NewzIntel.com

Category: Gun Control

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marathon County Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Leading Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

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

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua L. Lake, 32, Stratford, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 11 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Lake pleaded guilty to these charges on February 26, 2025.

    In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals, led by Lake, who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Marathon County area.

    On February 26, 2024, Lake sold 118 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at Lake’s residence in Stratford, Wisconsin. Other co-defendants completed additional controlled purchases of methamphetamine in March and April 2024. On April 15, 2024, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force officers executed a search warrant at Lake’s residence. Officers found approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 2 rifles, over $25,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search.

    Further investigation revealed that between January 22, 2024, and April 15, 2024, Lake distributed approximately 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine. Lake also delivered a firearm to a drug cartel contact in exchange for drugs. Lake admitted receiving the firearm in exchange for methamphetamine. Lake is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley described Lake’s conduct, including his drug trafficking and involvement with firearms, as egregious and said the quantity of almost pure methamphetamine found at his residence was stunning.

    Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Mercadys Perkins was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 6 years in federal prison on April 17, 2025. Dustin Brunker was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 7 years in federal prison on April 24, 2025. Jessica Colby was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and sentenced to 2 ½ years in federal prison on May 1, 2025.

    The charges against Lake were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.

    This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western District of Texas Adds 410 New Immigration Cases Going into June

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

    SAN ANTONIO –United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 410 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 30 through June 5.

    Among the new cases, Mexican national Albert Sanchez-Jaimes was charged with one count of illegal re-entry in Austin. Sanchez-Jaimes was encountered at the Burnet County Jail, where he was booked for alleged charges of boating while intoxicated and marijuana possession. Sanchez-Jaimes has lengthy immigration and criminal records that include four prior removals, a deadly conduct conviction in 2020, multiple convictions for assault on a family member, and two prior convictions for illegal re-entry.

    In Waco, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fugitive Operations Team arrested Mexican national Daniel Edgar Perez-Cortez on June 5as the result of an investigation stemming from a Waco Crime Stoppers referral. Perez-Cortez has a prior conviction for illegal re-entry in 2024, as well as convictions for Driving While Intoxicated and possession of prohibited weapons, and a conviction for deadly conduct discharging a firearm. He’s now federally charged with illegal re-entry and, if convicted, faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Two Honduran nationals were arrested for illegal re-entry charges in Eagle Pass. U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Ariel Antonio Lopez-Serrano on June 2. Lopez-Serrano was convicted in 2023 for human smuggling and was removed to Honduras through Houston on Feb. 28. On June 3, Jose Aparicio Diaz-Amaya was arrested by USBP agents, having been deported three times—the most recent removal being to Honduras on May 2 through Alexandria, Louisiana.

    Multiple individuals were arrested and charged with human smuggling offenses in El Paso. On May 31, U.S. citizens Cynthia Guerrero and Berenice Stevens attempted to enter the U.S. through the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry, allegedly telling the Customs and Border Protection Officer that they were returning to El Paso from a baby shower in Juarez. A criminal complaint alleges that there were seven additional people inside the vehicle, including six children. After discussion about a stack of birth certificates Guerrero provided the CBP Officer, along with a handwritten note supposedly giving Guerrero permission to transport her alleged cousin’s children into the U.S., the officer referred the vehicle to a secondary inspection. At the secondary inspection, Guerrero allegedly told CBP Officers that she was smuggling three undocumented minors into the U.S. after she had been offered $1,900 to do so. The complaint also alleges that the minors had been given seven gummies of an unknown substance to make them sleep. Three of the six minors in Guerrero’s vehicle were found to be Mexican nationals. Both Guerrero and Stevens are charged with human smuggling charges and have been previously convicted. Guerrero Two Mexican nationals were charged in a human smuggling bust after Ysleta Border Patrol Station agents responded to a location where they apprehended five illegal aliens who had just crossed into the U.S. According to a criminal complaint, several of the individuals were continuously receiving calls on their cell phones, and one individual provided consent for the agents to view, search and utilize his phone. The communications led the agents to Jose Adan Meza-Marquez, who allegedly drove a vehicle to the area where the aliens had been apprehended and confirmed he was there to pick them up. Posing as the illegal aliens, USBP agents got in Meza-Marquez’s vehicle, which allegedly transported them to a stash house being used to harbor illegal aliens. A second individual, Jose Ramiro Chavez-Leal, allegedly opened the door. The criminal complaint alleges that agents found five additional illegal aliens present at the residence and both Meza-Marquez and Chavez-Leal admitted to smuggling illegal aliens on prior occasions.

    Another human smuggling bust by Ysleta Border Patrol agents led to federal charges four Mexican nationals: Erasmo Ortiz-Arzola, Cesar Arturo Beltran-Rocha, Jesus Alberto Fernandez-Vazquez, and Kevin Alexis Morin-Lopez. During a knock and talk operation, agents allegedly observed 15 individuals in the living room area of an apartment, and an additional 14 elsewhere in the apartment. A criminal complaint indicates that subjects were questioned and determined to be illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador. During the arrests and subsequent investigation, the four defendants were identified as alleged pick-up drivers and caretakers.

    A Mexican national and convicted felon, Rosendo Dominguez-Morales, was charged with illegal re-entry and two additional counts for entering the U.S. through the National Defense Area (NDA), west of the El Paso Port of Entry. Dominguez-Morales was previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico on Aug. 20, 2024 through Brownsville, two days after he was convicted in Lyon County for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon.

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

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

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

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: First week of June sees more than 200 charged in SDTX cases in relation to enforcement efforts along southwest border

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

    HOUSTON – A total of 202 cases have been filed from May 30-June 5 in immigration and border security matters, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    The filed cases include seven involving human smuggling. A total of 129 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while another 63 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. Other relevant cases charged this week relate to other immigration crimes.

    One such person charged this week is Luis Humberto Gonzalez-Sanchez who was arrested for allegedly harboring 16 illegal aliens in his home in Mercedes. The criminal complaint alleges he harbored over 100 aliens in the last six months for whom he was paid $150 each. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Also facing new criminal charges are six Mexican nationals, all of whom had been previously convicted of illegal reentry into the United States and sentenced to terms ranging from 15-46 months in federal prison. However, their charges allege authorities had found them in the Rio Grande Valley after once again unlawfully returning without any permission to do so. Oscar Vicente Perez-Lopez, Juan Manuel De La Cruz-Mejia, Jose Luis Tostado-Flores, Jesus Morales-Vargas, Jose Patricio Rios-Rojas and Juan Manuel Alvarado-Gonzalez had allegedly been previously removed on varying dates between 2015-2023 and now face up to 20 years in prison, upon this conviction.

    In addition to the new cases, an illegal alien from El Salvador was sentenced for assaulting law enforcement. Authorities conducted a traffic stop in November 2024 in Rio Grande City when Oscar Adilio Sanchez-Rivera notified them of his alien status. As a Border Patrol (BP) agent attempted to place him in a vehicle, Sanchez-Rivera attempted to evade arrest, punched the agent in the face and caused an additional injury that required surgery. He will now serve 36 months in prison.

    “The defendant here managed to turn a simple removal case to a multi-year federal sentence,” said Ganjei. “Let this case be an example to others who may wish harm on police or federal agents; assaulting law enforcement will not be tolerated.”

    Also announced was the sentencing in Houston of an illegal alien for stealing a U.S. citizen’s identity. In imposing the 40-month sentence, the court noted the seriousness of the offense and that Carlos Bedolla Sanchez’s previous penalties did not do enough good or make him repentant. The investigation revealed Sanchez began using the victim’s identity in approximately March 2009 to obtain state driver’s licenses and other U.S. identification, including a passport.

    Following a two-day jury trial in Corpus Christi, a Houston trucker was convicted of transporting illegal aliens. A lawful permanent resident since 1989, Armando Balladares-Prado had pulled up to the BP checkpoint south of Falfurrias and seemed nervous. His vehicle was completely empty but had a seal and lock on it as if there was a full transport load in the back. Authorities soon found two individuals hidden underneath the bed of the sleeper compartment. Both were determined to be citizens of Guatemala illegally present in the United States. Balladares-Prado told the aliens to get under the bed and instructed them on what to say if law enforcement discovered them. He now faces a federal prison sentence and possible loss of his status in the United States.

    In Laredo, two men also learned their fate for their roles in an extensive human smuggling conspiracy and operating stash houses in Laredo and Poteet. Manuel Capetillo and Michael Diaz are attributed with smuggling over 65 aliens, including adults and children as young as six, who came from multiple countries as far south as Guatemala. Over several months, Capetillo recruited drivers, scouts and caretakers to bring aliens in from countries in Central America and transport them throughout the southern and central areas of Texas. Capetillo received an 85-month-term of imprisonment, while Diaz was ordered to serve 70 months. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the inhumane conditions in which the aliens were transported and that Capetillo and Diaz had made a business out of smuggling aliens. “You thought of these people as cattle,” he said.

    Another sentencing in McAllen saw an illegal alien heading to prison for 37 months for trafficking over $1 million in cocaine. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Rolando Banda-Lucero did not have status to be in the country and got involved in narcotics trafficking for money.

    Also finalized this week was an adult male pretending to be a minor as he illegally entered the country. On Feb. 2, Elger Fabricio Cotto-Navarro claimed to be an unaccompanied minor so he could be housed in a special facility. The investigation revealed Cotto-Navarro was actually an adult posing as a minor. He was sentenced and now expected to face removal proceedings. 

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Madison Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Arminius D. Jones, 49, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 87 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution. Jones pleaded guilty to these charges on March 21, 2025.

    Between May 15, 2024, and July 1, 2024, Jones sold fentanyl pills to an undercover police officer in Madison, Wisconsin, on three occasions. On July 9, 2024, police searched his home in Madison and found approximately 7,000 fentanyl pills, money from Jones’s sales to the undercover officer, over $2,000 in additional cash, and multiple digital scales and drug ledgers. Police also found a handgun, a loaded extended magazine, and multiple boxes of ammunition within arm’s reach of the drugs.

    At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that the level of drug dealing Jones engaged in surpassed supporting a substance abuse habit.  He also found the gap in Jones’s criminal history exposed his vulnerability to returning to crime even after a long time. Judge Peterson was also very concerned about the dangers posed from dealing fentanyl in terms of its potential for addiction and overdose, and he expressed disappointment in the way Jones fed on the illnesses of others. Jones’s possession of a gun was an aggravating factor and showed he was aware of the potential for violence and that violence is a natural corollary when a gun is present.

    The charges against Jones were the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, City of Madison Police Department, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest Made in Indictment Charging Three Individuals with Felony Murder and Armed Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Avery Taylor, 20, of Washington, D.C., was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on a bench warrant yesterday that was issued after the grand jury returned an indictment in May 2025, charging him with first degree murder while armed, armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, U.S. Marshal Anthony Dixon and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Taylor was arraigned today before Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt who ordered Taylor held without bond until a July 1, 2025 detention hearing.

                On August 16, 2024, Rayon Davis Jr., 18, and Quintin Reed, 18 were also arrested and charged in connection in the incident. They are also being held without bond. An indictment, returned on May 7, 2025, charges all three men.

                According to the court documents, defendants are members of a 7D crew located in the Woodland Terrance neighborhood that calls itself “On the Clock Gang” or “OCG.”  On December 20, 2023, inside of a stairwell located at 2921 Knox Place SE, the three defendants shot Dwayne Barbour, 39, while they were robbing him of an authentic Rolex 36mm Datejust Gold/Stainless Steel watch, containing 15 carats in diamonds. Mr. Barbour had legally purchased the watch from a jewelry store for approximately $10,000. Mr. Barbour died eleven days later, on December 31, 2023.

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Sellinger and John Parron. 

                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 –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Samuel De Champlain Bridge: Special Illumination for National Day Against Gun Violence

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Montreal, Quebec, June 6, 2025 — Tonight, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be lit up in white from sunset to 10 p.m. to mark National Day Against Gun Violence.

    Note: After 10 p.m., the architectural lighting will return to the blue-green illumination that reduces the risk of disorientating birds during their migratory period, which runs until June 15.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Youth, community leaders take center stage in launch of gun safety effort

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 6, 2025

    Reduce the Risk campaign educates people about the 9 protection orders available

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced a comprehensive campaign to engage youth and community leaders on the available protection orders to keep Californians safer from gun violence during Gun Violence Awareness Month. 

    SACRAMENTO  – As California continues its nationwide leadership with the strongest gun safety laws in the country, Governor Gavin Newsom launched a campaign aimed at engaging the state’s youth and key leaders about the gun violence protection orders available during times of crisis.  

    Year after year, California continues to step up to protect families statewide from senseless gun incidents. As many of our youth experience a crisis of connection and belonging, we are welcoming them in the ongoing movement to bring communities together around these common-sense solutions.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Underscoring the state’s commitment to using every tool available to prevent gun violence, the Reduce the Risk campaign will be led by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and aims to close the gap in public knowledge through key engagement about California’s nine types of protection orders, which temporarily remove firearms to prevent larger tragedies. A recent survey shows nearly 80 percent of Californians are concerned about how little they know about these legal tools. 

    “Protection orders have been a driving factor in reducing shootings, suicides, and domestic violence,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Yet many Californians don’t know they exist. This campaign continues the work we began in 2023 to make sure every community knows how to use them.”

    The Reduce the Risk campaign is informed by the Champions Advisory Council,  composed of experts in law enforcement, legal practice, and health care, as well as the Youth Advisory Council, a group of young leaders on the frontlines of gun violence prevention. These youth advisors are helping shape campaign activities to better reach and engage younger Californians, who will be critical to sustaining progress in the future.

    California’s youth as a solution

    Nationwide, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Compared to the rest of the nation, California has made substantial long-term progress in reducing per capita rates of youth firearm homicide. CDC data showed that in 2022, California’s firearm homicide rate for youth under 25 was about 50% below the rate recorded for the rest of the U.S. By contrast, nationwide youth gun homicides increased over 46% from 2019-2021.

    “The Youth Advisory Council plays a vital role in shaping real solutions to gun violence by bringing the voices of those directly impacted into the conversation,” said Maxwell Martinez of Sacramento, Youth Advisory Council member, who is a survivor of gun violence and recent graduate from Chico State. “Young people are not just the future, we are the present. Our perspectives are essential in driving urgent, lasting change.”

    California has long been a national leader in gun violence prevention, with laws like universal background checks, assault weapons bans, and mandatory waiting periods. These efforts have paid off: California consistently has one of the lowest gun death rates in the nation. But the toll remains high – about 3,200 Californians lose their lives to gun violence each year, with suicides making up a significant share, especially among men. 

    “Gun violence affects every community, and for too long, young people have been left out of the conversation. Through my work producing a documentary on gun violence prevention, I saw the power of youth voices firsthand,” said Sarah Youssef of San Diego, Youth Advisory Council member, high school senior, and active participant in the local chapter of the Brady Campaign. “Reduce the Risk gives us the platform we need to push for real change and make sure no more lives are lost to preventable violence.” 

    Community leaders come together

    Experts from the Champions Advisory Council include community leaders who see the daily toll that gun violence has on families statewide. 

    “There is solid evidence that restraining orders can help prevent interpersonal violence, including domestic violence and mass shootings, and suicide. Reduce the Risk will help Californians put these important tools to work,” said Garen Wintemute, MD, MPH, Director of the Centers for Violence Prevention at the University of California, Davis.

    In California, men aged 15–44 die by suicide at 3 to 4 times the rate of women, often by firearms. While violence is focused both internally and externally, affecting all people in the community, men are responsible for almost 80% of violent crime. Almost half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.

    “Too often we see the devastation that could have been prevented if someone had spoken up or taken action. Protection orders are a proven tool that can interrupt violence before it happens,” said Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper. “Through the Reduce the Risk campaign, we are making sure every Californian knows how to use these lifesaving laws.”

    Protection orders reduce gun violence 

    California was the first state in the nation to adopt a “red flag law” in 2016. In the first three years of their existence, these protection orders were used to prevent 58 cases of threatened mass shootings. The protection orders available in California include:

    • Gun Violence Restraining Order
    • Domestic Violence Restraining Order
    • Civil Harassment Restraining Order
    • Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Order
    • Juvenile Restraining Order
    • Postsecondary School Violence Restraining Order
    • Workplace Restraining Order
    • Criminal Protective Order
    • Emergency Protective Orders

    California’s strong leadership

    California is ranked as the #1 state in the country for its strong gun safety laws — along with some of the lowest rates of gun deaths — by Giffords Law Center and Everytown for Gun Safety. In states where officials have passed gun safety laws, fewer people die by gun violence. Texas and Florida, which ranked 32nd and 21st, respectively in gun law strength, had firearm mortality rates more than 50% higher than California. Click here to download the updated gun safety fact sheet.

    California has reduced its gun violence rate because of its leading gun safety laws. If the gun death rate in the rest of the U.S. matched California’s over the past decade, there would have been nearly 140,000 lives saved and potentially hundreds of thousands fewer gunshot injuries.

    Last year, Governor Newsom signed a bipartisan legislative package to further reinforce California’s nation-leading gun laws, prevent traumatic incidents of mass violence, and establish the first in the nation Office of Gun Violence Prevention. 

    California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    Resources

    The campaign also launched a new website, ReduceTheRisk.ca.gov, which will offer educational materials in multiple languages and free training resources for community organizations across the state.

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  • MIL-OSI Video: PREVIEW: 72 arrested in #ICE S.C. nightclub operation: int’l fugitive + cartel and gang members

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — 72 illegal aliens arrested at a nightclub Sunday by ICE, FBI and other partners include:
    • Fugitive and suspected alien smuggler Tomas Reyna Flores — wanted for murder in Honduras — and several gang members.
    • Los Zetas cartel member Benjamin Reyna Flores.
    • 10 others w/prior criminal convictions.

    6 juveniles — including one listed as missing — were released to family members.

    Firearms, bulk cash, drugs and vehicles were seized on-site.

    Watch the full video on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/b9yqczUPsE4

    #shorts #shortsviral #shortvideos

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTn1JpxGoIA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🚨66 arrested in S.C. nightclub #ICE targeted operation, including fugitive and gang members.

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — 72 illegal aliens arrested at night club Sunday by ICE with FBI and other partners include:

    • Fugitive and suspected alien smuggler Tomas Reyna Flores — wanted for murder in Honduras — and several gang members.
    • Los Zetas cartel member Benjamin Reyna Flores
    • 10 others w/ prior criminal convictions

    6 juveniles—including one listed as missing—were released to family members.

    Firearms, bulk cash, drugs and vehicles were seized in ongoing investigation.

    #shorts #shortvideo #short #alien

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9yqczUPsE4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Promotes Safe Gun Storage During NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Promotes Safe Gun Storage During NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action

    Governor Stein Promotes Safe Gun Storage During NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein joined Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, Elizabeth City Police Chief Eddie Graham Jr, and gun safety proponents to highlight NC S.A.F.E.’s (Secure All Firearms Effectively) Week of Action and call for safe firearm storage. 

    “Firearms are the leading cause of injury-related death for children in the state, and too many of those tragic deaths are entirely preventable,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We must use every tool at our disposal to keep children safe and promote responsible gun ownership – we need folks locking up their guns, using a gun safe, and talking about the risks of loose firearms.” 

    “North Carolina’s S.A.F.E. Week of Action is a Department of Public Safety initiative that aims to share the importance of safe gun storage through partnerships, outreach, and community events,” said Deputy Secretary William Lassiter. “S.A.F.E. Week highlights the importance of using safe storage devices and preventing firearm-related injuries, violence, and theft. This is a key ingredient in making every North Carolina community safer.”

    “As a medical professional, I see too many preventable gun injuries and deaths in the emergency room,” said Eric Toschlog, Medical Director for Trauma, ECU Health Medical Center. “Keeping firearms in a secure place is imperative to keeping children safe and avoiding preventable deaths.”

    Guns are the leading cause of death for children in North Carolina, with 99 firearm related deaths and 525 emergency department visits in 2023 for children and teens aged 1-17. In total, there were 1,797 firearm-related deaths and 4,008 firearm related emergency department visits in North Carolina in 2023. Improperly stored firearms are also commonly stolen from vehicles and are then frequently used to commit crimes; North Carolina saw 431 vehicle gun thefts in 2023.   

    Governor Stein is committed to building a safer, stronger North Carolina. To reduce gun violence and needless tragedy, Governor Stein proposed more than $2.3 million to promote safe storage in his 2025-2027 budget proposal. In addition, Governor Stein is calling for enhancing law enforcement recruitment and retention efforts by raising salaries for state law enforcement officers and providing bonuses for new Basic Law Enforcment Training (BLET) graduates. Stein’s budget also includes a Fentanyl Control Unit dedicated to getting this deadly poison off the streets, a Cold Case Unit to close unresolved cases of sexual assault, and upgraded safety features at schools, including more cameras, fences for playgrounds, and exterior locks to keep students and teachers safe.

    Click here to read Governor Stein’s NC S.A.F.E Week of Action proclamation.  

    Jun 6, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Killer Sentenced for Possession of Loaded Gun and Cocaine While Still on Probation

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

               WASHINGTON – Jayvon Gattison, 24, a previously convicted killer and resident of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 40 months in prison for being in possession of a loaded gun and a bag full of marijuana and cocaine when he was arrested by police for smoking a joint while still on probation. 

               The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. 

               Gattison pleaded guilty Jan. 15, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Gattison to serve three years of supervised release.

               According to court documents, in October 2018, Gattison shot and killed man who tried to rob him during a drug transaction. On October 9, 2024, just three months after he was released from prison in that case and while he was still on probation, Gattison was arrested with the loaded firearm and bag full of drugs.

               About 7 p.m on Oct. 9, members of the MPD Robbery Suppression Unit were patrolling on the 3000 block of Channing Street NE, when they observed a group of five individuals smoking next to a silver Lexus. As the investigators approached the group, which included Gattison, the officers recognized the smell of burning marijuana. All the individuals were detained.

               An officer took the marijuana cigarette from Gattison’s hand, removed a bag from Gattison’s shoulder, and arrested Gattison for public consumption of marijuana. The joint field-tested positive for THC. Another officer looked into the open top of Gattison’s bag with a flashlight and saw a large bag of suspected marijuana and a loaded black Glock 17 9mm pistol. 

               Also in the bag was a clear plastic bag containing 12 grams of a white rock substance which field tested positive for cocaine base, a black digital scale, and $320.80 in cash.

               Gattison has a prior criminal felony conviction. On December 5, 2019, he was sentenced to a 10-year term, four years suspended, followed by three years of probation for voluntary manslaughter in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

               This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan McFadden and was previously prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Mirabelli.

    24cr476

    An an image captured on a body-worn camera, an MPD officer reaches to take a marijuana cigarette from the hand of Jayvon Gattison on Oct. 9, 2024. Gattison subsequently was found to be in possession of a loaded Glock 17 9mm pistol, additional cannabis, and crack cocaine. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Machinegun at Hospital

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant, a Rap Musician Known as Quez 2RR, Had Stolen Weapon in Labor and Delivery; Federal Case Linked to Ongoing Metro Atlanta Shooting Investigation

    MACON, Ga. – A Henry County resident who had a stolen Glock 9mm handgun with a loaded 30-round extended magazine capable of converting to a fully automatic weapon while at the Labor and Delivery unit of a hospital was sentenced to serve more than five years in prison—above federal sentencing guidelines—for his crime.

    Terrell Monquez Searcy, 21, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 66 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self on June 4. Searcy previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machinegun on March 21, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Holding people found in possession of machineguns and with illegal conversion devices accountable for breaking federal law remains a top priority in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “This case exemplifies how law enforcement and prosecutors work together to effectively remove illegal firearms and other dangerous destructive devices from the streets in order to make our communities safer.”

    “Machinegun conversion devices are fueling a deadly uptick in gun violence, turning routine firearms into weapons of war,” said ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Thomas Crawford of the Atlanta Field Division. “This case is yet another example of why ATF is committed to aggressively identifying and removing these illegal devices from our communities.”

    According to court documents, the stipulation of facts and other statements made in Court, Monroe Police Department officers were dispatched to Piedmont Walton Hospital on Aug. 17, 2023, after a nurse observed Searcy in a Labor and Delivery room with a handgun, which is prohibited in the hospital. When hospital security came to the room, Searcy admitted he did have a handgun and that he put it under the couch cushion. He gave the firearm—a Glock Model 17 9mm handgun with a loaded 30-round extended magazine—to security and remained in the room. Hospital security noticed that a full auto sear pin appeared to have been attached to the rear of the slide, making the firearm a machinegun, prompting the call by hospital security to police. Police ran the serial number on the firearm and found out it was reported stolen from Walton County, Georgia. Searcy was taken into custody.    

    ATF agents tested the firearm and confirmed it did function as a machinegun. Further investigation revealed that Searcy, a rapper known as Quez 2RR, had showcased a pistol with what appeared to be a machinegun conversion device in music videos on a YouTube channel. In a music video titled “Traffic,” Searcy rapped, “I pop out a switch on the back of my Glock” and “I put a switch on the back of my Glock, just to clean up the street when it’s time for that action.” At one point in the video, Searcy’s holding a pistol in his waistband with what appears to be a machinegun conversion device attached to the back.

    Following the federal indictment charging Searcy with possessing a machine gun in August 2024, agents located Instagram messages between Searcy and a female law enforcement officer with the Clayton County Police Department. Between January and March 2023, Searcy asked the police officer to run his information to see if there were any warrants for his arrest. The police officer also provided information to Searcy regarding an active homicide investigation. During an interview with Clayton County Police Department detectives, the officer admitted to providing Searcy with information on an active homicide investigation and advising Searcy when she located active warrants for his arrest.

    On Feb. 11, 2025, members of the ATF, McDonough Police Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office executed a federal search warrant at Searcy’s residence in McDonough, Georgia. Searcy and two other men were in the home along with several firearms. The defendant told agents that he had been living at the residence for a couple of months, that he slept with a Draco firearm under his bed and that the Glock 17 found in the living room belonged to him. ATF agents submitted test fires from both firearms to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to determine if either firearm had been used in other crimes. The Micro Draco recovered from Searcy’s bedroom returned with several NIBIN leads, including two from the DeKalb County Police Department. Both DeKalb County incidents indicated that the Micro Draco was used in a drive-by shooting in DeKalb County where four people, including two juveniles, were shot inside their homes. Each shooting occurred within just days of Searcy receiving information from the Clayton County police officer on the active Clayton County homicide where his friend was shot and killed.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, with assistance from the City of Monroe Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, McDonough Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Dekalb County Police Department and the Piedmont Walton Hospital Security Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach prosecuted the case for the Government.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: How to verify compliance with trustee declarations

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    As part of the annual compliance audit, SMSF auditors must confirm that trustees have properly signed and stored their trustee declarations. Auditors must verify this for anyone who:

    • became a trustee or director of a corporate trustee after 30 June 2007, or
    • completed an education direction.

    Trustees must keep their signed declarations for as long as the declaration remains relevant to the fund or 10 years – whichever period is longer. A declaration remains relevant while the individual serves as a trustee or director of the fund’s corporate trustee.

    Auditors can confirm trustee declarations are signed and stored correctly by:

    • sighting a signed trustee declaration for each person required to sign one and keeping a copy in the audit file, and
    • receiving written confirmation from trustees that they have signed and stored the declarations in line with record keeping requirements.

    Some auditors miss checking whether trustees have signed and kept declarations as required under section 104A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 and this mistake can lead to compliance action.

    Compliance audit of an SMSF has further information on our expectations of auditors when conducting the compliance audit.

    Looking for the latest news for SMSFs? You can stay up to date by visiting our SMSF newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly SMSF newsletter.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Fires Around the Exterior of a Church and Assaulting Federal Officers

    Source: US State of California

    Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., to more than six years in federal prison. He intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and assaulted two federal correctional officers while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest.

    “This defendant acted with disdain against people of faith and complete disregard for law enforcement officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute anti-Christian bias in the United States and ensure Americans are free to worship without fear.”

    Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on Feb. 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers, but not before the church sustained some damage.

    During a Feb. 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage. Colantonio admitted to setting the fires and assaulting the corrections officers.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom for the District of Rhode Island and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Antonio Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 151 months in prison for firearms trafficking.

    According to court documents, Joel Alejandro Martinez aka Bo Jackson, 26, was identified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as being a frequent seller of stolen firearms in online chat groups. On Jan. 10, 2024, Martinez posted two pistols for sale and agreed to sell them at a location in San Antonio. He stated that he did not have a car but his mother, codefendant Margarita Hernandez Martinez, would drive him. On Feb. 28, 2024, at the agreed upon time, Martinez arrived at the location, driven by his mother, and unloaded a black rifle case from the truck, placed it in the backseat of the purchaser’s vehicle, and got in the front seat of the purchaser’s car. The purchaser gave Martinez $1,100 in cash for the .308 caliber rifle.

    Later that day, Martinez contacted the purchaser to ask what else they might be interested in purchasing. The purchaser, an undercover ATF agent, indicated that they purchase all sorts of firearms but also deal in “cheap throwaways stolen.” Martinez responded to the undercover agent, “I got you,” and indicated that he could supply AR-style rifles and pistols. He later told the undercover that he purchased stolen or crime-involved guns in large batches and agreed to sell four pistols to the undercover for $1,600. In another conversation, the agent told Martinez that he, “buys them for cheap and will move them to Mexico.”

    The undercover agent met with Martinez—driven by his mother—three more times between March 5, 2024 and April 11, 2024, to conduct sales of firearms, at least one of which Martinez knew and had reasonable cause to believe was stolen.

    Martinez’s mother, Hernandez Martinez, was sentenced on April 25 to 40 months in prison for aiding and abetting.

    Federal District Court Judge Jason K. Pulliam sentenced both defendants.

    U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The ATF investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zack Parsons prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Fires Around the Exterior of a Church and Assaulting Federal Officers

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., to more than six years in federal prison. He intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and assaulted two federal correctional officers while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest.

    “This defendant acted with disdain against people of faith and complete disregard for law enforcement officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute anti-Christian bias in the United States and ensure Americans are free to worship without fear.”

    Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on Feb. 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers, but not before the church sustained some damage.

    During a Feb. 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage. Colantonio admitted to setting the fires and assaulting the corrections officers.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom for the District of Rhode Island and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the National Day Against Gun Violence

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “Canada’s new government has a mandate to keep communities safe. On National Day Against Gun Violence, we affirm our commitment to deliver on that mandate with purpose and full force.

    “Earlier this week, we tabled the Strong Borders Act – giving law enforcement additional tools to secure the border, combat organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl, and crack down on money laundering.

    “We are also increasing our capacity to intercept illegal guns coming into our country with the deployment of scanners, drones and helicopters, additional personnel, and K-9 teams to the border. We will also be moving forward to revoke firearms licences for those convicted of intimate partner violence and those subject to protection orders.

    “Canadians voted for change, and we will be delivering that change with decisive action over the coming months. Working with law enforcement and partners at all orders of government, we will keep communities safe, get guns off our streets, and make bail harder to get for repeat offenders charged with car theft, home invasions, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crown Point Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND- Daeshawn Jones, 29 years old, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Jones was sentenced to 54 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, on October 8, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in Merrillville, Indiana, in which Jones was a passenger.  During a search of the vehicle, a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number was discovered from the rear driver’s side seat. Jones attempted to flee but was apprehended.  His criminal history revealed that he had a prior 2022 Illinois felony conviction for attempted criminal sexual assault/force and a 2021 Indiana felony conviction for forgery, and as such, he is prohibited from possessing the firearm. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Merrillville Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski.         

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Poplar woman sentenced to prison for making false statements

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

    GREAT FALLS – A Poplar woman who provided false statements to federal law enforcement was sentenced today to 9 months in prison to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Annie Lee Kirn, 27, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of making a false statement.

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

    The government alleged in court documents that on the evening of November 21, 2023, Kirn returned with her elderly friend to his residence on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Shortly thereafter, two men broke into the home. Armed with an assault rifle, the men assaulted the homeowner and another man and demanded money and access to a wall safe.

    During an interview with federal law enforcement officers, Kirn said she saw the would-be robbers outside before the robbery and one of them kept trying to grab her, she then saw the gun and freaked out. She also told law enforcement the armed man told her to run, that she ran, and then he fired three or four times.

    Law enforcement recovered and reviewed surveillance video from the home that showed a car with five people following Kirn’s truck into the yard. Two men, one of whom was armed with a rifle, approached the house while Kirn was getting out of the truck. After the homeowner went into the house, Kirn returned to the yard and visited with the two men. During that time, they discussed her relationship with the homeowner, Kirn offered to share a joint with the man armed with the rifle, they whispered about cash, and talked about the location of a safe. At one point, Kirn asked about the rifle, the armed man handed it to her, and she held it at the ready position before handing it back to the man. While they were outside, the man fired seven rounds from the rifle, primarily into the air.

    In an interview in September 2024, law enforcement followed up with Kirn about the night of the robbery. When asked directly if she ever handled the firearm, Kirn said “hell no.” When asked if she had any conversations with the robbers, she said, “No…I didn’t talk with them at all.”

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Offender Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For Drug Trafficking

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

    LAS VEGAS – A serial offender with a violent criminal history, including attacking women, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 84 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

    “Public safety is at the forefront of ATF’s mission,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Protecting the public from violent offenders is our duty as law enforcement. The criminal background of the defendant in this case is astounding. Today’s sentencing ensures that a repeat offender will be taken off the streets. The Las Vegas community is now a safer place.”

    Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Division, which oversees Las Vegas, said, “The methamphetamine epidemic continues to threaten the health and safety of Americans. Today’s sentencing serves as a stern warning to drug distributors: When you unleash deadly poison in our communities, we will track you down and ensure you face the full force of the law.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on or about September 12, 2021, Damien Patillo, 41, of Las Vegas, possessed 16 grams of pure methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

    Patillo’s prior convictions includes brutally attacking six different women, 38 convictions, and 10 domestic violence convictions.

    Following a four-day trial in January 2025, a jury convicted Patillo of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura for ATF’s San Francisco Field Division, and Deputy Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis for DEA’s Los Angeles Division made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the ATF and DEA. Assistant United States Attorney David Kiebler prosecuted the case.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Value Investment Corporation Named to PSN Top Guns List of Best Performing Strategies for Q1 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MILWAUKEE, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Value Investment Corporation (GVIC) announced today it has been named to the celebrated PSN Top Guns List of best performing separate accounts, managed accounts, and managed ETF strategies for Q1 2025. The highly anticipated list, published by Zephyr, remains one of the most important references for investors and asset managers.

    “Q1 2025 presented a fascinating market narrative marked by significant rotation and global shifts. Success demanded adaptability, deep market understanding, and strategic positioning,” says PSN Product Manager Nick Williams. “PSN Top Guns managers demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating these complex dynamics, where value sectors outperformed growth, international markets showed strength, and policy shifts created both challenges and opportunities. Their expertise in reading and responding to these evolving market conditions continues to showcase the enduring value of active management in separately managed accounts.”

    GVIC’s recognition across multiple categories reflects the firm’s disciplined approach to value investing and its ability to identify opportunities where price dislocations create long-term value potential. The awards demonstrate the effectiveness of GVIC’s investment philosophy over a multi-year period that rewarded patience, disciplined fundamental analysis, and contrarian positioning.

    “These awards validate our commitment to principled, value-oriented investing and our belief that rigorous fundamental analysis coupled with concentrated portfolios creates an information advantage that enables superior long-term performance,” said JP Geygan, CEO and President of Global Value Investment Corporation. “In a quarter marked by significant market volatility, our strategies demonstrated resilience through disciplined security selection and our long-term investment horizon. We remain focused on building generational wealth for our clients through thoughtful capital allocation and our unwavering commitment to investing excellence.”

    Through PSN’s proprietary performance screens, the PSN Top Guns awards products in six proprietary categories across more than 75 universes based on continued performance over time.

    GVIC’s Concentrated Equity Value Strategy (CEVS) and Total Return Value Strategy (TRVS) were named to PSN Top Guns 3-Year Category awards, meaning each strategy had one of the top ten returns for the three-year period. Below are the honors that were awarded for each strategy.

    Concentrated Equity Value Strategy (CEVS):

    • 3-Year Micro Cap Universe
    • 3-Year US Value Universe

    Total Return Value Strategy (TRVS):

    • 3-Year US Balanced Universe

    The Concentrated Equity Value Strategy focuses on capital concentration in a limited number of high-conviction equity investments, allowing GVIC’s investment team to devote substantial time to understanding the determinants of long-term value realization. This approach leverages the firm’s exhaustive knowledge of portfolio investments to create significant information advantages.

    The Total Return Value Strategy applies value-oriented investment principles across a diversified portfolio of individual equity and corporate debt securities, and is designed to deliver long-term capital appreciation while managing risk through thoughtful asset allocation and security selection.

    Both strategies reflect GVIC’s belief that short-term market inefficiencies create opportunities for disciplined investors willing to arbitrage dislocations between price and intrinsic value, and that value-creating initiatives often bear fruit over periods measured in years, not quarters.

    GVIC did not provide any compensation to PSN, Zephyr, or Informa Intelligence, Inc. for this ranking. The complete list of PSN Top Guns and an overview of the methodology can be located at https://psn.fi.informais.com/.

    About Global Value Investment Corporation

    Founded in 2007, GVIC is an investment management firm that deploys patient capital to build generational wealth. GVIC is a fundamental value manager with a long-term investment horizon that conducts intensive fundamental research to identify and invest in undervalued companies. Investment research and portfolio management services are offered to individual institutional clients through separately managed accounts and private fund investments. GVIC is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The firm is 100% employee owned.

    For more information about GVIC and its investment strategies, please visit GVIC’s website: www.gvi-corp.com/. 

    About PSN

    For more than four decades, PSN has been a top resource for investment professionals. Asset managers rely on Zephyr’s PSN to effectively reach institutional and retail investors. Over 2,800 firms, 285 universes, and more than 21,000 products comprise the PSN SMA database showing asset breakdowns, compliance, key personnel, ownership diversity, ESG, business objectives and strategy, style, fees, GIC sectors, fixed income ranges and full holdings. Unique to PSN is its robust historical database of over 40 Years of Data Including Net and Gross-of-Fee Returns. PSN Mid-Year Outlook provides insight and trends about the SMA industry. You can view it online here.

    Visit PSN online to learn more.

    Media Contact:  
    Kristin Mastantuono, Marketing Director 
    Global Value Investment Corporation 
    Email: Kristin.Mastantuono@gvi-corp.com  
    Phone: (262) 478-0656 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Academy Appointments for Second Congressional District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    BOLTON, MS – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announces the Military Academy appointments for the Second Congressional District. 

    Dylan Michael Wiley has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Class of 2029, after being nominated by U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson.

    Dylan successfully completed his studies at the Naval Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, Rhode Island, where he demonstrated academic excellence and dedication. Throughout his time at NAPS, he excelled in his coursework and made significant contributions to the school community. His positive outlook and unwavering commitment to his future at the Naval Academy reflect his strong aspirations to succeed and lead. Among his many accomplishments, Dylan represented his peers as a NAPS representative. Additionally, he held the role of Supplementary Student Assistant for Physics and served as the NAPS 2nd Company Guide-On. 

    Dylan is the son of Nelson and Debra Wiley, Jr. of Raymond, Mississippi, and he looks forward to continuing his educational journey at the United States Naval Academy.

    Nicholas McGlorthan, has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2029, after being nominated by U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. 

    Nicholas has successfully completed the Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO. At the USFA Prep School, Nicholas further developed his leadership and academic skills. He served as a Character Officer, guiding fellow Cadets in upholding the honor code. He took part in land navigation exercises in the Colorado mountains, marched in parades, and completed college-level courses in trigonometry, chemistry, and writing. He also participated in an aviation course, which included hands-on flight experience. Hiking the Colorado mountains has become one of his favorite pastimes. Nicholas plans to major in Mechanical Engineering at the Air Force Academy and is exploring a future career in drone piloting.

    He is the son of Sharron McGlorthan of Jackson, Mississippi, and he looks forward to continuing his educational journey at the United States Air Force Academy.

    If you are interested in attending a Military Academy, you may contact Ms. Shander Gund, my academy representative at (662) 741-9003 or via e-mail at shander.gund@mail.house.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tax time is the ideal time to complete a super health check

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    It’s important people know how much super they have, where it is, and if their employer is paying the right amount. At tax time we encourage everyone to complete a super health check.

    For most people it only takes a few minutes, and most checks can be done on ATO online. The super health check consists of the following 5 checks:

    1. Check your contact details

    2. Check your super balance and employer contributions

    3. Check for lost and unclaimed super

    4. Check if you have multiple super accounts and consider consolidating

    5. Check your nominated beneficiary

    People can do a super health check at any time, but it’s a good idea to do it at least once a year, such as when preparing their tax return. It’s a great way of understanding super and staying in control.

    An additional benefit of completing a super health check could be the early detection of fraudulent activity. If people think there’s been activity on their super account that they haven’t authorised, they should contact their super fund immediately.

    Visit ato.gov.au/SuperHealthCheck for more information or to watch a short that explains each check in more detail.

    The super health check is also available in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, and Vietnamese.

    Looking for the latest news for Super funds? You can stay up to date by visiting our Super funds newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly Super funds newsletter and CRT alerts.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Issa, Ernst Re-Introduce Bill to Protect Law-Abiding Gun Shops from ATF Overreach

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Senator Joni Ernst (IA) re-introduced legislation to protect gun store owners from onerous Biden-era gun control policies, which instigated the ATF to unfairly target small firearms businesses and the legal products they sell to customers.

    The Fighting Irrational Regulatory Enforcement to Avert Retailers’ Misfortune (FIREARM) Act, provides a safe harbor for law-abiding Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders – granting them the ability to correct minor clerical mistakes and insulating them from ATF retribution. The bill also increases due process protections for these businesses and establishes a retroactive reapplication process for those whose FFLs were unduly revoked. Senator Ernst earlier this week introduced the Senate companion of the FIREARM Act.

    “The Biden Administration repeatedly undermined Second Amendment rights and weaponized federal agencies against law-abiding citizens and family-owned small businesses because they were part of the lawful firearms industry. This delivered a transparently unfair assault on the fundamental rights of Americans, and that’s why my friend Senator Ernst and I introduced the FIREARM Act. This bill prevents a repeat of that kind of government weaponization and puts in permanent safeguards for the future,” said Rep. Issa.

    “The Biden administration’s zero-tolerance policy empowered gun grabbers in Washington to infringe on the Second Amendment and shutter small businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “Iowans spoke loud and clear in November that they were tired of bureaucratic overreach. My FIREARM Act disarms the out-of-control ATF and ensures that the rights of law-abiding gun owners are protected.”

    “The firearms industry is a core enabler of our constitutional rights under the Second Amendment, as well as acritical component of our National Defense apparatus. As such, ensuring fair and transparent adjudication of licensing matters — to include a mechanism for voluntary disclosures and self-corrections — for federal firearms licensees is of paramount importance. FRAC applauds Representative Issa for his leadership on this issue and for spearheading this bold legislation, which aims to create accountability, transparency, and fairness in such adjudication process.” Travis R. White, President & CEO, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition

    “Congressman Issa’s ‘FIREARM’ Act will ensure that future administrations cannot weaponize the ATF as a political gun control tool for special interests,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “Under the Biden administration, the firearm and ammunition industry witnessed the ATF being weaponized to carry out that administration’s extreme antigun policies. That damaged the cooperative relationships between firearm retailers, who are on the frontline preventing illegal straw purchases of firearms, and the ATF, which enforces laws to safeguard our communities. NSSF is thankful for Congressman Issa’s leadership to provide remedies that repair this necessary public trust in our federal agencies.”

    Specifically, the FIREARM Act:

    • Prohibits zero-tolerance ATF FFL policies
    • Creates a safe harbor for self-reported violations and provides FFLs 30 days to correct violations that are not self-reported
    • Requires ATF to work collaboratively with FFLs to fix violations
    • Explicitly defines “willful” to mean a voluntary, intentional violation of a known legal duty achieved through specific intent or deliberate planning
    • Gives FFLs the option of district court judicial review in cases of revocation
    • Creates a license restoration process for stores impacted by the previous Biden Administration weaponization

    Cosponsors: Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Randy Weber (TX-14), Derrick Van Orden (WI-3), Mike Collins (GA-10), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Lauren Boebert (CO-4), Troy Downing (MT-2), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2), Brett Guthrie (KY-2), Scott DesJarlais (TN-4), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), Tim Burchett (TN-2), Cory Mills (FL-7), Michael Guest (MS-3), Pete Sessions (TX-17), David Kustoff (TN-8), Gabe Evans (CO-8), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Mary Miller (IL-15), Don Bacon (NE-2), Chuck Edwards (NC-11),Andy Biggs (AZ-5), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Diana Harshbarger (TN-1), Ashley Hinson (IA-2), Clay Higgins (LA-3), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13). 

    Industry support includes the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC).

    The bill text can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Five Highs Gang Members Convicted by Jury of RICO Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Following a three-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted five Minnesota men today for their involvement in the Highs — a violent Minneapolis street gang — and in gang-related murders, shootings, and narcotics distribution.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, defendants Tyreese Giles, 24, Josiah Taylor, 31, Trevaun Robinson, 29, William Banks, 35, and Gregory Brown, 35, all of Minneapolis, were members of various “cliques,” or subsets, of the Highs — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Members of the Highs committed murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies on behalf of the enterprise. As part of their Highs membership, the defendants were expected to retaliate against their rivals, the Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue. These two gangs had been in a gang war that spanned years and alleged members of the Lows gang have been separately charged with federal crimes, including racketeering charges.

    “This is the second successful trial against members and associates of the Highs gang in this case in the last three weeks,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case and these trials show the Department’s relentless determination to hold accountable criminal enterprises that use murder and intimidation to exert power and control narcotics territory. We will continue to dismantle violent gangs and secure justice for victims and their loved ones in communities around the country.”

    “The Highs have long terrorized north Minneapolis, bringing drugs, violence, and murder,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson for the District of Minnesota. “This verdict represents yet another step in our fight against gang violence. I want to thank the coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who joined together to bring down this violent criminal street gang. I also want to thank the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section for lending their expertise and partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on our RICO cases.”

    “This case is a powerful example of how we use federal racketeering laws to take down violent gangs at the center of community violence,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “These individuals relied on firearms, retaliation, and drug trafficking to fuel chaos and assert fear and dominance over their neighborhoods. ATF special agents worked closely with our partners to map the gang’s structure and document their vicious acts of violence, to bring the full weight of the law against its members. We will continue to use every tool available to protect the public and hold violent offenders accountable.”

    “The verdict today reflects the United States Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) dedication to building great partnerships with other federal agencies, as well as state and county law enforcement, to bring violent criminals in our communities to justice,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Steve Hodge of USPIS.

    “As financial investigators, IRS Criminal Investigation brings a unique skill set to dismantling violent criminal enterprises,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “Our special agents are experts in exposing how criminal organizations move and hide their illicit funds. By following the money, we developed critical financial evidence on significant fentanyl suppliers. As an agency on the RICO task force to combat violent crime, IRS-CI will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners to make a noticeable impact in our community. These convictions are a critical step in restoring safety and stability to the streets of Minneapolis and maintaining the marked decrease in violence in our community.”

    As proven at trial, the gang war escalated when, on Sept. 9, 2021, a prominent Highs member was shot and killed at a barbershop in Minneapolis. About two hours later, suspecting that the Lows were responsible for the killing, defendant Giles traveled to Pennwood Market in Lows territory. Once there, Giles, who was dressed in black and wearing a mask covering his face, shot and killed a Lows member. He fired the fatal shot into the victim’s back before he attempted to flee from the scene.

    Evidence at trial tied defendant Robinson to two shootings — one into a crowd of individuals in downtown Minneapolis on July 7, 2019, and another in the parking lot of Merwin Liquors, a Highs hangout, on April 2, 2022.

    Defendants Taylor and Banks trafficked drugs, including fentanyl, on behalf of the Highs. Evidence proved that Brown was a high-level narcotics supplier for the Highs and coordinated trips to and from Arizona for Highs members to obtain tens of thousands of fentanyl pills to sell on the streets of Minneapolis. Each defendant was arrested in possession of narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and one possessed a firearm in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking.

    The jury convicted defendants Giles, Robinson, Banks, And Brown of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy. Defendants Taylor and Banks were also convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy. The jury convicted Taylor of the separate crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This is the second of several trials in this case, which charged over 40 defendants with RICO conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and other charges related to their activities as members and associates of the Highs gang. Nine defendants are awaiting trial.

    The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Brian Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun and Carla Baumel of the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gang Member Convicted by Jury for his Part in Murder

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Following a one-week trial, a federal jury in Memphis convicted a member of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) — a violent street gang in Memphis — for his involvement in a gang-related murder, after deliberating for less than hour.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Vincent Grant, also know as “V-Slash,” 41, of Memphis, was a high-ranking member of UVL, also known as The Ghost Mob — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout the entire city of Memphis and beyond to Arkansas and Mississippi. Members of UVL committed murders, burglaries, assaults, human trafficking, and drug trafficking on behalf of the enterprise. When the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief, the leader for the entire state of Tennessee, was murdered, the gang sought retaliation against anyone thought to be involved.

    As proven at trial, on Jan. 10, 2019, the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief and his girlfriend were murdered in a residential neighborhood in broad daylight. The gang sought retaliation that same night against a rival gang, the Traveling Vice Lords (TVL) whom they initially believed to have been responsible. Multiple UVL members drove to a known TVL hangout and engaged in a gun battle with the other gang. During the next few days, UVL conducted its own internal investigation and were informed that a fellow member was thought to be responsible for their Chief’s murder.

    Five days after the Chief was murdered, on Jan. 15, 2019, the implicated member, the victim for this trial, was murdered at the hands of Grant and other UVL members. On Jan. 14, 2019, Grant, as a keeper of guns for the gang, provided guns to multiple gang members for the purpose of going on a “demo,” which is the gang’s term for committing violent acts.  Then early the next morning at around 1:00 a.m., Grant and three other gang members drove the victim to an apartment complex, where two of them executed the victim with the guns Grant provided.

    “This violent gang brutally executed one of their own and left the body on display as a warning that betrayal would not be tolerated,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their blatant disregard for human life — carrying out shootings in broad daylight and in residential neighborhoods—underscores the urgent need to confront and dismantle this threat to public safety. The Justice Department and the ATF turned this case from a cold case into a conviction, and we remain committed to working closely with law enforcement to tackle even the most challenging cases. Our warning to street gangs is clear: their violence will not be tolerated.”

    “Gang violence is never isolated — it endangers entire communities,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This gang’s brutal executions, carried out openly in residential neighborhoods in broad daylight, sent a chilling message of intimidation; but ATF and our law enforcement partners sent an even stronger one back: violence and fear will not prevail. We remained dedicated to protecting the community and unraveled this deadly conspiracy to ensure justice was done. We remain relentless in our commitment to dismantle gangs that threaten public safety, and we’ll continue to hold accountable, those who inflict violence in our communities.”

    The jury convicted Grant of causing death by use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, that being murder in aid of racketeering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19 and faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and United States Secret Service assisted in the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Lisa Thelwell and Christopher Usher of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Member Convicted by Jury for his Part in Murder

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Following a one-week trial, a federal jury in Memphis convicted a member of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) — a violent street gang in Memphis — for his involvement in a gang-related murder, after deliberating for less than hour.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Vincent Grant, also know as “V-Slash,” 41, of Memphis, was a high-ranking member of UVL, also known as The Ghost Mob — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout the entire city of Memphis and beyond to Arkansas and Mississippi. Members of UVL committed murders, burglaries, assaults, human trafficking, and drug trafficking on behalf of the enterprise. When the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief, the leader for the entire state of Tennessee, was murdered, the gang sought retaliation against anyone thought to be involved.

    As proven at trial, on Jan. 10, 2019, the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief and his girlfriend were murdered in a residential neighborhood in broad daylight. The gang sought retaliation that same night against a rival gang, the Traveling Vice Lords (TVL) whom they initially believed to have been responsible. Multiple UVL members drove to a known TVL hangout and engaged in a gun battle with the other gang. During the next few days, UVL conducted its own internal investigation and were informed that a fellow member was thought to be responsible for their Chief’s murder.

    Five days after the Chief was murdered, on Jan. 15, 2019, the implicated member, the victim for this trial, was murdered at the hands of Grant and other UVL members. On Jan. 14, 2019, Grant, as a keeper of guns for the gang, provided guns to multiple gang members for the purpose of going on a “demo,” which is the gang’s term for committing violent acts.  Then early the next morning at around 1:00 a.m., Grant and three other gang members drove the victim to an apartment complex, where two of them executed the victim with the guns Grant provided.

    “This violent gang brutally executed one of their own and left the body on display as a warning that betrayal would not be tolerated,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their blatant disregard for human life — carrying out shootings in broad daylight and in residential neighborhoods—underscores the urgent need to confront and dismantle this threat to public safety. The Justice Department and the ATF turned this case from a cold case into a conviction, and we remain committed to working closely with law enforcement to tackle even the most challenging cases. Our warning to street gangs is clear: their violence will not be tolerated.”

    “Gang violence is never isolated — it endangers entire communities,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This gang’s brutal executions, carried out openly in residential neighborhoods in broad daylight, sent a chilling message of intimidation; but ATF and our law enforcement partners sent an even stronger one back: violence and fear will not prevail. We remained dedicated to protecting the community and unraveled this deadly conspiracy to ensure justice was done. We remain relentless in our commitment to dismantle gangs that threaten public safety, and we’ll continue to hold accountable, those who inflict violence in our communities.”

    The jury convicted Grant of causing death by use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, that being murder in aid of racketeering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19 and faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and United States Secret Service assisted in the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Lisa Thelwell and Christopher Usher of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Highs Gang Members Convicted by Jury of RICO Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Following a three-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted five Minnesota men today for their involvement in the Highs — a violent Minneapolis street gang — and in gang-related murders, shootings, and narcotics distribution.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, defendants Tyreese Giles, 24, Josiah Taylor, 31, Trevaun Robinson, 29, William Banks, 35, and Gregory Brown, 35, all of Minneapolis, were members of various “cliques,” or subsets, of the Highs — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Members of the Highs committed murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies on behalf of the enterprise. As part of their Highs membership, the defendants were expected to retaliate against their rivals, the Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue. These two gangs had been in a gang war that spanned years and alleged members of the Lows gang have been separately charged with federal crimes, including racketeering charges.

    “This is the second successful trial against members and associates of the Highs gang in this case in the last three weeks,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case and these trials show the Department’s relentless determination to hold accountable criminal enterprises that use murder and intimidation to exert power and control narcotics territory. We will continue to dismantle violent gangs and secure justice for victims and their loved ones in communities around the country.”

    “The Highs have long terrorized north Minneapolis, bringing drugs, violence, and murder,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson for the District of Minnesota. “This verdict represents yet another step in our fight against gang violence. I want to thank the coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who joined together to bring down this violent criminal street gang. I also want to thank the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section for lending their expertise and partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on our RICO cases.”

    “This case is a powerful example of how we use federal racketeering laws to take down violent gangs at the center of community violence,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “These individuals relied on firearms, retaliation, and drug trafficking to fuel chaos and assert fear and dominance over their neighborhoods. ATF special agents worked closely with our partners to map the gang’s structure and document their vicious acts of violence, to bring the full weight of the law against its members. We will continue to use every tool available to protect the public and hold violent offenders accountable.”

    “The verdict today reflects the United States Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) dedication to building great partnerships with other federal agencies, as well as state and county law enforcement, to bring violent criminals in our communities to justice,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Steve Hodge of USPIS.

    “As financial investigators, IRS Criminal Investigation brings a unique skill set to dismantling violent criminal enterprises,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “Our special agents are experts in exposing how criminal organizations move and hide their illicit funds. By following the money, we developed critical financial evidence on significant fentanyl suppliers. As an agency on the RICO task force to combat violent crime, IRS-CI will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners to make a noticeable impact in our community. These convictions are a critical step in restoring safety and stability to the streets of Minneapolis and maintaining the marked decrease in violence in our community.”

    As proven at trial, the gang war escalated when, on Sept. 9, 2021, a prominent Highs member was shot and killed at a barbershop in Minneapolis. About two hours later, suspecting that the Lows were responsible for the killing, defendant Giles traveled to Pennwood Market in Lows territory. Once there, Giles, who was dressed in black and wearing a mask covering his face, shot and killed a Lows member. He fired the fatal shot into the victim’s back before he attempted to flee from the scene.

    Evidence at trial tied defendant Robinson to two shootings — one into a crowd of individuals in downtown Minneapolis on July 7, 2019, and another in the parking lot of Merwin Liquors, a Highs hangout, on April 2, 2022.

    Defendants Taylor and Banks trafficked drugs, including fentanyl, on behalf of the Highs. Evidence proved that Brown was a high-level narcotics supplier for the Highs and coordinated trips to and from Arizona for Highs members to obtain tens of thousands of fentanyl pills to sell on the streets of Minneapolis. Each defendant was arrested in possession of narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and one possessed a firearm in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking.

    The jury convicted defendants Giles, Robinson, Banks, And Brown of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy. Defendants Taylor and Banks were also convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy. The jury convicted Taylor of the separate crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This is the second of several trials in this case, which charged over 40 defendants with RICO conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and other charges related to their activities as members and associates of the Highs gang. Nine defendants are awaiting trial.

    The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Brian Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun and Carla Baumel of the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Alma íbúðafélag hf.: Útgáfa á víxlum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Alma íbúðafélag hf. hefur lokið sölu á víxlum í tveimur flokkum til 3ja og 6 mánaða. Samtals bárust tilboð að fjárhæð 1.380 m.kr.

    Alma hefur ákveðið að taka tilboðum að fjárhæð 700 m.kr. í 3ja mánaða víxilinn á 8,80% vöxtum og 560 m.kr. í 6 mánaða víxilinn á 8,70% vöxtum eða samtals 1.260 m.kr. Áður hafði félagið selt 380 m.kr. í víxlinum AL 25 0915 og nemur heildarstærð útgáfunnar því 1.080 m.kr.

    Arctica Finance hf. hafði umsjón með sölu víxlanna.

    Greiðslu- og uppgjörsdagur er mánudagurinn 16. júní 2025.

    Nánari upplýsingar veitir:

    Ingólfur Árni Gunnarsson, framkvæmdastjóri, ingolfur@al.is.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Bill to Repeal the Gun Industry’s Legal Liability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) were joined today, during the first week of Gun Violence Awareness Month, by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) in leading a group of 81 members of Congress in introducing the bicameral Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, legislation to ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety. The bill would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), passed by Congress in 2005, which gives the gun industry a unique and unjustifiable legal liability shield that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits.

    Murphy, Blumenthal, Swalwell, Schiff, Evans, and Thompson announced the legislation today during a virtual press conference joined by leading gun violence prevention advocates: Kris Brown, president of Brady; Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action; and Adam Skaggs, chief counsel and vice president of GIFFORDS Law Center. Video of the press conference is available here.

    “There’s absolutely no reason why the gun industry should get special treatment when it comes to negligence. Their immunity from lawsuits effectively gives them a license to kill. It’s past time for Congress to repeal PLCAA and allow gun violence victims their day in court,” said Murphy.

    “PLCAA is the ultimate sweetheart deal – legal immunity afforded to basically no other industry for a product that kills tens of thousands of Americans every year,” said Blumenthal. “Despite the strength and perseverance of the Sandy Hook, Uvalde, and Highland Park families – and the tenacity of their legal teams – this is a problem that cannot be solved only through the courts. PLCAA must be repealed by Congress.”

    “No industry in American has a liability shield like gun manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and importers,” said Swalwell. “The NRA and their GOP stooges made sure that the gun industry has a unique immunity from accountability. This bill ends that ridiculous carve out. The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act will finally repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) once and for all, allowing victims of gun violence to bring civil suits against gun producers and sellers. The time has long since come for Congress to be clear – if you put the most dangerous weapons in the hands of the most dangerous people, you will be held accountable.”

    “More than a 100 Americans are killed by a gun every single day in America. And yet, Congress does nothing to hold the gun industry accountable when the negligence of gun makers and dealers is responsible for the tragic consequences their products have on our kids, our families, and our communities. As long as gun violence continues to take the lives of so many in California and across the nation, I will fight to repeal the liability shield that wrongly protects negligent gun industry actors from liability,” said Schiff.

    “Victims and survivors should be able to hold the gun industry accountable in court for negligent behavior. But right now, the gun industry is shielded from any liability when they disregard public safety. That’s wrong,” said Crow. “I’m introducing this bill so we can finally hold the gun industry responsible.”

    “As someone who’s advocated for this concept in Pennsylvania’s legislature and now in Congress, I’m proud to be a co-lead on this bill to restore this basic right of victims and survivors – a right that a heavy-handed federal government took away 20 years ago. So many American gun deaths could be avoided if we held companies accountable for things like illegal sales, defective guns and irresponsible marketing. State attorneys general were able to hold Big Tobacco accountable in the 1990s, and they should be able to hold gun manufacturing companies accountable in the 21st century since thousands of lives depend on it. This legislation would be an important tool in the toolbox to protect our citizens from gun violence,” said Evans.

    “In the 20 years since PLCAA was passed, it’s become clear that negligent gun manufacturers and dealers have taken advantage of the law. Responsible manufacturers and dealers don’t need this legal protection – and irresponsible ones are hiding behind it. As a hunter, combat veteran and responsible gun owner, I’m proud to work with Senator Blumenthal and Representative Swalwell to introduce this sensible legislation,” said Thompson, Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

    When Congress passed PLCAA, its supporters argued that it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits, and that victims of gun violence would not be shut out of the courts. In reality, numerous cases around the nation have been dismissed on the basis of PLCAA, even when the gun dealers and manufacturers acted in a fashion that would qualify as negligent if it involved any other product. Victims in these cases were denied the right to even discover or introduce evidence. This legislation allows civil cases to go forward against irresponsible bad actors.

    In 2005, the National Rifle Association (NRA) identified PLCAA as their “number one” legislative priority, and the NRA celebrated the passage calling it the “most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years.” Letting courts hear these cases would provide justice to victims and their families, while creating incentives for responsible business practices that would reduce injuries and deaths. Effectively, the gun industry would once again be subject to the same laws as every other industry, just as it was prior to 2005.

    The legislation is endorsed by Brady, GIFFORDS Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Guns Down America, Newtown Action Alliance, and Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.

    U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the bill.

    U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.-01), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.-04), Wesley Bell (D-Mo.-01), Don Beyer (D-Va.-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), Shontel Brown (D-Ohio-11), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.-05), Danny Davis (D-Ill.-07), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.-04), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.-01), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas-07), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.-10), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.-02), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.-02), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.-04), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.-10), Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.-03), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.-05), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine-01), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.-05), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.-10), David Scott (D-Ga.-13), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii-02) also cosponsored the bill in the House of Representatives.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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