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  • MIL-OSI Russia: New partners and joint projects: Polytechnic at the international forum in Xi’an

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Silk Road Alliance of Architecture and Technology Universities (SRIAATU) International Forum was held in Xi’an, China. The alliance was established in October 2023 under the chairmanship of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology to develop global architecture, technological innovation, and sustainable infrastructure for life. It includes 55 leading universities from 26 countries specializing in architecture and construction. It is the most important platform for combining the efforts of talented engineers and architects in the implementation of joint scientific and educational projects and cultural exchange.

    The forum became an important step in promoting the concept of “green” architecture, based on the integration of education, science and industry in the field of architectural design and construction technologies. The event included a meeting of the Alliance Council, a presidential forum and a series of conferences dedicated to modern challenges and development prospects in the field of architecture and construction.

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has been a member of the alliance since its foundation and regularly participates in its events. The delegation of SPbPU included the Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko and the Director of the Center for Additional Professional Programs of the ISI Ksenia Strelets.

    The delegation of SPbPU visited the College of Architecture of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT), where as a result of constructive negotiations, agreements were reached on holding a joint educational workshop with the participation of teachers from both universities. From XAUAT, the negotiations were attended by Dean of the College of Architecture Lei Zhendong, Vice Dean Dan Yutian, Coordinator of Cooperation with Russian Universities Wu Guanyu and teacher Tong Qingnan.

    In addition, representatives of SPbPU took part in an international conference on architecture, which was attended by more than one hundred architects from leading universities around the world.

    Participation in the forum allowed the Institute of Civil Engineering to expand its geography of partnerships: preliminary agreements were reached on developing cooperation with such universities as King Chulalongkorn Bangkok University (Thailand), Petronas University of Technology (Malaysia), Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia), Osh Technological University (Kyrgyzstan), Tashkent State Transport University (Uzbekistan) and the University of Moratuwa (Sri Lanka).

    Participation in the Alliance of Architectural and Technological Universities of the Silk Road is extremely important for us, as it is one of the largest alliances in the field of architecture and construction. The Civil Engineering Institute actively trains world-class engineers capable of solving complex professional problems in the field of construction and infrastructure development. Participation in the forum allowed us to establish new partnerships with leading universities, which creates a basis for the development of student and teacher exchanges, as well as the implementation of joint educational and scientific projects, – noted the Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A Changed Global Landscape: Policy Priorities in CESEE

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    Speech by Alfred Kammer, Director, European Department of the IMF — Slovenia

    May 23, 2025

    It is a great pleasure to be with you in Ljubljana.

    Let me begin by setting the stage for what I hope will be an insightful discussion on policy options in the presence of geoeconomic shocks and uncertainty.

    I will focus on Central, Eastern and Southeastern European (CESEE) countries.  

    After a respectable recovery last year, we downgraded growth for 2025 and 2026 across Europe  

    Heightened uncertainty and trade policy volatility have been the main factors.  And the latest data releases from Q1 2025 are so far in line with our forecast.

    The downgrade for the CESEE region[1] has been more sizeable than for advanced Europe: from over 3 percent in 2025 and 2026 to 2.4 and 2.7 percent respectively.

    The larger impact is primarily due to a comparatively larger manufacturing sector. The growth revision would have been even larger if not for the German infrastructure package and an acceleration of Europe wide-defense spending

    Inflation in CESEE countries meanwhile is coming down somewhat faster. But, as the chart shows, inflation rates will remain above targets for some time. Persistent services inflation and lagged effects of still high wage growth are key drivers – a point I will return to later as a risk to competitiveness.

    In my remarks today, I will address two points: (i) how the changing global landscape is affecting CESEE countries and (ii) what the key policy priorities are.

    Let me give a summary of my key points

    • What do we know so far about the effects of trade disputes including via trade diversion?

    In a nutshell, the impact across the CESEE regions varies widely. Some of the most US-tariff-exposed countries, namely Hungary and Slovak Republic and to a lesser extent the Czech Republic, are in the constituency.

    The tariffs between the US and China have just been lowered from very extreme levels, but they remain high and could increase again. Economic spillovers could be large for some specific sectors, even though our preliminary assessment is that the trade diversion effects should be manageable overall.

    • What can policymakers do to navigate a more uncertain and volatile period?

    Primarily, changes are permanent. Businesses and households will need to adapt to these. A principle-based approach can help lessen the impact.  

    • First, maintain trade openness as much as possible. Protectionism will hurt inward investment, lower investment further and bring down productivity and income growth.
    • Second, stay the course on sound macroeconomic policies. In times of uncertainty, markets will scrutinize fundamentals. Durable policies can limit increases in risk premia. This means that central banks should remain cautious on monetary normalization and governments need to keep an eye on fiscal sustainability.
    • Third, generate growth through traditional means: domestic structural reforms. The size of untapped gains from domestic structural reforms is surprisingly large.
    • The question here is how the CESEE region can overcome political constraints. In my final observation I will discuss how the EU budget can play a catalyzing role.

    I will highlight two channels:

    • Direct exposure to US tariffs
    • Potential effects of trade diversion from US-China trade dispute

    The CESEE region’s integration into global value-chains and trade linkages creates exposure to shifting trade dynamics.

    The EU has sizable direct trade linkages with China and the US (LHS), and linkages by individual CESEE countries to the US are substantial.

    Exposures are especially large in the Slovak Republic and Hungary. Exports to the US (primarily cars, car parts, batteries, and in the case of Hungary electronics) account for about 3 per cent of GDP in 2024.

    Czechia and Hungary have also large export positions to the US via smartphones and computers exports. For the time being, tariffs on these items have been exempted per the announcement made on April 11.

    Any increase in tariffs would have substantial dampening effects on growth.

    Indirect effects via supply chains will also become important tailwinds. In a 2024 IMF study, we show that an increase in EV imports from China could have significant GDP effects in the range of 1-1½ percent over 5 years via the supply chains in CESEE countries heavily reliant on the automotive sector.  A slowdown in Germany’s automotive sector has about a 5-10 times larger impact in percent of GDP in Slovakia and Hungary given their larger share of the sector relative to Germany.

    If US-China trade tensions persist, multiple channels of trade diversion could come into play.

    EU imports from China could increase, U.S. companies could try to find new export destinations including in Europe, and European firms could seek to find new export opportunities in the U.S. and China as a result of high China-U.S. tariffs.

    Finally, competition on third-country markets could increase as countries look for new export markets. CESEE countries could be innocent bystanders. For instance, Turkish businesses could experience increased competition in third markets reducing margin or market shares.

    We have estimated the potential size of trade diversion from China using a partial equilibrium approach.

    Our preliminary estimates from April 8 tariff announcements[2] for the EU are for higher imports from China of around 0.25 percent of EU GDP in the near term.[3] The estimates are similar to ECB estimates discussed in their latest economic Bulletin. The 90-day rollback of most bilateral tariffs imposed since April 2 announced by the US and China on May 12 implies lower numbers, but better to be prepared for the worst.

    Trade diversion would also affect inflation. Increased import competition would likely lower final prices. Headline inflation could be reduced by 20 basis points in 2026.

    The economic effects for consumers and producers are likely mixed. Lower final goods prices would benefit consumers. Similarly, lower imported intermediates could also benefit European firms by reducing input costs. But trade diversion means also a rise in competition and in specific sectors such as consumer electronics or transportation equipment, adjustment effects could be large.

    With all that said, the aggregate size of trade diversion effects appears manageable, although the impact could be large in individual countries and sectors.

    Let me turn to policy priorities.

    Let me now say a few words on what the CESEE region can do in the face of tariffs.    

    • First, Europe—and everyone—needs more trade, not less. The EU as well as CESEE should continue its open trade policy and expand its network of trade agreements.  
    • Second, we must accept that the global trade regime has changed. This means that any support to mitigate tariff or trade diversion effects should remain temporary, and targeted. 

    Support measures cannot substitute for differences in the underlying fundamentals. In particular, the recent appreciation of CESEE currencies in unit-labor-cost adjusted terms is a concern.

    What can policymakers do in the short term?

    In the current global environment, navigating uncertainty is crucial.

    In the short run, governments should aim to retain macroeconomic stability through credible and sustainable macroeconomic policies and build resilience. 

    Starting with monetary policy, central banks need to remain focused on durably reaching price stability targets.  

    • In several large CESEE countries—including Hungary—inflation is slowing, but is still above targets.   
    • Central banks should ease cautiously. We advise caution because core inflation in the CESEE region remains higher than hoped for, and inflation expectations are more responsive to current inflation levels.   

    Still high wage growth requires close attention. Increases have outpaced productivity and are contributing to higher inflation persistency. High labor costs also pose a risk to CESEE’s competitiveness. 

    Our fiscal advice remains broadly unchanged. For many countries, rebuilding fiscal buffers is still a priority.  

    • The challenge is how to manage rising long-term spending pressures from aging, healthcare, climate, and now higher defense spending. 
    • Some countries can accommodate temporary increases in priority spending while keeping debt sustainability in mind.  
    • But for many CESEE countries the space is limited. This means they will have to undertake smart adjustments: (i) make public services more efficient and programs better targeted; (ii) reallocate spending priorities away from low priority areas, (iii) and boost fiscal revenues. In many cases, this can be done without raising tax rates by closing loopholes and more efficient administration. 

    We continue to have concerns about Europe’s medium-term outlook: growth is low and there are rising spending needs:   

    • Labor supply is dwindling because of aging. 
    • Investment has been slowing. 
    • And Europe’s productivity growth has been very low over the last two decades. 

    This makes meeting fiscal pressures increasingly difficult. 

    • Spending needs are expected to rise significantly over the next decades, for advanced economies by 5¾ percentage points and emerging economies by 8 percentage points of GDP.  
    • In the CESEE region, energy-related investments needs are urgent and very large. 
    • And across the region, defense spending is on the rise.  

    This brings us to my final point which is how CESEE countries could generate medium-term growth.

    Domestic structural reforms, while often overlooked, provide a large untapped source of European growth potential. 

    • In a forthcoming study, we find that comprehensive national reforms could raise real GDP levels by about 5 percent in advanced economies and between 6.6 and 9.3 percent in the CESEE region. 
    • These are sizeable gains and could be an important growth antidote to the poisonous effects of uncertainty and volatile policy disputes.

    These reforms would remove inefficiencies at home and complement the earlier discussed EU-wide reforms. Specifically: 

    • Domestic labor market and skill-upgrading reforms top the priority list in terms of their macroeconomic
    • Fiscal-structural reforms and lower cost of business regulations would provide another substantial impetus.  
    • Reducing corruption and inefficiencies through governance reforms is particularly important in several CESEE countries. 

    Successful implementation of these reforms will require political will, and in some cases, also capacity building.  

    Overcoming the reform inertia is “the challenge” of Europe.

    Let me conclude with a few observations on how to overcome this obstacle.

    We think the EU budget could play a catalyzing role. Recent initiatives—such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)—have made important strides in strengthening policy performance. The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 should build on this momentum, further embedding a performance-based approach, especially in areas where current incentives are weak, but outcomes depend heavily on effective effort.

    This is particularly relevant for pre-allocated funds tied to national plans, where member states design and implement policies. In such cases, stronger performance incentives can help ensure that investments yield meaningful results.

    To maximize the impact of EU financing, the budget could reward projects that complement EU-level objectives—for example, national reforms like streamlining permitting processes for local distribution networks that connect with cross-border energy infrastructure.

    At the same time, policy coherence across all levels of government is essential. While the EU budget can offer strategic direction and alignment incentives, successful implementation ultimately depends on ownership at national, regional, and local levels. The EU budget can set incentives, but decisions need to be made at home.

    Let me conclude here …

    …and leave with a slide on our key messages.

    I now look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

    [1] Excluding Belarus, Russia, Türkiye and Ukraine.

    [2] “April 8 tariffs” refers to the tariff increases between the US and China announced just before the 90-day pause on April 9.

    [3] This figure decreases to 0.09 percent with the May-12 tariffs

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER:

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/22/sp052325-ak-a-changed-global-landscape-policy-priorities-in-cesee

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Indicted for Civil Rights Offenses Due to Bias-Motivated Threats

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A three-count indictment was unsealed today in the Western District of North Carolina charging a North Carolina man with federal civil rights and firearms violations for threatening eight individuals with force because of their race, color, religion and national origin, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt of the FBI Charlotte Field Office join U.S. Attorney King in making the announcement.

    According to the indictment, on June 8, 2024, Maurice Hopkins, 31, threatened eight individuals with a firearm inside Zambies Pizza, a restaurant in Charlotte. Count one of the indictment charges Hopkins with threatening the eight individuals with force because of their race, color, religion and national origin and because they were enjoying the goods, services and facilities of the restaurant. Count two of the indictment charges Hopkins with threatening the eight individuals with force on account of their race, color, religion and national origin to intimidate the individuals from exercising their federally protected housing rights. Count three of the indictment charges Hopkins with carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

    If convicted, Hopkins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the civil rights charges and a mandatory minimum prison sentence on the firearms charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Charlotte Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller for the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorneys Daniel Grunert and Chloe Neely of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Man Charged with Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Offenses During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

               WASHINGTON — A Virginia man is charged with assaulting law enforcement and other felony and misdemeanor offenses related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Mark Mercurio, 56, of Bracey, Virginia, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.

               In addition to the felonies, Mercurio is charged with misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

               Mercurio was arrested by the FBI on Nov. 21, 2024, in North Carolina and made his initial appearance in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

               According to court documents, surveillance video footage captured Mercurio entering the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, through the Upper West Terrace Door at approximately 2:40 p.m. After entering the building, Mercurio proceeded to the front of a large group of rioters near the entrance and confronted a small group of U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers. At one point, it is alleged that Mercurio held open an interior door to the Rotunda staircase for an associate and others before heading up the stairs. Surveillance video footage shows that Mercurio and an associate entered the Rotunda at 2:45 p.m., where Mercurio intermittently held up his phone, appearing to record the events.

               At about 2:46 p.m., Mercurio and an associate briefly disappeared from the Rotunda and reappeared at about 3:01 p.m. The two then walked past a USCP officer and approached a man addressing the crowd with a bullhorn. Mercurio again appeared to use his phone to record the man’s speech. Shortly after, it is alleged that Mercurio joined a mob of rioters who pushed back against police officers attempting to clear the Rotunda. At approximately 3:08 p.m., Mercurio positioned himself at the front of the rioters’ line, confronting the officers.

               Court documents say that at about 3:09 p.m., Mercurio shoved a police officer’s baton into their chest with both hands while yelling expletives. Another officer nearby warned Mercurio not to assault police and urged him to leave. Seconds later, it is alleged that Mercurio physically interfered with another police officer by pushing the officer’s arm downward while continuing to yell obscenities.

               Mercurio then exited the Capitol at approximately 3:12 p.m.

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

               This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Charlotte and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

               In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Seven-Figure Fraud Against COVID Relief Program

    Source: US FBI

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Raleigh businessman Wilson Alfredo Olivera Borda pled guilty to nine counts of defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for over $1 million. At sentencing, Olivera faces a statutory maximum of 30 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, in 2020 and 2021, Borda received nine PPP loans for five separate companies. To obtain those loans, Olivera submitted applications falsely claiming that each business had substantial employees and operations. Olivera bolstered those falsehoods by submitting fabricated tax returns supporting his applications.

    In truth, two of the companies, The Insurance Centers.Com and The Insurance Centers LLC, were not separate businesses, but trade names used by a different company for which Borda had already applied for and received COVID relief funding. The other three, Realty Vestors LLC, US-Kaizen LLC, and Ecobuild LLC, had little or no operations and no employees. After obtaining the loans, Borda made additional false statements to obtain forgiveness. All nine loans were fully forgiven and paid off by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

    “This businessman pocketed over $1 million in PPP relief funds by submitting bogus tax returns suggesting his business had legitimate operations and employees.  When the FBI dug in, the house of cards came tumbling down,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr.  “We should be proud to live in a nation that cares for the needy and moves quickly to handle the greedy.  Law enforcement is working daily to root out fraud on public programs.”

    Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the arraignment by United States District Judge Terrence Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

    Assistant United States Attorney Chris Cogburn prosecuted the case for the government.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-215-BO.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Columbus Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Stealing, Selling Cocaine

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – John Castillo, 31, of Grove City, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

    According to court documents, Castillo was a Columbus police officer assigned to investigate drug crimes. In February 2021, he conspired with another officer to steal and sell approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine. Castillo and the other officer took approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from a house on North Everett Avenue and did not turn it into evidence. They planted two additional kilograms of cocaine for law enforcement discovery later that day at the house. The 10 kilograms of cocaine were stored in the other officer’s basement before they were given to another individual to sell.

    Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea entered before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.

    The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced for Sending Bomb Threat to Arizona State Election Official

    Source: US FBI

    A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison for sending a communication containing a bomb threat to an election official in the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. 

    “Those using illegal threats of violence to intimidate election workers should know that the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable under the law,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The defendant in this case will spend the next three and a half years in federal prison for threatening an Arizona election official. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute such unlawful threats of violence.”

    According to court documents, on or about Feb. 14, 2021, James W. Clark, 40, of Falmouth, sent a message via the Arizona Secretary of State’s website through “Contact Elections,” addressing the election official by her first name and warning her that she needed to “resign by Tuesday February 16th by 9 am or the explosive device impacted in her personal space will be detonated.” Shortly after transmitting the message, Clark conducted online searches that included the full name of the election official in conjunction with the words “how to kill” and “address.” Additionally, on or about Feb. 18, 2021, Clark conducted online searches involving the Boston Marathon bombing.

    “James W. Clark sent a bomb threat to an Arizona election official. As a result, law enforcement searched the office building where the official worked, as well as the official’s home and car, for an explosive device,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Public servants who ensure our free and fair elections must be able to do their jobs without fear. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who target election officials with threats of violence.”

    In response to Clark ’s message, law enforcement conducted partial evacuations and bomb sweeps of the building in which the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office was located, including an evacuation of the floor of the Office of the Arizona Governor located in the same building. Law enforcement also conducted bomb sweeps of the election official’s personal residence and of the election official’s car.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona will continue to prosecute those who would threaten our public servants simply for performing the jobs they were hired to do,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “As we head into election season, we thank the state and county election community who make democracy possible.”

    “Election officials, their staffs, and volunteers are essential to our democracy and any threat to these public servants is completely unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “As part of our mission to defend the democratic process, this case demonstrates that the FBI remains prepared to respond to these threats in an urgent and timely fashion.”

    Clark pleaded guilty in August 2023 to one count of making a threatening interstate communication.

    The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Boston Field Office.

    Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers – whether elected, appointed, or volunteer – are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Over two years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.

    Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.

    To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former White Mountain Police Officer Indicted for Obstruction of Investigation

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a two-count indictment against Joshua Ben Anderson, 49, of Whiteriver, for his actions in connection with the death of a woman on Thanksgiving Day, 2023.

    The grand jury charged Anderson, a former White Mountain Apache Tribal police officer, with one count of Engaging in Misleading Conduct to Hinder or Delay and one count of Corruptly Altering and Concealing Evidence.

    The indictment alleges that, at approximately 3:31 a.m. on November 23, 2023, Anderson was on-duty and was dispatched to conduct a welfare check of a body that had been observed on State Route 73, on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands. Anderson proceeded to the scene and discovered that the person was deceased. Anderson later acknowledged that only minutes before being dispatched to the scene, he had driven the same stretch of highway and felt a “bump” but continued southbound on SR 73 without stopping to investigate.

    Anderson actively took part in the police investigation into the pedestrian’s death. He spoke with paramedics, interviewed witnesses, briefed and directed officers, filled out an autopsy report, and notified the victim’s family of her death. The indictment alleges that Anderson did not inform his superiors or fellow officers about his likely involvement in the traffic fatality, but rather allowed the investigation to continue. It is further alleged that after returning to his home, Anderson removed the bumper from his patrol vehicle, which had been damaged in the accident, and concealed it. The next day, Anderson resigned from the police department.

    A conviction for each of the two alleged crimes carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the White Mountain Apache Tribe Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-08027-PHX-SPL
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-036_Anderson

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON— An Ohio man was sentenced to prison today after he previously pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Matthew Honigford, 31, of Delphos, Ohio, was sentenced to 19 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Honigford previously pleaded guilty to a felony offense of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers on Feb. 21, 2024.

                According to court documents, Honigford traveled from his home in Ohio to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C., near the Washington Monument. After the rally, Honigford made his way to the Southwest Plaza of the U.S. Capitol building with a large group of rioters. At approximately 2:30 p.m., court documents say that Honigford was positioned at the front of the crowd of rioters that had breached a police line and gained access to a set of stairs on the Southwest Plaza. There, rioters overwhelmed police, causing the officers to retreat. The mob, with Honigford at the front, pursued.

                On the Southwest Plaza, body-worn camera footage shows Honigford holding a flagpole horizontally in front of his body with both hands. He is then seen pushing the flagpole into a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer’s chest area, and a struggle ensued. Honigford then advanced with the crowd to the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol. The crowd then assembled on the steps in front of a police line that officers had formed with metal bike racks to act as a barrier against the crowd.

                Court documents say that from approximately 2:44 to 2:46 p.m., Honigford repeatedly touched or attempted to touch several MPD officers in the police line with his hands, stating he was praying for them. When officers asked Honigford to stop, Honigford responded, “How am I supposed to bless you guys?” Honigford continued to reach his hands out toward the officers until other rioters told him to stop, and he turned toward them to say, “I’m trying to f— pray, guys.”

                At about 2:46 p.m., Honigford grabbed a metal bike rack barricade and used his body to push it against the police line. An MPD officer pulled on Honigford’s jacket in an attempt to prevent him from pushing the barrier; however, Honigford leaned away and kicked the bike rack against the officer.

    The FBI arrested Honigford on Nov. 21, 2023, in Ohio.

                This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland and Washington Field Offices, which listed Honigford as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #506 on its seeking information photos. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance.

                In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former DEA Supervisory Agent Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Accepting Bribes from Drug Kingpin

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent was sentenced today for accepting bribes from a drug trafficker. Nathan Koen, 45, now of Auburn, Illinois, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

          Koen was charged by a federal grand jury in November 2019 with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and one count of bribery of a public official. In August 2021, he pleaded guilty to bribery in exchange for dismissal of the drug-related charge.

          During the sentencing hearing, which took place over two days and concluded today, Judge Miller found that Koen accepted bribes from a known, large-scale drug trafficker for the purpose of helping facilitate a drug conspiracy, and that the conspiracy involved at least 15 to 45 kilograms of methamphetamine. The drug trafficker testified during the hearing and explained that he believed Koen provided was providing sensitive, law-enforcement information, which helped the trafficker avoid detection by law enforcement and run his drug organization. The drug trafficker, who is in federal custody, stated that his organization was responsible for distributing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana.

          “This defendant’s actions are a disgrace to the thousands of dedicated law enforcement officers who work with integrity every day to protect and serve our communities,” stated United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. “His greed and deception have no place in law enforcement, and we are pleased to see this case come to its rightful conclusion.”

          In 2018, the FBI began investigating Koen, who had been working for DEA since 2002 and had transferred in 2016 to work as a Group Supervisor in the Little Rock DEA office from Jacksonville, Florida. FBI agents interviewed the drug trafficker who told law enforcement he had paid Koen cash for information and protection related to his drug-trafficking activities.

          The drug trafficker told FBI agents he had been in custody on federal drug charges in 2013-2014 when another inmate told him he should contact Koen and offer to work as an informant, which he did. After his case was resolved, the informant resumed distributing large amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine in Florida, California, Arkansas, and elsewhere, while making payments to Koen for protection. The informant paid approximately $31,500 to Koen before he began cooperating with the FBI.

          The informant began working with FBI, and he agreed to set up a controlled delivery of a bribe payment to Koen. Koen and the informant agreed to meet in Las Vegas on December 3, 2018. FBI agents equipped the informant with $9,000 cash and multiple audio recording devices. Koen and the informant met on the sidewalk across from the Bellagio hotel and walked together to the Paris Las Vegas hotel, where they went inside a bathroom away from casino cameras. Once inside, the informant placed the cash in Koen’s backpack, and they left the hotel, each going in different directions.

          Recordings of the encounter revealed that Koen asked the informant, “Did you make this worth it?” The informant responded, “Come on, man, you know I always make it worth it for you.” Koen responded, “I know.” Koen also advised the informant that he should get rid of all his phones and change his address because he expected a search warrant to be executed at his home soon. Koen was arrested when he returned to Arkansas later that day, and he admitted to accepting bribes from the informant.

          “By protecting a drug trafficking organization and accepting bribes from a drug kingpin, former Group Supervisor Nathan Koen deceived and betrayed his brothers and sisters in the DEA,” FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson said. “His disgraceful and corrupt conduct only strengthens our resolve to continue attacking corruption at all levels. We’re grateful for the strong, ongoing partnerships we share with both the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

          “Today’s sentencing reflects DEA’s commitment to hold accountable any DEA employee who abuses the trust of the American people by violating their oath as a federal law enforcement officer,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Nathan Koen put himself ahead of the principles he swore to protect. I commend our federal law enforcement partners who investigated this case and the U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted it.”

          “Koen turned his back on his duty to protect the public. As a DEA Agent, Koen was tasked with investigating drug traffickers. Instead, he accepted a cash bribe and provided a known drug trafficker with sensitive law enforcement information. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to investigate those who engage in this kind of conduct,” said Cloey C. Pierce, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Dallas Field Office.

          In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Miller also sentenced Koen to two years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benecia Moore and Chris Givens.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pryor Man Sentenced to Life After Jury Convicts Him of Aggravated and Abusive Child Sexual Abuse

    Source: US FBI

    TULSA, Okla. – Previously convicted by a jury in July, Adam Joseph King, was sentenced today for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 in Indian Country and Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor Under 12 in Indian Country.

    U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced King, 36, to life imprisonment on both counts.

    “King took advantage of a child entrusted in his care and continues to show no remorse for his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The only way to stop someone like King and protect the community is by giving him a lengthy prison sentence.”

    “The victim in the case was just eight years old when King began abusing her. Despite the trauma she endured, she found the courage to tell her story in court, and as a result this dangerous predator will now live behind bars where he can never harm another child,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Her resilience is a powerful reminder of why we do this work – to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and hold violent offenders accountable for their crimes.”

    Evidence presented to the jury showed that King repeatedly sexually abused his girlfriend’s child from age eight through eleven years old. King exploited the child that was in his care and warned the victim not to tell.

    The child victim testified about the sexual abuse she received and eventually reported the abuse to a school counselor. Experts further testified that the evidence collected from King’s bedroom matched the DNA of the child victim.

    The investigation showed that King and his girlfriend, the victim’s mother, denied any wrongdoing by King. Once the investigation began, the minor victim and sibling were removed from the home and placed in the custody of their grandparents, where they have remained.

    The minor victim is a tribal citizen. King will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

    The FBI, the Catoosa Police Department, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Matthew Cyran prosecuted the case.

    If you want to make a report of child sexual exploitation, you can use the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Little Rock Presents National Safe Online Surfing Award to LISA Academy West Elementary in Little Rock

    Source: US FBI

    LITTLE ROCK, AR—Today, LISA Academy West Elementary in Little Rock, Arkansas, was presented with the FBI Safe Online Surfing (FBI-SOS) Internet Challenge’s national award. Under the guidance of computer teacher Vickie Carroll, LISA Academy students scored a composite score of 95.33 percent to win the March 2022 award in the Starfish category. For the month of March 2022, a record-breaking 173,011 students from 2,086 schools across all 50 states and fpur U.S. territories participated in the FBI-SOS Internet Challenge.

    “The impressive accomplishment achieved by the students and teachers at LISA Academy West Elementary reflects highly upon Little Rock and the entire state of Arkansas,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “We hope Arkansas students and teachers continue to educate themselves through our SOS program about online safety.”

    “Educating students about staying safe online is extremely important to us at LISA Academy West Elementary,” said Vickie Carroll. “Our students completed several online courses on Internet safety to educate themselves and prepare for the FBI-SOS competition. They were thrilled to learn they placed first in the competition and were even more excited about meeting real-life FBI agents!”

    FBI-SOS is a free initiative designed to educate third through eighth-grade students about cyber safety. All public, private, and home schools are eligible to participate in this entertaining and educational web-based program which can be accessed year-round. The website features six grade-specific “islands” for students to visit. Each island includes games, videos, and interactive features which address the protection of personal information, password strength, cell phone safety, social networking, and online gaming safety. The videos also include real-life stories of kids who have encountered cyberbullies and online predators.

    Each month of the academic year, schools compete for the national award in one of three categories determined by the number of students participating from each school: Starfish (5-50 participants); Stingray (51-100); and Shark (100+). Kids and adults of all ages can explore the site, play the games, watch the videos, and learn about cyber safety. However, the competitive exam can only be taken by third to eighth-grade students whose classes have been registered by their teachers.

    The FBI-SOS Internet Challenge was developed with the assistance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children with input from teachers and schools throughout America. Visit the FBI-SOS website at sos.fbi.gov for more information or contact the FBI Little Rock Office Community Outreach Specialist at (501) 221-9100.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Warns Public to Beware of Scammers Impersonating FBI Agents and Other Government Officials

    Source: US FBI

    PORTLAND, OR—The FBI Portland Division has seen an increase in reports of scammers falsely representing themselves as FBI agents, or a representative of another government agency, and sending couriers to pick up cash or gold payments.

    Be advised, federal agencies do not call or e-mail individuals threatening arrest or demanding money. Scammers often spoof caller ID information, and these phone calls are fraudulent even if they appear to be coming from an agency’s legitimate phone number. Recipients should hang up immediately and report the call.

    There are many versions of the government impersonation scam, and they all exploit intimidation tactics. Typically, scammers will use an urgent and aggressive tone, refusing to speak to or leave a message with anyone other than their targeted victim; and will urge victims not to tell anyone else, including family, friends, or financial institutions, about what is occurring.

    Payment is demanded in various forms, in this new version of the scam, victims are asked to withdraw money as either cash or gold and give that to a courier who arrives at their home. Other tactics include prepaid cards, wire transfers, and cash, sent by mail or inserted into cryptocurrency ATMs. Victims are asked to read prepaid card numbers over the phone or text a picture of the card.

    According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), 14,190 people reported being victims of government impersonation scams in 2023, with losses totaling more than $394 million dollars. Here in the Portland Division, which includes all of Oregon, financial losses exceeded $1.7 million dollars in 2023.

    The scammers typically target older adults. In 2023, almost half the complainants reported to be over 60 (40%), and experienced 58% of the losses (almost $770 million) nationally. Complainants over the age of 60 lost more to these scams than all other age groups combined, and reportedly remortgaged/foreclosed homes, emptied retirement accounts, and borrowed from family and friends to cover losses in these scams. Some incidents have resulted in suicide because of shame or loss of sustainable income.

    The FBI will never:

    • Call or e-mail private citizens to demand payment or threaten arrest. You will also not be asked to wire a “settlement” to avoid arrest.
    • Ask you to use large sums of your own money to help catch a criminal.
    • Ask you for wire transfers or gift cards.
    • Call you about “frozen” Social Security numbers or to coordinate inheritances.

    Scams impersonating the FBI and other government agencies are a persistent problem and can also occur via e-mail. Common hallmarks of a scam e-mail include misspellings, missing words, and incorrect grammar. Fraudulent e-mails may give the appearance of legitimacy by using pictures of the FBI Director and/or the FBI seal and letterhead.

    Members of the public seeking to confirm that they have been contacted by an actual FBI employee are encouraged to call the FBI Portland Division at 503-224-4181 and ask to be connected directly.

    If you think you are a victim of this, or any other online scam please file a report with your local law enforcement agency and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.

    More information about government impersonation schemes and other online fraud schemes can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    FAYETTEVILLE – A Tontitown man was sentenced today to 600 months in prison without the possibility of parole on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via Production of Child Pornography. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.

    According to court documents, in July 2021 Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations received a lead regarding the exchange of child sexual abuse material between an individual in Florida with a user located in Tontitown, Arkansas. The investigation led the FBI to Joshua Paul Brown, 32.

    A residential search warrant was obtained and executed at Brown’s residence. Subsequent forensic examination of the electronics taken from Brown’s residence revealed Brown had produced multiple videos of child sexual abuse material with a minor. 

    Brown was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in November 2021 and entered a plea of guilty in February 2022.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The FBI, Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Tontitown Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Winnie Ho concludes Paris visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho concluded her visit to Paris, France, yesterday by meeting a representative of a social housing association, a renowned urban planner and government officials there.

     

    In the morning, Ms Ho met a representative of CDC Habitat, a social housing association in France, to learn more about the mode of operation, development strategies, and challenges of social housing there. She also devoted time to highlight Hong Kong’s situation and the various housing initiatives being implemented by the Housing Bureau.

     

    Ms Ho then visited an integrated residential and commercial community comprising social housing, which was transformed from the Olympic Athletes’ Village, to learn about sustainable urban development.

     

    While meeting a renowned urban planner, IAE Paris Sorbonne Business School Associate Professor Carlos Moreno, Ms Ho shared her vision and thoughts on sustainable urban planning and design.

     

    Prof Moreno put forward the urban planning concept of the “15-minute city”, which aims to enable residents in a community to meet their daily needs for food, clothing, housing and transport within a 15-minute walking or cycling distance and enhance environmental sustainability.

     

    Ms Ho pointed out that this coincides with the planning concept of the Housing Authority’s new public housing estates and cited Queen’s Hill Estate as an example, demonstrating the planning of a resident-oriented, self-sufficient community that embraces cultural heritage and blends with nature to create a sustainable community. Prof Moreno expressed his wish to have the opportunity to visit Hong Kong in the future.

     

    In the evening, Ms Ho met Advisor to the Mayor on housing, urban planning, architecture, land development Renaud Paque, and Director of Housing & Habitat Doan Lebel to exchange views on public housing policies and experiences on sustainable urbanisation and urban planning concepts.

     

    Concluding the trip, Ms Ho stated that this visit tied in with the Housing Bureau’s Housing•I&T initiative this year, introducing the latest developments of advanced technology companies from Hong Kong and the Mainland in the areas of construction technologies, public housing, green building, etc, as well as demonstrating to the world the application of technologies such as Modular Integrated Construction and construction robots that help enhance construction efficiency and safety.

     

    The housing chief emphasised that the Government will actively make reference to overseas experiences on decarbonisation and energy-saving technologies, and fully capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantages, reinforce connectivity, and play the role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”.

     

    “I expect that the two cities will maintain liaison and strengthen exchanges in areas such as innovative building technologies, public housing construction, green buildings, well-being communities, and enhancing the housing ladder to give new impetus to public housing construction,” Ms Ho added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Cleveland Seeking Candidates to Fill Two Mission Critical Positions for Its Downtown Cleveland Location

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND, OH—FBI Cleveland announced it is seeking candidates to fill two positions during a mission-critical hiring campaign for its downtown Cleveland field office:

    Data Analyst

    This on-site role is well suited for the candidate with coding, mathematics, statistics, data analysis, and data visualization experience. Candidates must have the following education or combination of education and work experience, including a bachelor’s degree from a U.S.-accredited college or university in:

    • Computer Science
    • Engineering
    • Information Science
    • Information Systems Management
    • Mathematics
    • Operations Research
    • Statistics – Technology Management

    or, a combination of education and experience, to include 24 course hours in one or more of the fields above. Starting at $44k – range to $123,584

    Digital Operations Specialist

    This role is ideal for the technical expert who will serve on our investigative teams and specialize in criminals’ use of technology. The incumbent will be skilled in computer science and familiarity with different operating systems, physical computer components and architectures, virtual machines, and scripting. Additionally, have knowledge of networking and routing protocols, network securities methodologies, and operations of various communications media, and knowledge of common computer and network methods of infection, and attack methods and techniques.

    Candidates must have a combination of education and work experience, including a bachelor’s degree from a U.S.-accredited college in a related discipline. Starting at $55k – range to $90k.

    The FBI offers a full suite of benefits, including annual leave, 11 federal holidays, sick leave starting at 13 days, Military and Parental leave, wellness hours, and free on-site parking. For a complete listing of benefits and FBI employment eligibility requirements, visit FBIjobs.gov.

    Interested candidates for these positions can send their resumes directly to the hiring manager at Applicants.cv@fbi.gov with the name of the position in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

    The FBI is the nation’s premier law enforcement agency with a worldwide presence and 56 field offices across the United States and serves to uphold the U.S. Constitution and protect the American Public. FBI Cleveland covers the 40 northern-most counties of the state encompassing close to 6 million people and is home to over 300 Special Agents and professional staff among its downtown Cleveland headquarters and eight resident agencies.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Travel with Intent to Engage in Unlawful Sexual Activity

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Frank Twing, Sr., age 33, of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, pled guilty today to one count of sexual exploitation of a child involving a then-15-year-old victim and one count of travel with intent to engage in unlawful sexual conduct involving an approximately 12-year-old victim. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Twing admitted that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old child during which he created sexually explicit videos depicting that child. He also admitted to traveling from his home in Massachusetts to New York, planning to have sex with an approximately 12-year-old child.

    At sentencing scheduled for March 6, 2025, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, Twing faces a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of 15 years and a maximum imprisonment term of 60 years, post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, a fine of up to $250,000, special assessments, restitution to the victims, and forfeiture of the property he used to commit he offenses. Twing also will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

    This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the New York State Police, and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, which itself also assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Benjamin A. Gillis are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Honors Anchorage Community Leader with National Award

    Source: US FBI

    On May 5, FBI Director Christopher Wray presented Josie Heyano with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for her service to the people of Alaska. Heyano has made significant contributions not only as an on-site clinical provider at a shelter for youth experiencing homelessness, but also in her tireless efforts to combat human trafficking. 

    The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence. The FBI’s 56 field offices select the recipients annually for this honor.

    During the May 5 ceremony, Director Wray told the recipients: “Like the 38,000 employees of the FBI, you don’t do what you do for fame—and certainly not for fortune. You do it out of kindness, out of compassion for others, out of a hope and a dream for safer communities … to leave your towns and cities better places than when you got there.  And that’s how I’ve defined success here within our organization, too. Success to me is if everyone leaves the FBI a better place than they found it.”

    Using a collaborative stakeholder approach, Heyano’s human trafficking awareness and response efforts are aimed at the enhancement of data collection across services and disciplines, training opportunities, identification of barriers to screen and identify victims, and gaps in services. She has not only enhanced law enforcement intelligence, collaboration, and training, but also provided essential support to victims of human trafficking, while working to bring justice to those responsible for their exploitation. 

    “It is an honor to receive this award, to serve my community and to work alongside so many fiercely compassionate people,” Heyano said. “Thank you to the FBI for this humbling recognition and to my colleagues, clients and family for their wisdom and support.”

    “FBI Anchorage is honored to recognize Ms. Heyano for her extraordinary efforts serving vulnerable populations in Alaska, where her contributions have enhanced the FBI’s mission of justice and victim support,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Donald W. Lee II of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Through her advocacy and human trafficking response efforts, she has made a lasting impact on our community.”

    Director Wray hosted the 2022 DCLA winners in a special ceremony at FBI Headquarters on May 5 emphasizing the importance of partnerships in keeping our shared communities safe. These partnerships—as exemplified by the breadth of the work by the DCLA recipients—have led to a host of crime prevention programs that protect the most vulnerable in our communities, educate families and businesses about cyber threats, and work to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods. Learn more about the DCLA program, the FBI’s general outreach efforts, and the Anchorage Field Office online.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Topping out ceremony marks milestone for affordable homes in Marston 

    Source: City of Oxford

    A traditional topping out ceremony has marked a major milestone in the construction of 40 new affordable homes in Marston. 

    The low-carbon development will be delivered in partnership by Oxford City Council’s housing company, OX Place, and Lucy Developments.  

    Representatives from the organisations gathered this week to celebrate the reaching the highest point of development at the former paddock off Butts Lane in Old Marston.  

    An ancient tradition 

    Topping out is a long-standing tradition in the construction industry, with roots going back to Saxon times, celebrating a building reaching its highest point. In keeping with tradition, a yew tree branch, a symbol of growth and prosperity, was fixed in place at the top of Marston Paddock. 

    Affordable and sustainable homes for Oxford 

    Due for completion in Autumn 2025, Marston Paddock will offer 40 affordable homes. This includes 21 council homes let at social rent for people on the housing register and 19 shared ownership homes. 

    Social rent levels mean council tenants will typically pay around 40% of the rent a private landlord would charge for the same home. Shared ownership is a flexible option which helps a range of people onto the housing ladder in one of the UK’s most unaffordable cities.  

    The new homes have been designed to go 56% beyond national carbon reduction targets, using a fabric-first approach, air source heat pumps, and mechanical ventilation heat recovery. 

    The development promotes sustainable travel with secure cycle storage, electric vehicle charging, and a new cycle link to the A40 path. 

    Comment 

    “Topping out is a proud moment in any development and it’s brilliant to celebrate this milestone at Marston Paddock. This is a beautiful, sustainable development that will deliver 40 genuinely affordable homes for people in Oxford who need them most.” 

    Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies 

    “OX Place is proud to be working with Lucy Developments to deliver these much-needed homes. From affordability to sustainability, Marston Paddock shows what’s possible when we build with people and the planet in mind.” 

    Kevin Lowry, Interim Managing Director, OX Place 

    “We’re proud to be partnering with OX Place on a project that demonstrates how quality, sustainability, and affordability can go hand in hand. Reaching this milestone at Marston Paddock is a testament to the shared commitment of our teams to deliver homes that will have a lasting positive impact on the community and environment.” 

    Greg Hilton, Head of Lucy Developments 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dan Cohen becomes the 131st Lord Mayor of Leeds

    Source: City of Leeds

    Councillor Dan Cohen became the new Lord Mayor of Leeds yesterday, following Leeds City Council’s annual general meeting.

    Taking over the role from Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Councillor Cohen is the 131st Lord Mayor of Leeds. He will be joined in his mayoral year by his wife, Mrs Elayna Cohen, who will take on the role of Lady Mayoress.

    Above: Councillor Dan Cohen (centre right) with the former Lord Mayor, Abigail Marshall Katung (centre left), the Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis (right), and the political group leaders following yesterday’s ceremony. 

    Born in Alwoodley, Councillor Cohen attended Leeds Grammar School before reading law at Northumbria University. Graduating in 1996 and after training as a solicitor, Councillor Cohen spent most of his working career as managing director and head of in-house legal at Madison Hosiery; a leading Leeds small and medium enterprise importing and distributing hosiery to the country’s major retailers, a family business started by his father Henry Cohen in the 1960’s.

    Councillor Cohen was elected to Leeds City Council for the Alwoodley ward in May 2011 and has since built a reputation as an effective and dynamic ward councillor, together with chairing the council’s Children and Families Scrutiny Board.

    Above: The new Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen. 

    Alongside his council role, Councillor Cohen is also head of in-house legal at The Cohen Foundation, Chair of Governors at Leeds Jewish Free School, which he helped found in 2013, together with being a governor at Brodetsky Primary School, Highfield Primary School, and Allerton High School.

    As is traditional for a new Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Cohen has nominated a charity to represent during his term of office and has chosen Leeds Mencap.

    Leeds Mencap is a local, independent charity supporting children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and other additional needs to feel valued, supported and equipped to thrive.

    Rabbi Anthony Gilbert has kindly agreed to act as the Lord Mayor’s chaplain during his year of office.

    Above: The new Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen.

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen, said: “I am honoured and hugely humbled to become the 131st Lord Mayor of Leeds, especially as we move into our city’s 400th birthday year.”

    “As a Leeds boy, it means the world to be able to serve my city in this way. Leeds is an amazing, vibrant, diverse, and dynamic city, and its citizens reflect all those qualities in bucketfuls. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to have this chance to serve my home city as its Lord Mayor.

    “It is also an honour to be representing such a worthwhile charity as Leeds Mencap throughout my mayoral year. I will do all I can throughout my tenure to raise the profile and much-needed funds for this fantastic organisation.”

    Above: The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen and the Lady Mayoress, Elayna Cohen. 

    The new Lady Mayoress, Elayna Cohen, said: “I’m very honoured to become Lady Mayoress and I’m really looking forward to supporting Dan in his Mayoral duties throughout the coming year.

    “It will be such an honour to meet so many people, doing fantastic work for our city and the community, and to have the opportunity to thank and recognise everyone for all they do to make our city the very best place to live in the UK.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Santa Maria Man Charged in Federal Complaint Alleging He Injured Five People in Bomb Attack in Lobby of County Courthouse

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County man was charged today in a federal criminal complaint alleging he committed a bomb attack at a courthouse in Santa Maria on Wednesday, in which at least five people were injured.

    Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, is charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive. 

    McGuire, who was arrested Wednesday shortly after the attack, is expected to make his initial appearance Friday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. 

    According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, on September 25, McGuire entered a courthouse of Santa Barbara County Superior Court and threw a bag into the lobby. The bag exploded and McGuire left the courthouse on foot. The explosion injured at least five people who were present at the courthouse at that time.

    Shortly thereafter, McGuire was apprehended and detained by Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies as he was trying to access a red Ford Mustang car parked outside the building. McGuire allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel.

    Inside the car, a deputy saw ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks. A search of the car revealed a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe.

    A search of McGuire’s residence revealed an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material.

    “This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed a cache of weapons that would have allowed him to wreak even greater destruction had he not been stopped. Attacks on our courts, law enforcement officers, and other public servants are unacceptable, and it is critical that those who carry out such assaults be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

    “The idea of intentionally setting off an explosive device to do harm and avoid justice in the process shocks the conscience,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Make no mistake, we are committed to holding Mr. McGuire accountable for this blatant act of violence. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety.”

    “This was a shocking and unprecedented crime in our county, but, in spite of its audacity, the security of the Santa Maria courthouse was maintained,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. “The suspect was swiftly apprehended by a court security officer, a sheriff’s deputy, two California Highway Patrol officers, and a district attorney’s investigator; we are proud of their resolute actions that almost certainly prevented further violence. We are also grateful for the substantial investigative assistance that has been provided by our colleagues with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and from U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada and his office.”

    A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted, McGuire would face a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.

    The FBI and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Friend and Business Partner of GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 19, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – Matthew Isaac Wolfe was sentenced in federal court today to 14 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy with Michael Pratt, owner of the website GirlsDoPorn, and others, to deceive and coerce young women into appearing in pornographic videos. A restitution hearing is scheduled for May 7, 2024 at 10 a.m.

    The conspiracy included recruiting the victims from throughout the United States and Canada using internet advertisements for clothed modeling jobs. Even after the victims learned the gig involved an adult video-shoot, Wolfe admitted to persuading women to appear in the videos by telling them that the videos would never be posted online, that the videos would never be released in the United States, and that no one who knew the women would ever find out about the videos, representations he knew to be false. In truth, the videos were exclusively marketed and distributed on the internet. Not only did Wolfe lie to the women, he also instructed others to do so. Wolfe told co-defendant Theodore Gyi, the cameraman on hundreds of GirlsDoPorn video shoots, that if asked, he should lie to the women and tell them the videos would not be posted on the internet.

    Most of the video shoots took place in San Diego – at local hotels and short-term rental units.  Although the women were promised that the video shoots would be brief, they often took hours. Once the video productions began, some women were not permitted to leave the shooting locations until the videos were completed; some were threatened with lawsuits or cancelled flights home if they did not complete the videos; and others were allegedly forced to perform certain sex acts, which they had earlier declined to do.

    After the victims returned home, still believing that they would remain anonymous, clips of the videos were posted on heavily trafficked adult film sites, like Pornhub, meant to funnel viewers to the full-length versions of the videos on Pratt’s website, GirlsDoPorn. Pratt charged visitors to GirlsDoPorn a subscription fee and generated more than $17 million in revenue. 

    Wolfe pleaded guilty to the conspiracy on July 26, 2022, admitting he moved to the United States from New Zealand in 2011 to work for Pratt and had a wide range of responsibilities. He filmed approximately 100 videos; uploaded finished videos onto the internet; oversaw the company’s financial books; and operated various business entities that were used to promote the business. Wolfe worked at GirlsDoPorn from 2011 until his arrest in October 2019.

    During hearings today and on January 22, 2024, approximately 30 survivors asked a federal judge to impose a significant sentence, describing how the actions of Wolfe and his co-defendants destroyed their lives. Survivors, many of them college students at the time, described answering what they thought were legitimate modeling ads and flying to San Diego for paid modeling gigs, only to be forced to perform sexual acts on camera.

    The women spoke of struggling with substance and alcohol abuse, anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and post-traumatic stress syndrome in the aftermath of their videos going viral. Some spoke of lost relationships with friends and family; others dropped out of school; and others went into hiding.

    One of the women said: “I was robbed of my privacy, my dignity, and my peace of mind… But worst of all, I was robbed of my identity. I was once viewed as a beautiful, fun-loving and strong woman who was known for her athleticism and ability to make just about anyone laugh. I was a caring friend and a daughter my parents were proud of. Mr. Wolfe shattered who I was…Today I’m taking my identity back. I am not a victim. I’m a survivor.”

    One woman recalled the day she learned that her pornographic video received more than 300 million views on Pornhub, one of the most-visited websites in the world.

    “That ad seemed harmless, but it wrecked my entire life. In an instant, the life I had was gone: My hopes gone, my relationships gone, everything was gone…The fall-out from the videos spread to every part of my life like cancer, and that cancer remains to this day, making it virtually impossible for me to start a new life. I lost my modeling career, my college years, my whole twenties, my name, my career path, my friends, and my family. Everything I had built was gone, and so too was my future. Doors that were once opened were slammed in my face…Matthew Wolfe stole my life, and it wasn’t just my life. He stole hundreds of lives. What kind of price do you put on a life? Mr. Wolfe deserves a jail sentence that accounts for each and every life he has stolen.”

    Another woman told the court: “It’s been nearly 3,650 days of living in a tortuous purgatory, but today marks a major milestone in my recovery. Today there’s a shift in the winds. Today is the day all the survivors get their voices back. Today is the day we get to be heard.”

    Wolfe also admitted he was aware that personal identifying information and social media accounts for some women were being posted on pornwikileaks.com, a site controlled by Pratt and dedicated to “exposing” the true identities of individuals appearing in pornographic videos, causing the victims to be subjected to severe harassment. Even after Wolfe became aware of this, he and others continued to assure prospective models that no one would ever find out about their video shoot or learn their identity.

    “We applaud all survivors who courageously speak out in pursuit of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Their voices rang out in the courtroom today, and we stand beside them in holding Mr. Wolfe accountable for the incredible pain and suffering he caused.”

    “Matthew Wolfe’s willingness to use deception, coercion and intimidation to exploit young women paints a sordid picture of the lengths some people will go just to make money,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Wolfe’s sentencing today, and any past or future sentencings related to this case, are small slivers of justice for the victims, but ultimately don’t fully heal the deep pain spawned by Mr. Wolfe and the other defendants.”

    Co-defendant Michael Pratt made his first appearance today after being extradited from Spain following more than three years as an international fugitive. In 2022, Pratt was named to the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list.

    Ruben Andre Garcia, the recruiter and male model, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on June 14, 2021. Theodore Gyi was sentenced to four years in prison on November 9, 2022. Valorie Moser, the office manager, is set for sentencing on August 9, 2024.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 19cr4488                       

    Michael James Pratt                                        Age:       36                 Unknown

    Matthew Isaac Wolfe                                      Age        37                     San Diego, CA

    Ruben Andre Garcia                                       Age:       31                      San Diego, CA

    Theodore Gyi                                                  Age,       46                        Solana Beach, CA  

    Valorie Moser                                                 Age:       37                       San Diego, CA

    CHARGES

    Count 1

    Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud and Coercion, 18 U.S.C. § 1594

    Maximum Penalty:  Life in prison, $250,000 fine.

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    FBI – Southern District of California

    U.S. Marshals Service

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Extradited to Face Sex Trafficking Charges

    Source: US FBI

    SAN DIEGO – Michael Pratt, the alleged mastermind behind the GirlsDoPorn commercial sex trafficking ring, made his first appearance in federal court today following his extradition from Spain Monday night.

    Pratt, who was the owner of the website GirlsDoPorn, was charged in October 2019 in the Southern District of California with sex trafficking crimes in connection with a scheme to deceive and coerce young women to appear in pornographic videos. Pratt was an international fugitive for more than three years before he was arrested in Spain in December 2022. Earlier in 2022, he was named to the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list.

    At today’s hearing, Pratt was arraigned and entered a not-guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Butcher. A detention hearing is scheduled for March 21 at 3 p.m. before Judge Butcher, followed by a motion hearing/trial setting on April 19 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.

    “We cast a wide net in search of Mr. Pratt and now that he is in San Diego, we are prepared to bring him to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “We extend our deep appreciation to the government of Spain for its assistance in securing his arrest and extradition.”

    “Michael Pratt’s initial appearance in San Diego is tangible proof that the pursuit of justice never stops, regardless of length of time or location,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “Pratt’s arrest and extradition back to the United States reflects a great collaboration among multiple agencies, both in the United States and Spain who were dedicated to seeking justice for the young women he allegedly victimized. This large, internationally coordinated effort could not have been successful without support from our law enforcement partners in Spain, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Justice, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

    According to public court filings, Pratt and his co-defendants used force, fraud, and coercion to recruit hundreds of young adult women – most in their late teens – and at least one minor victim, to appear in GirlsDoPorn videos.

    Pratt is accused of recruiting the victims from throughout the United States and Canada using internet advertisements for clothed modeling jobs. Even after the victims were told the gig involved an adult video-shoot, Pratt and his co-defendants convinced the women that their videos would be provided solely to private collectors on DVD in foreign countries, that they would remain anonymous, and that the videos would not be posted on the internet – assurances that Pratt and his co-defendants knew to be false.

    Most of the video shoots took place in San Diego – at local hotels and short-term rental units.  Although the women were promised that the video shoots would be brief, they often took hours. Once the video productions began, some women were not permitted to leave the shooting locations until the videos were completed; some were threatened with lawsuits or cancelled flights home if they did not complete the videos; and others were allegedly forced to perform certain sex acts, which they had earlier declined to do.

    After the victims returned home, still believing that they would remain anonymous, Pratt and his co-defendants posted clips of the videos on heavily trafficked adult film sites, like Pornhub, to funnel traffic to the full-length versions of the videos on his website, GirlsDoPorn. Pratt charged visitors to GirlsDoPorn a subscription fee. The site generated more than $17 million in revenue for Pratt.

    Pratt faces 19 felony counts stemming from the operation of GirlsDoPorn. The charges include:

    •           Fifteen counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion;

    •           Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion;

    •           Production of child pornography;

    •           Sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, and coercion; and

    •           Conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California recognizes the outstanding efforts of the FBI in San Diego; the FBI Legal Attaché in Spain; the U.S. Marshals Service; Spain’s Ministry of Justice; and law enforcement officials in Spain and Portugal; as well as the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, for their substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Pratt.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 19cr4488                                   

    Michael James Pratt                                        Age:       36                 Unknown

    Matthew Isaac Wolfe                                      Age        37                     San Diego, CA

    Ruben Andre Garcia                                       Age:       31                      San Diego, CA

    Theodore Gyi                                                  Age,       46                        Solana Beach, CA  

    Valorie Moser                                                 Age:       37                       San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES IN SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT

    Count 1

    Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud and Coercion, 18 U.S.C. § 1594

    Maximum Penalty:  Life in prison, $250,000 fine.

    Counts 2-16

    Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud and Coercion 18 U.S.C. §1591(a) and (b)(1)

    Minimum penalty: Fifteen years in prison; Maximum penalty: life in custody, $250,000 fine.

    Count 17

    Production of Child Pornography, 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) and (e)

     Minimum penalty: Fifteen years in prison; Maximum penalty: thirty years in prison, $250,000 fine.

    Count 18

    Sex Trafficking of a Minor and By Force, Fraud and Coercion, 18 U.S.C. § 1591(a)(1), (a)(2), and (c)

    Minimum penalty: Fifteen years in prison; Maximum penalty: life in custody, $250,000 fine.

    Count 19

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A)(i) and 1956(h).

    Civil penalty of the greater of (A) the value of the property, fund or monetary instruments involved in the transaction or (B) $10,000

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    FBI – Southern District of California and Legal Attaché in Spain

    U.S. Marshals Service

    U.S. Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

    Spanish National Police

    Spain’s Ministry of Justice

    Spain’s Ministry of Interior

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced for More Than $500,000 COVID-19 Relief Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced yesterday to two years and four months in prison for fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program loans that the Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and then laundering the money through family, friends, and others.

    According to court documents, Brandon Casutt, 52, of Henderson, submitted multiple false and fraudulent applications to the SBA and four SBA lenders on behalf of two entities he controlled, seeking to fraudulently obtain more than $5.7 million. Two of Casutt’s fraudulent applications ultimately received funding: a PPP loan for approximately $350,000 in the name of a purported business called Sky DeSign, and an EIDL program loan for approximately $150,000 in the name of a purported charity called Skyler’s CF Foundation. While the loan applications affirmed falsely that each entity had numerous employees, significant payroll expenses, and substantial revenue, neither entity had employees nor paid any wages.

    After receiving the PPP money, Casutt laundered it by writing dozens of fake payroll checks – each in the amount of approximately $8,330 – to himself, family members, and friends. On many of the checks, Casutt falsely wrote “pandemic pay” or “back pay” in the check memo. Casutt cashed or deposited these fake paychecks. Then, within days and at Casutt’s direction, the money was diverted back to a bank account under Casutt’s control. Casutt then used the money to buy a house in Henderson.

    On Aug. 26, 2020, Casutt pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of concealment money laundering.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Al Childress of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.

    IRS-CI and the FBI Las Vegas Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Sara Hallmark and Assistant Chief Cory E. Jacobs of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric C. Schmale for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Daniel Hollingsworth for the District of Nevada.

    In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crew Member Sentenced to 19 Years for East Coast Gun-Point Robberies of Six South Asian Jewelers that Netted Millions

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – William Hunter, 28, of Washington D.C., was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 228 months in federal prison for participating in a multi-state string of violent gun-point robberies of South Asian jewelry stores that netted millions of dollars in cash and gold for the 15-member crew, allegedly led by Trevor Wright, aka rapper “Taliban Glizzy.”

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony A. Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office; FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado of the Newark Field Office; U.S. Marshal Peter Marketos of the United States Marshals Service; and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Hunter, aka “Ill Will,” pleaded guilty on September 4, 2024 to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery) and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. In his plea, Hunter accepted responsibility for six robberies across Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania that not only stole millions of dollars in jewelry, but terrorized multiple victims and left behind a wake of destruction and financial loss. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered Hunter to serve 48 months of supervised release.

                According to court documents, over the course of 18 months, Hunter and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to rob multiple South Asian jewelry stores of heavy gold jewelry of high purity. The conspiracy began in January 2022 and continued until August 2023 when several of the co-conspirators had been charged and arrested.

                Each robbery was carefully coordinated in advance of its commission and employed a similar modus operandi, one that the co-conspirators seemed to hone and perfect over time and with each new criminal act. The co-conspirators researched stores to select their targets before meeting in Washington, D.C. and traveling in one or more getaway vehicles to the stores. To evade law enforcement detection, some of the suspect vehicles were stolen or outfitted with stolen tags. At least one of the vehicles was carjacked by Hunter and others at gunpoint on September 11, 2022, and later used in a robbery on September 20, 2022.

                The co-conspirators often cased the stores in advance of the robbery and gained access by a variety of means, including using sledgehammers to shatter a store’s door or windows before storming in. The co-conspirators employed a show of force to gain compliance from their victims, with at least one co-conspirator armed with a firearm in each instance. They used hammers to smash the glass display cases, filling bags with gold jewelry and resulting in significant damage throughout the stores. In every single instance, however, Hunter and his co-conspirators terrorized the store’s owners, employees, and customers by engaging in an armed takeover of the store and then ransacking it before fleeing.

                Often, following the robberies, the stolen gold would be melted to bars and ultimately converted to cash. Hunter and his co-conspirators would then flaunt their ill-gotten gains on social media.   

                On March 6, 2023, in Washington, D.C., law enforcement arrested Hunter on an outstanding arrest warrant issued out of Maryland arising from an October 22, 2022, armed carjacking. At the time of his arrest, Hunter had a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number in his waistband. That same day, law enforcement executed a residential warrant at Hunter’s D.C. residence and recovered, among other items, 135 live rounds of assorted ammunition, four rifle magazines, one speed loader, and an AR-15 rifle drum magazine. They also recovered clothing that appeared consistent with some worn by Hunter during the commission of robberies, along with a crowbar and a hammer.

                In April 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Hunter and Trevor Wright, aka rapper “Taliban Glizzy,” in connection with the armed robbery of Paradise Jewelry Store. On August 17, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 19-count Superseding Indictment, charging Hunter and his co-conspirators in connection with nine armed robberies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia, with substantial planning and coordination occurring in D.C. On March 12, 2024, a Second Superseding Indictment was filed, adding charges related to two additional robberies, including one in D.C., as well as charges related to the recovery of firearms and narcotics from multiple residences associated with the various co-conspirators.

                According to his plea agreement, Hunter accepted responsibility for his roles in: (1) the January 7, 2022, armed robbery of Yasini Jewelers in Falls Church, Virginia; (2) the September 20, 2022, armed robbery of Sonia Jewelers and Boutique in Springfield, Virginia; (3) the October 25, 2022, armed robbery of Paradise Jewelry in Paterson, New Jersey; (4) the November 10, 2022, armed robbery of Baral Jewelers and Gift Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; (5) the November 27, 2022, armed robbery of Sara Emporium Jewelry in Jersey City, New Jersey; and (6) the January 27, 2023, armed robbery of Princess Diamonds in Falls Church, Virginia.

                This case was investigated by the ATF, Metropolitan Police Department, and FBI Newark and Washington Field Offices. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Andrea Duvall.

    DEFENDANT

    AKA

    HOME

    		 CHARGES/SENTENCE
    Trevor Wright, 33 Taliban Glizzy Washington DC Interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; money laundering; conspiracy to engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.
    William Hunter, 28 Ill Will Washington DC Sentenced to 228 months on Dec. 11, 2024, after pleading guilty to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery); and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Avery Fuller, 29 Deavry Cordell Fuller,  Fully Ace Washington DC Pending sentencing after pleading guilty in the Middle District of Florida to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Franklin Hunter, 30 Gino Washington DC Interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence;  conspiracy to engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.
    Davon Johnson, 31 YB Washington DC Sentenced to 111 months on November 20, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Decarlos Hill, 30 Los Maryland Sentenced to 57 months on November 6, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.
    Lamont Marable, 28   Washington DC Sentenced to 93 months on November 11, 2024, for interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Keith McDuffie, 27   California Interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Jameise Christian, 33 Safety, Safe, Safe Play Washington DC Pending sentencing after pleading guilty in the Middle District of Florida to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Andrew Smith, 30 Drewso, Drew Maryland Sentenced to 138 months in prison on October 17, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Robert Sheffield, 33 Real Lifaa Washington DC Interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; felon in possession of a firearm.
    Jaylaun Brown, 22 Lil Launy Washington DC Conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery).
    Timothy Conrad, 33 Twin Washington DC Sentenced to 168 months on October 1, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Antonio Tate, 21   Washington DC Sentenced to 120 months for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Delonte Martin, 35   Washington DC Sentenced to 108 months for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

    Photo introduced into evidence depicts the robbery of $250,000 in jewelry from Princess Diamonds in Falls Church, Virginia

    Surveillance photo depicts William Hunter walking with a tray of jewelry in one hand and a gun in the other during the January 7, 2022, armed robbery of Yasini Jewelers.

    Images posted on October 29 and November 1, 2022, to Hunter’s Instagram account depict him with stacks of cash, a firearm, and a wristwatch.

    23cr137

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Little Rock Man Guilty of Sex Trafficking; Distribution and Production of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock man has been convicted of four sex offenses at the conclusion of a three-day trial. A federal jury found KeShawn Boykins, 27, guilty on all four counts for which he was indicted: two counts of sex trafficking, distribution of child pornography, and production of child pornography.

          The jury returned their verdict this afternoon after deliberating for just under three hours. United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr., presided over the trial, and Judge Moody will sentence Boykins at a later date. 

          “This defendant physically abused his victims in order to maintain control over them and profit from the sexual acts he forced them to perform,” said Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Today’s verdict sends a clear message to those who engage in these violent acts: you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent available to us under federal law.”

          Testimony during the trial established that in October 2018, a 19-year-old female identified as H.E. notified employees at Walmart in Maumelle, Arkansas, that she needed to escape from the man she was with. The employees contacted police, and H.E. told law enforcement she had met Boykins five days earlier and exchanged numbers. H.E. had been kicked out of her parents’ home, and Boykins offered for her to live with him, which she agreed to do.

          When H.E. arrived at Boykins’ apartment, she learned he was living with a 17-year-old female, identified as T.M., an adult woman, and others. The defendant made a profile for H.E. on an online dating website. Two days after moving in, the defendant told H.E. she had two “dinners” to attend. T.M. had already told H.E. that these dates meant H.E. would be expected to have sex for money. H.E. testified at trial that when she told Boykins she did not want to go, he threw her on the floor, choked her, and continued to physically abuse her. H.E. escaped during a trip to Walmart the following day.

          T.M. testified at trial that the defendant used an online dating website to arrange dates for her, and that if she came back with less money than Boykins expected, he would hit her. He never allowed her to keep any of the money and, due to her repeated attempts to leave, he routinely physically abused her.

          Evidence at trial indicated that Boykins’ phone contained multiple messages in which he arranged dates for both T.M. and H.E. He sent sexually explicit photos of both T.M. and H.E. while attempting to set up dates. The photos of T.M., taken when she was a minor, led to Boykins’ conviction on the child pornography charges.

          “Mr. Boykins produced child sexual abuse material and lured a vulnerable minor into the reprehensible world of sex trafficking,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “His abominable actions highlight the pervasive threat Arkansas children and families face on a daily basis. FBI Little Rock will continue to work with our local police partners and federal prosecutors to protect our communities from vile child predators.”

          The statutory penalty for sex trafficking ranges from not less than 15 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment. The statutory penalty for distribution of child pornography is not less than five years and not more than 20 years imprisonment. The statutory penalty for production of child pornography is not less than 15 years imprisonment and not more than 30 years imprisonment. All offenses of conviction include a potential penalty of not more than a $250,000 fine and not less than five years of supervised release.

          The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Benecia Moore.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Sentenced for Misleading Federal Agents

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A Florida man was sentenced today for lying to federal agents. Steve Hill, 57, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $345,727.15 by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

          Formerly of the Memphis area, Hill spent nearly a quarter century working in the medical sales industry for various Fortune 500 companies, during which time he received standard compliance training on the Anti-Kickback Statute. In 2014, then working under Brad Duke of Little Rock, Hill began to promote expensive compounded prescription drugs covered by TRICARE. Hill operated on a commission basis, earning a fixed percentage of whatever TRICARE paid for the drugs.

          To generate sales, Hill encouraged a Memphis area doctor to prescribe the expensive compounded drugs by agreeing to share his commission on the doctor’s prescriptions through payments to the doctor’s spouse. Most of Hill’s payments would eventually be routed to a Tennessee shell corporation formed under the spouse’s name. Within a year, Hill’s arrangement succeeded in generating over $1 million in TRICARE compounded prescription drug claims, earning Hill $345,727.15.

          Federal agents investigating the case discovered the connection between Hill, the shell corporation, the spouse, and the doctor. In August 2017, federal agents visited Hill’s Memphis area home to discuss his promotion of compounded prescription drugs. When asked about his financial dealings with the spouse, Hill denied paying the spouse anything in relation to the doctor’s prescriptions.

          The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander D. Morgan.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON— A New York man was sentenced to prison today after he previously pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                James Weeks, 55, of Sodus, New York, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,774.00 in restitution and a $5,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell. Weeks previously pleaded guilty to a to single felony offense of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers on June 27, 2024.

                According to court documents, at approximately 3:02 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021, Weeks was seen on video footage entering the Lower West Terrace Tunnel. The Tunnel was created by the construction of a stage for the upcoming Presidential Inauguration and was the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement that day. After entering the Tunnel, Weeks made his way through a crowd of rioters and toward the police line.

                After reaching the police line, and as the crowd of rioters continued to violently fight the police, Weeks reached his arm through the broken pane of glass of one of the gold doors inside the Tunnel behind which the police line was located as if to grab a nearby Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer. As he attempted to grab the officer, Weeks yelled, “Shove it up your a—! You fat f—! I’m gonna shove that up your a—!” and “We’re gonna f— you up!”

                Seconds later, Weeks moved around the doors so that he was directly in front of the police. Other rioters in the crowd called out, “Get that door open!” and, in response, Weeks pushed the door open, allowing more rioters access to the police line in the Tunnel. After opening the door, court documents say that Weeks struck an MPD officer using his hands and body. Shortly after, another rioter sprayed Weeks with a chemical irritant, causing him to exit the Tunnel.

                After leaving the Tunnel, Weeks approached the Northwest Courtyard on the Upper West Terrace outside the Capitol building. There, Weeks joined a crowd of rioters gathering outside a set of windows in that area. As other rioters climbed up on the windowsill, kicked, punched, or otherwise struck the panes of glass and/or boards covering the windowpanes, Weeks cheered them on. Weeks then approached the window himself, waved a black can of OC spray through one of the broken panes of glass, and banged it several times against the edges of the window. He then struck the window several times with a wooden stick in conjunction with other rioters, causing the window to break.

                The FBI arrested Weeks on Feb. 1, 2024, in Albany, New York.

                The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York provided valuable assistance.

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

                In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bloods Gang Leader Charged with Narcotics Distribution Resulting in One Death and Three Additional Poisonings

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Allegedly Distributed Narcotics throughout Long Island Over Seven Year Period

    Earlier today, Gary Johnson, a Bloods gang leader also known as “G Money,” was arraigned in federal court in Central Islip on new charges in a 26-count second superseding indictment charging him with distributing controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine base, that caused the death of a woman and caused serious bodily injury to three additional victims.  Johnson is also charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Long Island, additional narcotics distribution offenses, various firearms offenses and destruction of evidence.  Today’s arraignment was held before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack. Johnson previously was detained pending trial.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the charges.

    “Our district has suffered terribly from the opioid epidemic, and as alleged in the superseding indictment, Johnson sold large amounts of dangerous narcotics for his own profit, without regard for the deadly consequences of his actions, even after a victim was fatally poisoned by the defendant’s drugs,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “With these new charges, this Office continues its tireless efforts, in conjunction with our federal and local law enforcement partners, to prosecute drug traffickers responsible for the opioid crisis. It is my hope that the charges will bring some measure of closure to the family members of the victim whose death was caused by the defendant.”

    “Gary Johnson, a Bloods gang leader, allegedly sold substantial quantities of illicit drugs, which resulted in a known death of one victim and poisonings of three others. These alleged actions threatened public safety by exposing neighborhoods to a supply of dangerous substances,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue its mission to assuage the flow of lethal narcotics from polluting our communities and apprehending those responsible for its pipeline.”

    “For years, Gary Johnson knew the poison he was selling posed deadly consequences, yet, his only concern was about making money,” stated SCPD Commissioner Catalina.  “We will continue to work with our federal partners to take down drug traffickers while undoubtedly saving lives in the process.”

    As alleged in court filings, Johnson is a leader of the G-Shine set of the Bloods gang. Between June 2013 and November 2020, when Johnson was arrested on federal charges, the defendant conspired to sell narcotics throughout Long Island. The drugs that Johnson sold – including heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base – resulted in at least four victims suffering poisonings. Specifically, on March 3, 2020, Johnson distributed narcotics which were ingested by John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 in the parking lot of Baseball Heaven in Yaphank, New York.  John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 lost consciousness and were revived by emergency medical personnel who administered CPR and Narcan on both victims.  They were resuscitated and survived.  On May 1, 2020, Johnson distributed narcotics ingested by John Doe #2 and Jane Doe #2. John Doe #2 was found unconscious by coworkers in St. James, New York, and was revived with Narcan. Jane Doe #2, a 39-year-old mother of a three-year-old son, was found deceased in her home in Rocky Point, New York. Her cause of death was determined to be acute mixed drug intoxication caused by a combination of cocaine and fentanyl – these drugs were supplied by the defendant.

    The charges in the second superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment.

    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.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Misorek, Meredith A. Arfa and Stephen Petraeus are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Dejah Turla.

    The Defendant:

    GARY JOHNSON
    Age:  41
    Bellport, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-518 (S-2)(JMA)

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Durham Man Who Fled From Law Enforcement Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    GREENSBORO – A Durham man who pleaded guilty to a firearm charge has been sentenced, announced Sandra J. Hairston, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.

    MARIO DEANDRE TAYLOR, age 44, was sentenced yesterday, November 12, 2024, to 144 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing was held in Greensboro, North Carolina, before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. 

    TAYLOR pleaded guilty in August to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun.

    According to court documents, on October 5, 2023, members of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office patrol division attempted to apprehend TAYLOR, who had outstanding state warrants for armed robberies, felony larcenies, assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, and robbery with a dangerous weapon, among other alleged crimes that took place between July 28, 2023, and October 5, 2023.  Around 11:00 p.m. that night, TAYLOR, who had already eluded capture twice that day, led deputies on a high-speed chase through residential and business areas in Durham, driving at high rates of speed, running through stop signs and stop lights, side-swiping a truck, and nearly hitting a city bus. Eventually, TAYLOR slowed down on South Buchanan Boulevard in a residential neighborhood, jumped out of the vehicle with a loaded weapon in his possession, and ran.  After a short foot chase, TAYLOR was arrested but did not have a gun on his person.  Approximately fifteen to twenty feet from the location of TAYLOR’s arrest, a K-9 found the loaded .40 caliber handgun that TAYLOR had thrown during the pursuit.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.  The lead investigator was an FBI Task Force Officer from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.   

    Since 1992, the FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative has successfully aligned FBI Agents, state and local law enforcement investigators, and federal and state prosecutors onto SSTFs to reduce violent crime. This nationwide initiative brings resources together in a “force multiplier concept” and utilizes the expertise of each agency.  SSTFs focus primarily upon street gang and drug-related violence through sustained, proactive, coordinated investigations to obtain prosecutions on violations such as racketeering, drug conspiracy, and firearms violations.

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