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Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Law Graduate Honored for Generosity and Impact

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The Reading Room in William F. Starr Hall is considered the heart of the UConn Law campus, a place where the school community often gathers. So, it is fitting that the room is now named after Stuart F. Smith ’80, in honor of his extraordinary generosity and enduring impact on the law school.

    “Today’s special event demonstrates our deep appreciation for Stuart’s exceptional generosity, through which he has shared his time, his talent, and his treasure to help build upon a legacy of excellence here at the Law School,” said UConn Law Dean Eboni S. Nelson during a dedication ceremony on April 21. “Stuart’s remarkable support has had and will continue to have a profound impact on our law school community for years to come.”

    Stuart F. Smith ’80

    Smith established the Stuart Smith 1980 Dean’s Discretionary Fund in 2024 to support the ambitious goals of faculty, staff, and students. The previous year, he made a gift to create the Stuart F. Smith 1980 Teaching Fellowship, a two-year program that prepares aspiring law professors to enter the legal academy.

    “The Fellowship has given me the chance to be part of the intellectually vibrant, collegial, and supportive UConn Law faculty, where I’ve received valuable mentorship and feedback on my research and writing,” says Visiting Assistant Professor Gaurav Mukherjee, the inaugural Stuart F. Smith Teaching Fellow. “I’ve had the opportunity to teach courses on the intersections of human rights, education law, and constitutional change — topics that are especially urgent today. I’m deeply grateful to Mr. Smith for his principled vision, steadfast support, and commitment to excellence in legal education.”

    Stuart F. Smith ’80 and UConn School of Law Dean Eboni S. Nelson

    In addition to his philanthropic support, Smith has shared his expertise and his personal and professional journeys with students, such as members of the Business and Transactional Law Society, to help them achieve their career goals.

    Smith attended the dedication and was surrounded by family and friends there to celebrate with him.

    “When it comes to the Law School, I’ve gotten a lot more than I’ve given,” he said. “My most important ‘grade’ was my first year of law school because of the friendships I built and what I learned. And it’s such a privilege to be part of the community. So, I say, thank you, I’m really humbled by this. It’s very moving.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamondback Energy, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback” or the “Company”) today announced financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    FIRST QUARTER 2025 AND RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

    • Average oil production of 475.9 MBO/d (850.7 MBOE/d)
    • Net cash provided by operating activities of $2.4 billion; Operating Cash Flow Before Working Capital Changes (as defined and reconciled below) of $2.5 billion
    • Cash capital expenditures of $942 million
    • Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of $1.5 billion; Adjusted Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of $1.6 billion
    • Declared Q1 2025 base cash dividend of $1.00 per share payable on May 22, 2025; implies a 2.9% annualized yield based on May 2, 2025 closing share price of $136.81
    • Repurchased 3,656,044 shares of common stock in Q1 2025 for $575 million excluding excise tax (at a weighted average price of $157.15 per share); repurchased 1,965,180 shares of common stock to date in Q2 2025 for $255 million excluding excise tax (at a weighted average price of $129.71 per share)
    • Total Q1 2025 return of capital of $864 million; represents ~55% of Adjusted Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) from stock repurchases and the declared Q1 2025 base dividend
    • As previously announced, closed acquisition of certain subsidiaries of Double Eagle IV Midco, LLC (“Double Eagle”) on April 1st
    • Closed drop down transaction to Viper Energy, Inc. (“Viper”), a subsidiary of Diamondback, on May 1st

    UPDATED 2025 GUIDANCE HIGHLIGHTS

    As a result of recent commodity price volatility, Diamondback is reducing activity in order to prioritize free cash flow generation. The Company believes this revised plan enhances capital efficiency and provides flexibility to (i) cut additional capital if prices weaken further or (ii) resume its original 2025 plan if commodity prices strengthen.

    • Full year oil production of 480 – 495 MBO/d (857 – 900 MBOE/d)
    • Full year 2025 cash capital expenditures guidance of $3.4 – $3.8 billion
    • The Company expects to drill 385 – 435 gross (349 – 395 net) wells and complete between 475 – 550 gross (444 – 514 net) wells with an average lateral length of approximately 11,500 feet in 2025
    • Q2 2025 oil production guidance of 485 – 500 MBO/d (866 – 900 MBOE/d)
    • Q2 2025 cash capital expenditures guidance of $800 – $900 million
    • Implies full year 2025 oil production per million dollars of cash capital expenditures (“MBO per $MM of CAPEX”) of 49.4, ~10% better than the Company’s original full year 2025 guidance provided in February 2025

    OPERATIONS UPDATE

    The tables below provide a summary of operating activity for the first quarter of 2025.

    Total Activity (Gross Operated):          
      Number of Wells Drilled
    		   Number of Wells Completed
    Midland Basin                 124             116  
    Delaware Basin                 2             7  
    Total                 126             123  
    Total Activity (Net Operated):          
      Number of Wells Drilled
    		   Number of Wells Completed
    Midland Basin                 116             112  
    Delaware Basin                 2             7  
    Total                 118             119  
     

    During the first quarter of 2025, Diamondback drilled 124 gross wells in the Midland Basin and two gross wells in the Delaware Basin. The Company turned 116 operated wells to production in the Midland Basin and seven gross wells in the Delaware Basin, with an average lateral length of 11,978 feet. Operated completions during the first quarter consisted of 30 Wolfcamp A wells, 28 Lower Spraberry wells, 22 Wolfcamp B wells, 17 Jo Mill wells, eight Middle Spraberry wells, four Dean wells, four Barnett wells, three Third Bone Spring wells, three Wolfcamp D wells, two Second Bone Spring wells and two Upper Spraberry wells.

    FINANCIAL UPDATE

    Diamondback’s first quarter 2025 net income was $1.4 billion, or $4.83 per diluted share. Adjusted net income (as defined and reconciled below) for the first quarter was $1.3 billion, or $4.54 per diluted share.

    First quarter 2025 net cash provided by operating activities was $2.4 billion.

    During the first quarter of 2025, Diamondback spent $864 million on operated drilling and completions, $21 million on capital workovers and non-operated drilling and completions and $57 million on infrastructure, environmental and midstream, for total cash capital expenditures of $942 million.

    First quarter 2025 Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) was $2.9 billion. Adjusted EBITDA net of non-controlling interest (as defined and reconciled below) for the first quarter was $2.8 billion.

    Diamondback’s first quarter 2025 Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) was $1.5 billion. Adjusted Free Cash Flow (as reconciled and defined below) for the first quarter was $1.6 billion.

    First quarter 2025 average unhedged realized prices were $70.95 per barrel of oil, $2.11 per Mcf of natural gas and $23.94 per barrel of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), resulting in a total equivalent unhedged realized price of $47.77 per BOE.

    Diamondback’s cash operating costs for the first quarter of 2025 were $10.48 per BOE, including lease operating expenses (“LOE”) of $5.33 per BOE, cash general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses of $0.72 per BOE, production and ad valorem taxes of $2.98 per BOE and gathering, processing and transportation expenses of $1.45 per BOE.

    As of March 31, 2025, Diamondback had $1.3 billion in standalone cash and no borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility, with approximately $2.5 billion available for future borrowings under the facility and approximately $3.8 billion of total liquidity. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had consolidated total debt of $14.1 billion and consolidated net debt (as defined and reconciled below) of $12.3 billion, up from consolidated total debt of $13.2 billion and consolidated net debt of $13.0 billion as of December 31, 2024.

    DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS

    Diamondback announced today that the Company’s Board of Directors declared a base cash dividend of $1.00 per common share for the first quarter of 2025 payable on May 22, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2025.

    Future base and variable dividends remain subject to review and approval at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

    COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

    During the first quarter of 2025, Diamondback repurchased ~3.7 million shares of common stock at an average share price of $157.15 for a total cost of approximately $575 million, excluding excise tax. To date, Diamondback has repurchased ~30.2 million shares of common stock at an average share price of $137.55 for a total cost of approximately $4.2 billion and has approximately $1.8 billion remaining on its current share buyback authorization. Subject to factors discussed below, Diamondback intends to continue to purchase common stock under the common stock repurchase program opportunistically with cash on hand, free cash flow from operations and proceeds from potential liquidity events such as the sale of assets. This repurchase program has no time limit and may be suspended from time to time, modified, extended or discontinued by the Board at any time. Purchases under the repurchase program may be made from time to time in privately negotiated transactions, or in open market transactions in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and will be subject to market conditions, applicable regulatory and legal requirements and other factors. Any common stock purchased as part of this program will be retired.

    FULL YEAR 2025 GUIDANCE

    Below is Diamondback’s updated guidance for the full year 2025, which includes second quarter production, cash tax and capital guidance. Given recent weakness in commodity prices, the Company is reducing its activity levels and lowering its capital budget to prioritize free cash generation. Diamondback will continue to closely monitor the macro environment and has flexibility to (i) cut additional capital if prices weaken further or (ii) resume its original 2025 plan if commodity prices strengthen.

      2025 Guidance 2025 Guidance
      Diamondback Energy, Inc. Viper Energy, Inc.
         
    2025 Net production – MBOE/d 857 – 900 (from 883 – 909) 74.5 – 79.0
    2025 Oil production – MBO/d 480 – 495 (from 485 – 498) 41.0 – 43.5
    Q2 2025 Oil production – MBO/d (total – MBOE/d) 485 – 500 (866 – 900) 40.0 – 43.0 (72.5 – 78.0)
         
    Unit costs ($/BOE)    
    Lease operating expenses, including workovers $5.65 – $6.05 (from $5.90 – $6.30)  
    G&A    
    Cash G&A $0.60 – $0.75 $0.80 – $1.00
    Non-cash equity-based compensation $0.25 – $0.35 $0.10 – $0.20
    DD&A $14.00 – $15.00 $15.50 – $16.50
    Interest expense (net of interest income) $0.40 – $0.65 (from $0.25 – $0.50) $2.00 – $2.50
    Gathering, processing and transportation $1.40 – $1.60 (from $1.20 – $1.40)  
         
    Production and ad valorem taxes (% of revenue) ~7% ~7%
    Corporate tax rate (% of pre-tax income) 23%  
    Cash tax rate (% of pre-tax income) 19% – 22% (from 17% – 20%) 21% – 23%
    Q2 2025 Cash taxes ($ – million)(1) $340 – $400 $10 – $15
         
    Capital Budget ($ – million)    
    Operated drilling and completion $2,780 – $3,090 (from $3,130 – $3,440)  
    Capital workovers, non-operated properties and science $280 – $320  
    Infrastructure, environmental and midstream(2) $340 – $390 (from $390 – $440)  
    2025 Total capital expenditures $3,400 – $3,800 (from $3,800 – $4,200)  
    Q2 2025 Capital expenditures $800 – $900  
         
    Gross horizontal wells drilled (net) 385 – 435 (349 – 395) (from 446 – 471 (406 – 428))  
    Gross horizontal wells completed (net) 475 – 550 (444 – 514) (from 557 – 592 (526 – 560))  
    Average lateral length (Ft.) ~11,500′  
    FY 2025 Midland Basin well costs per lateral foot $550 – $590 (from $555 – $605)  
    FY 2025 Delaware Basin well costs per lateral foot $860 – $910  
    Midland Basin completed net lateral feet (%) ~95%  
    Delaware Basin completed net lateral feet (%) ~5%  
    (1) Includes approximately $170 million of cash taxes related to the Viper dropdown transaction.
    (2) Includes approximately $60 million in estimated midstream capital expenditures for the full year 2025.
       


    CONFERENCE CALL

    Diamondback will host a conference call and webcast for investors and analysts to discuss its results for the first quarter of 2025 on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. CT. Access to the webcast, and replay which will be available following the call, may be found here. The live webcast of the earnings conference call will also be available via Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com under the “Investor Relations” section of the site.

    About Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding Diamondback’s: future performance; business strategy; future operations (including drilling plans and capital plans); estimates and projections of revenues, losses, costs, expenses, returns, cash flow, and financial position; reserve estimates and its ability to replace or increase reserves; anticipated benefits or other effects of strategic transactions (including the recently completed Endeavor merger, the recently completed Double Eagle acquisition and other acquisitions or divestitures); and plans and objectives of management (including plans for future cash flow from operations and for executing environmental strategies) are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “model,” “outlook,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions (including the negative of such terms) as they relate to Diamondback are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Although Diamondback believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, they involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond Diamondback’s control. Accordingly, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and Diamondback’s actual outcomes could differ materially from what Diamondback has expressed in its forward-looking statements.

    Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following: changes in supply and demand levels for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, and the resulting impact on the price for those commodities; the impact of public health crises, including epidemic or pandemic diseases and any related company or government policies or actions; changes in U.S. energy, environmental, monetary and trade policies, including with respect to tariffs or other trade barriers, and any resulting trade tensions; actions taken by the members of OPEC and Russia affecting the production and pricing of oil, as well as other domestic and global political, economic, or diplomatic developments, including any impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war on the global energy markets and geopolitical stability; instability in the financial markets; inflationary pressures; higher interest rates and their impact on the cost of capital; regional supply and demand factors, including delays, curtailment delays or interruptions of production, or governmental orders, rules or regulations that impose production limits; federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, including the effect of existing and future laws and governmental regulations; physical and transition risks relating to climate change; those risks described in Item 1A of Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025, and those risks disclosed in its subsequent filings on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors.

    In light of these factors, the events anticipated by Diamondback’s forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, Diamondback operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. Diamondback cannot predict all risks, nor can it assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements it may make. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this letter or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. Diamondback does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.

     
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (unaudited, in millions, except share amounts)
           
      March 31,   December 31,
       2025    2024
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents ($560 million and $27 million related to Viper)         $         1,816     $         161  
    Restricted cash                   225               3  
    Accounts receivable:      
    Joint interest and other, net                   257               198  
    Oil and natural gas sales, net ($146 million and $149 million related to Viper)                    1,334               1,387  
    Inventories                   117               116  
    Derivative instruments                   267               168  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                   67               77  
    Total current assets                   4,083               2,110  
    Property and equipment:      
    Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method of accounting ($22,019 million and $22,666 million excluded from amortization at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively) ($6,097 million and $5,713 million related to Viper and $2,279 million and $2,180 million excluded from amortization related to Viper)                   83,727               82,240  
    Other property, equipment and land                   1,452               1,440  
    Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment ($1,148 million and $1,081 million related to Viper)                   (20,283 )             (19,208 )
    Property and equipment, net                   64,896               64,472  
    Funds held in escrow                   208               1  
    Equity method investments                   383               375  
    Derivative instruments                   61               2  
    Deferred income taxes, net ($249 million and $185 million related to Viper)                   235               173  
    Other assets                   200               159  
    Total assets         $         70,066     $         67,292  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable – trade         $         124     $         253  
    Accrued capital expenditures                   754               690  
    Current maturities of debt                   914               900  
    Other accrued liabilities                   761               1,020  
    Revenues and royalties payable                   1,575               1,491  
    Derivative instruments                   75               43  
    Income taxes payable                   550               414  
    Total current liabilities                   4,753               4,811  
    Long-term debt ($822 million and $1,083 million related to Viper)                   12,996               12,075  
    Derivative instruments                   93               106  
    Asset retirement obligations                   586               573  
    Deferred income taxes                   9,887               9,826  
    Other long-term liabilities                   8               39  
    Total liabilities                   28,323               27,430  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; 800,000,000 shares authorized; 287,287,926 and 290,984,373 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively                   3               3  
    Additional paid-in capital                   33,125               33,501  
    Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)                   5,352               4,238  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)                   (7 )             (6 )
    Total Diamondback Energy, Inc. stockholders’ equity                   38,473               37,736  
    Non-controlling interest                   3,270               2,126  
    Total equity                   41,743               39,862  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity         $         70,066     $         67,292  
     
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (unaudited, $ in millions except per share data, shares in thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
    Revenues:      
    Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquid sales         $         3,657     $         2,101  
    Sales of purchased oil                   374               116  
    Other operating income                   17               10  
    Total revenues                   4,048               2,227  
    Costs and expenses:      
    Lease operating expenses                   408               255  
    Production and ad valorem taxes                   228               119  
    Gathering, processing and transportation                   111               77  
    Purchased oil expense                   382               117  
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion                   1,097               469  
    General and administrative expenses                   73               46  
    Merger and integration expense                   37               12  
    Other operating expenses                   39               14  
    Total costs and expenses                   2,375               1,109  
    Income (loss) from operations                   1,673               1,118  
    Other income (expense):      
    Interest expense, net                   (40 )             (39 )
    Other income (expense), net                   27               (3 )
    Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net                   226               (48 )
    Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt                   —               2  
    Income (loss) from equity investments, net                   8               2  
    Total other income (expense), net                   221               (86 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes                   1,894               1,032  
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes                   403               223  
    Net income (loss)                    1,491               809  
    Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest                   86               41  
    Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.         $         1,405     $         768  
           
    Earnings (loss) per common share:      
    Basic         $         4.83     $         4.28  
    Diluted         $         4.83     $         4.28  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
    Basic           289,612       178,477  
    Diluted           289,612       178,477  
     
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (unaudited, in millions)
           
      Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net income (loss)          $         1,491     $         809  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:      
    Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes                   6               52  
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion                   1,097               469  
    (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt                   —               (2 )
    (Gain) loss on derivative instruments, net                   (226 )             48  
    Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative instruments                   85               (4 )
    (Income) loss from equity investment, net                   (8 )             (2 )
    Equity-based compensation expense                   18               14  
    Other                   24               16  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
    Accounts receivable                   (6 )             (95 )
    Income tax receivable                   3               12  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                   6               89  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                   (374 )             (110 )
    Income taxes payable                   135               70  
    Revenues and royalties payable                   84               (35 )
    Other                   20               3  
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                   2,355               1,334  
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Additions to oil and natural gas properties                   (942 )             (609 )
    Property acquisitions                   (750 )             (153 )
    Proceeds from sale of assets                   41               12  
    Other                   (2 )             (1 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                   (1,653 )             (751 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Proceeds from borrowings under credit facilities                   2,277               90  
    Repayments under credit facilities                   (2,538 )             (80 )
    Proceeds from senior notes                   1,200               —  
    Repayment of senior notes                   —               (25 )
    Repurchased shares under buyback program                   (575 )             (42 )
    Proceeds from partial sale of investment in Viper Energy, Inc.                   —               451  
    Net proceeds from Viper’s issuance of common stock                   1,232               —  
    Dividends paid to stockholders                   (290 )             (548 )
    Dividends/distributions to non-controlling interest                   (95 )             (44 )
    Other                   (36 )             (71 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                   1,175               (269 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                   1,877               314  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period                   164               585  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period         $         2,041     $         899  
     
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Selected Operating Data
    (unaudited)
               
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    Production Data:          
    Oil (MBbls)                   42,835               43,785               24,874  
    Natural gas (MMcf)                   100,578               107,249               50,602  
    Natural gas liquids (MBbls)                   16,961               19,615               8,653  
    Combined volumes (MBOE)(1)                   76,559               81,275               41,961  
               
    Daily oil volumes (BO/d)                   475,944               475,924               273,341  
    Daily combined volumes (BOE/d)                   850,656               883,424               461,110  
               
    Average Prices:          
    Oil ($ per Bbl)         $         70.95     $         69.48     $         75.06  
    Natural gas ($ per Mcf)         $         2.11     $         0.48     $         0.99  
    Natural gas liquids ($ per Bbl)         $         23.94     $         19.27     $         21.26  
    Combined ($ per BOE)         $         47.77     $         42.71     $         50.07  
               
    Oil, hedged ($ per Bbl)(2)          $         70.06     $         68.72     $         74.13  
    Natural gas, hedged ($ per Mcf)(2)         $         3.34     $         0.82     $         1.36  
    Natural gas liquids, hedged ($ per Bbl)(2)         $         23.94     $         19.27     $         21.26  
    Average price, hedged ($ per BOE)(2)          $         48.89     $         42.76     $         49.97  
               
    Average Costs per BOE:          
    Lease operating expenses         $         5.33     $         5.67     $         6.08  
    Production and ad valorem taxes                   2.98               2.77               2.84  
    Gathering, processing and transportation expense                   1.45               1.17               1.84  
    General and administrative – cash component                   0.72               0.69               0.76  
    Total operating expense – cash         $         10.48     $         10.30     $         11.52  
               
    General and administrative – non-cash component         $         0.24     $         0.20     $         0.34  
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion         $         14.33     $         14.22     $         11.18  
    Interest expense, net         $         0.52     $         0.42     $         0.93  
    (1) Bbl equivalents are calculated using a conversion rate of six Mcf per one Bbl.
    (2) Hedged prices reflect the effect of our commodity derivative transactions on our average sales prices and include gains and losses on cash settlements for matured commodity derivatives, which we do not designate for hedge accounting. Hedged prices exclude gains or losses resulting from the early settlement of commodity derivative contracts.
       


    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    ADJUSTED EBITDA

    Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management and external users of our financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc., plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (“net income (loss)”) before non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net, interest expense, net, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, depreciation and interest expense related to equity method investments, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, if any, non-cash equity-based compensation expense, capitalized equity-based compensation expense, merger and integration expenses, other non-cash transactions and provision for (benefit from) income taxes, if any. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net income as determined by United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful because the measure allows it to more effectively evaluate the Company’s operating performance and compare the results of its operations from period to period without regard to its financing methods or capital structure. The Company adds the items listed above to net income (loss) to determine Adjusted EBITDA because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within its industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which the assets were acquired. Further, the Company excludes the effects of significant transactions that may affect earnings but are unpredictable in nature, timing and amount, although they may recur in different reporting periods. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as determined in accordance with GAAP or as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or liquidity. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets. The Company’s computation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies or to such measure in our credit facility or any of our other contracts.

    The following tables present a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA:

    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
    (unaudited, in millions)
               
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.         $         1,405     $         1,074     $         768  
    Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest                   86               216               41  
    Net income (loss)                   1,491               1,290               809  
    Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net                   (141 )             (51 )             44  
    Interest expense, net                   40               34               39  
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion                   1,097               1,156               469  
    Depreciation and interest expense related to equity method investments                   21               30               23  
    (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt                   —               —               (2 )
    Non-cash equity-based compensation expense                   23               24               21  
    Capitalized equity-based compensation expense                   (5 )             (8 )             (7 )
    Merger and integration expenses                   37               30               12  
    Other non-cash transactions                   (19 )             2               2  
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes                   403               115               223  
    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA                   2,947               2,622               1,633  
    Less: Adjustment for non-controlling interest                   146               118               86  
    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.         $         2,801     $         2,504     $         1,547  
     


    ADJUSTED NET INCOME

    Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (“net income (loss)”) adjusted for non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, if any, merger and integration expense, other non-cash transactions and related income tax adjustments, if any. The Company’s computation of adjusted net income may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies or to such measure in our credit facility or any of our other contracts. Management believes adjusted net income helps investors in the oil and natural gas industry to measure and compare the Company’s performance to other oil and natural gas companies by excluding from the calculation items that can vary significantly from company to company depending upon accounting methods, the book value of assets and other non-operational factors. Further, in order to allow investors to compare the Company’s performance across periods, the Company excludes the effects of significant transactions that may affect earnings but are unpredictable in nature, timing and amount, although they may recur in different reporting periods.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. to the non-GAAP measure of adjusted net income:

    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Adjusted Net Income
    (unaudited, $ in millions except per share data, shares in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
      Amounts   Amounts Per Diluted Share
    Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1)         $         1,405     $         4.83  
    Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest                   86               0.30  
    Net income (loss)(1)                    1,491               5.13  
    Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net                   (141 )             (0.49 )
    Merger and integration expense                   37               0.13  
    Other non-cash transactions                   (19 )             (0.07 )
    Adjusted net income excluding above items(1)                   1,368               4.70  
    Income tax adjustment for above items                   26               0.09  
    Adjusted net income(1)                   1,394               4.79  
    Less: Adjusted net income attributable to non-controlling interest                   74               0.25  
    Adjusted net income attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1)         $         1,320     $         4.54  
           
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
    Basic                     289,612  
    Diluted                     289,612  
    (1) The Company’s earnings (loss) per diluted share amount has been computed using the two-class method in accordance with GAAP. The two-class method is an earnings allocation which reflects the respective ownership among holders of common stock and participating securities. Diluted earnings per share using the two-class method is calculated as (i) net income attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc, (ii) less the reallocation of $6 million in earnings attributable to participating securities, (iii) divided by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the respective periods.
       


    OPERATING CASH FLOW BEFORE WORKING CAPITAL CHANGES AND FREE CASH FLOW

    Operating cash flow before working capital changes, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, represents net cash provided by operating activities as determined under GAAP without regard to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The Company believes operating cash flow before working capital changes is a useful measure of an oil and natural gas company’s ability to generate cash used to fund exploration, development and acquisition activities and service debt or pay dividends. The Company also uses this measure because changes in operating assets and liabilities relate to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements that the Company may not control and may not relate to the period in which the operating activities occurred. This allows the Company to compare its operating performance with that of other companies without regard to financing methods and capital structure.

    Free Cash Flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital in excess of cash capital expenditures. The Company believes that Free Cash Flow is useful to investors as it provides measures to compare both cash flow from operating activities and additions to oil and natural gas properties across periods on a consistent basis as adjusted for non-recurring tax impacts from divestitures, merger and integration expenses, the early termination of derivative contracts and settlements of treasury locks. These measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by operating activities as an indicator of operating performance. The Company’s computation of Free Cash Flow may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company uses Free Cash Flow to reduce debt, as well as return capital to stockholders as determined by the Board of Directors.

    The following tables present a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net cash provided by operating activities to the non-GAAP measure of operating cash flow before working capital changes and to the non-GAAP measure of Free Cash Flow:

    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Operating Cash Flow Before Working Capital Changes and Free Cash Flow
    (unaudited, in millions)
     
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    Net cash provided by operating activities         $         2,355     $         2,341  
    Less: Changes in cash due to changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
    Accounts receivable                   (6 )             (103 )
    Income tax receivable                   3               (3 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                   6               (24 )
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                   (374 )             114  
    Income taxes payable                   135               138  
    Revenues and royalties payable                   84               59  
    Other                   20               (100 )
    Total working capital changes                   (132 )             81  
    Operating cash flow before working capital changes                   2,487               2,260  
    Additions to oil and natural gas properties                   (942 )             (933 )
    Total Cash CAPEX                   (942 )             (933 )
    Free Cash Flow                   1,545               1,327  
    Merger and integration expenses                   37               30  
    Treasury locks                   1               —  
    Adjusted Free Cash Flow         $         1,583     $         1,357  
     


    NET DEBT

    The Company defines the non-GAAP measure of net debt as total debt (excluding debt issuance costs, discounts, premiums and unamortized basis adjustments) less cash and cash equivalents. Net debt should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, total debt, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Management uses net debt to determine the Company’s outstanding debt obligations that would not be readily satisfied by its cash and cash equivalents on hand. The Company believes this metric is useful to analysts and investors in determining the Company’s leverage position because the Company has the ability to, and may decide to, use a portion of its cash and cash equivalents to reduce debt.

    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Net Debt
    (unaudited, in millions)
                           
      March 31, 2025   Net Q1 Principal Borrowings/(Repayments)   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (in millions)
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1)         $         13,269     $         1,200     $         12,069     $         12,284     $         11,169     $         5,669  
    Viper Energy, Inc.(1)                   830               (261 )             1,091               830               1,007               1,103  
    Total debt                   14,099     $         939               13,160               13,114               12,176               6,772  
    Cash and cash equivalents                   (1,816 )                 (161 )             (370 )             (6,908 )             (896 )
    Net debt         $         12,283         $         12,999     $         12,744     $         5,268     $         5,876  
    (1) Excludes debt issuance costs, discounts, premiums and unamortized basis adjustments.
       


    DERIVATIVES

    As of May 2, 2025, the Company had the following outstanding consolidated derivative contracts, including derivative contracts at Viper Energy, Inc. The Company’s derivative contracts are based upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil derivative settlements based on New York Mercantile Exchange West Texas Intermediate pricing and Crude Oil Brent pricing and with natural gas derivative settlements based on the New York Mercantile Exchange Henry Hub pricing. When aggregating multiple contracts, the weighted average contract price is disclosed.

      Crude Oil (Bbls/day, $/Bbl)
      Q2 2025   Q3 2025   Q4 2025   Q1 2026
    Long Puts – Crude Brent Oil   50,000       36,000       21,000       4,000  
    Long Put Price ($/Bbl)   $58.30       $56.39       $55.00       $55.00  
    Deferred Premium ($/Bbl)   $-1.50       $-1.50       $-1.47       $-1.45  
    Long Puts – WTI (Magellan East Houston)   96,000       102,000       65,000       15,000  
    Long Put Price ($/Bbl)   $55.10       $54.75       $54.62       $55.00  
    Deferred Premium ($/Bbl)   $-1.59       $-1.61       $-1.63       $-1.66  
    Long Puts – WTI (Cushing)   152,000       146,000       86,000       25,000  
    Long Put Price ($/Bbl)   $55.53       $54.40       $53.98       $55.00  
    Deferred Premium ($/Bbl)   $-1.59       $-1.55       $-1.55       $-1.32  
    Basis Swaps – WTI (Midland)   71,000       76,000       76,000       —  
      $1.05       $1.05       $1.05       —  
    Roll Swaps – WTI   25,000       25,000       25,000       —  
      $0.93       $0.93       $0.93       —  
      Natural Gas (Mmbtu/day, $/Mmbtu)
      Q2 2025   Q3 2025   Q4 2025   FY 2026 FY 2027
    Costless Collars – Henry Hub   690,000       690,000       690,000       620,000     40,000  
    Floor Price ($/Mmbtu)   $2.49       $2.49       $2.49       $2.77     $3.00  
    Ceiling Price ($/Mmbtu)   $5.28       $5.28       $5.28       $6.33     $6.65  
    Natural Gas Basis Swaps – Waha Hub   610,000       610,000       610,000       460,000     240,000  
      $-0.88       $-0.88       $-0.88       $-1.62     $-1.48  
    Natural Gas Basis Swaps – Houston Ship Channel   13,407       20,000       20,000       40,000     —  
      $-0.49       $-0.49       $-0.49       $-0.37     —  

    Investor Contact:
    Adam Lawlis
    +1 432.221.7467
    alawlis@diamondbackenergy.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor has the chance to do something big in its second term. What policy reforms should it take on?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yee-Fui Ng, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University

    Dan Breckwoldt/Shutterstock

    Labor’s historic election victory means the Albanese government has a rare opportunity to pursue a big, bold reform agenda. The scale of the victory all but guarantees a third term in office after the next election in 2028, and entrenches Anthony Albanese’s authority as prime minister.

    The government may opt to play it safe and limit its legislative agenda to the policies it took to the election. But if it was to chance its arm, which substantial changes should it pursue that could make a real difference to Australia’s long-term future?

    We asked three experts to nominate the top policy priorities for a second Albanese government. Here are their responses.

    Yee-Fui Ng

    Associate Professor of Law, Monash University

    Advancing Voice and Truth with Indigenous Australians should be a priority. This would build on the comprehensive rejection of the politics of division by the Australian people.

    After the defeat of the Voice referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition, the Coalition reignited the culture wars by criticising “woke” schools and Peter Dutton’s attack on Indigenous welcome to country at Anzac Day ceremonies.

    But that negative message did not resonate with modern multicultural Australia, with its diverse population and identities. Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong’s victory speeches on Saturday night emphasised a kinder and more inclusive politics, where all Australians are recognised and no one is left behind.

    The Labor government now has a strong mandate to take more significant action on Indigenous issues. Aboriginal people experience higher rates of incarceration, and significant disparities in health, education and employment compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Reform measures could be introduced through legislation, rather than by trying to change the constitution.

    Closing the gap and revisiting Voice and Truth should be a priority for the second Albanese government.
    ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

    Another pressing reform is bolder action on climate change. There is a growing urgency to tackle the effects of global warming, with an increase in environmental degradation and natural disasters globally.

    Peter Dutton’s proposal to build seven nuclear reactors on Australian soil was comprehensively repudiated at the election.

    European countries have harnessed the potential of regenerative energies, with the proliferation of wind farms and electric cars. Australia needs to lift its game and be on the same path towards a more sustainable future.

    We are custodians of the Earth for future generations. It is incumbent on the Labor government to put forward a stronger agenda for a cleaner, more liveable planet.

    Helen Hodgson

    Professor at Curtin Law School and Curtin Business School, Curtin University

    Second terms are often regarded as the best time strategically for governments to legislate difficult, but necessary reforms. It will be no different for the re-elected Albanese government, which will command a large majority in the new parliament.

    Genuine tax reform should be a priority for Labor over the next three years, starting with a reduction in the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount and taxing superannuation withdrawals on high balance accounts.

    While many people consider negative gearing to be the main concern in relation to investment in housing, reforming the CGT discount would be a more effective way to address increases in housing prices.

    Negative gearing is only effective as a wealth-building strategy if there is a payoff at the end through the concessional taxation on the capital gain. Reducing the CGT discount would limit the appeal of negative gearing.

    It would also flow through to other forms of investment that might not be delivering productivity gains, including some investments within family trusts.

    Reforming CGT would revisit a contentious Labor policy that was roundly rejected at the 2019 election. But the housing crisis has deepened since then and many voters would now see an overhaul as necessary and timely.

    The second recommendation I would make would be to address the inequalities that arise from tax exempt superannuation. Prior to 2007, withdrawals from super funds were taxed concessionally, but were not fully exempt.

    In the retirement phase, members are required to withdraw a minimum amount from their superannuation accounts. But these days they do it totally tax-free.

    The government should consider taxing these withdrawals, subject to a tax credit that reflects the tax paid by the fund prior to retirement phase. It would also be subject to the existing Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset, which can reduce the amount of tax paid.

    The rates of these credits could be tweaked to ensure that only those in the wealthiest 20% are affected. This would level the playing field so the tax payable by most retirees with modest superannuation balances would fall within these two concessions.

    These two reforms would help reduce wealth inequality in Australia and raise funds for social spending, including increases in the JobSeeker payment.

    Intifar Chowdhury

    Lecturer in Government, Flinders University

    Despite being one of the most pressing concerns for young Australians, mental health did not get much airtime during the election campaign.

    This is striking given the evidence. According to the 2024 Australian Youth Barometer, 98% of young people aged 18–24 report feelings of anxiety or depression, and nearly 40% experience a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. These aren’t fringe numbers, they are endemic.

    Labor has pledged $1 billion to expand access to free public mental health care, with a welcome focus on young people. But funding more services is only part of the solution.

    Experts argue that simply increasing the number of people given access to treatment and support won’t go far enough if those people only receive short term or fragmented care. A more meaningful step would be to double the number of free sessions available to people suffering complex mental health needs. Good care takes time, trust and continuity.

    More fundamentally, the current policy focus remains too clinical. By contrast, the most effective models for youth care are more holistic. Many young people grappling with mental illness are also dealing with unstable housing, drug use, educational disruption, or loneliness.

    Psychosocial supports such as social workers, peer mentors and housing liaisons, are essential to wraparound care. Yet, they remain underfunded.

    The new Medicare Mental Health Centres and Youth Specialist Care Centres, which were promised by Labor during the campaign, should not just offer more of the same. Policymakers must rethink the model entirely: multidisciplinary, community-driven, culturally safe, and youth-informed.

    They must also address why young men, who make up a majority of suicide deaths, are the least likely to seek help.

    Mental health policy should be local, flexible, and expansive. Right now, it still feels centralised, cautious, and underdone.

    Improving the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, especially young people, would be a valuable way of ensuring the government doesn’t squander the time and space its been given by voters to do something truly valuable and reformative.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Labor has the chance to do something big in its second term. What policy reforms should it take on? – https://theconversation.com/labor-has-the-chance-to-do-something-big-in-its-second-term-what-policy-reforms-should-it-take-on-255849

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Calls for New Investments in Maternal Health and the Rural Health Care Workforce During Visit to Uniontown Hospital’s New, Reopened Maternity Unit

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 05, 2025 – Uniontown, PA

    Shapiro Administration Calls for New Investments in Maternal Health and the Rural Health Care Workforce During Visit to Uniontown Hospital’s New, Reopened Maternity Unit

    Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh toured the newly-opened WVU Medicine Children’s Birthing Center at Uniontown Hospital, which brings labor and delivery services back to Fayette County and the surrounding area. While there, Secretary Arkoosh highlighted Governor Josh Shapiro’s common-sense, strategic investments in the 2025-26 proposed budget to expand maternal health services and alleviate ongoing workforce recruitment challenges facing many rural hospitals by continuing to invest in rural health systems.

    “Everyone deserves access to high-quality, supportive, and accessible care before, during and following their birthing experience. Timely, comprehensive, and trusted pre- and postnatal care make a big difference in the overall health of both parents and newborns, but we know that when people do not have access to health care locally, it can be a significant barrier to healthy outcomes,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “The reopening of Uniontown Hospital’s birthing center is a shining example of progress being made in our rural communities to support growing families and ensure that no matter where people live in the Commonwealth, they benefit from a stable health care presence in their community. The Shapiro Administration is committed to being a partner as communities and health care providers work to improve access to high quality maternity care for all, including in our rural communities.”

    Speakers Include:
    Carrie Willetts, WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital President and CEO
    Dr. Lawrence Glad, Medical Director, WVU Medicine Children’s Birthing Center at Uniontown Hospital
    Dr. Val Arkoosh, DHS Secretary

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Charged in Second Superseding Indictment for Robbery, Kidnapping, and Shooting Death in Queens

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

    Defendant Jalon Lenny Garrett is One of Six Defendants Arrested in Connection with the July 25, 2024 Crime Spree

    Earlier today, a seven-count second superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Jalon Lenny Garrett, also known as “Lips,” Marcus Pittman, also known as “Nacho” and “Cheese,” Delonta Pittman, also known as “D Lo,” and Jerome Waters, also known as “the Engineer” and “Rome,” for their alleged roles in the kidnapping, robbery, and shooting of marijuana dealers on July 25, 2024.  Garrett was arrested this morning in Baltimore, Maryland, and will make his initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.  Marcus Pittman is also newly charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition for his role in the fatal shooting.  The remaining defendants are already in custody and will be arraigned at a later date.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the arrests and charges.

    “As alleged, the defendants took part in an interstate armed robbery and kidnapping scheme that resulted in the brutal murder of a targeted victim.  This prosecution underscores the ongoing threat of guns and drugs in our communities,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “This Office is committed to holding violent offenders accountable and ensuring justice for every victim.”

    “These four defendants allegedly traveled across the northeast to brutally kidnap and rob two unsuspecting individuals, ultimately murdering one of the victims,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Raia.  “This alleged fatal robbery highlights the volatile and random violence that the illicit drug trade can fuel. With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to dismantle any organization implementing lethal tactics to bolster their criminal lifestyles and jeopardize the safety of our city.”

    “These individuals came to New York City armed with guns and zip ties — ready to rob, kidnap, and kill,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “It was a deliberate, brutal attack meant to terrorize our communities.  They thought they could hit and run. They were wrong — and anyone else thinking the same should take note.  I’m grateful to our partners in Project Safe Neighborhoods for their shared commitment to protecting New Yorkers.”

    According to the superseding indictment and other public court filings, the defendants are members of a Baltimore-based robbery crew that conspired to commit an armed robbery and kidnapping of marijuana dealers in Queens, New York.  On the evening of July 24,2024, the defendants and their co-conspirators executed a violent armed robbery and kidnapping plot that resulted in John Doe #1’s death.  As described below, Garrett robbed and kidnapped John Doe #2 at gunpoint, and Marcus Pittman shot and killed John Doe #1.

    Specifically, the defendants drove from Maryland to New York for the purpose of robbing two drug dealers, John Doe #1 and John Doe #2. Once in New York, defendants Jerome Waters and William Barnett met with John Doe #1 and John Doe #2 at a stash house in Queens, New York, under the guise of purchasing marijuana.

    At the stash house, Waters and Barnett pulled out their weapons and held up John Doe #1 and John Doe #2 at gunpoint. Next, they let their co-defendants into the stash house to assist in the robbery and kidnapping.  While in the stash house, the defendants and their co-conspirators tied up John Doe #1 and John Doe #2 with zip ties and forced them outside and into the back of a Jeep and a U-Haul van, which were driven by Barnett and Israel.  At the same time, the defendants and their co-conspirators stole approximately 30 pounds of marijuana from the stash house.

    The defendants and their co-conspirators drove John Doe #1 and John Doe #2, who were still tied up, through Queens at gunpoint, demanding drugs and money.  Garrett held a gun to John Doe #2 as he was being driven through Queens.  Marcus Pittman shot John Doe #1 to death in the back of the U-Haul van.  When his body was found by first responders, John Doe #1 still had a zip tie binding one of his hands and was surrounded by bags of marijuana.  After the shooting, the defendants fled back to Maryland.

    If convicted, defendants Marcus Pittman, Delonta Pittman, and Waters each face mandatory minimum sentences of life imprisonment, and Garrett faces a mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.  The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  As part of the program, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samuel Ronchetti.

    New Defendant:

    JALON LENNY GARRETT
    Age: 20
    Maryland

    Previously Charged Defendants:

    MARCUS PITTMAN (also known as “Nacho” and “Cheese”)
    Age:  30
    Maryland

    DELONTA PITTMAN (also known as “D Lo”)
    Age:  31
    Maryland

    JEROME WATERS (also known as “the Engineer” and “Rome”)
    Age:  23
    Maryland

    CALVIN ISRAEL
    Age:  23
    Maryland

    WILLIAM BARNETT
    Age:  27
    Maryland

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-413 (S-2) (KAM)

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former PICC Correctional Officer and Two Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty to Scheme to Smuggle Contraband Into the Prison Facility

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Breyanna Cornish, 30, Jawayne Brown, 40, and Ahmad Nasir, aka Hussain Abdussamad, 44, all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, entered pleas of guilty before United States District Court Judge Gerald J. Pappert this week in connection with a scheme to smuggle contraband — including drugs, phones, chargers, cigarettes, and knives — into the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (“PICC”) from April through July of 2021.

    The defendants were charged by indictment in August of last year, with Nasir pleading guilty this morning to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, one count of federal program bribery, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of buprenorphine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of buprenorphine.

    Brown pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, one count of federal program bribery, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of buprenorphine.

    Cornish pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and one count of federal program bribery.

    As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendants, Nasir, who was then detained pre-trial at PICC, worked with Brown, who was not incarcerated, Cornish, who was then a PICC correctional officer (“CO”) employed by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (“PDP”), and several other associates to purchase and assemble contraband. Cornish then smuggled the contraband into PICC, where Nasir sold the contraband to other inmates for a profit. Nasir then instructed associates to pay Cornish for her role smuggling the contraband into the prison and Brown for his work purchasing and assembling the packages.

    On July 10, 2021, PDP conducted a search of the cell Nasir shared with another inmate. In a compartment in the ceiling behind a light fixture, officers recovered 19 cellphones, 20 cellphone chargers, one rapid charger, two super glues, two screwdrivers, one roll of tape, three hunting knives, one Ziploc bag containing the synthetic cannabinoid commonly known as K2, one Ziploc bag of tobacco, one alprazolam pill, and at least 110 packets of Suboxone.

    Following the search of the cell, officers conducted a search of Nasir and his cellmate. Officers recovered a cellphone from the person of each of them. Text messages and WhatsApp messages extracted from the cell phone recovered from Nasir’s person revealed that from June 19, 2021, to July 6, 2021, CO Cornish, Nasir, and Brown discussed via text specific contraband items to be acquired, the delivery of contraband packages, and payments for the items and to co-conspirators. Nasir simultaneously sent messages to multiple inmates about the purchase and delivery of contraband.

    The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in August. Cornish faces a maximum possible term of 15 years’ imprisonment, Brown a maximum possible term of 25 years’ imprisonment, and Nasir a maximum possible term of 35 years’ imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the FBI, with significant assistance from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Claiborne and Ruth Mandelbaum.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Amtrak Director of Network Planning and Engineering, Two Vendors Indicted for Extensive Bribery Scheme

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Richard Thompson, 57, of Falls Church, Virginia, Shaun Hanrahan, 66, of Hampton, Virginia, and Darren Hannam, 57, of Haymarket, Virginia, were charged by indictment with honest services fraud through bribery for engaging in schemes to pay off Thompson, in exchange for Thompson steering millions of dollars in Amtrak work to companies owned by Hanrahan, Hannam, and others.

    Thompson was the Director of Network Planning and Engineering for Amtrak and had a leadership role in designing information technology (“IT”) systems and selecting IT vendors and subcontractors to perform IT work for Amtrak. Hanrahan was the owner of Awarity, LLC, a small business providing management consulting and computer-related services. Hannam and Co-schemer #1 were the principals of Arch Technology, an IT company.

    The indictment alleges that, from about 2015 through 2021, Thompson engaged in bribery schemes with each of three companies who were his favored vendors in the Amtrak contracting process — Awarity, Arch Technology, and 20/20 Teknology, owned by Co-schemer #2. In each of these schemes, as alleged, Thompson repeatedly shared proprietary Amtrak bid information and other documents with his favored vendors before Amtrak contracts were awarded, giving the favored vendors advantages in the Amtrak contracting processes.

    The indictment further alleges that Thompson likewise collaborated with them on bid and contracting documents, manipulated bidding lists, and structured existing contractual relationships, so that his favored vendors would get lucrative subcontracting deals and bypass Amtrak’s competitive bidding process. The defendants allegedly tried to conceal their scheme from Amtrak and other authorities by communicating with Thompson on his personal email accounts rather than his Amtrak email.

    The Amtrak work involved in these schemes included, among other things, the design and installation of nationwide WiFi networks, IT equipment purchases, the installation of audio-visual equipment in Amtrak’s offices in Washington, DC, and a major project to improve the gates that provided access to Amtrak railroad tracks across the country. According to the indictment, for steering and attempting to steer this work to his favored vendors, Thompson received a stream of benefits from each vendor. For example, Hanrahan provided Thompson with payments of cash totaling at least $97,000; Hannam and Co-schemer #1 provided Thompson with expensive electronics valued at approximately $9,500, including Apple computers. Co-schemer #2 provided Thompson with an automobile, free hotel and condominium stays in Ocean City, Maryland, and $40,000 in cash.

    The defendants are all charged with multiple counts of honest services wire fraud through bribery. Hannam is also charged with falsification of records for allegedly trying to cover up the scheme after federal agents executed search warrants in this matter.

    If convicted, the defendants face maximum possible sentences of 20 years in prison for each count of honest services fraud in the indictment.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and the Amtrak Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louis D. Lappen and Jason Grenell.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Joseph Nocella, Jr. Appointed Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District Of New York

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Joseph Nocella, Jr. has begun serving as Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York as per the authority of United States Attorney Pamela Bondi. Judge Nocella was sworn in on Monday, May 5, 2025 by United States Chief District Judge Margo K. Brodie.  He will serve as Interim United States Attorney for a period of 120 days or until a Presidential nominee has been confirmed by the Senate.

    Judge Nocella stated: “I am deeply honored that President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pamela Bondi have appointed me United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.  It is especially gratifying to return to the very District where I began my prosecutorial career.  Together with the exemplary staff that has made the Eastern District renown for its excellence, and the dedicated law enforcement agencies that work with the District, I look forward to prosecuting zealously the narcotics-traffickers, gang members, terrorists, human-traffickers and other criminals who have plagued the people of Nassau, Suffolk, Kings, Queens and Richmond Counties.  I would also like to thank Acting United States Attorney John J. Durham for his service and leadership.”

    Immediately before his appointment, Judge Nocella, 60, was serving as a Nassau County Family Court Judge, following several years of service as a Nassau County District Judge.  Judge Nocella began his career in public service as the first law clerk to the Honorable Lawrence M. McKenna, United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.  Judge Nocella continued his career in public service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Eastern District of New York, where he served from 1991 to 1995, prosecuting cases involving narcotics-trafficking, organized crime, money laundering and fraud, among others.  Judge Nocella was in private practice in New York and Los Angeles from 1989 to 1990, and from 1995 to 2010.  He also held various public service roles in government on Long Island, including Hempstead Town Attorney, Oyster Bay Town Attorney, Managing Attorney of the Nassau County Attorney’s Office and Counsel to the Nassau County Executive and Legislative Offices.  Judge Nocella graduated from Chaminade High School in 1982, received his bachelor’s degree from Fordham University in 1986 and graduated from Columbia University School of Law in 1989. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison After Admitting to Sexually Abusing and Exploiting Minors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TOLEDO, Ohio – Michael D. Aspinwall, 38, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced to 27 years in prison by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp, after he admitted to creating and distributing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Aspinwall pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. He was also ordered to serve lifetime supervised release after imprisonment and register as a sex offender, per the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.

    According to court documents, from about Oct. 1, 2023 to Feb. 9, 2024, Aspinwall admitted to producing sexual abuse materials of children and sending and receiving the digital files through mobile applications. FBI-Toledo, along with the assistance of Toledo Police officers, executed a search warrant on Feb. 9, 2024, and seized the defendant’s cellphone which was found to contain sexually explicit photos and videos of minors, including infants and toddlers. Additionally, during conversations with an online covert investigator, Aspinwall admitted to sexually abusing children−whom he babysat−while they were sleeping.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI Toledo Field Office and the Toledo Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Al-Sorghali for the Northern District of Ohio.

    To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Credit Suisse Services AG Admits to Conspiring with U.S. Taxpayers to Hide Assets and Income in Offshore Accounts and Admits that Credit Suisse Breached Its Prior Plea Agreement

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Credit Suisse Services AG Pleads Guilty to Tax Crimes, Signs a Separate Non-Prosecution Agreement Related to Conduct in Singapore, and Agrees to Pay More Than $510M

    Credit Suisse Services AG pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to conspiring to hide more than $4 billion from the IRS in at least 475 offshore accounts. The guilty plea by the Swiss corporation is the result of a years-long investigation by U.S. law enforcement to uncover financial fraud and abuse.

    In addition to the plea, Credit Suisse Services AG entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia in connection with U.S. Accounts booked at Credit Suisse AG Singapore. Under the NPA, Credit Suisse Services AG agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department in ongoing investigations and to pay significant monetary penalties for maintaining accounts in Singapore on behalf of U.S. taxpayers who were using offshore accounts to evade U.S. taxes and reporting requirements.

    According to the Plea Agreement, NPA, and documents filed in court today: from Jan. 1, 2010, and continuing until about July 2021, Credit Suisse AG, which had ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individual clients around the globe, conspired with employees, U.S. customers, and others to willfully aid U.S. customers in concealing their ownership and control of assets and funds held at the bank. This enabled those U.S. customers to evade their U.S. tax obligations in several ways, including by opening and maintaining undeclared offshore accounts for U.S. taxpayers at Credit Suisse AG, and providing a variety of offshore private banking services that assisted U.S. taxpayers in the concealment of their assets and income from the IRS and allowed for their continued failure to file FBARs. Among other fraudulent acts, bankers at Credit Suisse falsified records, processed fictitious donation paperwork, and serviced more than $1 billion in accounts without documentation of tax compliance. In doing so, Credit Suisse AG committed new crimes and breached its May 2014 plea agreement with the United States.

    Between 2014 and June 2023, Credit Suisse AG Singapore held undeclared accounts for U.S. persons, which Credit Suisse AG Singapore knew or should have known were U.S., with total assets valued at over $2 billion. Credit Suisse AG Singapore failed to adequately identify the true beneficial owners of accounts and failed to conduct adequate inquiry about U.S. indicia in the accounts. In 2023, during the post-merger of UBS AG Singapore and Credit Suisse AG Singapore, UBS became aware of accounts held at Credit Suisse AG Singapore that appeared to be undeclared U.S. accounts. UBS froze some of the accounts, voluntarily disclosed information about those identified accounts to the Justice Department and cooperated by undertaking an investigation into the identified accounts.

    Under today’s resolutions, Credit Suisse Services AG and, by extension, UBS AG, is required to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations and affirmatively disclose any information it may later uncover regarding U.S.-related accounts. The agreements provide no protections for any individuals. Pursuant to the guilty plea and the NPA, Credit Suisse Services AG will pay a total of $510,608,909 in penalties, restitution, forfeiture, and fines.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.

    Special Agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in obtaining important evidence.

    Senior Litigation Counsels Nanette L. Davis and Mark F. Daly as well as Trial Attorney Marissa R. Brodney of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly M. Shartar for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Clinic Owner Agrees to Settle Allegations of Medicaid Fraud

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

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Steven Osbey, of Kernersville, N.C., has agreed to entry of a consent judgment against him in the amount of $4,711,159.00 in favor of the United States and State of North Carolina (the Governments), subject to a separate agreement regarding his participation in the Governments’ ability to pay process. The judgment represents repayment to the government for allegations that Reign & Inspirations, LLC (R&I), a clinic co-owned by Osbey and Aljihad Shabazz, charged Medicaid for physician home visits that never occurred.

    More specifically, the Governments alleged Osbey and Shabazz conspired to carry out an extensive health care fraud scheme wherein they submitted or caused to be submitted claims to NC Medicaid for in-home physician visits with patients that simply never occurred—in all, billing more than 30,000 hours of these purported physician visits and sometimes billing as if the physician provided over 100 in-home visits in a single day, purportedly lasting an hour each (an obvious physical impossibility).

    This investigation was conducted in parallel between the civil and criminal divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Shabazz pleaded guilty to criminal healthcare fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges and was sentenced to 52 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

    The civil settlement obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Department of Justice and the FBI field offices in Charlotte, with assistance from the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. AUSAs Caroline McLean and Seth Johnson were responsible for the civil investigation.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sustained pressure on SA rhino populations

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    In the first three months of 2025, five provinces in South Africa lost 103 rhinos due to poaching, averaging at 34.33 rhinos per month.

    “The loss of 103 rhinos to poaching in the first three months of 2025 is a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife. Yet, the absence of poaching in four provinces shows that our targeted interventions are yielding results, and we must build on this progress,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.

    The latest statistics for the period 1 January to 31 March 2025 are closely aligned with the average monthly poaching rate of 35 rhinos over the previous 12 months (420 rhinos annually).

    The Minister said the figures underscore the sustained pressure on the rhino populations and the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat this illegal activity.

    The breakdown of poaching incidents by province reveals that South African National Parks (SANParks) recorded the highest number of losses, with 65 rhinos poached. 

    KwaZulu-Natal reported 16 cases, followed by Limpopo with 10, Free State with five, the North West with four, and Mpumalanga with three. No rhinos were poached in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, or Gauteng during this period.

    To strengthen efforts against wildlife crime, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken proactive measures to address factors related to bail applications for perpetrators. 

    “We are working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that repeat offenders and those with no fixed address face stronger opposition to bail,” George said.

    The department shares best-practice affidavits with investigators to ensure more effective bail opposition and is exploring options to secure funding for dedicated support to SAPS in these applications.

    “The South African government remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife crime. We continue to strengthen anti-poaching measures, including enhanced ranger patrols, advanced surveillance technologies, and collaboration with national and international law enforcement agencies. 

    “We are also working closely with various stakeholders to bolster anti-poaching efforts through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as drones and thermal radars. Additionally, we are engaging with communities living near protected areas to foster sustainable livelihoods and reduce the socioeconomic drivers of poaching,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Receives Shocking Migrant Crime Data, Slams NYC For FOIL Delay

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (NEW YORK, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis released the following statement regarding the City of New York’s response to her Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request.

     

    “After 1.5 years and multiple broken promises and delays, I finally received a response to my Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the City of New York for migrant crime data and the results are deeply disturbing. It turns out NYC taxpayers paid to house 3,219 arrestees between January 2023 and October 2024 in shelters and luxury hotel rooms at billions of dollars in taxpayer expense.

     

    It is obvious why the city stonewalled and delayed response not once, not twice but three times after my initial request by letter in October 2023 and by FOIL in January 2024. Of the more than 16,000 crimes that occurred in or near migrant shelters, more than 11,000 of them were for one of the seven major felony offenses including murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, or grand larceny of an automobile. Simply put, Democrats from Joe Biden to Governor Hochul to Mayor Adams made New Yorkers less safe and forced taxpayers to foot the bill for increased crime and deteriorated quality of life after repeatedly telling us these criminal migrants were innocent asylum seekers who were all vetted.”

     

    READ NYC’S RESPONSE TO THE FOIL REQUEST HERE

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Stephenville — Bay St. George RCMP responds to outdoor party in Barachois Brook where suspected bear spray was deployed, seeks public’s assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Bay St. George RCMP is investigating the suspected deployment of bear spray at an outdoor graduation party that was held at Black Bank Beach in Barachois Brook over this past weekend. Police are looking to speak with anyone who may have been present at the party or who otherwise may have information.

    At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, police received the report. On Saturday evening and into Sunday morning, a number of teenagers were gathered at the beach as part of a graduation celebration. An individual, who was not part of the party and who has since been identified by police, attended the area and deployed a substance that is believed to have been bear spray.

    Most of those in attendance had departed the scene prior to police arrival. Some teens received minor skin irritations.

    As part of the investigation, Bay St. George RCMP looks to speak with anyone who attended the gathering, including possible victims or witnesses of the incident, or those who may otherwise have information about this incident. Please call 709-643-2118.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Demand DOJ Reverse Cancellation of Hundreds of Public Safety Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 28 of his Senate colleagues wrote to the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi and Deputy Assistant AG Maureen Henneberg to reverse the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of public safety grants that serve crime victims and improve public safety in communities across the nation. In the letter, the senators demanded that the DOJ provide reasoning and background information regarding the decision to cancel the grants and called for the immediate restoration of the funding.
    “On April 22, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) notified hundreds of grant recipients across the country, without warning, that their funding had been terminated, effective immediately. Many of these grants are authorized by Congress and support programs that have enhanced public safety in communities rural and urban, affluent and poor, Democratic and Republican. While this Administration continues to market itself as the administration of law and order and public safety, DOJ has decided to defund programs that prosecutors, police and sheriff’s departments, judges, mental health service providers,  academics, and more depend on to advance the Department’s longstanding ‘core mission of keeping Americans safe and vigorously enforcing the law,’” the senators wrote. 
    The senators continued, “Based on public reporting, outreach from grantees, and a DOJ Justice Management Division  (JMD) spreadsheet (Encl. 1), it appears that the Department defunded at least 365 public safety grants on April 22, 2025. A review of this information reveals that these grants provide support for victims of crime and resources for communities to ensure public safety.”
    “The magnitude of these defunding measures, Congress’ role in authorizing and appropriating grant funds, and the negative impacts that the sudden termination of funding will have on public safety in communities across the country, requires the immediate review of the processes and decisions that led to the cancellation of these critical grants,” the senators wrote.
    In addition to calling for the restoration of all canceled grants, the senators posed the following questions:
    A DOJ JMD spreadsheet (Encl. 1) lists 365 grants that were terminated on April  22.
    Does this spreadsheet represent the entire universe of grants that were  terminated?  
    Are there grants that were terminated that are not reflected on the list? If so, provide the information in every column for these grants.

    Which grants that were terminated on April 22 have since been restored? For each grant restored, please provide the reason for its restoration.  
    How were the grants that were terminated chosen? What were the factors  considered in making the determination to terminate? Where the affected grantees were state or local jurisdictions, did the political party of state or local officials in those jurisdictions influence the determination to terminate? 
    Were there entire categories of grants that were terminated? If so, provide the  categories.  
    What is the legal basis for terminating grant funds that are statutorily required? 
    Has DOJ reallocated the funds it rescinded on April 22? Provide any specific programs or purposes to which these funds will be reallocated. 
    Will DOJ terminate any more grants, from any of its funding components, that have been obligated or are in cycle? If so, provide the grant-making component and the grants that will be terminated or are under consideration to be terminated.  
    Was former Tesla employee turned-DOGE staffer Tarak Makecha solely responsible for selecting which grants to terminate? Provide the names of all individuals within DOJ who reviewed or approved the cancellation of the grants.  
    Did any White House officials review the grants to be terminated or otherwise have any involvement in the decision to terminate the grants? Provide their names.
    The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). 
    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Westerville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Aiding & Abetting Aggravated Postal Robberies, Firearms Crime

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

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Cameron D. Newton, 21, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 240 months and one day in prison for his roles in four armed robberies against postal carriers.

    According to court documents, between December 2022 and May 2023, Newton aided and abetted the aggravated robberies of mail and the use of a firearm during the crimes of violence.

    Newton, who was on probation and consequently wearing a GPS ankle monitor at the time, recruited two juveniles to assist with an armed robbery in German Village on Dec. 22, 2022. Newton also arranged for the use of the handgun that his co-conspirator used during the crime.

    On Jan. 23, 2023, Newton provided surveillance for an armed postal robbery on East Columbus Street. Newton was in his vehicle nearby, using the cover of making DoorDash deliveries to evade his home confinement.

    Later that same day, Newton provided surveillance again for a third postal robbery and worked to arrange buyers for the stolen postal keys.

    Newton also obtained a firearm for a co-conspirator to use in the May 11, 2023, robbery of an elderly female postal worker. He picked up accomplices near Goodale Park following the robbery. Newton then paid the robbers several hundred dollars via CashApp.

    On May 18, 2023, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Newton’s residence and discovered $22,000 in cash, hundreds of washed and altered checks and money orders totaling more than $590,000, two Postal keys and hundreds of pieces of stolen mail.

    A total of six defendants have been charged in connection with six separate armed robberies of postal carriers in central Ohio.

    “Newton and his accomplices terrorized postal workers in an effort to steal their keys and loot mailboxes,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “Through the hard work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, local police, and the FBI, we were able to arrest those responsible for these violent crimes and ensure they are held accountable.”

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler and Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen announced the sentence imposed this afternoon by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in these cases.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that DARWIN XAVIER GONZALEZ-MUNOZ (“GONZALEZ-MUNOZ”), age 30, pled guilty on April 30, 2025 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

    According to the bill of information filed against him, GONZALEZ-MUNOZ reentered the United States after being previously deported on or about June 24, 2024. 

    At sentencing, GONZALEZ-MUNOZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    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).

    The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Enforcement Removal Operations.  Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Multi-Year $1.1M Retail Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Daniel Cavey, 51, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a multi-year wire fraud scheme to defraud a chain of home improvement stores. 

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Daniel Cavey, along with his conspirators, were involved in an extensive, multi-state scheme to defraud a chain of home improvement stores. Cavey, and others, would gain access to corporate accounts and then create fraudulent forms of identification for authorized users on the corporate account. Once at the home improvement store, Cavey would shop and charge the purchases to the various corporate accounts. Once the merchandise had been fraudulently obtained, Cavey would sell it for a profit. 

    “Defrauding businesses in this manner not only causes financial harm to the business but also drives up prices for consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to holding individuals accountable for complex financial crimes and protecting our business community from such elaborate schemes.”

    “The success of this investigation is a testament to the strong partnerships between the U.S. Secret Service, local law enforcement and the private sector,” said Ben Stafford, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Charleston Resident Office. “This sentencing reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and sends a message that defrauding businesses and individuals in our state will not be tolerated. I appreciate the hard work and commitment of our South Carolina partners, especially the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, and Synchrony Bank’s Special Investigations Team.”

    United States District David C. Norton sentenced Cavey to 108 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  The sentence was broken down as follows: 84-months for counts 1 and 2 and 24 months for count 8, which charged Cavey with aggravated identity theft. There is no parole in the federal system. Cavey was also ordered to pay $1,126,686.29 in restitution.

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the City of Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Sentenced For Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SAUL MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ (“MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ”), age 38, a resident of Texas, was sentenced on April 30, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.  MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ was sentenced to one hundred twenty (120) months imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ and other co-conspirators distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana.

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

    This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Arrested for Child Pornography Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Dominican national has been arrested and charged with transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Jorge Junior Alvarez Rodriguez, 21, was charged with one count of transportation of child pornography. Alvarez will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later today.

    According to the charging documents, On May 3, 2025, upon arrival at t Boston’s Logan Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Alvarez was flagged for secondary screening. It is alleged that during a review of Alvarez’s cell phone, files depicting CSAM were found. It is further alleged that law enforcement identified multiple files depicting children as young as four to seven years old.  

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

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Patrol, Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Shooter Who Injured Stranger on a Metro Bus in March 2025 Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Javarry Peaks, 19, of the District, pleaded guilty Friday May 2nd, to the March 2025 shooting of a stranger while inside of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bus that was traveling along the V2 route, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department.

    Peaks pleaded guilty in the Superior Court to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Sentencing is scheduled for July 3, 2025, before the Honorable Rainey Brandt. Peaks faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison.

    According to the government’s evidence, on March 8, 2025, Peaks and the victim both boarded a WMATA bus at the Anacostia metro station at approximately 9:30 p.m. Multiple other, unidentified people were also on the bus at the time. While the bus was driving along the V2 route, the victim began talking to Peaks while they were seated across from each other. When the defendant stood up to walk, the victim momentarily blocked him from proceeding. After a few seconds, the victim walked toward the front of the bus where the defendant was standing. Peaks and the victim then continued to move around the bus for the next several minutes.  At 9:45 p.m., the victim attempted to push the defendant off the bus, at which point the defendant briefly exited the bus before boarding again and walking past the victim toward the back of the bus. Within approximately a minute, at 9:46 p.m., while the defendant was standing at the front of the bus near the bus operator, and the victim was behind him in the middle of the bus, the defendant asked the bus operator if he could get off. As soon as the bus operator opened the doors, the defendant reached into his left jacket pocket, spun around, and shot the victim, who was approximately two feet away, one time in the chest. The defendant then ran off the bus and away from the area.

    Peaks was arrested March 25, 2025, and has been in custody ever since.

    This case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Goldstein.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    05.05.25

    Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

    According to the Washington State Patrol, there are currently 112 unsolved cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement ahead of Monday, May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP).

    “May 5th is a day we remember the victims of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and recognize the suffering of families and Native communities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “We must stand together, continue to demand justice, and work together to get more law enforcement resources on the ground to help tribes protect their people from violence.”

    Sen. Cantwell has been a vocal advocate and leader in championing legislation to help end the MMIWP crisis. In 2020, Sen. Cantwell’s Savanna’s Act was signed into law to help federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies better respond to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people by improving coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increasing data collection and information sharing, and providing tribal governments with vital resources.

    In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell held a press conference in Seattle with representatives from the Seattle Indian Health Board, tribal leaders, Indigenous community organizations, MMIWP advocates and loved ones of Indigenous persons who have gone missing. At the press conference, Sen. Cantwell announced she sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging them to prioritize funding to assist Tribes and organizations working to combat the MMIWP crisis. Video from that presser is available HERE, photos HERE, and a transcript HERE.

    Following Sen. Cantwell’s urging, in June 2023 the U.S. Department of Justice announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Regional Outreach Program, which dedicated five Assistant U.S. Attorneys and five coordinators to the task of resolving the cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. This included dedicated personnel based in Eastern Washington.

    In July 2023, Sen. Cantwell introduced the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act to help tribal police departments hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by providing access to federal retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits on par with law enforcement officers from non-tribal jurisdictions. In May 2024, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on Sen. Cantwell’s bill, which included testimony from Chris Sutter, Chief of Police of the Tulalip Tribal Police Department, and officials from the Department of the Interior and the National Congress of American Indians in support of the legislation. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs favorably reported Sen. Cantwell’s bill to the full Senate in September 2024.

    In October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced $6.9 million in federal funding for state and municipal law enforcement agencies, tribal justice departments and programs, and medical examiner offices to help prosecute violence against women and children cases, among other things.

    Sen. Cantwell has also helped secure public safety funding specifically for tribal communities. In the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act, Sen. Cantwell fought to include strong tribal policies including: allowing tribes to continue to have jurisdiction over dating violence and domestic violence crimes and violations of tribal protection orders, restoring tribal jurisdiction over violent and dangerous crimes such as child and sexual abuse, sex trafficking and stalking, and providing tribes with more resources to improve and build public safety programs within their communities.

    In 2019, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act to provide a substantial increase in resources for tribal crime victim assistance programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Message of thanks after 150,000 line the streets for Leeds United parade

    Source: City of Leeds

    You did us proud – that’s the message from Leeds City Council to every single person who helped make Leeds United’s promotion party a truly champion occasion.

    Around 150,000 fans turned out in the city centre this afternoon to salute manager Daniel Farke and his title-winning players during a celebratory open-top bus parade.

    Landmark locations such as City Square and The Headrow were packed with supporters more than two hours ahead of the start of the event.

    Huge numbers also lined famous streets like Boar Lane and Vicar Lane as the convoy of three United buses made its way through the heart of Leeds.

    And together the crowds created an electric atmosphere that ramped up still further the city-wide feelgood factor generated by the club’s Championship title win and return to the Premier League.

    The parade was organised by the council in conjunction with United, and with support from various multi-agency partners.

    Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

    “The scenes today were brilliant and highlighted the bond that exists between Leeds United and the city of Leeds.

    “We were absolutely delighted to be able to stage an event that gave fans, players, coaches, backroom staff and of course Daniel Farke the chance to celebrate promotion together.

    “Thank you to everyone who made it a success, from the supporters who turned out in such incredible numbers to all the people who had an organisational role.

    “This was a team effort that involved the council, the club and partners such as West Yorkshire Police, and showed just how special this city is.

    “Congratulations once again to Daniel and his players, they have given us a season to remember and fully deserved the reception they got today. Bring on the Premier League!”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prince George’s County Man Faces Federal Indictment for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Joel Thomas Biermann, 46, of University Park, Maryland, for multiple child exploitation offenses. Biermann is charged with two counts of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

    According to the indictment, between approximately October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2024, Biermann employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced one or more victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct.  Biermann also produced and possessed visual depictions of the exploitation.  Additionally, the indictment alleges that Biermann distributed child sexual abuse material on March 13, 2016. 

    If convicted, Biermann faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for the production of child sexual abuse material; a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years for the distribution of child sexual abuse material; and a maximum of 20 years for possession of child sexual abuse material. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. Click the “Resources” tab on the left side of the page to learn about Internet safety education.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills, Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Level One Sex Offender Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Holyoke man, who is a registered sex offender, has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Justin Ouimette, 34, was charged with possession of child pornography. Ouimette will make an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield at a later date.  

    In October 2022, Ouimette was convicted of possession of child pornography in Massachusetts Superior Court. According to the charging documents, in July 2024, during a search of Ouimette’s residence and person, over 200 files that appeared to depict CSAM, including children as young as three years old, were allegedly located on Ouimette’s electronic devices. A search of  Ouimette’s Dropbox resulted in the discovery of  an additional 200 files allegedly depicting CSAM.

    On July 25, 2024, Ouimette was issued a probation violation, and he was subsequently sentenced to one year incarceration, which he is currently serving.

    The charge of possession of child pornography as a registered sex offender provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to three years of imprisonment on his conviction of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Deon Cortez Dutrieuille, 24, on May 1, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, on November 25, 2023, the Monroeville Police Department were called to the Monroeville Mall in connection with a retail theft investigation. When they arrived, Dutrieuille was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle wearing a stolen jacket for which he admitted not paying. At that time, Dutrieuille had an outstanding arrest warrant in connection with an unrelated incident. When the officers tried to speak with Dutrieuille, the defendant provided fake names and then fled on foot. After apprehending and taking Dutrieuille into custody, officers conducted a search of the car and seized a stolen Glock handgun. Dutrieuille’s fingerprints were found on the gun by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Dutrieuille had multiple prior felony convictions, including in a robbery and prior illegal gun possession cases. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Monroeville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dutrieuille.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced For Illegal Re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that SANTIAGO PUENTE-GARCIA (“PUENTE-GARCIA”), age 26, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on April 30, 2025 after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

    United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced PUENTE-GARCIAto an imprisonment term of time served , followed by one (1) year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court records, PUENTE-GARCIA was previously removed from the United States on February 4, 2022.  He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on October 29, 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Firearms trafficker sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment

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

    BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Marion man to more than 8 years in federal prison after he admitted to trafficking firearms in southern Illinois.

    Lonnie J. Petty, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a machine gun and one count of illegal transfer of a machine gun. Law enforcement recovered two privately made firearms or “ghost guns”, one firearm with an obliterated serial number, five additional firearms, three machine gun conversion devices or “switches,” multiple extended and drum magazines, and a large amount ammunition. 

    “Lonnie Petty recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase with police after trafficking firearms and selling drugs in the presence of children. These actions pose an obvious threat to the safety of our community, and the case demanded decisive action,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Our office will hold such offenders accountable and ensure the safety of southern Illinois.”

    According to court documents, Petty admitted to possessing a machine gun in Williamson County in June 2023. In addition, he transferred machine guns in Williamson and Franklin counties from September through November 2023.

    “The increasing use of machine gun conversion devices by criminals has fueled violence in our communities, endangering both members of the public and law enforcement officers,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “ATF, in partnership with local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue its mission to investigate and hold those accountable who illegally traffic these dangerous devices into our communities.”

    Machine gun conversion devices include traditional “drop in auto sears,” which are designed for use on AR-type firearms, and more recently developed “switches,” which are designed for use on certain semiautomatic pistols. MCDs are easily integrated with semiautomatic firearms to illegally convert them to fire automatically.

    MCDs are defined as machine guns under the National Firearms Act, even when not installed.

    ATF led the investigation with support from the Marion Police Department and the Carbondale Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Trippi and J. David Sanders prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Leads Challenge to Trump Administration’s Attempt to Block Wind Energy

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 17 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to end the Trump administration’s arbitrary and indefinite halt on new wind energy development across the country. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued a sweeping presidential directive suspending all federal approvals for wind energy projects, threatening to undermine a critical source of clean energy and job growth in the United States. As a result, countless wind energy project applications are now frozen. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this blockade on all wind energy projects is unlawful and will be seeking a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the administration from enforcing the freeze while litigation proceeds.

    “This administration is devastating one of our nation’s fastest-growing sources of clean, reliable, and affordable energy,” said Attorney General James. “This arbitrary and unnecessary directive threatens the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions in investments, and it is delaying our transition away from the fossil fuels that harm our health and our planet.”

    Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president’s directive is at odds with years of bipartisan support for offshore and onshore wind energy projects, including during President Trump’s first term. It also directly contradicts the president’s own Executive Orders issued on the same day, which declared a “national energy emergency,” singled out New York and several other states for the country’s lack of energy supply, and called for the expansion of most forms of domestic energy production, but not wind energy. 

    The attorneys general argue this unilateral halt on wind energy development is harming states’ ability to provide reliable, affordable electricity to their residents. States have a responsibility to meet increasing electricity demand while also mitigating climate harms and reducing pollution caused by fossil fuels. In addition, the indefinite halt on federal approvals is already putting state investments and economic benefits from wind energy projects in jeopardy. New York’s wind projects currently support over 4,400 jobs throughout the state and are expected to create more than 18,000 additional new jobs in the coming years. Those jobs will not materialize if these projects are halted. The administration’s indefinite blockade could leave billions of dollars in states’ clean energy investments stranded or underutilized and significantly harm their economic development.

    This wind energy blockade is also impeding New York and other states’ ability to meet their energy and climate goals. These are statutory targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, more specifically, meet target dates for electricity generated by wind power. New York’s Climate Law requires the state to obtain 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. 

    Attorney General James and the coalition warn that the halt on wind energy development will delay the replacement of fossil fuels with clean energy, a shift that will exacerbate climate, public health, and environmental harms to people across the nation and the globe. The administration’s blockade would derail key projects already under development, many of which are expected to power millions of homes and support tens of thousands of jobs. The attorneys general also note that the risk of these harms to the industry and the states has risen sharply in recent weeks, as the Trump administration ordered a project off the coast of New York, which had already received federal approval, to immediately stop construction. 

    Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president is acting outside of his legal authority and has no statutory right to unilaterally shut down the permitting process. They are asking the court to intervene and rule the approval blockade unlawful, restoring the wind energy permitting process and protecting the wind energy industry long-term.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bonavista — Driver ticketed by Bonavista RCMP for failing to stop for school bus

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 76-year-old woman was ticketed by Bonavista RCMP for failing to stop for a school bus that was picking up a young child at a bus stop in Plate Cove West on May 1, 2025.

    Shortly before 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, as a small child was entering onto the school bus, which had its emergency lights and stop sign activated, a vehicle drove through the bus’s stop sign. The child was not injured.

    Descriptions of the vehicle and the driver were obtained and the information was provided to police. The driver was located by Bonavista RCMP and was issued a ticket under the Highway Traffic Act for passing a school bus illegally.

    Students, especially younger children, oftentimes, without checking, rely on motorists to follow the rules of the road and expect that vehicles will be stopped while they enter or exit a school bus.

    Reports involving school bus safety are taken quite seriously by RCMP NL. Drivers must stop when a school bus stops to pick up and drop off children. Upon conviction, a driver who fails to stop for a school bus faces a fine that ranges between $500-$1500 and an accumulation of six demerit points.

    RCMP NL thanks those who provided information which assisted with this investigation.

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