NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Suffolk County Jail Officer Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a scheme whereby he falsely claimed to sell repossessed vehicles as a law enforcement officer. Defendant claimed to be a Boston Police Detective, Massachusetts State Police Trooper and County Sheriff.

    Recardo S. Beale, 34, of Quincy, pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Aug. 26, 2025. Beale was charged in March 2025.

    According to charging documents, Beale was an Officer for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department from approximately April 2021 to November 2021. Between approximately October 2023 and February 2024, Beale claimed to three individuals that as a law enforcement officer, he had access to repossessed vehicles that he could sell at a low price.

    At various times, Beale identified himself to these individuals as a Sheriff, a Boston Police Detective and/or a Massachusetts State Police Trooper. Beale did not, in fact, hold any of these positions when he made such representations. In reliance on Beale’s false representations, the individuals gave tens of thousands of dollars to Beale for the purported repossessed vehicles. Among the vehicles that Beale falsely promised to sell were a BMW, an Audi and a Mercedes. Beale never delivered any such vehicles as Beale did not have any such repossessed vehicles available for sale. On separate occasions, Beale met with two separate individuals at the Suffolk County House of Correction purportedly to show them repossessed vehicles. During one such meeting on Nov. 17, 2023, Beale met with an individual inside the House of Correction. Surveillance video showed Beale wearing a Suffolk County Correction Officer Academy hoodie, blue tactical pants like those worn by jail guards and black boots also similar to those worn by jail guards. Beale did not show any vehicles to the individual on Nov. 17, 2023, claiming that his superior, was also involved in the sale, and not available.  

    The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Office; and Kim Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck of the Springfield Branch Office and John Mulcahy of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.   
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas woman sent to federal prison for transporting drugs into the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 29-year-old San Antonio resident has been sentenced for the attempted importation of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Shania Nichele Ellis pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now ordered Ellis to serve 97 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that detailed how Ellis knew she was going to Mexico to move narcotics for money. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Ellis made a terrible decision.

    On Aug. 25, 2024, Ellis drove from Mexico to the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge 1 in Laredo and entered the trusted traveler lane. Authorities subsequently referred her to secondary inspection after learning she was not enrolled in that program.

    There, they discovered a small access door on the rear liftgate which revealed several bundles of narcotics. A K9 also alerted to the vehicle’s doors where more bundles were hidden inside the panels.

    Law enforcement ultimately found a total of 44 bundles of methamphetamine, weighing 24.407 kilograms with a 97% purity level as well as two bundles of cocaine weighing 655.6 grams and one bundle of black heroin weighing 494.5 grams.

    The investigation revealed that a friend had attempted to recruit her via social media to transport the narcotics from Mexico to the United States. While visiting that friend in Monterrey, Mexico, her car went missing. It was returned the following day when she was told to leave.

    As part of her plea, she admitted she conspired with at least one other person to import narcotics across the border from Mexico into the United States.

    She has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Chicago-Area Tax Preparer for Allegedly Fabricating Credits, Expenses, and Deductions on Customer Returns

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Note: View the complaint here.

    The Justice Department filed a complaint in a federal court in Chicago today seeking to permanently bar tax preparer Stacy Thomas, of Orland Park, Illinois, individually and doing business as Rapid Tax Refunds LLC, Rapid Tax Refund Profs LLC, and Rapid Refunds Income Tax Service Inc., from preparing federal tax returns for others.

    The complaint alleges that Thomas and her businesses prepare and file false federal tax returns that understate her customers’ tax liabilities by claiming false residential energy credits, false Schedule C business expenses, and false charitable deductions. The government further alleges in the complaint that customers interviewed by the IRS confirmed that they never told Thomas they incurred the residential energy or business expenses or made the charitable contributions she reported on their income tax returns, and that Thomas claimed those items without their knowledge or consent.

    According to the complaint, the IRS estimates that by repeatedly understating their customers’ tax liabilities, Thomas and her businesses have caused the United States to lose nearly $13 million in tax revenue.

    The Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen Tax Scams, and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS warns taxpayers to avoid “ghost preparers” and lists other improper acts that tax preparers engage in to take advantage of their unsuspecting customers.

    In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nashville Man on Probation Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm After Allegedly Shooting at Police

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – Emmanuel Orr, 18, of Nashville, has been charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    “We will not stand for violence against our citizens or our men and women in law enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Those convicted of violent offenses, and especially those on probation for such offenses, cannot possess firearms and put citizens and our police officers at risk. Our Operation Bond Watch program seeks to hold those who do accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents, on April 30, 2025, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) officers responded to a report of a shooting in Nashville. They discovered a victim who had been shot in the leg. The victim reported being shot by a man who was approximately 19 years old, had short black dreads, and was wearing a tan jacket and black jogging pants. The victim also reported that the shooter had pulled out a pistol, possibly a Ruger, and showed it to the victim. Shortly after suspect’s description was broadcast to other officers, an officer observed a young male with a shirt draped over his shoulder, wearing black pants, and having short black dreads walking west on Westchester near Dickerson Pike. The officer gave the suspect commands to show his hands and stop, but the man kept walking away and did not respond. The man then abruptly turned towards the marked police cruiser, raised a pistol with both hands, and fired two shots at officers before fleeing on foot, dropping the firearm as he ran away.

    The suspect fled into a nearby restaurant and hid in the bathroom, where he was subsequently taken into custody by officers without incident. The man identified himself as Orr, and after being advised of his rights, admitted to firing the firearm at the MNPD officer, but he refused to discuss the shooting victim. The victim later positively identified Orr from a photo lineup as the shooter.

    A Ruger model LC9S 9mm pistol was recovered from the area where Orr was seen dropping a firearm after shooting. MNPD also recovered a spent 9mm shell casing and an intact 9mm round in the area where the victim reported being shot.

    Just over ninety days ago, on February 6, 2025, Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk records show that Orr was convicted of Reckless Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and received a two-year sentence that was suspended to probation.

    If convicted, Orr faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

    This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Hinkle is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Additional 12 Defendants Charged in RICO Conspiracy for over $263 Million Cryptocurrency Thefts, Money Laundering, Home Break-Ins

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – A four-count superseding indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, charges 12 additional people – Americans and foreign nationals – for allegedly participating in a cyber-enabled racketeering conspiracy throughout the United States and abroad that netted them more than $263 million. Several were arrested this week in California, while two remain abroad and are believed to be living in Dubai.

    The superseding indictment and the arrests were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Field Office.

    The defendants, listed below, face charges that include RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. The superseding indictment adds charges originally brought against Malone Lam on Sept. 19, 2024.

    According to the superseding indictment, the enterprise began no later than October 2023 and continued through March 2025. It grew from friendships developed on online gaming platforms.

    Members of the enterprise held different responsibilities. The various roles included database hackers, organizers, target identifiers, callers, money launderers, and residential burglars targeting hardware virtual currency wallets.

    Database hackers hacked websites and servers to obtain cryptocurrency-related databases or purchased databases on the darkweb. Organizers and target identifiers organized and collated information across the databases to determine the most valuable targets. Callers cold-called victims and used social engineering to convince them their accounts were the subject of cyberattacks and the enterprise callers were attempting to help secure their accounts. Money launderers received the stolen crypto currency and turned it into fiat U.S. currency in the form of bulk cash or wire transfers.

    According to the indictment, members and associates of the enterprise used the stolen virtual currency to purchase, among other things, nightclub services ranging up to $500,000 per evening, luxury handbags valued in the tens of thousands of dollars that were given away at nightclub parties, luxury watches valued between $100,000 and $500,000, luxury clothing valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, rental homes in Los Angeles, the Hamptons, and Miami, private jet rentals, a team of private security guards, and a fleet of at least 28 exotic cars ranging in value from $100,000 to $3.8 million.

    According to the indictment, members of the enterprise laundered stolen cryptocurrency proceeds by moving the funds through various mixers and exchanges using “peel chains,” pass-through wallets, and virtual private networks to mask their true identities. 

    The indictment alleges that in one instance on Aug. 18, 2024, Malone Lam and contacted a victim in D.C. and, through the communications with that victim, fraudulently obtained over 4,100 Bitcoin — worth over $230 million at the time. In another instance in July 2024, Malone Lam and others are accused of stealing over $14 million in cryptocurrency from an additional victim.

    The indictment alleges that members of the enterprise also committed home break-ins. As alleged in the Indictment, Marlon Ferro traveled to New Mexico in July 2024 and broke into a victim’s home to steal their hardware virtual currency wallet while Lam monitored the victim’s location by logging into his iCloud account.

    The superseding indictment also alleges that the enterprise engaged in significant money laundering activity. Kunal Mehta, Hamza Doost, Joel Cortez, and Evan Tangeman are alleged to have engaged in unlicensed crypto-to-cash services for the enterprise, obtained luxury rental homes for members of the enterprise using fake identity documents, booked private jet travel with stolen cryptocurrency for the enterprise, concealed ownership of exotic cars by registering them in shell company names, and shipped bulk cash through US mail to members of the enterprise hidden in squishmallow stuffed animals.

    Following his arrest in September 2024 and continuing while in pretrial detention, Lam is alleged to have continued working with members of the enterprise to pass and receive directions, collect stolen cryptocurrency, and to have enterprise members buy luxury Hermes Birkin bags and hand deliver them to his girlfriend in Miami, Florida.

    This ongoing investigation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office. Significant investigative and operational support was provided by the FBI’s Los Angeles and Miami field offices.

    The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Rosenberg, Acting Deputy Chief of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    If found guilty, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

    Defendants

    NAME, AGE, & ALLEGED ROLE AKAs HOMETOWN CHARGES
    Malone Lam, 20, Social Engineering, Organizer “King Greavys,” “$$$,” “7,” “Kg,” “Anne Hathaway”

    Miami, Florida,

    Los Angeles, Calif.,

    Singapore

    		 RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Marlon Ferro, 19, Money Laundering, Residential Burglary “Marlo,” “GothFerrari” Santa Ana, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Hamza Doost, 21, Money Laundering “Scyllia” Hayward, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Conor Flansburg, 21,   Database Hacker, Caller, and Organizer “O O,” “Green Room,” “@d0uu0b” Newport Beach, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Kunal Mehta, 45, Money Laundering “Papa,” “The Accountant,” “Shrek,” “Neil” Irvine, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Ethan Yarally, 18, Caller “Rand,” “15%” Richmond Hill, New York RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Cody Demirtas, 19, Caller “KO,” “Kody” Stuart, Florida RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Aakash Anand, 22, Caller, Money Laundering “Light,” “Dark” New Zealand RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Evan Tangeman, 21, Money Laundering “E,” “Tate,” “Evan | Exchanger” Newport Beach, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Joel Cortes, 21, Money Laundering “J” Laguna Niguel, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    First Name Unknown-1 , Last Name Unknown-1, Database Hacker “Chen,” “Squiggly” Unknown RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    First Name Unknown-2 , Last Name Unknown-2, Database Hacker “Danny” “Meech” Unknown RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    John Tucker Desmond, 19, Destroyed Evidence

    –

    		 Huntington Beach, California Obstruction of Justice

    24cr417

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Steven Lee, 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking in federal court. 

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    According to the guilty plea, on April 17, 2024, Lee and co-conspirator Cedrick Brinkley agreed to sell firearms to an ATF undercover agent. The undercover agent explained that the purpose of buying the firearms was to resell to an individual in New Jersey. Additionally, on April 17, law enforcement observed Brinkley and Lee sitting in a vehicle at the location where they planned to meet the undercover agent. Brinkley exited his vehicle, met with the undercover agent, and exchanged five 9-millimeter pistols for $6,100.

    On April 24, 2024, Brinkley and Lee arranged to sell additional firearms to the undercover agent. Prior to the transaction, law enforcement observed Brinkley and Lee meeting in a public parking lot. Brinkley retrieved a black bag from Lee’s vehicle, re-entered his vehicle, and then drove to the meeting location. Lee did not physically attend the meeting with the undercover agent.

    At the meeting with the undercover agent, Brinkley brought the black bag, removed five firearms from the bag, and handed them to the undercover agent. The undercover agent wanted to negotiate a better price, so Brinkley called Lee on speakerphone to discuss prices with the agent directly. During the call, Lee described the firearms in detail, including one of the firearms that had a machinegun conversion device affixed to it.

    The undercover agent reiterated to Brinkley and Lee that the purpose of buying the firearms was to resell them for profit. Then the undercover agent paid Brinkley $7,800 for five firearms, which included pistols of various calibers; one of which had a machinegun conversion device attached to it. In total, the coconspirators sold 10 firearms to the undercover agent; three of them were previously reported stolen.

    On July 2, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant for Lee’s Baltimore residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered a Taurus PT709 pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition from Lee’s bedside table. Law enforcement also recovered additional ammunition from Lee’s residence and vehicle. Due to a previous felony conviction, Lee is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    Lee faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, at 10 a.m. Brinkley’s trial date is pending.

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

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF for its work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James O’Donohue who is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Arrested in Vermont Border-Crossing Event

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 13, 2025, Emmanuel Pierre Andre Irene, 26, and Erika Brezault, 23, citizens of Haiti, were arrested by the United States Border Patrol in the town of Troy, Vermont. Both were charged by criminal complaints—Irene with illegally entering the United States as an alien, and Brezault with transporting Irene in furtherance of his illegal entry. Irene and Brezault both appeared on May 14, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Brezault be released on conditions of pretrial supervision pending further proceedings. Judge Doyle accepted Irene’s plea of guilty to illegal entry and sentenced Irene to a time-served sentence.

    According to court records, around 1:00 am on May 13, 2025, one individual was observed walking south in Canada on a road that reaches the United States border; later, at approximately 3:30 am, one individual was observed walking south in the United States in an area close to that Canadian road, approximately a half-mile south of the international border. U.S. Border Patrol agents and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents responded to the scene to search for the suspected illegal entrant in the area of Mud Creek, approximately two miles east of the village of North Troy, Vermont. At approximately 9:23 am, an HSI agent made contact with a Massachusetts-plated vehicle that had been pulled over to the side of Bear Mountain Road, and he spoke with the two occupants. The driver was later identified as Brezault, and the passenger was later identified as Irene. They told the agent they were from Haiti and were now living in Worchester, Massachusetts. A uniformed Border Patrol agent joined the HSI agent, and they spoke with Brezault and Irene, who both claimed to have Temporary Protected Status in the United States. After an agent pointed out Irene’s wet, muddy clothing and informing them of the camera images of the male subject approaching and then being south of the international border, Irene admitted to entering the United States from Canada by walking through the woods. Brezault also admitted to picking up Irene after he crossed into the United States. Both defendants were detained and later charged with the respective offenses.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Brezault is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Brezault faces up to five years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher. Brezault is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon, and Irene was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Woman Admits International Embezzlement that Cost Employer $3.8 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman on Thursday admitted embezzling at least $3.8 million from her employer with the help of co-conspirators in China.

    Bridget Thebeau, 45, of St. Charles County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to five counts of wire fraud. She admitted embezzling from her employer from roughly January 2015 to March 2024 via more than 200 fraudulent purchase orders. Thebeau struck a deal with some of her employer’s suppliers in China in which she caused the company to pay the suppliers for products that the company did not need and never received. In exchange, Thebeau’s co-conspirators in China shared the proceeds of the scam with her. Thebeau tried to hide her crime with fraudulent shipping labels and fraudulent bills of lading issued by the China-based suppliers, fraudulent invoices that she created and claimed she had issued to the company’s customers and false information she supplied to the company’s owner and accountants.

    Ultimately, Thebeau triggered fraudulent payments of at least $3,821,152 to the company’s China-based suppliers, and in return her co-conspirators wired her more than $2 million.

    Thebeau was hired in 2002 by the family-owned company. Her crime resulted in substantial financial hardship to the company’s owner, who is no longer able to retire due to her embezzlement, the plea agreement says.

    Thebeau is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 11, 2025. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine.

    The U.S. Secret Service and the Chesterfield Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis County Man Admits Seeking Nude Pictures from Children Online

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Thursday admitted soliciting nude images of children that he’d approached online, and receiving images of one 12-year-old victim.

    Alsaphone Hunt, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography.

    Hunt initiated communications with an 8-year-old girl in Maryland via Facebook Messenger in February of 2021. After an initial exchange of messages, the girl’s mother took over the phone. Hunt asked if the girl wanted to “see something that you like to see on a boy.” He asked to see her genitals, and then sent a photo of his. The mother stopped responding and contacted local police after Hunt sent images containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Police officers identified Hunt and forwarded their findings to the St. Louis County Police Department.

    On March 1, 2021, a St. Louis County Police Department detective pretending to be a 10-year-old girl “friended” Hunt on Facebook. Hunt then contacted the detective via Facebook Messenger. Hunt became increasingly sexually explicit and sent CSAM and photos of male genitals. On March 5, 2021, police arrested Hunt at the fast-food restaurant where he worked. He admitted sending CSAM and a picture of his genitals and allowed investigators to search the phone he’d been using to communicate with the 8-year-old and the detective.

    A search of the phone revealed the presence of 65 video files and 165 image files containing CSAM as well as 55 image files containing child erotica. Investigators also learned that Hunt had coerced or enticed a 12-year-old into sending him CSAM that she produced.

    Hunt is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21. Both the U.S. Attorney’s office and Hunt’s lawyers have agreed to recommend 15 years in prison.

    The St. Louis County Police Department, the Montgomery County (Maryland) Department of Police, the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oakhurst Man Charged with Stalking Fresno Woman

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Preston Nelson-Kestner, 21, of Oakhurst, charging him with stalking, distribution and possession of images of child sexual exploitation, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, between October 2023, and Feb. 13, 2024, Nelson-Kestner used social media applications including OnlyFans, Instagram, and TikTok to engage in a course of conduct that caused, attempted to cause, and would be reasonably expected to cause substantial emotional distress to an adult victim in Fresno. Nelson-Kestner used the social media apps to send threatening messages to the victim and sent videos and images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department with assistance from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Nelson-Kestner faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for stalking, a minimum of five years in prison up to 20 years in prison for distribution and a 10-year maximum sentence for possession of images of child sexual exploitation. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laotian National Arrested for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon and Possessing a Firearm as an Illegal Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A convicted felon from Laos was arrested this morning for the unlawful possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Vongpasith Khamvongsa, 45, a Laotian national unlawfully residing in Somersworth, was indicted on charges of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  He appeared in federal court today.

    The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Somersworth Police Department led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Michigan Man Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Daniel Augustine Solis, age, 33, to 40 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material.  Judge Rice also imposed a lifetime of supervised release and restitution of $615.00

    Judge Rice presided over a criminal trial for Solis, which began November 4, 2024. On the second day of trial, Solis pleaded guilty after the United States presented evidence of a text conversation between Solis and his co-defendant regarding the sexual abuse of a child.

    According to court documents and information presented at the trial and sentencing hearing, in the fall of 2019, Solis lived with his girlfriend in Eastern Washington. Solis was abusive and manipulative, which included monitoring his girlfriend’s actions through logging on to her social media and various phone applications.

    Solis eventually moved to Michigan, where he continued his pattern of manipulation. In attempt to appease Solis, his girlfriend agreed to create sexually explicit videos involving a minor child and send them to Solis.

    In February 2020, Solis became angry when he learned that his girlfriend told her mother Solis had access to the family cell phone plan. For the next several hours, Solis threatened to report his girlfriend to police based on the previously created videos, unless she created more explicit videos involving the minor child. Solis gave her specific instructions regarding the content and time length for the videos.

    After the creation of the videos, the two continued texting. At some point, Solis again became upset with his girlfriend. This time, instead of demanding another video, Solis logged into his girlfriend’s phone account, using the name and password he used to monitor her activity, and sent the explicit videos to his girlfriend’s co-workers and friends.

    “Daniel Solis committed acts of unimaginable cruelty and exploitation,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker. “His manipulation and abuse caused profound harm, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those crimes. The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities—our children—and to holding predators accountable wherever they are found.”

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kalamazoo Township Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alison L. Gregoire and Rebecca R. Perez with assistance from the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office. 

    2:20-cr-00179-TOR

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Technologies, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies, Inc, (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”), a global leader in innovative public safety technologies and non-lethal tools, today announced financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Q1 2025 Financial Results:

    • Cash increased to $6.2 million, up from $3.6 million in Q1 2024
    • Margins increased over 21 points from 56.6% in Q1 2024 to 77.8% in Q1 2025, with cost of revenue decreasing 73.4%, from $640 thousand to $170 thousand, respectively.
    • Operating loss improved 5.2%, from $(4.1) million in Q1 2024 to $(3.9) million in Q1 2025.
    • Q1 2025 revenue was $765 thousand.
    • Net income was $109 thousand in Q1 2025 as compared to $117 thousand in Q1 2024.

    Recent Operational Highlights:

    • The revamped training and learning management system is expected to be ready for launch.
    • Customer reports show increased BolaWrap deployments.
    • Recent shifts in policies associated with costly effects of higher uses of force.
    • Departments with dedicated Crisis Intervention Teams are reporting increased usage in the growing mental health crises and response to Medical Behavioral Emergencies.
    • Company signed and executed a sales and marketing partnership which provides the Company coverage in the U.S. public safety market and federal government.
    • The Company’s move to the VA Facility is complete and manufacturing operations are substantially ready.
    • The Company completed the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC, a preeminent managed services and consulting firm led by an executive team of former high-ranking law enforcement and U.S. Intelligence Community professionals, with deep competencies in complex international criminal investigation, regulatory matters and compliance issues.
    • Expanded Wrap’s leadership in managed services with the addition of Joseph Bonavolonta, a 27-year FBI veteran, and Rob Heuchling, with a 15-year FBI career, to scale the Company’s support offerings.
    • Appointed Stephen M. Renna, former Executive at the Export-Import Bank of the United States, to lead Wrap’s international growth and financing strategy, strengthening its global expansion efforts.

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.
    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a global leader in public safety solutions, bringing together cutting-edge technology with exceptional people to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® solution is a safer way to gain compliance—without pain. This innovative, patented device deploys light, sound, and a Kevlar® tether to safely restrain individuals from a distance, giving officers critical time and space to manage non-compliant situations before resorting to higher-force options. The BolaWrap 150 does not shoot, strike, shock, or incapacitate—instead, it helps officers operate lower on the force continuum, reducing the risk of injury to both officers and subjects. Used by over 1,000 agencies across the U.S. and in 60 countries, BolaWrap® is backed by training certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), reinforcing Wrap’s commitment to public safety through cutting-edge technology and expert training.

    Wrap Reality™ VR is an advanced, fully immersive training simulator designed to enhance decision-making under pressure. As a comprehensive public safety training platform, it provides first responders with realistic, interactive scenarios that reflect the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement. By offering a growing library of real-world situations, Wrap Reality™ equips officers with the skills and confidence to navigate high stakes encounters effectively, leading to safer outcomes for both responders and the communities they serve.

    Wrap’s Intrensic solution is an advanced body-worn camera and evidence management system built for efficiency, security, and transparency. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern law enforcement, Intrensic seamlessly captures, stores, and manages digital evidence, ensuring integrity and full chain-of-custody compliance. With automated workflows, secure cloud storage, and intuitive case management tools, it streamlines operations, reduces administrative burden, and enhances courtroom credibility.

    Trademark Information
    Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality™ and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad. All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the expected benefits of the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    (800) 583-2652
    ir@wrap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Supports Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Supports Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week

    Washington, May 15, 2025

    WASHINGTON— This National Police Week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of several critical pieces of pro-law enforcement legislation that highlight support for America’s brave men and women in blue.
    “National Police Week is a time to recognize, remember, and honor the brave men and women who serve our communities every day,” said Rep. Simpson. “Police officers in Idaho and throughout our country play a vital role in protecting public safety and responding in times of crisis. Their work is irreplaceable, and they will always have my full support. I was proud to reaffirm that commitment by supporting legislation on the House floor to ensure the men and women serving in communities across the country are supported.”
    The National Police Week of 2025 legislation includes:

    H.R. 2240 – Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. This bill requires the Department of Justice to report to Congress about violent attacks on law enforcement officers, the efficacy of current data collection related to violent attacks, and the efficacy of programs intended to provide protective equipment and wellness resources to law enforcement officers.
    H.R. 2243 – LEOSA Reform Act. This bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition in school zones, national parks, and certain federal facilities, as well as on state, local, and private property that is otherwise open to the public.
    H.R. 2255 – Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025. This bill allows current and retired federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase their retired service weapons.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Action Taken by Governor Phil Scott on Legislation

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly.

    On May 15, Governor Scott signed bills of the following titles:

    • S.27, An act relating to medical debt relief and excluding medical debt from credit reports
    • S.36, An act relating to the delivery and payment of certain services provided through the Agency of Human Services, services for persons who are incapacitated, and Human Services Board proceedings

    When signing S.27, Governor Scott sent the following letter to the General Assembly:

    Dear Legislators:

    I appreciate the good work of the Treasurer and legislators to provide relief for those saddled with medical debt they cannot afford to repay.  However, I would be remiss if I did not point out a few of my concerns. First, we should recognize much of this debt has already been written off by healthcare providers as uncollectable and built into higher rates for ratepayers.

    Second, with a looming healthcare crisis and our growing crisis of affordability in Vermont, we should anticipate this debt financing program to grow which raises significant concerns about future appropriations and where the funding will come from.

    Finally, now that we have created this million-dollar program, we may be disincentivizing repayment because of a misperception that “the State” will eventually pay for it.

    Again, I very much appreciate the intent and immediate benefits of S.27 to Vermonters, but we will need to manage this program effectively and pair it with real reforms.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    Philip B. Scott

    Governor

    On May 15, Governor Scott returned without signature and vetoed H.219, An act relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program and sent the following letter to the General Assembly:

    Dear Ms. Wrask:

    Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, I’m returning H.219, An act relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program, without my signature because of my objections described herein:

    I have no objection to providing family support programs for incarcerated parents and guardians, however, this bill violates the constitutionally mandated, separation of powers by attempting to obligate the Governor to include funding in the annual budget submission to the Legislature.

    The Vermont Constitution Chapter II, Section 20 is clear. The Legislature has no authority to direct the Governor on how to establish funding and policy priorities in the Governor’s budget submission. For this reason, I cannot allow this bill to go into law.

    I met with several lawmakers to notify them of my intent to veto the bill and provided assurances that, because this program was also included in the budget (H.493, Sec E.338.1), it will move forward in FY26 as planned. I would also welcome the Legislature to send me the bill again with the change, if preferred, or address it next session.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    Philip B. Scott

    Governor

    On May 15, Governor Scott returned without signature and vetoed H.219, An act relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program and sent the following letter to the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions:

    Dear Chair Emmons,

    I want to explain my veto of H.219, An act relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program and provide a path forward.

    As I noted in my letter to the House Clerk, my objection to this bill relates solely to Section 2 of H.219 which imposes upon the Governor an obligation to include funding annually for this program in the Governor’s recommended budget to the General Assembly. Constitutional objections aside, which obviously prompted the veto, this funding would be required regardless of other budget constraints or competing policy priorities.

    As a policy matter, I support the Legislature’s intent to provide parents and guardians who are incarcerated, with access to services and programs that strengthen family connections. H.219 codifies an existing family support program operating since 2003 at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility known as the Lund Kids-A-Part Parenting Program (KAPP). The goal is to expand this model to other Department of Corrections facilities in order to reduce recidivism and break intergenerational cycles of incarceration.  

    I have confirmed $390,000 in Justice Reinvestment Funds have been included in the “Big Bill” to fund both KAPP and a pilot program to benefit incarcerated fathers at the Northern State Correctional facility, which I support.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    Philip B. Scott

    Governor

    To view a complete list of action on bills passed during the 2025 legislative session, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
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    A man who served as governor, U.S. Senator and university president soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker. The N.C. Historical Marker Program is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    The marker commemorating Terry Sanford will be unveiled Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m., during a roadside ceremony at the intersection of NC 751 and Science Drive in Durham.

    Sanford, who served as governor of North Carolina from 1961-65, also served his state and country in numerous roles throughout his public career.  

    Born Aug. 20, 1917, in Laurinburg, N.C., Sanford was the second of five children in a middle-class family. He attended Presbyterian Junior College (now St. Andrews Presbyterian College) and then the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating from the latter in 1939. While at the UNC, Sanford met fellow student Margaret Rose Knight, whom he would marry in 1942, and the couple would have two children.

    Following graduation, Sanford entered the University of North Carolina School of Law. While continuing to study law, Sanford joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in December 1941 and after training, he was assigned to duty in Ohio and Missouri. Following the entry of the United States into World War II, Sanford enlisted in the Army on the first anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was assigned first to the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment as a medic, and then to the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment. In the latter regiment, he saw combat in Italy, southern France, and Belgium (the Battle of the Bulge).

    Following the war, Sanford reentered law school and graduated from the university in 1946. He was admitted to the state bar later in the year. Already entertaining ambitions to one day run for governor, he became assistant director of the University of North Carolina’s Institute of Government before becoming a full-time attorney in Fayetteville. He also served as a captain in the North Carolina Army National Guard.  

    A slow but steady rise in the Democratic Party of North Carolina and state government followed over the next few years, including a job in the North Carolina State Ports Authority, presidency of the North Carolina Young Democratic Clubs, state senator representing the 10th District, and campaign manager for former governor W. Kerr Scott’s successful 1954 run for the U.S. Senate, culminating with his successful run for governor in 1960.

    In December 1969, he was selected to be the new president of Duke University. Upon inauguration, he immediately ended a cap on the number of Jewish students who could be enrolled at the school. Facing a budget deficit and a small endowment, he worked to attract more students, increase enrollment, and increase annual donations. He also sought to improve relations between the student body and the administration, declaring opposition to the Vietnam War, supporting peaceful protest, and increasing student involvement in administration operations. He established the Institute of Policy Studies and Public Affairs, now the Sanford School of Public Policy.

    In 1986, Sanford was elected to the U.S. Senate. He supported efforts to bring about an end to the civil war in Nicaragua and created an International Commission for Central American Recovery and Development to promote regional development under the oversight of the Center for International Development Research at Duke University. As in the case of the North Carolina Fund, the commission would be funded by private philanthropy. The commission became informally known as the “Sanford Commission,” although he was not a member. He also participated in efforts to recruit Democratic candidates for the 1988 presidential election. He ran for reelection in 1992 but lost to Republican candidate Lauch Faircloth.

    Sanford devoted his remaining years to law and teaching at Duke. He died of cancer at home on April 18, 1998, and was interred at Duke Chapel.

    For more information about the historical marker, please visit  https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2024/07/10/terry-sanford-1917-1998-g-144, or call (919) 814-6625  

    The Highway Historical Marker Program is a collaboration between the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    May 15, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Castor, Soto Urge Federal Investigation into Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds to Hope Florida

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Darren Soto (FL-09) are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to investigate the potentially unlawful diversion of $10 million in Medicaid funds by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the Hope Florida Foundation and Centene in a letter released today.

    Reps. Castor and Soto’s call for a Medicaid fraud investigation comes on the heels of the debate in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee over the future of Medicaid and House Republicans’ cruel proposal to kick millions of Americans off Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Republicans repeatedly claimed during the marathon Energy and Commerce debate that they were concerned about waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid. Castor and Soto now point to a concrete example of potential fraud and abuse, while urging an immediate investigation into this inappropriate diversion of taxpayer funds to an unrelated political action committee. 

    “As members of the U.S. House Committee that provides oversight of Medicaid, I can assure you that Congress is very focused on waste, fraud and abuse of Medicaid dollars. Any unlawful diversion of Medicaid dollars in Florida means that the state is less able to provide services to our neighbors who rely on Medicaid and the providers who serve them,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The lawmakers continued, “The diversion of Medicaid dollars requires immediate investigation. These are proceeds that rightfully belong to state taxpayers to serve the citizens who rely on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, neighbors with disabilities and those served by long-term care.”

    Castor and Soto serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid, and advocated for families and providers during the 26-hour Energy and Commerce Committee markup of the House Republicans’ cruel proposal to slash Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, which concluded yesterday.

    Read the full letter here and below:

    RE: Urge Investigation into Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds in Florida 

    Dear Acting Inspector General Hodgkins and Administrator Oz:

    A recent bipartisan investigation by the Florida Legislature and press reports have uncovered that proceeds from a legal settlement between the State of Florida and Florida’s largest Medicaid managed care operator, Centene, were inappropriately diverted to unrelated political committees. Federal law requires that Medicaid proceeds be used solely for health services authorized by law and for the benefit of those served by Medicaid. Therefore, we respectfully request that you investigate the potential unlawful diversion of Medicaid funds by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Hope Florida Foundation and Centene. Medicaid is a federal/state partnership, and the federal government may be entitled to recoup funds from the legal settlement and improperly diverted funds as well.

    Hope Florida was established in 2021 as a referral program, operated by state employees, to direct Floridians to businesses, faith-based organizations and nonprofits for housing and social services instead of to government agencies. The Hope Florida Foundation is Hope Florida’s nonprofit arm and is subject to spending limits on lobbying and campaigns. According to its website, Hope Florida “firmly believe(s) that more government is not always the best solution to the problem. Instead, government is utilized as a meaningful connection point and then gets out of the way.” Many Florida state agencies prominently display links on their homepage to Hope Florida, directing individuals to a Hope Navigator instead of contacting a state agency, including the websites of Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Florida Department of Elder Affairs. AHCA administers Florida’s Medicaid program.

    On September 27, 2024, the State of Florida reached a settlement agreement with Centene relating to the overbilling of taxpayers by over $67 million. The agreement directed Centene to pay $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation through a wire transfer and pay the remaining $57 million to AHCA. The settlement also stated that “AHCA desires an expanded role for Hope Florida in the Florida Medicaid program.”  

    On October 16, two days after receiving the $10 million wire transfer, the Hope Florida Foundation wired $5 million to Secure Florida’s Future, a 501(c)4 nonprofit that proposed spending the ‘grant’ on a “long-term, targeted business partner recruitment strategy and public awareness campaign.” 

    On October 17, Secure Florida’s Future donated $2 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc., a Political Action Committee (PAC) controlled by Governor DeSantis’s then-chief of staff James Uthmeier that was created to campaign against Amendment 3, a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. Governor DeSantis strongly opposed Amendment 3. Days later, Secure Florida’s Future sent Keep Florida Clean Inc. an additional $1.75 million. 

    On October 22, the Hope Florida Foundation wired $5 million to the 501(c)4 nonprofit Save Our Society from Drugs that proposed spending the ‘grant’ on “developing and implementing strategies that directly address the substance use crisis facing our communities.” 

    On October 23, the next day, Save Our Society from Drugs donated $1.6 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc. Over the coming days, Save Our Society from Drugs donated an additional $3.15 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc. 

    While there are limited financial disclosure requirements associated with 501(c)4 organizations, records appear to show that a total of $8.5 million from the Centene settlement with AHCA went from the Hope Florida Foundation to the Amendment 3-focused Keep Florida Clean, Inc. PAC, the same PAC that also donated funding to the Republican Party of Florida and the Florida Freedom Fund. 

    The transfer of Medicaid dollars to a charitable committee and then political committees appears to run afoul of federal law, including 18 U.S.C. 1347 (to knowingly execute or attempt a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program or obtain money from it) and 18 U.S.C. 371 (for two or more people to agree to defraud the United States.), and may implicate other relevant statutes and regulations. As members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee that provides oversight of Medicaid, we can assure you that Congress is very focused on waste, fraud and abuse of Medicaid dollars. Any unlawful diversion of Medicaid dollars in Florida means that the state is less able to provide services to our neighbors who rely on Medicaid and support the providers who serve them.

    Hope Florida had raised only about $2 million during its three years of existence, but in one fell swoop, received $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, which was immediately funneled through other nonprofits to a PAC directed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff. The Florida House of Representatives initiated an investigation into what State Representative Alex Andrade called a potential “conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud,” but ultimately determined that “the best avenue is probably a federal investigation because…these were Medicaid dollars.”  The diversion of Medicaid dollars requires immediate investigation. These are proceeds that rightfully belong to serve the citizens who rely on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, neighbors with disabilities and those served by long-term care.

    Therefore, we respectfully urge you to investigate whether or not the $10 million settlement scheme violates federal law and complies with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework and any other applicable federal laws and regulations.  

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Illegal Aliens Charged For Brutal Murder Of South Carolina Mother in Random Attempted Robbery

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    LANCASTER, SC – Local authorities have charged six illegal aliens, between the ages of 13 and 21, with the random murder of a South Carolina mother of two, Larisha Sharell Thompson. They have also been charged with burglary and attempted armed robbery.

    The six illegal aliens allegedly pulled up alongside Thompson, fatally shot her and attempted to enter her vehicle. Not only did these individuals allegedly murder this innocent mother, but they are also accused of attempting to rob a convenience store. 

    Photo: Lancaster Sherriff’s Office

    On May 12, local authorities announced the arrests of six illegal aliens from Honduras including Asael Torres-Chirinos, Jarby Ramos-Ardon, Jeyson Salgado-Pineda, and three juveniles, ages 13, 14 and 15, for the murder of Thompson and the convenience store burglary.

    Torres-Chino was previously arrested in 2023 for domestic violence.  

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on all six criminal illegal aliens as they await criminal prosecution in South Carolina. 

    Statement Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin: 

    “Larisha Sharell Thompson’s life was tragically taken by criminal illegal aliens. She was a mother who was driving to a friend’s house when her life was brutally taken by these criminal aliens who should have never been in our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem will always fight for the victims of illegal alien crime and their families. The safety of American citizens comes first.” 

    Secretary Noem relaunched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration. 

    If you or a loved one has been impacted by a crime committed by an illegal alien, you are not alone. Call 1-855-48-VOICE (1-855-488-6423). 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Sentenced for Real Estate and Tax Fraud

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Two men were sentenced to prison today for a wire and tax fraud scheme to obtain title to a $1.3 million home in Roanoke County, Virginia. Herman Estes Jr. of Fieldale Virginia was sentenced to 84 months in prison; his co-conspirator Daniel Heggins of Charlotte, North Carolina was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Herman Estes filed a false amended income tax return for 2021 claiming he was entitled to a refund of $18.3 million. In March 2023, Estes made a $1.3 million cash offer for a property on Old Mill Plantation Road in Roanoke County. To legitimize this offer, Estes provided the parties to the transaction with a proof of funds letter that Estes created using an online form. Estes also provided the real estate agent with Heggins’ contact information and claimed Heggins was his trust manager with authority to approve the cash offer. When the real estate agent contacted Heggins, Heggins purported to approve Estes’s use of his trust funds to purchase the house.

    As payment for the property, Estes tendered a fraudulent cashier’s check in the amount of $1,307,199.43 signed by him and purportedly drawn off a Federal Reserve Bank. Funds in that amount were debited to the settlement company’s trust account before the check was flagged as fraudulent.

    In March 2023, Estes filed another false tax return claiming he was entitled to a $2.9 million refund.

    In addition to the terms of imprisonment, Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon for the Western District of Virginia ordered Estes to serve three years of supervised release and Heggins to serve three years of supervised release.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Andrew Ascencio of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett for the Western District of Virginia prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Johnson for the Western District of Virginia assisted in the investigation and prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former West Virginia Supervisory Correctional Officer Sentenced to more than 17 Years in Prison on Conspiracy and Obstruction Charges

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Chad Lester, a former Lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced today for his role in covering up an assault by correctional officers that resulted in the death of inmate Quantez Burks on March 1, 2022. Lester, 35, of Odd, WV, was sentenced to 210 months in prison.

    On January 27, a federal jury convicted defendant Lester on three felony obstruction of justice charges, including conspiracy to tamper with witnesses; witness tampering; and giving false statements. As part of these efforts to cover up the fatal assault other officers committed, the defendant threatened subordinate officers with violence and retaliation, added false statements to multiple officers’ reports, instructed officers to give a false cover story to investigators, and personally gave false statements to internal investigators. The evidence showed that the defendant also provided false information relating to the assault of Burks during a voluntary interview with FBI agents.

    Seven correctional officers pleaded guilty in connection with the assault of Burks; several of those former officers testified against Lester during the trial. In November 2024, Mark Holdren, Corey Snyder, and Johnathan Walters each pleaded guilty to conspiring to use unreasonable force against Burks, resulting in his death. Sentencing hearings for Holdren, Snyder, and Walters are scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin on June 16, 2025. On August 8, 2024, Ashley Toney and Jacob Boothe each pleaded guilty to violating Burks’s civil rights by failing to intervene when other officers used unreasonable force. Sentencing hearings for Boothe and Toney are scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin on June 9.

    Steven Nicholas Wimmer and Andrew Fleshman each pleaded guilty to conspiring to use unreasonable force against Burks. Andrew Fleshman is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk on July 14.

    On May 8, U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Wimmer to serve 108 months in prison.

    “This defendant wrongfully decided to obstruct an investigation into a fatal assault of an inmate,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “I am proud of the Criminal Section within the Civil Rights Division and their counterparts in the Southern District of West Virginia for their work on this case.”

    “On the defendant’s watch, correctional officers killed an inmate, and the defendant conspired with them to cover up their crimes,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virgina. “The defendant violated the public’s trust in the law enforcement system he had sworn to uphold.”

    The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, Charleston Resident Agency, investigated the case.

    Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Calls On Trump White House To Honor Blue Slip Rule For U.S. Attorneys During Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    May 15, 2025

    During his remarks, Durbin also questioned the legal status of Ms. Pirro’s appointment to be Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

    WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting,

    U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the White House to work in good faith with Senators from both sides of the aisle to find U.S. Attorney candidates who will have home state support. Durbin cautioned that while this has been the case for filling some vacancies, not all Democratic Senators have been afforded the same opportunity to consult with the Trump White House.

    Durbin also noted that because of then-Senator J.D. Vance holding U.S. Attorney nominations during the Biden Administration, there is now a new precedent for roll call votes on the Floor for confirming U.S. Attorney nominees. For decades, the Senate confirmed U.S. Attorneys by voice vote or unanimous consent after they had been considered in the Judiciary Committee. That precedent changed during the Biden Administration when a Senate Republican refused to allow the Senate to confirm nearly a dozen Justice Department nominees by voice vote—the typical practice. During the first Trump Administration, all 85 of President Trump’s U.S. Attorney nominees moved through the Judiciary Committee and were confirmed by the Senate by unanimous consent.

    Finally, Durbin called out President Trump’s appointment of yet another Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro. In 2007, on a bipartisan basis, Congress passed legislation requiring that after an Interim U.S. Attorney had served for 120 days, the district court would fill the position until a permanent U.S. Attorney could be confirmed by the Senate. Durbin argued that President Trump’s appointment of Ms. Pirro is contrary to Congressional intent and undermines the Senate’s constitutional advice and consent role.

    Key Quotes:

    “A blue slip gives the Senators from the state where the appointment is being made the option of approving or disapproving. We are an integral part of that decision process. I think that is important, and we have to work hard to make sure it continues.”

    “I’m sorry to say that the White House is reaching out to individual Senators in a capacity that is not consistent with the blue slip. But if we are going to hold fast to that as a principle, I urge the White House to work on a bipartisan basis to help.”

    “I also want to say that I understand that Jeanine Pirro was sworn in yesterday to serve as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.”

    “For the record, [during] President Trump’s first term, over 80 U.S. Attorneys were appointed. No roll call votes in this Committee. No roll call votes on the Floor. They all went by voice vote.”

    “That world has changed because of the insistence of one Republican Senator…We are now required to take roll calls on each U.S. Attorney… because of former Senator and now Vice President Vance, [there is] a requirement [that] they also get a roll call vote on the floor.”

    “Now with this particular one, Jeanine Pirro, I’m concerned that this [her appointment] is not consistent with what we are trying to do. We wanted to give a President an option of an Interim U.S. Attorney while we, at the Senate level, deliberate, advise, and consent on a permanent appointment. That has been changed dramatically.”

    “Instead of 120 days, we now have a daisy chain situation where Ed Martin was [in office for] almost 120 days. He stepped aside. Jeanine Pirro comes in for her 120 days. I think that is a violation of what we were trying to achieve to give interim authority. Instead, what we have now is the possibility of repeated appointments over and over again for these interim positions.”

    “It means we, in the Senate, are giving up our constitutional authority and responsibility. That is a mistake.”

    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 9th, 2025 Heinrich Questions Trump Nominee on the Interior Department’s Failure to Unfreeze Federal Funding & Adhere to Court Rulings, Complying with the Law, and Permitting Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    VIDEO: Heinrich Questions Interior Department Nominee for Solicitor William Doffermyre

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, questioned the U.S. Department of the Interior Solicitor nominee, William Doffermyre, on the Interior Department’s failure to unfreeze federal funding that was passed into law and adhere to court rulings. Heinrich additionally questioned Doffermyre on his views regarding permitting reform and complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

    During his opening remarks at an ENR hearing to consider Doffermyre, Heinrich stressed that the Interior Department Solicitor does not make the law but enact law. Heinrich also highlighted that a Senior Advisor to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Greg Zerzan, used his authority to suspend the legal opinions of the prior Interior Solicitor. Heinrich stressed that while departmental policies change from one administration to another, the laws do not. Heinrich also expressed his concerns that Zerzan had reinstated an earlier’ Solicitor’s opinion, which was vacated by a Federal District Court. Heinrich then directed his questions to Mr. Doffermyre on his nomination to serve as the Solicitor for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

    Watch a video of Heinrich’s line of questioning here.

    Heinrich opened his questions by discussing the disbursement of obligated funds, “Mr. Doffermyre, the Office of the Solicitor is responsible for making sure that the Department follows the law. However, right now, the Department continues to violate court orders with respect to frozen funds, and at some point, the excuse that these funds are quote “under review” begins to not hold water. If confirmed, will you ensure that appropriated funds are obligated and disbursed in a timely manner, in accordance with the law and in accordance with the Impoundment Control Act?”

    Doffermyre answered, “Thank you, Senator Heinrich. I have not started working at the Department of Interior yet, so I’m not familiar with what appropriated funds have or have not been spent. But as the Solicitor, my job will be to review the facts and review the law and provide my clear advice on what the law requires, and the Impoundment Control Act and other legal requirements say that you know, Congress controls the purse strings. And I will analyze them and give the advice that if the law requires that funds be obligated and spent, then the funds will be obligated and spent.”

    Heinrich then turned his line of questioning to highlight the Interior Department’s recent actions overruling decisions of a federal judge, “Last month, a Senior Advisor to the Secretary exercising the power of the Solicitor outside of the Vacancies Reform Act reinstated a legal opinion that had been vacated by a Federal District Court. The District Court vacated the prior solicitor’s opinion because the solicitor had misinterpreted the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Notably, the Justice Department did not press an appeal to that court’s decision. Yet the Senior Advisor’s opinion purports to reinstate the vacated opinion in 93 of the nation’s 94 judicial districts. So I’m curious, do you believe that a Solicitor, or even an Advisor exercising the Solicitor’s authority can overrule the decision of a federal district judge?”

    Doffermyre replied, “Thank you, Senator Heinrich. the short answer is, No. I do not believe that the Solicitor can overrule a Federal District Judge. M-Opinions, what you’re referring to, is something that I’ve learned a little about. And I look forward to learning a lot more about. But they’re the highest-level legal interpretation by the Solicitor, and they are binding. Those opinions are binding on the Department of Interior. My past, as you heard, in addition to Easter Bunny and Hannah Raft guide and other things, I was a litigator for 12 years. I’ve since gone on to the private sector, but when I first learned about M-Opinions, and took, you know, turn through a few of them, I thought, wow, this is really going to hurt them. Back to my, my litigation days, they are very long, reasoned opinions. They look a lot like court opinions, and I look forward to exercising some of those skills that I learned in order to analyze the law and the facts and provide them opinions that are that are sound and, and durable, and will stand up in court.”

    Heinrich then turned to permitting reform and the necessity of meeting legal requirements throughout the process, “I want to go back for just a minute to something that the Chairman asked you about, which is complying with NEPA, with both environmental impact statements and environmental assessments in these 14 to 28 day timelines. And if you can do that and meet all the requirements of the law, I’m all for it. I think what you’ve seen in this Committee has been a bipartisan commitment to permitting reform, to getting to yes or no faster for projects. However, if you get to the end of 28 days and, and you haven’t been able to meet all the legal requirements for an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement), if at that point you publish an EIS that does not meet those requirements, it creates litigation risk. That’s the opposite of shovels in the ground. So, talk to me about how you’re going to balance that. If you can get to a high-quality legal product that does not create litigation risks for the proponents in 28 days? I’m all for that, but if you haven’t checked all those boxes, at the end of 28 days, are you going to continue forward and make sure that those products actually will withstand, legal challenge?”

    Doffermyre answered, “Thank you. That’s a great question, and I do want to first say thank you very much to you and the members of this committee for the work that you’ve done on permitting reform. The Fiscal Responsibility Act, with the time limits for NEPA, as well as the work for the permitting reform bill that didn’t quite pass last year were both very, very welcome is to the industry, when it comes to…”

    Heinrich interjected to speak to his colleagues, “We could still pass that law, I would just mention to all of my colleagues. I think that would be a good idea.”

    Doffermyre continued, “But the short answer to your question is, well, I don’t know if there’s a short answer. What I will say is, it would do no good and would be counterproductive to publish a final EIS and a record of decision that did not, you know, entail the necessary hard look at what’s required by the statute. You know, you can get a permanent 28 days, but if two years’ worth of litigation results in a remand, that’s going to require six months of a new analysis that’s not doing anyone good, that’s not getting shots in the ground. So, we are completely aligned on that Senator Heinrich. Thank you.”

    Heinrich wrapped his questions, “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash Two Wells

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Two Wells.

    Just before 5am, Friday 16 May, police and emergency services were called to Port Wakefield Highway, Two Wells (near the intersection with Port Gawler Road) after reports of a crash between a car and truck. On arrival, the driver of the car was trapped and fire crews quickly worked to remove them from their vehicle. The driver was subsequently airlifted to hospital with life threatening injuries.

    The driver of the truck, a 30-year-old-man from Mallala, was uninjured and was taken to hospital for mandatory blood tests.

    Major Crash investigators are making their way to the scene.

    Port Wakefield Road is closed to all northbound traffic from Port Gawler Road and diversions are in place via Old Port Wakefield Road. Road users are asked to avoid the area.

    Anyone who witnessed this crash or has dashcam is asked to contact police. You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE makes significant arrest of previously removed MS-13 gang member

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 26-year-old illegal Salvadoran national Nelson Vladimir Amaya-Benitez May 12, in Gaithersburg. Amaya is a validated MS-13 gang member and has been convicted of second-degree malicious burning, rogue and vagabond, and possession of marijuana.

    “The arrest of this criminal alien MS-13 gang member is yet another stark reminder of the dangers posed when our immigration laws are not enforced. This individual, who had previously been removed from the United States, reentered illegally and repeatedly jeopardized the safety of our Maryland communities,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “ICE Lodged five detainers — four of which were not honored — allowing him to return to the streets and reoffend time and time again. This pattern is unacceptable. We strongly encourage our local law enforcement partners to honor our detainers to ensure that dangerous individuals like this are held accountable and removed from our communities to protect the law-abiding residents we serve.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Amaya after he illegally entered the United States near Hidalgo, Texas, Feb. 3, 2016, and served him a notice to appear.

    The Irving Police Department in Texas arrested and charged Amaya with possession of marijuana Sept. 1, 2016. The Criminal District Court 2 in Dallas convicted him of possession of marijuana Sept. 21, 2016, and sentenced him to 36 days of confinement.

    The Seagoville, Texas, Police Department arrested and charged Amaya with unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest Oct. 8, 2016. The 291st District Court in Dallas convicted him of unauthorized use of vehicle and evading arrest Nov. 13, 2018, and sentenced him to 90 days of confinement. ICE arrested Amaya Nov. 14, 2018.

    The Montgomery County Police Department in Rockville arrested and charged him with armed robbery May 26, 2017. On May 27, 2017, ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Amaya with the Montgomery County Detention Center. The Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville convicted him of robbery June 29, 2017, and sentenced him to 10 years of confinement with all but 18 months suspended.

    A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Amaya removed from this U.S. Aug. 13, 2019. ICE removed him to El Salvador Aug. 28, 2019.

    Amaya illegally reentered the U.S. on an unknown date at an unknown location without being inspected, admitted or paroled by an immigration officer.

    ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Amaya with the Montgomery County Detention Center Aug. 18, 2022, following his arrest by Montgomery County police. The detention center declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody the same day.

    Montgomery County police arrested and charged him with theft Feb. 8, 2023. The District Court for Montgomery County in Silver Spring convicted him of theft July 7, 2023, and sentenced him to two months and 29 days of confinement but suspended his entire sentence.

    On May 13, 2023, the Montgomery County Police Department arrested and charged Amaya with motor vehicle theft and rogue and vagabond. The District Court for Montgomery County in Silver Spring convicted him of motor vehicle theft and rogue and vagabond Aug. 4, 2023. He received a sentenced of five years confinement with all but 18 months suspended. On the same date, the ICE lodged an immigration detainer against him with the Montgomery County Detention Center. On an unknown date, the detention center declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody.

    The Montgomery County Police Department arrested and charged Amaya with second-degree malicious burning May 22, 2023. The District Court for Montgomery County in Silver Spring convicted him of the charge Aug. 7, 2023, and sentenced him to 18 months of confinement. ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Amaya with the Montgomery County Detention Center Oct. 11, 2023. On an unknown date, that facility again declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody.

    The Montgomery County Police Department arrested and charged Amaya with attempted motor vehicle theft Sept. 29, 2024. On the same date, the ICE an immigration detainer on Amaya with the Montgomery County Detention Center. The Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville convicted Amaya of attempted motor vehicle theft April 4, and sentenced him to three years of confinement with two years, five months and 11 days suspended. On April 18, the Montgomery County Detention Center again declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer and released Amaya from custody.

    Amaya is currently in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: State Highway 1, Putaruru crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following a crash on State Highway 1, Putaruru this morning.

    Police were notified just after 7am that a truck had collided with a parked car, near the intersection with Sholson Street.

    The truck driver was unresponsive when emergency services arrived at the crash scene.

    Medical attention was immediately provided but sadly he could not be revived. 

    The road remains partially closed and motorists should continue to take alternative routes where possible.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Marshall Introduce Bill to Support Families of Victims Killed by Illegal Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Justice for Angel Families Act to allow federal funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs for families whose loved one has been killed by an illegal immigrant. The bill would also codify the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), originally established by President Trump in 2017 and reopened last month by the Trump Administration after the Biden Administration shuttered it. The VOICE Office provides critical services like grief counseling and case follow-ups for victims’ families. This bill would ensure the VOICE Office can never be shut down again.
    “Angel families deserve the same compensation as do angel victims. Perpetrators of crime should compensate the Angel family since the Angel victim can no longer be compensated,”said Dr. Cassidy.
    “President Trump is righting the catastrophic wrongs of the Biden-Harris Administration by restoring law and order, securing our borders, and putting an end to the lawlessness that plagued our nation for too long,”said Senator Marshall. “But for countless Angel Families, the damage is permanent – their loved ones were taken from them because of disastrous open-border policies. I urge my colleagues to join Congressman Nehls and me in delivering justice and ensuring these families receive the resources and support they deserve by passing the Justice for Angel Families Act.”
    The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
    “Under the Biden administration’s watch our country faced record levels of illegal immigration that resulted in innocent American lives lost,”said Senator Budd. “Our nation’s Angel Families have faced unimaginable tragedies because of Joe Biden’s senseless open-border policies. Now, we must stand with them – giving them the support and justice they deserve.”
    “Families of victims murdered by illegal immigrants are forced to face unimaginable grief,”said Senator Cramer. “This bicameral bill supports Angel Families by ensuring they have the help and resources they need.”
    U.S. Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX-22) introduced a companion version of this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “President Trump and his administration are restoring law and order and standing up for American citizens,” said Representative Nehls. “Millions of illegal aliens flooded our country during the Biden Administration, and many of them took the lives of Americans, such as Jocelyn Nungaray, Laken Riley, and Rachel Morin. By codifying the VOICE Office, which was reopened last month by Secretary Noem, no future president can close the office again, ensuring that families that fall victim to illegal alien crimes are supported, not left behind.”
    The legislation is also supported by Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime, NumbersUSA, and National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE).
    “As a nation, we spend hundreds of billions of dollars supporting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country. Yet the victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens are left to fend for themselves at the worst times in their lives,”said Don Rosenberg, President and Treasurer of Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime. “Financial compensation will never replace the loss of a loved one, but the “Justice for Angel Families Act” will at least reduce the financial burden faced by those families who have been betrayed by the failure of some in our government to uphold the rule of law.”
    “It’s a shame that our past open border policies have made it necessary and needed to pass legislation to aid Angel families who suffered loss at the hands of illegal immigrants,”said Michael Hough, Director of Federal Government Relations at NumbersUSA. “This legislation will rightfully help those families who have lost their loved ones.”
    “To support angel families – American citizens permanently separated from loved ones due to illegal alien crime – President Trump relaunched the Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement (VOICE) office,”said RJ Hauman, President of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE). “Now fully operational again, VOICE is assisting thousands of angel families, connecting them to vital services like grief counseling, tracking their cases, and ensuring criminal aliens responsible for their suffering are arrested, detained, and removed. This stands in stark contrast to the previous administration, which dismantled VOICE, opened our borders, and neglected angel families while policies led to more tragic losses. With Republicans now leading Congress, angel families are no longer ignored. Congressman Nehls and Senator Marshall are championing the Justice for Angel Families Act, reaffirming that their highest duty is to American citizens. This bill honors angel families, ensures their loved ones’ deaths were not in vain, and strengthens our nation’s safety and security. NICE urges everyone to support the Justice for Angel Families Act and calls on Congress to pass it after ICE receives critical resources via reconciliation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thirty Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking, Fraud, and Firearm Charges

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Thirty Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking, Fraud, and Firearm Charges

    An eight-count indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia charging 30 defendants – all alleged Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang members and associates – with crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and related firearm and drug trafficking crimes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Military Installations from Unauthorized Drones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    May 15, 2025

    Cotton, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Military Installations from Unauthorized Drones

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) today introduced the Comprehensive Operations for Unmanned-System Neutralization and Threat Elimination Response (COUNTER) Act, bipartisan legislation to enhance airspace security at military installations. 

    Senators Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Jim Moran (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and Todd Young (R-Indiana) are co-sponsoring this legislation. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania-06) and August Pfluger (Texas-11) are introducing companion legislation in the House.

    “Leaving American military facilities vulnerable to drone incursions puts our service members, the general public, and our national security at risk. Our bill will expand the Department of Defense’s authority to neutralize unauthorized drones,” said Senator Cotton. 

    “As commercial drones become more commonplace, we must ensure that they are not being used to share sensitive information with our adversaries, to conduct attacks against our service members, or otherwise pose a threat to our national security. This legislation will enable DoD to more effectively mitigate threats from drones and allow for better interagency cooperation to keep Americans safe. I am proud to be introducing this important piece of bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it passed,” said Senator Gillibrand. 

    “In recent years, there has been a disturbing increase in threats posed to U.S. military bases by unmanned aircraft systems, including from systems controlled by foreign adversaries. Despite this, our armed forces continue to tell us that they lack the authority to protect the skies over some of our most sensitive military installations,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Today’s introduction of the bipartisan COUNTER Act marks the next step towards delivering the expanded authorities our military needs to address the threats of unmanned aircraft systems and keep these facilities safe.”

    “Unauthorized drone activity near and over U.S. military installations has become a persistent and growing national security concern. In the past year alone, there were more than 350 drone detections at 100 different military installations,” said Rep. Pfluger. “This is why I am proud to help lead the bipartisan COUNTER Act, which gives our armed forces the clear authority they need to take down hostile drones and defend our most sensitive installations. As a fighter pilot with hundreds of hours in combat experience, I know firsthand how critical airspace security is — and how urgent this action has become.”

    Full text of the legislation may be found here.

    The COUNTER Act would:

    • Expand the definition of a “covered facility” as it is in current law, enabling more bases to apply for approval to detect, track, and, if necessary, neutralize drones.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: iPower Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iPower Inc. (Nasdaq: IPW) (“iPower” or the “Company”), a tech and data-driven ecommerce services provider and online retailer, today announced its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Fiscal Q3 2025 Results vs. Year-Ago Quarter

    • Total revenue was $16.6 million compared to $23.3 million.
    • Gross profit was $7.2 million compared to $10.4 million, with gross margin of 43.3% compared to 44.5%.
    • Net loss attributable to iPower was $0.3 million or $(0.01) per share, compared to net income attributable to iPower of $1.0 million or $0.03 per share.
    • As of March 31, 2025, total debt was reduced by 43% to $3.6 million as compared to $6.3 million as of June 30, 2024.

    Management Commentary

    “We made important strides in strengthening our operations during the quarter, even as we navigated a more cautious demand environment that impacted order volumes across key channels,” said Lawrence Tan, CEO of iPower. “In response, we’ve accelerated efforts to diversify our supply chain by expanding manufacturing into the U.S., as well as continuing to cultivate relationships with alternative suppliers in new geographies. These actions are central to our strategy to build a more agile and resilient supply chain capable of supporting long-term growth and reducing exposure to external volatility.”

    “In our SuperSuite business, we are continuing to gain traction and generating solid momentum, with our SuperSuite now representing approximately 20% of our total revenue mix, underscoring the robust demand for our end-to-end supply chain solutions. SuperSuite continues to evolve as a comprehensive, data-driven platform that equips our partners with the tools, insights and infrastructure they need to thrive in today’s competitive ecommerce landscape. We are working through a strong pipeline of prospective partners and look forward to capitalizing on the demand for SuperSuite as we continue to build out our partner ecosystem and deliver greater value to our current partners.”

    iPower CFO, Kevin Vassily, added, “We faced a challenging comp this quarter due to elevated purchasing volumes from our largest channel partner in the year-ago period. Nonetheless, we continued to benefit from the optimization initiatives we implemented in fiscal 2024, resulting in a 10% improvement in operating expenses for the quarter. Additionally, we reduced our total debt obligations by nearly 20% during the quarter, demonstrating our commitment to strengthening the balance sheet. With our ongoing efforts to diversify our supply chain, accelerating momentum in SuperSuite, and an optimized operating structure, we believe we are well positioned to navigate the current market environment and deliver long term value to our customers and shareholders alike.”

    Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results 

    Total revenue in the fiscal third quarter of 2025 was $16.6 million compared to $23.3 million for the same period in fiscal 2024. The decrease was driven primarily by lower product sales to the Company’s largest channel partner, partially offset by growth in iPower’s SuperSuite supply chain offerings.

    Gross profit in the fiscal third quarter of 2025 was $7.2 million compared to $10.4 million in the same quarter in fiscal 2024. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin was 43.3% compared to 44.5% in the year-ago period. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by an increase in services income in the quarter.

    Total operating expenses in the fiscal third quarter of 2025 improved 15% to $7.4 million compared to $8.8 million for the same period in fiscal 2024. The decrease in operating expenses was driven primarily by lower general and administrative costs from the Company’s optimization initiatives, as well as lower selling and fulfillment expenses related to the Company’s largest channel partner.

    Net loss attributable to iPower in the fiscal third quarter of 2025 was $0.3 million or $(0.01) per share, compared to net income attributable to iPower of $1.0 million or $0.03 per share for the same period in fiscal 2024.

    Cash and cash equivalents were $2.2 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $7.4 million at June 30, 2024. As a result of the Company’s consistent debt paydown, total debt was reduced by 43% to $3.6 million compared to $6.3 million as of June 30, 2024.

    Conference Call 

    The Company will hold a conference call today, May 15, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its results for the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    iPower’s management will host the conference call, which will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

    The conference call details are as follows:

    Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
    Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time
    Dial-in registration link: here
    Live webcast registration link: here

    Please dial into the conference call 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact the Company’s investor relations team at IPW@elevate-ir.com.

    The conference call will also be broadcast live and available for replay in the Events & Presentations section of the Company’s website at www.meetipower.com.

    About iPower Inc. 

    iPower Inc. is a tech and data-driven online retailer, as well as a provider of value-added ecommerce services for third-party products and brands. iPower’s capabilities include a full spectrum of online channels, robust fulfillment capacity, a nationwide network of warehouses, competitive last mile delivery partners and a differentiated business intelligence platform. iPower believes that these capabilities will enable it to efficiently move a diverse catalog of SKUs from its supply chain partners to end consumers every day, providing the best value to customers in the U.S. and other countries. For more information, please visit iPower’s website at www.meetipower.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements 

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this press release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that iPower believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. iPower undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although iPower believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and iPower cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results and performance in iPower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on September 20, 2024, and in its other SEC filings, including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D’Souza
    Elevate IR
    (720) 330-2829
    IPW@elevate-ir.com

     
    iPower Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    As of March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024
     
      March 31,   June 30,
      2025   2024
      (Unaudited)      
    ASSETS          
    Current assets          
    Cash and cash equivalent $ 2,192,254     $ 7,377,837  
    Accounts receivable, net   10,179,237       14,740,093  
    Inventories, net   9,772,699       10,546,273  
    Prepayments and other current assets, net   2,660,968       2,346,534  
    Total current assets   24,805,158       35,010,737  
               
    Non-current assets          
    Right of use – non-current   4,281,622       6,124,163  
    Property and equipment, net   271,473       370,887  
    Deferred tax assets, net   2,961,886       2,445,605  
    Goodwill   3,034,110       3,034,110  
    Intangible assets, net   3,143,671       3,630,700  
    Other non-current assets   2,008,561       679,655  
    Total non-current assets   15,701,323       16,285,120  
               
    Total assets $ 40,506,481     $ 51,295,857  
               
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
    Current liabilities          
    Accounts payable, net $ 8,034,949     $ 11,227,116  
    Other payables and accrued liabilities   3,241,283       3,885,487  
    Lease liability – current   1,392,146       2,039,301  
    Short-term loan payable   –       491,214  
    Short-term loan payable – related party   –       350,000  
    Revolving loan payable, net   –       5,500,739  
    Income taxes payable   278,769       276,158  
    Total current liabilities   12,947,147       23,770,015  
               
    Non-current liabilities          
    Long-term revolving loan payable, net   3,573,896       –  
    Lease liability – non-current   3,267,491       4,509,809  
    Total non-current liabilities   6,841,387       4,509,809  
               
    Total liabilities   19,788,534       28,279,824  
               
    Commitments and contingency   –       –  
               
    Stockholders’ Equity          
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024   –       –  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value; 180,000,000 shares authorized; 31,359,899 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024   31,361       31,361  
    Additional paid in capital   33,321,103       33,463,883  
    Accumulated deficits   (12,380,662 )     (10,230,601 )
    Non-controlling interest   (46,969 )     (38,204 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (206,886 )     (210,406 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   20,717,947       23,016,033  
               
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 40,506,481     $ 51,295,857  
               
    iPower Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
    For the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
     
      For the Three Months Ended March 31,   For the Nine Months Ended March 31,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    REVENUES                  
    Product sales $ 15,546,233     $ 22,593,081     $ 51,428,534     $ 65,901,577  
    Service income   1,023,445       715,427       3,222,236       715,427  
    Total revenues   16,569,678       23,308,508       54,650,770       66,617,004  
                           
    COST OF REVENUES                      
    Product costs   8,512,709       12,360,170       27,891,276       36,591,581  
    Service costs   879,995       581,229       2,704,737       581,229  
    Total cost of revenues   9,392,704       12,941,399       30,596,013       37,172,810  
                           
    GROSS PROFIT   7,176,974       10,367,109       24,054,757       29,444,194  
                           
    OPERATING EXPENSES:                      
    Selling and fulfillment   5,531,751       5,444,649       16,075,473       22,445,100  
    General and administrative   1,914,226       3,321,184       10,311,114       9,218,842  
    Total operating expenses   7,445,977       8,765,833       26,386,587       31,663,942  
                           
    (LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS   (269,003 )     1,601,276       (2,331,830 )     (2,219,748 )
                           
    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)                      
    Interest expenses   (81,968 )     (181,199 )     (362,602 )     (592,176 )
    Loss on equity method investment   (986 )     (792 )     (2,707 )     (2,618 )
    Other non-operating income (expenses)   35,601       (29,669 )     48,329       32,003  
    Total other expenses, net   (47,353 )     (211,660 )     (316,980 )     (562,791 )
                           
    (LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   (316,356 )     1,389,616       (2,648,810 )     (2,782,539 )
                           
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)   26,017       377,147       (489,984 )     (587,674 )
    NET (LOSS) INCOME   (342,373 )     1,012,469       (2,158,826 )     (2,194,865 )
                           
    Non-controlling interest   (2,774 )     (3,613 )     (8,765 )     (9,604 )
                           
    NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IPOWER INC. $ (339,599 )   $ 1,016,082     $ (2,150,061 )   $ (2,185,261 )
                           
    OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME                      
    Foreign currency translation adjustments   (97,556 )     69,122       3,520       (91,840 )
                           
    COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IPOWER INC. $ (437,155 )   $ 1,085,204     $ (2,146,541 )   $ (2,277,101 )
                           
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON STOCK                      
    Basic   31,455,248       29,821,811       31,434,479       29,791,990  
                           
    Diluted   31,455,248       29,821,811       31,434,479       29,791,990  
                           
    (LOSSES) EARNINGS PER SHARE                      
    Basic $ (0.01 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.07 )   $ (0.07 )
                           
    Diluted $ (0.01 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.07 )   $ (0.07 )
                           

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell’s Bill to Support Families of Retired Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, which would ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed or disabled as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. Senator McConnell introduced the bipartisan bill earlier this year with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL) have also cosponsored the legislation. The legislation must now be approved by the full Senate. 
    The bill is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean war veteran and law enforcement officer of 55 years who retired in 2009 as Chief of the Tompkinsville, Kentucky Police Department. On August 28, 2012, Chief Proffitt was tragically shot and killed in his driveway by an individual he had arrested a decade earlier. Although his murder was a direct retaliation for his service in uniform, his family was denied benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program because he had retired from his more than a half-century of service. 
    The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act would amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program eligibility criteria for retired law enforcement officers who have died or become permanently disabled due to a targeted attack directly resulting from their service, and retroactively apply the updated eligibility for claims starting on January 1, 2012. 
    “This week we observe National Police Week and remember law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty and honor those across the country who courageously serve our communities,” said Senator McConnell. “The loss of Chief Herbert D. Proffitt is a tragic reminder of the risk that follows our finest every day of their lives. This legislation plugs an important hole, ensuring the Proffitt family – and others like them – are supported and assured that the service and sacrifice of their loved ones are never forgotten. On behalf of all Kentuckians, I’m grateful for our police officers and their steadfast dedication to keeping us safe. I also appreciate Chairman Grassley’s collaboration on this vital legislation.” 
    “On behalf of Chief Proffitt’s family and members of the Law Enforcement community, we appreciate Senator McConnell’s introduction of this important piece of legislation. This bill will include Line of Duty Death (LODD) benefits for retired members of Law Enforcements that have been murdered because of their prior Law Enforcement actions. Passage of the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 will give some comfort to Chief Proffitt’s family while providing security to Law Enforcement families,” said Berl Perdue, Jr., President of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police. 
    “The Tompkinsville Police Department is grateful to Senator McConnell for his work to support and honor our law enforcement families. Thirteen years later, we still mourn the loss of Chief Herbert “Sprocket” Proffitt, a devoted father and leader in Tompkinsville who dedicated his life to keeping our community safe. We are proud to see his legacy honored today with this important legislation,” said Kerry L. Denton, Chief of Police, City of Tompkinsville. 
    The legislation is endorsed by the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Narcotic Officers Association, the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association, and the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police. The measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Dan Goldman (D-NY). 

    MIL OSI USA News –