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Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chief Executive appointed at MHRA

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New Chief Executive appointed at MHRA

    Lawrence Tallon is appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

    The government has today announced the appointment of Lawrence Tallon as the new Chief Executive Officer of Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

    Following an extensive recruitment process, Mr Tallon will begin the role from 1 April 2025.

    He will succeed Dame June Raine DBE who is retiring and has led the organisation since 2019, having steered the MHRA through the COVID-19 pandemic and the UK’s exit from the European Union.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    “I’m delighted to appoint Lawrence Tallon as CEO, marking an important new chapter for the MHRA.    

    “MHRA’s work is mission critical to making the NHS fit for the future. There is a revolution taking place in life sciences, with new innovative medicines developed more frequently than ever before. We need the MHRA to work much faster so patients can benefit as soon as possible, and I’m confident that Lawrence is the man for the job.

    “The agency plays a crucial role in protecting public health and promoting medical innovation and, under Lawrence’s leadership, I am confident it will continue to be a world-leading regulator.  

    “I want to thank Dame June and wish her all the best in her retirement.”  

    Throughout his career, Mr Tallon has demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare innovation and patient safety.

    He is currently Deputy Chief Executive at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, where he has served since March 2020.

    He is also managing director of the Shelford Group, which represents some of England’s leading NHS teaching hospitals. This experience has given him valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing modern healthcare systems.

    Prior to this he served as Director of Strategy, Planning and Performance at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and worked within the Department of Health and Social Care alongside ministers and NHS leaders.

    Professor Anthony Harnden, Chair of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said:  

     “I am delighted to welcome Lawrence Tallon as the new MHRA Chief Executive.  

     “Lawrence is an impressive leader who brings with him a wealth of experience from across the healthcare sector, nationally and globally. I look forward to working with him to maintain the UK as a global centre of excellence in life sciences and strengthening safety systems in the best interests of patients and the public. 

    “I would also like to give enormous thanks to Dame June Raine, who is handing the baton on to Lawrence after more than 5 years of being MHRA CEO and nearly 40 illustrious years at the Agency. June’s leadership and unwavering commitment to patient and public health cannot be overstated.” 

    The appointment comes at a crucial time for the MHRA as it continues to enhance its position as a sovereign regulator and strengthen its international partnerships. Mr Tallon will lead the organisation’s work to accelerate patient access to innovative medicines and medical devices while maintaining the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.  
    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the UK’s regulator of medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Screen Australia announces $2.3 million for documentaries, supporting a new wave of world-class Australian projects

    Source: Screen Australia

    04 03 2025 – Media release

    Crowded House
    Screen Australia has announced support for eight documentaries that will share in $2.3 million of direct production funding. These projects reflect the incredible tenacity of local documentary makers to uncover stories in Australia and around the globe, from Western Sydney to Ecuador. The documentaries deep-dive into a wide array of topics, from the defining issues of our time to celebrating cultural icons and shining a light on marginalised or misunderstood communities.
    Among the projects are Robodebt (working title), a three-part series for SBS that combines documentary storytelling with drama to reveal how ordinary Australians fought back against the notorious Robodebt scandal; Crowded House, which unravels the psychological complexities the iconic band faced in their extraordinary journey; End Game, following Tony Armstrong on a mission to tackle racism in Australian sports; and RISE, from writer/director Patrick Abboud, about participants preparing to compete on Western Sydney’s spectacular LGBTQIA+ ballroom scene.
    Screen Australia Head of Documentary Richard Huddleston said, “These stories, spanning numerous genres and disciplines, are a reflection of the ambition, sophistication and creativity of the current Australian documentary sector. These projects will grow Australia’s reputation for innovative, premium storytelling and point to an exciting future of global partnerships.”
    Projects supported:

    Crowded House: A feature-length documentary that dives deep into the Crowded House journey, unravelling the psychological complexities they faced in the wake of their meteoric rise, and spotlighting the evolution of the current line-up that includes Neil’s two sons, Liam and Elroy Finn. Woven from a treasure-trove of never-before-seen family and band archive, candid interviews, and more, the narrative moves between the past, present and a dream-like place of investigation and analysis that has the genius of Neil Finn’s song writing at its core. Crowded House is a co-production between Ghost Pictures (Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Autoluminescent, In Bob We Trust) and Academy Award-nominated producer, Carthew Neal (Jojo Rabbit, Tickled) and his production company Fumes. Financed by the New Zealand Film Commission in association with the ABC and VicScreen. Produced with the support of Primary Wave and Nude Run. An Australian-New Zealand Co-production. Australia and New Zealand territories distributed by Madman.
    RISE: With exclusive access into Western Sydney’s underground LGBTQIA+ ballroom scene, the documentary RISE follows participants as they prepare to compete at the iconic West Ball. In a world seeking to erase them, RISE will portray which of these queer rebels will finally have their moment on the cutthroat stage and transform their life. It is written and directed by Patrick (Pat) Abboud (Australia Uncovered: Kids Raising Kids), with Monique Keller and Billy Russell (The Role of a Lifetime) executive producing, and West Ball community leaders, Xander Khoury and Jamaica Moana co-executive producing.
    Death of a Shaman: In the depths of the Ecuadorian Amazon, a renowned Shuar shaman selects his reluctant grandson as his apprentice in an attempt to preserve their tribe’s ancestral wisdom for another generation. Meanwhile, the shaman’s son leads an Indigenous uprising that seeks to overthrow the Ecuadorian president. What transpires next will foreshadow either the preservation or destruction of a people. The feature-length documentary Death of a Shaman is from writer/director/producer Dan Jackson (In the Shadow of the Hill) and executive producers Robert Fernandez (The Fog of War) and Dan Levinson. It is financed in association with Soundfirm, with Umbrella Entertainment distributing locally.
    Silenced: A feature film from Stranger Than Fiction that follows internationally renowned human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson as she goes inside courtrooms and behind the headlines, to reveal the tricks and tropes used to silence women all over the world. Silenced is from writer/director Selina Miles and producer Blayke Hoffman, whose credits include the acclaimed Harley & Katya. Jennifer Peedom (Sherpa, Mountain) is executive producing. It is financed in association with Minderoo Pictures and the ABC, with support from Screen NSW, the Shark Island Foundation and Soundfirm. Local distribution by Sharmill Films and international sales by Together Films.
    Troublemaker: This feature film follows massacre survivor Wendy Scurr and South Australian writer/director Jared Nicholson (Starting from Scratch), as they slip down the rabbit hole of paranoia in a desperate search for solace and truth. Directing alongside Nicholson is Ben Lawrence, with Rebecca Barry, Scott Baskett, Madeleine Hetherton-Miau and Chris Kamen producing and Deanne Weir executive producing. It is financed in association with the Shark Island Foundation, with support from the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund, the South Australian Film Corporation, Screen NSW and WeirAnderson Films. Post, digital and visual effects are supported by the South Australian Film Corporation.
    Digby & Camille: This feature film is an eight-year love story about Sydney artist and the documentary’s co-director Digby Webster and his girlfriend, trainee chef Camille Collins, who both live with Down Syndrome. Looking to take the next step in their relationship, the couple fervently wish to live together and marry. But complicating their dream of wedded bliss are the very real concerns and questions from those who love and support them most, their parents. Directing alongside Digby is Trevor Graham (Chef Antonio’s Recipes for Revolution), who is also producing with Lisa Wang (White Fever). It is written by Rose Hesp (Who Do You Think You Are?), with Mitzi Goldman (Knowing the Score), Roger Savage and Jenny Lalor executive producing. It is financed in association with the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund, with support from Screen NSW, the Shark Island Foundation, Soundfirm, the Andy Inc Foundation and Philanthropy via Documentary Australia. Local distribution by Bonsai Films.
    Robodebt (working title): A three-part series for SBS that combines documentary storytelling with drama to reveal how ordinary Australians fought back against the notorious Robodebt scandal that struck at the heart of inequality and social cohesion in Australia. It is from director Ben Lawrence (Hearts and Bones) and writer Jane Allen (Troppo, In Our Blood). Executive producing is Paula Bycroft (Con Girl), Michael Cordell (Go Back to Where You Came From) and Andrew Farrell (Murder in the Outback, Undercurrent). It has received major production investment from SBS with support from Screen NSW.
    End Game: This three-part series for the ABC follows Tony Armstrong on a global mission to find solutions to combat the rising tide of racism in Australian sports to create real change for future generations — unpicking his own experiences on a personal journey of discovery, surprise, passion and understanding. End Game is executive produced by Daniel Brown (The Hospital: In the Deep End), Steve Bibb (Matildas: The World at Our Feet) and Dean Gibson (First Weapons). It has received major production investment from the ABC, with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. International sales by ABC Commercial.

    Documentaries also announced and recently supported by Screen Australia include Stan Originals Death Cap, Into the Night and Zyzz & Chestbrah: The Poster Boys, as well as ABC’s Ages of Ice, and feature film The Golden Spurtle.
    The full list of documentary blocklines is available here. The latest projects funded for documentary development are available here. For more information about Documentary funding at Screen Australia and to apply, click here.

    Digby & Camille
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    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Highlights Investments in Community-BasedPrograms That Are Making Pennsylvania Safer

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 03, 2025 – WEST READING, PA

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Highlights Investments in Community-Based
    Programs That Are Making Pennsylvania Safer

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis heard today from law enforcement officials, victims service providers and health care workers at Reading Hospital, which recently was awarded more than $600,000 in state grant funding to expand and enhance its hospital-based violence intervention program.

    “Gun violence is something we can – and indeed, must – do something about,” said Davis, who leads the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). “I want to commend local law enforcement for the work you’ve done to reduce the number of homicides in Berks County, but I also know that one act of gun violence is one too many. Every Pennsylvanian deserves to be safe and feel safe, whether you live in West Reading or West Hamburg. We’ve been making progress on the issue of gun violence, in Reading, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and many other cities and communities, but there is still much more work to be done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: New Yorkers Urged to Prepare for Ice Jam Flooding

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for potential flooding due to warm temperatures and rainfall, starting Tuesday night and continuing through Thursday. Temperatures will increase across the State starting Tuesday, with some places seeing close to 60 degrees. Higher-than-normal temperatures combined with up to an inch of rainfall may result in localized flooding and elevated river flows with some ice jams, especially on creeks and streams in Western and northern Central New York.

    “New York is no stranger to extreme weather and the potential danger of flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is monitoring the weather closely and will deploy resources if necessary to keep New Yorkers safe, and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and watch the forecast closely over the next several days.”

    There is a Flood Watch in effect for Western NY, the northern Finger Lakes, northern Central NY and the Tug Hill Plateau of the North Country from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon due to snow melt, rainfall and ice movement. Ice jam flooding will be possible, especially on creeks and streams where blockages have already been reported. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert — a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

    Agency Preparations

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. State stockpiles are staffed and ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring statewide impacts closely. Flood safety tips can be found at www.dhses.ny.gov.

    Department of Transportation

    The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with more than 3,763 supervisors and operators. Department staff are actively monitoring known problem areas and are ready to take action as needed to mitigate flooding. Crews can be configured into any type of response needed, including flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc. DOT crews are also proactively clearing snowbanks, checking and clearing drains and culverts. All residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed with operators, supervisors and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,610 large dump trucks
    • 349 large loaders
    • 90 chippers
    • 83 wheeled and tracked excavators
    • 15 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
    • 12 tree crew bucket trucks

    The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event.

    For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org/#:Alerts, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

    Thruway Authority

    The Thruway Authority has 693 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind, flood, or weather-related issues across the State with small to large plow/dump trucks, medium sized excavators, large loaders, vacuum trucks, portable pumps, chainsaws, brush chippers and other equipment. In addition, Division Maintenance crews are proactively inspecting, clearing and maintaining ditches, culverts and storm drains to effectively channel storm water away from road surfaces and roadbeds to prevent flooding on the roadway.

    Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway. The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

    New York State Police

    State Police have instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service and all specialty vehicles, including Utility Terrain Vehicles, are staged and ready for deployment.

    Department of Public Service

    New York’s utilities have about 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
    DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

    Unpredictable weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills and other backcountry areas, can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for rain, snow, ice and the cold to ensure a safe outdoor experience. Trails have mixed conditions of snow, ice, slush and mud.

    Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures and general recreation information. Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

    With warmer temperatures expected throughout the week, DEC reminds any outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of conditions when hiking and to use caution when venturing onto ice. While some waterways may appear frozen, DEC advises outdoor enthusiasts to review ice safety guidelines before heading out.

    Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

    New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

    Flood Safety Tips

    • Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
    • Develop and practice a ‘family escape’ plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
    • Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place and consider maintainig photo and video documentation.
    • Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
    • Plan what to do with your pets.
    • Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
    • Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
    • Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
    • Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
    • Check on your insurance coverage. Homeowners’ insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone.

    For a complete list of weather terms and preparation ideas before, during and after a flood, visit the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/flood-safety-tips.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, Young resolution to establish National FFA Week passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – A bipartisan resolution introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to establish February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week passed the Senate yesterday.

    The resolution highlights the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders by providing educational and career opportunities to students. It also commemorates the 75th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman signing into law a bill that provided a federal charter for FFA, acknowledging the significance of agricultural education in America.

    “Young Delawareans learn to meet today’s agricultural challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities through programs offered by the Delaware FFA and the National FFA Organization,” said Senator Coons. “I’m thrilled this bipartisan resolution honoring this vital organization and its talented educators and members who will become the next generation of leaders passed the Senate.”

    “FFA plays a critical role in the development of students through agricultural education. The lessons, tools, and resources gained through the FFA program equip Indiana’s future leaders with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to lead this resolution establishing National FFA Week in support of the more than 14,000 Hoosier FFA members.”

    “National FFA Week serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that agricultural education and leadership development play in shaping our future,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. “It’s a time of celebration and reflection as FFA members, advisors, and supporters come together to honor the impact of this extraordinary organization. The week highlights the value of fostering inclusivity and leadership while addressing the critical demand for skilled talent in agriculture and related industries. Through outreach events, community engagement, and heartfelt gratitude to supporters, National FFA Week strengthens the bond between members and their communities, ensuring the legacy of agriculture and education thrives for generations to come.”

    In Delaware, there are 42 FFA chapters, with nearly 4,430 members. 

    In addition to Senators Young and Coons, Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jim Justice (R-W. Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) also cosponsored the resolution.

    U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

    You can view the full text of the resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Murkowski, colleagues introduce Justice for ALS Veterans Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Co-Chairs of the ALS Caucus, announced the introduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This bill, first introduced in January 2022, would guarantee that the surviving spouses of veterans receive all benefits due to them. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) introduced the legislation in the House.

    “Every year, ALS robs thousands more Americans of their ability to speak, move, and eventually to live,” said Senator Coons. “Veterans who have fiercely served our nation are twice as likely to receive an ALS diagnosis, and yet, despite our efforts to support them and their families, they do not receive the full benefits they have earned in death. I’m working with Senator Murkowski to right this wrong and take better care of military families impacted by ALS.”

    “ALS is a horrible disease that indiscriminately wreaks havoc on families across the country – mine included,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan group of senators who are partnering with healthcare and advocacy groups to support those affected and their families. Our first reintroduction, the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, is an important first step that will aid the families of veterans who have been devastated by ALS. It’s not clear why veterans develop ALS at a such a high rate, but it is clear that we should close the loophole that has prevented surviving families from receiving the full benefits that they are entitled to.” 

    “Our veterans fought for us, and when they face ALS—a devastating, fast-moving disease—we must fight for them and their families. Denying a surviving spouse benefits because their loved one didn’t live long enough to meet an arbitrary requirement is not just unfair—it is a betrayal of our commitment to those who served. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will right this wrong and ensure that the families of our brave service members receive the support they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan House ALS Caucus.  

    “Studies show our nation’s veterans have a higher likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis compared to non-veterans. Veterans with ALS and their families experience rapid life changes in addition to significant financial stress,” said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We express our gratitude to veterans and their families, as well as to the U.S. Senators who are championing the passage of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This legislation aims to guarantee that the families of veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve, without being penalized due to the rapid progression of ALS.”

    “We are grateful to Senators Coons and Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to veteran families impacted by ALS,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS. “Veterans with ALS are a vital part of our community of advocates, and we are dedicated to ensuring those who bravely served our country receive the benefits they need. This legislation is critical to our effort to ensure survivors of veterans with ALS receive the benefits they deserve.”

    “PVA thanks Senators Murkowski and Coons, Representatives Fitzpatrick and Pappas, and other Members of Congress who have prioritized the reintroduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. Denying benefits for surviving spouses of ALS veterans due to the aggressive nature of this service-connected disability does a disservice to them. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will ensure these survivors receive the additional financial support that is afforded to other veterans’ survivors,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

    Background:

    • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that renders the body unable to control muscle movement. There is no effective treatment for the disease, no known cause, and currently no cure. At present, ALS has a fatality rate of 100%. Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general public.
    • Current policy states that a surviving spouse and family of a deceased veteran who had a service-connected disability deemed fully debilitating for a continuous period of at least eight years prior to death receive an additional monthly stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While ALS is deemed a service-connected disability, the average life expectancy for an individual diagnosed with ALS is just two to five years after diagnosis, which means that many families of an ALS-diagnosed veteran are not able to access this benefit. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act ensures that surviving spouses and families of veterans who pass away from ALS receive this additional benefit, regardless of how long an individual was living with ALS prior to their death.
    • The ALS Caucus remains committed to improving the lives of those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and accelerating efforts toward a cure. The previous work of the Senate ALS Caucus includes:
      • Advocating for Continued Federal Funding: Securing resources for ALS research at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
      • ACT for ALS Act Implementation: Ensuring the continued rollout of the legislation, which expands access to investigational therapies for those with ALS and strengthens research into effective treatments.
      • Community Engagement: Working with ALS patients, caregivers, and advocates to inform and shape federal policy.

    A co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus, Senator Coons has long been a proud advocate for ALS patients in the Senate. He has introduced several bipartisan bills to address ALS, including the ACT for ALS Act, which funds essential research into rare, neurodegenerative illnesses such as ALS. The bill was signed into law by President Biden in 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police seek information and footage to SH6 fatality, Gibbston

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    An investigation has been launched into the death of a man on State Highway 6 after he was struck by a vehicle last night.

    Emergency services were called to the scene near Kawerau Bridge Historic Reserve at around 10pm.

    Sadly, the man was located deceased at the scene.

    Work is now underway to understand what has occurred, as well as to formally identify the victim.

    Police would like to speak with anyone who might have witnessed the incident.

    We’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a man wearing black pants and a black shirt, walking on SH6 near the area before 10pm, or anyone who has captured dashcam footage from the incident or surrounding times.

    If you have any information that may assist Police in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250304/8199.

    Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Woman charged over child’s death

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A woman has been charged with manslaughter after a young girl died when she was struck by a vehicle in Hawke’s Bay earlier this year.

    About 5.30pm on 25 January, Police were called to Chatham Road, Lochain, after a crash involving a car and a pedestrian.

    The pedestrian, an 11-year-old girl, died at the scene.

    An investigation has been carried out and in relation to the matter, a 34-year-old woman has now been charged with a number of offences, including manslaughter.

    She is due to appear in Hastings District Court about 11.45am today, 4 March.

    Other charges include breath alcohol level over 400, dangerous driving, and failing to stop to ascertain injury.

    As the matter is now before the courts, Police are limited in what further comment can be provided.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Driver charged over crash that killed passengers

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have charged a 20-year-old driver for allegedly causing the deaths of two of his passengers in January.

    The crash on Butchers Road, Clarkville, on 11 January, killed a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman, both of whom were in a vehicle being driven by the accused.

    The car they were travelling in hit a concrete power pole with such force, the vehicle split in half. Both the victims were located deceased at the scene, while the driver sustained minor injuries.

    Following an investigation into the cause of the crash, Police arrested the 20-year-old North Canterbury man on 26 February and charged him with two counts of causing death while under the influence of drugs. Police allege the driver was under the influence of a drug to such an extent that he was incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.

    He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today, 4 March.

    As the case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Customs Worker Guilty in Stolen Vehicle Conspiracy

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

    McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old former member of the Mexican National Guard has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to defraud the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Luis Enrique Guzman Pablo was assigned to work at customs in Matamoros, Mexico. As part of his official duties, he would inspect and observe vehicles departing the United States to Mexico. 

    From May to July of 2024, Pablo facilitated the entry of stolen vehicles into Mexico in exchange for compensation.

    As part of the scheme, co-conspirators would provide Pablo a description of the vehicle to be exported. He would then ensure the stolen vehicle would pass through the inspection process without being denied entry into Mexico.

    In one instance in May 2024, Pablo assisted co-conspirators with the exportation of a stolen Chevrolet Trailblazer that was exported via the Veteran’s International Bridge in Brownsville to Matamoros in exchange for payment.

    “No matter what side of the border or what country they represent, we expect all authorities to do their duties and respect the law,” said Ganjei. “Pablo abused his position in order to enrich himself, and The Southern District of Texas will continue to ensure those like him face the appropriate consequences.”

    Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing May 13. At that time, Pablo up to five years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    Pablo has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    Homeland Security Investigations and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and the Fiscalia General de la Republica in Mexico.

    This case is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Sarina D. DiPiazza are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Acting United States Attorney Fondren Announces Federal Indictment Against Gynecologist for Sexually Abusing Patients, Adulterating Medical Devices for Reuse on Patients, and Health Care Fraud

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

    Memphis, TN – Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Sanjeev Kumar, 44, was arrested this morning and charged with enticing and inducing four victims to travel interstate to engage in illegal sexual activity, adulteration of medical devices, misbranding of medical devices, and healthcare fraud.

    The indictment unsealed today alleges that from at least in or about September 2019 and up to and including at least in or about June 2024, Kumar enticed and induced four victims to travel interstate to his medical offices in Memphis, Tennessee, at least in part for the purpose of subjecting them to a sexual activity for which he could be charged with a criminal offense in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-13-503.

    According to the Indictment, between 2019 and 2024, Kumar sexually abused women by conducting medically unnecessary gynecologic procedures with medical devices that he held under insanitary conditions and reused on patients when they were required to be disposed of or properly reprocessed. Kumar did not inform patients that he was reusing “single use” or improperly reprocessed devices before he inserted the devices into their vaginas. He also billed Medicare and Medicaid as if the procedures were medically necessary and as if he had used a new or properly reprocessed device for each procedure.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren said: “Kumar was consistently the top-paid provider in Tennessee for Medicare and Medicaid for hysteroscopy biopsy services, and he profited substantially from these criminal acts. The allegations indicate that Kumar acted as a predator in a white coat and used the cover of conducting medical examinations to put his patients at risk and enrich himself.”   

    “This doctor put profit ahead of patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The abusive behavior alleged here took place over five years, which means there could be many victims out there we have not heard from. We want you to know FBI victim specialists, special agents, and analysts investigating this case are here for each and every one of you, and we are your advocates. It is important to remember nothing Dr. Kumar has done was, or ever will be, your fault. We see time and time again that voices matter, and those who have stepped forward have empowered others to do the same. If you have any information concerning this case, or if you believe you are a victim or may have been affected by these alleged crimes, please visit www.fbi.gov/KumarVictims and complete the questionnaire so that we can contact you.  Your responses are voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation and would enable us to serve you as a victim.”

    “Physicians have a sworn duty to prioritize the health and safety of their patients,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who exploit their patients and federal health care programs for personal gain.”

    This case is being investigated by the United States HHS-OIG, the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.  If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Crum, Scott Smith, and Sarah Pazar Williams for prosecuting this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case. 

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Lab Operator Convicted of $4 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

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

    A federal jury in Detroit convicted a California man today for his role in defrauding Medicare of over $4 million in fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary urine drug testing for patients receiving pain management treatment.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sherif Khalil, 50, of Redondo Beach, conspired with others to submit claims to Medicare for the highest-reimbursing urine drug testing panels, which doctors did not want or order.

    Sherif Khalil operated Spectra Clinical Labs, a toxicology lab located in Gardena, California. As the owner of Spectra, Khalil implemented a scheme to pay marketers a percentage of Medicare reimbursements and incentivize them to obtain doctors’ orders for expensive drug testing panels. Khalil concealed Spectra’s payments to marketers by routing the payments through nominally independent marketing companies that Khalil secretly controlled. To maximize Spectra’s profits and their own commission payments, Spectra’s marketers then trained staff members at doctors’ offices to send Spectra orders for medically unnecessary urine drug tests that doctors did not actually want or authorize. Khalil also knew that orders Spectra received from physician practices were not supported by documentation of medical necessity.

    The medically unnecessary laboratory tests ordered in exchange for illegal kickbacks to marketers caused Medicare to pay more than $4 million to the Spectra Clinical Labs.

    Khalil was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive, and solicit health care kickbacks. Khalil is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud count and five years in prison on the count for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive, and solicit health care kickbacks. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys S. Babu Kaza, Jeffrey A. Crapko, and Kelly Warner and Assistant Chief Shankar Ramamurthy of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Caravan caper leads pair to court

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Two men have been arrested following a fleeing driver event involving a vehicle towing a caravan in Wellington.

    Shortly after 5am, Police were notified that a caravan had been stolen from outside a Khandallah address.

    Police were able to locate the vehicle and lay road spikes, however, the driver avoided the spikes and allegedly drove at the officer who laid them – fortunately the officer was not harmed.

    The vehicle, still towing the caravan, travelled south through Northland and down into Aro Valley.

    A brief pursuit was initiated before being abandoned.

    Due to the manner of driving, the caravan tipped on its side at one point, but the vehicle continued.

    The caravan hit a number of objects, including parked vehicles, throughout the incident, and broke into pieces, with parts and items from within being scattered across the road.

    The driver then entered the motorway at the Terrace Tunnel, before exiting at Tinakori Road and crashing the vehicle near Grant Road.

    Two occupants fled Police on foot, but were taken into custody by with the assistance of a Police dog handler around 5:30am.

    A 25-year-old and a 31-year-old man have been arrested and charged with various offences relating to the theft and driving matters. They are due in Wellington District Court today.

    Anyone who has this morning discovered they are the victim of damage to either cars or property in these areas this morning, who has not yet reported it to Police, is asked to please do so.

    You can report matters via 105, either by phone or online at Update Report | New Zealand Police quoting job number 250304/8364.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police respond to IPCA findings on death in custody

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police acknowledge the findings by the Independent Policy Conduct Authority in relation to the death of an Auckland man in June 2021.

    The 43-year-old man was admitted into Auckland Hospital on 11 June with abdominal pain and shortness of breath. Hospital staff located a concealed package in his clothing and alerted Police who attended and found it contained over 24 grams of methamphetamine.

    The following day medical staff discharged the man into police custody, and he was taken to the Auckland Custody Unit until his appearance in Court the following day on a charge of possessing methamphetamine.

    He was arrested by Police that evening and CCTV shows the man is walking unaided, compliant and co-operative. In the custody unit he was talking with officers and placed into a cell at about 6:30pm and put on 2-hourly checks.

    Police staff had an overview of why he had been in hospital and that he was likely under the influence of illegal substances. However, they believed his health was in a stable condition given he had just been discharged by a medical professional into Police custody.

    Officers checked on the man through the night and spoke with him just before 9pm. Shortly after midnight, they found the man unresponsive. An ambulance was called and police staff commenced CPR. He was taken to Auckland Hospital where he died a short time a later.

    The IPCA found Police officers should have conducted more frequent checks on the man, recognised he was deteriorating and provided quicker medical assistance when they realised he was unresponsive.

    They do note that expert medical opinion indicates the man’s death may have been unavoidable, regardless of where he was.

    WorkSafe filed a charge against New Zealand Police relating to this death but withdrew it in August of last year.

    Relieving Auckland City District Commander Inspector Grae Anderson says Police are responsible for more than 120,000 people who come in our custody units across New Zealand each year in an often challenging and complex environment:

    “Police have a duty of care to those who come into our custody, and we acknowledge there were learnings from this incident.

    “As a direct result of what occurred, police have updated training to staff, and now ensure that we give stronger weighting to recent hospital admissions when assessing the level of care required for a detainee in similar circumstances.”

    Police remain committed to continuous improvement in our custody units and have implemented a raft of significant changes over the last few years.

    “Including the creation of a National Custody Team (NCT) which provides national oversight of the policy, practice, and training for all Police staff,” says Inspector Anderson.

    “Police continues to work with all relevant stakeholders including WorkSafe, and the IPCA to look for opportunities to constantly improve our approach to the custody of people detained by Police.”

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Woman Pleads Guilty to Producing, Distributing, and Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Alexandria Stevens (20, New Jersey) has pleaded guilty to producing, distributing, and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Stevens faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for the production offense, and a minimum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment, up to 20 years, for each of the distribution and receipt offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Stevens remains detained in federal custody pending the resolution of this case.

    According to the plea agreement, while visiting Florida in November 2023, Stevens and co-defendant Michael Taylor, Jr. produced CSAM with an 8-year-old child. They also received and distributed images of CSAM over the internet. 

    Taylor was also charged for his alleged role in this case. His case is pending.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Delaware County Teacher Convicted After Trial of Coercing, Transporting, and Sexually Abusing Students

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paul Geer was a Teacher at the “Family Foundation” Private Boarding School, Which Operated in Hancock, New York, From Approximately 1992 Until 2014

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Paul Geer, age 57, of Hancock, New York, was convicted today by a federal jury after a two-week-long trial on two counts of coercing and enticing two separate children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity and two counts of transporting the children across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with those children.  The jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on two additional counts. 

    Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Craig Tremaroli made the announcement.

    The evidence at trial proved that, while Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, he imposed various disciplinary sanctions on students that were tantamount to torture. The sanctions Geer imposed on students included depriving children of food or forcing children to eat food that had been regurgitated, binding children in rugs and leaving them in isolated rooms for extended periods of time and forcing children to perform forced physical labor. The evidence at trial further proved that, in 1994 and 2001, Geer used his position of authority and his ability to impose these brutal sanctions to coerce two students to travel with him, on separate occasions, to Maine and Toronto, Canada. The evidence at trial also proved that Geer transported the students across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity with them. While on those trips, Geer raped or otherwise sexually abused each of the two children.

    Geer was taken into custody following the verdict. 

    At sentencing currently scheduled for July 9, 2025, in Albany, New York, the two counts of coercion and enticement each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. The two counts of transporting children across state lines each carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance New York State Police and the Colonie, New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone, Adrian S. LaRochelle, and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, and led by the 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Sentenced To 26 Years In Prison For Armed Robberies And Assault Of Federal Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who has prior felony convictions was sentenced today in two separate cases to a total of 26 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He admitted to committing armed robberies of two jewelry stores and assaulting a detention officer while in custody.

    According to court documents, on December 12, 2016, Wyatt Scott Peterson (42) entered EZ Pawn in Las Vegas and demanded the keys to the jewelry case. During the course of the robbery, he brandished a 9mm semi-automatic handgun to intimidate employees into not resisting and complying with his demands. The firearm was discharged into a display case during the robbery. Peterson stole at least $40,000 and left the store. Then, on December 21, 2016, Peterson entered Super Pawn in Las Vegas and demanded the keys to the jewelry case. He stole 29 rings, three pairs of earrings, and five bracelets combined worth more than $20,000 before he left the store.

    Peterson has prior felony convictions including identity theft in Colville, Washington; Possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in Spoke, Washington; and Attempt carrying concealed firearm or other deadly weapon in Clark County, Nevada. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

    In December 2016, Peterson was charged and detained pending trial for the armed robbery case. He was housed at Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump, Nevada. While in custody, he confronted a detention officer at the stairwell and began punching the detention officer.

    Peterson pleaded guilty to one count each of commerce by robbery, possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, felon in possession of a firearm, and assault on a federal officer.

    Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the cases.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Hyannis Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Hyannis man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally possessing a Chinese SKS .762 caliber rifle.  

    Donnell Pina, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Senior District Judge William G. Young who scheduled sentencing for June 4, 2025. In November 2022, Pina, along with co-defendant Ryan Diefenbach was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    In September 2021, Pina and Diefenbach possessed a Chinese SKS .762 caliber rifle. Due to felony convictions, Pina and Diefenbach were both prohibited from possessing firearms.

    In October 2024, Diefenbach was sentenced to six years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

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

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Pamela Bondi appoints Michael DiGiacomo as U.S. Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-Michael DiGiacomo was appointed as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on February 28, 2025. Mr. DiGiacomo was sworn in today, March 3, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. He will serve as the U.S. Attorney for 120 days or until a Presidential nominee has been confirmed by the United States Senate.

    Mr. DiGiacomo has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2002. He began in the Narcotics and Violent Crimes Division, where he prosecuted multi-defendant narcotics traffickers. Mr. DiGiacomo then moved to the White Collar and General Crimes Division, where he served as Chief for 10 years, supervising 12 attorneys and a deputy chief. Mr. DiGiacomo’s White Collar prosecutions included child exploitation, defense procurement fraud, intellectual property violations, health care fraud, international parental kidnapping and immigration offenses. In addition, Mr. DiGiacomo serves as the computer hacking and intellectual property coordinator for the Western District of New York.

    Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. DiGiacomo was an attorney in private practice in Buffalo, NY.

    Mr. DiGiacomo stated, “Having served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in this office for the past 23 years, I am both honored and humbled to be chosen to serve as United States Attorney.”

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Dave Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Record Q4 Revenue up 38% Y/Y to $100.9 Million; FY24 Revenue up 34% to $347.1 Million

    Q4 Net Income Increases $16.6 Million Y/Y to $16.8 Million; Adj. EBITDA increases 234% Y/Y to $33.4 Million, Significantly Exceeding High-End of Guidance

    Establishes Strong 2025 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Outlook

    LOS ANGELES, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dave Inc. (“Dave” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DAVE), one of the nation’s leading neobanks, today announced fourth quarter and full year results for the period ended December 31, 2024.

    “We closed out the year with record-setting results, delivering another quarter of exceptional growth and profitability,” said Jason Wilk, Founder and CEO of Dave.

    “Our performance was underpinned by strong member demand and continued strength in our team’s execution. ExtraCash originations were up 44% year-over-year supported by increased member growth and average origination per member. Our CashAI-powered underwriting continued to drive improvements in credit performance which contributed to another record quarter of non-GAAP variable margin. These results, combined with our fixed cost discipline and efficient marketing spend, allowed us to deliver 35% sequential growth in Adjusted EBITDA and more than 200% annually, which we believe underscores the inherent operating leverage in our business model.

    “In mid-Q1 of 2025, we fully transitioned to our new fee structure which we expect to result in even greater ExtraCash limits, monetization, and member lifetime value going forward. With this strong momentum heading into 2025, we believe we are well positioned to drive another record year as we execute our strategic roadmap and deliver long-term value for both our members and shareholders.”

    Quarterly Financial Highlights ($ in millions, unaudited)

      4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 4Q24
    GAAP Operating Revenues, Net $73.2 $73.6 $80.1 $92.5 $100.9
    % Change vs. prior year period 23% 25% 31% 41% 38%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit* $45.9 $49.9 $51.8 $64.2 $72.6
    % Change vs. prior year period 80% 47% 57% 72% 58%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit Margin* 63% 68% 65% 69% 72%
    GAAP Net Income $0.2 $34.2 $6.4 $0.5 $16.8
    Adjusted Net Income* $6.6 $8.1 $13.7 $21.1 $29.6
    Adjusted EBITDA* $10.0 $13.2 $15.2 $24.7 $33.4

    *Non-GAAP measures. See reconciliation of non-GAAP measures at the end of the press release.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Operating Highlights (vs. Fourth Quarter 2023)

    • New Members increased 12% to 766,000 while customer acquisition costs remained highly efficient at $16
    • Monthly Transacting Members (“MTMs”) increased 17% to 2.5 million
    • ExtraCash originations increased 44% to $1.5 billion, while the average 28-Day delinquency rate improved 53 basis points to 1.66%
    • Dave Debit Card spend increased 24% to $457 million
    • For a full review of the Company’s key performance indicators, please refer to the Company’s Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Earnings Presentation which can be found on the Investor Relations page of Dave’s website

    Annual Financial Highlights ($ in millions, unaudited)

      FY 2023 FY 2024
    GAAP Operating Revenues, Net $259.1 $347.1
    % Change vs. prior year 26% 34%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit* $150.1 $238.5
    % Change vs. prior year 74% 59%
    Non-GAAP Variable Profit Margin* 58% 69%
    GAAP Net (Loss) Income ($48.5) $57.9
    Adjusted Net (Loss) Income* ($22.1) $72.5
    Adjusted EBITDA (Loss)* ($10.1) $86.5

    *Non-GAAP measures. See reconciliation of non-GAAP measures at the end of the press release.

    Liquidity Summary

    The Company had $91.9 million of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, investments and restricted cash as of December 31, 2024, compared to $76.7 million as of September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to free cash flow generation offset by an increase in the ExtraCash receivables balance. The Company did not increase utilization of its credit facility during the quarter.

    2025 Financial Guidance ($ in millions)

      FY 2025
    GAAP Operating Revenues, Net $415 – $435
    Year-Over-Year Growth 20% – 25%
    Adjusted EBITDA* $110 – $120
    Year-Over-Year Growth 27% – 39%

    *Non-GAAP measure. The Company does not provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures because it is unable to predict without unreasonable effort the exact amount or timing of the reconciling items, including interest expense, investment income, and loss provision, among others. The variability of these items could have a significant impact on our future GAAP financial results.

    Dave’s CFO, Kyle Beilman, commented: “Our 2025 guidance reflects the tailwind created by our new fee structure as well as our ongoing commitment to driving sustainable and profitable growth. As we progress through the first quarter, we anticipate the typical seasonal softness in demand for ExtraCash as tax refunds provide important liquidity to our members. Our focus remains on expanding ARPU, leaning into our banking offering, further strengthening member retention and expanding member lifetime value. Given our growth trajectory, strong variable margins and the scalability of our business model, we expect to drive another record year of performance in 2025.”

    Beilman added, “Yesterday we announced the completion of our strategic partnership with Coastal Community Bank to serve as Dave’s sponsor bank for its ExtraCash and banking products. We selected Coastal based on their customer-first mission, deep knowledge across both credit and banking products, strong risk management, and our shared ambition to drive innovation and continue leveling the financial playing field for everyday Americans.”

    Conference Call 

    Dave management will host a conference call on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its full financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, followed by a question-and-answer period. The conference call details are as follows:

    Date: Tuesday, March 4th, 2025
    Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern time
    Dial-in registration link: here
    Live webcast registration link: here

    The conference call will also be available for replay in the Events section of the Company’s website, along with the transcript, at https://investors.dave.com.

    If you have any difficulty registering for or connecting to the conference call, please contact Elevate IR at DAVE@elevate-ir.com.

    About Dave

    Dave (Nasdaq: DAVE) is a leading U.S. neobank and fintech pioneer serving millions of everyday Americans. Dave uses disruptive technologies to provide best-in-class banking services at a fraction of the price of incumbents. For more information about the company, visit: www.dave.com. For investor information and updates, visit: investors.dave.com and follow @davebanking on X.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as “feels,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “remains,” “should,” “is to be,” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology and include, among other things, the quotations of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer relating to Dave’s future performance and growth, statements relating to fiscal year 2025 guidance, projected financial results for future periods, and other statements about future events. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein due to many factors, including, but not limited to: the ability of Dave to compete in its highly competitive industry; the ability of Dave to keep pace with the rapid technological developments in its industry and the larger financial services industry; the ability of Dave to manage risks associated with providing ExtraCash; the ability of Dave to retain its current Members, acquire new Members and sell additional functionality and services to its Members; the ability of Dave to protect intellectual property and trade secrets; the ability of Dave to maintain the integrity of its confidential information and information systems or comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements and regulations; the reliance by Dave on a single bank partner; the ability of Dave to maintain or secure current and future key banking relationships and other third-party service providers, including its ability to comply with applicable requirements of such third parties; the ability of Dave to comply with extensive and evolving laws and regulations applicable to its business; changes in applicable laws or regulations and extensive and evolving government regulations that impact operations and business; the ability to attract or maintain a qualified workforce; the level of product service failures that could lead Members to use competitors’ services; investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation and/or other regulatory or legal proceedings, including the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Dave; the ability to maintain the listing of Dave Class A Common Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market; the possibility that Dave may be adversely affected by other economic factors, including fluctuating interest rates, and business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in Dave’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 5, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” filed with the SEC and other reports and documents Dave files from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Dave undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

    Non-GAAP Financial Information

    This press release contains references to Adjusted EBITDA (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure that is adjusted from results based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and excludes certain expenses, gains and losses. The Company defines and calculates Adjusted EBITDA (loss) as GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Dave before the impact of interest income or expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, and adjusted to exclude non-recurring legal settlement and litigation expenses, gain on extinguishment of convertible debt, stock-based compensation expense and certain other non-core items. The Company defines and calculates non-GAAP variable operating expenses as operating expenses excluding non-variable operating expenses. The Company defines non-variable operating expenses as all advertising and marketing operating expenses, compensation and benefits operating expenses, and certain operating expenses (legal, rent, technology/infrastructure, depreciation, amortization, charitable contributions, other operating expenses, upfront Member account activation costs and upfront Dave Banking expenses). The Company defines and calculates non-GAAP variable profit as GAAP Operating Revenues, Net less non-GAAP variable operating expenses. The Company defines and calculates non-GAAP variable profit margin as non-GAAP variable profit as a percent of GAAP Operating Revenues, Net. The Company defines and calculates adjusted net income (loss) as GAAP net income (loss) adjusted to exclude stock-based compensation, the gain on extinguishment of convertible debt, non-recurring legal settlement and litigation expenses, and certain other non-core items. The Company defines and calculates non-GAAP adjusted basic EPS and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS as adjusted net income (loss) divided by weighted average shares of common stock-basic and weighted average shares of common stock-diluted, respectively.

    These non-GAAP financial measures may be helpful to the user in assessing our operating performance and facilitate an alternative comparison among fiscal periods. The Company’s management team uses these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing performance, as well as in planning and forecasting future periods. The methods the Company uses to compute these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the methods used by other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental, should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Refer to the section further below for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (loss) to its most directly comparable GAAP measure for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    Elevate IR
    DAVE@elevate-ir.com

    Media Contact

    Dan Ury
    press@dave.com

    DAVE INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in millions, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
                     
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Operating revenues:                
    Service based revenue, net   $ 90.8     $ 65.4     $ 311.4     $ 232.2  
    Transaction based revenue, net     10.1       7.8       35.7       26.9  
    Total operating revenues, net     100.9       73.2       347.1       259.1  
    Operating expenses:                
    Provision for credit losses     16.6       14.5       54.6       58.4  
    Processing and servicing costs     6.3       7.5       30.4       28.9  
    Advertising and marketing     12.6       10.0       44.9       48.4  
    Compensation and benefits     27.2       23.5       107.0       94.9  
    Other operating expenses     17.2       15.8       75.5       70.7  
    Total operating expenses     79.9       71.3       312.4       301.3  
    Other (income) expenses:                
    Interest expense, net     1.3       1.8       5.0       6.5  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       —       (33.4 )     —  
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     0.9       —       1.0       —  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     1.3       (0.2 )     1.7       (0.3 )
    Total other (income) expense, net     3.5       1.6       (25.7 )     6.2  
    Net income (loss) before provision for income taxes     17.5       0.3       60.4       (48.4 )
    Provision for income taxes     0.7       0.1       2.5       0.1  
    Net income (loss)   $ 16.8     $ 0.2     $ 57.9     $ (48.5 )
                     
    Net income (loss) per share:                
    Basic   $ 1.31     $ 0.01     $ 4.62     $ (4.07 )
    Diluted   $ 1.16     $ 0.01     $ 4.19     $ (4.07 )
                     
                     
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP VARIABLE OPERATING EXPENSES
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
                     
             
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Operating expenses   $ 79.9     $ 71.3     $ 312.4     $ 301.3  
    Non-variable operating expenses     (51.6 )     (44.0 )     (203.8 )     (192.3 )
    Non-GAAP variable operating expenses   $ 28.3     $ 27.3     $ 108.6     $ 109.0  
                     
                     
    CALCULATION OF NON-GAAP VARIABLE PROFIT
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
             
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    GAAP operating revenues, net   $ 100.9     $ 73.2     $ 347.1     $ 259.1  
    Non-GAAP variable operating expenses     (28.3 )     (27.3 )     (108.6 )     (109.0 )
    Non-GAAP variable profit   $ 72.6     $ 45.9     $ 238.5     $ 150.1  
    Non-GAAP variable profit margin     72 %     63 %     69 %     58 %
                     
                     
    DAVE INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (LOSS)
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
             
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Net income (loss)   $ 16.8     $ 0.2     $ 57.9     $ (48.5 )
    Interest expense, net     1.3       1.8       5.0       6.5  
    Provision for income taxes     0.7       0.1       2.5       0.1  
    Depreciation and amortization     2.3       1.5       7.5       5.4  
    Stock-based compensation     10.1       6.6       37.3       26.7  
    Legal settlement and litigation accrual     —       —       7.0       —  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       —       (33.4 )     —  
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     0.9       —       1.0       —  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     1.3       (0.2 )     1.7       (0.3 )
    Adjusted EBITDA (loss)   $ 33.4     $ 10.0     $ 86.5     $ (10.1 )
                     
                     
    DAVE INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS)
    (in millions, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
             
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      For the Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Net income (loss)   $ 16.8     $ 0.2     $ 57.9     $ (48.5 )
    Stock-based compensation     10.1       6.6       37.3       26.7  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     —       —       (33.4 )     —  
    Legal settlement and litigation accrual     —       —       7.0       —  
    Changes in fair value of earnout liabilities     0.9       —       1.0       —  
    Changes in fair value of public and private warrant liabilities     1.3       (0.2 )     1.7       (0.3 )
    Income tax expense related to gain on extinguishment of convertible debt     0.5       —       1.0       —  
    Adjusted net income (loss)   $ 29.6     $ 6.6     $ 72.5     $ (22.1 )
                     
    Adjusted net income (loss) per share:                
    Basic   $ 2.31     $ 0.55     $ 5.79     $ (1.85 )
    Diluted   $ 2.04     $ 0.54     $ 5.24     $ (1.85 )
                     
                     
    DAVE INC.
    LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
                     
        December 31,   December 31,        
          2024       2023          
                     
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 51.4     $ 43.1          
    Marketable securities     0.1       1.0          
    Investments     40.5       113.2          
    Working capital     247.2       251.3          
    Total stockholders’ equity     183.1       87.1          

    The MIL Network –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands come into force

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Changes to the Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) regime take effect today (Sunday 2 March).
     Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Firearms Prohibition Order regime has been expanded to help Police to keep firearms out of the hands of gangs and other high-risk offenders. 
    “This is part of our commitment to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and keep communities safe.
     “Our changes target gangs and organised crime groups. We have expanded the qualifying criteria for the court to make an FPO, given police a new search power to monitor compliance with an FPO, and established a process which allows an FPO to be modified or removed,” Mrs McKee says.
     Minister for Police Mark Mitchell says changes to the Act strengthen the existing FPO regime by sending a strong message that the Government is committed to addressing violent crime and enforcing consequences for gangs.
     “This Government takes law and order seriously and we have shown we will not back down. These changes complement other tools we’ve already given Police to disrupt gangs and organised crime,” Mr Mitchell says.
     “The changes in the Act mean courts will be able to issue FPOs to any gang member or associate convicted of a significant offence, and Police will have practical tools to ensure people with FPOs are complying with them.”
     Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) are made by the court when offenders have committed serious violent offences. They are in force for 10 years – prohibiting offenders from holding a firearms licence, and from being around or accessing firearms. Breaching the conditions of an FPO is a criminal offence, and offenders that do breach conditions can be liable for up to seven years in prison.
     “This is not an extra punishment. It is about monitoring compliance with the order that has already been placed upon them, and of course, the ultimate outcome is about making our communities safer,” Mrs McKee says.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Prosecutors Charge 126 Previously Removed Illegal Aliens, Many with Felony Criminal Records, with Illegally Re-Entering the U.S.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement partners, federal prosecutors in recent weeks filed charges against 126 defendants who allegedly illegally re-entered the United States after being removed, the Justice Department announced today.

    Many of the defendants charged in this operation were previously convicted of felony offenses before they were removed from the U.S., offenses that include manslaughter and crimes against children.

    Filed as part of immigration enforcement activities  across the region over the past week, the criminal cases charge each defendant with being an illegal alien found in the United States following a previous removal from the United States. The criminal complaints and indictments were filed in federal court in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Riverside. The recently filed illegal re-entry cases resulted in nearly three dozen arrests over the past week.

    The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison, defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum 10-year sentence, and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is enforcing long-standing immigration laws, and Illegal aliens who defy lawful removal orders by returning to this nation will be prosecuted,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “These charges promote respect for the immigration laws. The individuals charged over the past week include sex offenders, narcotics dealers, violent criminals, and others who pose a danger to the public.”

    “This result represents a brand new, whole-of-government approach to immigration enforcement,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Our primary goal, along with our federal law enforcement partners, is to ensure those who commit transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, financial fraud and child exploitation can no longer commit it in the U.S.”

    Some of the recently filed cases are summarized below with information contained in court documents. Most of these defendants were arrested February 23. Each of these defendants are Mexican nationals.

    • Ricardo Reynoso-Garcia, 59, of Arleta, was convicted in federal court of illegal reentry into the United States in September 2013 and sentenced to 46 months in prison. He was separately removed four other times between 1984 and 2018. Reynoso-Garcia was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court of voluntary manslaughter in January 1995 and sentenced to 24 years in prison. He also was convicted in U.S. District Court of fraud and misuse of visas in April 2017 and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
    • Oscar Parra-Reyes, 50, of El Monte, was removed four previous times between 1995 and 2006. He was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court in February 1993 for sale/transportation of marijuana and sentenced to two years in prison. He subsequently was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, corporal injury to a child’s parent and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
    • Luis Roberto Calderon Collantes, 52, of Rialto, was removed from the United States in August 2021 following his February 2017 conviction in San Bernardino County Superior Court for transporting methamphetamine, a felony offense for which he was sentenced to five years in California state prison. In March 2024, Collantes was found in the United States when FBI agents identified his fingerprints on a package of fentanyl they obtained through an undercover purchase on the dark web, a package investigators believe originated from his Rialto home.
    • Valentin Vidal-Lopez, 35, of Granada Hills, was removed from the United States in April 2018. He was convicted of attempted murder in January 2011 in Los Angeles County Superior Court and was sentenced to 10 years in California state prison. According to court documents, immigration authorities were notified on January 26 that Vidal-Lopez was in the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office after his arrested on the charges of resisting, delaying or obstructing a peace officer, DUI alcohol, and possessing a forged driver’s license. At the time of his arrest, Vidal-Lopez allegedly ignored officer commands to step out of his vehicle and then began to drive away. Vidal-Lopez allegedly continued to ignore officer commands and verbally threatened to fight the officers. When taken into custody, Vidal-Lopez allegedly possessed a driver’s license and a Social Security card in other people’s names, along with a bogus lawful permanent resident card, commonly known as a “green card.”
    • Erasmo Hermosillo-Martin, 69, of Inglewood, was removed from the United States to Mexico in March 1994. He was convicted of kidnapping and terrorist threats in May 1991 in Los Angeles County Superior Court and was sentenced to five years and eight months in California state prison. On January 14, law enforcement was notified via the HSI Tipline that Hermosillo-Martin had returned to the United States.
    • Angel Navarro-Camarillo, 42, was removed from the United States four times between 2007 and 2021. He was convicted in Orange County Superior Court in August 2004 for lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 and sentenced to five years’ probation and 202 days in jail. In October 2005, but his probation was revoked, and he was sentenced to three years in prison. Navarro-Camarillo was convicted in U.S. District Court in February 2019 for being an illegal alien found in the United States following removal and was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
    • Isidro Jimenez-Ibanez, 51, of Coachella, was arrested February 24. Jimenez-Ibanez was removed in 1995 following a conviction for possession for sale of methamphetamine in Riverside County Superior Court. According to the criminal complaint, Jimenez-Ibanez returned to the United States and was convicted in 2023 of assault with a deadly weapon in Riverside County.

    Criminal complaints and indictments contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The illegal re-entry cases filed as part of the past week’s immigration enforcement activities are being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The FBI; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service provided substantial support during the enforcement activities this week.

    The criminal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys in the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section and the General Crimes Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelton Man Admits Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Relief Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on February 28, 2025, VINCENZO MINUTOLO, 38, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to offenses related to his fraudulent receipt of COVID-19 relief funds.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  In April 2020, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP funding.  The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%.  PPP loan proceeds were to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.

    The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans.  Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.

    Minutolo claimed an ownership interest or representative relationship with City Sounds Productions LLC (“City Sounds”).  Between March and September 2021, Minutolo defrauded the PPP loan program of more than $145,000 by providing false information on loan applications for City Sounds, including overstating the yearly gross income for City Sounds; misrepresenting that similar PPP loans had not been or would not be sought when he had, in fact, sought and obtained, and intended to seek and obtain, such loans; and providing fraudulent IRS tax filings and tax payment vouchers for City Sounds that had, in fact, never been filed with the IRS.  Similarly, on the forgiveness applications he submitted, Minutolo materially misrepresented having complied with all the requirements of the PPP rules.

    In addition, the CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”).  Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who are not eligible for other types of UI due to their employment status.  The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) that provided additional weekly benefits to those eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or regular UI.  The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) administers UI benefits for residents of Connecticut.

    Between March 2020 and April 2021, Minutolo defrauded the CT-DOL of at least $86,000, and as much as approximately $273,000, by providing the CT-DOL with fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applications seeking unemployment insurance payments in others’ names, including individuals who had died, and individuals who did not know that their name and sometimes other personal information was being used.  One fraudulent application was for Minutolo’s grandfather, who died in 2014, and included a telephone number associated with Minutolo.  Minutolo continued to make online weekly certifications to the CT-DOL attesting that the information contained in his grandfather’s application, and other applications, were true in order to receive continued unemployment insurance benefits.

    Minutolo pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 23.  Minutolo is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican Man Arrested for Fentanyl and Meth Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant allegedly possessed over 20 kilograms of controlled substances, pill press and six firearms hidden inside an alarmed trap wall closet, accessed via remote control

    BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence has been arrested and charged for his alleged involvement in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel.

    Leury Then Rosario, 33, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Rosario was arrested on Feb. 25, 2025 and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for March 7, 2025.

    “The alleged discovery of this defendant’s hidden trap wall concealing a stockpile of narcotics and weapons lays bare the dangerous reality of drug trafficking today: fentanyl and methamphetamine are flooding our communities, protected by deadly firepower,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Drug traffickers are adapting, but so are we. This office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to dismantle these criminal networks piece by piece, ensuring those who peddle poison in our communities face the full force of justice.”

    “Those who choose to distribute fentanyl, especially fake pills containing the drug, endanger their customers as well as the general public. Maintaining public safety requires that they be investigated and prosecuted aggressively,” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “We work closely each day with our law enforcement partners to target those who seek to profit from the sale of deadly substances.”

    “The Massachusetts State Police has committed investigatory, intelligence and tactical resources in support of the DEA Strike Force, knowing that it could yield enormous results for the communities we serve,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “This arrest, the second successful operation in as many weeks, is a culmination of a complex investigation by local, state and federal partners. Their results and the decision to prosecute these offenses reinforce our shared belief that criminal gangs, illegal guns and illicit drugs have no place in Massachusetts. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”

    According to the charging documents, in January 2023, an investigation began into a DTO operating on the North Shore area of Massachusetts that was being supplied with fentanyl and methamphetamine by an organization based in Sinaloa. The investigation allegedly identified Rosario to be a Lawrence-based drug trafficker operating as part of the DTO.  

    Immediately following Rosario’s arrest on Feb. 25, 2025, search warrants were executed at his primary residence and an alleged stash location in Lawrence, Mass. It is alleged that the stash location purported to be a multiservice business with an empty retail counter in the front room. The back room allegedly contained two large casino-style poker tables and video poker-type machines. A high-end video surveillance system was allegedly overserved operating throughout the first floor as well as outside. According to court filings, the basement storage room of the stash location contained two large, locked storage boxes that contained equipment commonly used in drug processing or manufacturing: respirators; gloves; drug packaging materials; scales; blenders; and other tools.

    According to court documents, a small remote control with an extendable antenna was also allegedly found. When law enforcement actuated the remote control, an audible alarm sounded and a trap wall within the storage area opened – revealing a hidden closet that allegedly contained, among other things:

    • Over 16 kilograms of counterfeit pills, in various colors and sizes, containing controlled substances;
    • A brick-shaped object of a white powdery substance, weighing approximately one kilogram, that field tested positive for the presence of cocaine;
    • Over two kilograms of suspected fentanyl pressed into 10-gram units, commonly referred to as “fingers” in retail drug trafficking;
    • Over two kilograms of suspected fentanyl powder in large bags;
    • Over 25 pounds of loose powders in various colors, believed to include cutting agents used with narcotics;
    • A commercial pill press used to press counterfeit pills, including over 50 pill die casts with designs to counterfeit Percoet, Xanax, Adderall and others;
    • Multiple kilogram presses, as well as branded stamps used to imprint logos onto kilograms of narcotics; 
    • One Glock Model 33 .357 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition;
    • One High Point .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition;
    • One Ruger .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition;
    • Two Glock-style personally made firearms (also known as “ghost guns”) with no serial numbers loaded with 10 and nine rounds of ammunition respectively; and;
    • One AR-15 style rifle with a .458 SOCOM caliber, loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.
       

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    U.S. Attorney Foley, DEA Acting SAC Belleau and MSP Colonel Noble made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Natick, Newton, Waltham, Brookline and Lawrence Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Pulled Over for a Suspended Driver’s License, Convicted Felon Faces Up to 15 Years for Possessing Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Millinocket man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court records, in March 2023, an officer with the East Millinocket Police Department ran a registration check on a vehicle and discovered that it was registered to someone with a suspended driver’s permit. The officer stopped the vehicle, and a confrontation ensued between the officer and the driver, Jeffrey Barnard, 61. Barnard was arrested with the assistance of a second officer and a private citizen. As he was searched, a .22 caliber revolver was found in his jacket pocket. Barnard is precluded from possessing a firearm due an extensive criminal history, which includes a 2017 conviction in the U.S. District Court for being a felon in possession of a firearm in a case that stemmed from an armed standoff with police in Ellsworth.

    Barnard faces up to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 fine to be followed by up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the East Millinocket Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Malden man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.

    Logan Pierre, a/k/a “LO,” 33, pleaded guilty conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, 40 grams and more of fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2025. Logan Pierre was charged along with his brother and co-defendant, Isaiah Pierre in June 2024. Isaiah Pierre fled apprehension and is a fugitive.

    In the fall of 2023, an investigation began into drug trafficking activities conducted by Logan and, allegedly, Isaiah Pierre. The investigation revealed that the Pierre brothers were allegedly actively selling methamphetamine in the greater Boston area. Between October 2023 and May 2024, Logan Pierre and, allegedly, Isaiah Pierre sold or arranged the sale of a pound methamphetamine on at least five separate controlled purchases. During a search of Logan Pierre’s apartment, an additional 1000g of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine was recovered.

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, 40 grams and more of fentanyl, and cocaine provides for a sentence of a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin; and Revere Police Chief David Callahan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. appoints four new Provincial Court judges

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Government of British Columbia has appointed four new Provincial Court judges to support access to justice.

    The new judges are:

    • Ariana Ward (effective March 28, 2025);
    • James Henry (effective March 21, 2025);
    • Brian Dybwad (effective March 21, 2025); and
    • Mylene de Guzman (effective March 28, 2025).

    Ariana Ward has practised law for 27 years. Born in Iran, Ward moved to the United States before immigrating to Canada. After completing law school, she became Crown counsel. Since 1996, Ward has worked in almost every area of the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS). From 2008-17, she worked for the BCPS as weekend bail Crown. Since 2018, she has worked as trial counsel. Committed to Indigenous reconciliation, she has been counsel in North Vancouver’s Indigenous sentencing court. Ward’s contributions to the legal community include judging in the UBC Moot Court program and working as a sessional instructor at Douglas College where she taught an Introduction to Criminal Justice, Indigenous People and the Law course.

    James Henry was called to the B.C. bar in May 1996. He has been working as Crown counsel since 2017. For 20 years before that, he worked as defence counsel in Surrey and the Fraser Valley. He is Métis on his grandfather’s side of the family, and is a member of and served on the board of directors of the Nova Metis Heritage Association. In 2020, he joined the Indigenous Prosecution Service Resource Group. In 2022, he was appointed as administrative Crown counsel overseeing the scheduling of more than 50 prosecutors in the Surrey office.

    Brian Dybwad is a member of the Tsetault-Gitxsan Nation on his mother’s side, and his father is Norwegian. He is a hereditary Chief, with the name Skawill, which translates to big rock in the middle of the river. He graduated from University of Victoria in 1998 and was called to the B.C. bar in 2010.  He has primarily practised as a lawyer on north Vancouver Island. In private practice, between 2010 and 2018, he focused on criminal defence, family law and child-protection matters. Between 2018 and 2022, he was the managing lawyer for the Parents Legal Centre in Campbell River. From July 2022, he has held managing lawyer positions at Legal Aid BC. From 2015-17, he was the president of the Campbell River Bar Association, member at large at the British Columbia Law Institute, and in 2022 and 2024 was elected as a bencher of the Law Society of British Columbia.

    Mylene de Guzman was born in the Philippines. She immigrated to Ontario where she attended the University of Windsor and obtained her law degree in 1995. Articling at Greig, Skagen & Kennedy, she has worked as a family law lawyer in New Westminster and the Fraser Valley for most of her career. She obtained her accreditation as a family law mediator and arbitrator in 2015. She devotes 20% of her practice to alternative dispute resolutions. She is on the roster of Access Pro Bono lawyers, participating in legal clinics and conducting mediations. De Guzman is also a member of Amici Curiae Friendship Society, participating as a guest speaker and lecturer for legal clinics. She has worked as a volunteer in the legal community, taking on executive roles, including president of the New West Bar Association in 2022. She is the first vice-president of the Canadian Bar Association.

    These judicial appointments are made by considering various factors, such as the court’s requirements, the diversity of the judiciary and the candidates’ areas of expertise. The appointments show the Province’s continued dedication to ensuring fair access to justice for everyone in British Columbia.

    Quick Facts:

    • The process to appoint judges involves the following steps:
      • Interested lawyers apply, and the Judicial Council of B.C. reviews the candidates.
      • The council is a statutory body made up of the chief judge, an associate chief judge, other judges, lawyers and members from outside the legal profession.
      • The council recommends potential judges to the attorney general, with the final appointment made through a cabinet order-in-council.
    • Although judges and judicial justices are located in a judicial region, many use technology, such as videoconferencing, for court proceedings.
    • Judges travel regularly throughout the province to meet changing demands.

    Learn More:

    For information about the judicial appointment process, visit: https://provincialcourt.bc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Lisa G. Johnston Named Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Lisa G. Johnston has been named the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of West Virginia, which covers 23 counties, and oversees all federal criminal prosecutions as well as the litigation of all civil matters in which the United States has an interest.

    “I am honored to serve as Acting United States Attorney and pledge to continue to fulfill the vital mission of the Department of Justice,” Johnston said. “On behalf of this office and its dedicated attorneys and staff, I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to protect the public, enforce the law fairly and consistently, and promote respect for the legal system and the rule of law.”

    Johnston previously served as the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia from February 2021 to October 2021. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of West Virginia in August 2006. Since January 2018, Johnston has served as First Assistant United States Attorney, the second most-senior official in the United States Attorney’s Office tasked with overseeing the operations of the criminal, civil and administrative sections of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    Johnston began her 37-year career in the Northern District of West Virginia, where she served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and then as an Assistant United States Attorney. In October 2001, Johnston accepted a detail with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Chief Counsel’s Office where she served as a legal advisor to ATF employees in the Louisville Field Division. In August 2005, Johnston accepted a detail with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where she handled immigration appeals.

    Throughout her extensive career as an Assistant United States Attorney, Johnston has handled investigations and prosecutions of federal criminal laws involving crimes against children, firearms, violence, drug trafficking, health care fraud, immigration, and other white-collar offenses.

    As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston oversees a staff of 34 attorneys and 41 non-attorney personnel located in offices in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley.

    A native of Moundsville, West Virginia, Johnston earned a Juris Doctor degree from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1988. She graduated Cum Laude from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 1984.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Scranton Man Sentenced To 41 Months’ Imprisonment For Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James G. Miller, Jr., age 53, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 28, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for wire fraud.   

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between February of 2020 and January of 2022, Miller assisted coconspirators in transferring $1,582,179 in fraudulently obtained Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Lost Wage Assistance Payments (LWAPs), and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) benefits through various bank accounts, Bitcoin transactions, and mailings.  Miller acted as a money mule, receiving small sums of money in exchange for the use of his mailing address and bank accounts to transfer the fraudulently obtained funds to counterparts overseas.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Office of Inspector General Departments of Labor (OIG-DOL) and Homeland Security (OIG-DHS), and the Office of Inspector General Social Security Administration (OIG-SSA).  The case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please 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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Gang Member Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison After Being Found With A Stolen AR-15 Rifle Loaded With 30 Rounds of Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon after he was found in possession of a stolen AR-15 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. On August 21, 2024, Shelvy Travon Edwards, age 29, pled guilty to the charges.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, on September 12, 2023, Halifax County Sheriff’s Deputies and Roanoke Rapids Police Officers received a community tip that Edwards was in the parking lot of an apartment complex and was armed. Officers were looking for Edwards because there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. When law enforcement arrived, they saw Edwards move a long, dark colored object towards the center console of the vehicle he was seated in prior to fleeing on foot and leaving the car door open. Two officers pursued Edwards and quickly apprehended him with the assistance of a K-9 officer.  Two other officers secured the scene and determined that the object Edwards had placed near the center console was a fully loaded AR-15 rifle. A review of the serial number later determined that it was stolen. Edwards has prior felony convictions in North Carolina and Virginia that prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm. The felonies include conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon (NC), and unlawful wounding (VA).

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart  prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-15-M-RN.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 4, 2025
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