NewzIntel.com

Category: Intelligence Agencies

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kenton County Man Sentenced for Transporting Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COVINGTON, Ky. – An Independence, Ky., man, Ralph Britton, 55, was sentenced on Thursday to 84 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for transporting child pornography in interstate commerce using a computer or cell phone. 

     According to his plea agreement, on December 28, 2023, law enforcement received a cybertip that 18 video files depicting child pornography were uploaded from a Synchronoss account, a cloud-based storage provider for Verizon Wireless users. Further investigation identified Britton as the account owner, and that there were at least 33 videos of child pornography uploaded from Britton’s account. On February 8, 2024, law enforcement arrested Britton on state charges and searched his cell phone, which contained an additional 896 images of child sexual abuse, along with evidence of a program often used to remove illicit files from electronic devices. 

    Under federal law, Britton must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Quincy Barnett, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Les Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    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 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

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

    DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 240 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent New Haven street gang and a murder in September 2022.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, investigated a gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

    The investigation revealed that Allick and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

    On August 1, 2024, Allick pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, and gun sales, and specifically admitted that, on September 16, 2022, he and others shot Kenneth Cloud, 46, who was sitting on the porch of an Atwater Street residence in New Haven.  The victim was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died approximately three months later.  Forty-three shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting.  Ballistics analysis revealed that 19 had been fired from a handgun later found in Allick’s vehicle, and 24 had been fired from a handgun later found inside Allick’s residence.

    Allick has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2022.  On July 15, 2024, Judge Bolden sentenced him to 115 months of imprisonment in a separate federal case.  Allick’s 240-month sentence will run concurrently with his 115-month sentence.

    This investigation was conducted by the ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Rahul Kale.

    This prosecution was part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Detroit Gang Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Money Laundering

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

    DETROIT – A 34-year-old Shelby Township man, Martaze Davis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison today for trafficking methamphetamine and laundering drug proceeds, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration, Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Charles E. Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Detroit Field Divisions.

    Davis was a leader in a Detroit gang, 42 Hustle Boys. The 42 Hustle Boys and a rival gang, the Seven Mile Bloods, engaged in a longstanding and deadly feud. This investigation and prosecution, which began in 2023, focused on Davis’s leadership of a drug conspiracy that sent members to California to purchase methamphetamine brought into the United States from Mexico and transport it across the United States for distribution in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Tennessee.

    On October 24, 2023, Davis and codefendant Alexander Polanco, 28, conspired to load a rental car occupied by codefendants Taneeya Richard, 25, and Dejon Howard-Henderson, 24, with 38.9 kilograms of methamphetamine. The following day, officers stopped the rental car in Texas and seized the methamphetamine. Davis also laundered drug proceeds through his personal and business bank accounts intending to conceal the nature and source of the proceeds.

    “Our office vigorously pursues drug traffickers, including gang leaders and members, who push dangerous drugs like methamphetamine into our communities with indifference to the tragedy it inflicts. Thanks to the outstanding teamwork among the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, a dangerous drug trafficker and money launderer has been removed from our streets,” stated Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.

    “Bringing members of violent street gangs to justice is one of our top operational priorities in the DEA Detroit Division. Mr. Davis and his 42 Hustle Boys co-conspirators are responsible for fueling untold suffering by funneling massive amounts of methamphetamine into areas already hard-hit by the opioid crisis.  Today’s sentence sends another clear message to drug trafficking organizations that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with consequences,” said Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration.

    “Today’s sentencing of Martaze Davis represents a significant victory in our ongoing fight against organized crime and drug trafficking in Detroit,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “This case underscores the powerful collaboration between the FBI, DEA, and Detroit’s IRS Criminal Division. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to disrupt criminal networks, dismantle money laundering operations, and protect our communities. The removal of Mr. Davis, a dangerous Detroit gang leader, from the streets is a pivotal step in safeguarding Michigan and ensuring the safety of all its residents. Our combined efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to keeping Detroit and the surrounding areas free from criminal activity.”

    “The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations,” said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to be relentless in our mission to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and bring the criminals who run them to justice.”

    The Honorable Sean F. Cox sentenced Davis to 20 years in prison.

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

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by AUSA Paul Kuebler.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Florissant Sex Offender Admits New Child Pornography Offense

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

    ST. LOUIS – A registered sex offender from Florissant, Missouri on Wednesday admitted possessing child sexual abuse material.

    Christopher A. Wheetley, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. He admitted that 470 images and one video containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were found on his computer, as well as internet searches consistent with an interest in CSAM. The computer also contained 1,081 images and four videos in which children appeared to be depicted but their ages could not be determined.

    The CSAM was found on the computer after a St. Louis County Police Department detective conducting an online “peer-to-peer” investigation discovered CSAM on Sept. 12, 2023, that was linked to an IP address that traced back to Wheetley’s home. That home was the subject of an earlier investigation after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Nov. 10, 2020, received a cyber-tip that 40 files containing CSAM had been uploaded to Kik in October from an IP address matching Wheetley.

    The day before the tip was received, Wheetley pleaded no contest to one count of possession of child pornography in California Superior Court in Pomona. When detectives arrived at his Florissant address to investigate the tip, he was in California to complete his term of probation for the child pornography conviction.

    Because Wheetley was previously convicted of distribution of child pornography, he faces at least 15 years in prison for the crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Wheetley’s lawyer will recommend 15 years at the time of his sentencing, which is set for July 17.

    The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison for Trafficking 230 Pounds of Methamphetamine and Five Pounds of Fentanyl

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Isaac Abraham Sandoval Lopez, 36, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to four years and nine months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on June 26, 2024, officers stopped Sandoval Lopez for a traffic infraction while driving northbound on Interstate 5 in Fresno County. A subsequent search of his car revealed several bags, suitcases, and backpacks throughout the car containing different types of narcotics. In total, officers seized approximately 230 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of fentanyl, and 2 pounds of heroin.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JAHAZ LANGSTON, also known as “Haz,” 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent Bridgeport street gang.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence.  Langston was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang.  O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers, and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes.  They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities.

    Text messages and social media posts reviewed during the investigation confirmed that Langston possessed and sold narcotics and firearms, stole vehicles, and was involved in related violent criminal activity alongside other O.N.E. members and associates.

    The investigation also determined that Langston and fellow O.N.E. member Amire Newsome conspired to murder rival gang members and, on March 7, 2021, shot and severely injured the mother of two rival gang members as she drove her vehicle on I-95.

    O.N.E. members committed other violent crimes, including murder.

    Langston has been detained since his arrest on July 20, 2021.  On September 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.

    Approximately 47 members and associates of multiple Bridgeport-based gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

    Newsome pleaded guilty on August 16, 2023, and awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, Waterbury Police Department, and Naugatuck Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Rahul Kale.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: How DHS is Combating Child Exploitation and Abuse

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Fact Sheet: How DHS is Combating Child Exploitation and Abuse

    very day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leads the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA)

    As part of the Department’s critical mission to combat crimes of exploitation and protect victims, we investigate these abhorrent crimes, spread awareness, collaborate with interagency and international partners, and expand our reach to ensure children are safe and protected

    “At the Department of Homeland Security, our mission is to protect the American people, and that includes protecting our children

    The internet has completely changed how we connect, but it has also opened new doors for predators who want to harm our kids,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

    “It’s a topic that should unite all of us, and I appreciate the opportunity to highlight the work of Homeland Security Investigations and all that they do to combat online child exploitation

    ”
    DHS battles online CSEA using all available tools and resources department-wide, emphasizing its commitment to the Department’s homeland security mission to “Combat Crimes of Exploitation and Protect Victims

    ” In recognition of President Trump’s proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, DHS is committed to raising awareness of these heinous crimes, preventing child exploitation and abuse, and bringing perpetrators to justice

    As part of the Department’s ongoing work in this area, today DHS is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Know2Protect, the U

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    government’s first prevention and awareness campaign to combat online CSEA

     
    Between April 2024 and February 2025:

    DHS launched Know2Protect®, a first of its kind national public awareness campaign to combat online CSEA

    The campaign enhances the Department’s capabilities to combat online CSEA by partnering with the private sector to deliver its awareness messaging and coordinating federal efforts to confront and prevent this growing epidemic

    The Department has successfully entered into over 20 Know2Protect® Memoranda of Understanding with leading technology companies, national and international sports leagues, youth-serving organizations and nonprofits, and other private sector partners to raise awareness of this crime and help children stay safer online

    DHS increased the footprint of law enforcement partners at the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3) to enhance coordination across all DHS agencies and offices to combat cyber-related crimes and further the Department’s mission to combat online CSEA

    Several partners are collocated and work together every day at the DHS C3, including the United States Secret Service (USSS), U

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    Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the United States Marshals Service (USMS),      U

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    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS)

     
    The Blue Campaign, part of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, hosted 170 national trainings on the indicators of forced labor and sex trafficking and how to report these crimes with more than 24,000 participants from the federal government, non-governmental organizations, law enforcement, and other external stakeholders

    DHS identified and rescued 1,567 child victims of online CSEA through the work of HSI and made 4,460 arrests for crimes involving online CSEA

    Learn more in the U

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     Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report
    HSI and ERO have instituted a collaborative operational initiative to locate unaccompanied alien children (UAC) released from the care and custody of the U

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    Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS-ORR)

    The UAC initiative   identifies and locates UACs to ensure immigration obligations are met, and investigate any potential indicators of forced labor, sex trafficking, or other exploitation

    To accomplish this work, DHS coordinates with law enforcement at home and abroad to enforce and uphold our laws, protects victims with a victim-centered approach that prioritizes dignity and respect, and works to stop this heinous crime through public education and outreach

    Enforcing Our Laws
    DHS works with domestic and international partners to enforce and uphold the laws that protect children from abuse

    The Department works collaboratively with  Department of Justice prosecutors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U

    S Marshals, INTERPOL, Europol, and other international law enforcement partners to arrest and prosecute perpetrators

    DHS increased U

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    government and law enforcement efforts to combat financial sextortion, a crime targeting children and teens by coercing them into sending explicit images online and extorting them for money

    From FY22 to FY24, HSI received more than 4,900 CyberTipline reports related to sextortion predators from Côte dʼIvoire

    From these reports, 652 children have been identified and supported by HSI

    In an effort to combat this crime, HSI sent special agents to Côte d’Ivoire to provide online CSEA training to local law enforcement and supported local law enforcement efforts in locating and apprehending offenders residing there

    The CCHT works alongside the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to identify and pursue the recovery of underage victims of sex trafficking

    The CCHT emphasizes victim identification operations which allows HSI field offices to rescue these children while implementing a victim centered approach

    The CCHT supports HSI field operations throughout the investigation and prosecution of these traffickers and their networks

    DHS partnered with 61 regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces to investigate people involved in the online victimization of children, including those who produce, receive, distribute and/or possess child sexual abuse material, or who engage in online sexual enticement of children

    DHS researched and developed modern tools and technologies that equip domestic and international law enforcement partners with advanced forensic capabilities to accomplish their mission to identify victims and apprehend child sexual abusers

    The Science and Technology Directorate developed StreamView, a digital forensics and data analytics tool designed to assist law enforcement in effectively addressing child exploitation cases

    By aggregating, organizing, and analyzing investigative leads, StreamView enables investigators to determine crime locations, identify victims, and bring perpetrators to justice more efficiently

    Since May 2023, StreamView has identified and rescued over 133 child and adult victims, dismantled more than 29 criminal networks, generated over 600 leads and referrals, and arrested of over 120 criminal actors

    The platform has also contributed to 10 convictions and 8 life sentences, significantly improving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) investigations

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    Secret Service provides forensic, technical, and investigative assistance to NCMEC and state/local/tribal law enforcement in cases involving missing and exploited children

     Support includes polygraph examinations, age progression/regression, composite sketches, audio/image/video enhancement, speaker identification/recognition, questioned document analysis, fingerprint development and examination, geospatial information mapping system, digital forensics

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    Customs and Border Protection screens all undocumented unaccompanied children and other arriving minors for indicators of abuse or exploitation, human trafficking, extraterritorial sexual exploitation of children, sexual predators involved in crimes of exploitation, and all suspected criminal cases are referred to HSI

    Transportation Security Administration (INV) Special Agent Polygraph Examiners provide their expertise to advance investigative and prosecutorial efforts in support of child sexual exploitation investigations

    INV developed evidence of child sexual exploitation and/or abuse in 15 criminal specific and pre-employment examinations

    INV Special Agent Polygraph Examiners, assigned to its Special Operations Division, conduct examinations on behalf of INV, HSI, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, federal and local law enforcement agencies

    In a case involving a child victim, an INV Special Agent Polygraph Examiner administered a specific issue polygraph examination, which resulted in the arrest of an individual attempting to solicit a child and identified six other victims ranging in age from 5-16 years of age

    Protecting and Supporting Victims

    The Angel Watch Center (AWC) within DHS C3 proactively identifies U

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    persons traveling abroad who have been convicted of sexual crimes against children

    By using travel related information and publicly available state sex offender registries, the AWC notifies destination countries of these individuals’ pending arrivals to help prevent potential child sex tourism and other forms of exploitation

    The HSI AWC sent over 4,800 travel notifications to foreign governments on convicted, registered U

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    child sex offenders, leading to over 900 denials of entry

    These efforts build international cooperation to ensure all countries are safe from sexual predators

    In July 2023, HSI launched the first U

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    -based international victim identification surge, “Operation Renewed Hope (ORH)

    ” To date, there have been three yearly operations: ORHI, ORHII, and ORHIII, to identify and rescue child victims of online exploitation

    In these operations, HSI and its domestic and international partners work on child sexual abuse material contained in HSI holdings, teams expertly comb through and analyze unidentified series of child sexual abuse material to identify children and offenders and create lead packages for appropriate investigative partners in furtherance of associated law enforcement actions

    In the Spring of 2025, HSI conducted ORHIII, which resulted in 386 probable identifications and 56 victims who have been identified and rescued

    Once victims of child exploitation are identified and/or rescued, the HSI Victim Assistance Program (VAP) supports them and their non-offending caretaker(s) by using highly trained forensic interview specialists to conduct victim-centered and trauma-informed forensic interviews

    In addition, VAP’s victim assistance specialists provide resources to victims such as crisis intervention, referrals for short and long term medical and/or mental health care and contact information for local social service programs and agencies to assist in the healing process

    HSI provides short-term immigration protections to human trafficking victims, including victims of child sex trafficking

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    Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants immigration benefits to eligible child victims of human trafficking, abuse, and other crimes, including T nonimmigrant status, U nonimmigrant status, and immigrant classification under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

    Educating and Increasing Public Awareness

    The Know2Protect® campaign has garnered over 518 million impressions across various media platforms, in large part due to donated advertising from signed partners and other partner activations

    The top visited pages on Know2Protect

    gov are Take Action, How2Report, and Know the Threats

    Project iGuardian is the official in-person educational program of the Know2Protect campaign

    Led by HSI, Project iGuardian offers in-person presentations designed to inform children, teens, parents, and trusted adults on the threat of online CSEA, how to implement preventive strategies, and report suspected abuse to law enforcement

    Since the start of FY24, more than 400 special agents have been trained to give Project iGuardian presentations

    In FY24, HSI gave more than 1,100 presentations to more than 122,000 children, teens, parents, and teachers domestically and internationally

    These presentations yielded more than 75 victim disclosures and 77 investigative leads for online CSEA

    So far in FY 25, HSI has given more than 760 iGuardian presentations to over 69,000 children and adults, which have yielded more than 41 victim disclosures and 13 investigative leads

    In April 2024, the Blue Campaign announced a partnership with rideshare company Lyft to train their drivers, who interact with millions of riders per year, on how to recognize indicators of human trafficking among their passengers, and how to report it

      From July to September 2024, Blue Campaign collaborated with NCMEC to promote human trafficking awareness across various social media platforms, targeting both minors and those who work with minors

    The campaign garnered more than 2 million impressions on Twitch, 14 million on Facebook, 3million on Snapchat, and 4 million through display ads

    The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) covers child sexual exploitation and abuse awareness in its Human Trafficking lesson plan

    In FY2024, FLETC trained nearly 4,400 individuals in human trafficking awareness

    USSS Childhood Smart Program Ambassadors educated more than 112,000 children, parents, and teachers across 31 states and the District of Columbia about how to prevent online child sexual exploitation and child abduction

    The Childhood Smart Program provides age-appropriate presentations to children as young as five as well as to adults

    Presentations focus on internet and personal safety as well as other topics such as social media etiquette and cyber bullying

    The HSI Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center trained more than 800 individuals across the interagency on female genital mutilation or cutting, a severe form of child abuse and a crime under federal law when done to individuals under the age of 18

    The Blue Campaign Blue Lightning Initiative, part of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, trained more than 260,000 aviation personnel to identify potential traffickers and victims of forced labor and sex trafficking, to include child sex trafficking, and report their suspicions to law enforcement in FY 2023

    The Initiative added 31 new partners this past year, raising its total partners to 136 aviation industry organizations, including its first two official international partners

    The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency administers SchoolSafety

    gov, an interagency website that includes information, guidance and resources on a range of school safety topics

    SchoolSafety

    gov includes a child exploitation section that houses more than 60 resources to help school communities identify, prevent and respond to child exploitation

    Since its launch in January 2023, child exploitation section has been viewed more than 35,600 times

    What You Can Do and Resources Available

    Visit  www

    Know2Protect

    gov to access free resources to understand the threats of online CSEA and learn preventative strategies to stop future victimization

    Request an educational presentation tailored for school children and trusted adults:

    Visit SchoolSafety

    gov for resources to help educators, school leaders, parents, and school personnel identify, prevent, and respond to child exploitation

    Learn more from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

    Visit https://www

    dhs

    gov/blue-campaign for resources about how to prevent, identify and report human trafficking

     
    How to report suspected online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the United States:
    Contact your local, state, campus, or tribal law enforcement officials directly

    Call 911 in an emergency

    If you suspect a child has been abducted or faces imminent danger, contact your local police and the NCMEC tip line at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

    If you suspect a child might be a victim of online child sexual exploitation, call the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 and report it to NCMEC’s CyberTipline

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (ANRF) to anchor upscaled collaborations involving private players, says Dr Jitendra Singh;

    Source: Government of India

    “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (ANRF) to anchor upscaled collaborations involving private players, says Dr Jitendra Singh;

    ANRF to Anchor India’s Scientific Future: Dr. Jitendra Singh Charts Roadmap for Cross-Ministry Collaboration

    ‘No More Silos’: Dr. Jitendra Singh Pitches Unified Scientific Vision

    From Lab to Market: Govt Taps ANRF to Turn Research into Scalable Public Goods with commercial viability

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Chairs Joint Review Meet of All Science Ministries, Charts Unified Innovation Roadmap

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 10:19PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move aimed at transforming India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem into a collaborative and commercially viable enterprise, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today called for positioning the newly constituted “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (ANRF) as a critical organisation for all science ministries and departments across the government and declared that ANRF has been envisaged to anchor upscaled collaborations involving private players.

     Chairing a high-level joint  meeting of all the science Ministries and departments in Govt of India  at the National Science Centre here today, the Minister laid out a vision for aligning research outcomes across departments with national priorities, private sector participation, and market readiness.

    At the core of this shift, said Dr Jitendra Singh,  is the aspiration to build a unified research strategy that breaks silos, avoids duplication and delivers tangible, scalable benefits to society. “All the science ministries must work with the intent to deliver market-relevant, public-good products,” he  emphasised, adding that ANRF will not only act as a coordinating body but also serve as a catalyst to bring in private sector investment and innovation.

    The ANRF’s newly appointed CEO, Dr.Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, outlined a bold roadmap that envisions catalytic funding models, deep private sector integration, and AI-led scientific acceleration. The agency is set to model its functioning on globally successful institutions like the NSF and DARPA, launching cross-ministerial missions focused on economic growth and societal impact.

    Notably, ANRF is set to launch a “Small Business Deep Tech Innovation” programme inspired by global best practices, aimed at supporting startups and MSMEs in scaling technologies for real-world application. In a bid to maximise national research infrastructure, ANRF will also roll out a “Cloud of Research and Innovation Infrastructure” to allow deep-tech startups and institutions to access underused equipment across the country.

    The foundation’s AI-for-Science initiative is another key highlight, focusing on using AI to model scientific equations in physics, chemistry, and biology — a leap expected to drastically shorten the time from theory to practice in core scientific domains.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of projects with visible public utility, citing CSIR’s HANSA-NG aircraft, the Department of Atomic Energy’s Bharat Small Modular Reactors, and space-based applications as models to emulate.

    The HANSA-NG, a two-seater trainer aircraft developed indigenously by CSIR-NAL, is already witnessing strong market interest with 110 orders and production lined up in collaboration with Pioneer Clean Arms Pvt Ltd. Dr. Jitendra Singh noted the project’s potential to reduce India’s dependency on expensive foreign pilot training, and suggested roping in private airlines and aerospace component manufacturers to scale up production beyond Bengaluru.

    Similarly, the Department of Atomic Energy is developing the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR), a 200 MW pressurised water reactor intended for industrial applications and grid-independent power generation. These initiatives demonstrate the type of innovation the Minister wants the ANRF to incubate and scale.

    India’s space programme also featured prominently in the review. From the recent success of the SPADEX satellite docking to the development of reusable engine technology and advanced space exploration missions, the Department of Space reported rapid strides, including preparations for India’s human spaceflight mission by 2040.

    Across the spectrum — whether it’s ocean mining technology from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, bio-manufacturing hubs by DBT, or cutting-edge chips and AI solutions in partnership with semiconductor labs — the government is pushing for synergy, scalability, and sustainability.

    Concluding the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the future of Indian science lies in integration and innovation. “The time for working in silos is over. We must institutionalise collaboration and deliver solutions that matter,” he said, signalling a new era for India’s science ecosystem — one where policy, private investment, and research institutions converge under the stewardship of ANRF.

    The meeting was attended by Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister; Hari Ranjan Rao, Additional Secretary in the PMO; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR; Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, along with other senior officials.

    ******

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2122587) Visitor Counter : 63

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Investment Firm Owner Admits Defrauding Approximately 47 Victim Investors Over Three Decades

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, NJ. –  A New Jersey man admitted to a decades-long scheme to defraud approximately 47 victim investors out of more than $6.9 million, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Vincent Dispoto Jr., 67, formerly of Belmar, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud. 

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

    Dispoto owned and operated Giddeon Financial Services, a purported investment services firm, and Liberty Mortgage Services, an alleged mortgage company. Beginning in or around 1988, Dispoto raised money through these and other entities by falsely claiming to victims, many of whom were elderly, that he would invest their money in low-risk investment products with guaranteed rates of return, including municipal bonds and certificates of deposits. Dispoto also told some victims that he was using their investments to fund loans and mortgages for medical professionals, which would generate long-term returns through interest payments. To perpetuate his fraud, Dispoto mailed victims false and fraudulent financial statements that purported to show significant increases in the value of their investments.

    In reality, Dispoto did not invest the victims’ money as promised. Instead, he used it to make Ponzi-like payments to other victims, which he falsely claimed to be “returns” on investments. He also misappropriated victim money to fund his gambling and other personal expenses. Dispoto’s scheme collectively resulted in more than approximately $6,990,635.62 million in losses to victims.

    The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.   Sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

                                                               ###

    Defense counsel:  Areeb Salim, Esq. and John Yauch, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defenders, Newark

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixteen charged in East Texas federal methamphetamine conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal indictment in the Eastern District of Texas has resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals charged with various violations related to a wide-spread methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2025, in the Eastern District of Texas, charges the defendants with federal drug and gun violations.  A multi-agency law enforcement action was held on April 16, 2025, resulting in those arrests.  Since the investigation began in November 2022, law enforcement has seized over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and 14 firearms.  Those in custody began making initial appearances in federal court on April 16, 2025, in Beaumont.

    According to information provided in court, the following individuals are alleged to have been involved in the methamphetamine conspiracy in the Angelina, Nacogdoches, and Polk counties area:

    •    Albert Lopez, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;

    •    Adaryl Douglas, 45, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;

    •    Hector Gomez, 40, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Oscar Padilla, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Leanna Jean Busby, 45, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Amanda McBride, 43, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    John Christopher Rios, 53, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Jose Pedro Guzman Jr., 34, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Lorene Michelle Baker, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    David Davis, Jr., 48, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Penny Ann King, 51, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Jodi Calvin Sparkman, 53, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Christopher Dewayne Harvey, 51, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

    •    Gary Mills, 65, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm;

    •    Clifton Collin-Dakota Smith, 32, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; and

    •    Corey Mullan, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

    If convicted, defendants face from 10 years to life in federal prison.

    As part of the operation, Eduardo Barajas-Macias, 32, a close associate of the criminal conspiracy, was also arrested and charged with unlawful reentry by a removed or deported alien.

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

    The case is being investigated by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; FBI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; Lufkin Police Department; Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; and U.S. Marshals Service.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

    A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Firearms in Connection with Plot to Conduct ISIS-Inspired Election Day Terrorist Attack

    Source: United States Attorneys General 8

    Abdullah Haji Zada, 18, a native and citizen of Afghanistan and U.S. lawful permanent resident, pleaded guilty today to a criminal information charging him with knowingly receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition to be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism.

    According to court documents, Zada and a co-conspirator received two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition, knowing that the firearms and ammunition would be used in connection with a terrorist attack on Election Day in November 2024 on behalf the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Zada was arrested with co-conspirator Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, also a citizen of Afghanistan, in October 2024.

    Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult. At sentencing, Zada faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

    As part of the plea agreement, Zada stipulated to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States to Afghanistan following his term of incarceration. Zada acknowledged that the order of removal would terminate his lawful permanent resident status. Zada also waived his right to appeal the conviction except in limited circumstances or seek any form of appeal or relief from his removal and deportation, including but not limited to, seeking asylum.

    Tawhedi is currently awaiting trial for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and receiving, attempting to receive, or conspiring to receive a firearm to be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, if convicted. An indictment is merely an allegation and Tawhedi is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.

    The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Firearms in Connection with Plot to Conduct ISIS-Inspired Election Day Terrorist Attack

    Source: US State of California

    Abdullah Haji Zada, 18, a native and citizen of Afghanistan and U.S. lawful permanent resident, pleaded guilty today to a criminal information charging him with knowingly receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition to be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism.

    According to court documents, Zada and a co-conspirator received two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition, knowing that the firearms and ammunition would be used in connection with a terrorist attack on Election Day in November 2024 on behalf the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Zada was arrested with co-conspirator Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, also a citizen of Afghanistan, in October 2024.

    Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult. At sentencing, Zada faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

    As part of the plea agreement, Zada stipulated to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States to Afghanistan following his term of incarceration. Zada acknowledged that the order of removal would terminate his lawful permanent resident status. Zada also waived his right to appeal the conviction except in limited circumstances or seek any form of appeal or relief from his removal and deportation, including but not limited to, seeking asylum.

    Tawhedi is currently awaiting trial for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and receiving, attempting to receive, or conspiring to receive a firearm to be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, if convicted. An indictment is merely an allegation and Tawhedi is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.

    The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Doctor Found Guilty of Unlawfully Dispensing and Distributing Opioids

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A former South Florida doctor has been found guilty of charges of illegally distributing opioids at his pain management clinic.

    A federal jury sitting in Miami, Florida found Daniel Alberto Carpman, 72, of Miami, guilty of the unlawful dispensing and distribution of oxycodone at his pain management clinic, Daniel Carpman MD Medical Center. Carpman was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute opioids and four counts of illegally distributing opioids. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. United States District Court Judge Melissa Damian scheduled defendant’s sentencing for June 22, 2025.  Carpman was remanded to custody following the jury verdict.

    The evidence at trial established that Carpman illegally issued prescriptions for over two million doses of maximum strength, immediate release oxycodone to patients who later resold the medication to drug distributors.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Miami Regional Office, made the announcement.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark and Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski of the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole S. Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-20175

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Man Charged With Preparing and Filing More Than 50 Fraudulent Tax Returns

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been charged in federal court with preparing and filing more than 50 fraudulent tax returns for himself and others.

    An indictment returned Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago accuses CEDRICK TAYLOR of preparing and assisting in the preparation of 45 individual tax returns on behalf of numerous individuals for the calendar years 2018 to 2023.  Taylor helped prepare returns that fraudulently overstated and misrepresented tax credits, deductions, and expenses in order to fraudulently reduce the individuals’ tax liabilities and claim refund amounts to which they were not entitled, the indictment states.  Taylor also filed several individual tax returns for himself that misrepresented tax credits and underreported his income, the indictment alleges.

    Taylor, 40, of Winfield, Ill., is charged with 45 counts of willfully preparing a false tax return for others and six counts of filing false tax returns for himself.  Each count is punishable by up to three years in federal prison.  Arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.

    The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ramsey Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Snell.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XploraDEX $XPL Presale Heats Up as Final 4 Days Trigger Surge in Whale Participation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The first AI-Powered DEX on XRP Ledger, XploraDEX is igniting a firestorm across the XRPL ecosystem as its $XPL Presale enters its final four days. With a rapidly shrinking token allocation and buzz intensifying across social platforms, what began as a high-potential opportunity has become one of the most urgent plays in DeFi right now.

    The first AI-powered decentralized exchange built natively on the XRP Ledger, XploraDEX is designed to give traders an unfair advantage through smart automation, predictive analytics, and real-time trade optimization. It’s not just solving the problem of inefficient trading—it’s flipping it on its head.

    Buy $XPL Tokens Now

    $XPL is the fuel behind it all. Token holders unlock access to intelligent trading dashboards, lower fees, yield incentives, and decision-making power through governance. The upcoming launchpad and staking modules are further enhancing the token’s role within the broader XploraDEX ecosystem.

    Final Round of $XPL PreSale

    In the last 48 hours, whale activity has spiked. On-chain data shows major wallets consolidating $XPL positions while retail participation surges—triggered by growing awareness that time is almost up. With more than 80% of the $XPL presale allocation already filled, new buyers are scrambling to join before listings go live and the price adjusts upward.

    XploraDEX is shaping up to be the most transformative platform XRPL has seen in years. Its AI engine will help users detect momentum shifts, automate entries and exits, and adapt to market conditions faster than human traders ever could.

    Participate in $XPL PreSale

    The $XPL PreSale isn’t just about buying a token—it’s about being first to a movement. A protocol backed by real utility, smart infrastructure, and the speed of the XRP Ledger.

    If you’re watching from the sidelines, the signal is clear: the market is moving. And the gate is closing.

    Join the $XPL Presale While You Still Can: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4137b900-57cb-4acc-9636-0a207ffbe0af

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Essex County Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Sex Trafficking Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 210 months in prison on charges of sex trafficking and prostitution-related offenses, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Amin Sharif, 50, of Newark, was convicted by a jury in July 2024 of one count of attempted transportation of a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of use of an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity, one count of transporting a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, and one count of persuading a victim to travel to engage in prostitution, following an eight-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

    In January 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating Sharif for sex trafficking offenses. Sharif recruited four females, including one minor victim, from states across the country—New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Utah.  Sharif used multiple social media accounts and assumed aliases and false identities to recruit and entice victims.  He made promises of housing stability, payment of bills and living expenses, and promises that the victims could make up to thousands of dollars per day by working for him.  Sharif advertised the minor victim online, offering her for 32 sexual services.

    Sharif was previously convicted of transporting a minor to engage in prostitution in federal court and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Sharif to 20 years of supervised release.

    “Amin Sharif is a dangerous sex offender who has repeatedly preyed on vulnerable young women and minors in our society.  The Court’s sentence will prevent Sharif from harming additional victims and will send a strong signal to would-be traffickers that sex trafficking will not be tolerated in the District of New Jersey and will result in serious sentences.”

    –U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

    “Disguised with multiple names and social media profiles, and promising help financially, Sharif instead sexually exploited his victims for his own monetary gain. Sharif ignored the physical and psychological trauma he was causing these vulnerable women and minors.  FBI Newark Special Agents, Analysts, and Task Force Officers will stop at nothing to get heinous criminals off the streets, phones, and computers from where they lurk and put them behind bars where they belong,” stated FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly. 

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation leading to this sentencing.  She also thanked the FBI’s Rochester, New York Office and the Dansville Police Department for their assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farhana C. Melo and Chelsea D. Coleman of the Criminal Division in Newark.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel: Laurie M. Fierro Esq., Kinnelon, New Jersey; Mary F. Khellah, North Bergen, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fact Sheet: How DHS is Combating Child Exploitation and Abuse

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Every day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leads the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). As part of the Department’s critical mission to combat crimes of exploitation and protect victims, we investigate these abhorrent crimes, spread awareness, collaborate with interagency and international partners, and expand our reach to ensure children are safe and protected.

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

    DHS battles online CSEA using all available tools and resources department-wide, emphasizing its commitment to the Department’s homeland security mission to “Combat Crimes of Exploitation and Protect Victims.” In recognition of President Trump’s proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, DHS is committed to raising awareness of these heinous crimes, preventing child exploitation and abuse, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

    As part of the Department’s ongoing work in this area, today DHS is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Know2Protect, the U.S. government’s first prevention and awareness campaign to combat online CSEA. 

    Between April 2024 and February 2025:

    • DHS launched Know2Protect®, a first of its kind national public awareness campaign to combat online CSEA. The campaign enhances the Department’s capabilities to combat online CSEA by partnering with the private sector to deliver its awareness messaging and coordinating federal efforts to confront and prevent this growing epidemic. The Department has successfully entered into over 20 Know2Protect® Memoranda of Understanding with leading technology companies, national and international sports leagues, youth-serving organizations and nonprofits, and other private sector partners to raise awareness of this crime and help children stay safer online.
    • DHS increased the footprint of law enforcement partners at the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3) to enhance coordination across all DHS agencies and offices to combat cyber-related crimes and further the Department’s mission to combat online CSEA. Several partners are collocated and work together every day at the DHS C3, including the United States Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the United States Marshals Service (USMS),      U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).  
    • The Blue Campaign, part of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, hosted 170 national trainings on the indicators of forced labor and sex trafficking and how to report these crimes with more than 24,000 participants from the federal government, non-governmental organizations, law enforcement, and other external stakeholders.
    • DHS identified and rescued 1,567 child victims of online CSEA through the work of HSI and made 4,460 arrests for crimes involving online CSEA. Learn more in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report
    • HSI and ERO have instituted a collaborative operational initiative to locate unaccompanied alien children (UAC) released from the care and custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS-ORR). The UAC initiative   identifies and locates UACs to ensure immigration obligations are met, and investigate any potential indicators of forced labor, sex trafficking, or other exploitation.

    To accomplish this work, DHS coordinates with law enforcement at home and abroad to enforce and uphold our laws, protects victims with a victim-centered approach that prioritizes dignity and respect, and works to stop this heinous crime through public education and outreach.

    Enforcing Our Laws

    DHS works with domestic and international partners to enforce and uphold the laws that protect children from abuse. The Department works collaboratively with  Department of Justice prosecutors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S Marshals, INTERPOL, Europol, and other international law enforcement partners to arrest and prosecute perpetrators.

    • DHS increased U.S. government and law enforcement efforts to combat financial sextortion, a crime targeting children and teens by coercing them into sending explicit images online and extorting them for money. From FY22 to FY24, HSI received more than 4,900 CyberTipline reports related to sextortion predators from Côte dʼIvoire. From these reports, 652 children have been identified and supported by HSI. In an effort to combat this crime, HSI sent special agents to Côte d’Ivoire to provide online CSEA training to local law enforcement and supported local law enforcement efforts in locating and apprehending offenders residing there.
    • The CCHT works alongside the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to identify and pursue the recovery of underage victims of sex trafficking. The CCHT emphasizes victim identification operations which allows HSI field offices to rescue these children while implementing a victim centered approach. The CCHT supports HSI field operations throughout the investigation and prosecution of these traffickers and their networks.
    • DHS partnered with 61 regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces to investigate people involved in the online victimization of children, including those who produce, receive, distribute and/or possess child sexual abuse material, or who engage in online sexual enticement of children.
    • DHS researched and developed modern tools and technologies that equip domestic and international law enforcement partners with advanced forensic capabilities to accomplish their mission to identify victims and apprehend child sexual abusers.
      • The Science and Technology Directorate developed StreamView, a digital forensics and data analytics tool designed to assist law enforcement in effectively addressing child exploitation cases. By aggregating, organizing, and analyzing investigative leads, StreamView enables investigators to determine crime locations, identify victims, and bring perpetrators to justice more efficiently. Since May 2023, StreamView has identified and rescued over 133 child and adult victims, dismantled more than 29 criminal networks, generated over 600 leads and referrals, and arrested of over 120 criminal actors. The platform has also contributed to 10 convictions and 8 life sentences, significantly improving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) investigations.
    • The U.S. Secret Service provides forensic, technical, and investigative assistance to NCMEC and state/local/tribal law enforcement in cases involving missing and exploited children. Support includes polygraph examinations, age progression/regression, composite sketches, audio/image/video enhancement, speaker identification/recognition, questioned document analysis, fingerprint development and examination, geospatial information mapping system, digital forensics.
    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection screens all undocumented unaccompanied children and other arriving minors for indicators of abuse or exploitation, human trafficking, extraterritorial sexual exploitation of children, sexual predators involved in crimes of exploitation, and all suspected criminal cases are referred to HSI.
    • Transportation Security Administration (INV) Special Agent Polygraph Examiners provide their expertise to advance investigative and prosecutorial efforts in support of child sexual exploitation investigations. INV developed evidence of child sexual exploitation and/or abuse in 15 criminal specific and pre-employment examinations. INV Special Agent Polygraph Examiners, assigned to its Special Operations Division, conduct examinations on behalf of INV, HSI, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, federal and local law enforcement agencies. In a case involving a child victim, an INV Special Agent Polygraph Examiner administered a specific issue polygraph examination, which resulted in the arrest of an individual attempting to solicit a child and identified six other victims ranging in age from 5-16 years of age.

    Protecting and Supporting Victims

    • The Angel Watch Center (AWC) within DHS C3 proactively identifies U.S. persons traveling abroad who have been convicted of sexual crimes against children. By using travel related information and publicly available state sex offender registries, the AWC notifies destination countries of these individuals’ pending arrivals to help prevent potential child sex tourism and other forms of exploitation. The HSI AWC sent over 4,800 travel notifications to foreign governments on convicted, registered U.S. child sex offenders, leading to over 900 denials of entry. These efforts build international cooperation to ensure all countries are safe from sexual predators.
    • In July 2023, HSI launched the first U.S.-based international victim identification surge, “Operation Renewed Hope (ORH).” To date, there have been three yearly operations: ORHI, ORHII, and ORHIII, to identify and rescue child victims of online exploitation. In these operations, HSI and its domestic and international partners work on child sexual abuse material contained in HSI holdings, teams expertly comb through and analyze unidentified series of child sexual abuse material to identify children and offenders and create lead packages for appropriate investigative partners in furtherance of associated law enforcement actions.
      • In the Spring of 2025, HSI conducted ORHIII, which resulted in 386 probable identifications and 56 victims who have been identified and rescued. Once victims of child exploitation are identified and/or rescued, the HSI Victim Assistance Program (VAP) supports them and their non-offending caretaker(s) by using highly trained forensic interview specialists to conduct victim-centered and trauma-informed forensic interviews. In addition, VAP’s victim assistance specialists provide resources to victims such as crisis intervention, referrals for short and long term medical and/or mental health care and contact information for local social service programs and agencies to assist in the healing process.
    • HSI provides short-term immigration protections to human trafficking victims, including victims of child sex trafficking. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants immigration benefits to eligible child victims of human trafficking, abuse, and other crimes, including T nonimmigrant status, U nonimmigrant status, and immigrant classification under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

    Educating and Increasing Public Awareness

    • The Know2Protect® campaign has garnered over 518 million impressions across various media platforms, in large part due to donated advertising from signed partners and other partner activations. The top visited pages on Know2Protect.gov are Take Action, How2Report, and Know the Threats.
    • Project iGuardian is the official in-person educational program of the Know2Protect campaign. Led by HSI, Project iGuardian offers in-person presentations designed to inform children, teens, parents, and trusted adults on the threat of online CSEA, how to implement preventive strategies, and report suspected abuse to law enforcement.
      • Since the start of FY24, more than 400 special agents have been trained to give Project iGuardian presentations.
      • In FY24, HSI gave more than 1,100 presentations to more than 122,000 children, teens, parents, and teachers domestically and internationally. These presentations yielded more than 75 victim disclosures and 77 investigative leads for online CSEA.
      • So far in FY 25, HSI has given more than 760 iGuardian presentations to over 69,000 children and adults, which have yielded more than 41 victim disclosures and 13 investigative leads.
    • In April 2024, the Blue Campaign announced a partnership with rideshare company Lyft to train their drivers, who interact with millions of riders per year, on how to recognize indicators of human trafficking among their passengers, and how to report it.  From July to September 2024, Blue Campaign collaborated with NCMEC to promote human trafficking awareness across various social media platforms, targeting both minors and those who work with minors. The campaign garnered more than 2 million impressions on Twitch, 14 million on Facebook, 3million on Snapchat, and 4 million through display ads.
    • The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) covers child sexual exploitation and abuse awareness in its Human Trafficking lesson plan. In FY2024, FLETC trained nearly 4,400 individuals in human trafficking awareness.
    • USSS Childhood Smart Program Ambassadors educated more than 112,000 children, parents, and teachers across 31 states and the District of Columbia about how to prevent online child sexual exploitation and child abduction. The Childhood Smart Program provides age-appropriate presentations to children as young as five as well as to adults. Presentations focus on internet and personal safety as well as other topics such as social media etiquette and cyber bullying.
    • The HSI Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center trained more than 800 individuals across the interagency on female genital mutilation or cutting, a severe form of child abuse and a crime under federal law when done to individuals under the age of 18.
    • The Blue Campaign Blue Lightning Initiative, part of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, trained more than 260,000 aviation personnel to identify potential traffickers and victims of forced labor and sex trafficking, to include child sex trafficking, and report their suspicions to law enforcement in FY 2023. The Initiative added 31 new partners this past year, raising its total partners to 136 aviation industry organizations, including its first two official international partners.
    • The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency administers SchoolSafety.gov, an interagency website that includes information, guidance and resources on a range of school safety topics. SchoolSafety.gov includes a child exploitation section that houses more than 60 resources to help school communities identify, prevent and respond to child exploitation. Since its launch in January 2023, child exploitation section has been viewed more than 35,600 times.

    What You Can Do and Resources Available

    • Visit  www.Know2Protect.gov to access free resources to understand the threats of online CSEA and learn preventative strategies to stop future victimization.
    • Request an educational presentation tailored for school children and trusted adults:
    • Visit SchoolSafety.gov for resources to help educators, school leaders, parents, and school personnel identify, prevent, and respond to child exploitation.
    • Learn more from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.Visit https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign for resources about how to prevent, identify and report human trafficking.  
    • How to report suspected online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the United States:
    • Contact your local, state, campus, or tribal law enforcement officials directly. Call 911 in an emergency.
    • If you suspect a child has been abducted or faces imminent danger, contact your local police and the NCMEC tip line at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
    • If you suspect a child might be a victim of online child sexual exploitation, call the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 and report it to NCMEC’s CyberTipline.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About the Northern District of Ohio

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Man Admits Distributing Methamphetamine Pills and Crack While on Supervised Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Ogman has been detained since his arrest.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixteen Defendants Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Drug Trafficking within the Pine Ridge Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Westamerica Bancorporation Web Address: www.westamerica.com

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

    FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

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

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

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

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

        Public Information April 17, 2025  
    WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION        
    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS        
    March 31, 2025        
               
    1. Net Income Summary.        
        (in thousands except per-share amounts)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
      Net Interest and Loan Fee        
      Income (FTE) $ 56,390   $ 66,094   -14.7 % $ 59,247  
      (Reversal of ) Provision        
      for Credit Losses   (550 )   300   n/m   –  
      Noninterest Income   10,321     10,097   2.2 %   10,633  
      Noninterest Expense   25,127     26,099   -3.7 %   25,853  
      Income Before Taxes (FTE)   42,134     49,792   -15.4 %   44,027  
      Income Tax Provision (FTE)   11,097     13,375   -17.0 %   12,327  
      Net Income $ 31,037   $ 36,417   -14.8 % $ 31,700  
               
      Average Common Shares        
      Outstanding   26,642     26,674   -0.1 %   26,699  
      Diluted Average Common        
      Shares Outstanding   26,642     26,675   -0.1 %   26,701  
               
      Operating Ratios:        
      Basic Earnings Per Common        
      Share $ 1.16   $ 1.37   -15.3 % $ 1.19  
      Diluted Earnings Per        
      Common Share   1.16     1.37   -15.3 %   1.19  
      Return On Assets (a)   2.03 %   2.24 %     2.02 %
      Return On Common        
      Equity (a)   11.9 %   15.2 %     12.1 %
      Net Interest Margin (FTE) (a)   3.90 %   4.30 %     4.01 %
      Efficiency Ratio (FTE)   37.7 %   34.3 %     37.0 %
               
      Dividends Paid Per Common        
      Share $ 0.44   $ 0.44   0.0 % $ 0.44  
      Common Dividend Payout        
      Ratio   38 %   32 %     37 %
               
    2. Net Interest Income.        
        (dollars in thousands)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
      Interest and Loan Fee        
      Income (FTE) $ 59,786   $ 69,095   -13.5 % $ 62,713  
      Interest Expense   3,396     3,001   13.2 %   3,466  
      Net Interest and Loan Fee        
      Income (FTE) $ 56,390   $ 66,094   -14.7 % $ 59,247  
               
      Average Earning Assets $ 5,794,836   $ 6,119,368   -5.3 % $ 5,850,620  
      Average Interest-Bearing        
      Liabilities   2,770,099     2,955,565   -6.3 %   2,796,675  
               
      Yield on Earning Assets        
      (FTE) (a)   4.14 %   4.50 %     4.25 %
      Cost of Funds (a)   0.24 %   0.20 %     0.24 %
      Net Interest Margin (FTE) (a)   3.90 %   4.30 %     4.01 %
      Interest Expense /        
      Interest-Bearing        
      Liabilities (a)   0.50 %   0.41 %     0.49 %
      Net Interest Spread (FTE) (a)   3.64 %   4.09 %     3.76 %
               
    3. Loans & Other Earning Assets.        
        (average volume, dollars in thousands)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
               
      Total Assets $ 6,187,321   $ 6,525,921   -5.2 % $ 6,243,799  
      Total Earning Assets   5,794,836     6,119,368   -5.3 %   5,850,620  
      Total Loans   789,935     853,553   -7.5 %   821,767  
      Commercial Loans   120,189     133,422   -9.9 %   131,088  
      Commercial Real Estate        
      Loans   497,379     488,989   1.7 %   503,546  
      Consumer Loans   172,367     231,142   -25.4 %   187,133  
      Total Investment Securities   4,395,565     5,098,539   -13.8 %   4,557,436  
      Debt Securities Available for        
      Sale   3,553,755     4,224,474   -15.9 %   3,710,378  
      Debt Securities Held to        
      Maturity   841,810     874,065   -3.7 %   847,058  
      Total Interest-Bearing Cash   609,336     167,276   264.3 %   471,417  
               
      Loans / Deposits   15.9 %   15.9 %     16.3 %
               
    4. Deposits, Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities & Equity.    
        (average volume, dollars in thousands)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
               
      Total Deposits $ 4,958,554   $ 5,379,060   -7.8 % $ 5,028,363  
      Noninterest Demand   2,293,059     2,532,381   -9.5 %   2,342,092  
      Interest-Bearing Transaction   935,054     1,058,292   -11.6 %   934,876  
      Savings   1,649,631     1,691,716   -2.5 %   1,666,542  
      Time greater than $100K   29,460     36,135   -18.5 %   31,541  
      Time less than $100K   51,350     60,536   -15.2 %   53,312  
      Total Short-Term Borrowings   104,604     108,886   -3.9 %   110,404  
      Bank Term Funding Program        
      Borrowings   –     62,582   n/m   –  
      Securities Sold under        
      Repurchase Agreements   104,604     46,304   125.9 %   110,404  
      Shareholders’ Equity   1,055,925     965,840   9.3 %   1,039,017  
               
      Demand Deposits /        
      Total Deposits   46.2 %   47.1 %     46.6 %
      Transaction & Savings        
      Deposits / Total Deposits   98.4 %   98.2 %     98.3 %
               
    5. Interest Yields Earned & Rates Paid.        
        (dollars in thousands)  
        Q1’2025  
        Average Income/ Yield (a) /  
        Volume Expense Rate (a)  
      Interest & Loan Fee Income Earned:        
      Total Earning Assets (FTE) $ 5,794,836   $ 59,786   4.14 %  
      Total Loans (FTE)   789,935     10,744   5.51 %  
      Commercial Loans (FTE)   120,189     1,845   6.21 %  
      Commercial Real Estate        
      Loans   497,379     6,473   5.28 %  
      Consumer Loans   172,367     2,426   5.70 %  
      Total Investments (FTE)   4,395,565     42,339   3.85 %  
      Total Debt Securities        
      Available for Sale (FTE)   3,553,755     33,753   3.80 %  
      Corporate Securities   1,991,278     13,522   2.72 %  
      Collateralized Loan        
      Obligations   915,873     14,422   6.30 %  
      Agency Mortgage Backed        
      Securities   254,126     2,034   3.20 %  
      Securities of U.S.        
      Government Sponsored        
      Entities   311,297     2,777   3.57 %  
      Obligations of States and        
      Political Subdivisions        
      (FTE)   62,651     496   3.17 %  
      U.S. Treasury Securities   4,303     54   5.13 %  
      Other Debt Securities        
      Available for Sale (FTE)   14,227     448   12.60 %  
      Total Debt Securities Held to        
      Maturity (FTE)   841,810     8,586   4.08 %  
      Agency Mortgage Backed        
      Securities   56,006     329   2.35 %  
      Corporate Securities   736,089     7,815   4.25 %  
      Obligations of States and        
      Political Subdivisions        
      (FTE)   49,715     442   3.56 %  
      Total Interest-Bearing Cash   609,336     6,703   4.40 %  
               
      Interest Expense Paid:        
      Total Earning Assets   5,794,836     3,396   0.24 %  
      Total Interest-Bearing        
      Liabilities   2,770,099     3,396   0.50 %  
      Total Interest-Bearing        
      Deposits   2,665,495     3,229   0.49 %  
      Interest-Bearing Transaction   935,054     46   0.02 %  
      Savings   1,649,631     3,128   0.77 %  
      Time less than $100K   51,350     38   0.30 %  
      Time greater than $100K   29,460     17   0.24 %  
      Total Short-Term Borrowings   104,604     167   0.65 %  
      Securities Sold under        
      Repurchase Agreements   104,604     167   0.65 %  
               
      Net Interest Income and        
      Margin (FTE)   $ 56,390   3.90 %  
        (dollars in thousands)  
        Q1’2024  
        Average Income/ Yield (a) /  
        Volume Expense Rate (a)  
      Interest & Loan Fee Income Earned:        
      Total Earning Assets (FTE) $ 6,119,368   $ 69,095   4.50 %  
      Total Loans (FTE)   853,553     11,413   5.38 %  
      Commercial Loans (FTE)   133,422     2,385   7.19 %  
      Commercial Real Estate        
      Loans   488,989     5,911   4.86 %  
      Consumer Loans   231,142     3,117   5.42 %  
      Total Investments (FTE)   5,098,539     55,399   4.32 %  
      Total Debt Securities        
      Available for Sale (FTE)   4,224,474     46,552   4.38 %  
      Corporate Securities   2,114,861     14,555   2.75 %  
      Collateralized Loan        
      Obligations   1,461,182     26,700   7.23 %  
      Agency Mortgage Backed        
      Securities   252,828     1,552   2.45 %  
      Securities of U.S.        
      Government sponsored        
      entities   308,807     2,777   3.60 %  
      Obligations of States and        
      Political Subdivisions        
      (FTE)   72,569     544   3.00 %  
      Other Debt Securities        
      Available for Sale (FTE)   14,227     424   11.92 %  
      Total Debt Securities Held to        
      Maturity (FTE)   874,065     8,847   4.05 %  
      Agency Mortgage Backed        
      Securities   76,062     427   2.25 %  
      Corporate Securities   729,273     7,816   4.29 %  
      Obligations of States and        
      Political Subdivisions        
      (FTE)   68,730     604   3.52 %  
      Total Interest-Bearing Cash   167,276     2,283   5.40 %  
               
      Interest Expense Paid:        
      Total Earning Assets   6,119,368     3,001   0.20 %  
      Total Interest-Bearing        
      Liabilities   2,955,565     3,001   0.41 %  
      Total Interest-Bearing        
      Deposits   2,846,679     2,106   0.30 %  
      Interest-Bearing Transaction   1,058,292     119   0.05 %  
      Savings   1,691,716     1,917   0.46 %  
      Time less than $100K   60,536     49   0.33 %  
      Time greater than $100K   36,135     21   0.23 %  
      Total Short-Term Borrowings   108,886     895   3.30 %  
      Bank Term Funding Program        
      Borrowings   62,582     843   5.40 %  
      Securities Sold under        
      Repurchase Agreements   46,304     52   0.45 %  
               
      Net Interest Income and        
      Margin (FTE)   $ 66,094   4.30 %  
               
    6. Noninterest Income.        
        (dollars in thousands except per-share amounts)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
      Service Charges on Deposit        
      Accounts $ 3,381   $ 3,470   -2.6 % $ 3,501  
      Merchant Processing        
      Services   2,733     2,507   9.0 %   2,735  
      Debit Card Fees   1,581     1,543   2.5 %   1,902  
      Trust Fees   899     794   13.2 %   867  
      ATM Processing Fees   463     591   -21.7 %   506  
      Other Service Fees   429     438   -2.1 %   428  
      Life Insurance Gains   102     –   n/m   –  
      Other Noninterest Income   733     754   -2.8 %   694  
      Total Noninterest Income $ 10,321   $ 10,097   2.2 % $ 10,633  
               
      Operating Ratios:        
      Total Revenue (FTE) $ 66,711   $ 76,191   -12.4 % $ 69,880  
      Noninterest Income /        
      Revenue (FTE)   15.5 %   13.3 %     15.2 %
      Service Charges /        
      Avg. Deposits (a)   0.28 %   0.26 %     0.28 %
      Total Revenue (FTE) Per        
      Avg. Common Share (a) $ 10.16   $ 11.49   -11.6 % $ 10.41  
               
    7. Noninterest Expense.        
        (dollars in thousands)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
               
      Salaries and Related Benefits $ 12,126   $ 12,586   -3.7 % $ 12,461  
      Occupancy and Equipment   5,038     5,040   -0.0 %   5,219  
      Outsourced Data Processing   2,697     2,536   6.3 %   2,610  
      Limited Partnership        
      Operating Losses   915     1,440   -36.5 %   1,095  
      Professional Fees   395     402   -1.7 %   369  
      Courier Service   688     649   6.0 %   692  
      Other Noninterest Expense   3,268     3,446   -5.2 %   3,407  
      Total Noninterest Expense $ 25,127   $ 26,099   -3.7 % $ 25,853  
               
      Operating Ratios:        
      Noninterest Expense /        
      Avg. Earning Assets (a)   1.76 %   1.72 %     1.76 %
      Noninterest Expense /        
      Revenues (FTE)   37.7 %   34.3 %     37.0 %
               
    8. Allowance for Credit Losses.        
        (dollars in thousands)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
               
      Average Total Loans $ 789,935   $ 853,553   -7.5 % $ 821,767  
               
      Beginning of Period        
      Allowance for Credit        
      Losses on Loans (ACLL) $ 14,780   $ 16,867   -12.4 % $ 15,318  
      (Reversal of ) Provision        
      for Credit Losses   (550 )   300   n/m   –  
      Net ACLL Losses   (316 )   (1,288 ) -75.5 %   (538 )
      End of Period ACLL $ 13,914   $ 15,879   -12.4 % $ 14,780  
               
      Gross ACLL Recoveries /        
      Gross ACLL Losses   82 %   36 %     63 %
      Net ACLL Losses /        
      Avg. Total Loans (a)   -0.16 %   -0.61 %     -0.26 %
               
        (dollars in thousands)
            %  
        3/31/25 3/31/24 Change 12/31/24
      Allowance for Credit Losses        
      on Loans $ 13,914   $ 15,879   -12.4 % $ 14,780  
      Allowance for Credit Losses        
      on Held to Maturity        
      Securities   1     1   0.0 %   1  
      Total Allowance for Credit        
      Losses $ 13,915   $ 15,880   -12.4 % $ 14,781  
               
      Allowance for Unfunded        
      Credit Commitments $ 201   $ 201   0.0 % $ 201  
               
    9. Credit Quality.        
        (dollars in thousands)
            %  
        3/31/25 3/31/24 Change 12/31/24
      Nonperforming Loans:        
      Nonperforming Nonaccrual        
      Loans $ –   $ 957   n/m $ 201  
      Performing Nonaccrual        
      Loans   –     1   n/m   –  
      Total Nonaccrual Loans   –     958   n/m   201  
      Accruing Loans 90+ Days        
      Past Due   277     525   -47.2 %   534  
      Total Nonperforming Loans $ 277   $ 1,483   -81.3 % $ 735  
               
      Total Loans Outstanding $ 771,030   $ 844,677   -8.7 % $ 820,300  
               
      Total Assets   5,966,624     6,464,685   -7.7 %   6,076,274  
               
      Loans:        
      Allowance for Credit Losses        
      on Loans $ 13,914   $ 15,879   -12.4 % $ 14,780  
      Allowance for Credit Losses        
      on Loans / Loans   1.80 %   1.88 %     1.80 %
      Nonperforming Loans /        
      Total Loans   0.04 %   0.18 %     0.09 %
               
    10. Liquidity.        
               
      At March 31, 2025, the Company had $727,336 thousand in cash balances. During the twelve months ending March 31, 2026, the Company expects to receive $265,000 thousand in principal payments from its debt securities. If additional operational liquidity is required, the Company can pledge debt securities as collateral for borrowing purposes; at March 31, 2025, the Company’s debt securities which qualify as collateral for borrowing totaled $3,498,151 thousand. In the ordinary course of business, the Company pledges debt securities as collateral for certain depository customers; at March 31, 2025, the Company had pledged $713,752 thousand in debt securities for depository customers. In the ordinary course of business, the Company pledges debt securities as collateral for borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank; at March 31, 2025, the Company had pledged $724,966 thousand in debt securities at the Federal Reserve Bank. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company’s average borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank and other correspondent banks were $-0- thousand and $-0- thousand, respectively, and at March 31, 2025, the Company had no borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank or other correspondent banks. At March 31, 2025, the Company had access to borrowing from the Federal Reserve up to $724,966 thousand based on collateral pledged at March 31, 2025. At March 31, 2025, the Company’s estimated unpledged collateral qualifying debt securities totaled $1,615,433 thousand. Debt securities eligible as collateral are shown at market value.
               
              (in thousands)
              3/31/25
      Debt Securities Eligible as        
      Collateral:        
      Corporate Securities       $ 2,517,299  
      Collateralized Loan        
      Obligations rated AAA         269,817  
      Obligations of States and        
      Political Subdivisions         109,065  
      Agency Mortgage Backed        
      Securities         302,248  
      Securities of U.S. Government        
      Sponsored Entities         299,722  
      Total Debt Securities Eligible        
      as Collateral       $ 3,498,151  
               
      Debt Securities Pledged        
      as Collateral:        
      Debt Securities Pledged        
      at the Federal Reserve Bank       ($ 724,966 )
      Deposits by Public Entities         (713,752 )
      Securities Sold under        
      Repurchase Agreements         (439,287 )
      Other         (4,713 )
      Total Debt Securities Pledged        
      as Collateral       ($ 1,882,718 )
               
      Estimated Debt Securities        
      Available to Pledge       $ 1,615,433  
               
    11. Capital.        
        (in thousands, except per-share amounts)
            %  
        3/31/25 3/31/24 Change 12/31/24
               
      Shareholders’ Equity $ 923,138   $ 791,691   16.6 % $ 889,957  
      Total Assets   5,966,624     6,464,685   -7.7 %   6,076,274  
      Shareholders’ Equity/        
      Total Assets   15.47 %   12.25 %     14.65 %
      Shareholders’ Equity/        
      Total Loans   119.73 %   93.73 %     108.49 %
      Tangible Common Equity        
      Ratio   13.71 %   10.56 %     12.90 %
      Common Shares Outstanding   26,360     26,678   -1.2 %   26,708  
      Common Equity Per Share $ 35.02   $ 29.68   18.0 % $ 33.32  
      Market Value Per Common        
      Share   50.63     48.88   3.6 %   52.46  
               
        (shares in thousands)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
      Share Retirements (Issuances):        
      Total Shares Retired   361     4   n/m   –  
      Average Retirement Price $ 50.96   $ 45.58   n/m $ –  
      Net Shares Retired (Issued)   348     (7 ) n/m   (22 )
               
    12. Period-End Balance Sheets.        
        (unaudited, dollars in thousands)
            %  
        3/31/25 3/31/24 Change 12/31/24
      Assets:        
      Cash and Due from Banks $ 727,336   $ 434,250   67.5 % $ 601,494  
               
      Debt Securities Available for        
      Sale:        
      Corporate Securities   1,802,791     1,879,980   -4.1 %   1,835,937  
      Collateralized Loan        
      Obligations   822,111     1,420,584   -42.1 %   982,589  
      Agency Mortgage Backed        
      Securities   250,844     225,564   11.2 %   218,026  
      Securities of U.S.        
      Government Sponsored        
      Entities   299,722     292,583   2.4 %   292,117  
      Obligations of States and        
      Political Subdivisions   60,581     70,466   -14.0 %   62,186  
      U.S. Treasury Securities   –     –   n/m   4,955  
      Total Debt Securities        
        Available for Sale   3,236,049     3,889,177   -16.8 %   3,395,810  
               
      Debt Securities Held to        
      Maturity:        
      Agency Mortgage Backed        
      Securities   53,528     73,023   -26.7 %   57,927  
      Corporate Securities   737,146     730,350   0.9 %   735,447  
      Obligations of States and        
      Political Subdivisions (1)   48,674     65,352   -25.5 %   51,260  
      Total Debt Securities        
        Held to Maturity (1)   839,348     868,725   -3.4 %   844,634  
               
      Loans   771,030     844,677   -8.7 %   820,300  
      Allowance For Credit Losses        
      on Loans   (13,914 )   (15,879 ) -12.4 %   (14,780 )
      Total Loans, net   757,116     828,798   -8.6 %   805,520  
               
      Premises and Equipment, net   25,722     26,458   -2.8 %   26,133  
      Identifiable Intangibles, net   72     291   -75.2 %   125  
      Goodwill   121,673     121,673   0.0 %   121,673  
      Other Assets   259,308     295,313   -12.2 %   280,885  
               
      Total Assets $ 5,966,624   $ 6,464,685   -7.7 % $ 6,076,274  
               
      Liabilities and Shareholders’        
      Equity:        
      Deposits:        
      Noninterest-Bearing $ 2,241,802   $ 2,514,161   -10.8 % $ 2,333,389  
      Interest-Bearing Transaction   920,461     1,066,038   -13.7 %   953,863  
      Savings   1,633,445     1,681,921   -2.9 %   1,642,360  
      Time   78,387     92,805   -15.5 %   82,238  
      Total Deposits   4,874,095     5,354,925   -9.0 %   5,011,850  
               
      Bank Term Funding        
      Program Borrowings   –     200,000   n/m   –  
      Securities Sold under        
      Repurchase Agreements   113,219     50,334   124.9 %   120,322  
      Total Short-Term        
        Borrowed Funds   113,219     250,334   -54.8 %   120,322  
               
      Other Liabilities   56,172     67,735   -17.1 %   54,145  
      Total Liabilities   5,043,486     5,672,994   -11.1 %   5,186,317  
               
      Shareholders’ Equity:        
      Common Equity:        
      Paid-In Capital   470,844     473,989   -0.7 %   476,506  
      Accumulated Other        
      Comprehensive Loss   (136,768 )   (196,857 ) -30.5 %   (168,104 )
      Retained Earnings   589,062     514,559   14.5 %   581,555  
      Total Shareholders’ Equity   923,138     791,691   16.6 %   889,957  
               
      Total Liabilities and        
        Shareholders’ Equity $ 5,966,624   $ 6,464,685   -7.7 % $ 6,076,274  
               
    13. Income Statements.        
        (unaudited, in thousands except per-share amounts)
            %  
        Q1’2025 Q1’2024 Change Q4’2024
      Interest and Loan Fee Income:        
      Loans $ 10,669   $ 11,324   -5.8 % $ 11,167  
      Equity Securities   195     174   12.1 %   195  
      Debt Securities Available        
      for Sale   33,430     46,243   -27.7 %   36,843  
      Debt Securities Held to        
      Maturity   8,494     8,722   -2.6 %   8,538  
      Interest-Bearing Cash   6,703     2,283   193.6 %   5,659  
      Total Interest and Loan        
      Fee Income   59,491     68,746   -13.5 %   62,402  
               
      Interest Expense:        
      Transaction Deposits   46     119   -61.3 %   46  
      Savings Deposits   3,128     1,917   63.2 %   3,148  
      Time Deposits   55     70   -21.4 %   68  
      Bank Term Funding Program        
      Borrowings   –     843   n/m   –  
      Securities Sold under        
      Repurchase Agreements   167     52   222.1 %   204  
      Total Interest Expense   3,396     3,001   13.2 %   3,466  
               
      Net Interest and Loan        
      Fee Income   56,095     65,745   -14.7 %   58,936  
               
      (Reversal of) Provision        
      for Credit Losses   (550 )   300   n/m   –  
               
      Noninterest Income:        
      Service Charges on Deposit        
      Accounts   3,381     3,470   -2.6 %   3,501  
      Merchant Processing        
      Services   2,733     2,507   9.0 %   2,735  
      Debit Card Fees   1,581     1,543   2.5 %   1,902  
      Trust Fees   899     794   13.2 %   867  
      ATM Processing Fees   463     591   -21.7 %   506  
      Other Service Fees   429     438   -2.1 %   428  
      Life Insurance Gains   102     –   n/m   –  
      Other Noninterest Income   733     754   -2.8 %   694  
      Total Noninterest Income   10,321     10,097   2.2 %   10,633  
               
      Noninterest Expense:        
      Salaries and Related Benefits   12,126     12,586   -3.7 %   12,461  
      Occupancy and Equipment   5,038     5,040   -0.0 %   5,219  
      Outsourced Data Processing   2,697     2,536   6.3 %   2,610  
      Limited Partnership        
      Operating Losses   915     1,440   -36.5 %   1,095  
      Professional Fees   395     402   -1.7 %   369  
      Courier Service   688     649   6.0 %   692  
      Other Noninterest Expense   3,268     3,446   -5.2 %   3,407  
      Total Noninterest Expense   25,127     26,099   -3.7 %   25,853  
               
      Income Before Income Taxes   41,839     49,443   -15.4 %   43,716  
      Income Tax Provision   10,802     13,026   -17.1 %   12,016  
      Net Income $ 31,037   $ 36,417   -14.8 % $ 31,700  
               
      Average Common Shares        
      Outstanding   26,642     26,674   -0.1 %   26,699  
      Diluted Average Common        
      Shares Outstanding   26,642     26,675   -0.1 %   26,701  
               
      Per Common Share Data:        
      Basic Earnings $ 1.16   $ 1.37   -15.3 % $ 1.19  
      Diluted Earnings   1.16     1.37   -15.3 %   1.19  
      Dividends Paid   0.44     0.44   0.0 %   0.44  
               
      Footnotes and Abbreviations:        
      (1) Debt Securities Held To Maturity and Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions are net of related reserve for expected credit losses of $1 thousand at March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024.
               
      (FTE) Fully Taxable Equivalent. The Company presents its net interest margin and net interest income on a FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate. Management believes the FTE basis is valuable to the reader because the Company’s loan and investment securities portfolios contain a portion of municipal loans and securities that are federally tax exempt. The Company’s tax exempt loans and securities composition may not be similar to that of other banks, therefore in order to reflect the impact of the federally tax exempt loans and securities on the net interest margin and net interest income for comparability with other banks, the Company presents its net interest margin and net interest income on a FTE basis.
               
      (a) Annualized        

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colorado Woman Sentenced to 11 years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Denver, Colorado, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on April 14, 2025.

    Patricia Rae Pacheco a/k/a Patty Pacheco, age 35, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Pacheco was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in August 2020. She pleaded guilty on January 15, 2025.

    Between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2020, Pacheco conspired with several other persons to distribute methamphetamine obtained from Colorado to her family members and others in South Dakota, specifically in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. 

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Valentine (NE) Police Department.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars From Employer

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Sentenced for Roles in Morgantown-Area Drug Trafficking Operation

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

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

    Those sentenced today were:

    • Charles Johnson, 33, of Detroit, Michigan, sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison;
    • Sandra Tennant, 55, of Morgantown, West Virginia, sentenced to 51 months;
    • Stephanie Miller, 48, of Charleston, West Virginia, sentenced to 84 months in federal prison; and
    • Jordan Spadafore, 34, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years of probation.

    According to court documents, Johnson, Tennant, Miller, and Spadafore were distributors for the operation that was selling methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 30 Year Prison Sentence for Convicted Killer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

    There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twenty Arrested in Waco on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

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

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

    The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine and face 10 years to life in federal prison:

    • Osvaldo Vences
    • Brenda Lou Brasher
    • Juan Delgado
    • Anthony Mark Fimple
    • Brian Quinn Knox
    • Ronald Vincent Rodriguez, Jr.
    • James Holland Young
    • Tandy Jay Day
    • William Brett Lafferty
    • Michael Earl McDonald

    The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 1 kilogram of heroin and face 10 years to life in federal prison:

    • Arthur Lee Pimpton
    • Quincy Shun Cook
    • Osvaldo Vences
    • Reginald Dewayne Bible
    • Reginald Vernard Branch
    • Deordrick Derrion Brown
    • Direshia Marie McDaniel
    • Reginald Lionel Thornton
    • Kevin Eugene Hubby
    • Rockelle Lashan Parker
    • Marvin Lydell Starks

    The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine and face five to 40 years in federal prison: 

    • Juan Delgado
    • Anthony Mark Fimple
    • Ronald Vincent Rodriguez, Jr.
    • Fabian Angel Fabela

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

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

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ashland City Doctor Sentenced to Three Years for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –