

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Maskin
Chief Executive Officer

Corporate Update Call / Submit Question in Advance

Management will host a Corporate Update call on Wednesday, April 23 at 10:00 am ET. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing:
- Domestic: (800) 715-9871
- International: (646) 307-1963
- Passcode: 5681681
The conference call will also be accessible via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site at https://ir.sunation.com/news-events or via this link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/2sjxvf6u.

Questions may be submitted in advance to ir@sunation.com with the subject line “Corporate Update Questions.” The deadline for submitting questions is April 22 at 5:00 PM ET.

About SUNation Energy, Inc.

SUNation Energy, Inc. is focused on growing leading local and regional solar, storage, and energy services companies nationwide. Our vision is to power the energy transition through grass-roots growth of solar electricity paired with battery storage. Our portfolio of brands (SUNation, Hawaii Energy Connection, E-Gear) provide homeowners and businesses of all sizes with an end-to-end product offering spanning solar, battery storage, and grid services. SUNation Energy, Inc.’s largest markets include New York, Florida, and Hawaii, and the company operates in three (3) states.

Forward Looking Statements

Our prospects here at SUNation Energy Inc. are subject to uncertainties and risks. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provided by the foregoing Sections. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the control of management. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation. The Company cannot predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. The reader should consider statements that include the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “should”, or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information respecting factors that could materially affect the Company and its operations are contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC which can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Advisory: Boralex to hold annual meeting of shareholders on May 14

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MONTREAL, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex Inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) announces that it will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in a hybrid format, i.e. in person with a live audio webcast.

Simultaneous interpretation will also be available for English-speaking participants to the online meeting. The online and in-person access to the event will start at 10:30 a.m. EDT.

Registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to attend the meeting, ask questions and vote in person or online if they fulfill the conditions set out in the Management proxy Circular. Non-registered shareholders (being shareholders who hold their Boralex shares through a broker, investment dealer, bank, trust company, custodian, nominee or other intermediary) who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholder will be able to attend the meeting as guests, but will not be able to participate in or vote at the meeting.

For additional information on how to access the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, registered and non-registered shareholders, and duly appointed proxyholders, please refer to the Notice of Meeting.

Note that Boralex’s Management Information Circular, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report and Annual Report are available on boralex.com and sedarplus.com.

About Boralex

At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3.1 GW. Our pipeline of projects and growth path total over 78GW in wind, solar and electricity storage projects. We develop those projects guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

For more information

MEDIA	INVESTOR RELATIONS
Camille Laventure Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications	Stéphane Milot Vice President, Investor Relations & Financial Planning and Analysis

Boralex Inc. 438-883-8580 camille.laventure@boralex.com	Boralex Inc.514-213-1045 stephane.milot@boralex.com

Source: Boralex inc.

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: HTX DAO Burns 11.3T $HTX in Q1, Sustaining Deflationary Momentum Through Stable Burn Mechanism
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX DAO, the decentralized autonomous organization behind the $HTX token, has officially announced the completion of its Q1 2025 token burn. According to the announcement, a total of 11,338,023,612,750.992 $HTX tokens were permanently removed from circulation, representing a market value of approximately $19.2 million USD. Since its inception, HTX DAO has cumulatively burned over 60.97 trillion $HTX, with an estimated total value exceeding $114 million, demonstrating strong execution of its deflationary model and long-term value alignment.

In accordance with its governance protocol, HTX DAO allocated 50% of revenue generated by the HTX exchange in Q1 2025 toward this burn. Executions were carried out transparently via Sun.io, with complete on-chain verification available through transaction hashes. Community members can review the full burn transaction here: Burn Hash on Tronscan

Burn Mechanism: Not a Gimmick, but a Governance-Backed Commitment

Unlike short-term, price-focused burns used by many projects as speculative marketing tactics, HTX DAO’s burn strategy is rooted in its “Verified Revenue – Automatic Buyback – On-chain Burn” model, introduced in late 2023. This system ensures consistent and verifiable token reductions aligned with real revenue, not artificially inflated figures.

Key elements of the HTX DAO burn mechanism include:
- Revenue-Linked Buybacks: A fixed percentage of exchange income is used to repurchase and burn $HTX;
- Full Transparency: All burn addresses and transactions are recorded and publicly accessible on-chain;
- Scheduled Execution: Quarterly announcements and hash verifications published for community audit;
- Governance Supervision: DAO governance oversees adjustments to burn ratios and policies.
This model makes HTX DAO’s deflationary action a structural economic feature, rather than a temporary performance signal—positioning $HTX for long-term compounding value growth.

Market Volatility Validates Mechanism Robustness

In Q1 2025, despite Bitcoin falling from nearly $110,000 to $70,000—a drop of over 30%—and global crypto trading volumes dropping 27% from $200.7B to $146B (source: Coingecko), HTX DAO’s token burn decreased by only 15% compared to Q4 2024 ($22M to $19.2M).

This measured reduction highlights two important truths:
- Burn funding is derived from actual revenue, not reserves or pre-allocated marketing budgets;
- Burn volumes follow a systematic, non-manipulative model, unaffected by short-term market panic.
Rather than artificial inflation of value, HTX DAO reflects a rational, data-driven growth model, balancing deflation and ecosystem expansion with real income performance.

Scarcity Effect: Circulating Supply Falls, Value Logic Strengthens

The cumulative impact of HTX DAO’s deflationary system is becoming more pronounced:
- Over 60.97 trillion $HTX burned, reducing overall token supply;
- Increased scarcity for long-term holders;
- Sustainable tokenomics, with low inflation and high burn rates—making $HTX one of the few net-deflationary exchange ecosystem tokens on the market.
Following the footsteps of proven models like Ethereum’s EIP-1559 and BNB’s quarterly burns, HTX DAO is establishing a durable path toward value consolidation. Its staking, governance, and node programs are all structurally tied to the burn cycle—creating a positive feedback loop where ecosystem growth triggers further deflation, and vice versa.

Leading by Example: Real DAO Execution in a Sea of Paper DAOs

While many projects claim to be DAOs in name, few consistently execute governance-backed decisions with on-chain transparency. HTX DAO sets itself apart by delivering measurable, auditable outcomes—burns, votes, and revenue allocation—visible to all stakeholders.

In contrast with projects known for inconsistent execution or vague treasury use, HTX DAO demonstrates:
- High operational reliability
- Transparent financial data
- Clear deflationary logic
This makes HTX DAO a standout among modern DAO ecosystems—not merely in philosophy, but in real-world delivery.

More Than a Buzzword: DAO as a Mechanism for Value Fulfillment

This Q1 burn underscores HTX DAO’s continued adherence to its roadmap. Despite macro challenges, it has executed a $19M burn, retained full on-chain traceability, and continued reducing its circulating supply. These attributes collectively validate the DAO’s ability to deliver on promises—not just through whitepapers, but through chain-verified results.

With renewed user growth, ecosystem expansion, and market recovery expected later in 2025, future burn events are poised to become milestones in HTX DAO’s deflationary growth story. For a sector still grappling with the legitimacy of decentralized governance, HTX DAO offers a compelling answer to the question:

Can DAOs truly deliver value?

HTX DAO’s response is already written—on-chain.

About HTX DAO

As a multi-chain deployed decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), HTX DAO demonstrates an innovative governance approach. Unlike traditional corporate structures, it adopts a decentralized governance structure composed of a diversified group, jointly committed to the success of this organization. This unique ecosystem advocates openness and encourages all DAO participants to propose ideas that can promote the development of HTX DAO.

Contact Information

Website: www.htxdao.com

Email Address: media@htxdao.com

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a8ef565-4f84-43ec-bab3-1fee7aebab6c

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025

Category: Finance

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