Category: Gun Control

MIL-OSI Australia: Progress for new Franklin dog park

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Final designs have been released for the new Franklin fenced dog park.

Final designs have been released for the new fenced dog park in Franklin.

The new park provides another option for Gungahlin residents to exercise and socialise their dogs off-leash.

Located in the open area on the corner of Nullarbor Avenue and Oodgeroo Avenue, dogs will enjoy an agility area and an irrigated grass area perfect for playing fetch.

The design also includes a picnic shelter, drinking fountain, seating, an accessible loop park, bike rails and a gravel carpark.

Work is now underway to find a construction contractor for the new park. Once selected, construction will begin.

^{Franklin Dog Park final design.}

^{Franklin dog park location map.}

More information on the project can be found on the City Services website: cityservices.act.gov.au

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MIL OSI News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New community health services coming to South Tuggeranong

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A pre-design artist’s impression of the South Tuggeranong health centre.

The new South Tuggeranong health centre will be built in Conder.

Services at the centre will be designed to meet local needs and will provide residents in South Tuggeranong with more health services, closer to home.

This new facility is the first of four new health centres for the ACT, with another three coming to the Inner South, North Gungahlin and West Belconnen.

They will provide localised multidisciplinary care with a focus on preventive care and advice, early intervention, and the management of chronic illness.

In the 2023-24 Budget, the ACT Government committed $16.6 million over four years to design and construct a new community-based facility in South Tuggeranong, and to plan the sites and early design for community-based health centres in the Inner South and North Gungahlin.

The new health centre will be part of this commitment to plan and build a health care system that can grow with the Canberra community.

It will be designed to have the flexibility to cater to different services.

It will also bring together skilled, multidisciplinary professionals with state-of-the-art technology and quality infrastructure.

The location in Conder was identified following a 2022 feasibility study.

It provides good connections for the community, being close to arterial roads, having good access to public transport routes and accessible car parking.

It is also close to other existing health facilities and services nearby, such as general practice, pharmacy, imaging, pathology, allied health and dental.

Having access to care closer to home will also reduce the need for South Tuggeranong residents to go to hospital for treatment and appointments.

A tender has recently been released to progress the design of the health centre in South Tuggeranong. The clinical services and design will be finalised in consultation with clinicians, consumers and the local community before the project progresses to the development application stage, which is expected in the first half of 2024.

There will also be upcoming opportunities for local residents to have their say on health centres coming to the Inner South and North Gungahlin.

For more information, visit the Built for CBR website.

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MIL OSI News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Gang Member Who Coordinated Drug Deals From State Prison Sentenced to Federal Prison

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

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

George Gomez aka Quick is a confirmed Texas Syndicate gang member. He pleaded guilty Dec. 19, 2024.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has ordered Gomez to serve 300 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The court also ordered his federal prison sentence run consecutively to his current state prison sentence. He will begin serving the 25-year sentence following completion of his state prison term of incarceration.

At the hearing, the court heard about Gomez’s extensive criminal history that began at age 17 when he was convicted of unlawful carrying of a weapon and cocaine possession. He was later convicted of possession of cocaine two more times as well as aggravated assault. In handing down the sentence, Judge Morales emphasized that Gomez had committed this current offense while in prison for a drug possession charge. Furthermore, he noted that his crimes seemed be getting worse as he was now possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute and no longer simply possessing them.

Gomez was serving a 17-year sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for cocaine possession when he obtained a contraband cell phone and began coordinating narcotics deals for other Texas Syndicate gang members while incarcerated.

The investigation into the Texas Syndicate led to the discovery that Gomez was facilitating the distribution of methamphetamine to local drug dealers in Corpus Christi.

Gomez was brought over from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to answer for his federal charges.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the National Guard and Texas Board of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara J. De Pena and Brittany Jensen prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Turtle Creek Resident Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking and Unlawful Possession of Firearm

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Timothy Mollett, 34, pleaded guilty to Counts One, Six, Thirteen, and Fourteen of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on March 19, 2025.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Mollett conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, 28 grams or more of a mixture of crack, and quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Mollett was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Further, in and around July 2021, Mollett unlawfully possessed a firearm as a convicted felon, and did so in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mollett. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

MIL Security OSI –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Johnstown Woman Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Heroin and Crack

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Sandra Box, 59, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on March 19, 2025.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Box conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and crack. Box was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Box. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

MIL Security OSI –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Charleston Man Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Illegal “Ghost Guns” and 3D Printed Gun Parts

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Jimmy Franklin King, Jr., 35 of Charleston, has been sentenced to 115 months in federal prison for possessing seven firearms as a convicted felon, several of which were unregistered and untraceable “ghost guns.”

Evidence obtained during the investigation established that King imported firearms parts and components to his North Charleston residence from China, including an illegal silencer. A search warrant was executed on his home and agents discovered illegal firearms, ammunition, and 3D printed firearm components, including a machine gun conversion device, which is commonly used to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Also located in King’s residence were two 3D printers and a computer that contained software programs for 3D printing machine gun conversion devices. As a result of these discoveries, King was arrested in September 2023. During his arrest, agents found two more unregistered firearms on his person.

United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced King to a sentence of 115 months in prison—the maximum sentence called for by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. King’s term of incarceration will be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole Shannon is prosecuting the case.

###

MIL Security OSI –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Essex County Man Admits To Committing Firearms Trafficking And Narcotics Offenses

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man admitted to several firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

Carlo M. De Leon De Jesus, 28, of Newark, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to an Information charging him with one count of dealing firearms without a license, one count of transferring firearms to an out-of-state resident, one count of firearms trafficking, and one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics. De Leon De Jesus’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2025.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On multiple dates between July 2023 and September 2023, De Leon De Jesus sold firearms and narcotics to law enforcement, including one pistol, one semiautomatic handgun, one short barrel rifle, one AK variant style rifle, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.

The count of dealing firearms without a license and transferring firearms to an out-of-state resident each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The count of gun trafficking carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.

U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Field Division, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, and Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Field Division, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Taj Moore of the Narcotics/OCDETF in Newark.

MIL Security OSI –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER NHDP

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Textiles

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER NHDP

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:56PM by PIB Delhi

The details of the targets set & achievements under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during the last five years, including the number of toolkits distributed, infrastructure projects sanctioned and completed, artisans provided with interest rate subvention, and mega clusters established, year-wise are enclosed at below.

The details of fund sanctiond and released, under NHDP and CHCDS during the last five years, state-wise and year-wise are enclosed at below. Under the various components of the scheme, the funds are released ranging between 50-75% of the sanctioned amount, therefore the released amount every year is less than the sanctioned amount.

The office of DC (handicrafts) has sanctioned one project namely Strengthening of Urban Haat under NHDP scheme at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh during last five year and its current status is completed. Further, this office has also sanctioned projects to the state of Andhra Pradesh under CHCDS scheme and the details including current status are as given below:

Sl. No	Name of Infrastructure component	Year of sanction	District	Current Status
1	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Eluru	Ongoing project
2	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Palnadu	Ongoing project
3	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	NTR	To be started
4	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Eluru	To be started
5	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Parvathipuram Manyam	To be started
6	Raw Material Bank	2022-23	NTR	To be started

The number of artisans who have benefited from skill development programme, training, and financial assistance under NHDP in Andhra Pradesh, district-wise, during the last three years are given in below.

The office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the aegis of Ministry of Textiles plans for need based programmes & interventions for the sector based on the requirement projected by the artisans, non-profit organizations & state Government agencies as per the financial target approved in EFC for NHDP and SFC for CHCDS scheme respectively.

Statement referred to in reply to part (a) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

The details of the targets set and achievements under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during the last five years are as under:

S. No	Name of the Scheme	FY 2019-20		FY 2020-21
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	382 Domestic & International Marketing event	213 Domestic & International Marketing event	433 Domestic & International Marketing event	91 Domestic & International Marketing event
		404 Skill & Design Development Training	527 Skill & Design Development Training	574 Skill & Design Development Training	331 Skill & Design Development Training
		3,750 toolkits distributions	2,935 toolkits distributions	3,750 toolkits distributions	4,250 toolkits distributions
		65 Clusters Formation	65 Clusters Formation	Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 45 Producer Companies
		05 Infrastructure projects	08 Infrastructure projects	13 Infrastructure projects	08 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 300 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 302 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 300 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 302 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 50,000 artisans	0	Interest Subvention to 50,000 artisans	0
		Coverage of 2.00 lakhs artisans under Bima Yojanas	Coverage of 2,346 artisans under Bima Yojanas	Coverage of 2.00 lakhs artisans under Bima Yojanas	0
		Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Margin Money to 3000 artisans	Margin Money to 3,000 artisans
		Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		15 Survey/ Studies	15 Survey/ Studies	13 Survey/ Studies	13 Survey/ Studies
		44 Seminar/ Workshops	45 Seminar/ Workshops	40 Seminar/ Workshops	40 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Completion of 09 Mega Cluster projects, 10 IDPH Projects	Completion of projects at advanced level	Completion of 09 Mega Cluster projects, 10 IDPH Projects and setting up of 2 new IDPH projects	Completion of all projects at final stage and sanctioned of 2 new IDPH projects

S. No	Name of the Scheme	FY 2021-22		FY 2022-23
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	149 Domestic & International Marketing event	286 Domestic & International Marketing event	165 Domestic & International Marketing event	338 Domestic & International Marketing event
		366 Skill & Design Development Training	584 Skill & Design Development Training	375 Skill & Design Development Training	315 Skill & Design Development Training
		8,000 toolkits distributions	13,267 toolkits distributions	10,000 toolkits distributions	9,750 toolkits distributions
		Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 73 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	0
		Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 16 Producer Companies	Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 90 Producer Companies
		08 Infrastructure projects	10 Infrastructure projects	07 Infrastructure projects	28 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 365 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 365 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 410 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 339 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 25 artisans	Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 130 artisans
		Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 25 artisans	Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 212 artisans
		Issuance of 2.0 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.70 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.5 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.82 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		80 Awareness Programme	06 Craft Awareness Programme, 08 Workshops and 670 Chaupal conducted	125 Awareness Programme	14 Workshops and 670 Chaupal
		17 Survey/ Studies	20 Survey/ Studies	20 Survey/ Studies	04 Survey/ Studies
		55 Seminar/ Workshops	212 Seminar/ Workshops	55 Seminar/ Workshops	231 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Setting up of 3 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 4 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 7 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 8 Mega Clusters

S. No	Name of the Scheme	2023-24
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	181 Domestic & International Marketing event	208 Domestic & International Marketing event
		378 Skill & Design Development Training	452 Skill & Design Development Training
		10,000 toolkits distributions	9,050 toolkits distributions
		Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 22 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters
		Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 49 Producer Companies
		08 Infrastructure projects	21 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 465 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 538 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 1,144 artisans
		Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 299 artisans
		Issuance of 1.5 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.53 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		125 Awareness Programme	670 Awareness Programme
		22 Survey/ Studies	10 Survey/ Studies
		60 Seminar/ Workshops	137 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Setting up of 5 Mega Clusters/ IDPH	Setting up of 1 Mega Clusters

Statement referred to in reply to part (b) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

The details of fund sanctioned & released, under National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) during the FY 2019-20 to 2023-24 are as under :

(Rs. In Lakhs)

Sl. No	States/UTs	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
Sl. No		Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released
	A & N Islands	93.37	46.68	53.84	29.41	31.19	26.73	20.28	20.28	17.45	17.45
	Andhra Pradesh	353.13	183.57	526.02	312.55	1,528.20	807.19	548.52	323.49	391.57	321.18
	Arunachal Pradesh	38.97	31.37	23.89	17.01	149.64	124.19	23.44	23.44	59.77	44.74
	Assam	315.78	195.64	691.64	396.73	717.84	494.30	728.57	536.59	326.11	247.76
	Bihar	495.81	223.41	397.38	193.42	220.77	128.12	717.73	481.05	451.44	248.84
	Chandigarh	98.68	53.81	0.00	0.00	50.25	20.25	72.91	44.18	27.84	20.88
	Chhattisgarh	203.94	131.19	146.81	110.47	139.44	99.49	118.93	94.98	56.34	47.03
	Daman & Dew	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	8.94	6.71	0.00	0.00
	Delhi	2,234.11	2,105.66	2,965.05	2,901.15	3,011.61	2,759.39	947.53	785.52	1,332.61	816.59
	Goa	25.50	12.75	0.00	0.00	49.35	43.39	53.09	44.92	45.28	31.36
	Gujarat	310.57	165.79	503.50	265.76	1,654.40	1,018.29	1,430.52	840.22	999.29	592.58
	Haryana	286.53	149.32	163.88	81.94	287.71	164.84	291.30	210.47	291.17	195.46
	Himachal Pradesh	513.15	292.86	289.63	192.62	300.70	198.05	121.32	91.51	106.64	79.68
	Jammu and Kashmir	51.95	25.98	373.07	170.22	584.62	431.71	1,172.36	796.56	1,076.91	686.72
	Jharkhand	290.81	190.00	443.68	266.64	191.40	133.37	256.22	190.83	251.51	156.83
	Karnataka	195.74	123.54	149.70	86.63	433.44	273.18	441.08	333.41	361.34	282.69
	Kerala	209.84	130.92	241.80	121.18	307.67	184.76	275.81	234.46	202.80	168.35
	Ladakh	29.70	23.76	5.94	3.97	45.44	31.29	35.55	29.84	112.04	24.40
	Madhya Pradesh	726.01	429.62	680.29	390.84	531.76	331.13	588.77	437.32	452.77	311.09
	Maharashtra	337.99	204.88	278.36	150.34	390.35	266.95	326.58	265.78	919.61	423.06
	Manipur	76.68	59.63	249.81	140.03	1,198.22	768.81	1,169.90	656.12	266.11	194.89
	Meghalaya	86.52	56.73	15.50	15.50	242.99	184.01	89.71	76.92	100.84	53.93
	Mizoram	19.97	19.97	11.50	11.48	131.55	98.93	48.89	45.09	38.59	22.60
	Nagaland	226.85	131.78	70.61	41.56	238.20	144.66	408.72	239.08	279.36	220.03
	Odisha	155.32	83.62	194.87	112.91	888.00	687.15	462.47	358.49	475.47	341.27
	Puducherry	33.25	16.62	124.74	76.16	234.97	153.61	142.42	100.62	71.77	42.96
	Punjab	483.47	281.05	402.06	236.66	565.55	345.88	413.11	318.18	96.13	74.53
	Rajasthan	412.33	293.46	622.25	337.29	1,127.93	698.82	1,715.64	997.32	2,163.86	611.77
	Sikkim	181.00	114.39	12.50	12.50	43.48	34.49	89.97	77.11	38.92	30.07
	Tamil Nadu	109.94	68.34	652.90	130.08	417.52	242.89	333.62	264.64	401.68	282.88
	Telangana	261.21	152.09	287.26	172.52	219.63	152.25	299.31	226.03	339.06	223.04
	Tripura	75.51	53.73	136.63	86.42	94.22	58.80	103.57	86.10	97.61	66.32
	Uttar Pradesh	1,283.77	663.25	2,141.73	1,179.84	3,241.81	2,506.53	5,524.95	3,120.76	3,251.86	1,990.44
	Uttarakhand	230.70	116.04	313.78	203.30	333.68	199.95	222.59	176.29	91.12	76.71
	West Bengal	208.79	121.86	242.13	132.13	416.66	250.92	741.98	527.28	571.09	391.84
	All India (non state Specific)	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	211.14	67.67	1,083.01	1,079.26
	International Marketing	1,195.13	0.00	371.29	0.00	737.02	0.00	2,136.10	0.00	674.12	500.03
	Total	11,852.02	6,953.29	13,866.02	8,600.75	20,757.22	14,064.34	22,293.52	13,129.25	17,523.09	10,919.25

Fund allocated and released under Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during 2019-20 to 2023-24

(Rs. In Lakhs)

Sl. No.	States/UTs	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
		FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED
	Andhra Pradesh	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	129.09	129.09	0.00	0.00	328.00	328.00
	Bihar	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2,927.57	0.00	99.17	99.17
	Goa	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Gujarat	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	687.01	0.00	244.52	196.00	0.00	0.00
	Himachal Pradesh	0.00	0.00	632.82	316.41	253.13	253.13	0.00	0.00	0.00	196.90
	Jammu and Kashmir	593.61	593.61	2.84	2.84	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Ladakh	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	1,754.55	60.75	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Madhya Pradesh	1,000.58	1,000.58	0.00	0.00	51.80	0.00	0.00	0.00	612.17	612.17
	Odisha	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2,728.72	545.98	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Rajasthan	1,183.35	1,167.60	1,469.38	1,469.38	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Telangana	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	171.80	163.67	8.13	8.13	150.00	150.00
	Tripura							0.00	0.00	464.00	464.00
	Uttar Pradesh	450.15	450.15	281.78	141.88	13.33	13.33	1,852.24	89.02	0.00	0.00
	Total	3,227.69	3,211.94	2,386.824	1,930.517	5,789.434	1,165.95	5,034.46	293.1478	1,653.34	1,850.24

Statement referred to in reply to part (D) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

The number of artisans who have benefited from skill development, training, and financial assistance

under NHDP in Andhra Pradesh, district-wise, during the last three years are as under:

Sl. No.	2022-23		2023-24		2024-25
	District	Number of artisans	District	Number of artisans	District	Number of artisans
	Krishna	120	Guntur	159	Krishna	44
	Annakapalli	128	Annakapalli	232	Annakapalli	66
	Vishakhapatnam	101	Vishakhapatnam	5	Alluri Seetharamaraju	30
	East Godavari	80	East Godavari	40	Bapatla	30
	Eluru	385	Eluru	114	East Godavari	50
	Guntur	40	Konaseema	124	Eluru	34
	Kakinada	50	Krishna	109	Konaseema	35
	NTR	457	NTR	325	Krishna	44
	Palnadu	280	Palnadu	34	NTR	76
	Srikakulam	95	Parvathi puram manyam	144	Palnadu	4
	West Godavari	545	Srikakulam	85	Parvathi puram manyam	34
	Sri Sathya Sai	150	Vijayanagaram	5	Srikakulam	4
	Tirupati	30	West Godavari	161	Vijayanagaram	5
	Chittoor	30	Sri Sathya Sai	100	West Godavari	75
	Nellore	1	Chittoor	50	Annamayya	30
	Vijayanagaram	1	Tirupati	30	Kurnool	31
			Kurnool	01	Tirupati	3
					Srisathya sai	3
					Vishakhapatnam	1
Total		2,493		1,718		599

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*******

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q2978)

(Release ID: 2113554)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HIGHTECH APPAREL AND WEAVING PARKS

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Textiles

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HIGHTECH APPAREL AND WEAVING PARKS

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:14PM by PIB Delhi

With a view to attract investment, boost employment generation and position itself strongly in the global market, the Government has approved setting up of 7 (Seven) PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks in Greenfield/Brownfield sites with world class infrastructure including plug and play facility with an outlay of Rs. 4,445 Cr for a period of 2021-22 to 2027-28.

The Government has finalized 7 sites viz. Tamil Nadu (Virudhnagar), Telangana (Warangal), Gujarat (Navsari), Karnataka (Kalaburagi), Madhya Pradesh (Dhar), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow), Maharashtra (Amravati) for setting up of PM MITRA Parks.

Apart from this, with a view to increasing investments, generating employment opportunities and boosting exports in textile sector, the Ministry is implementing Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP) to provide support for setting up textile parks with world-class, state-of-the-art infrastructure in textile hubs across the country. The scheme was in implementation upto 31.03.2021; however, the Scheme has now been subsumed under the umbrella Scheme of Textile Cluster Development Scheme (TCDS) for completing ongoing projects only. No proposal for setting up of Textile Park under SITP in the State of West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar is pending in the Ministry.

Information on State-wise fund utilization under SITP/TCDS is in below:

S. N.	Name of the park	State	Total Govt grant released (In Rs. crores)	Employment (in number)	Investment (in Rs. cr)	Units Operational (In number)	Park Status
1	Brandix India Apparel City Private Limited	Andhra Pradesh	40.00	19,000	850	14	Completed
2	Gujarat Eco Textile Park Limited, Surat	Gujarat	40.00	10,370	1,260	34	Completed
3	Mundra SEZ Textile & Apparel Park Limited	Gujarat	40.00	810	960	7	Completed
4	Fairdeal Textile Park Pvt. Ltd., Surat	Gujarat	40.00	1850	256	22	Completed
5	Vraj Integrated Textile Park Limited , Ahmedabad	Gujarat	40.00	4350	1500	15	Completed
6	Sayana Textile Park Ltd.,Surat	Gujarat	36.00	1420	233	50	Completed
7	Surat Super Yarn Park Limited, Surat	Gujarat	40.00	0	150	8	Completed
8	RJD Integrated Textile Park, Surat	Gujarat	40.00	7,220	272	372	Completed
9	Amitara Green High Tech Textile Park Pvt Ltd.	Gujarat	40.00	1,360	704.91	10	Completed
10	Himachal Textile Park	Himachal Pradesh	34.88	1,456	271.82	6	Foreclosed
11	Doddabalapur Integrated Textile Park	Karnataka	32.01	550	105	42	Completed
12	Metro Hi-Tech Cooperative Park Limited	Maharashtra	40.00	2024	379	27	Completed
13	Baramati Hi Tech Textile Park Limited	Maharashtra	40.00	3,000	200	14	Completed
14	Deesan Infrastructure, Pvt Ltd.	Maharashtra	40.00	1,700	194.34	50	Completed
15	Islampur Integrated Textile Park Pvt Ltd.	Maharashtra	40.00	1,645	637.54	7	Completed
16	Latur Integrated Textile Park Pvt Ltd	Maharashtra	40.00	0	175	0	Completed
17	Asmeeta Infratech Pvt Ltd	Maharashtra	40.00	17,300	375.74	535	Completed
18	Pride India cooperative Textile park Limited	Maharashtra	20.95	8,525	317	155	Completed
19	Hinganghat Textile Park	Maharashtra	40.00	1,022	95	12	Completed
20	Lotus Integrated Tex Park	Punjab	40.00	1,500	500	7	Completed
21	Rhythm Textile & Apparel Park Ltd	Punjab	36.00	1,875	120	9	Foreclosed
22	Ludhiana Integrated Textile Park Ltd	Punjab	36.00	2,790	148.62	13	Foreclosed
23	Next Gen Textile Park Pvt Ltd , Pali	Rajasthan	40.00	4,910	409	18	Completed
24	Kishangarh Hi-Tech Textile Weaving Park Ltd	Rajasthan	36.00	812	238	25	Foreclosed
25	Jaipur Integrated Texcraft Park Pvt Ltd	Rajasthan	24.06	500	64.67	16	Completed
26	Palladam Hi-Tech Weaving park, Palladam	Tamil Nadu	22.17	2650	170	90	Completed
27	Komarapalayam Hi-Tech Weaving Park	Tamil Nadu	12.54	853	97.2	56	Completed
28	Karur Integrated Textile Park, Karur Park	Tamil Nadu	40.00	5,000	170	35	Completed
29	Madurai Integrated Textile Park Ltd	Tamil Nadu	31.43	2,551	275	17	Completed
30	Pochampally Handloom Park Limited	Telangana	13.60	350	55	189	Completed
31	Hindupur Vyapar Apparel Park Limited	Andhra Pradesh	24.00	500	60	3	Under implementation
32	Tarakeshwara Textile Park	Andhra Pradesh	20.00	465	144.93	4	Under implementation
33	Guntur Textile Park, Guntur	Andhra Pradesh	30.00	690	143.27	13	Under implementation
34	Prag Jyoti Textile Park, Darrang	Assam	20.00	0	15.62	0	Under implementation
35	Kejriwal Integrated Textile Park	Gujarat	36.00	1,982	425	8	Under implementation
36	Palsana ITP Park, Surat	Gujarat	30.00	326	101.63	8	Under implementation
37	Ichhapore Textile Park, Surat	Gujarat	20.00	80	140.02	4	Under implementation
38	Karanj Integrated Textile Park	Gujarat	20.00	839	327.02	19	Under implementation
39	Shahlon Textile Park	Gujarat	10.00	110	92.46	2	Under implementation
40	J&K Textile Park, Kathua	J&K	35.73	45	106.1	2	Under implementation
41	Purna Global Textiles Park	Maharashtra	22.03	1108	150	47	Under implementation
42	Kallappanna Awade Textile Park	Maharashtra	27.47	2923	421.85	133	Under implementation
43	Satyaraj Integrated Textile Park	Maharashtra	35.00	1732	254.84	28	Under implementation
44	Shree Ganesh Textile Park	Maharashtra	15.00	35	30.97	1	Under implementation
45	Perarignar Anna Handloom Silk Park	Tamil Nadu	19.81	812	50.82	10	Under implementation
46	Pallavada Textile Park	Tamil Nadu	10.00	825	51	3	Under implementation
47	The Great Indian Linen & Textile	Tamil Nadu	12.00	170	47	7	Under implementation
48	White Gold Textile Park	Telangana	32.48	675	202	10	Under implementation
49	EIGMEF Apparel Park Ltd.	West Bengal	31.61	0	73	0	Under implementation
50	West Bengal Hosiery Textile Park, Howrah	West Bengal	25.25	1970	607	21	Under implementation
	Total		1,532.02	1,22,680	14,628.37	2,178

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2848)

(Release ID: 2113531)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Two Cleveland Men Indicted For Trying To Send Firearms To Drug Cartel Members In Mexico

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

Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Yarquimedes Rodriguez Hilario (32, Cleveland, OH) and Adison Lopez-Ramirez (34, Cleveland, OH) with conspiring to traffic firearms and money laundering. If convicted on all counts, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit assets that are traceable to proceeds of the offense.

According to the indictment and other court documents filed during this investigation, since 2021, undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), posing as Mexican cartel members, were introduced to Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario because he was a trafficker of firearms that could be smuggled to Mexico. Undercover communications with Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario and others discussed the purchase of AR-15s and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. One of the coconspirators described that he sold AR-15s and AK-47s to El Salvadorans and had cocaine available for distribution. Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario further offered fentanyl to one of the agents to make pills.

Beginning in late-2021, members of the conspiracy sold or arranged the sale of at least 90 rifles and one Mac-10-type machine gun with a silencer to undercover agents in the Middle District of Florida and Cleveland, Ohio. On October 21, 2021, Adison Lopez-Ramirez delivered nine .223/5.56 caliber rifles and one 9mm rifle to undercover ATF agents in St. Petersburg, Florida, in exchange for $16,000. Soon after the sale, federal agents followed Lopez-Ramirez as he deposited $9,000 from the sale into the bank account of Yarquimedes Rodriguez Hilario, the brother of Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario.

In November 2022, an undercover agent told Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario that his associates in Mexico were “battling and losing” and needed to purchase more firearms. On March 2, 2023, Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario arranged to deliver 40 AM-15 multi-caliber firearms to the agents. Saleh Yusuf Saleh, who acquired and assembled the parts to make the firearms, arrived at the meeting with Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario and the agents. After an undercover agent inspected one of the boxes of firearms, both Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario and Saleh were arrested.

In March 2024, Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months’ imprisonment. In November 2024, Saleh Yusuf Saleh previously was sentenced to 5 years and 8 months in federal prison.

Image 1: Firearms from the October 21, 2021 Sale

Images 2-3: Firearms from March 10, 2022 Sale

Images 4-5: Firearms from May 26, 2022 Sale

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

The specific mission of the OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The Cleveland offices of ATF, HSI, DEA, and FBI, with assistance from the Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, provided critical support in the apprehension of the defendants. It is being prosecuted by Dan Baeza.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America which streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Felon Indicted For Possession Of Stolen Firearms

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident who has prior felony convictions made his initial court appearance Wednesday before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe for allegedly being in possession of nearly 30 stolen firearms.

According to allegations contained in the indictment and statements made in court, on or about January 25, 2025, Francisco Iniguez (37) possessed 28 stolen firearms. Some of the stolen firearms included handguns, rifles and shotguns. He has prior felony convictions including possession of a firearm by a felon, driving or taking a vehicle without consent, grand theft, identity theft, and burglary in the second degree, all occurring in Los Angeles County, California. Iniguez is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm due to his prior felony convictions.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Iniguez with one count of possession of stolen firearms and one count of prohibited person in possession of firearms. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on May 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva.

If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 25 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.

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

###

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: “ONE DISTRICT, ONE EQUIPMENT” PROGRAMME UNDER I-STEM

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 4:56PM by PIB Delhi

I-STEM (Indian Science Technology and Engineering facility Map) is a National Portal for sharing of publicly funded scientific equipment available at various R&D and Academic institutions. It facilitates sharing of expensive R&D resources/equipment/software available at R&D and Academic institutions with other academic institutions and colleges, in order to optimize the usage of these resources across the country by researchers and start-ups. It is not true that the lab equipment in scientific and educational institutions remains underutilized. The facilities are widely utilized by scientific community, researchers, MSMEs, start-ups and industries and around 34,000 users have already been registered in I-STEM portal and more than 26,000 instruments are uploaded by 3300 institutes PAN-India. In addition to the usage data captured through I-STEM Portal, by numerous ways researchers from scientific and academic institutions book slots to utilise scientific facilities such as online booking through intranet system, spot booking and other booking methods.

State-wise, Union Territory-wise and District-wise equipment distribution and region-wise number of Institutions registered their facilities in I-STEM portal, is indicated at Annexure.

Annexure

I-STEM Statistics as of 13-03-2025

1) State-wise Equipment Distribution

State	Active Equipment
Andhra Pradesh	474
Arunachal Pradesh	132
Assam	780
Bihar	553
Chhattisgarh	1150
Goa	180
Gujarat	561
Haryana	802
Himachal Pradesh	451
Jharkhand	887
Karnataka	2397
Kerala	1560
Madhya Pradesh	982
Maharashtra	2050
Manipur	261
Meghalaya	286
Mizoram	90
Nagaland	71
Odisha	1264
Punjab	1239
Rajasthan	789
Sikkim	15
Tamil Nadu	3235
Telangana	1494
Tripura	316
Uttar Pradesh	1365
Uttarakhand	966
West Bengal	957

Union Territory-wise equipment counts

Union Territory	Active Equipment
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	1
Chandigarh	6
Delhi	1178
Jammu and Kashmir	220
Ladakh	11
Pondicherry	51

District-wise Distribution

Institutes from 192 districts have registered on the I-STEM Portal.

Sr. No.	District	Equipment ( In Nos.)	Sr. No.	District	Equipment ( In Nos.)
1	Bengaluru	1741	101	Srinagar	43
2	Chennai	1395	102	Raigad	41
3	New Delhi	1154	103	Belagavi	40
4	Hyderabad	1131	104	Madurai	40
5	Khurda	916	105	Gurugram	38
6	Raipur	813	106	Puducherry	38
7	Haridwar	759	107	Rajouri	35
8	Pune	742	108	Salem	34
9	Kozhikode	697	109	Alappuzha	30
10	Kurukshetra	656	110	Bhavnagar	30
11	Dhanbad	621	111	Delhi	30
12	Prayagraj	550	112	Korba	30
13	Indore	543	113	Theni	30
14	Coimbatore	481	114	Kapurthala	28
15	Tiruchirappalli	461	115	Sonipat	27
16	Jaipur	445	116	Guntur	26
17	Chandigarh	440	117	West Godavari	26
18	Patna	366	118	Kangra	25
19	Kolkata	361	119	Nadia	23
20	Warangal	358	120	Ajmer	22
21	West Tripura	316	121	Aligarh	21
22	Sundergarh	315	122	Mandya	21
23	Mandi	305	123	Patiala	21
24	Kamrup Metropolitan	304	124	Sri Sathya Sai	21
25	Bilaspur	292	125	Anantpur	21
26	Thiruvananthapuram	290	126	Kalaburagi	20
27	East Khasi Hills	286	127	Dindigul	19
28	Bhopal	275	128	Jhansi	19
29	Sangrur	256	129	Palghar	19
30	Manipur	248	130	Erode	18
31	Ghaziabad	232	131	Ganjam	18
32	Sonitpur	214	132	Mahbubnagar	18
33	Ernakulam	204	133	Malappuram	18
34	Surat	204	134	Durg	15
35	Malda	198	135	Mahendergarh	15
36	Dakshina Kannada	196	136	South Sikkim	15
37	Ranchi	195	137	Udupi	15
38	Jodhpur	194	138	Anantnag	14
39	Kancheepuram	193	139	Kanyakumari	14
40	Mumbai	181	140	Khordha	14
41	Bagalkot	174	141	Ludhiana	14
42	Jalandhar	172	142	Vadodara	14
43	Visakhapatnam	169	143	Imphal	13
44	Paschim Medinipur	165	144	Jalgaon	13
45	Jabalpur	164	145	Karaikal	13
46	Tirupati	162	146	Muzaffarnagar	12
47	Lucknow	155	147	Tirunelveli	12
48	Dehradun	154	148	Leh	11
49	Anand	153	149	Mathura	11
50	Mohali	149	150	Chikkaballapur	10
51	Paschim Bardhaman	141	151	Hassan	10
52	Samastipur	136	152	Itanagar	10
53	Thanjavur	130	153	Amravati	9
54	Amritsar	123	154	Karnal	9
55	Nagpur	122	155	Nainital	9
56	Papum Pare	122	156	Shimoga	8
57	Mysuru	119	157	Bareilly	7
58	Jhunjhunu	117	158	Chitradurga	7
59	Hamirpur	116	159	Navsari	7
60	Namakkal	114	160	Bhagalpur	6
61	Kolhapur	112	161	Dibrugarh	6
62	Kanpur	111	162	Udham	6
63	Virudhunagar	111	163	Uttara Kannada	6
64	North Goa	109	164	Vizianagaram	6
65	Gandhinagar	107	165	Agra	5
66	Cachar	106	166	Ahmednagar	5
67	Palakkad	103	167	Hisar	5
68	GautamBuddh Nagar	100	168	Raichur	5
69	Varanasi	97	169	Thiruvarur	5
70	Chandrapur	95	170	Thoothukudi	5
71	Dharwad	95	171	Gwalior	4
72	Aurangabad	91	172	Sangli	4
73	Kottayam	91	173	Shimla	4
74	Aizawl	90	174	Thiruvallur	4
75	Jorhat	88	175	Vanasthali	4
76	Kasaragod	88	176	Bikaner	3
77	Nashik	83	177	Davanagere	3
78	Faridabad	79	178	Eluru	2
79	South Goa	78	179	Mau	2
80	Jammu	77	180	Nandyal	2
81	Ahmedabad	75	181	Sikar	2
82	Tumkur	74	182	Tonk	2
83	East Singhbhum	72	183	Cuttack	1
84	Kokrajhar	72	184	Gorakhpur	1
85	Dimapur	71	185	Kota	1
86	Thane	71	186	Pudukkottai	1
87	Thrissur	71	187	Rajkot	1
88	Kollam	67	188	Solan	1
89	Meerut	61	189	South Andaman	1
90	Villupuram	56	190	Tiruvallur	1
91	Howrah	55	191	Murshidabad	1
92	Rupnagar	55	192	Karimnagar	1
93	Sagar	55
94	Krishna	53
95	Pulwama	53
96	Sivagangai	53
97	Vellore	52
98	Bathinda	46
99	Cuddalore	46
100	Gaya	45

3. Total Institutions (Registered):

Sr. No.	Regions	Institutions (Nos.)
1	Northern	1639
2	Western	294
3	Central	86
4	Eastern	202
5	North Eastern	149
6	Southern	939

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

***

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2113274) Visitor Counter : 82

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Indictment Charges New Haven Man with Drug Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson, and Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging HARRY WHITLEY, 22, of New Haven, with drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

The indictment was returned on March 12, 2025, Whitley appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on November 4, 2024.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on November 4, 2024, Whitley, who had an active state arrest warrant and was on probation, was observed participating in a suspected drug transaction in New Haven. Whitley was arrested a short time later in Waterbury. At the time of his arrest, he possessed fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone, and a Glock 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine and a Glock-style machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.”

It is alleged that Whitley’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and larceny offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The indictment charges Whitley with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone, an offense that a carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.

Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Nathan Guevremont.

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

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Destroy Satanic Temple in Salem with a Pipe Bomb

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BOSTON – An Oklahoma man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to throwing a pipe bomb at The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Mass. on April 8, 2024.

Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., pleaded guilty to one count of using an explosive device to damage and attempt to damage a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2025. Palmer was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on April 17, 2024, in Perkins, Okla.

TST is a non-theistic religious organization headquartered in Salem, Mass. According to the charging documents, at approximately 4:14 a.m. on April 8, 2024, surveillance cameras captured a man, subsequently identified as Palmer, walking towards TST wearing a black face covering, a tan-colored tactical vest and gloves. As Palmer approached TST, he ignited a pipe bomb – a type of improvised explosive device or “IED” – threw it at TST’s main entrance, and then ran away. The IED did not fully detonate and therefore caused only minor damage to TST’s exterior.

According to the charging documents, the pipe bomb was constructed from a roughly two-foot section of plastic pipe covered with metal nails attached to the pipe with duct tape. The inside of the pipe was filled with smokeless gunpowder. During the investigation, Palmer’s DNA was found on the outside of the IED.

A six-page handwritten note was found in a flower bed adjacent to TST, near the area where Palmer threw the IED. Among other things, the letter stated:

DEAR SATANIST
ELOHIM SEND ME 7 MONTHS AGO TO GIVE YOU
PEACEFUL MESSAGE TO HOPE YOU REPENT. YOU SAY
NO, ELOHIM NOW SEND ME TO SMITE SATAN AND I
HAPPY TO OBEY. AND ELOHIM WANT ME TO CONTACT
YOU TO TELL YOU REPENT. TURN FROM SIN. ELOHIM
NO LIKE THIS PLACE AND PLAN TO DESTROY IT. MAYBE
SALEM TOO? ELOHIM SEND ME TO FIGHT CRYBABY
SATAN, BUT WANT ME TO MAKE HARD EFFORT SO NO
ONE DIES. I OBEY.

The charge of using fire or an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Lucas J. Miller, Chief of the Salem Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office; Payne County Sherriff’s Office; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Stillwater (Okla.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.

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March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: City Man Who Robbed Northeast Philadelphia Business, Carjacked a Mother and Daughter Outside Their Home Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Amir Harvey, 25, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Paul S. Diamond to 96 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and restitution of $717, in connection with the armed robbery of a commercial business and a carjacking, both in Northeast Philadelphia.

Harvey was arrested and charged by complaint in September of 2022 and then indicted in October of that year. In October 2024, he pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, carjacking, and possession of ammunition by a felon.

As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, on September 9, 2022, at approximately 11 p.m., he and three others approached the Hook and Reel restaurant, located at 9763 Roosevelt Boulevard. Upon encountering an employee of the restaurant outside, Harvey entered and held the employee at gunpoint, ransacked the office, stole about $400 from the cash drawers, and fled.

In the early morning hours of September 19, 2022, Philadelphia police officers responded to a report of a robbery in progress on the 8900 block of Maxwell Place, where the victim reported that her car had just been stolen by an armed individual as she and her teenage daughter were about to leave for school.

The victim stated that around 6:15 a.m., she started her vehicle using an application on her cell phone. A short time later, she and her daughter exited their house and walked to the car parked in the front driveway, when they were approached by an armed individual, later identified as the defendant, who pointed an imitation firearm, fitted with a high-capacity magazine, at their heads.

The defendant grabbed the victim’s keys and purse and sped away in her vehicle. The victim then used its location tracking feature on her cell phone app and informed police, who responded to that location on the 2000 block of Griffith Street, about 2½ miles from the victim’s home. Using neighborhood video surveillance footage, investigators traced the movement of the victim’s vehicle and the defendant to a nearby apartment complex.

“This armed robbery and carjacking were violent crimes targeting absolutely innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Amir Harvey ambushed a restaurant employee on a break, and a mother and daughter heading off to school. Offenses like these inject fear into our community and affect our quality of life. The Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force is working every day to hold perpetrators accountable. Public safety is our top priority.”

“Amir Harvey is going to federal prison for many years for this brazen and calculated carjacking and robbery,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “We hope this case deters those willing to use violence in our community. Working with our partners in our Carjacking Task Force and applying ATF’s unique forensic and investigative tools, we will continue to prevent and prosecute violent crime and make our streets safer.”

The swift action to investigate and federally charge this defendant is the work of the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force, which comprises members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crime Unit; the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Philadelphia Police Department. The goal of the Task Force is to stem the wave of armed carjackings and violent crimes through investigative and enforcement techniques meant to identify, and refer for federal prosecution, all who terrorize innocent victims through commission of these offenses within Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Eckert and Lauren E. Stram.

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March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Chatham County man sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to violent robbery, shooting of a store employee

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SAVANNAH, GA: A Chatham County man has been sentenced to federal prison for the armed robbery of a grocery store employee that left two people wounded.

Jordan Richardson, 25, of Savannah, was sentenced to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker also ordered Richardson to pay $23,793 in restitution and to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Jordan Richardson wounded two people during his brief but violent criminal outburst,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “His crime illustrates the importance of keeping our community safe by taking guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them.”

As described in court documents and testimony, in July 2022, Richardson waited outside the Jones Red and White Food Store on Ogeechee Road in Savannah for an employee to exit the business with a cash deposit. Richardson brandished a pistol and attempted to rob the employee, who drove away as Richardson fired a shot. Richardson, in his own vehicle, then chased the employee and fired at least six times at the employee’s vehicle when it stopped at an intersection, wounding the employee and a nearby worker. Richardson then took the deposit bag and fled.

Several days later, Savannah police officers captured Richardson after an extended vehicle chase through neighborhood streets in which he crashed into two patrol cars. During searches subsequent to the robbery, investigators found the Glock pistol used in the robbery and shootings.

At the time of the robbery, Richardson was on probation for a prior state conviction that included robbery and gun possession. His probation was revoked after his arrest, and Richardson was remanded to custody in the Georgia Department of Corrections pending federal sentencing.

“The blatant violence Richardson committed against these store employees followed by the complete disregard for the safety of the public and the police officers during the commission of his crimes is completely reprehensible,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our local partners to convict repeat offenders, like Richardson, at the federal level, where he faces a stiff penalty with no opportunity for parole.”

“I am extremely proud of our officers, investigators, and our federal partners involved in this case,” said Lenny B. Gunther, Savannah Chief of Police. “Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. Richardson is being held accountable for his actions.”

The case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson.

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March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Final Defendant Sentenced in Meth Conspiracy Tied to Officer’s Murder

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

The Defendants Conspired with Michael White and Others to Distribute Methamphetamine

ABINGDON, Va. – The final defendant who participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine tied to the murder of Big Stone Gap, Virginia Police Officer Michael Chandler, was sentenced this week in federal court.

Brian Carroll, 43, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 108 months.

Previously sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy were: Timothy Ray Jones – 235 months; Charles Ryan Bowman – 120 months; Elicia Amber Burns – 172 months; James Brian Mullins – 180 months; Justin Dwayne Skaggs – 132 months; Anthony Curtis Steven Holmes – 130 months; Tyler Lee Westmoreland – 54 months; Hailee Dietz and Paul Jones, each sentenced to 121 months; James Ray Worley – 120 months; Kacie Lynn Werner – 36 months; Amanda Nicole Blanton – 36 months; Lucille Vanover – 24 months and 17 days; Christopher Adam Dewayne Bates – 78 months; Misty Lynn Ward – 30 months; Keri Leann Corbin – 24 months and 19 days; and Tiny Westmoreland – 60 months.

Michael White was sentenced to 100 years for his murder of Officer Chandler in furtherance of the drug conspiracy.

A total of 19 defendants were charged and convicted of conspiring to distribute in total more than 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as heroin and fentanyl. According to court documents, beginning in August 2021 and continuing until their arrest, the 19 defendants participated in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine from Tennessee and other states into southwest Virginia, and then further distribute it throughout Wise County, Virginia.

Tragically, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on November 13, 2021, Officer Chandler responded to a welfare check call at 2505 Orr Street in Big Stone Gap, known locally as “the red house.” Upon arriving at the Orr Street address, Officer Chandler encountered a vehicle outside the residence and was immediately shot by Michael Donivan White. Officer Chandler died later that evening from his injuries. White was later located at a motel in Kingsport, Tennessee, and a subsequent search of the motel room revealed a Taurus, 9mm pistol. Further testing ultimately proved this firearm to be the same one that fired the shots that killed Officer Chandler. Michael Donivan White was indicted on federal and state charges for killing Officer Chandler and has since pled guilty and been sentenced to 100 years of active incarceration in both cases.

Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Virginia State Police, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Norton Virginia Police Department, the Kingsport Tennessee Police Department, the Big Stone Gap Police Department, the Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the East Tennessee Drug Task Force, and the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Virginia State Police, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, City of Norton Police Department, and Big Stone Gap Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena L. Busscher and Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case.

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March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 11 Defendants Sentenced in Connection with Cleveland Drug Trafficking Organization
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Suitcases stuffed with drugs were flown from L.A. to sell on Cleveland streets
CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has announced sentencings in connection with a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that transported suitcases stuffed with illegal drugs from California to Ohio. Eleven defendants were charged with numerous federal crime violations, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, in a superseding indictment on Feb. 22, 2024, with the initial indictment issued on Sept. 20, 2023.

According to court documents, from about May 2021 to about Nov. 29, 2022, the defendants played different roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Jerry Baker, aka Jerry Bogarty, 34, of Cleveland, established a criminal organization primarily active on the city’s east side. He led the day-to-day operations of the organization, directing members and associates to generate income by engaging in illegal activities including drug trafficking, extortion, and robbery. Baker determined who was allowed to traffic narcotics on behalf of the enterprise and who was permitted to collect and launder the proceeds. Some enterprise members conspired and attempted to threaten others with acts of violence, including extortion, robbery, and assault, in attempts to collect outstanding debts.

Overall, the DTO received more than 600 pounds of marijuana from a major supplier based in California. Walter Sornoza, 50, of Los Angeles, led a nationwide distribution network that he named “Empire Genetics.” To get the drugs to Cleveland, enterprise associates would fly from California to Ohio and check-in their baggage, which were suitcases filled with packaged marijuana. The drugs would then be delivered to Cleveland-based members of the organization. Baker directed associates to launder the cash profits from the marijuana sales by converting the proceeds into money orders. Another associate was responsible for flying from Cleveland to Los Angeles to hand the money orders and cash over to the Sornoza enterprise as payment for the marijuana supply received.

Baker also purchased a small business in Cleveland, “In & Out Tires,” which served as a hub for members and associates to store and distribute drugs. During the investigation, agents also seized several firearms scattered throughout the business, which were intended to be used for protection of the drug enterprise. Other items recovered included money order receipts, packing materials, suitcases, and other supplies used to transport, store and distribute marijuana.

The defendants were each sentenced to imprisonment and/or probation by U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Gaughan after pleading guilty to their roles in the drug trafficking conspiracy.
- Baker was sentenced to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder money, RICO conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, maintaining a drug premise, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment.
- Deshaun Martin, 36, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, RICO conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine base (crack), and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release after imprisonment.
- Sornoza was sentenced to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of marijuana. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment.
- Noblys Garcia, aka Flaco, 43, of Studio City, California, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, distribution of marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of marijuana. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment.
- Sidne Spencer, 28, of North Hollywood, California, was sentenced to two years of probation for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and marijuana.
- Keveon Lewis, 44, of Corona, California, was sentenced to six months in prison and six months location monitoring for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of marijuana. He was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after imprisonment.
- Moniqka Hazzard, 32, of Riverside, California, was sentenced to 30 days in prison and seven months location monitoring for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. She was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
- Jerry Baker Sr., 55, of Cleveland, was sentenced to three years of probation for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and for maintaining a drug premise.
- Antonio Lanier, 35, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and RICO conspiracy. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
- Herman Wilson, 43, of Katy, Texas, was sentenced to two years of probation for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
- Ajeremiah Baker, aka AJ, 20, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for RICO conspiracy. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is composed of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Marshals Service (USMS), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), along with task force officers from numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Cleveland Division of Police. Prosecutions are led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, IRS Criminal Investigation, ATF Cleveland Division, U.S. Marshals Service Cleveland, the Cleveland Division of Police, and the Los Angeles Police Department Narcotics Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret A. Sweeney for the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Brian Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
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March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Burlington County Man Sentenced To 120 Months In Prison For Gunpoint Robberies In Passaic County

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEWARK, N.J. – A Burlington County man was sentenced in connection with his role in two armed robberies committed in August 2022 in Passaic County, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced today.

Kareem Powell, 32, of Willingboro, New Jersey, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court on March 20, 2025, to 120 months in prison. Powell previously pleaded guilty before Judge Cecchi to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In the evening of August 22, 2022, Powell, along with accomplices Carlos Diaz and Edward Porter, robbed a Passaic bodega of several thousand dollars while pointing guns at a victim and threatening to kill him. Later that night, Powell, Diaz, and Porter also robbed a Paterson business of several thousand dollars. During both robberies, Powell, Diaz, and Porter wore face masks and ordered customers at gunpoint to lie down on the ground.

Diaz and Porter have both admitted their guilt and pled guilty in connection with the two armed robberies described above, as well as in connection with two additional armed robberies committed the following day in Passaic County. Their sentencings are scheduled to take place later in 2025.

In addition to the prison term imposed on Powell, Judge Cecchi sentenced him to three years of supervised release and ordered him to make restitution to the victims of his crimes.

U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas Adamo, with the investigation leading to the convictions and sentencing. U.S. Attorney Giordano also thanked officers of the Paterson Police Department and the Passaic Police Department for their work on this case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Schuman of the Criminal Division in Newark.

25-080 ###

Defense counsel: Lorraine Gauli-Rufo, Verona, New Jersey

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March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Four Defendants with Felony Convictions Sentenced to a Total of 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

MONROE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the resolution of four separate firearm cases in the Western District of Louisiana today. Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced the following four defendants:

           Quinntavious Crump, 25, from Monroe, Louisiana was sentenced to 24 months (2 years) followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On June 27, 2021, After the stop, the LSP Trooper asked Crump to step out of the car and asked for consent to search the car. Crump granted consent and stated that he was going to jail because there was a gun in the car and that he was a convicted felon. Thereafter, a Glock pistol, model 23Gen4; caliber 40 loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition was found in the vehicle.

           Andreveon Kyles, 20, from Monroe, Louisiana was sentenced to 60 months (5 years)   followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On July 15, 2024, Andreveon Kyles was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by Ouachita Parish Sheriff deputies for a traffic violation. During the stop, deputies found that Kyles was in possession of a Taurus pistol; model: G2C (PTlll G2A); caliber: 9mm, and ammunition and determined that he was a convicted felon. Lyles subsequently pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on December 13, 2024, admitting that he knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition.

           Charles Montgomery, 40, from Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 42 months (3.5 years) followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On June 20, 2022, Charles Montgomery was stopped by Ouachita Parish Sheriff deputies for a traffic violation. During the stop, deputies searched vehicle and located a Canik pistol, model: TP9 SF Elite; caliber: 9×19. Montgomery admitted to possessing the firearm and told deputies how he obtained the firearm. He knew at the time of the offense that he was a convicted felon. He was arrested and charged with felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty and admitted to the charge on December 13, 2024.

Zachary Coburn, 25, from Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced to 56 months (4 years and 8 months) followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On May 13, 2024, Zachary Coburn entered S&W Pawn Shop in West Monroe, Louisiana. While there, he stole a Kel-Tec CNC Inc Rifle; Model: RDB; Caliber: 5.56, and ammunition and exited the shop. On May 15, 2024, an arrest warrant was executed at Coburn’s West Monroe residence, and the rifle was found in the laundry room of the home. Post-Miranda, he admitted to possessing the rifle. Prior to possessing the rifle, Coburn had been convicted of a felony offense. He pled guilty on December 19, 2024 to the charge.

           These cases were prosecuted as 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Reeg, Robert F. Moody, Cheyenne Wilson, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Catherine L. Semmes.

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March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: March Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments Announced

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the March Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Dylan Ray Alexander. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (superseding). Alexander, 31, of Bartlesville and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with unlawfully killing Kevin Holden and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Additionally, Alexander is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bartlesville Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Dunn and Tara Heign are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-052

Daniel Allen Ash; Amber Dawn Murphy.Second Degree Murder in Indian Country (Count 1); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 2 through 5); Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; (Count 6); Second Degree Murder in Indian Country (Count 7); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 8 through 11). Both from Commerce, Ash, 32, and Murphy, 30, a member of the Cherokee Nation, are charged with unlawfully killing a minor child in Sep. 2024 and willfully neglecting the health, safety, and welfare of four minor children. Ash is further charged with engaging in a sexual act with a minor child under 12 years old. The FBI and Quapaw Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-088

Eric Lee Blanchard. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Production of Child Pornography; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Blanchard, 21, of Broken Arrow and a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, is charged with knowingly engaging in sexual activity with a minor under 16 years old and coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce material showing the sexual abuse of children. Further, he is charged with coercing and enticing a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Homeland Security Investigations, Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-094

Pedro Vazquez Camacho. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Camacho, 52, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jun. 2009. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-089

Kenneth Troy Cooper. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (superseding). Cooper, 58, of Drumright, is charged with possessing several firearms and various rounds of ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Creek Country Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-006

Leonardo Giovanni Segura Curiel. Drug Conspiracy; Distribution of Fentanyl. Curiel, 26, a Mexican national, is charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and intentionally distributing fentanyl. Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-082

Karina Garcia-Salazar; Jorge Augusto Prieto-Gamboa. Conspiracy to Transfer Identification Documents; Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Use or Transfer Five or More Documents; Aggravated Identity Theft. Garcia-Salazar, 46, of Tulsa, Prieto-Gamboa, 40, a Mexican National, are charged with conspiring to make false identification documents in exchange for payment. They further conspired to knowingly possess with intent to transfer more than five identification documents, such as a United States Permanent Resident Card or Social Security Card, without lawful authority. Garcia-Salazar is additionally charged with unlawfully possessing and using the identification of others to create counterfeit permanent resident and social security cards. Homeland Security Investigations, Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Investigations, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-099

Hayden Barclay Greene. Abusive Sexual Contact by Force or Threat in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding in Indian Country (Misdemeanor). Greene, 47, of Tulsa and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with engaging in a sexual act by force and threat. Additionally, Greene allegedly strangled an intimate dating partner and physically assaulted a second victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-095

Phyllis Christine Henson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Henson, 63, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing she was previously convicted of a felony. She is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana with intent to distribute. Additionally, Henson possessed a firearm while involved in drug trafficking and maintained a residence for the purposes of drug distribution. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Attila Bogdan is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-096

Patrick Kanaley; Teia Newberry. Drug Conspiracy; Distribution of Methamphetamine. Kanaley, 47, and Newberry, 45, of Tulsa, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from May 2024 through Jan. 2025. They are further charged with intentionally distributing a substance that contains a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-097

Steven Shain McDaniel. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. McDaniel, 49, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Attila Bogdan is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-098

Jimmie Dewayne Martin. Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country (Count 1); Production of Child Pornography (Counts 2 through 4). Martin, 75, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting children under 12 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further, Martin is charged with using three minor children to produce images or videos that show the child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-086

Geovani Narvaez-Ramirez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Narvaez-Ramirez, 29, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-090

Adrian Marquez Rodriguez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien; Aggravated Identity Theft (superseding). Rodriguez, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2005. He is further charged with unlawfully using another person’s identification to stay in the United States. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office and Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-054

Jose Juan Salas-Esparza. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Salas-Esparza, 47, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2014. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-091

E’Mari Yatel Stancle. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Stancle, 27, of Muskogee, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and discharging a firearm while drug trafficking. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-105

Joseph Austin Wagener. Theft in Indian Country – Over $1,000. Wagener, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with stealing personal property exceeding $1,000 in value. The Homeland Security Investigations and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-100

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Federal Prison

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

A woman who worked with others to distribute a significant amount of methamphetamine was sentenced March 17, 2025, to more than 24 years in federal prison.

Candace Sue Thein, age 42, from Dike, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 3, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.

Evidence disclosed at sentencing showed that, from December 2023 through May 22, 2024, Thein worked with others to receive numerous packages of ice methamphetamine and marijuana from a source of supply in California. In total, the group received over 50 pounds of methamphetamine from the source of supply in California, which the group then redistributed to individuals in Waterloo, Dike, Reinbeck, and Hudson, Iowa. Law enforcement searched several of the residences of individuals receiving these packages, including Thein’s residence in Dike, on May 22, 2024. In the early morning hours of June 15, 2024, Thein and two other individuals went to the residence of one of Thein’s drug customers, demanding money. The two other individuals threatened to kill Thein’s drug customer, while Thein broke into the drug customer’s residence and stole his cellphone.

Thein was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Thein was sentenced to 292 months’ imprisonment, and she must also serve a three‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Thein is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; United States Postal Service; the Tri‑County Drug Enforcement Task Force, consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Mid‑Iowa Drug Trask Force; the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office; the Iowa State Patrol; and the Santa Ana, California Police Department.

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

The case file number is 24-CR-00052-CJW.

Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Department of Defense Civilian Employee Pleads Guilty to Taking Classified Documents

Source: US State of California

A civilian electrical engineer for the Department of Defense pleaded guilty in federal court today to unauthorized removal and retention of classified material.

According to court documents, Gokhan Gun, 51, of Falls Church, Virginia, was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and is a dual citizen of Turkey and the United States. Through his employment, Gun possessed a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and received training on the proper handling and storage of classified information.

Beginning in May 2024, Gun, without permission, removed at least five classified documents from his Department of Defense workspace with the intent to retain them at his primary residence, which was not an approved facility for the storage of classified information.

On Aug. 9, 2024, Gun was scheduled to depart the United States on a morning flight to Mexico. However, FBI agents observed a ride share service arrive at the defendant’s residence and approached Gun. Agents observed inside Gun’s residence a backpack inside which they located a Top Secret document and a notebook with handwritten notes that mirrored a Top Secret report. In the dining room, agents located additional classified documents, one of which Gun printed on Aug. 7, 2024, just two days before his scheduled departure.

Gun is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17 and faces up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia; Acting Assistant Director in Charge Phillip E. Bates of the FBI Washington Field Office and Executive Director Lee M. Russ of Air Force Office of Special Investigations Office of Special Projects (AFOSI) made the announcement.

The FBI and AFOSI Office of Special Projects are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Gibbs for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys Adam L. Small and Chantelle Dial of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Five Defendants Charged in Connection With Alien in Possession Offenses

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictments of five individuals on charges related to illegal aliens in possession of firearms and ammunition and firearms trafficking.

Vielman Cabrera Arevalo, 20, of Guatemala; Erick Lozano Colindrez, 23, of Honduras; and Ludwin Fuentes Lopez, 22, of El Salvador, were indicted on Alien in Possession of a Firearm and/or Ammunition charges. Lester Araely Ramos Perez, 28, and Milton Leon-Morales, 27 — both from Guatemala — are charged with Firearms Trafficking and Aliens in Possession of a Firearm offenses.

The indictments announced today 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.

U.S. Attorney Hayes made the announcement with Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Baltimore Field Division (ATF); Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD); and Chief Jason Lando, Frederick Police Department (FPD).

According to the indictments, Ramos Perez, Leon-Morales, Arevalo, Lopez, and Colindrez are all illegal aliens unlawfully in the United States. Ramos Perez and Leon-Morales are charged with conspiring with others to ship, transport, cause to be transported, and otherwise dispose of more than 35 firearms on January 22, 2025. They are also charged with dealing firearms without a license, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possessing firearms as illegal aliens unlawfully in the United States.

Law enforcement found Arevalo in possession of two rounds of CBC 9mm Luger ammunition on December 14, 2023. Similarly, authorities found Lopez in possession of a black Polymer 80 firearm and ammunition on July 20, 2024. On November 15, 2024, authorities found Colindrez in possession of a Johnson Arms & Cycle Works .32 caliber revolver and one black 9mm polymer pistol along with approximately 23 rounds of ammunition. As a result, each of these defendants is charged in separate indictments for Alien in Possession of a Firearm and/or Ammunition.

Upon a conviction, Ramos Perez and Leon-Morales face up to 15 years in prison on firearms trafficking charges, five years on dealing firearms without a license, 15 years in prison on the alien in possession charges, and 20 years on drug conspiracy charges. If Arevalo, Colindrez, and/or Lopez are convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison.

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

This case is also 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.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI Baltimore; the FBI; ATF; DPSCS; BCoPD; and FPD for their work in connection with these investigations. Ms. Hayes also thanked Kenneth Clark, Chief, Violent and Organized Crime, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Beim, Kim Hagan, and Jamie O’Donohue, who are prosecuting the federal cases.

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

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MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Guilty of Violating Federal Gun Control Act

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANARD WALTON (“WALTON”), age 41, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

According to court records, on March 19, 2024, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at WALTON’s residence. During the search, agents found a Springfield, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, in a kitchen cabinet wrapped in a towel. In the kitchen, they also found approximately one and a half pounds of marijuana. The agents located a hidden compartment under a set of stairs leading to the second story. In this hidden compartment, they found a Smith and Wesson, .40 caliber pistol, and approximately $37,941.00 of U.S. currency. The Smith & Wesson firearm was confirmed to have been stolen.

A records check showed that WALTON was a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms. Court records confirmed that WALTON had at least five felony convictions, including a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On March 12, 2025, WALTON pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of the two firearms found during the March 19, 2024 search.

Judge Milazzo set sentencing for June 18, 2025. WALTON faces up to fifteen years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Slidell Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Shelby County Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Prison for Multiple Robberies

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Shelby County man has been sentenced for multiple robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.

U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Dorian Blake Bivins, 20, of Alabaster, Alabama, to 180 months in prison. In September 2024, Bivins pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to the plea agreement, Bivins attempted robberies of three businesses in Alabaster—Whataburger, Shell, and Chevron—over a span of 12 days in May and June 2023. Bivins committed two of the offenses while armed with a pistol and discharged the firearm during his final attempted robbery.

The ATF investigated the case along with the Alabaster Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Department of Defense Civilian Employee Pleads Guilty to Taking Classified Documents

Source: United States Attorneys General 7

A civilian electrical engineer for the Department of Defense pleaded guilty in federal court today to unauthorized removal and retention of classified material.

According to court documents, Gokhan Gun, 51, of Falls Church, Virginia, was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and is a dual citizen of Turkey and the United States. Through his employment, Gun possessed a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and received training on the proper handling and storage of classified information.

Beginning in May 2024, Gun, without permission, removed at least five classified documents from his Department of Defense workspace with the intent to retain them at his primary residence, which was not an approved facility for the storage of classified information.

On Aug. 9, 2024, Gun was scheduled to depart the United States on a morning flight to Mexico. However, FBI agents observed a ride share service arrive at the defendant’s residence and approached Gun. Agents observed inside Gun’s residence a backpack inside which they located a Top Secret document and a notebook with handwritten notes that mirrored a Top Secret report. In the dining room, agents located additional classified documents, one of which Gun printed on Aug. 7, 2024, just two days before his scheduled departure.

Gun is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17 and faces up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia; Acting Assistant Director in Charge Phillip E. Bates of the FBI Washington Field Office and Executive Director Lee M. Russ of Air Force Office of Special Investigations Office of Special Projects (AFOSI) made the announcement.

The FBI and AFOSI Office of Special Projects are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Gibbs for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys Adam L. Small and Chantelle Dial of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Over Twenty Years Federal Prison

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

A woman who worked with others to distribute a significant amount of methamphetamine was sentenced March 17, 2025, to more than 24 years in federal prison.

Candace Sue Thein, age 42, from Dike, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 3, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.

Evidence disclosed at sentencing showed that, from December 2023 through May 22, 2024, Thein worked with others to receive numerous packages of ice methamphetamine and marijuana from a source of supply in California. In total, the group received over 50 pounds of methamphetamine from the source of supply in California, which the group then redistributed to individuals in Waterloo, Dike, Reinbeck, and Hudson, Iowa. Law enforcement searched several of the residences of individuals receiving these packages, including Thein’s residence in Dike, on May 22, 2024. In the early morning hours of June 15, 2024, Thein and two other individuals went to the residence of one of Thein’s drug customers, demanding money. The two other individuals threatened to kill Thein’s drug customer, while Thein broke into the drug customer’s residence and stole his cellphone.

Thein was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Thein was sentenced to 292 months’ imprisonment, and she must also serve a three‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Thein is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; United States Postal Service; the Tri‑County Drug Enforcement Task Force, consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Mid‑Iowa Drug Trask Force; the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office; the Iowa State Patrol; and the Santa Ana, California Police Department.

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

The case file number is 24-CR-00052-CJW.

Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Career Criminal Sentenced To 12+ Years For Fentanyl Trafficking And Gun Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Tyrone Eugene Sitton a/k/a “Dirty,” 46, of Asheville, was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release today for fentanyl trafficking and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, Sheriff Quentin Miller of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Michael Lamb of the Asheville Police Department, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, between November and December 2022, Sitton distributed 30.1 grams of fentanyl in the Asheville area. During the investigation, Sitton sold fentanyl at least three times to a confidential informant working with the ATF. In addition to selling fentanyl, on December 28, 2022, Sitton sold the informant three firearms: a shotgun, a rifle, and a pistol.

On July 29, 2024, Sitton pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Court records indicate Sitton has multiple state convictions in North Carolina for drug distribution. Because of these prior criminal convictions, Sitton qualified for an increased sentence as a career offender.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the ATF, the DEA, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Asheville Police Department for their investigation of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Felon extradited from Mexico pleads guilty to illegally acquiring multiple firearms

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old resident of Laredo has entered a guilty plea for his role in a scheme to straw purchase multiple firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Between the February 2021 and July 2021, Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias aided and abetted the straw purchasing of multiple rifles.

In July 2021, authorities discovered the theft of approximately 10 AK-style and 20 AR-style rifles at a ranch Covarrubias owned. As a convicted felon, Covarrubias is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

Further investigation led law enforcement to his residence in Laredo where they observed Covarrubias and others placing items into nearby vehicles. Covarrubias left the house with two others and went to a second home.

At that location, authorities observed the movement of three rifles from a truck into the house and took Covarrubias and others into custody.

Covarrubias admitted to knowing he was a convicted felon and unable to possess firearms and ammunition. As part of his guilty plea, he acknowledged sending others to stores to purchase firearms on his behalf.

After his arrest in August 2021, Covarrubias was permitted release upon posting bond but fled to Mexico. Law enforcement eventually took him into custody. He was returned to U.S. authorities Feb. 21.

“This case is an important reminder to criminals that they may run from justice, but they can’t hide,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas is appreciative of the efforts of all those, both in the United States and in Mexico, that made Mr. Corvarrubias’ extradition happen, so he could face justice.”

“Straw purchasing is not only a direct violation of the law, but it also endangers our communities by enabling prohibited incidentals to gain access to firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “These dangerous actions jeopardize public safety and undermine the trust that we place in our justice system. It is imperative that we hold accountable those who engage in straw purchasing, ensuring that our laws are enforced, and that justice is served to prevent the illegal flow of firearms into the wrong hands.”

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Covarrubias faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum find.

Covarrubias will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation with assistance from the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Covarrubias. U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Covarrubias from Mexico to the Southern District of Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 21, 2025