NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore Statement on End of Legislative Session

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    General Assembly passes four priority bills of the RI Department of State

    PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore today issued the following statement in recognition of the end of the 2025 legislative session:

    “Each year, it is a valuable process to identify and assess opportunities to improve the way our government provides services and fulfills its responsibilities, and to submit legislation designed to make the provision of government services more efficient and effective,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “I applaud the Rhode Island General Assembly on another successful legislative session, and I thank Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Lawson, Governor McKee, and each of our bills’ sponsors for their support this year.”

    The General Assembly passed three of the RI Department of State’s priority bills related to elections, which will protect poll workers, implement regulations related to the rising prevalence of artificial intelligence in election communications, and streamline ballot creation and reduce waste and costs associated with ballot printing.

    The first bill, S729A (Tikoian) / H5300A (Dawson) codifies language that creates criminal penalties for individuals who threaten or harass a poll worker or election official. With the passage of this law, Rhode Island joins 19 states and Washington, DC in passing laws protecting poll workers and election officials since 2020.

    S816A (DiPalma) / H5872A (Baginski) regulates the use of synthetic media in election communications by requiring disclosure of the use of AI within 90 days of an election. Synthetic media, or “deepfakes,” in election communications can be used to create misinformation and deprive the public of accurate information they need to make important decisions. With this bill, Rhode Island will join 25 states who have passed legislation to regulate synthetic media.

    S953 (Dimitri) / H5514 (Furtado) eliminates an existing requirement to print “Mail Voter” on ballots used for early voting, meaning that the same ballot style could be used for early voting and Election Day voting moving forward. The change will reduce the likelihood of wasted printed ballots as all in-person ballot styles will be the same. The RI Department of State estimates that had this been the practice in the 2024 election cycle, the Department would have saved more than $100,000 on ballot printing.

    In addition, the General Assembly passed S742 (Murray) / H5451 (Read), which modernizes the language of the Public Records Administration statute to current industry standards and streamlines and clarifies the roles and responsibilities for local government and State agencies with public records management. The State Archives and Public Records Administration are indispensable tools for upholding transparency in government as they safeguard Rhode Island’s historical assets and records, which document daily government operations.

    Secretary Amore also commends the passage of three additional bills related to elections and vital records.

    H5709 (Serpa) / S520 (Bissaillon) enables any eligible voter to request to be placed on the permanent mail ballot application list. H5384 (Boylan) / S541 (Lauria) extends the deadline for a candidate for an election to request a recount. H5714A (Kazarian) / S1006A (Britto) enables the revision of an individual’s race designation on their birth certificate, if justified. The bill was introduced at the request of an East Providence constituent whose birth certificate used offensive and inaccurate language to describe their race.

    To learn more about the Rhode Island Department of State, visit sos.ri.gov.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian Man is the Sixth and Final Defendant Sentenced in a Grandparent Scam that Targeted Kentucky Victims and Others

    Source: US FBI

    Louisville, KY – A Canadian citizen was sentenced to 5 years and 1 month in federal prison for his role in a sweeping “grandparent scam” that targeted victims in Kentucky and across the United States through Canadian-based call centers.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service made the announcement.

    According to court documents, callers would convince senior victims that their grandchild or other family member had an emergency, usually a car accident, and urgently needed money from the victim. Co-conspirators posing as “couriers” would then collect cash from victims at home and others would launder the criminal proceeds, both through traditional banks and cryptocurrency exchanges. The charged wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy spanned from August 2020 to May 2021, and impacted hundreds of victims across the United States—including in Kentucky—who lost over $3 million in total.

    Phillipe Gravel–Nadon, 35, a Canadian citizen who was extradited from Colombia to face the federal indictment, was sentenced on June 12, 2025, to 5 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for wire fraud conspiracy. Gravel–Nadon was considered a “manager or supervisor” within the conspiracy. He was also ordered to pay $963,290 in restitution.

    Five other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced in the case.

    Robert Louis Sanchez, 58, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced on June 27, 2024, to 1 year and 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, for his role both as a courier and sometimes as the “safehouse” who would guard cash that was taken from victims.

    Jairo Ostia Roberts, 44, who traveled from Panama to the United States to act as a courier in the scheme, was sentenced on March 9, 2023, to 6 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release, for wire fraud conspiracy. Roberts was removed to Panama upon his release from U.S. Bureau of Prisons custody.

    Panama Abel Diaz Adames, 40, who also traveled from Panama to the United States to act as a courier in the scheme, was sentenced on April 4, 2024, to 1 year and 4 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for wire fraud conspiracy.

    Christopher Courcoulacos, 47, a Canadian citizen who had been residing in Panama, was considered a “manager or supervisor” within the conspiracy, and was sentenced on November 9, 2023, to 6 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for wire fraud conspiracy.

    Mark Anthony Phillips, 45, of Ruskin, Florida, was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to 6 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charged in the Western District of Kentucky, as well as pleading guilty to five additional money laundering counts, originally charged in the Western District of New York, which were transferred to Kentucky for guilty pleas and sentencing.

    “These schemes—designed to take advantage of vulnerable, well-intentioned victims—are becoming increasingly more prevalent across the country. We will do everything in our power to identify the perpetrators of these frauds and hold them to account,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “As we do our part to curb these frauds, I would caution the public to be skeptical of any phone call that presents you with an urgent situation that can be remedied by an immediate payment of money. Those requests are generally a fraud, and you should have the courage to hang up the phone when the caller pushes you even harder for money.” 

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the IRS-CI and USSS with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and extradition of Gravel-Nadon to the United States.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne E. Keel prosecuted the case.

    This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the National Elder Justice Task Force and the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force. The Department of Justice’s mission of its Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. Kentucky’s task force is comprised of investigators, prosecutors, and others at the local, state, and federal level with a common objective of protecting seniors across Kentucky.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian Man is the Sixth and Final Defendant Sentenced in a Grandparent Scam that Targeted Kentucky Victims and Others

    Source: US FBI

    Louisville, KY – A Canadian citizen was sentenced to 5 years and 1 month in federal prison for his role in a sweeping “grandparent scam” that targeted victims in Kentucky and across the United States through Canadian-based call centers.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service made the announcement.

    According to court documents, callers would convince senior victims that their grandchild or other family member had an emergency, usually a car accident, and urgently needed money from the victim. Co-conspirators posing as “couriers” would then collect cash from victims at home and others would launder the criminal proceeds, both through traditional banks and cryptocurrency exchanges. The charged wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy spanned from August 2020 to May 2021, and impacted hundreds of victims across the United States—including in Kentucky—who lost over $3 million in total.

    Phillipe Gravel–Nadon, 35, a Canadian citizen who was extradited from Colombia to face the federal indictment, was sentenced on June 12, 2025, to 5 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for wire fraud conspiracy. Gravel–Nadon was considered a “manager or supervisor” within the conspiracy. He was also ordered to pay $963,290 in restitution.

    Five other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced in the case.

    Robert Louis Sanchez, 58, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced on June 27, 2024, to 1 year and 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, for his role both as a courier and sometimes as the “safehouse” who would guard cash that was taken from victims.

    Jairo Ostia Roberts, 44, who traveled from Panama to the United States to act as a courier in the scheme, was sentenced on March 9, 2023, to 6 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release, for wire fraud conspiracy. Roberts was removed to Panama upon his release from U.S. Bureau of Prisons custody.

    Panama Abel Diaz Adames, 40, who also traveled from Panama to the United States to act as a courier in the scheme, was sentenced on April 4, 2024, to 1 year and 4 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for wire fraud conspiracy.

    Christopher Courcoulacos, 47, a Canadian citizen who had been residing in Panama, was considered a “manager or supervisor” within the conspiracy, and was sentenced on November 9, 2023, to 6 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for wire fraud conspiracy.

    Mark Anthony Phillips, 45, of Ruskin, Florida, was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to 6 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charged in the Western District of Kentucky, as well as pleading guilty to five additional money laundering counts, originally charged in the Western District of New York, which were transferred to Kentucky for guilty pleas and sentencing.

    “These schemes—designed to take advantage of vulnerable, well-intentioned victims—are becoming increasingly more prevalent across the country. We will do everything in our power to identify the perpetrators of these frauds and hold them to account,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “As we do our part to curb these frauds, I would caution the public to be skeptical of any phone call that presents you with an urgent situation that can be remedied by an immediate payment of money. Those requests are generally a fraud, and you should have the courage to hang up the phone when the caller pushes you even harder for money.” 

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the IRS-CI and USSS with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and extradition of Gravel-Nadon to the United States.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne E. Keel prosecuted the case.

    This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the National Elder Justice Task Force and the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force. The Department of Justice’s mission of its Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. Kentucky’s task force is comprised of investigators, prosecutors, and others at the local, state, and federal level with a common objective of protecting seniors across Kentucky.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL celebrates 10 years of innovation and collaboration in Singapore

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    23 June 2025

    Singapore – Marking the 10th anniversary of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI), a special ceremony was held at the state-of-the art facility in Singapore.

    INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza and members of the INTERPOL Executive Committee were joined by Singapore Police Commissioner Hoong Wee Teck and Deputy Secretary (Policy) Ngiam Shih Chun from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

    The IGCI, which officially became operational in April 2015, is a testament to the strong partnership between INTERPOL and Singapore, and plays an important role in the Organization’s mission to combat transnational crime through:

    •             Strengthening INTERPOL’s regional presence in an increasingly globalized crime landscape;

    •             Expanding the Command and Coordination Centre’s 24/7 support to its member countries; and,

    •             The launch of a Cyber Fusion Centre facilitating secure, real-time intelligence sharing on cyber threats.

    In the first month of operation, supported by information from private sector partners, the IGCI played a key role in Operation Simda which dismantled a botnet spreading malware across more than 190 countries.

    And today, products such as the Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation in Law Enforcement, are helping meet the evolving needs of member countries in using AI to combat and investigate crime.

    Currently, more than 140 staff work at the IGCI, INTERPOL’s hub for advanced technology deployment, building cybercrime partnerships, and providing vital training to member countries.

    The event marked a significant milestone in the history of INTERPOL and highlighted the organization’s commitment to working together with its member countries to combat transnational crime and promote global security.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL celebrates 10 years of innovation and collaboration in Singapore

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    23 June 2025

    Singapore – Marking the 10th anniversary of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI), a special ceremony was held at the state-of-the art facility in Singapore.

    INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza and members of the INTERPOL Executive Committee were joined by Singapore Police Commissioner Hoong Wee Teck and Deputy Secretary (Policy) Ngiam Shih Chun from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

    The IGCI, which officially became operational in April 2015, is a testament to the strong partnership between INTERPOL and Singapore, and plays an important role in the Organization’s mission to combat transnational crime through:

    •             Strengthening INTERPOL’s regional presence in an increasingly globalized crime landscape;

    •             Expanding the Command and Coordination Centre’s 24/7 support to its member countries; and,

    •             The launch of a Cyber Fusion Centre facilitating secure, real-time intelligence sharing on cyber threats.

    In the first month of operation, supported by information from private sector partners, the IGCI played a key role in Operation Simda which dismantled a botnet spreading malware across more than 190 countries.

    And today, products such as the Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation in Law Enforcement, are helping meet the evolving needs of member countries in using AI to combat and investigate crime.

    Currently, more than 140 staff work at the IGCI, INTERPOL’s hub for advanced technology deployment, building cybercrime partnerships, and providing vital training to member countries.

    The event marked a significant milestone in the history of INTERPOL and highlighted the organization’s commitment to working together with its member countries to combat transnational crime and promote global security.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • India and the world celebrate 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 with record-breaking global participation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025) witnessed an unprecedented global celebration on June 21 with over 2,000 yoga events held across 191 countries, reinforcing yoga’s universal message of wellness, peace, and unity. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative continues to emphasize India’s leadership in promoting holistic health and traditional wisdom on a global scale.

    Domestically, the scale of engagement was massive, with 13.04 lakh yoga events registered across India through the Yoga Portal by June 20. This overwhelming response from people across regions showcased a deep-rooted commitment to the practice and its role in public well-being.

    A landmark moment came from Visakhapatnam, where two Guinness World Records were set: the largest yoga gathering at a single venue with an astounding 3.02 lakh participants, and the largest mass Surya Namaskar demonstration, performed by 22,122 tribal students on June 20.

    The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with various government departments and local administrations, conducted fifteen iconic yoga demonstrations at culturally and geographically significant locations throughout the country. These events were designed not only to highlight the richness of India’s heritage but also to connect the practice of yoga with national spirit and natural beauty.

    Among the most challenging locations were the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier, where Indian Army personnel practiced yoga at the world’s highest battlefield. Other high-altitude sessions were held in the Galwan Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Sela Tunnel, with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) staff participating under extreme conditions. In Jammu & Kashmir, yoga was performed on the Chenab Rail Bridge — the world’s highest railway bridge — blending engineering excellence with spiritual depth.

    In the westernmost part of India, the Konark Corps of the Indian Army led a session in the Rann and Creek sector of Kutch, Gujarat. Meanwhile, India’s southernmost tip, Indira Point in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, saw yoga performed by personnel from the Andaman & Nicobar Command. Offshore yoga also made its mark, with ONGC personnel participating on an oil rig in the Arabian Sea. On the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, railway officials, scouts, guides, and students came together to demonstrate the theme of connectedness and flow.

    Spiritual and historical landmarks also hosted special sessions. The 91 UP Battalion of the NCC conducted yoga on the banks of the Ganga at NaMo Ghat in Varanasi, while the BSF Rajasthan Frontier held a culturally vibrant session at Kishangarh Fort in Jaisalmer. Youth athletes performed yoga in the picturesque meadows of Pahalgam and Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing harmony with nature. In a significant cross-border gesture, Indian pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La practiced yoga in Bainang County, Tibet Autonomous Region, symbolizing transnational spiritual unity.

    In partnership with the Geological Survey of India, twelve yoga sessions were held at prominent Geological Heritage Sites known for their scientific, ecological, and cultural significance. These included locations like Rahioli Dinosaur Fossil Park in Gujarat, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in Madhya Pradesh, and Arwah-Lumshynna Cave in Meghalaya, among others. These events underscored the deep connection between yoga and the Earth’s natural history, promoting the theme “Yoga for All, Yoga Everywhere.”

    Through a Whole of Government approach, the Ministry of Ayush was able to orchestrate this vast celebration with the support of multiple ministries, state governments, educational institutions, the Indian Armed Forces, yoga organizations, NGOs, and millions of practitioners worldwide.

    The Ministry expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to making IDY 2025 a historic global celebration of health, resilience, and unity, upholding yoga as not just a practice, but a living tradition that continues to inspire generations across continents.

  • India and the world celebrate 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 with record-breaking global participation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025) witnessed an unprecedented global celebration on June 21 with over 2,000 yoga events held across 191 countries, reinforcing yoga’s universal message of wellness, peace, and unity. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative continues to emphasize India’s leadership in promoting holistic health and traditional wisdom on a global scale.

    Domestically, the scale of engagement was massive, with 13.04 lakh yoga events registered across India through the Yoga Portal by June 20. This overwhelming response from people across regions showcased a deep-rooted commitment to the practice and its role in public well-being.

    A landmark moment came from Visakhapatnam, where two Guinness World Records were set: the largest yoga gathering at a single venue with an astounding 3.02 lakh participants, and the largest mass Surya Namaskar demonstration, performed by 22,122 tribal students on June 20.

    The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with various government departments and local administrations, conducted fifteen iconic yoga demonstrations at culturally and geographically significant locations throughout the country. These events were designed not only to highlight the richness of India’s heritage but also to connect the practice of yoga with national spirit and natural beauty.

    Among the most challenging locations were the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier, where Indian Army personnel practiced yoga at the world’s highest battlefield. Other high-altitude sessions were held in the Galwan Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Sela Tunnel, with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) staff participating under extreme conditions. In Jammu & Kashmir, yoga was performed on the Chenab Rail Bridge — the world’s highest railway bridge — blending engineering excellence with spiritual depth.

    In the westernmost part of India, the Konark Corps of the Indian Army led a session in the Rann and Creek sector of Kutch, Gujarat. Meanwhile, India’s southernmost tip, Indira Point in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, saw yoga performed by personnel from the Andaman & Nicobar Command. Offshore yoga also made its mark, with ONGC personnel participating on an oil rig in the Arabian Sea. On the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, railway officials, scouts, guides, and students came together to demonstrate the theme of connectedness and flow.

    Spiritual and historical landmarks also hosted special sessions. The 91 UP Battalion of the NCC conducted yoga on the banks of the Ganga at NaMo Ghat in Varanasi, while the BSF Rajasthan Frontier held a culturally vibrant session at Kishangarh Fort in Jaisalmer. Youth athletes performed yoga in the picturesque meadows of Pahalgam and Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing harmony with nature. In a significant cross-border gesture, Indian pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La practiced yoga in Bainang County, Tibet Autonomous Region, symbolizing transnational spiritual unity.

    In partnership with the Geological Survey of India, twelve yoga sessions were held at prominent Geological Heritage Sites known for their scientific, ecological, and cultural significance. These included locations like Rahioli Dinosaur Fossil Park in Gujarat, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in Madhya Pradesh, and Arwah-Lumshynna Cave in Meghalaya, among others. These events underscored the deep connection between yoga and the Earth’s natural history, promoting the theme “Yoga for All, Yoga Everywhere.”

    Through a Whole of Government approach, the Ministry of Ayush was able to orchestrate this vast celebration with the support of multiple ministries, state governments, educational institutions, the Indian Armed Forces, yoga organizations, NGOs, and millions of practitioners worldwide.

    The Ministry expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to making IDY 2025 a historic global celebration of health, resilience, and unity, upholding yoga as not just a practice, but a living tradition that continues to inspire generations across continents.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Online impersonation reported

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Home Affairs Department today said it has reported an impersonation incident in a Facebook group to the Police Force for investigation and contacted the social media platform to request prompt removal of the false content.

     

    The department said it took immediate action after discovering an unidentified individual impersonating a Tai Po District Officer and posting a statement under the profile name “Tai Po District Care Teams Alliance” in a Facebook group named “Tai Po”.

     

    The department stressed that the content of the social media post and the purported statement were false, and that neither were issued by a Tai Po District Officer or by any District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams).

     

    It added that the Government will take serious action in accordance with the law against anyone impersonating a public officer or posting false information purporting to be from Care Teams.

     

    The department urged members of the public to remain vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to its hotline, on 2835 2500, or to Police.

     

    The public is also reminded to obtain accurate information through official Government channels and to refrain from trusting or forwarding unverified online messages.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Sues Washington State Over its new anti-Catholic law, Senate Bill 5375

    Source: US State of California

    The Justice Department announced today that it filed legal action for a complaint in intervention against the State of Washington over its a new state law, Senate Bill 5375, which violates the free exercise of religion for all Catholics, and requires Catholic priests to violate the confidentiality seal of Confession.

    Senate Bill 5375 requires Catholic priests to violate their vows to uphold the confidentiality seal that accompanies the sacred rite of Confession, subjecting them to immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church.

    As the Justice Department’s lawsuit explains, the violations imposed by this new law on all practicing members of the Catholic Church, including Catholic priests administering the sacrament and Catholic penitents participating in the rite, include deprivations of the Free Exercise of Religion under the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

    “Laws that explicitly target religious practices such as the Sacrament of Confession in the Catholic Church have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Senate Bill 5375 unconstitutionally forces Catholic priests in Washington to choose between their obligations to the Catholic Church and their penitents or face criminal consequences, while treating the priest-penitent privilege differently than other well-settled privileges. The Justice Department will not sit idly by when States mount attacks on the free exercise of religion.”

    The Department’s motion to intervene in Etienne v. Ferguson is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

    More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Sues Washington State Over its new anti-Catholic law, Senate Bill 5375

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department announced today that it filed legal action for a complaint in intervention against the State of Washington over its a new state law, Senate Bill 5375, which violates the free exercise of religion for all Catholics, and requires Catholic priests to violate the confidentiality seal of Confession.

    Senate Bill 5375 requires Catholic priests to violate their vows to uphold the confidentiality seal that accompanies the sacred rite of Confession, subjecting them to immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church.

    As the Justice Department’s lawsuit explains, the violations imposed by this new law on all practicing members of the Catholic Church, including Catholic priests administering the sacrament and Catholic penitents participating in the rite, include deprivations of the Free Exercise of Religion under the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

    “Laws that explicitly target religious practices such as the Sacrament of Confession in the Catholic Church have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Senate Bill 5375 unconstitutionally forces Catholic priests in Washington to choose between their obligations to the Catholic Church and their penitents or face criminal consequences, while treating the priest-penitent privilege differently than other well-settled privileges. The Justice Department will not sit idly by when States mount attacks on the free exercise of religion.”

    The Department’s motion to intervene in Etienne v. Ferguson is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

    More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Sues Washington State Over its new anti-Catholic law, Senate Bill 5375

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department announced today that it filed legal action for a complaint in intervention against the State of Washington over its a new state law, Senate Bill 5375, which violates the free exercise of religion for all Catholics, and requires Catholic priests to violate the confidentiality seal of Confession.

    Senate Bill 5375 requires Catholic priests to violate their vows to uphold the confidentiality seal that accompanies the sacred rite of Confession, subjecting them to immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church.

    As the Justice Department’s lawsuit explains, the violations imposed by this new law on all practicing members of the Catholic Church, including Catholic priests administering the sacrament and Catholic penitents participating in the rite, include deprivations of the Free Exercise of Religion under the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

    “Laws that explicitly target religious practices such as the Sacrament of Confession in the Catholic Church have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Senate Bill 5375 unconstitutionally forces Catholic priests in Washington to choose between their obligations to the Catholic Church and their penitents or face criminal consequences, while treating the priest-penitent privilege differently than other well-settled privileges. The Justice Department will not sit idly by when States mount attacks on the free exercise of religion.”

    The Department’s motion to intervene in Etienne v. Ferguson is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

    More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CNC praised for meeting 2024 – 2025 objectives

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments 2

    News story

    CNC praised for meeting 2024 – 2025 objectives

    All officers and staff across the Constabulary have been praised for meeting the key strategic objectives upon which the force is measured.

    The Annual Business Plan 2024/2025.

    The CNC’s Annual Business Plan outlines objectives for the CNC to achieve each year. Under three strategic goals, the plan detailed 43 separate focus areas for delivery over the last financial year. At this time, 93 percent of these have been met completely, with those remaining on track from delivery shortly.  

    The achievements included, amongst other things: 

    • Expanded our operations to cover four new non-nuclear sites, successfully transitioning officers in from the Ministry of Defence Police to join our ranks  
    • Over 4,600 Project Servator deployments were completed as well as continued partnership working with Home Office forces in the areas around our sites 
    • Continued to support national armed policing capacity, providing mutual aid to other police forces at various high-profile events, including the Paris Olympics and the Conservative Party annual conference 
    • Successfully delivered the Vessel Protection Pilot on behalf of the Home Office, with CNC officers deployed to cross-channel ferries  
    • Delivered improvements to the facilities at Firearms Training Unit South (Bisley), maintaining our world-class training capabilities 
    • Fully implementing a new apprenticeship scheme, with 159 recruits starting the programme within the year, of which 85 have completed their initial training and 53 are still undertaking initial training 
    • Professional Development Units (PDUs) established and embedded at all sites to support the continuous development of skills and standards  
    • Demonstrated our flexibility by working with stakeholders on both new-build nuclear projects and managing the cessation of services at other sites  
    • Made huge progress in our Cultural Action Plan, the launch of the new Code of Ethics, and a wide range of initiatives led by our four affinity networks to progress our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion priorities   

    Civil Nuclear Police Authority Chair, Susan Johnson, OBE, congratulated the CNC on meeting its objectives, stating:  

    “Last year saw a huge effort across all parts of the organisation, by officers and staff.  

    “Being able to maintain the core mission on sites, whilst also undertaking additional initiatives on behalf of other partners, including the Home Office, is commendable.  

    “The CNC’s performance last year belies the size of the organisation and demonstrates what a vital national asset the CNC has become since its inception twenty years ago.  

    “I am certain the organisation will also excel in meeting the ambitious objectives which have been outlined in its business plan for this year too.”   

    Chief Constable Simon Chesterman also thanked all members of the organisation: 

    “Whether it’s delivering proactive, visible policing, or the work of police staff in our enabling services, it is through teamwork and dedication to our role that sees another year of strong operational performance and innovation.  

    “In addition to strengthening our operational capabilities and taking on new sites, we have also seen some real progress with our organisational culture too. 

    “We set out a challenging programme of work for the past year and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved, and grateful to everyone for their contribution.” 

    The Annual Business Plan 2024/2025 is available on our website. A more detailed narrative summary of our key achievements is included in the Annual Business Plan 2025/2026.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Passaic County Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Justin Pope, 38, of Clifton, New Jersey, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with two counts of being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition.

    According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in Court:

    On July 12, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a report of shots fired in a public parking lot in Clifton, New Jersey. A review of the surveillance footage from the area showed Pope and a female individual engaged in an altercation while inside of a vehicle. As the female individual exited the vehicle, Pope pointed a handgun and fired multiple shots at the victim at close range.  Law enforcement subsequently recovered ammunition from the scene.

    The following day, on July 13, 2023, law enforcement reviewed a video on a social media account depicting Pope firing a gun in the air in which he stated, “Can’t find me . . . Police. Y’all never gonna find me.”  Law enforcement also recovered ammunition from the scene.

    Pope was arrested a few hours later after he attempted to board a bus in New York City and brandished a firearm to bus employees. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered a firearm from Pope, which was later identified as a privately made 9mm firearm with a large capacity magazine attached, which was loaded with one round of 9mm ammunition.

    Pope had previously been convicted of aggravated assault in New Jersey in connection with the shooting of a child.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; officers of the Clifton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Rinaldi; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under Officer in Charge Patrick Murray; officers of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Thomas Adamo; officers of the Passaic Police Department, under Chief Luis Guzman; and officers of New York City Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Edward Caban, with the investigation leading to the charges.

    The charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition each carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

    Pope’s sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2025.

    The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.

                                                                                                   ###

    Defense counsel for Pope: Georgina Pallitto, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III Attacked by a Salvadorian National with a Knife in Downtown Albany

    Source: US FBI

    Saul Morales-Garcia, an Illegal Alien, Charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tuesday June 17, after leaving his office in downtown Albany, United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III was the victim of a life-threatening incident.  Saul Morales-Garcia, an illegal alien from El Salvador, who entered the United States in 2021 after a prior deportation, lunged at Sarcone while brandishing a knife and yelling aggressively in a foreign language Sarcone could not readily identify.  Sarcone ran to the lobby of the Hilton Hotel and Morales-Garcia stopped and still shouting in a foreign language turned and started to walk away.  Sarcone immediately contacted Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr.  Sarcone went back to the street and maintained a safe distance and yelled out to Garcia-Morales to gain his attention to prevent Morales-Garcia from disappearing as Sarcone believed an innocent person would be killed by Morales-Garcia.  Before law enforcement arrived, Morales-Garcia charged at Sarcone again screaming and yelling at Sarcone in a foreign language while wielding the knife to make a slitting-the-throat gesture at Sarcone. Sarcone again ran to the lobby of the Hilton where again Morales-Garcia stopped, turned and began to walk away but was apprehended when Sheriff’s deputies arrived.  Morales-Garcia was taken into custody and the knife was recovered.

    Sarcone was physically unharmed, but emotionally rattled and stated, “I felt an obligation to the public as the chief Federal law enforcement officer in the district that includes the city of Albany.  I feared for my life but I couldn’t let this individual harm and potentially kill others.”

    Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said: “U.S. Attorney John Sarcone’s selfless actions likely saved lives.”

    Morales-Garcia was charged with attempted second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and menacing in the second degree and remanded without bail.  He made an appearance in Albany City Court yesterday and an order of protection was issued for Sarcone. Morales-Garcia may also face federal charges; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations are involved in the ongoing investigation. 

    Sarcone was appointed U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of New York by Attorney General Pamela Bondi in March.  “Public safety is our highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Sarcone.  “I am relieved that no one was harmed.  I appreciated the swift response by the Albany County Sheriff’s office which was within minutes although it seemed like an eternity.”  Sarcone emphasized that such brazen and violent behavior underscores the importance of public vigilance and the need for a strong collaboration between federal and local authorities. At Sarcone’s request, his office is recused from prosecuting Morales-Garcia for illegal re-entry into the country, which is a felony, and the case has been assigned to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York for prosecution. 

    Sarcone stated, “I have spent the last three months going to 27 of the 32 counties thus far in my district conducting meetings with the District Attorneys, Sheriffs, State Police and local police Chiefs accompanied by the heads of all the Federal law enforcement agencies in the Northern District to offer assistance from federal law enforcement and my office to help combat the infiltration of gangs, drug, human traffickers, and sexual predators.  My offer of help has been well-received, and the results have been tremendous in helping these communities get rid of violent criminals. The citizens of Albany, and visitors who come to Albany, should be able to feel safe walking down our streets.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Sex Offender Illegally Present in the Country Assaults Federal Officer During Immigration Arrest

    Source: US FBI

    St. Paul, Minn. – Roberto Carlos Munoz-Guatemala, 39, a citizen of Mexico, has been charged federally with assault on a federal officer with a dangerous or deadly weapon and resulting in bodily injury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

    According to court documents, in December 2022, Munoz was charged with repeatedly sexually abusing a minor victim. He was ultimately convicted of Fourth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, a felony offense.

    On June 17, 2025, multiple federal agencies attempted to effectuate an administrative warrant for Munoz’s arrest due to lack of legal status in the United States. Officers and agents—clearly identified as “POLICE”—pulled Munoz over for a traffic stop. Munoz repeatedly refused to comply with commands from law enforcement officers to lower the windows and open the door. Officers told Munoz they would break a window if Munoz continued to refuse. When Munoz refused to comply, the victim in this case, an ERO Officer, used a spring-loaded window punch to break the rear window of the car and then reached into Munoz’s car to attempt to unlock the door.

    While the ERO Officer’s arm was inside the car, Munoz put the vehicle in drive. Munoz drove up onto the curb and accelerated at a high rate of speed. The ERO Officer’s arm was caught in the car. As Munoz drove, the ERO Officer was dragged in the moving vehicle. The ERO Officer twice fired his taser at Munoz to get him to stop. Munoz was undeterred. He continued driving away as the ERO Officer screamed.

    With the ERO Officer’s arm caught in the broken window and the ERO Officer being dragged along the road, Munoz began weaving back and forth, in an apparent attempt to shake the ERO Officer from the car. Munoz drove back and forth, driving up on the curb and weaving past a vehicle, all while dragging the ERO Officer. When Munoz got off the curb and reentered the street, the force knocked the ERO Officer free from the car. Munoz continued his flight. In total, Munoz dragged the ERO Officer approximately 100 yards down the street.

    The ERO Officer was transported to the hospital, where he received treatment for injuries sustained from being dragged by Munoz. The ERO Officer suffered a significant cut to his right arm that required 20 stitches to close. He suffered a significant cut to his left hand that required 13 stitches. The ERO Officer also suffered abrasions to his left knee, elbows, and face.

    “Law enforcement officers deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our protection,” said Acting

    U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Defendant Munoz—a convicted sex offender illegally present in the country—violently assaulted a federal officer who was just trying to do his job. The injuries the officer sustained were severe but could have been so much worse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has no tolerance for violence against law enforcement officers.”

    “Munoz had no legal right to be in this country—and certainly not free in the community after a conviction for sexually abusing a minor,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Instead of complying with a lawful immigration arrest, he chose to violently resist — dragging a deportation officer with his vehicle and putting that officer’s life at risk. The FBI takes any assault on a federal officer with the utmost seriousness, and we are committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure this individual is held fully accountable. There is no tolerance for this kind of violence—not against federal agents, not against local officers, not against anyone who wears a badge.”

    “This was a brazen and cowardly act by a criminal illegal alien who has complete disregard for the laws of our country and clearly places himself above the lives of others,” said Peter Berg, ICE ERO Field Office Director for St. Paul. “The deportation officer involved in this incident— someone who has dedicated his life to upholding the law and protecting this nation—was severely wounded by a fleeing suspect who should have never been in the United States in the first place.”

    These cases are a result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, ERO, and HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael B. Coburn is prosecuting the case.

    An earlier version of this press release noted that defendant Munoz-Guatemala is a citizen of Guatemala. He is in fact a citizen of Mexico.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Nevada Residents Charged for Conspiring to Engage in Voter Registration Fraud in Minnesota

    Source: US FBI

    Minneapolis, Minn. – Two Nevada residents, formally of Minnesota, were charged by Information with Conspiracy to Engage in Voter Registration Fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

    “Election fraud strikes at the heart of our democracy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Thankfully, the FBI stopped this fraud in its tracks, before anyone successfully cast a fraudulent ballot. But we will stay vigilant. Whether its jury bribery, witness tampering, or now election fraud—crimes that threaten our democracy have no place in Minnesota.”

    “Nothing is more central to our democracy than fair and impartially conducted elections,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Through their actions, Combs and Williams attempted to deprive the citizens of Minnesota of a secure and reliable election process. Along with our partners, the FBI will stop at nothing to identify and bring to justice anyone who threatens the security of our electoral system.”

    According to court documents, beginning in 2021 and continuing through 2022, Ronnie Williams and Lorraine Lee Combs participated in a conspiracy to generate fictitious names and information that they used to fill out Minnesota voter registration applications. Williams and Combs then signed a form certifying that they “have read and understand this statements” and “that giving false information is a felony punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.”

    According to court documents, Williams then provided the completed voter registration forms to Foundation 1, an entity seeking to register voters in Minnesota, which submitted the false voter registration applications to county election offices across Minnesota. Foundation 1 paid Williams for the registrations, and Williams split the proceeds with Combs.

    Williams is scheduled to appear for an arraignment and change of plea hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Laura M. Provinzino on July 8, 2025.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section for partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also wishes to thank the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Carver County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and full cooperation with this investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry M. Jacobs and Trial Attorney Jonathan Jacobson of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Money Launderer for Mexico-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    A Chicago‑area man who acted as a money launderer for a Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization was sentenced June 11, 2025 to nearly five years in federal prison.  

    Jose Eladio Medina Valenzuela, age 45, from Cicero, Illinois, received the prison term after a January 6, 2025 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.   

    n a plea agreement, Medina Valenzuela admitted that, from May 2020 to October 2020, he worked with others to obtain proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine in Iowa and transfer those proceeds to individuals in Mexico to promote and facilitate the drug trafficking organization and operation.  Two drug traffickers obtained and distributed over 100 pounds of methamphetamine in Iowa, and they took a portion of those methamphetamine proceeds—over $335,000—to Medina Valenzuela in Cicero.  Medina Valenzuela then worked with others to get the methamphetamine proceeds to sources of supply in Mexico.  

    Medina Valenzuela was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Medina Valenzuela was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a two‑year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Medina Valenzuela is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and Homeland Security Investigations.  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.

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

    The case file number is 24-CR-02041-LTS.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Charged Following Encounters with Federal Law Enforcement

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that criminal charges have been filed in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska against five individuals following their encounters with federal law enforcement during the service of a civil search warrant on Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 10, 2025.

    Marvin Aleman Zepeda, age 37, is charged in a one-count Criminal Complaint. Count I alleges that Zepeda used a deadly or dangerous weapon to assault, resist, or impede a federal officer. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a special assessment of $100.

    Osmar Lorenzo-Genchi, age 20, is charged in a two-count Criminal Complaint. Count I alleges that Lorenzo-Genchi used a deadly or dangerous weapon to assault, resist, or impede a federal officer. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a special assessment of $100. Count II charges willfully injuring or committing any depredation against any property of the United States in excess of $1,000.00. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a special assessment of $100.

    Alejandra Lopez-Garcia, age 28, is charged in a two-count Information. Count I alleges that Lopez-Garcia assaulted, resisted, or impeded a federal officer. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 1 year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 1 year, and a special assessment of $25. Count II charges willfully injuring or committing any depredation against any property of the United States. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 1 year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 1 year, and a special assessment of $25.

    Aliyah Reyna Lozano, age 18, is charged in a one-count Information. Count I alleges that Lozano assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federal officer. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 1 year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 1 year, and a special assessment of $25.

    Aaron Urbanski, age 36, is charged in a two-count Information. Count I alleges that Urbanski assaulted, resisted, or impeded a federal officer. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 1 year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 1 year, and a special assessment of $25. Count II charges willfully injuring or committing any depredation against any property of the United States. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 1 year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 1 year, and a special assessment of $25.

    Criminal Complaints and Informations are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Omaha Field Office said, “The FBI is supporting ICE and working with all our DOJ partners in immigration enforcement operations across the country. Assaulting a law enforcement officer engaged in their lawful duties or damaging government property is not protected under the First Amendment — it is a criminal offense which we will investigate and apprehend those responsible. As part of our newly formed Homeland Security Task Force, we are working with our partners to protect our community by eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations operating in Nebraska and Iowa.”

    These cases are part of the Take Back America Task Force, led by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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.

    Contact Amy Donato at 402-661-3700 for further information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hickman Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jesse T. Hill, 35, of Hickman, Nebraska, entered a plea of guilty to an Information alleging that he committed conspiracy to commit bank fraud in front of United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca. Judge DeLuca scheduled Hill’s sentencing for September 11, 2025, at 3 p.m. before United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis. Hill faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $ 1 million, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Hill additionally has agreed to pay restitution and forfeit his interest, if any, in a property in Puerto Rico, a PC-12/47E Pilatus Aircraft, and funds in a Charles Schwab account.

    Individual 1 operated a real estate business in Nebraska. Individual 1 died on November 2, 2022.

    Hill was an investment advisor operating in Nebraska. In 2013, Hill organized JT Equity Trading, LLC which operated as a hedge fund until 2018. Hill then organized First SOJO Capital Group, LLC (“First SOJO”) in 2019. First SOJO was a Registered Investment Advisor in Nebraska that managed two pooled investment vehicles: Outlier Fund I, LP and Outlier Fund II, LP. First SOJO used the services of Piedmont Fund Services from late 2021 until April 2022, when Piedmont Fund Services terminated their relationship with Hill due to significant investment losses. At no point in time did Piedmont Fund Services provide services to Individual 1 or any of Individual 1’s controlled entities.

    Beginning in November 2020, Hill and Individual 1 began attempting to obtain loans from financial institutions throughout Nebraska and western Iowa. The loans were sought in the name of Individual 1 and/or Individual 1’s entities. It was represented that these loans were to be used for real estate investments and the alleged collateral for the loans was an investment account of Individual 1 and/or Individual 1’s entity that was managed by Hill. Hill and Individual 1 would grant a surety with the financial institution, typically in the form of a control agreement, a commercial security agreement, or an assignment of account. Hill would falsely claim that Individual 1 and/or Individual 1’s entities were clients of his through his own investment entities JT Equity or First SOJO. Hill would prepare and present fraudulent invoices from JT Equity or Piedmont Fund Services to the financial institutions. Hill would falsely represent values of alleged funds that Individual 1 and/or an entity of Individual 1 had in an account that Hill managed. Hill would falsely represent that no other financial institution had a security interest in these fictitious accounts. Throughout the process of obtaining or attempting to obtain the loans, Hill and Individual 1 would engage with each financial institution to facilitate the loan process to include meeting with the financial institution in person, communicating by telephone, communicating by text message, or communicating by email. Hill knew that the representations being made to the financial institutions in order to obtain loans by Individual 1 and/or Individual 1’s entity were false and were being done with the intent to defraud.

    As a result of this scheme, Hill and Individual 1 attempted to obtain at least $45,650,000.00 in loans from at least 19 different financial institutions.

    The majority of the funds that were fraudulently obtained went into a failed investment scheme. A portion of the proceeds from fraudulent loans obtained later in the scheme were used to pay off or pay down fraudulent loans obtained earlier in the scheme. Proceeds were deposited in a Charles Schwab account, were used to purchase a property in Puerto Rico, and were used to purchase an ownership interest in a PC-12/47E Pilatus Aircraft.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of the Inspector General, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System – Office of the Inspector General with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol, Lincoln Police Department, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Take Back America Task Force Operation in South Omaha

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that a federal civil search warrant was executed on June 10, 2025, at an Omaha, Nebraska, business in relation to a Take Back America Task Force worksite enforcement operation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and with other federal law enforcement partners entered the Glenn Valley Foods facility in search of workers who were not authorized to work in the United States.

    HSI performed an audit of Glenn Valley Foods’ employee I-9 Forms to verify the authenticity and validity of employee identity documents. The audit revealed a large number of suspected fraudulent identification documents or documents that did not authorize certain identified employees to legally work in the United States. The audit also revealed that multiple identities of United States citizens were being fraudulently used by workers at that location, and numerous victim complaints were received at HSI in connection with those stolen identities prior to the enforcement operation.

    During the operation, HSI encountered approximately 76 unlawfully present aliens at the facility.  These workers were using Social Security numbers that had not been issued to them. HSI referred several criminal allegations to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.  Among the criminal allegations referred are allegations of fraudulent use of Social Security numbers, assaults on federal officers and damage to federal property, illegal reentry of previously deported aliens, and other criminal concerns.

    Possible charging determinations have not been made at this time as this is an active and ongoing investigation.

    This case is part of the Take Back America Task Force, led by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK unequivocally condemns the Taliban’s edict denying women their right to education: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    The UK unequivocally condemns the Taliban’s edict denying women their right to education: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

    President, since our last Council briefing on Afghanistan, another school year has begun with secondary schools and higher education remaining closed to women and girls.

    It is now over three years since the Taliban’s edict denying them their right to education. 

    The United Kingdom continues to unequivocally condemn this ban and urges its immediate reversal.

    Education is not the only sector from which half of Afghanistan’s population is barred. 

    We remain deeply concerned by the Taliban’s shortsighted ban on women’s medical education and by the challenges Afghan women and girls face in accessing life-saving healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services.
    As we heard from Ms Bahous, nearly 8 in 10 young Afghan women are excluded from education, employment and training opportunities. 

    It is unacceptable that the Taliban’s restrictive edicts deny Afghan women and girls their rights and fundamental freedoms. 

    The United Kingdom supports calls for greater accountability efforts, including the referral of Afghanistan to the International Court of Justice for violations of CEDAW, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

    The Taliban must also recognise the negative impact of their draconian policies on Afghanistan’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.

    As Director Bahous has highlighted, the Taliban’s ban on secondary education for girls is estimated to cost $1.5 billion by 2030

    During the last financial year, the UK distributed over $230 million in assistance to the Afghan people. 

    Last week, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, we announced a new food security initiative, responding to climate-related challenges through the delivery of drought-resistant seeds and more nutritious crops, improved irrigation and training in sustainable farming practices. 

    Half a million Afghans are set to benefit from this UK-funded programme.
    The UK has also continued to engage constructively with the UN-led process, including the comprehensive approach. 

    But reliance on humanitarian assistance is not sustainable in the long term, and the UK’s continued engagement in a process in which the Taliban are not fully committed or willing to take meaningful steps towards meeting their international obligations is not guaranteed.

    We therefore urge the Taliban to reverse course and demonstrate their readiness to work towards an Afghanistan at peace with itself, its neighbours and the international community.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Countdown begins for the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    There are only three days to go until the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election on Thursday, June 26.

    We’re urging residents in the ward to return their postal ballots, go to a polling station to cast their votes and be mindful of the accessibility arrangements in place this Thursday.  

    Any resident in the area aged 16 and over and who has registered can vote to elect one new councillor in the by-election. The current electorate is 18,945.

    Bringing a poll card, while not necessary, is strongly encouraged as it will make the voting process quicker. 

    Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: 

    With the by-election fast approaching, I’d encourage all residents of the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart ward to head to their local polling station this Thursday. Please remember to bring your poll card.

    The councillor you elect will represent your community on key issues both within the ward and across Edinburgh – so make sure you take this important opportunity to make your voice heard. 

    To make sure your vote is counted, if you’ve received a postal ballot, please return it as soon as possible.

    If you need any assistance when casting your vote in person, please speak to one of our colleagues at our polling stations.

    Our elections pages provide useful information on how the Single Transferable Vote system works – you can rank candidates in order of preference, choosing as many or few as you like.

    We’re also highlighting the accessibility arrangements in place at all polling stations to help everyone cast their votes:

    • Pencil grips
    • A dedicated phone line to hear the ballot paper read out on their phones (0131 392 8556)
    • Magnifying glasses
    • Additional lighting if needed for the polling booth
    • Braille overlay for people with sight loss
    • Coloured overlay sheets for people with dyslexia
    • Oversized ballot papers

    Polling station colleagues can also help guide you to the voting booth and to mark your vote, if needed.

    You may take your phone into the polling booth to use a magnifier or text-to-speech app.

    The URL for the audio ballot paper is https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/audioballotpaper

    Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm at: 

    • Kingsknowe Golf Club 
    • Edinburgh Corn Exchange 
    • St Michaels Church Hall 
    • Fountainbridge Library 
    • Boroughmuir Rugby & Community Sports Club 
    • Craiglockhart Parish Church Hall 
    • Tollcross Community Centre 

    The electronic count of votes will take place on Thursday 26 June starting at the close of poll at 10pm.  

    Find out more about the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election on our website.

    Published: June 23rd 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Founder of Lender Service Provider Convicted for Role in Multimillion-Dollar PPP Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of California

    A federal jury convicted Stephanie Hockridge, a founder of the lender service provider Blueacorn, on Friday in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief money guaranteed by the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hockridge, also known as Stephanie Reis, 42, of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, and previously of Arizona, conspired with others to submit false and fraudulent PPP loan applications, including by fabricating documents that falsified income and payroll in order to receive loan funds for which they were not eligible.

    “This defendant exploited a national emergency to personally profit from a taxpayer-funded program intended to support vulnerable individuals and small businesses,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conviction demonstrates the Department’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for defrauding the government and wasting taxpayer money.”

    “During a time of crisis in our country, this defendant abused the generosity of the American people by stealing money dedicated to the survival of small businesses to fraudulently enrich herself,” said Acting U. S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson for the Northern District of Texas. “We are proud of the diligent work of our law enforcement partners to hold her accountable and bring her to justice. Make no mistake, our efforts to bring such fraudsters to justice are ongoing.”

    “Hockridge’s conviction demonstrates the FBI’s continued commitment to protecting taxpayer-funded programs from fraud and abuse,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This program was designed to provide critical funds to those struggling during a national crisis, not line the pockets of people seeking to exploit government assistance. The FBI remains committed to pursuing anyone who abuses the public trust for personal gain.”

    “Ms. Hockridge defrauded the federal government of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds for her own personal gain and has been brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Jon Ellwanger of the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Western Region. “We are proud to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners to hold Ms. Hockridge accountable.”

    “Exploiting the Small Business Administration’s pandemic relief programs for personal gain is an egregious theft of taxpayer funds,” said Deputy Inspector General Sheldon Shoemaker of the SBA Office of Inspector General. “SBA OIG will aggressively root out fraud to protect the integrity of SBA’s programs, which are intended to provide vital assistance to the nation’s small businesses. I want to thank the U. S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

    “This verdict is a victory for justice, accountability, and the American public,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “In a time of crisis, the Paycheck Protection Program was created as a lifeline to keep small businesses afloat and families fed. Ms. Hockridge saw it as an opportunity to enrich herself. Driven by greed, she used her business to steal millions of dollars intended for those in need. The women and men of IRS-CI will continue to protect what’s right and stand firmly with the honest business owners who play by the rules.”

    As proven at trial, Hockridge co-founded Blueacorn in April 2020, purportedly to assist small businesses and individuals in obtaining PPP loans. To get larger loans for certain PPP applicants, Hockridge and her co-conspirators fabricated documents, including payroll records, tax documentation, and bank statements. Hockridge and her co-conspirators charged borrowers kickbacks based on a percentage of the funds received.

    As part of the scheme, Hockridge and others offered a personalized service to their clients called “VIPPP” to help potential borrowers complete PPP loan applications. Hockridge recruited co-conspirators to work as VIPPP referral agents and coach borrowers on how to submit false PPP loan applications. To get more kickbacks from borrowers and a higher percentage of lender fees from the SBA, Hockridge and her co-conspirators submitted PPP loan applications that they knew contained materially false information. In total, Hockridge and her coconspirators processed tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent PPP loans. Hockridge was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and acquitted of four counts of wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 10 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board-CFPB Office of Inspector General, and SBA OIG investigated the case.

    Acting Assistant Chief Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorneys Elizabeth Carr and Ryan McLaren of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U. S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht for the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

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

    MLARS’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Founder of Lender Service Provider Convicted for Role in Multimillion-Dollar PPP Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of California

    A federal jury convicted Stephanie Hockridge, a founder of the lender service provider Blueacorn, on Friday in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief money guaranteed by the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hockridge, also known as Stephanie Reis, 42, of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, and previously of Arizona, conspired with others to submit false and fraudulent PPP loan applications, including by fabricating documents that falsified income and payroll in order to receive loan funds for which they were not eligible.

    “This defendant exploited a national emergency to personally profit from a taxpayer-funded program intended to support vulnerable individuals and small businesses,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conviction demonstrates the Department’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for defrauding the government and wasting taxpayer money.”

    “During a time of crisis in our country, this defendant abused the generosity of the American people by stealing money dedicated to the survival of small businesses to fraudulently enrich herself,” said Acting U. S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson for the Northern District of Texas. “We are proud of the diligent work of our law enforcement partners to hold her accountable and bring her to justice. Make no mistake, our efforts to bring such fraudsters to justice are ongoing.”

    “Hockridge’s conviction demonstrates the FBI’s continued commitment to protecting taxpayer-funded programs from fraud and abuse,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This program was designed to provide critical funds to those struggling during a national crisis, not line the pockets of people seeking to exploit government assistance. The FBI remains committed to pursuing anyone who abuses the public trust for personal gain.”

    “Ms. Hockridge defrauded the federal government of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds for her own personal gain and has been brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Jon Ellwanger of the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Western Region. “We are proud to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners to hold Ms. Hockridge accountable.”

    “Exploiting the Small Business Administration’s pandemic relief programs for personal gain is an egregious theft of taxpayer funds,” said Deputy Inspector General Sheldon Shoemaker of the SBA Office of Inspector General. “SBA OIG will aggressively root out fraud to protect the integrity of SBA’s programs, which are intended to provide vital assistance to the nation’s small businesses. I want to thank the U. S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

    “This verdict is a victory for justice, accountability, and the American public,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “In a time of crisis, the Paycheck Protection Program was created as a lifeline to keep small businesses afloat and families fed. Ms. Hockridge saw it as an opportunity to enrich herself. Driven by greed, she used her business to steal millions of dollars intended for those in need. The women and men of IRS-CI will continue to protect what’s right and stand firmly with the honest business owners who play by the rules.”

    As proven at trial, Hockridge co-founded Blueacorn in April 2020, purportedly to assist small businesses and individuals in obtaining PPP loans. To get larger loans for certain PPP applicants, Hockridge and her co-conspirators fabricated documents, including payroll records, tax documentation, and bank statements. Hockridge and her co-conspirators charged borrowers kickbacks based on a percentage of the funds received.

    As part of the scheme, Hockridge and others offered a personalized service to their clients called “VIPPP” to help potential borrowers complete PPP loan applications. Hockridge recruited co-conspirators to work as VIPPP referral agents and coach borrowers on how to submit false PPP loan applications. To get more kickbacks from borrowers and a higher percentage of lender fees from the SBA, Hockridge and her co-conspirators submitted PPP loan applications that they knew contained materially false information. In total, Hockridge and her coconspirators processed tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent PPP loans. Hockridge was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and acquitted of four counts of wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 10 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board-CFPB Office of Inspector General, and SBA OIG investigated the case.

    Acting Assistant Chief Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorneys Elizabeth Carr and Ryan McLaren of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U. S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht for the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

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

    MLARS’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler, Chairman of the Middle East And North Africa Subcommittee, Strongly Condemns Indiscriminate Iranian Attack on Civilians

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, NY – 6/16/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, the Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement condemning the targeting of innocent civilians in Israel by the extremist Iranian regime. More than 20 Israeli civilians have lost their lives in recent days due to the Iranian regime’s indiscriminate missile attacks.

    “I am outraged at how Iran has been conducting itself in this conflict – indiscriminately killing Jews and Arabs alike,” said Congressman Lawler. “While Israel has sought to defend itself and eliminate the threat posed by a nuclear Iran, The Ayataollah has shown himself to be a bloodthirsty dictator and his actions back up Iran’s consistent rhetoric that they want to wipe the state of Israel off the face of the earth.”

    “With hypersonic and ballistic missiles raining down on Tel-Aviv, Haifa, and across Israel, and with civilians hiding in shelters for days on end, it’s imperative that the United States stand by our staunch ally, Israel,” concluded Lawler. “I urge President Trump to continue working with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and to keep all options on the table for dealing with Iran.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler, Chairman of the Middle East And North Africa Subcommittee, Strongly Condemns Indiscriminate Iranian Attack on Civilians

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, NY – 6/16/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, the Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement condemning the targeting of innocent civilians in Israel by the extremist Iranian regime. More than 20 Israeli civilians have lost their lives in recent days due to the Iranian regime’s indiscriminate missile attacks.

    “I am outraged at how Iran has been conducting itself in this conflict – indiscriminately killing Jews and Arabs alike,” said Congressman Lawler. “While Israel has sought to defend itself and eliminate the threat posed by a nuclear Iran, The Ayataollah has shown himself to be a bloodthirsty dictator and his actions back up Iran’s consistent rhetoric that they want to wipe the state of Israel off the face of the earth.”

    “With hypersonic and ballistic missiles raining down on Tel-Aviv, Haifa, and across Israel, and with civilians hiding in shelters for days on end, it’s imperative that the United States stand by our staunch ally, Israel,” concluded Lawler. “I urge President Trump to continue working with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and to keep all options on the table for dealing with Iran.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler Reacts to Senate’s Big Beautiful Bill Capping SALT at $10,000

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, NY – 6/16/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), reacts to the draft release of the Senate version of the Big Beautiful Bill that passed the House on May 22, raising the SALT cap to $40,000 with an income limit. The Senate’s version, released today, would return the SALT Cap to $10,000.

    “I have been clear since Day one: sufficiently lifting the SALT Cap to deliver tax fairness to New Yorkers has been my top priority in Congress,” said Congressman Lawler. “After engaging in good faith negotiations, we were able to increase the cap on SALT from $10,000 to $40,000. That is the deal, and I will not accept a penny less. If the Senate reduces the SALT number, I will vote NO, and the bill will fail in the House.”

    “I, along with my fellow SALT Caucus members, are actively engaging with Senators, House Leadership, and the White House and am confident the deal as previously negotiated will be in the final bill that is signed into law,” concluded Congressman Lawler. 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler Reacts to Senate’s Big Beautiful Bill Capping SALT at $10,000

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, NY – 6/16/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), reacts to the draft release of the Senate version of the Big Beautiful Bill that passed the House on May 22, raising the SALT cap to $40,000 with an income limit. The Senate’s version, released today, would return the SALT Cap to $10,000.

    “I have been clear since Day one: sufficiently lifting the SALT Cap to deliver tax fairness to New Yorkers has been my top priority in Congress,” said Congressman Lawler. “After engaging in good faith negotiations, we were able to increase the cap on SALT from $10,000 to $40,000. That is the deal, and I will not accept a penny less. If the Senate reduces the SALT number, I will vote NO, and the bill will fail in the House.”

    “I, along with my fellow SALT Caucus members, are actively engaging with Senators, House Leadership, and the White House and am confident the deal as previously negotiated will be in the final bill that is signed into law,” concluded Congressman Lawler. 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tourism Strategy Committee meets

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Tourism Strategy Committee, chaired by Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, held its fourth meeting today.

     

    During the meeting, representatives from Kai Tak Sports Park Limited and the Development Bureau briefed the committee on matters relating to the sports park, and the preliminary land use proposal for sites around Hung Hom Station and nearby waterfront areas.

     

    Members praised the sports park, highlighting that it has impressed visitors and boosted the tourism industry. They also put forward suggestions for optimising transportation and catering arrangements during mega events and for strengthening cross-sector collaboration with the tourism industry.

     

    Regarding the preliminary land use proposal for sites around Hung Hom Station and nearby waterfront areas, committee members remarked that given their location on Victoria Harbour, the waterfront areas are well-positioned for redevelopment into a new harbourfront landmark that can integrate leisure, entertainment, dining, retail, and water-friendly elements.

     

    Members agreed that the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard should be put to use, and commented that the proposed world-class yacht berthing facilities could be integrated with land-based facilities for retail, dining and entertainment so as to promote yacht tourism. They also recommended that the Government provide space for land-side ancillary facilities to support the operation of the yacht berthing facilities.

     

    The bureau is currently consulting the public and stakeholders on the preliminary land use proposal, and the Government will take into account members’ recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period when refining the proposal and finalising the development parameters. The target is to commence relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.

     

    Separately, members exchanged views with Tourism Board representatives regarding the city’s latest tourism performance and statistics.

     

    For the first five months of 2025, Hong Kong had more than 20 million visitor arrivals, a 12% increase year on year. Among these visitors, about 15 million came from the Mainland, a 10% rise on the same period in 2024. Visitor arrivals from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan rose more than 25%. For Australia, growth of 35% was recorded.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Announces Appointment of Grace Jeter to Covington County Circuit Judgeship

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced the appointment of Grace Jeter as Covington County Circuit Court Judge.

    “Grace Jeter comes to the bench with a strong background as a prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience,” said Governor Ivey.  “In addition to serving for nearly two decades as an assistant district attorney, her legal career also includes work as a staff attorney in state appellate court. She is well versed in the law and will serve the people of Covington County with distinction.”

    “I am grateful for Governor Ivey’s appointment,” said Jeter. “Having worked for the people of Covington County for 20 years, I am humbled by the opportunity to continue serving them as Circuit Judge.”

    Jeter will succeed former 22nd Judicial Circuit Judge Ben Bowden, who was appointed to serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals by Governor Ivey on May 21, 2025.

    Jeter’s legal experience includes 19 years of service as Assistant and Chief Assistant District Attorney in the 22nd Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Andalusia, where she tried more than 100 jury trials; four years’ service as Staff Attorney for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals; and two years as an attorney with Merrell & Bryan, LLC in Andalusia.

    A resident of Red Level, Alabama, Jeter and her husband, Jeff, have two children. She is a 1996 graduate of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, and she received her Juris Doctor in 1999 from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham. Jeter is the first female Circuit Judge to serve in Covington County.

    Jeter’s appointment is effective immediately.

    Jeter’s official photo is attached.

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    MIL OSI USA News –