Category: Justice

MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Reintroduces Bill to Keep Those Who Rape and Murder Children in Jail Without the Possibility of Release

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

Washington, D.C. – 4/8/2025… Today, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) reintroduced the Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act, a critical public safety bill in honor of the lives of Paula Bohovesky, a Rockland County native, and Joan D’Alessandro, who lived in Bergen County, New Jersey.

In 1973, Joan D’Alessandro was seven years old and had just left her house to sell Girl Scout cookies in her New Jersey hometown. Making only the mistake of knocking on a neighbor’s door, she was sexually assaulted, beaten, and strangled to death. Over two decades later in 1998, Congress passed legislation to prevent early release for criminals who killed a child under age 14.

Similar to Joan, Paula Bohovesky was 16 years old when she was beaten, stabbed, sexually assaulted, and murdered by two men in Rockland County, NY. But because Paula was 16 at the time of her death, one of the men responsible for her death was granted parole in August of 2021.

This legislation modifies an existing ban on early release eligibility for criminals, specifying that those who murdered and sexually assaulted a minor up to the age of 18 are also included in this prohibition.

“The brutal murders of Joan D’Alessandro and Paula Bohovesky devastated Rockland County and the entire region,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “The unspeakable happened in our own backyard, and the impact of these tragedies still reverberates through our community.”

“With the reintroduction of the Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act in the 119th Congress, I’m strengthening federal law to ensure families never have to face the trauma of watching their child’s killer walk free,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “This legislation honors the memory of Joan and Paula and seeks to bring some measure of justice to families across the country.”

“The most heinous crimes are those perpetrated against minors, and those who prey upon our children represent the worst in our society,” said NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) President Vincent Vallelong. “Unfortunately, a technicality in federal law prevents us from providing the full measure of justice to victims such as Paula Bohovesky and her family by ensuring that violent killers are kept in prison where they belong. The Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act enhances the protection of our nation’s children, and the SBA is grateful for the strong leadership of Rep. Lawler in continuing to fight for this important and long overdue fix to federal law.”

“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports the Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act, as it delivers justice for victims of the most heinous crimes. Law enforcement is united in safeguarding our communities by ensuring that those who commit brutal acts against children are held fully accountable. We stand ready to support efforts to advance this critical bipartisan measure,” said Megan Noland, Executive Director of MCSA.

“The Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Allesandro Act is a significant step in protecting our communities from the most heinous crimes against children. This important legislation spares victims’ families from the emotional burden of facing repeated parole board hearings, allowing them to focus on healing without the added trauma of reliving their loss every few years. It is our moral duty to protect children and their families from dangerous offenders. We thank Congressman Lawler for introducing this bill, which takes a crucial step toward restoring a sense of safety and peace for those affected by such devastating crimes,” said Executive Director Theresa Roth of the New York State Children’s Alliance.

“The current state statute under Joan’s Law at the federal level applies to all children under 14 years old. This bill will extend justice to all minors under 18, including those at a particularly vulnerable age. This law must be passed to ensure justice for all children,” said Rosemarie D’Alessandro, mother of Joan and child safety advocate who also founded the Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation. “When I first brought this to Congressman Lawler’s attention, he was ready to see it passed. It’s heartwarming to see so many people support this legislation.”

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

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Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Reintroduce Bill to Protect the Ruby Mountains from Oil and Gas Drilling Pushed by the Trump Administration

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in reintroducing legislation to expand protections for and prohibit oil and gas development in Nevada’s beautiful and pristine Ruby Mountains. Their reintroduction of the Ruby Mountains Protection Act follows the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to reopen the Rubies to speculative oil and gas drilling. Last Congress, this bill advanced out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support.
“Instead of taking meaningful action to bolster American energy independence, the Trump Administration is taking reckless and unproductive steps that endanger Nevada lands with low likelihood of oil and gas production,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill with Senator Cortez Masto to fight back against President Trump’s efforts and protect the Ruby Mountains from drilling. I’ll keep pushing back against this wrongheaded approach that threatens the Ruby Mountains and other beautiful parts of our state.”
“The natural beauty of the Ruby Mountains, Nevada’s Swiss Alps, is beloved by locals and draws tourists from across the country,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Unproductive oil and gas drilling would only harm Northern Nevada’s tourism economy and keep this natural treasure from generations of future Nevadans. There’s bipartisan support for my legislation, and there is no reason not to pass it into law.”
The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would withdraw approximately 450,000 acres of National Forest land, comprising the Ruby Mountain Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, from any eligibility for oil and gas leasing. The bill will also expand protection to the 39,926-acre Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would not affect any recreational use of these pristine lands, including for hunting, hiking, and fishing.
Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto are champions for Nevada’s great outdoor spaces and public lands. They recently joined Nevada’s Congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to preserve national monument designations in Nevada. The Senators passed critical legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which protects public lands in Nevada and across the U.S. They also passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, and they delivered critical funding to protect Lake Tahoe in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Last year, Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto announced over $375 million for recreation and conservation projects across Nevada.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 26 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm in Connection With Drug Trafficking Fentanyl, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant convicted after trial on drug and firearms offenses and thereafter pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft

Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, sentenced Ryan E. Dales, 36, of Baltimore, to 26 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Dales, a previously convicted felon, was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).

“Mr. Dales’s criminal activity was callous, dangerous, and with complete disregard for his victims,” Hayes said. “Thanks to our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners, we’re showing Mr. Dales and others that engaging in criminal activity comes with a price. We’re serious about holding those accountable who commit illegal acts and terrorize our community with fentanyl, firearms, and fraud. Fortunately, Mr. Dales will have plenty of time to think about his actions while in prison.”

“This sentence of 26 years reflects the seriousness of Dales’ actions which include drug and weapon offenses as well as identity theft and fraud schemes. As a repeat offender, Dales knew the consequences of his wrongdoing yet chose to continue dealing drugs and committing crimes,” DelBagno said. “The FBI has no tolerance for repeat offenders who threaten the safety and security of our communities.”

“Ryan Dales engaged in a multi-faceted pandemic-relief fraud scheme by filing fraudulent UI claims in the names of identity theft victims. Dales stole benefits intended for unemployed American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Springer said. “The significant prison sentence imposed today is the direct result of outstanding collaboration with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the FBI in ensuring the integrity of these critical benefit programs. This is particularly true when it involves firearms and drug trafficking as well as other violent crimes in our communities.”

On December 9, 2024, a federal jury found Dales guilty of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Additionally, Dales faced a second trial on wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, but on January 10, 2025, Dales pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on January 20, 2023, authorities arrested Dales pursuant to a federal arrest warrant, and law enforcement executed a federal search warrant the same day at Dales’s residence. Dales resided in a luxury apartment building in Locust Point. During the search, law enforcement located and seized, among other things, various items used in connection Dales’s illegal business selling drugs, including two loaded firearms, specifically, a stolen Smith & Wesson firearm, and one which was a privately made “ghost gun” Polymer80 9mm firearm with no serial number, and a box containing 28 rounds of 9mm ammunition, including hollow point ammunition. In addition, law enforcement seized numerous packages of controlled dangerous substances, including hundreds of grams of fentanyl packaged for street level distribution, multiple digital scales, sifters, a heat sealer, a bag containing 10,000 empty capsules meant to package drugs, other drug packing materials, various cutting agents, a respirator, and six cell phones.

Later, Dales voluntarily waived his Miranda rights and admitted to living in his apartment alone and that the firearms seized in his apartment were his. He also told law enforcement that he was a “very resourceful person,” referring to his livelihood as a drug dealer. Dales’ DNA was later determined to be present on both firearms and their magazines.

Law enforcement’s later review of Dales’s cell phones revealed the existence of numerous Telegram chats where he negotiated purchasing drugs and cutting agents from multiple people, including mass producers of fentanyl in China. Investigators further found evidence that about a month before the execution of the search warrant, Dales traveled to Boston with a firearm (identical in appearance to the ghost gun found in his apartment) and a bag full of cash to purchase drugs. Dales’s device search history included searches for where fentanyl is produced in China, how to dye powders, and how many bullets a Smith and Wesson M&P 9c firearm — the same type seized from his apartment — can hold.

After his conviction at trial on the drug and firearms offenses, Dales pled guilty to a fraud scheme in which he used victims’ identities to obtain various high-end lawnmowers on credit and received fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. From December 2020 through September 2022 — while serving a federal sentence for bank-fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft — and living in a halfway house while on federal supervised release in the District of Maryland, Dales engaged in various fraudulent schemes. Dales attempted to defraud the State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL), the Small Business Administration, and various businesses and financial institutions to obtain more than $25,000 in unlawful COVID-19 benefits funds though the submission of fraudulent claims for UI benefits; more than $95,000 worth of high-end riding lawn mowers on credit using the stolen personal identifiable information (PII) of seven victims information —such as names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and addresses of real persons — and attempting to fraudulently obtain an $8,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

During the execution of the residential search warrant, law enforcement seized various items used in connection with Dales’s fraud and identity theft schemes, including multiple computers, an embosser and ID card printer, laminate sheets with security holograms, gift cards in various denominations, a card printer and card reader, bulk packages of shrink-wrapped white PVC cards; and multiple fraudulent and fabricated South Carolina driver’s licenses made by Dales containing PII of various victims, but which displayed Dales’s photograph.

Dales used the fabricated driver’s licenses in connection with the fraudulent purchases of riding mowers and other impermissible uses. He also obtained the identity theft victims’ PII on the dark web. The total amount obtained by Dales from the UI fraud scheme, as well as the fraudulent purchase of the lawnmowers on credit was $121,242.51.

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

The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and DOL-OIG for their work in connection with the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Reema Sood, who prosecuted the federal case. She also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.

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

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MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Pasadena Woman Pleads Guilty to Stalking Campaign Against Victims and Threatening to Bomb U.S. Consulate in Vietnam

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LOS ANGELES – A San Gabriel Valley woman pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for stalking a victim then impersonating him and his wife to further stalk government employees at a United States consulate in Vietnam, which she threatened to bomb.

Natalie Nguyen, 39, of Pasadena, pleaded guilty to one count of stalking and one count of threat by interstate commerce to kill another person and to damage and destroy buildings by fire and explosives.

Nguyen has been in federal custody since February 2024.

According to her plea agreement, Nguyen stalked a victim – identified in court documents as “T.H.” – from April 2023 to February 2024, sending emails threatening to kill him and his wife. One of the emails contained screenshots of a text conversation about paying a hitman $15,000 to kill the victim’s wife.

Nguyen also began stalking five employees at the U.S. consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. At times, she impersonated T.H.’s wife, including in an August 2023 email in which she threatened to “bomb the [expletive] consular in Ho Chi Minh City.”

In October 2023, Nguyen – impersonating T.H. and using T.H.’s email account without permission – sent an email to three government employees at the U.S. consulate stating, “i wil [sic] kill every [expletive] one of you who has been delaying issuing my wife visa.”

In January 2024, Nguyen – impersonating T.H.’s wife – sent a message to U.S. officials through an online portal stating, “Device will be detonated at America consular in Saigon and in San Francisco. All of you will be exploded for causing my separation with my husband for this last year. Everything will be exploded around new year or after.”

The following month, Nguyen impersonated T.H. and sent an inquiry to a U.S. Embassy online portal threatening to explode grenades around the time of the lunar new year at the consulate. Several minutes later, Nguyen, impersonating T.H., sent an email to the Vietnamese consulate stating, “i have a grenade set to be exploded this lunar new year at the consulate. my wife is ready.”

United States District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett scheduled a June 18 sentencing hearing, at which time Nguyen will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the stalking count and up to 10 years in federal prison for the threats count.

The FBI investigated this matter with assistance from the Diplomatic Security Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Diane Roldán of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester join in introducing bill to fully fund special education

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) joined in introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure Congress finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fifty years ago, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunity. This law was an historic step forward, but since its passage Congress has failed to provide the funding it promised. The legislation is cosponsored by over 30 members in the Senate and more than 60 members in the House of Representatives and is endorsed by 60 organizations.
Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per student expenditure for special education; however, that pledge has never been met. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. Under full funding, Maryland alone would have received $671.6 million. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.
“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act made a promise to children with disabilities and their families that they would be provided a free, public, and individualized education––but our government has never fulfilled this promise,” said Senator Coons. “While Trump and DOGE are taking illegal steps to dismantle the Department of Education and slashing billions of dollars in education-related research and programs, we must not retreat and forget our promise to Delaware’s kids.”
“Every student deserves to have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their disability status,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “At a time when the Trump administration is doing all they can to make it harder for people to get the resources and services they need, I am proud to support this legislation on behalf of students with disabilities and their families in Delaware and across the nation. I look forward to working with Senator Van Hollen and our colleagues to finally honor our commitment and fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.”
“Fifty years ago, Congress passed the IDEA Act, and with it, made a promise to children with disabilities and their families – but we have fallen short of that promise every year since. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally gutting public education in America, we are fighting to strengthen it. Our bill will ensure that Congress finally meets its commitment to fully fund IDEA, putting us closer to delivering equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Our government works best when it serves its people – especially our most vulnerable communities. 50 years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support our children with disabilities and ensure they had access to an appropriate education – we built up our children, gave them protections and supports. Yet for years, IDEA has been underfunded, creating burdens for districts and threatening access to services for students and families. This President and his callous Administration is intent on tearing things down instead of building them up. Now, more than ever, we need to fully fund IDEA,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
“Our legislation makes necessary investments in programs that students with disabilities across the country depend on to access high-quality education that meets their individual needs. President Trump’s destruction of the Department of Education has made it all the more clear: we must fully and permanently fund special education services so that every student—no matter where they live—has the opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“Decades after the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became law, the federal government has still not fully funded the law to help ensure children with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the classroom,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our legislation would help make long overdue investments in special education that would help support children with disabilities, their families and the educators who serve them.”
“Our nation’s children are our future, and we must ensure that every child has access to high-quality education that meets their individual needs. It is critical that we honor our commitment to properly fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,” said Senator Durbin. “That is why I am joining my colleagues in introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure students with disabilities are receiving access to high-quality services and education, which they are entitled to under law.”
“I am proud to cosponsor the IDEA Full Funding Act, which will ensure that our government upholds its responsibility to give every child with disabilities access to educational opportunities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “All students deserve a high-quality education and school systems with the resources to support them. This bill will help Congress fulfill its promise to fund special education programs, making sure that we meet our obligation to give every child the best chance at success.”
“We promised families we’d have their backs, and for decades, we’ve fallen short on that promise. Because IDEA hasn’t been fully funded, parents and teachers have been working overtime to make up for the missing resources their students desperately need,” said Senator Fetterman. “Making IDEA whole is how we guarantee students with disabilities get the support they need to thrive in school. I’m proud to join my colleagues in championing this legislation amid continued threats to public school students and educators.”
“As Donald Trump continues working to illegally dismantle the Department of Education, securing funding for crucial resources like IDEA is more important than ever,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation so Congress can finally fulfill its commitment to fully fund the IDEA for the first time since its passage in 1975. This investment in IDEA will help ensure that every student with disabilities in this country can receive the quality education they deserve.”
“Students with disabilities, like any student, deserve access to a high-quality public education,” said Senator Kaine. “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a crucial component of making that ideal a reality, but the IDEA is underfunded, leaving Congress’ promise of equal opportunity to students with disabilities unfulfilled—and as a former Mayor and Governor, I’m acutely aware of how federal underfunding of the IDEA puts tremendous pressure on local and state budgets. It’s imperative that we fully fund the IDEA to help schools offer the education, services, and supports that help students thrive.”
“As Trump and Musk continue their assault on public education, Congress must act to ensure every student has equal access to learning across our country,” said Senator Kim. “Educators and parents across my state of New Jersey are terrified about what comes next for essential programs like IDEA while Trump dismantles the Department of Education. This legislation is critical to help secure schools the resources they need to support students with disabilities’ education and futures.”
“A half a century ago, Congress enshrined into law the right of students with disabilities to access free and quality public education. Yet, every year, Congress fails to appropriate the funding necessary to fulfill that promise and guarantee that all students are not only integrated into our education system, but thrive in it. And now, President Trump and Secretary McMahon are attacking federal education funding and our entire public school system,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must fully fund the IDEA so that disabled students can thrive, families can be assured their children will receive world class education, educators have the resources they need to provide that education, and communities aren’t left scrambling to fill federal funding gaps.”
“Across Nevada, I have heard from the parents of children with disabilities, and all they want is for their children to have the same opportunities as any other child,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The government has already committed to fund the IDEA program, yet it has consistently failed to do so. This legislation fulfills the government’s promise and provides essential funding for schools across the Silver State.”
“All students, regardless of ability, deserve access to a quality education. Yet, President Trump’s cruel dismantling of the Department of Education is putting millions of students with disabilities at risk of losing essential IDEA funding. The IDEA Full Funding Act upholds our commitment to offer every student a chance at the American dream by working to close longstanding opportunity gaps in our education system. This investment serves our students, supports our educators, and strengthens our economic future,” said Senator Padilla.
“Every student in Nevada deserves equal access to high quality public education, but the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education is taking away resources and protections for children with disabilities,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m helping to introduce this bill to make sure Congress fully funds the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and provides equal opportunity for every child to have a shot at accessing quality education. I’ll keep fighting back against all attempts to cut funding from our children’s education.”
“Every child across America deserves access to quality education and a chance to succeed,” said Senator Shaheen. “For too long, Congress has fallen short of its promise to students with disabilities by failing to provide adequate funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Our legislation will right that wrong and help ensure schools have adequate resources to give students in New Hampshire and across the nation the education they deserve.”
“A good education has the power to transform lives, and Congress needs to fully fund the educational resources that support children with disabilities and their families. Every child deserves a quality education and the chance to meet their full potential in life. At a time when support for special education is threatened, I join my colleagues in insisting that Congress deliver on its promise to fund these vital services so that every student has access to a quality education,” said Senator Schiff.
“It’s time for Congress to finally fulfill our promise to deliver quality public education to every student across the country. As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their senseless attacks on public education, it’s more important than ever to stand up for all students no matter their disability or zip code,” said Senator Warner.
“As a former special education teacher, I’ve seen first-hand how this funding is transformational for students with disabilities. It means our schools have elevators to help with mobility, provides aides that help students communicate, and tailored programs to best meet their learning needs,” said Senator Warren. “With public education under attack, I am deeply grateful for Senator Van Hollen’s leadership in the fight to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).”
“While we’ve made substantial progress to fund special education services in recent years, we still have important work left to do to live up to the original commitment Congress made,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “All children – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor – should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide the necessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families. Our bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on a permanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.”
The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The legislation is co-led in the House by Representatives G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.-15), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Angie Craig (D-Minn.-02), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.-08), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), and Mike Bost (R-Ill.-12), and cosponsored by over 60 additional members of the House.
This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 50 national organizations, including The School Superintendent Association (AASA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT),American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Education Association, and The Arc of the United States.
The bill is also supported by: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Psychological Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CAST, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, Coalition for Community Schools, Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, EDGE Consulting Partners, EdTrust, Education Reform Now, First Focus Campaign for Children, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Learning Disabilities Association of America, NAESPA (National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators), National Association for Music Education, National Association for Pupil Transportation, National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), National Association of Private Special Education Centers, National Association of School Psychologists, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Society, National PTA, National Rural Education Association, National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Teach For America, The Advocacy Institute, and The New Teacher Project (TNTP).
You can read the full text of the bill here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First-ever MHRA analysis of UK clinical trial applications finds new opportunities to drive medical breakthroughs for patients
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

First-ever MHRA analysis of UK clinical trial applications finds new opportunities to drive medical breakthroughs for patients

New analysis of the current clinical trial landscape in the UK shows clear opportunities to shape the future of medical research and patient care.
The first-ever analysis of the UK clinical trial landscape by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the University of Liverpool reveals the UK is a global leader in clinical research – and sets out key opportunities to deliver even more life-changing treatments for patients.

Published today in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the report offers the most detailed picture yet of the UK’s clinical trials landscape. It finds strong innovation – but also a concentration of research in certain disease areas, and opportunities for increased representation of certain patient groups.

A roadmap for stronger, more inclusive research

The MHRA is using the insights to build upon the country’s world-leading clinical research and deliver its new clinical trials regulations to create a more efficient, streamlined and adaptable regulatory framework. Working in partnership with patients, the NHS, industry and academia, the MHRA will support increased research into underrepresented conditions, improve diversity in trial participation, and attract further global investment in innovation.

Professor Andrea Manfrin, lead author of the study and MHRA Deputy Director, Clinical Investigations and Trials, said:

“Clinical trials are the backbone of medical progress, essential for developing new medicines and advancing our understanding of diseases. This analysis shows clearly where the UK is leading – and where we need to work with our stakeholders to go further. By working together with patients, the NHS, industry, and researchers across the life sciences ecosystem to identify and maximise these opportunities, we can ensure clinical trials are faster, fairer, and more inclusive. Better trials mean better, more effective treatments, reaching NHS patients as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, co-author of the study at the University of Liverpool, said:

“The analysis from the MHRA clinical trials database shows the richness of UK clinical trial activity involving medicines. Importantly it also provides a baseline which can be used to increase future UK clinical trial activity, which is important for improving both patient outcomes and economic investment.”

With the global clinical trials market expected to nearly double to over £80 billion by 2032, insights from the analysis will help shape policies that can bring innovative, new medicines to patients, attract investment, accelerate medical innovation, and expand trial access for UK patients.

Key findings from the MHRA and University of Liverpool’s analysis of all 4,616 clinical trials submitted between 2019 and 2023:

The UK is a hub for pioneering research, with one in eight trials testing treatments in humans for the first time. There is strong commercial investment in UK trials, with 85% industry sponsored. A smaller share (15%) comes from universities, hospitals, and charities.

Cancer trials dominate, making up nearly a third of all studies, but other major diseases lag behind. Heart disease – the world’s biggest killer – receives just 5.2% of research focus. Trials for conditions such as chronic pain, respiratory conditions and mental health disorders were among the least common, despite their major impact on public health.

Both sexes were included in most trials (90%), however male-only trials (6.1%) were nearly twice as common as female-only studies (3.7%). Pregnant and breastfeeding women were represented in 1.1% and 0.6% of trials, respectively, which could impact treatment suitability for these groups.

Cutting-edge treatments, such as gene and cell therapies, represent a growing clinical area but make up only 3.4% of trials, despite their potential to transform care for patients with limited treatment options.

Partnership working to strengthen UK clinical research

The report sets a baseline to track progress and inform future funding, policy and regulation. The MHRA is already working with partners across the life sciences sector to increase research and streamline approvals in areas of unmet need through the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP); improve diversity in trial participation through the development of joint guidance with the Health Research Authority (HRA) so trials reflect the populations they aim to serve; and support more advanced therapy trials through collaboration with researchers via the Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSIs).

These initiatives form part of wider clinical trials reform, including new legislation we are committed to implementing that will streamline how clinical trials are run in the UK. Backed by the MHRA and healthcare system partners, the changes aim to protect patient safety, boost global investment, and cut unnecessary red tape – helping bring new treatments to patients faster.

As the government pushes forward the development of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10 Year Health Plan, these findings come at a crucial time. They can be used to shape policies that ensure clinical trials deliver maximum benefit for patients, the NHS and the wider economy.

Health Minister Karin Smyth said:

“The government is determined to make Britain a world leader in life sciences, developing groundbreaking treatments focused on the conditions that matter most to patients.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re laying the foundations for a modern, resilient health system that delivers, which is why the Prime Minister announced £520 million investment this week to turbocharge medical research.

“By driving forward research and expanding access to clinical trials, we can ensure patients benefit from cutting-edge treatments quicker, while creating high-quality jobs and attracting global investment.

“Strengthening the trial environment will help ensure we have an NHS fit for the future – one that harnesses innovation to improve outcomes for patients.”

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

“As home to a thriving life sciences sector and the NHS, the UK is uniquely placed to host the trials and research that are taking the fight to a host of devastating health conditions. But as this data shows, we can go further and move faster through targeted investment, and smart regulation.

“We are committed to doing precisely that – through this year’s record £13.9 billion funding for R&D in life sciences and beyond, as well as the efforts of our new Regulatory Innovation Office. We must make sure that trials of new medicines are available to everyone to take part.”

Matt Westmore, Health Research Authority Chief Executive:

“Health and social care research should be done with, and for, everyone.

“We know that trials that involve a diverse group of participants help provide a better understanding of how effective a treatment is for different groups of people. In turn this helps us support efforts to address health inequalities.

“We are pleased to be working alongside the MHRA to develop new guidance designed to make it easier for researchers to ensure they are designing trials that are more representative of the people it is for and about.”

Lawrence Tallon, MHRA Chief Executive, said:

“This first-of-its-kind analysis builds on our important work to strengthen clinical research in the UK. We are committed to implementing a flexible and risk-proportionate regulatory approach for clinical trials, which accelerates patient access to potentially life-saving medicines without compromising safety.

“We’re making the UK one of the best places in the world to run clinical trials, with combined review approval times with the Health Research Authority now at 60 days or less for all trials. These changes not only benefit patients today but are laying the groundwork to accelerate innovation and deliver life-changing treatments to patients faster.”

The MHRA will continue tracking progress and working with its partners to ensure the UK remains a world leader in medical research, keeping patient safety at the heart of clinical trials.

Notes to editors

Publication: Andrea Manfrin et al. (2025) ‘Analysis of 4616 clinical trial initial submissions received by the MHRA between February 2019 and October 2023’ British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. DOI: 10.1002/bcp.70061.

This analysis includes all 4,616 initial clinical trial submissions of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs) received by the MHRA Clinical Trials Unit between February 2019 and October 2023. Other types of studies, such as non-CTIMPs, are not under the MHRA’s remit. For further information, please refer to the publication.

Patients, the NHS and the Life Sciences sector set to benefit from new clinical trials framework being laid in parliament today – GOV.UK

Commercial clinical trials in the UK: the Lord O’Shaughnessy review – GOV.UK

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.

The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.

For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

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Published 10 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Vehicle crash MacKenzie District on Tekapo-Twizel Road

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are aware of a crash on Tekapo-Twizel Road Pukaki, MacKenzie District at about 10.15am this morning.

A campervan and car have collided.

The road is closed and at least one person appears to be injured.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the road is re-opened.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reforming Foreign Defense Sales to Improve Speed and Accountability

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1.  Purpose. Federal regulations should not predetermine economic winners and losers. Yet some regulations operate to exclude new market entrants. Regulations that reduce competition, entrepreneurship, and innovation — as well as the benefits they create for American consumers — should be eliminated. This order commences the process for eliminating anti-competitive regulations to revitalize the American economy.
Sec. 2.  Definitions. (a) “Agency” has the meaning given to it in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code, except that it does not include the Executive Office of the President or any components thereof.(b) “Agency head” means the highest-ranking official of an agency, such as the Secretary, Administrator, Chairman, or Director, unless otherwise specified in this order.
Sec. 3.  Rescinding Anti-Competitive Regulations. (a) Agency heads shall, in consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (Chairman) and the Attorney General, complete a review of all regulations subject to their rulemaking authority and identify those that:(i)    create, or facilitate the creation of, de facto or de jure monopolies;(ii)   create unnecessary barriers to entry for new market participants;(iii) limit competition between competing entities or have the effect of limiting competition between competing entities;(iv)   create or facilitate licensure or accreditation requirements that unduly limit competition;(v)    unnecessarily burden the agency’s procurement processes, thereby limiting companies’ ability to compete for procurements; or(vi)   otherwise impose anti-competitive restraints or distortions on the operation of the free market.(b) Within 70 days of the date of this order, agency heads shall each provide to the Chairman and the Attorney General a list of regulations identified by the categories specified in subsection (a) of this section. Agency heads shall also include a recommendation as to whether each of the listed regulations warrants rescission or modification in light of its anti-competitive effects. For recommended modifications, agency heads shall briefly specify what modification is appropriate. For regulations that are anti-competitive by design, agency heads shall provide a justification for their anti-competitive effects if the agency head is not proposing rescission or modification.(c) In conducting the review required by subsection (a) of this section, agency heads shall prioritize review of those rules that satisfy the definition of “significant regulatory action” in Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993 (Regulatory Planning and Review), as amended.(d) Within 10 days of the date of this order, the Chairman shall issue a request for information (RFI) that seeks public input on the identification of regulations that fall within the categories specified in subsection (a) of this section, as well as comments explaining the proposed classifications. The request shall remain open for 40 days. Upon the close of the RFI period, the Chairman shall convey any relevant responses to the agency with rulemaking authority over the identified regulation.(e) Within 90 days of receipt of the agency lists specified in subsection (b) of this section, the Chairman, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the relevant agency heads, shall provide to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) a consolidated list of regulations that warrant rescission or modification in light of their anti-competitive effects, along with recommended modifications. The Chairman may include on the consolidated list regulations not originally included on an agency list if such regulations fall within at least one of the categories outlined in subsections (a)(i)-(vi) of this section.(f) Upon receipt of the consolidated list described in subsection (e) of this section, the OMB Director, through the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, shall consult with the Chairman, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the relevant agency heads to decide whether to incorporate the proposed rescissions or modifications into the Unified Regulatory Agenda developed pursuant to Executive Order 14219 of February 19, 2025 (Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Deregulatory Initiative).
Sec. 4.  General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE,    April 9, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. Federal regulations should not predetermine economic winners and losers. Yet some regulations operate to exclude new market entrants. Regulations that reduce competition, entrepreneurship, and innovation — as well as the benefits they create for American consumers — should be eliminated. This order commences the process for eliminating anti-competitive regulations to revitalize the American economy.
Sec. 2. Definitions. (a) “Agency” has the meaning given to it in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code, except that it does not include the Executive Office of the President or any components thereof.
(b) “Agency head” means the highest-ranking official of an agency, such as the Secretary, Administrator, Chairman, or Director, unless otherwise specified in this order.
Sec. 3. Rescinding Anti-Competitive Regulations. (a) Agency heads shall, in consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (Chairman) and the Attorney General, complete a review of all regulations subject to their rulemaking authority and identify those that:
(i)    create, or facilitate the creation of, de facto or de jure monopolies;
(ii)   create unnecessary barriers to entry for new market participants;
(iii) limit competition between competing entities or have the effect of limiting competition between competing entities;
(iv)   create or facilitate licensure or accreditation requirements that unduly limit competition;
(v)    unnecessarily burden the agency’s procurement processes, thereby limiting companies’ ability to compete for procurements; or
(vi)   otherwise impose anti-competitive restraints or distortions on the operation of the free market.
(b) Within 70 days of the date of this order, agency heads shall each provide to the Chairman and the Attorney General a list of regulations identified by the categories specified in subsection (a) of this section. Agency heads shall also include a recommendation as to whether each of the listed regulations warrants rescission or modification in light of its anti-competitive effects. For recommended modifications, agency heads shall briefly specify what modification is appropriate. For regulations that are anti-competitive by design, agency heads shall provide a justification for their anti-competitive effects if the agency head is not proposing rescission or modification.
(c) In conducting the review required by subsection (a) of this section, agency heads shall prioritize review of those rules that satisfy the definition of “significant regulatory action” in Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993 (Regulatory Planning and Review), as amended.
(d) Within 10 days of the date of this order, the Chairman shall issue a request for information (RFI) that seeks public input on the identification of regulations that fall within the categories specified in subsection (a) of this section, as well as comments explaining the proposed classifications. The request shall remain open for 40 days. Upon the close of the RFI period, the Chairman shall convey any relevant responses to the agency with rulemaking authority over the identified regulation.
(e) Within 90 days of receipt of the agency lists specified in subsection (b) of this section, the Chairman, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the relevant agency heads, shall provide to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) a consolidated list of regulations that warrant rescission or modification in light of their anti-competitive effects, along with recommended modifications. The Chairman may include on the consolidated list regulations not originally included on an agency list if such regulations fall within at least one of the categories outlined in subsections (a)(i)-(vi) of this section.
(f) Upon receipt of the consolidated list described in subsection (e) of this section, the OMB Director, through the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, shall consult with the Chairman, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the relevant agency heads to decide whether to incorporate the proposed rescissions or modifications into the Unified Regulatory Agenda developed pursuant to Executive Order 14219 of February 19, 2025 (Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Deregulatory Initiative).
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
    April 9, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Directing the Repeal of Unlawful Regulations

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: DIRECTING THE REPEAL OF UNLAWFUL REGULATIONS
Promoting economic growth and American innovation are top priorities of this Administration. Unlawful, unnecessary, and onerous regulations impede these objectives and impose massive costs on American consumers and American businesses. In recent years, the Supreme Court has issued a series of decisions that recognize appropriate constitutional boundaries on the power of unelected bureaucrats and that restore checks on unlawful agency actions. Yet, despite these critical course corrections, unlawful regulations — often promulgated in reliance on now-superseded Supreme Court decisions — remain on the books.
Consistent with these priorities and with my commitment to restore fidelity to the Constitution, on February 19, 2025, I issued Executive Order 14219 (Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Deregulatory Initiative). It directed the heads of all executive departments and agencies to identify certain categories of unlawful and potentially unlawful regulations within 60 days and begin plans to repeal them. This review-and-repeal effort shall prioritize, in particular, evaluating each existing regulation’s lawfulness under the following United States Supreme Court decisions:
Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, 603 U.S. 369 (2024);
West Virginia v. EPA, 597 U.S. 697 (2022);
SEC v. Jarkesy, 603 U.S. 109 (2024);
Michigan v. EPA, 576 U.S. 743 (2015);
Sackett v. EPA, 598 U.S. 651 (2023);
Ohio v. EPA, 603 U.S. 279 (2024);
Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid, 594 U.S. 139 (2021);
Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, 600 U.S. 181 (2023);
Carson v. Makin, 596 U.S. 767 (2022); and
Roman Cath. Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo, 592 U.S. 14 (2020).
In effectuating repeals of facially unlawful regulations, agency heads shall finalize rules without notice and comment, where doing so is consistent with the “good cause” exception in the Administrative Procedure Act. That exception allows agencies to dispense with notice-and-comment rulemaking when that process would be “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Retaining and enforcing facially unlawful regulations is clearly contrary to the public interest. Furthermore, notice-and-comment proceedings are “unnecessary” where repeal is required as a matter of law to ensure consistency with a ruling of the United States Supreme Court. Agencies thus have ample cause and the legal authority to immediately repeal unlawful regulations.
Accordingly, I hereby direct:
Following the 60-day review period ordered in Executive Order 14219 to identify unlawful and potentially unlawful regulations, agencies shall immediately take steps to effectuate the repeal of any regulation, or the portion of any regulation, that clearly exceeds the agency’s statutory authority or is otherwise unlawful. Agencies should give priority to the regulations in conflict with the United States Supreme Court decisions listed earlier in this memorandum. The repeal of each unlawful regulation shall be accompanied by a brief statement of the reasons that the “good cause” exception applies.
Within 30 days of the conclusion of the review period directed in Executive Order 14219 to identify unlawful and potentially unlawful regulations, agencies shall submit to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs a one-page summary of each regulation that was initially identified as falling within one of the categories specified in section 2(a) of that Executive Order, but which has not been targeted for repeal, explaining the basis for the decision not to repeal that regulation.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DAUPHIN COUNTY – Pennsylvania State Police to Make Announcement on Body-Worn Camera Initiative

Source: US State of Pennsylvania

April 10, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Pennsylvania State Police to Make Announcement on Body-Worn Camera Initiative

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will hold a news conference at Department Headquarters tomorrow to make an announcement regarding its initiative to equip all patrol troopers with body-worn cameras.

PSP’s initiative involved outfitting more than 3,000 troopers with body-worn cameras and upgrading the mobile video recorders in more than 1,400 patrol vehicles.

Media outlets planning to attend should RSVP to ra-pspcomm@pa.gov. Visitor parking is available.

WHAT:
Pennsylvania State Police to Make Announcement on Body-Worn Camera Initiative

WHEN:
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 10:00 AM

WHERE:
1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DAUPHIN COUNTY – Shapiro-Davis Administration andStatewide Advocates Highlight Victims’ Rights Week, Governor Shapiro’s Proposed $9 Million Investment in Victim Compensation

Source: US State of Pennsylvania

April 10, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Shapiro-Davis Administration andStatewide Advocates Highlight Victims’ Rights Week, Governor Shapiro’s Proposed $9 Million Investment in Victim Compensation

In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and Office of Victim Advocate will team up with statewide victim service organizations to highlight the importance of supporting survivors of crime, raising awareness of their rights, and Governor Shapiro’s proposed $9 million investment in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) in the 2025-26 state budget.

Over the past five years, PCCD has paid more than 67,000 VCAP claims totaling $67 million to financially support victims of crime across all 67 Pennsylvania counties with medical costs, counseling, relocation, and more.

WHO:
Kathy Buckley, Office of Victims’ Services Director, PCCD
Suzanne Estrella, Pennsylvania Victim Advocate
Rebecca Buckham, Communications Manager, Children’s Advocacy Centers of PA
Gabriella Romeo, Public Policy Director, PA Coalition to Advance Respect
Jenna Mehnert Baker, Policy Director, PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence

WHEN:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 2 PM

WHERE:
PCCD Headquarters
3101 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110

RSVP:
Press who are interested in attending must RSVP to algantz@pa.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Gulf of America Act PASSES House Natural Resources Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA, 14)

Today, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Gulf of America Act was favorably reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee, advancing it for a vote by the full House.

Following the favorable reporting of Congresswoman Greene’s Gulf of America Act, the Congresswoman released the following statement:

“I am grateful to Chairman Westerman and the House Natural Resources Committee for favorably reporting my Gulf of America Act out of committee. My bill is an important step in codifying President Trump’s America First Agenda into law.

The American people are footing the bill to protect and secure the Gulf of America’s maritime waterways for commerce to be conducted. Our U.S. armed forces protect the area from any military threats from foreign countries.

It’s our gulf. The rightful name is the Gulf of America and it’s what the entire world should refer to it as.

My bill directs the Chairman of the Board on Geographic Names under the Secretary of the Interior to permanently rename all federal documents and maps within 180 days of being signed into law.

Congress has to take the Trump Agenda mandate seriously and that means acting fast to enact it. That’s exactly what this bill does by codifying one of President Trump’s most important executive orders into law. This prevents any possible future Democrat regime from reversing this order through executive action.

I urge my colleagues to join me to quickly pass this bill.”

The bill’s 16 cosponsors include Rep. Mary Miller (IL), Rep. Barry Moore (AL), Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY), Rep. Mike Collins (GA), Rep. Randy Weber (TX), Rep. Andy Ogles (TN), Rep. Mike Lawler (NY), Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL), Rep. Greg Steube (FL), Rep. Eric Burlison (MO), Rep. Brian Babin (TX), Rep. Michael Rulli (OH), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX), Rep. Brandon Gill (TX), Rep. Nicholas Langworthy (NY), and Rep. Daniel Webster (FL).

Read Congresswoman Greene’s bill recognizing the Gulf of America here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 12)

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 162 and 264 of Part Two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation”

The bill proposes not to impose value added tax on funds received by an energy sales organization authorized to carry out the purchase and sale of electrical energy (capacity) for the purpose of supplying electrical energy (capacity) in the territories of new constituent entities of the Russian Federation until January 1, 2028.

2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of budget monitoring and other issues of organizing the budget process)

The draft law is aimed, among other things, at implementing certain instructions of the President of Russia in terms of organizing control over the inclusion in state (municipal) contracts, agreements, contracts (contracts) of provisions on treasury support in cases established by the budget legislation of the Russian Federation.

3. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses”

The bill is aimed at establishing administrative liability for violations of the provisions on treasury support.

4. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 107057-7 “On Amendments to the Housing Code of the Russian Federation”

The draft amendments were developed in connection with the need to create a mechanism for legal regulation of state registration of the housing stock.

5. On the allocation to the Ministry of Construction of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision of subsidies from the federal budget to the budgets of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Zaporizhia region for the purpose of co-financing the expenditure obligations of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation arising from the implementation of measures to build apartment buildings, the developers or owners of which have not been determined

The draft order is aimed at ensuring the completion of construction and commissioning of multi-apartment residential buildings in the territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic and Zaporizhia Oblast, the developers or owners of which have not been identified.

6. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 2516–1 of the Federal Law “On the Procedure for Leaving the Russian Federation and Entering the Russian Federation”

The development of the bill was dictated by the need to create favorable conditions for increasing the number of foreign citizens entering the country for tourism, business, humanitarian and guest purposes, while maintaining the proper level of migration control and national security requirements.

7. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 810019-8 “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Fisheries and Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources””

The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying certain provisions of the bill concerning the procedure for re-registering and terminating agreements for the use of fishing areas.

8. On amending the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 15, 2018 No. 682 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation)

The draft resolution is aimed at bringing the powers of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia into line with Article 179.1 of the Budget Code of the Russian Federation.

9. On the allocation by the Ministry of Education of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision, within the framework of the state program of the Russian Federation “Development of Education”, of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Arkhangelsk Region for the purpose of co-financing the expenditure obligations of the Arkhangelsk Region arising from the construction of schools

The adoption of the Government order will help resolve a socially significant issue for the Arkhangelsk region in terms of increasing the availability of general education in the region.

10. On the allocation to the Ministry of Transport of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision of one-time financial assistance in the form of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Saratov Region in order to reimburse the expenses incurred by the budget of the Saratov Region arising from the implementation of measures to update public transport

The draft order provides for the allocation of funds to provide financial assistance to the budget of the Saratov region in order to reimburse part of the costs incurred in the acquisition of two-section trams.

Moscow, April 9, 2025

The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests Tren de Aragua gang member illegally residing in Houston area

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

HOUSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Jesus Alberto Escalona-Mujicas, a 47-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela and documented Tren de Aragua gang member, April 9, in Bryan, Texas.

Escalona-Mujicas was arrested during routine targeted multi-agency enforcement operations that are being conducted around the United States to restore integrity to U.S. immigration laws and bolster public safety, national security and border security.

Escalona-Mujicas was taken into ICE custody and transported to the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, pending his removal from the U.S.

Escalona-Mujicas illegally entered the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location. He was encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol April 10, 2023, near Brownsville, Texas, and was taken into custody and placed into immigration proceedings. An immigration judge from the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Escalona-Mujicas removed March 6, 2024, but he absconded from authorities before his removal could be carried out.

“The law enforcement community in South Texas is united in our determination to restore integrity to our nation’s immigration laws and sovereignty over our southern border,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “Every transnational gang member or dangerous criminal alien that we remove from the community is another life saved, and another violent crime prevented. This is especially true for Tren de Aragua gang members who are known to be among the most brutal transnational gangs with a presence in the U.S. Our immigration officers have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that transnational gang violence can have on a community, and they are committed to work tirelessly to prevent that from taking hold in Texas.”

For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws in Texas follow us on X at @EROHouston.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Rapid City Man Sentenced to Over Four Years for Theft of Firearms

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Theft of a Firearm. The sentencing took place on April 7, 2025.

Zachary Coats, age 28, was sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison on each count to be served concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $10,277.67 in restitution.

Coats was indicted on three counts of Theft of a Firearm and one count of Possession of a Stolen Firearm in February 2024. He pleaded guilty to two counts of Theft of a Firearm on January 29, 2025.

In August 2023, at Rapid City, Zachary Coats broke into several local federally licensed firearms dealerships and stole multiple firearms, including a Beretta 12-gauge shotgun, a Benelli 12-gauge shotgun, a USA Military Surplus .30 caliber rifle, and a Stoeger 12-gauge shotgun. When law enforcement identified Zachary Coats as the suspect in the thefts, Coats directed his spouse, Danielle Coats, to remove the firearms from their residence to another family member’s home to prevent law enforcement from finding them in their home. Subsequently, Danielle Coats directed others to again move or dispose of the firearms to prevent law enforcement from recovering them.

Danielle Coats pleaded guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm and was sentenced in July 2024 to two years and six months in federal prison.

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. [use if applicable] Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

Coats was indicted on three counts of Theft of a Firearm and one count of Possession of a Stolen Firearm in February 2024. He pleaded guilty to two counts of Theft of a Firearm on January 29, 2025.

Danielle Coats pleaded guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm and was sentenced in July 2024 to two years and six months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: ISIS Supporter Sentenced to 230 Months’ Imprisonment for Recruiting for ISIS, Obstruction, and Attempting to Flee Justice

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, also known as “Umm Nutella,” Initially Cooperated with Law Enforcement, but then Secretly Contacted ISIS Supporters, Deleted Evidence, Lied to Investigators, and Tried to Flee the Country Rather than Face Prison

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, a U.S. citizen, was sentenced to a total term of 230 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto for three separately charged crimes: conspiring to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization; obstructing justice while released on bail pending sentencing; and failing to appear before the court as required when she attempted to flee the United States. Ceasar pleaded guilty to the material support charge in February 2017, to the obstruction charge in March 2019, and to the failure to appear charge in October 2022.

John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, 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 sentence.

“With today’s sentence, Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, an unrepentant ISIS recruiter, will be incarcerated for a significant period of time to protect Americans here and abroad from her violent extremism,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “Even after pleading guilty to providing material support to ISIS, the defendant continued to support terrorists, obstructed justice and fled from prosecution. This Office, together with the FBI, the NYPD, and all the members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, work tirelessly to pursue and hold accountable all those who support terrorism.”

“Today’s re-sentencing marks the end of a righteous journey that began a decade ago,” stated Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Terrorist organizations like ISIS rely on recruiters like Ceasar to attract, indoctrinate, and enlist new followers. The Department is committed to holding accountable those who seek to follow a similar path. Today was made possible by our prosecutors, staff, and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. We are grateful for their tireless pursuit of justice in this case.”

“Sinmyah Amera Ceasar flagrantly ignored conditions of her prior arrest by rekindling former relationships with ISIS members and implementing a plan to personally abscond the country to join their cause,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Her actions demonstrate little remorse for radicalizing other United States citizens and promoting ISIS’s heinous ideologies. May today’s sentencing reflect the FBI JTTF’s relentless pursuit of any individual conspiring to participate in terrorist organizations.”

“This sentence is a fitting and meaningful outcome for a woman who assisted ISIS in recruiting, squandered the chance for redemption by exposing herself as cooperating with the U.S. government, and persisted in promoting extremist ideologies to potential new recruits online,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “I commend our diligent NYPD investigators and all members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force for their unwavering commitment to public safety. The level of teamwork they demonstrate each day is crucial in ensuring the security of New York City and our nation.”

Between January 2016 and November 2016, Ceasar used numerous social media accounts to praise, promote, and support ISIS and violent jihad and to disseminate ISIS propaganda. Ceasar posted under a variety of names, including her nom de guerre, or war name, “Umm Nutella,” which translates to “Mother of Nutella.” Ceasar developed contacts with ISIS members overseas, recruited individuals in the United States to travel overseas to join and fight for ISIS, and used her contacts with ISIS facilitators to attempt to help at least five people from the United States join ISIS abroad. Ceasar also expressed her own desire to travel to ISIS-controlled territory to join the group and die as a martyr.

In November 2016, Ceasar was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport as she prepared to board an international flight, which was to be the first leg of her journey to join ISIS. Ceasar pleaded guilty in February 2017 to conspiring to provide material support and resources to ISIS, and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigations of ISIS members and supporters.

In April 2018, Ceasar was released on bail, subject to court-ordered conditions of release. However, she violated those conditions, and her cooperation agreement with the government, by reconnecting with individuals she had identified to the government as supporters of ISIS. Ceasar attempted to conceal these communications from the government and from the court, attempted to delete more than 1,000 of her electronic communications, and lied to the government about her conduct. The court revoked Ceasar’s bail in July 2018. Ceasar pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding in March 2019.

In June 2019, the late United States District Judge Jack B. Weinstein sentenced Ceasar to 48 months’ imprisonment for the material support and obstruction offenses, and the government appealed. In August 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated the sentence imposed by Judge Weinstein, calling it “shockingly low, and unsupportable as a matter of law,” and sent the case back to the district court for resentencing.

While the appeal was pending, however, Ceasar completed serving the 48-month sentence in July 2020, and began serving an eight-year term of supervised release. Almost immediately after her release, Ceasar began to repeatedly violate the conditions of her supervision by downloading and using phone apps that she failed to report to the Probation Department, recontacting and communicating with ISIS supporters, soliciting funds from ISIS supporters, communicating with convicted felons, using extremist language, and deleting the evidence of her violations of these conditions of supervision.

In August 2021, after the Second Circuit issued its decision remanding her case for resentencing, Ceasar fled. On the day she was scheduled to appear before the Court, Ceasar removed her ankle bracelet location monitoring device, and fled New York City on a cross-country bus trip to New Mexico, setting off a nationwide fugitive investigation that led to her arrest in New Mexico two days later. The evidence established that Ceasar intended to escape the United States and travel to Russia, and that while fleeing, she used an Internet-based messaging application to contact an individual in Afghanistan to seek assistance to travel there. She sought assistance from the individual in Afghanistan in the hours after ISIS Khorasan carried out a bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul that killed hundreds, including 13 members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In connection with her flight from prosecution, Ceasar ultimately pleaded guilty to her third separate felony offense, a charge of failing to appear before the Court as required, in October 2022.

After being returned to custody at the U.S. Bureau of Prisons’ Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to await sentencing, Ceasar routinely violated Bureau of Prisons institutional rules, circumvented telephone and email monitoring and use restrictions, and continued to communicate and associate with other ISIS supporters.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Special Assistant United States Attorney Ian C. Richardson and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Reich are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

SINMYAH AMERA CEASAR (also known as “Rita Daoudii,” “Qeuz,” “Umm Nutella,” “Amera Dawah Shakir,” “Bint Dawah Muslimah,” and “Qulli Allahu Akbar”)
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 17-CR-48 (KAM), 19-CR-117 (KAM), and 22-CR-459 (KAM)

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Pekin Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict today against Joseph Perkins, 32, of Pekin, Illinois, for attempted enticement of a minor. Sentencing for Perkins has been scheduled for August 13, 2025, at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.

Over two days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that from January 2023 to March 2024, Perkins communicated on an internet-based social media platform with an individual he believed to be a thirteen-year-old female, expressing multiple times that he wanted to engage in sex with her. In March 2024, Perkins drove to a location in Peoria to meet the girl for the purpose of having sexual relations. Federal law enforcement agents arrested him when he arrived at the location.

The statutory penalties for attempted enticement of a minor are a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, followed by a minimum five-year to life term of supervised release. Perkins remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa P. Ortiz and Douglas F. McMeyer represented the government at trial.

The case against Perkins was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Response to government neighbourhood policing guarantee announcement

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

NPCC response following announcement on neighbourhood policing.

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for the Local Policing Coordination Committee said: “We welcome the government’s investment into neighbourhood policing. Neighbourhood policing and officers on the street are crucial so that we can connect with the communities we serve. It is a vital part of how we prevent crime and has suffered during prolonged periods of austerity.

“Visibility and engagement with local communities has always been central to the British policing model and police leaders are in agreement that it must always remain at the heart of what we do.

“Forces continue to develop plans to tackle crime in their local neighbourhoods, which will vary depending on various factors such as population, urban or rural and the needs of the local community. Chiefs across England and Wales will take these factors into account, work with partner agencies to ensure communities receive the level of service they expect from policing.

“In every town, village and city across the UK, people want to feel safe where they live, work and raise their families. Safe from anti-social behaviour, safe from shoplifting, and safe from personal robbery. Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of that helping tackle that.

“We welcome the continued investment in hotspot policing and visible targeted patrols, which are the bedrock of community policing, and effective deterrents in detecting and preventing anti-social behaviour and serious violent crime, as well as improving feelings of safety.

“People have a right to live their lives free from intimidation and harassment in their own communities. We know anti-social behaviour has the power to wreck people’s lives and therefore it is important to have a multi-agency approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.

“Effective investment in neighbourhood policing and the whole system means investment in stronger communities and safer streets.”

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: German National Stationed in Northern Virginia Sentenced for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material from the BitTorrent File-Sharing Network

Source: United States Attorneys General 11

A German national, who worked in an IT position for the German military’s United States outpost in northern Virginia, was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison for downloading child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Peter Markus Kuttke, 49, a German national residing in Reston, pleaded guilty on Jan. 8 to receiving CSAM. According to court documents, law enforcement learned that CSAM files were available for download on Bit-Torrent, a file-sharing network, from a user with an IP address associated with Kuttke’s residence. On Dec. 1, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at Kuttke’s home and recovered electronic devices that contained evidence of Kuttke’s offenses, including a device with numerous CSAM videos and images. Forensic analysis further confirmed that Kuttke had downloaded CSAM from BitTorrent, including videos depicting adults sexually assaulting prepubescent children.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck, of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C made the announcement.

HSI investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessandra Serano for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

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

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: ISIS Supporter Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Prison for Recruiting for ISIS, Obstruction, and Attempting to Flee Justice

Source: United States Attorneys General 7

Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, also known as ‘Umm Nutella,’ Initially Cooperated with Law Enforcement, but then Secretly Contacted ISIS Supporters, Deleted Evidence, Lied to Investigators, and Tried to Flee the Country Rather than Face Prison

A Brooklyn woman, Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, 30, a U.S. citizen, was sentenced today to serve 230 months in prison for three separately charged crimes: conspiring to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization; obstructing justice while released on bail pending sentencing; and failing to appear for court as required when she attempted to flee the United States. Ceasar pleaded guilty to the material support charge in February 2017, to the obstruction of justice charge in March 2019, and to the failure to appear charge in October 2022.

“Today’s re-sentencing marks the end of a righteous journey that began a decade ago,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Terrorist organizations like ISIS rely on recruiters like Ceasar to attract, indoctrinate, and enlist new followers. The Department is committed to holding accountable those who seek to follow a similar path. Today was made possible by our prosecutors, staff, and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. We are grateful for their tireless pursuit of justice in this case.”

“With today’s sentence, Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, an unrepentant ISIS recruiter, will be incarcerated for a significant period of time to protect Americans here and abroad from her violent extremism,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “Even after pleading guilty to providing material support to ISIS, the defendant continued to support terrorists, obstructed justice and fled from prosecution. This office, together with the FBI, the NYPD, and all the members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, works tirelessly to pursue and hold accountable all those who support terrorism.”

“Ceasar pleaded guilty to helping ISIS, yet she continued on the same path by communicating with other ISIS supporters, “said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Her actions demonstrate a failure to truly accept responsibility for her actions, and she ultimately cut off her electronic monitoring device and went on the run. Ceasar’s efforts failed and with today’s sentencing she is being held accountable for her criminal actions.”

Between January 2016 and November 2016, Ceasar used numerous social media accounts to praise, promote, and support ISIS and violent jihad and to disseminate ISIS propaganda. Ceasar posted under a variety of names, including her nom de guerre, or war name, “Umm Nutella,” which translates to “Mother of Nutella.” Ceasar developed contacts with ISIS members overseas, recruited individuals in the United States to travel overseas to join and fight for ISIS, and used her contacts with ISIS facilitators to attempt to help at least five people from the United States join ISIS abroad. Ceasar also expressed her own desire to travel to ISIS-controlled territory to join the group and die as a martyr.

In November 2016, Ceasar was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport as she prepared to board an international flight, which was to be the first leg of her journey to join ISIS. Ceasar pleaded guilty in February 2017 to conspiring to provide material support and resources to ISIS and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigations of ISIS members and supporters.

In April 2018, Ceasar was released on bail, subject to court-ordered conditions of release. However, she violated those conditions, and her cooperation agreement with the government, by reconnecting with individuals she had identified to the government as supporters of ISIS. Ceasar attempted to conceal these communications from the government and the court, attempted to delete more than 1,000 electronic communications, and lied to the government about her conduct. The court revoked Ceasar’s bail in July 2018. Ceasar pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding in March 2019.

In June 2019, the late U.S. District Judge Jack B. Weinstein sentenced Ceasar to 48 months in prison for the material support and obstruction offenses, and the government appealed. In August 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated the sentence imposed by Judge Weinstein, calling it “shockingly low, and unsupportable as a matter of law,” and sent the case back to the district court for resentencing.

While the appeal was pending, however, Ceasar completed serving this 48-month sentence in July 2020, and began serving an eight-year term of supervised release. Almost immediately after her release, Ceasar began to repeatedly violate the conditions of her supervision by downloading and using phone apps that she failed to report to the Probation Department, recontacting and communicating with ISIS supporters, soliciting funds from ISIS supporters, communicating with convicted felons, using extremist language, and deleting the evidence of her violations of these conditions of supervision.

In August 2021, after the Second Circuit issued its decision remanding her case for resentencing, Ceasar fled. On the day she was scheduled to appear before the Court, Ceasar removed her ankle bracelet location monitoring device, and fled New York City on a cross-country bus trip to New Mexico, setting off a nationwide fugitive investigation that led to her arrest in New Mexico two days later. The evidence established that Ceasar intended to escape the United States and travel to Russia, and that, while fleeing, she used an internet-based messaging application to contact an individual in Afghanistan to seek assistance to travel there. She sought assistance from the individual in Afghanistan in the hours after ISIS Khorasan carried out a bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul that killed hundreds, including 13 members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In connection with her flight from prosecution, Ceasar ultimately pleaded guilty to her third separate felony offense, a charge of failing to appear before the court as required, in October 2022.

After being returned to custody at the U.S. Bureau of Prisons’ Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to await sentencing, Ceasar routinely violated Bureau of Prisons institutional rules, circumvented telephone and email monitoring and use restrictions, and continued to communicate and associate with other ISIS supporters.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian C. Richardson, currently of the National Security Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Reich of the Eastern District of New York’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man pleads guilty to conspiracy to steal mail

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric Michael Robinson, 33, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2024, Robinson conspired with co-defendants Lamor Runell Bolden and Antonio Jones, Jr. to steal mail from mail receptacles in Cheektowaga, NY. In addition, the defendants also possessed a key used to open authorized mail receptacles. Robinson drove Bolden and Jones to a mail facility in Cheektowaga at approximately 1:00 a.m. on the morning of October 2, 2024. Robinson parked behind a row of blue collection mailboxes outside the postal facility. Bolden and Jones got out of the car, while Robinson remained in the driver’s seat and kept watch. Jones opened the mailboxes with the stolen key and stole mail from the mailboxes. Bolden and Jones got back into the car and Robinson drove away from the mail facility. A short time later, their car was stopped by law enforcement. At the time the car was stopped, various opened and unopened pieces of mail were found inside. Robinson admits that he and his co-conspirators used the stolen key to open mailboxes at other locations around the Western District of New York.

Charges remain pending against Lamor Runell Bolden and Antonio Jones, Jr.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Orange County man sentenced to federal prison for kidnapping attorney

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas, man has been sentenced to federal prison for violations related to a kidnapping in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

Putnam Darwin Richardson, 79, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and brandishing a firearm and was sentenced to 294 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 9, 2025.

“Thanks to the quick and outstanding work of the FBI, in concert with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange Police Department, an innocent victim was rescued from the clutches of a gun-wielding kidnapper and returned safely home to his family, and a now-twice convicted armed kidnapper is returned home to prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “This case serves as a reminder that violent predators come in all shapes, sizes and age-ranges, and to always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.”

“Putnam Richardson clearly failed to learn from his previous imprisonment for kidnapping, and he definitely underestimated FBI Houston’s capacity to mobilize critical resources when a life is at risk,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “We are in the business of saving lives, and cases like this are why we exist. I’m especially grateful to the FBI Beaumont investigators, crisis negotiators, and special surveillance teams who swiftly deployed and worked tirelessly for days to rescue and reunite the victim with his family.”

According to information presented in court, on July 15, 2024, a kidnapping for ransom was reported to the FBI. The victim, a local attorney, was kidnapped at gunpoint that morning after arriving at his law office in Beaumont. The victim’s wife received a call from the victim’s cell phone, during which the kidnapper indicated the victim was being held hostage in exchange for $1 million ransom. The kidnapper also indicated he would kill the victim if the ransom was not met. Richardson, a former client of the victim, was identified as a suspect during the investigation. Richardson had previously been convicted of kidnapping in 1984 and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. On July 17, 2024, Richardson was arrested at a gas station and the victim was rescued by law enforcement authorities.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Beaumont Police Department, the Orange Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.

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MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Introduces Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act, Legislation Critical in Cutting Red Tape to Ensure Micron’s Success in New York

Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) today introduced the Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act, a targeted bill to streamline environmental review processes for critical manufacturing projects—particularly in states like New York with already rigorous environmental standards. Congressman Langworthy is joined by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) as the co-lead on the legislation.

The Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act aims to reduce delays in the construction of major manufacturing projects by allowing an exemption from the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process for projects in states with environmental standards that are equally or more stringent than NEPA. This exemption would apply to a small number of states—New York, California, and Massachusetts—that already enforce comprehensive environmental review systems.

“Bureaucratic red tape is the enemy of economic growth and job creation,”said Congressman Nick Langworthy.“New York is notorious for having some of the most stringent environmental regulations in the nation and the last thing we should be doing is making companies go through an additional review process that would lead to an indistinguishable outcome. By simply streamlining duplicative reviews, this bill will ensure that companies like Micron and other manufacturers avoid unnecessary construction delays and ensures the long-term success of these much-needed investments in Upstate New York.”

The Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act would include a key exemption in the Building Chips in America Act if projects are undergoing an equivalent or more stringent state environmental review process. This new authority would still give the lead agency the ability to ensure that critical environmental protections have been thoroughly considered before expediting the NEPA process and would cover only three states with exceedingly stringent environmental reviews – New York, Massachusetts, and California.

Despite the permitting provisions included in the Building Chips in America Act, which was signed into law last Congress, Micron and other manufacturers are still facing duplicative environmental reviews by having to undergo a federal environmental review process along with a state-level process that is just as stringent. For Micron under this law, in its review process for the four-fab project in Central New York, they are now the only semiconductor company that must undergo an environmental impact statement, while other semiconductor companies must only complete environmental assessments.

Micron is the only semiconductor company that this uniquely impacts given the project’s location in New York, which has one of the most stringent environmental processes. Replicating such a process on the federal level will substantially impact Micron’s construction timeline the ultimate success of a key project for brining chips manufacturing to Upstate New York.

“We need to do everything we can in Congress to remove the bureaucratic red tape that is holding our nation’s manufacturing sector back, especially when it comes to the vital semiconductor industry,” said Rep. Mike Collins. “I want to thank Rep. Langworthy for introducing the Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act, which stops duplicative environmental regulations from slowing down the progress our economy needs while jumpstarting the domestic microchip industry.”

This legislation is co-led by Rep. Mike Collins (GA-10) and cosponsored by Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19), Rep. Michael Lawler (NY-17), Rep. John Mannion (NY-22), and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11).

“Reinvesting in America’s manufacturing sector is a key aspect of restoring our economy under President Trump. Yet states like New York are imposing burdensome regulations on manufacturing, slowing progress and the creation of jobs. The Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act simplifies New York’s onerous environmental review process to allow Micron to avoid a lengthy construction timeline and support this critical investment in Upstate New York,”said Congresswoman Tenney.

“New York State is at the forefront of the semiconductor industry, and increasing our domestic production capacity is a national security priority,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “The Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act will help ensure critical projects move forward efficiently while maintaining New York’s high environmental standards. By aligning state and federal processes, we’re supporting the continued growth of innovation and job creation in New York and across the country.”

Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said,“Micron’s historic investment in Central New York is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our region’s economy and secure America’s place as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. The bipartisan Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act will keep New York competitive, improve efficiency, and expedite important environmental reviews so we can quickly move forward and create thousands of good-paying jobs. I’m proud to be a cosponsor and I thank Rep. Langworthy and other members of the New York State delegation for their partnership in advancing this legislation.”

This bill will support economic development projects like Micron and grow the semiconductor ecosystem in New York.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police acknowledge IPCA report into fatal fleeing driver incident

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in relation to a fatal fleeing driver incident in June 2024.

The fatal crash occurred on Lambie Drive, Manukau on 17 June after a stolen vehicle was signalled to stop, but failed to do so and ended up crashing into a tree.

The driver died at the scene and the passenger was seriously injured.

Officers had earlier stopped the vehicle in Manukau after noticing the number plates had been reported stolen and spoke to the driver before he drove off at speed.

Another Police unit signalled for the vehicle to stop however it continued on.

Two other officers were alerted to the fleeing driver and positioned themselves to deploy road spikes in an attempt to stop the vehicle, however when the driver saw the officer step out from behind a sign he swerved and lost control, crashing into a tree.

The investigation found that the vehicle and plates were stolen and that the driver had methamphetamine in his system, was breaching a court-imposed curfew, and was driving dangerously.

Police agree with the Authority’s findings that two officers breached policy concerning the planned use of road spikes by not informing the Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) of their position and intention to use them.

Police note the Authority’s other findings around the incident.

Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray says Police actions should be considered in the context of all the circumstances surrounding this event.

“Footage shows our staff had seconds to make a decision around whether or not to lay road spikes, and in this timeframe were unable to advise ECC of their plan due to other radio traffic.

“Staff who attend these incidents need to make decisions based on the threat and circumstances as they present, and without the benefit of hindsight.”

The staff involved were subject to a confidential employment process and remain employed with New Zealand Police.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ISIS Supporter Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Prison for Recruiting for ISIS, Obstruction, and Attempting to Flee Justice

Source: US State Government of Utah

Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, also known as ‘Umm Nutella,’ Initially Cooperated with Law Enforcement, but then Secretly Contacted ISIS Supporters, Deleted Evidence, Lied to Investigators, and Tried to Flee the Country Rather than Face Prison

A Brooklyn woman, Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, 30, a U.S. citizen, was sentenced today to serve 230 months in prison for three separately charged crimes: conspiring to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization; obstructing justice while released on bail pending sentencing; and failing to appear for court as required when she attempted to flee the United States. Ceasar pleaded guilty to the material support charge in February 2017, to the obstruction of justice charge in March 2019, and to the failure to appear charge in October 2022.

“Today’s re-sentencing marks the end of a righteous journey that began a decade ago,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Terrorist organizations like ISIS rely on recruiters like Ceasar to attract, indoctrinate, and enlist new followers. The Department is committed to holding accountable those who seek to follow a similar path. Today was made possible by our prosecutors, staff, and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. We are grateful for their tireless pursuit of justice in this case.”

“With today’s sentence, Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, an unrepentant ISIS recruiter, will be incarcerated for a significant period of time to protect Americans here and abroad from her violent extremism,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “Even after pleading guilty to providing material support to ISIS, the defendant continued to support terrorists, obstructed justice and fled from prosecution. This office, together with the FBI, the NYPD, and all the members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, works tirelessly to pursue and hold accountable all those who support terrorism.”

“Ceasar pleaded guilty to helping ISIS, yet she continued on the same path by communicating with other ISIS supporters, “said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Her actions demonstrate a failure to truly accept responsibility for her actions, and she ultimately cut off her electronic monitoring device and went on the run. Ceasar’s efforts failed and with today’s sentencing she is being held accountable for her criminal actions.”

Between January 2016 and November 2016, Ceasar used numerous social media accounts to praise, promote, and support ISIS and violent jihad and to disseminate ISIS propaganda. Ceasar posted under a variety of names, including her nom de guerre, or war name, “Umm Nutella,” which translates to “Mother of Nutella.” Ceasar developed contacts with ISIS members overseas, recruited individuals in the United States to travel overseas to join and fight for ISIS, and used her contacts with ISIS facilitators to attempt to help at least five people from the United States join ISIS abroad. Ceasar also expressed her own desire to travel to ISIS-controlled territory to join the group and die as a martyr.

In November 2016, Ceasar was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport as she prepared to board an international flight, which was to be the first leg of her journey to join ISIS. Ceasar pleaded guilty in February 2017 to conspiring to provide material support and resources to ISIS and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigations of ISIS members and supporters.

In April 2018, Ceasar was released on bail, subject to court-ordered conditions of release. However, she violated those conditions, and her cooperation agreement with the government, by reconnecting with individuals she had identified to the government as supporters of ISIS. Ceasar attempted to conceal these communications from the government and the court, attempted to delete more than 1,000 electronic communications, and lied to the government about her conduct. The court revoked Ceasar’s bail in July 2018. Ceasar pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding in March 2019.

In June 2019, the late U.S. District Judge Jack B. Weinstein sentenced Ceasar to 48 months in prison for the material support and obstruction offenses, and the government appealed. In August 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated the sentence imposed by Judge Weinstein, calling it “shockingly low, and unsupportable as a matter of law,” and sent the case back to the district court for resentencing.

While the appeal was pending, however, Ceasar completed serving this 48-month sentence in July 2020, and began serving an eight-year term of supervised release. Almost immediately after her release, Ceasar began to repeatedly violate the conditions of her supervision by downloading and using phone apps that she failed to report to the Probation Department, recontacting and communicating with ISIS supporters, soliciting funds from ISIS supporters, communicating with convicted felons, using extremist language, and deleting the evidence of her violations of these conditions of supervision.

In August 2021, after the Second Circuit issued its decision remanding her case for resentencing, Ceasar fled. On the day she was scheduled to appear before the Court, Ceasar removed her ankle bracelet location monitoring device, and fled New York City on a cross-country bus trip to New Mexico, setting off a nationwide fugitive investigation that led to her arrest in New Mexico two days later. The evidence established that Ceasar intended to escape the United States and travel to Russia, and that, while fleeing, she used an internet-based messaging application to contact an individual in Afghanistan to seek assistance to travel there. She sought assistance from the individual in Afghanistan in the hours after ISIS Khorasan carried out a bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul that killed hundreds, including 13 members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In connection with her flight from prosecution, Ceasar ultimately pleaded guilty to her third separate felony offense, a charge of failing to appear before the court as required, in October 2022.

After being returned to custody at the U.S. Bureau of Prisons’ Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to await sentencing, Ceasar routinely violated Bureau of Prisons institutional rules, circumvented telephone and email monitoring and use restrictions, and continued to communicate and associate with other ISIS supporters.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian C. Richardson, currently of the National Security Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Reich of the Eastern District of New York’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Dog Fighting

Source: US State of North Dakota

A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, with the final three months to be served in community confinement, after pleading guilty to nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture, in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

John D. Murphy, of Hanson, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay a $10,000 fine. He was indicted by a federal grand jury last year after being identified on recorded calls discussing dog fighting and subsequent court-authorized searches of his Facebook accounts which revealed a long involvement in dog fighting. Law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Murphy’s Hanson residence in June 2023 and seized numerous items — like various breeding and training devices and literature and medical and veterinary supplies — associated with dog fighting.

Photos of dogs running on treadmills found in Murphy’s basement; from sentencing memo in United States v. John Murphy, 24-cr-10074 in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Photo of dog fighting paraphernalia, including break sticks, seized in Murphy’s basement; from sentencing memo in United States v. John Murphy, 24-cr-10074 in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

“Dog fighting is a brutal and inhumane form of entertainment and is associated with other organized criminal activity, including illegal gambling,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to holding violators accountable. We commend the collaboration between federal and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

“Dogfighting is a blood sport rooted in cruelty and greed. For years, Mr. Murphy brutalized defenseless animals for profit and sport – training them to fight, suffer and die for his own financial gain. His actions were not only illegal but deeply disturbing,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “This sentencing marks a historic moment in the first federal dogfighting conviction in Massachusetts and serves as a stark warning: those who engage in this barbaric practice will be exposed, prosecuted and punished. We will not tolerate animal cruelty in our communities.”

“The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare,” said Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Office of Inspector General.

To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the USDA’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at: https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.

The USDA’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; USMS; Maine State Police; New Hampshire State Police; Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor; Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the police departments of Hanson, Boston and Acton.

Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Kaitlin J. Brown for the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Dog Fighting

Source: United States Attorneys General 1

A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, with the final three months to be served in community confinement, after pleading guilty to nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture, in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

John D. Murphy, of Hanson, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay a $10,000 fine. He was indicted by a federal grand jury last year after being identified on recorded calls discussing dog fighting and subsequent court-authorized searches of his Facebook accounts which revealed a long involvement in dog fighting. Law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Murphy’s Hanson residence in June 2023 and seized numerous items — like various breeding and training devices and literature and medical and veterinary supplies — associated with dog fighting.

Photos of dogs running on treadmills found in Murphy’s basement; from sentencing memo in United States v. John Murphy, 24-cr-10074 in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Photo of dog fighting paraphernalia, including break sticks, seized in Murphy’s basement; from sentencing memo in United States v. John Murphy, 24-cr-10074 in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

“Dog fighting is a brutal and inhumane form of entertainment and is associated with other organized criminal activity, including illegal gambling,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to holding violators accountable. We commend the collaboration between federal and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

“Dogfighting is a blood sport rooted in cruelty and greed. For years, Mr. Murphy brutalized defenseless animals for profit and sport – training them to fight, suffer and die for his own financial gain. His actions were not only illegal but deeply disturbing,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “This sentencing marks a historic moment in the first federal dogfighting conviction in Massachusetts and serves as a stark warning: those who engage in this barbaric practice will be exposed, prosecuted and punished. We will not tolerate animal cruelty in our communities.”

“The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare,” said Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Office of Inspector General.

To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the USDA’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at: https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.

The USDA’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; USMS; Maine State Police; New Hampshire State Police; Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor; Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the police departments of Hanson, Boston and Acton.

Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Kaitlin J. Brown for the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey Joins Sen. Hirono, Rep. Norcross in Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Rights of Public Sector Workers to join Unions, Bargain Collectively

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Washington (April 8, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee today joined Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ) in reintroducing the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. This comes at a critical time, after President Trump’s recent executive order ended collective bargaining for over a million federal workers.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing everything in their power to kill public sector unions and deny public servants their fundamental right to organize and collectively bargain. Their union busting is disgusting,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must pass the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act to guarantee public service workers their rights and empower them to fight for better wages and working conditions. Public servants deliver for the American people every day, and we must deliver for them.”
“Public sector workers teach our children, protect our safety, and keep our communities moving forward—they deserve the right to organize,” said Senator Hirono. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act will help ensure that that millions of public sector workers across our country have the federal protections they deserve as they fight for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions. Private sector workers are already guaranteed the right to organize under federal law, it should be common sense that public sector workers are afforded those same rights. As President Trump works to gut our public sector workforce, this bill is crucial to protect workers’ freedom to organize and bargain collectively. I’m proud to lead this important legislation with Representative Norcross to help ensure that every public employee has their voice heard in the workplace.”
“I know the power of collective bargaining because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Norcross, a former union electrician, member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “I spent decades at the negotiating table standing up for working families—fighting for fair pay, safer jobs, and better benefits like health care and retirement. This bill ensures public-sector workers across the country have that same right to a voice on the job and a seat at the table.”
The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions—regardless of state law. Unlike private sector workers, there is currently no federal law protecting the freedom of public sector workers to join a union and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions.
“Unions built the middle class,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “At a time when our President has unleashed brazenly illegal attacks on unions, we need legislation to protect our public service employees – those who keep us safe, who ensure our communities can function, and who are teaching our next generation. They deserve fair benefits and wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize – and we won’t stop fighting until they get it.”
“The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act ensures that teachers, nurses, child welfare workers, firefighters, and so many others who serve our communities are afforded the same right to join a union as workers in the private sector,” said Senator Blumenthal. “All workers deserve the free and unhindered opportunity to organize and collectively bargain for better pay, benefits, and working conditions.”
“As the granddaughter of union steelworkers and Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor, I know the power workers have when they stand together,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “At a moment when the Trump administration is indiscriminately firing federal employees across government, it is past civil servants have the protections and benefits that private sector workers do: the right to organize. I look forward to working with Senator Hirono and Congressman to get the bicameral Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act across the finish line. We are standing up for public servants across the nation.”
“Public sector workers bear a huge responsibility within our communities, whether it’s teaching our children, responding to emergencies, or providing vital services that keep our society running,” said Senator Booker. “Public servants should have the same right to advocate for higher pay or safer working conditions as everyone else in America. The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act will ensure all workers have the opportunity organize, collectively bargain, and thrive in our economy.”
“Public servants ask nothing more than the chance to serve our communities and our nation. They are our neighbors and often our heroes: teachers and 911 operators and police officers,” said Senator Coons. “This legislation protects their right to unionize so they can seek fair salaries and safe workplaces, just like everyone else. When public servants join together and elect a path forward, we ought to respect that choice. I’m proud that the bill we put forward today will do just that while creating better opportunities for public servants and their families in Delaware and across the country.”
“Our public sector workers deserve the same right to organize as private sector workers, to work in a safe job that pays a livable wage and to be able to save for a secure retirement,” said Senator Duckworth. “As Donald Trump works to hollow out the backbone of our public sector, I’m proud to help Senator Hirono and my colleagues introduce this legislation that would protect these hardworking Americans by finally enshrining their right to unionize into law and enabling them to advocate for the wages and working conditions they rightfully deserve.”
“Public sector workers – our teachers, firefighters, nurses – keep our communities safe, healthy, and educated. They deserve the same freedom to organize and collectively bargain as those who work in the private sector,” said Senator Durbin. “I am cosponsoring the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act to ensure that those who serve our communities are not denied basic labor rights.”
“From the firefighters and police officers who keep us safe to the educators who teach our kids, public sectors employees serve Arizonans every day. They deserve our support in return,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to back this bill to ensure that public sector employees have the same rights and protections as any other worker.”
“Public sector workers are the backbone of our communities, ensuring that essential services are provided with dedication and care,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Unionization and collective bargaining are not just rights—they are a recognition of the value of these critical public servants. The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would help ensure that millions of public sector workers have a voice in their working conditions, pay, and benefits, giving them the same federal rights as their private sector counterparts. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation so that every worker can organize and fight for fair treatment.”
“Unions, including public-sector unions, have provided critical advocacy and support for many workers,” said Senator Kaine. “I am proud to cosponsor this crucial legislation to protect millions of American workers’ right to unionize and bargain for better wages and working conditions.”
“All workers deserve the right to collectively bargain and have their voices fully heard on the job,” said Senator Kim. “As President Trump continues to vilify public service and go after workers’ rights, it is as important as ever that congress pass legislation like this to defend them, empower their voice, and have their backs as they simply demand the fair pay and benefits working families across our country deserve.”
“Every worker in this country should have the opportunity to speak up for themselves on the job. This includes the teachers shaping our kids’ futures, the first responders keeping us safe, and the healthcare and social workers who are there for us when we need them most,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to introduce legislation that ensures the folks essential to our communities have the right to organize and fight for fair wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions.”
“As the son of a union mechanic, I know unions make a difference in standing up for workers and their families by ensuring they have a safe workplace and good pay for their work,” Senator Merkley said. “While the Trump Administration threatens the rights of America’s public sector workers to organize and receive fair treatment in the workplace, we’re pushing to make sure these workers receive just treatment and fair pay for a hard day’s work.”
“Trump has already stripped hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their collective bargaining rights, and even more public sector workers could be next. Unions built the middle class, and they’re still the best tool for workers to fight for better pay and fair treatment. This legislation would make sure our teachers, firefighters, and more than a million Americans who serve their communities have a seat at the negotiating table,” said Senator Murphy.
“The nearly 20 million public sector workers across our nation deserve the fundamental right to organize and fight for a fair contract and better working conditions. Yet, the Trump Administration has repeatedly tried to strip away this right and attack public service workers’ ability to unionize,” said Senator Padilla. “From public school teachers who educate our children to first responders on the frontlines of emergencies in our communities, we must guarantee the right for workers to join a union and collectively bargain nationwide.”
“Working men and women deserve the freedom to negotiate for fair wages and improved working conditions in the communities they serve. This bill is about basic fairness,” said Senator Reed.
“Nevada’s police officers, teachers, firefighters, and other public servants work tirelessly to serve our communities, and they absolutely deserve the right to bargain for better wages and working conditions,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce a bill to protect their right to join a union and collectively bargain amid attacks from the Trump Administration. I’ll always stand up for Nevada’s public servants.”
“Donald Trump is dead set on illegally dismantling workers’ rights to organize and advocate for higher pay, benefits, and workplace safety,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Public employees dedicate themselves to serving their communities each and every day, and they deserve the opportunity to join a union. Democrats stand with working Americans and will continue to fight until the right to organize is fully protected.”
“Americans have a fundamental right to come together to bargain with their employer for fair wages and better working conditions,” said Senator Smith. “By protecting the rights of public employees to organize and advocate for themselves, we will put the power back in the hands of workers and strengthen the middle class.”
“American workers’ right to organize is ingrained in our democratic principles, but for state and local government employees, this right is not a given. These public servants deliver vital services for our communities – and we’re fighting to ensure they have the freedom to organize and be treated fairly, no matter where they live,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Our hardworking civil servants dedicate their careers to teaching our kids, making sure our buses run on time, protecting our communities, and so much more. They should have the freedom to collectively organize and fight for good pay and working conditions,” said Senator Warren. “This bill protects the rights of these workers in every state to unionize and fight for what they deserve.”
“Public servants are at the heart of our country and are essential to the functioning of our communities. The work of public employees–from our teachers to health care professionals to firefighters–is invaluable, and they deserve fair wages that reflect the important work they do every day,” said Senator Welch. “This bill will ensure that public sector employees have federal protections to form a union and collectively bargain in their efforts to secure better pay and safer working conditions for their essential work. In the wake of Elon Musk’s DOGE and Trump’s attacks on the federal workforce, it’s never been so important to protect workers.”
Specifically, this bill would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve both working conditions and the communities in which they live and work. The legislation gives public service workers the freedom to:
Join together in a union selected by a majority of employees;
Collectively bargain over wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment;
Access dispute resolution mechanisms;
Use voluntary payroll deduction for union dues;
Engage in concerted activities related to collective bargaining and mutual aid;
Have their union be free from requirements to hold rigged recertification elections; and
File suit in court to enforce their labor rights.
“Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We believe, as most Americans do, that every worker deserves a union — no matter who they work for. This bill is about something fundamental: respect. Respect for the public service workers who’ve devoted their careers to serving their communities. And respect means the freedom to negotiate.”
“When workers stand together in a union, their jobs and lives improve. But in half of the country, the people who keep our cities and towns running are banned from collectively bargaining for a good union contract. Every day, the attacks on the fundamental freedoms of workers who keep our streets and water clean, our public transportation moving, and our children learning are increasing from the highest level of government,” said AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler. “We need federal law to protect their rights to form a union and negotiate fair contracts that allow them to continue to do the work that is so essential to our communities. We call on every member of Congress to stand with working people and support the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.”
“For years now, the rights of workers like nurses, librarians, educators, and all our essential public servants who dedicate themselves to our communities have been chipped away at, despite their dedication and selfless service to their communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America. “That’s why the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is so vital. It protects public sector workers’ fundamental right to join together, bargain for fair pay, and stand up for decent working conditions. Congress needs to step up and pass this now and push back against efforts trying to undermine these essential rights.”
“As education, healthcare and public service workers, our members make a difference in the lives of others every day. But too many states don’t allow the people who do the work to have a voice,” said Randi Weingarten, President of AFT. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would change that, ensuring public servants, no matter where they reside, have a means to influence their own lives. Whether it’s higher wages, safer working conditions, or a secure retirement, the ability to organize a union and bargain collectively lifts working families, students, patients, and entire communities up. That’s why we enthusiastically support this legislation and are committed to moving it forward.”
This legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Communications Workers of America (CWA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); AFL-CIO; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA); National Education Association (NEA); National Nurses United; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); UNITE HERE!; United Autoworkers; United Steelworkers (USW).
The full text of the legislation is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, 2025

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
class=”has-text-align-center”> BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
All Americans should be able to thrive in their communities, raise their families, and lead long and fulfilling lives without fear of being victimized by crime. Tragically, in recent years, soft-on-crime policies have emboldened vicious criminals, murderers, and gang members to wage war on our public safety, endanger our public spaces, and break down the rule of law. This National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we offer our unending support to every victim of crime, and we recognize that freedom in America cannot survive without safety in America.Under the previous administration, violent crime skyrocketed in virtually every city of our great Nation, with 12 major cities breaking all-time high murder records in 2021. Over the last 4 years, radical left-wing policies empowered some of the most depraved criminals on the planet and made it harder for police officers to do their jobs. Earlier this year, President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 death row criminals guilty of the most heinous acts imaginable — including rape, child molestation, and murder. These commutations stand as a devastating betrayal of innocent victims and their families. During the Biden Administration, the United States Border Patrol recorded over 10.8 million encounters of illegal aliens nationwide, along with over 2 million known “got aways” — a number that could be underreported by as much as 20 percent. Millions of illegal aliens have entered or evaded capture, with countless criminals and potential national security threats now at large in our Country. That is why within hours of taking the oath of office, I declared a national emergency on our southern border. We have also begun the largest deportation operation in the history of our country — and as your 47th President, the first bill I signed into law was the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of all dangerous criminal aliens who threaten public safety.To aid the righteous mission of the men and women in blue, my Administration is committed to enhancing legal protections for law enforcement officers. I am also asking the Congress for a new crime bill that will get tough on repeat offenders while enhancing protection for our law enforcement officials, so they can do their jobs without fear of their lives being destroyed. Under my leadership, America will soon, once again, be a country where the blessings of life and peace exist freely in our homes, at places of work and worship, and throughout our cities, streets, and neighborhoods. Our citizens will be able to live without the threat of getting robbed, assaulted, or shot. This week, as we honor the lives of victims and their families, I reaffirm my solemn pledge to build a safer, stronger, and more secure Nation for citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 6 through April 12, 2025, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. I urge all Americans, families, law enforcement, community and faith-based organizations, and private organizations to work together to support victims of crime and protect their rights.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thisninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025

Category: Justice

First-ever MHRA analysis of UK clinical trial applications finds new opportunities to drive medical breakthroughs for patients

A roadmap for stronger, more inclusive research

Professor Andrea Manfrin, lead author of the study and MHRA Deputy Director, Clinical Investigations and Trials, said:

Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, co-author of the study at the University of Liverpool, said:

Partnership working to strengthen UK clinical research

Health Minister Karin Smyth said:

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

Matt Westmore, Health Research Authority Chief Executive:

Lawrence Tallon, MHRA Chief Executive, said:

Notes to editors

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