NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Famine in Sudan, Gaza polio campaign continues, West Bank update, Kenyan officer killed in Haiti

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern on Monday following the announcement by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and affiliated groups, of a political charter proposing the establishment of a rival governing authority in RSF-controlled areas to the transitional Government.

    He warned in a statement issued by his spokesperson that this further escalation of the battle for the country between Government troops and their former RSF allies, deepens the fragmentation of Sudan and risks entrenching the crisis even further.

    Sudan is in the grip of a catastrophic crisis as “bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country,” he said earlier at the opening of the latest UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva.

    Preserving the nation’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains crucial for a sustainable resolution and long-term stability in Sudan and the wider region.

    The Secretary-General also condemned the persistent violence against civilians perpetrated by both sides of the conflict – including ethnically motivated attacks – with Sudanese civilians paying the highest price for the ongoing war.

    His Personal Envoy for the Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, is actively engaging the warring parties and relevant stakeholders to secure a cessation of hostilities, protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and promote de-escalation, the UN chief’s statement said.

    Gaza and the West Bank: Health campaigns and humanitarian relief

    In Gaza, the emergency polio outbreak response continues, with a mass vaccination campaign which began on Saturday scheduled to run until 26 February.

    The novel oral polio vaccine is set to be administered to more than 591,000 children under the age of 10, targeting those previously missed, in order to close immunity gaps and halt the outbreak.

    “Over 261,000 children in Gaza received their polio vaccine on the first day of the campaign, despite all challenges,” noted a representative of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

    Since the ceasefire took effect, UN humanitarian partners have distributed tents, sealing materials, and tarpaulins to families – particularly in northern Gaza.

    Additionally, over 80,000 children have been screened for malnutrition, and thousands of families have received hygiene kits and water supplies.

    OCHA emphasised that sustaining these humanitarian efforts will require continued international funding and a lasting ceasefire.

    Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Monday the ceasefire has enabled it to reach one million people across Gaza with food assistance, including fresh bread, hot meals and cash support, while preparing to extend its reach further across both Gaza and the West Bank.

    West Bank turmoil continues

    Nevertheless, OCHA has confirmed that Israeli forces continue operations in northern areas of the West Bank, with reports of home demolitions in the Tulkarm refugee camp adding to displacement and destruction.

    Mr. Guterres called for “a permanent ceasefire” in Gaza and “the dignified release of all remaining hostages”.

    Kenyan police officer killed in a Haiti anti-gang operation

    A Kenyan police officer serving with the Security Council-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti died on Sunday after sustaining injuries during an anti-gang operation in the lower Artibonite region, marking the mission’s first casualty.

    The officer was wounded during a security operation in Pont Sonde, as part of efforts to curb escalating gang violence. In a statement, the MSS confirmed the death, expressing condolences to his family and colleagues.

    Mr. Guterres also reacted to the news, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the officer’s death and extended his sympathies to “the family of the police officer, the people and Government of Kenya, and of course all of his colleagues in the MSS.”

    The tragic incident comes amid worsening insecurity in Haiti, where gangs control large parts of the country.

    Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Guterres underscored the severity of the crisis. “In Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations – including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs,” he said.

    To address the crisis, the Secretary-General announced plans to propose new measures to the Security Council, including strengthening support for the MSS, the Haitian National Police, and Haitian authorities.

    “A durable solution requires a political process – led and owned by the Haitian people – that restores democratic institutions through elections,” he added.

    The officer’s death highlights the growing dangers facing international forces deployed to stabilise the country. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU reaffirms unwavering support to Ukraine on anniversary of invasion

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    Press Conference of the International Summit on the Support of Ukraine in Kyiv: The EU has provided almost €135 billion in support to Ukraine, including economic, military, financial, and humanitarian aid. It continues to work with international partners to ensure sustained support and hold Russia accountable.

    Hard-hitting sanctions have significantly weakened Russia’s economy and war capabilities. The EU is also working to ensure those responsible for war crimes face justice through the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine in The Hague.
    Peace, reconstruction, and Ukraine’s European future

    Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-268157
    Follow us on:
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    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROExnWR2Re4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OP-ED: Firing Military Officers for Perceived Political Disloyalty Endangers the Nation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    The following op-ed by U.S. Senator Jack Reed appeared exclusively in The Washington Post:

    Donald Trump’s quest for power is endangering our military.

    On Friday evening, the president dismissed Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations, and a number of other senior officers — including the judge advocates general for the Army, Navy and Air Force — for perceived political disloyalty. He is also reportedly considering dismissing additional officers who lack “requisite leadership qualities.”

    The implications for our national security cannot be overstated. A clear message is being sent to military leaders: Failure to demonstrate personal and political loyalty to Trump could result in retribution, even after decades of honorable service. In particular, firing the military’s most senior legal advisers is an unprecedented and explicit move to install officers who will yield to the president’s interpretation of the law, with the expectation they will be little more than yes men on the most consequential questions of military law.

    Trump has already fired the Coast Guard’s top admiral, Linda Fagan, for reasons that appear political. He has taken partisan steps by stripping retired Gen. Mark A. Milley and former defense secretary Mark T. Esper of their protective details and removing their portraits from the Pentagon.

    The firings are sure to create a dangerous ripple up and down the ranks. Leaders might hesitate to refuse illegal orders, speak their minds about best practices or call out abuses of power.

    A commitment to provide the “best military advice” exists at every level in the ranks. Commanders expect their troops to give them the facts, straight and true, because lives are on the line. But firing officers as a political litmus test poisons this military ethos. It sends an immediate signal to service members that the best military advice might have career-ending consequences.

    Congress expects the same candor from senior officers as presidents have enjoyed for decades. Lawmakers like me rely on senior officers to provide their best judgments — without fear of retribution — for both the security of our country and that of the 2 million service members who put themselves in harm’s way.

    As retired Gen. Martin Dempsey and Peter Feaver recently wrote: “Preemptively firing generals would only politicize the military and make it less candid, less ready, less professional and less lethal.”

    Trump’s advisers have defended the firings and their “warrior board” proposal by pointing to Gen. George C. Marshall’s “plucking board” of 1940, which removed senior military officers who had languished in the service for years. Marshall’s actions did lead to a number of generals being dismissed. But the current administration fails to acknowledge that Marshall’s board was not designed to cull senior leaders for their personal beliefs but rather to quickly create promotion opportunities for promising junior officers ahead of America’s entrance to World War II.

    The comparison is not relevant. Young officers at that time were stymied by a promotion system that rewarded seniority above merit, unlike today’s system.

    Further, Marshall was able to carry out his review board only because Congress — through the Second Supplemental Appropriation Act of 1940 — reformed the criteria for military promotions by prioritizing merit over seniority. Trump is endangering our security by ignoring existing law and injecting politics and nonmerit principles into the military promotion system.

    As in Marshall’s era, the United States will face threats in the years ahead, and we must ensure that the rising generation of military leaders is prepared to meet them.

    U.S. service members, like the nation they represent, are extremely diverse in racial, socioeconomic and political backgrounds. All of them should expect that they can have successful careers in the military. However, if young Americans perceive the military to be a place where leaders are punished at the whims of politicians, we will lose countless potential recruits.

    When I joined the Army in the early 1970s, the military was rife with racial tension, women were prohibited from many roles and entire communities of Americans were banned from serving. Today, our military is fully integrated and every qualified individual, regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation may pursue a military career. By no coincidence, our military is more lethal than ever.

    We need it to remain so. Trump is entitled to a staff of civilians who are politically loyal to him. For the safety of all Americans, however, his military officers must remain free to give their best military advice without fear of reprisal.

    Jack Reed, a Democrat, represents Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate and is a former Army paratrooper.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Life & Legacy of Judge Bruce M. Selya

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    PROVIDENCE, RI – After the recent passing of Judge Bruce M. Selya, 90, a proud son of Providence who became the first Jewish person to ascend to the federal bench in Rhode Island — serving as a senior U.S. circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and later as chief judge of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review — U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement today hailing Judge Selya’s remarkable life and legacy:
    “Rhode Island has lost a legal legend whose outstanding contributions to the community and the people of Rhode Island go well beyond his four decades of remarkable service on the federal bench. 
    “As a judge, Bruce Selya was nationally renowned and respected and set a high bar that many others in his profession admire and aspire to reach.  As a man, he will be remembered for his exemplary devotion to the law and uplifting others, particularly those in his beloved hometown of Providence.
    “A man of great wisdom, integrity, modesty, wit, and high ethical standards, Judge Selya was known for his thoughtfulness, keen intellect, and judicial temperament.  He touched countless lives in his courtroom and beyond, including legions of law clerks he mentored over the years, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
    “Over the course of his impressive legal career, he had a hand in over 1,800 opinions, many written in his signature, concise writing style that brings complex issues into focus.  He participated in notable cases that helped shape and influence the nation’s jurisprudence.
    “An inspiration to many, his example will continue to serve as a guiding light to future generations of lawyers and judges.  And his philanthropic work will continue to make a positive difference.
    “Our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Cindy, their children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends.  We join them in mourning a great loss, and in celebrating a life well lived.  Thank you, Your Honor, for a lifetime of service to others and for your undying dedication to the people of Rhode Island and the principles of democracy and justice for all.”
    Born and raised in Providence, Selya attended Classical High School before going on to graduate with honors from Harvard Law School.  In 1982, Selya was nominated to U.S. District Court by President Ronald Reagan and later elevated to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1986.
    In 2000, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed Selya to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, a position Selya held until 2004.  In 2005, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts appointed Selya to the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, and in 2008 Selya was appointed to the chief judgeship of the Court of Review.
    Selya contributed his time and talents to many community causes and public service endeavors, including leadership roles on numerous and diverse institutional boards.  He taught law school students and received honorary degrees from Bryant University, Roger Williams University, and Brandeis University.
    In 2023, the City of Providence designated Fulton Street as Judge Selya Way.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prince Albert — Prince Albert RCMP investigating structure fire

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Prince Albert RCMP are investigating a suspicious structure fire in the Rural Municipality of Garden River, SK.

    On February 21, 2025 at approximately 11:00 p.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a fire at a church that is no longer in use in the RM of Garden River. The church is located approximately five kilometres south of Highway #55.

    The Garden River Fire Department responded to the fire and Prince Albert RCMP attended the scene. The building was destroyed. No one was in the church at the time and no injuries have been reported to police. Prince Albert RCMP are investigating.

    Prince Albert RCMP are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of the church on the evening of February 21, or who has information about the fire, to report it to police by calling 310-RCMP.

    Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Old Dutch Mustard Co. Pleads Guilty to Violating the Clean Water Act by Polluting the Souhegan River

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A New York man and Old Dutch Mustard Co., a mustard and vinegar manufacturing company, pleaded guilty in federal court to knowingly discharging acidic water into the Souhegan River, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division announce.

    Charles Santich, 59, of New York, and Old Dutch Mustard Co., Inc., d/b/a Pilgrim Foods, Inc. (“Old Dutch Mustard”) pleaded guilty to knowing discharging a pollutant without a permit. U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2025.

    The Clean Water Act “CWA” prohibits the discharge of any pollutant into navigable waters of the United States without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Due to a long history of CWA non-compliance dating back to the 1980s, Old Dutch Mustard has been subject to several enforcement actions by the EPA, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (“NH DES”), and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. As a result of these actions, EPA and NH DES have required continuous monitoring of an Unnamed Brook that flows underneath and in front of the facility, eventually flowing into the Souhegan River. The Souhegan River is one of nineteen New Hampshire rivers that the State of New Hampshire has designated as an important natural resource.

    Charles Santich is the president and owner of Old Dutch Mustard, a New York corporation with a manufacturing facility in Greenville, New Hampshire. Old Dutch Mustard manufactures vinegar and mustard products, which generates acidic wastewater. In addition, stormwater flows through the property, including an outdoor area where the company stores their product in large tanks. Both the wastewater and stormwater at Old Dutch Mustard becomes acidic and is categorized as a pollutant under the CWA, and Old Dutch Mustard did not have the necessary permit to discharge the acidic wastewater or stormwater into the environment. Instead, Old Dutch was required to store the polluted water in tanks and pay a trucking company to haul all the wastewater off-site to a publicly owned treatment plant.

    Beginning in the spring of 2015, Santich hired an excavation company to bury a pipe from the Old Dutch Mustard facility to discharge the acidic wastewater and stormwater in the general direction of the Souhegan River along an abandoned railroad bed. This discharge point was downstream of, and not detectible by, the continuous environmental monitoring required by the EPA and State of New Hampshire.

    Santich directed Old Dutch Mustard employees to repeatedly pump acidic wastewater and stormwater through the underground pipe to the abandoned railroad bed. Santich also directed employees not to tell anyone about the pipe.

    In May of 2023, state inspectors from NH DES discovered wastewater from the facility, with low pH and smelling of vinegar, flowing from a manmade ditch at the top of the hill on the Old Dutch Mustard property into the Souhegan River. In August 2023, EPA agents executed a search warrant at the Old Dutch Mustard facility and observed liquid that smelled like vinegar discharging from the end of the underground pipe into the ditch. The wastewater discharge had a low pH of 3.6. The agents then conducted a dye test. The dye discharged from the underground pipe at the top of the hill and flowed along the drainage ditch and down to the river.

    EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated this case. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and Trial Attorney Ronald A. Sarachan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division are prosecuting the case with the assistance of EPA Senior Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Dianne G. Chabot.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Silver Spring Man Indicted for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted David Alain Schmidt, 43, of Silver Spring, Maryland, charging him with producing and possessing child sexual abuse material.

    Phil Selden, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore, and Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department.

    According to the indictment, in October 2024, Schmidt enticed a minor to produce child sexual abuse material and he also possessed sexually explicit images of a minor victim.

    If convicted, Schmidt faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material and a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

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

    Acting U.S. Attorney Selden commended HSI and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Selden also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy who is prosecuting the case.

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

    Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters.  Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Sentenced to Prison for Carjackings and Armed Robberies in Chicago

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — Three men who committed multiple carjackings and robberies in Chicago, including carjacking a vehicle with an infant in the back seat and pistol-whipping a convenience store clerk, have been sentenced to federal prison terms ranging from 15 to 22 years.

    DAMANDRE HENLEY, DWIGHT HASBERRY, TYLER OATES-NELSON, and DAVARIO MCDOWELL engaged in a series of carjackings and robberies in Chicago in the overnight hours of Sept. 28 and 29, 2022.  The four defendants pleaded guilty last year to federal carjacking, armed robbery, and firearm charges. 

    On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Manish Shah sentenced Oates-Nelson, 29, of Chicago, to 15 years in federal prison. On Wednesday, Judge Shah sentenced McDowell, 25, of Chicago, to 18 years.  On Feb. 11, 2025, Judge Shah sentenced Henley, 28, of Chicago, to 22 years. Hasberry, 31, of Chicago, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Shah on March 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

    Four of the carjackings occurred in the early morning hours of Sept. 28, 2022.  The carjacking involving the infant occurred late that evening, when the four men carjacked a Volkswagen Tiguan in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. After the men drove to the neighborhood in Oates-Nelson’s vehicle, Henley, Hansberry, and McDowell pointed guns at the driver and the infant in a rear car seat and ordered them out of the vehicle.  One of the carjackers patted down the driver and removed a registered handgun from his pocket.  The driver removed the infant from the car before Henley, Hansberry, and McDowell got into the Tiguan and drove away.

    A short time later, the four men, now all traveling in the stolen Tiguan, drove to Chicago’s Ravenswood Manor neighborhood, where Henley, McDowell, and Hansberry robbed one victim at gunpoint of their cell phone, wallet, and keys, and another victim of their backpack.

    The four men then robbed a nearby 7-Eleven convenience store.  With Oates-Nelson waiting in the stolen Tiguan, Henley, McDowell, and Hansberry entered the store carrying guns.  Henley used his gun to strike a store clerk in the head while forcing him to open the cash register.  The defendants fled the store with cash, cigarettes, and liquor bottles.

    The sentences were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Sentenced to 26 and 20 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Armed Business Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – Two men were sentenced last week after previously pleading guilty to multiple counts of armed robberies that occurred at Louisville and Bullitt County, Kentucky businesses.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Demarcus Page, 31, of Bullitt County was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Page was convicted of eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Joseph Campbell, 29, of Louisville was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Campbell was convicted of five counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. All the robberies occurred between June 12, 2023, and September 12, 2023.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The case was investigated by the Louisville Metro Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Lantz prosecuted the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON — Devin Devaun, 26, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 30 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a revolver and ammunition in December 2023 while he was on supervised release for two prior unlawful firearm possession convictions.

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                On November 15, 2024, during a stipulated facts bench trial, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan found Devaun guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. In addition to imposing the 30-month prison sentence, Judge Chutkan ordered Devaun to serve three years of supervised release. 

               According to court documents, on December 17, 2023, members of the MPD’s Violent Crimes Suppression Division’s Robbery Suppression Unit were patrolling along the Georgia Avenue corridor in the 4th District based on a spree of robberies that had occurred there. The MPD issued a BOLO or a “be on the lookout for” with regard to one of these particular robberies.

               Around 12:10 a.m., the officers observed a group of at least four individuals jaywalking across Georgia Avenue NW at the intersection of Longfellow Street NW, whom the officers believed matched the description of the suspects in the BOLO. One of the officers observed that one of the individuals had a rectangular-shaped object protruding downward in his front groin area, inconsistent with human anatomy and not in a spot where people typically keep cell phones or other objects.

               As one of the officers approached that individual, the individual began looking from side to side as if he were attempting to look for an avenue of escape. That individual then took off running southbound on Georgia Avenue NW, tripping as he ran down the sidewalk. Two of the officers quickly caught up with him. The officers handcuffed the defendant, and as an officer patted the defendant down, the officer felt a hard object that he recognized as a firearm. At this point, the firearm had slid down the defendant’s right pants leg. A few minutes later, another officer cut a hole in the defendant’s right pants leg, removing a holstered .357 caliber revolver loaded with six rounds.

                The defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on three previous felony convictions: a 2016 robbery conviction, a 2017 conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm, and a 2021 felon conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm.

               This case was investigated by the MPD’s Violent Crimes Suppression Division’s Robbery Suppression Unit. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Svetoslavov. Valuable assistance was provided by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Mirabelli.

    24cr44

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Sex Trafficker And Co-Conspirator Are Sentenced To Prison

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. –  A Charlotte man and his co-conspirator were sentenced to prison today for sex trafficking a minor, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina joins Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.

    Tawaan Batten, 34, also known as “Slicc,” was sentenced to 34 years in prison followed by 30 years of supervised release. In December 2023, Batten was convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity. Batten’s co-conspirator, Kristi Heather King, 34, of Locust, N.C., was sentenced to 42 months in prison and a period of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.

    “Batten and his then-girlfriend preyed on a vulnerable child and repeatedly subjected her to physical and psychological harm for their profit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: federal prosecutors and law enforcement are committed to ensuring that sex traffickers will face the full force of justice.”

    “It is difficult to fathom that someone would sell a child for sex. But that is exactly what Batten and King did and now both of them will do federal prison for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt. “The FBI works tirelessly to hold accountable those who carry out crimes against children, and we devote significant resources to help sex trafficking victims recover from the trauma they suffer.”

    According to evidence presented at Batten’s trial, witness testimony, and court documents, from July 2021 to December 2021, Batten, at times assisted by King, sex trafficked a 15-year-old minor victim. Batten met the minor victim, who had run away from her home, in a hotel parking lot in Charlotte. Batten then introduced the minor victim to King, who was Batten’s girlfriend at the time. The minor victim began engaging in commercial sex transactions shortly after meeting Batten.

    Trial evidence showed that Batten, at times assisted by King, created and posted advertisements of the minor victim on commercial sex websites and arranged for the minor victim to engage in sexual encounters with customers, usually multiple times a day. Most of these encounters took place in hotel rooms booked by Batten in North Carolina and South Carolina. Other times, Batten and King drove the minor victim to a customer’s location to engage in commercial sex. Batten kept the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters and continued to have the victim work even when she was not feeling well.

    According to testimony and evidence at Batten’s trial, Batten gave the minor victim drugs. Batten also controlled the minor victim through intimidation and manipulation, including branding the minor victim with tattoos. Batten also physically assaulted King multiple times.

    Batten remains in federal custody pending placement to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.

    In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron commended the FBI for leading this investigation and thanked the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their invaluable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Spaugh and Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

    If you are the victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888.  NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. To submit a tip to the NHTRC online please visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Police arrest robbery suspect

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    As a result of an investigation into a robbery at the Edgewater Hotel on February 17, 2025, Whitehorse RCMP identified the perpetrator as Marcus Hickey, a 34-year-old male resident of Whitehorse.

    On February 21, 2025 at approximately 6 pm, Whitehorse RCMP officers and members of the Crime Reduction Unit located Mr. Hickey at his residence in downtown Whitehorse. The residence was contained by the police in order to obtain a warrant to enter the residence as Mr. Hickey refused to exit.

    Shortly after 9 pm Mr. Hickey was arrested after surrendering to the police without incident. Mr. Hickey appeared in court on February 22, 2025 and has been remanded until March 5, 2025. He has been charged with the following offences:

    • Robbery
    • Disguise with intent
    • Carry a concealed weapon
    • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
    • Breach of Probation

    Yukon RCMP would like to thank the public for their tips and information regarding the public plea for assistance to identify the suspect in the robbery.

    Links: Whitehorse RCMP seek the public’s assistance to identify an armed robbery suspect | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden: Trump Devastates Oregon’s Rural Communities with Federal Funding Cuts and Mass Firings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 24, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley, the former top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Ron Wyden demanded recently confirmed U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins immediately reverse disastrous actions at the USDA that have harmed Oregon farmers and families.

    Their letter follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds which support farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners and mass firings across the federal government, impacting researchers at units in Burns, Newport, Hood River, and Pendleton.

    “These funding freezes and mass firings are cutting jobs, stopping essential investments for our farmers and rural communities, and making our communities less resilient to market volatility from climate, supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and natural disasters,” wrote the Senators. “These agency actions must be immediately reversed.”

    The Senators stressed the effects on Oregon by saying, “Many of our constituents have already started much-needed infrastructure projects – such as irrigation modernization under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program to help farmers in drought-prone areas upgrade their irrigation practices to increase efficiency and conserve water – under the assurance that they would receive their grant money. Halting these payments means that a project in Hood River County will not only be delayed for over 100 days but will put the irrigation district at risk of insolvency. Even if funds are restored immediately, the current delay will ultimately increase the overall costs of this and other urgent projects while also costing hardworking Americans their jobs. Preventing grant recipients from finishing their projects is not a cost-effective or efficient approach to governance and is irresponsible stewardship of Congressionally appropriated taxpayer dollars.”

    “While there are reports that some funds have been released, in accordance with the Constitution and federal law, we direct you to immediately release all funds under these grants to ensure these projects stay on schedule, on budget, and preserve jobs. Further, we direct you to stop these senseless firings and restore these dedicated public servants to their jobs to enhance our agriculture industry, protect food safety, and bolster jobs in rural communities and throughout Oregon,” the Senators directed.

    Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:

    Dear Secretary Rollins,

    On the same day he was sworn in, President Trump signed an Executive Order effectively halting all investments under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act, jeopardizing vital programs that support Oregon farmers and families. Despite court intervention at other agencies pausing these harmful cuts, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to freeze critical funding, which continues to cause severe disruption to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who are implementing projects under these landmark pieces of legislation. Since then, the Trump Administration has also fired an estimated 4,200 dedicated public servants in Oregon and across the country, grinding critical work and research to a halt across the agency.

    These funding freezes and mass firings are cutting jobs, stopping essential investments for our farmers and rural communities, and making our communities less resilient to market volatility from climate, supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and natural disasters. These agency actions must be immediately reversed.

    Critical research partnerships with universities and local farmers and ranchers through the USDA Agricultural Research Service are devastated with uncertain futures after public servants at research stations in Pendleton, Burns, Hood River, Corvallis, and Newport were fired. This vital work helps Oregon’s leading agricultural sectors find solutions toward improving soil health, dealing with wildfire smoke exposure in wine grapes, protecting the rangeland for both ranchers and ecosystems, and navigating threats like disease and pests to reliably bring global-class products to market.

    Many of our constituents have already started much-needed infrastructure projects – such as irrigation modernization under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program to help farmers in drought-prone areas upgrade their irrigation practices to increase efficiency and conserve water – under the assurance that they would receive their grant money. Halting these payments means that a project in Hood River County will not only be delayed for over 100 days but will put the irrigation district at risk of insolvency. Even if funds are restored immediately, the current delay will ultimately increase the overall costs of this and other urgent projects while also costing hardworking Americans their jobs. Preventing grant recipients from finishing their projects is not a cost-effective or efficient approach to governance and is irresponsible stewardship of Congressionally appropriated taxpayer dollars.

    Other projects, such as programs that partner with farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in over half of Oregon’s 36 counties – including in Baker, Coos, Crook, Douglas, Grant, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Polk, Umatilla, Union, and Wheeler counties – to confront the challenges of drought and other extreme weather events have had the rug pulled out from under them. These landowners have already started projects amounting to tens of millions in investments to build operational and environmental resiliency into our food systems by implementing innovative production practices, increasing market competitiveness, and supporting local manufacturing.

    Other longer-term grants for wildfire resiliency through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, such as a $22.25 million investment for work in Jackson County, has also been frozen. This has paused vital work to help ensure local landowners can not only recover from past devastating wildfires but are able to protect their neighbors and communities from future wildfires.

    Grant recipients are expecting reimbursement or payment for projects already underway and instead have been met with the message that their projects were either being paused or completely stopped. Many of these recipients are now scared to come forward for fear of further retribution and loss of vital federal support.

    While there are reports that some funds have been released, in accordance with the Constitution and federal law, we direct you to immediately release all funds under these grants to ensure these projects stay on schedule, on budget, and preserve jobs. Further, we direct you to stop these senseless firings and restore these dedicated public servants to their jobs to enhance our agriculture industry, protect food safety, and bolster jobs in rural communities and throughout Oregon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, Kaingaroa fatal crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are now able to confirm the name of the man who died following a crash in Kaingaroa on Wednesday, 19 February

    He was 31-year-old Evy James Busby, of Auckland.

    Police extend our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1156, Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Bill Summary

    H.R. 1156 would extend the statute of limitations from 5 to 10 years for federal criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions for fraud related to the temporary unemployment programs enacted during the coronavirus pandemic. Under current law, the statute of limitations for those offenses will begin to expire in March 2025. Currently, states refer unemployment insurance claims involving allegations of fraud to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of Labor (DOL) for further investigation. That office reviews cases and refers findings to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or other entities for criminal or civil prosecution.

    The bill also would rescind direct appropriations provided for program integrity activities in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    The estimated budgetary effect of H.R. 1156 is shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 500 (education training, employment, and social services), 600 (income security), and 750 (administration of justice).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of H.R. 1156
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Estimated Budget Authority

    0

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    Estimated Outlays

    -3

    1

    1

    1

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *
     

    Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation

    		    

    Estimated Authorization

    *

    2

    1

    1

    1

    *

    n.e.

    n.e.

    n.e.

    n.e.

    n.e.

    5

    n.e.

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    2

    1

    1

    1

    *

    n.e.

    n.e.

    n.e.

    n.e.

    n.e.

    5

    n.e.

    n.e. = not estimated; * = between -$500,000 and $500,000.

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1156 would increase revenues by less than $500,000 over the 2025-2035 period.

    Basis of Estimate

    CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted in March 2025. Estimated outlays are based on historical patterns for existing and similar activities.

    Direct Spending and Revenues

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1156 would increase net direct spending and revenues by less than $500,000 over the 2025-2035 period (see Table 2).

    Table 2.

    Estimated Changes in Direct Spending Under H.R. 1156
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Extend the Statute of Limitations

    		                      

    Estimated Budget Authority

    5

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    5

    5

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    3

    1

    1

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    5

    5

    Rescind Funding for Program Integrity Activities

    		                  

    Budget Authority

    -5

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -5

    -5

    Estimated Outlays

    -3

    -2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -5

    -5

    Total Changes

    		                        

    Estimated Budget Authority

    0

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    Estimated Outlays

    -3

    1

    1

    1

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    *

    Extend the Statute of Limitations. Upon the enactment of H.R. 1156, CBO expects that DOL would provide additional funding to states to continue their referrals of cases to DOL and provide information about those cases to the department’s OIG and federal law enforcement agencies. Under current law, DOL has permanent authority to fund whatever amounts are necessary for those activities for pandemic-related programs. Using information from DOL, CBO estimates that under the bill the department would provide $5 million in additional funding to states, increasing direct spending by the same amount over the 2025-2035 period.

    By extending the period for which DOJ could pursue prosecutions, CBO expects that H.R. 1156 would increase the collections of penalties and the recovery of additional benefits paid fraudulently in 2025 and subsequent years. That change would not affect state laws or rules governing the recovery of overpayments. Based on an analysis of data for similar offenses from the U.S. Sentencing Commission, CBO estimates that the increase in penalty collections would be insignificant. Criminal and civil fines are recorded in the budget as revenues; criminal fines are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund and spent without further appropriation. Thus, CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1156 would increase revenues and the associated direct spending from penalty collections by less than $500,000 over the 2025-2035 period. Additionally, using information from DOL and DOJ, CBO estimates that any additional recoveries of overpaid benefits, which are recorded as reductions in direct spending, would be insignificant. The extent to which any additional recoveries would happen is highly uncertain.

    Rescind Funding for Program Integrity Activities. The bill would rescind $5 million in mandatory funding provided in the American Rescue Plan Act to state unemployment insurance agencies for program integrity activities, which are undertaken to ensure that benefits are paid correctly. Using information from DOL, CBO estimates that the rescission would decrease direct spending by $5 million over the 2025-2035 period.

    Spending Subject to Appropriation

    CBO assumes that if the statute of limitations were extended, more potential fraud cases would be referred to the OIG, and that office would continue to investigate cases it might otherwise have dropped. Using information from the Department of Labor, CBO estimates that the OIG would require an additional $5 million over the 2025-2030 period to handle those referrals and cases. Assuming appropriation of the estimated amounts, CBO estimates that outlays for those activities would total $5 million over the same period (see Table 1).

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

    The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would increase direct spending by less than $500,000 over the 2025-2035 period and increase revenues by less than $500,000 in every year and over the 2025-2035 period (see Table 3).

    Table 3.

    CBO’s Estimate of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Effects of H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, as Ordered Reported by the House Committee on Ways and Means on February 12, 2025
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035
     

    Net Increase or Decrease (-) in Outlays

    		    

    Pay-As-You-Go Effect

    -3

    1

    1

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1156 would not significantly increase net direct spending in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1156 would not significantly increase on‑budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    Mandates

    The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

    Mandates: Erich Dvorak

    Estimate Reviewed By

    Elizabeth Cove Delisle
    Chief, Income Security Cost Estimates Unit

    Justin Humphrey
    Chief, Finance, Housing, and Education Cost Estimates Unit

    Kathleen FitzGerald 
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    Christina Hawley Anthony
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    H. Samuel Papenfuss 
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrio Azteca Gang Leader and Member Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in Juarez

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Two alleged members of the Barrio Azteca (BA), a transnational criminal organization allied with the Juarez Cartel, were extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to the March 2010 murders of U.S. Consulate employees in Juarez, Mexico. Eduardo Ravelo, also known as Tablas, Tablero, and T-Blas, and Enrique Guajardo Lopez, also known as Kiki, arrived in the United States on Feb. 20 and made their initial appearances today in the Western District of Texas. Ravelo, a former FBI Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, and Guajardo were charged in a 12-count third superseding indictment unsealed in March 2011.

    “The defendants allegedly participated in the murder of three U.S. Consulate employees in Mexico in March 2010, along with many other acts of senseless violence,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No U.S. citizen, on either side of our border with Mexico, should have to live in fear of Barrio Azteca, any other violent border gang, or any drug cartel. The defendants’ extradition to the United States is an example of the Department’s unwavering commitment to eliminating transnational criminal organizations and the pursuit of justice for the victims of those tragic murders in Juarez, Mexico.”

    “The extradition and U.S. custody of these two defendants, who are both alleged to be members of Barrio Azteca operating along the border, is essential to our mission of disrupting and dismantling these dangerous criminal organizations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “With the help of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, this U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute Ravelo and Guajardo throughout this case for their alleged participation in the 2010 Consulate murders and other gang related activity.”

    “These extraditions demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to holding violent criminals accountable, no matter where they flee,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue the Barrio Azteca and other transnational gangs wherever they operate and seek justice for the victims affected by their violent actions.”

    “The extradition of these two members of the Barrio Azteca transnational criminal organization brings us another step closer to justice for the victims of the 2010 U.S. Consulate murders in Juarez,” said Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “DEA never forgets and we never give up. Our commitment to pursue the members of violent criminal organizations threatening American lives is as strong as ever, and our message is clear — DEA will use every resource we have to get justice for American lives lost as a result of these violent networks.”

    A total of 35 BA members and associates based in the United States and Mexico were charged in the third superseding indictment for allegedly committing various criminal acts, including racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and murder. Of the 35 defendants, 10 Mexican nationals, including Ravelo and Guajardo, were charged with the March 13, 2010, murders in Juarez of U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton; her husband, Arthur Redelfs; and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee. All the defendants have been apprehended, and 28 have pleaded guilty. Three defendants have been convicted at trial, one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, and one is awaiting extradition from Mexico.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at co-defendant trials, the BA is a violent street and prison gang that began in the late 1980s and expanded into a transnational criminal organization. In the 2000s, the BA formed an alliance in Mexico with “La Linea,” which is part of the Juarez Drug Cartel (also known as the Vincente Carrillo Fuentes Drug Cartel or VCF). The purpose of the BA-La Linea alliance was to battle the Chapo Guzman Cartel and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez and Chihuahua. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because they are a principal illicit drug trafficking conduit into the United States.

    The gang has a militaristic command structure and includes captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and soldiers — all with the purpose of maintaining power and enriching its members and associates through drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, intimidation, violence, threats of violence, and murder.

    According to court documents, Ravelo and Guajardo participated in BA activities, including narcotics trafficking and acts of violence by BA members, both in Mexico and the United States. If convicted, Ravelo and Guajardo each face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Ravelo’s and Guajardo’s extraditions are the result of close coordination between U.S. law enforcement and the government of Mexico in the investigation and prosecution of this case. The cooperation and assistance of the government of Mexico was essential to achieving the successful extraditions.

    The FBI El Paso Field Office; FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Las Cruces Resident Agency; DEA Juarez Division; and DEA El Paso Division investigated the case. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Diplomatic Security Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces, New Mexico Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico.

    Trial Attorney Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Barrio Azteca Gang Leader and Member Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in Juarez

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Two alleged members of the Barrio Azteca (BA), a transnational criminal organization allied with the Juarez Cartel, were extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to the March 2010 murders of U.S. Consulate employees in Juarez, Mexico. Eduardo Ravelo, also known as Tablas, Tablero, and T-Blas, and Enrique Guajardo Lopez, also known as Kiki, arrived in the United States on Feb. 20 and made their initial appearances today in the Western District of Texas. Ravelo, a former FBI Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, and Guajardo were charged in a 12-count third superseding indictment unsealed in March 2011.

    “The defendants allegedly participated in the murder of three U.S. Consulate employees in Mexico in March 2010, along with many other acts of senseless violence,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No U.S. citizen, on either side of our border with Mexico, should have to live in fear of Barrio Azteca, any other violent border gang, or any drug cartel. The defendants’ extradition to the United States is an example of the Department’s unwavering commitment to eliminating transnational criminal organizations and the pursuit of justice for the victims of those tragic murders in Juarez, Mexico.”

    “The extradition and U.S. custody of these two defendants, who are both alleged to be members of Barrio Azteca operating along the border, is essential to our mission of disrupting and dismantling these dangerous criminal organizations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “With the help of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, this U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute Ravelo and Guajardo throughout this case for their alleged participation in the 2010 Consulate murders and other gang related activity.”

    “These extraditions demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to holding violent criminals accountable, no matter where they flee,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue the Barrio Azteca and other transnational gangs wherever they operate and seek justice for the victims affected by their violent actions.”

    “The extradition of these two members of the Barrio Azteca transnational criminal organization brings us another step closer to justice for the victims of the 2010 U.S. Consulate murders in Juarez,” said Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “DEA never forgets and we never give up. Our commitment to pursue the members of violent criminal organizations threatening American lives is as strong as ever, and our message is clear — DEA will use every resource we have to get justice for American lives lost as a result of these violent networks.”

    A total of 35 BA members and associates based in the United States and Mexico were charged in the third superseding indictment for allegedly committing various criminal acts, including racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and murder. Of the 35 defendants, 10 Mexican nationals, including Ravelo and Guajardo, were charged with the March 13, 2010, murders in Juarez of U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton; her husband, Arthur Redelfs; and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee. All the defendants have been apprehended, and 28 have pleaded guilty. Three defendants have been convicted at trial, one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, and one is awaiting extradition from Mexico.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at co-defendant trials, the BA is a violent street and prison gang that began in the late 1980s and expanded into a transnational criminal organization. In the 2000s, the BA formed an alliance in Mexico with “La Linea,” which is part of the Juarez Drug Cartel (also known as the Vincente Carrillo Fuentes Drug Cartel or VCF). The purpose of the BA-La Linea alliance was to battle the Chapo Guzman Cartel and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez and Chihuahua. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because they are a principal illicit drug trafficking conduit into the United States.

    The gang has a militaristic command structure and includes captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and soldiers — all with the purpose of maintaining power and enriching its members and associates through drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, intimidation, violence, threats of violence, and murder.

    According to court documents, Ravelo and Guajardo participated in BA activities, including narcotics trafficking and acts of violence by BA members, both in Mexico and the United States. If convicted, Ravelo and Guajardo each face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Ravelo’s and Guajardo’s extraditions are the result of close coordination between U.S. law enforcement and the government of Mexico in the investigation and prosecution of this case. The cooperation and assistance of the government of Mexico was essential to achieving the successful extraditions.

    The FBI El Paso Field Office; FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Las Cruces Resident Agency; DEA Juarez Division; and DEA El Paso Division investigated the case. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Diplomatic Security Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces, New Mexico Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico.

    Trial Attorney Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Missing person located, Ōtara

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)


    Location:

    Counties Manukau

    A 19-year-old who was reported missing earlier today from the Ōtara area has been located safe and well.

    Police would like to thank those members of the public who provided information.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police response to Lake Rotokākahi protest

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Seven people were arrested at a protest at Lake Rotokākahi last night, after refusing to leave a worksite related to a Rotorua Lakes Council project.

    The seven people were given trespass notices and formal warnings, and were released without charge.

    Police recognise that this is a complex and sensitive issue for everyone involved, including mana whenua who consider the site tapu. 

    We would like to extend our thanks to the vast majority of protesters at the site, who exercised their legal right to protest but also engaged positively with Council and police staff, and co-operated with Council staff in moving vehicles away from the work site.

    Police’s role at the site was to uphold the law and ensure the safety of all involved – Council staff, members of the public, and the protesters themselves.

    Around 80 officers were deployed across two shifts overnight, when council road blocks were in place to allow contractors to establish the worksite.

    A smaller number of officers will remain at the site over the coming days.
     

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eric Kruger Named as UConn’s New VP of Facility Services and University Planning

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A seasoned facilities operations professional with extensive experience at UConn and in the private sector has been selected as the University’s new vice president of facility services and University planning.

    Eric Kruger, currently UConn Health’s vice president for facilities development and operations, will oversee the comprehensive planning and management of all facilities operations and the physical infrastructure of all UConn campuses.

    He starts in his new role on March 21, leading a team that provides a wide range of essential services that touch the daily lives of all who work, learn, and visit UConn.

    They include the design and operations of campus buildings, infrastructure maintenance, space planning, sustainability and energy management, landscape design and grounds maintenance, logistics management, parking and transportation operations, custodial services, and skilled trades services.

    “Eric’s extensive knowledge of the University and its myriad operations will enable him to quickly and smoothly transition into his new role, which will greatly benefit our campus communities,” says Jeffrey Geoghegan, UConn’s executive vice president for finance and chief financial officer.

    “We are fortunate to have someone in this position with Eric’s expertise, vision, and proven track record of dedication to UConn,” he says.

    Eric Kruger, UConn Health vice president of facilities, development, and operations speaks about the innovative pilot project to be deployed on the Farmington campus to bolster the state’s efforts for delivering energy cost savings on August 28, 2024. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo)

    Kruger came to UConn in 2014 as executive director of facilities and operations and was promoted in 2022 to his current role at UConn Health. He previously was as an operations and engineering manager at Eversource and had a 20-year career with the U.S. Naval Submarine Force, from which he retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer / Submarine Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate.

    His wide range of experience gives him insight into all aspects of UConn’s operations, including the financial management and strategic vision required for his new position and the synergistic operations of the teams in facilities management and university planning.

    “I am thrilled to be selected to lead the Facilities Services and University Planning team,” Kruger says. “This exciting opportunity to combine the experience and knowledge shared by the dedicated staff on these two teams will improve our ability to provide consistent, customer-focused support to the UConn community.”

    He also has demonstrated his commitment to responsiveness, transparency, and communications in his roles at UConn since he joined the University, and has established strong and trusting relationships with fellow employees, administrators, and other stakeholders.

    Kruger holds an MBA from UConn with a management concentration; a master’s degree in history from Southern New Hampshire University; a B.S.A.S.T in nuclear engineering technology from Thomas Edison State University; and an associate’s degree in general studies from Columbia College.

    He also holds a transmission system operator certification from the North American Electrical Reliability Corp. (NERC), a credential signifying an advanced skill set in running power systems connected to the national electrical grid.

    Those skills were key to his previous roles that included overseeing the safe and reliable operation of UConn’s on-campus power generation at Storrs, which distributes electrical service and additional utilities such as steam, chilled water, domestic water, fire main, storm water, and sewage throughout campus.

    He also oversaw facilities operations at the regional campuses in Hartford, Avery Point, Stamford, Waterbury, and the School of Law, giving him a holistic view of the full scope of services at each location and establishing connections with those campus and community leaders.

    “I look forward to identifying opportunities to control costs and leveraging shared services to improve efficiency while still providing high quality services to our world-class faculty, staff, and students,” Kruger says.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fourteen Members of Extensive Alien Smuggling Organization Charged and Eight Arrested for Smuggling Hundreds of Illegal Aliens into the United States

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the indictment here.

    Fourteen alleged members of a prolific alien smuggling organization were charged for their roles smuggling aliens from South and Central America into the United States via the southern border.

    A grand jury in Las Cruces, New Mexico, returned an indictment on Feb. 19 against 14 individuals for conspiracy to transport, harbor, and bring in illegal aliens to the United States. Eight of those charged were arrested on Feb. 20 and 21.

    “Today’s indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a sophisticated conspiracy to smuggle aliens into and throughout the United States at great danger to the aliens, resulting in the death of one person,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department worked with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to dismantle an alien smuggling organization based in Mexico that has allegedly smuggled hundreds of illegal aliens, including unaccompanied children, through New Mexico and South Texas. We are committed to eliminating transnational alien smuggling organizations that exploit migrants purely for profit and undermine our national security.”

    According to the indictment unsealed today, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to illegally bring undocumented aliens from Mexico into the United States via the U.S. southern border. The indictment alleges that the defendants were also responsible for transporting the aliens within the United States and concealing them in “stash houses” along the way. During some of the smuggling events, the defendants allegedly evaded law enforcement by travelling at high rates of speed on the road and instructing aliens how to flee U.S. Border Patrol and evade checkpoints. Additionally, the indictment alleges that one undocumented alien died from heat exposure during a smuggling event and was abandoned in the desert.

    “Human smuggling organizations threaten our national security and exploit vulnerable individuals for profit, putting their lives at risk and undermining public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Mexico is committed to continuing to work with our federal, state and local partners to dismantle transnational human smuggling organizations, hold their leaders accountable, and seize the illicit proceeds generated by these exploitative enterprises.”

    “We are appreciative of our brave law enforcement partners for their continued vigilance in investigating and apprehending members of transnational criminal organizations who conspire to undermine our nation’s immigration laws for their profit, with a callous and reckless disregard for the sanctity of life,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “As this case sadly demonstrates, human smuggling is a crime that takes lives and puts the public at risk. ICE HSI is passionately devoted to using its abundant authority to identify, investigate, and arrest criminals who prey on the vulnerabilities of people they treat as human cargo.”

    Michelle Martinez, 29, of El Paso, Texas; Jesus Calvillo, 44, of El Paso; Jorge Calvillo, 25, of El Paso; Abel Aguilar-Cano, 53, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Jose Palomino, 27, of El Paso, made their initial court appearances today in the District of New Mexico and remain in U.S. custody. Edna Valdez-China, 48, of El Paso; Leslie Nicole Calvillo, also known as Leslie Jaramillo, 24, of El Paso; and Melissa Vargas, 22, of El Paso, are in U.S. custody and will make their initial appearances on Feb. 25 in the District of New Mexico. Jorge Alberto De La Cruz-Dominguez, also known as Guero, 54, of Juarez, Mexico; Jorge Valdez China, also known as Lolo, 23, of El Paso; Jonathan Valdez-China, also known as China and Dior, 24, of Juarez; and Alma Guadalupe Valdez-China, 41, of Juarez, are also charged in the indictment.

    Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to bring to, transport, and harbor illegal aliens in the United States. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    ICE HSI El Paso investigated the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ICE HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Texas Department of Public Safety provided substantial assistance with the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson R. Hehr for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) are prosecuting the case.

    These actions are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was established in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with DHS, to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous alien smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Members of Extensive Alien Smuggling Organization Charged and Eight Arrested for Smuggling Hundreds of Illegal Aliens into the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Note: View the indictment here.

    Fourteen alleged members of a prolific alien smuggling organization were charged for their roles smuggling aliens from South and Central America into the United States via the southern border.

    A grand jury in Las Cruces, New Mexico, returned an indictment on Feb. 19 against 14 individuals for conspiracy to transport, harbor, and bring in illegal aliens to the United States. Eight of those charged were arrested on Feb. 20 and 21.

    “Today’s indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a sophisticated conspiracy to smuggle aliens into and throughout the United States at great danger to the aliens, resulting in the death of one person,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department worked with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to dismantle an alien smuggling organization based in Mexico that has allegedly smuggled hundreds of illegal aliens, including unaccompanied children, through New Mexico and South Texas. We are committed to eliminating transnational alien smuggling organizations that exploit migrants purely for profit and undermine our national security.”

    According to the indictment unsealed today, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to illegally bring undocumented aliens from Mexico into the United States via the U.S. southern border. The indictment alleges that the defendants were also responsible for transporting the aliens within the United States and concealing them in “stash houses” along the way. During some of the smuggling events, the defendants allegedly evaded law enforcement by travelling at high rates of speed on the road and instructing aliens how to flee U.S. Border Patrol and evade checkpoints. Additionally, the indictment alleges that one undocumented alien died from heat exposure during a smuggling event and was abandoned in the desert.

    “Human smuggling organizations threaten our national security and exploit vulnerable individuals for profit, putting their lives at risk and undermining public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Mexico is committed to continuing to work with our federal, state and local partners to dismantle transnational human smuggling organizations, hold their leaders accountable, and seize the illicit proceeds generated by these exploitative enterprises.”

    “We are appreciative of our brave law enforcement partners for their continued vigilance in investigating and apprehending members of transnational criminal organizations who conspire to undermine our nation’s immigration laws for their profit, with a callous and reckless disregard for the sanctity of life,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “As this case sadly demonstrates, human smuggling is a crime that takes lives and puts the public at risk. ICE HSI is passionately devoted to using its abundant authority to identify, investigate, and arrest criminals who prey on the vulnerabilities of people they treat as human cargo.”

    Michelle Martinez, 29, of El Paso, Texas; Jesus Calvillo, 44, of El Paso; Jorge Calvillo, 25, of El Paso; Abel Aguilar-Cano, 53, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Jose Palomino, 27, of El Paso, made their initial court appearances today in the District of New Mexico and remain in U.S. custody. Edna Valdez-China, 48, of El Paso; Leslie Nicole Calvillo, also known as Leslie Jaramillo, 24, of El Paso; and Melissa Vargas, 22, of El Paso, are in U.S. custody and will make their initial appearances on Feb. 25 in the District of New Mexico. Jorge Alberto De La Cruz-Dominguez, also known as Guero, 54, of Juarez, Mexico; Jorge Valdez China, also known as Lolo, 23, of El Paso; Jonathan Valdez-China, also known as China and Dior, 24, of Juarez; and Alma Guadalupe Valdez-China, 41, of Juarez, are also charged in the indictment.

    Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to bring to, transport, and harbor illegal aliens in the United States. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    ICE HSI El Paso investigated the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ICE HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Texas Department of Public Safety provided substantial assistance with the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson R. Hehr for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) are prosecuting the case.

    These actions are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was established in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with DHS, to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous alien smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamondback Energy, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial and Operating Results; Increases Base Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback” or the “Company”) today announced financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    FOURTH QUARTER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

    • Average production of 475.9 MBO/d (883.4 MBOE/d)
    • Net cash provided by operating activities of $2.3 billion; Operating Cash Flow Before Working Capital Changes (as defined and reconciled below) of $2.3 billion
    • Cash capital expenditures of $933 million
    • Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of $1.3 billion; Adjusted Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of $1.4 billion
    • Increased annual base dividend by 11% to $4.00 per share; declared Q4 2024 base cash dividend of $1.00 per share payable on March 13, 2025; implies a 2.6% annualized yield based on February 21, 2025 closing share price of $156.12
    • Repurchased 2,326,247 shares of common stock in Q4 2024 for $402 million, excluding excise tax (at a weighted average price of $172.91 per share); repurchased 1,254,600 shares of common stock to date in Q1 2025 for $210 million, excluding excise tax (at a weighted average price of $167.42 per share)
    • Total Q4 2024 return of capital of $694 million; represents ~51% of Adjusted Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) from stock repurchases and the declared Q4 2024 base dividend
    • Closed previously announced TRP Energy (“TRP”) transaction in December 2024

    FULL YEAR 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

    • Average production of 337.0 MBO/d (598.3 MBOE/d)
    • Net cash provided by operating activities of $6.4 billion; Operating Cash Flow Before Working Capital Changes (as defined and reconciled below) of $6.5 billion
    • Cash capital expenditures of $2.9 billion
    • Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of $3.6 billion; Adjusted Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of $4.0 billion
    • Declared total base-plus-variable dividends of $6.21 per share for the full year 2024
    • Repurchased 5,525,276 shares of common stock in 2024 for $959 million, excluding excise tax (at a weighted average price of $173.57 per share)
    • Total full year 2024 return of capital of $2.3 billion; represents ~57% of FY 2024 Adjusted Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below)
    • As previously announced, closed merger with Endeavor Energy Resources, L.P. (“Endeavor”) on September 10, 2024
    • Proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 of 3,557 MMBOE (1,761 MMBO, 50% oil), up 63% year over year; proved developed producing (“PDP”) reserves of 2,385 MMBOE (1,121 MMBO, 47% oil, 67% of proved reserves), up 59% year over year

    2025 GUIDANCE HIGHLIGHTS

    Please note the guidance below gives effect to the pending acquisition of Double Eagle IV Midco, LLC (“Double Eagle”) from April 1, 2025 onward.

    • Full year 2025 oil production guidance of 485 – 498 MBO/d (883 – 909 MBOE/d)
    • Full year 2025 cash capital expenditures guidance of $3.8 – $4.2 billion
    • The Company expects to drill between 446 – 471 gross (406 – 428 net) wells and complete between 557 – 592 gross (526 – 560 net) wells with an average lateral length of approximately 11,500 feet in 2025
    • Q1 2025 oil production guidance of 470 – 475 MBO/d (860 – 875 MBOE/d)
    • Q1 2025 cash capital expenditures guidance of $900 million – $1.0 billion
    • Implies Q2 2025 – Q4 2025 run-rate oil production of 490 – 505 MBO/d (891 – 920 MBOE/d)
    • Full year 2025 Midland Basin well costs per lateral foot guidance of $555 – $605
    • Implies full year 2025 oil production per million dollars of cash capital expenditures (“MBO per $MM of CAPEX”) of 44.8, 10% better than the Company’s original pro forma 2025 outlook provided in February 2024

    OPERATIONS UPDATE

    The tables below provide a summary of operating activity for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Total Activity (Gross Operated):          
      Number of Wells Drilled
    		   Number of Wells Completed
    Midland Basin 131     124  
    Delaware Basin 6     4  
    Total 137     128  
    Total Activity (Net Operated):          
      Number of Wells Drilled
    		   Number of Wells Completed
    Midland Basin 124     113  
    Delaware Basin 5     4  
    Total 129     117  

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, Diamondback drilled 131 gross wells in the Midland Basin and six gross wells in the Delaware Basin. The Company turned 124 operated wells to production in the Midland Basin and four gross wells in the Delaware Basin, with an average lateral length of 11,810 feet. Operated completions during the fourth quarter consisted of 26 Wolfcamp A wells, 26 Lower Spraberry wells, 24 Wolfcamp B wells, 19 Jo Mill wells, 15 Middle Spraberry wells, four Wolfcamp D wells, four Dean wells, three Upper Spraberry wells, three Barnett wells, two Second Bone Spring wells and two Third Bone Spring wells.

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, Diamondback drilled 342 gross wells in the Midland Basin and 30 gross wells in the Delaware Basin. The Company turned 391 operated wells to production in the Midland Basin and 19 operated wells to production in the Delaware Basin. The average lateral length for wells completed during the year ended December 31, 2024 was 11,719 feet, and consisted of 98 Lower Spraberry wells, 87 Wolfcamp A wells, 69 Wolfcamp B wells, 59 Jo Mill wells, 49 Middle Spraberry wells, 13 Wolfcamp D wells, 13 Dean wells, nine Upper Spraberry wells, six Third Bone Spring wells, four Barnett wells and three Second Bone Spring wells.

    FINANCIAL UPDATE

    Diamondback’s fourth quarter 2024 net income was $1.1 billion, or $3.67 per diluted share. Adjusted net income (as defined and reconciled below) for the fourth quarter was $1.1 billion, or $3.64 per diluted share. For the full year ended December 31, 2024, Diamondback’s net income was $3.3 billion, or $15.53 per diluted share. Adjusted net income for the full year was $3.6 billion, or $16.57 per diluted share.

    Fourth quarter 2024 net cash provided by operating activities was $2.3 billion. For the full year ended December 31, 2024, Diamondback’s net cash provided by operating activities was $6.4 billion.

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, Diamondback spent $834 million on operated and non-operated drilling and completions, $93 million on infrastructure and environmental and $6 million on midstream, for total cash capital expenditures of $933 million. For the full year ended 2024, Diamondback spent $2.6 billion on operated and non-operated drilling and completions, $221 million on infrastructure and environmental and $14 million on midstream, for total cash capital expenditures of $2.9 billion.

    Fourth quarter 2024 Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) was $2.6 billion. Adjusted EBITDA net of non-controlling interest (as defined and reconciled below) for the fourth quarter was $2.5 billion. For the full year ended December 31, 2024, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $7.7 billion. Adjusted EBITDA net of non-controlling interest for the full year was $7.3 billion.

    Diamondback’s fourth quarter 2024 Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) was $1.3 billion. Adjusted Free Cash Flow (as reconciled and defined below) for the fourth quarter was $1.4 billion. For the full year ended December 31, 2024, Diamondback’s Free Cash Flow was $3.6 billion, with $4.0 billion of Adjusted Free Cash Flow over the same period.

    Fourth quarter 2024 average unhedged realized prices were $69.48 per barrel of oil, $0.48 per Mcf of natural gas and $19.27 per barrel of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), resulting in a total equivalent unhedged realized price of $42.71 per BOE.

    Diamondback’s cash operating costs for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $10.30 per BOE, including lease operating expenses (“LOE”) of $5.67 per BOE, cash general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses of $0.69 per BOE, production and ad valorem taxes of $2.77 per BOE and gathering, processing and transportation expenses of $1.17 per BOE.

    As of December 31, 2024, Diamondback had $134 million in standalone cash and no borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility, with approximately $2.5 billion available for future borrowings under the facility and approximately $2.6 billion of total liquidity. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had consolidated total debt of $13.2 billion and consolidated net debt (as defined and reconciled below) of $13.0 billion, up from consolidated total debt of $13.1 billion and consolidated net debt of $12.7 billion as of September 30, 2024.

    DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS

    Diamondback announced today that the Company’s Board of Directors declared a base cash dividend of $1.00 per common share for the fourth quarter of 2024 payable on March 13, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 6, 2025.

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

    COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, Diamondback repurchased ~2.3 million shares of common stock at an average share price of $172.91 for a total cost of approximately $402 million, excluding excise tax. To date, Diamondback has repurchased ~25.8 million shares of common stock at an average share price of $136.82 for a total cost of approximately $3.5 billion and has approximately $2.5 billion remaining on its current share buyback authorization. Subject to factors discussed below, Diamondback intends to continue to purchase common stock under the common stock repurchase program opportunistically with cash on hand, free cash flow from operations and proceeds from potential liquidity events such as the sale of assets. This repurchase program has no time limit and may be suspended from time to time, modified, extended or discontinued by the Board at any time. Purchases under the repurchase program may be made from time to time in privately negotiated transactions, or in open market transactions in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and will be subject to market conditions, applicable regulatory and legal requirements and other factors. Any common stock purchased as part of this program will be retired.

    RESERVES

    Estimates of Diamondback’s proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 were prepared by Diamondback’s internal reservoir engineers and audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., an independent petroleum engineering firm. Reference prices of $75.48 per barrel of oil and $2.13 per Mmbtu of natural gas were used in accordance with applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Realized prices with applicable differentials were $76.15 per barrel of oil, $0.54 per Mcf of natural gas and $22.02 per barrel of natural gas liquids.

    Proved reserves at year-end 2024 of 3,557 MMBOE represent a 63% increase over year-end 2023 reserves. Proved developed reserves increased by 59% to 2,385 MMBOE (67% of total proved reserves) as of December 31, 2024, reflecting the continued development of the Company’s horizontal well inventory. Proved undeveloped reserves (“PUD” or “PUDs”) increased to 1,173 MMBOE, a 72% increase over year-end 2023, and are comprised of 1,381 horizontal locations in which we have a working interest, of which 1,310 are in the Midland Basin. Crude oil represents 50% of Diamondback’s total proved reserves.

    Net proved reserve additions of 1,599 MMBOE resulted in a reserve replacement ratio of 730% (defined as the sum of extensions and discoveries, revisions, purchases and divestitures, divided by annual production). The organic reserve replacement ratio was 68% (defined as the sum of extensions and discoveries and revisions, divided by annual production).

    Net purchases of reserves were the primary contributor to the increase in reserves totaling 1,449 MMBOE followed by Extensions and discoveries of reserves totaling 279 MMBOE, with downward revisions of 129 MMBOE. PDP extensions were the result of 1,172 new wells in which the Company has an interest, and PUD extensions were the result of 445 new locations in which the Company has a working interest. Net purchases of reserves of 1,449 MMBOE were the net result of acquisitions of 1,569 MMBOE and divestitures of 121 MMBOE. Downward revisions of 129 MMBOE were primarily the result of negative revisions of 89 MMBOE associated with lower commodity prices, 49 MMBOE due to PUD downgrades related to changes in the corporate development plan and 17 MMBOE due to a decline in well performance. These were partially offset by positive performance revisions of 26 MMBOE related to ownership and acquisition variance revisions.

    The SEC PUD guidelines allow a company to book PUD reserves associated with projects that are to occur within the next five years. With its current development plan, the Company expects to continue its strong PUD conversion ratio in 2025 by converting an estimated 33% of its PUDs to a Proved Developed category, and develop approximately 78% of the consolidated 2024 year-end PUD reserves by the end of 2027.

      Oil (MBbls)   Gas (MMcf)   Liquids (MBbls)   MBOE
    As of December 31, 2023 1,143,944     2,997,422     534,247     2,177,761  
    Extensions and discoveries 168,375     310,421     58,696     278,808  
    Revisions of previous estimates (78,142 )   (158,468 )   (24,518 )   (129,071 )
    Purchase of reserves in place 697,702     2,391,264     473,236     1,569,482  
    Divestitures (47,505 )   (240,044 )   (33,080 )   (120,592 )
    Production (123,325 )   (275,680 )   (49,700 )   (218,972 )
    As of December 31, 2024 1,761,049     5,024,915     958,881     3,557,416  

    Diamondback’s exploration and development costs in 2024 were $3.2 billion. PD F&D costs were $10.51/BOE. PD F&D costs are defined as exploration and development costs, excluding midstream, divided by the sum of reserves associated with transfers from proved undeveloped reserves at year-end 2023 including any associated revisions in 2024 and extensions and discoveries placed on production during 2024. Drill bit F&D costs were $19.12/BOE including the effects of all revisions including pricing revisions. Drill bit F&D costs are defined as the exploration and development costs, excluding midstream, divided by the sum of extensions, discoveries and revisions.

      Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2022  
      (In millions)
    Acquisition costs:          
    Proved properties $ 21,275     $ 1,314     $ 778  
    Unproved properties   15,568       1,701       1,536  
    Development costs   2,992       1,962       566  
    Exploration costs   194       768       1,698  
    Total $ 40,029     $ 5,745     $ 4,578  


    FULL YEAR 2025 GUIDANCE

    Below is Diamondback’s guidance for the full year 2025, which includes first quarter production, cash tax and capital guidance. This guidance gives effect to the estimated contribution related to the pending Double Eagle acquisition, which is expected to close on April 1, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

      2025 Guidance 2025 Guidance
      Diamondback Energy, Inc. Viper Energy, Inc.
         
    2025 Net production – MBOE/d 883 – 909  
    2025 Oil production – MBO/d 485 – 498  
    Q1 2025 Oil production – MBO/d (total – MBOE/d) 470 – 475 (860 – 875) 30.0 – 31.0 (54.0 – 56.0)
         
    Unit costs ($/BOE)    
    Lease operating expenses, including workovers $5.90 – $6.30  
    G&A    
    Cash G&A $0.60 – $0.75  
    Non-cash equity-based compensation $0.25 – $0.35  
    DD&A $14.00 – $15.00  
    Interest expense (net of interest income) $0.25 – $0.50  
    Gathering, processing and transportation $1.20 – $1.40  
         
    Production and ad valorem taxes (% of revenue) ~7%  
    Corporate tax rate (% of pre-tax income) 23%  
    Cash tax rate (% of pre-tax income) 17% – 20%  
    Q1 2025 Cash taxes ($ – million) $280 – $340  
         
    Capital Budget ($ – million)    
    Operated drilling and completion $3,130 – $3,440  
    Capital workovers, non-operated properties and science $280 – $320  
    Infrastructure, environmental and midstream(1) $390 – $440  
    2025 Total capital expenditures $3,800 – $4,200  
    Q1 2025 Capital expenditures $900 – $1,000  
         
    Gross horizontal wells drilled (net) 446 – 471 (406 – 428)  
    Gross horizontal wells completed (net) 557 – 592 (526 – 560)  
    Average lateral length (Ft.) ~11,500′  
    FY 2025 Midland Basin well costs per lateral foot $555 – $605  
    FY 2025 Delaware Basin well costs per lateral foot $860 – $910  
    Midland Basin completed net lateral feet (%) ~95%  
    Delaware Basin completed net lateral feet (%) ~5%  

    (1) Includes approximately $60 million in estimated midstream capital expenditures for the full year 2025.

    CONFERENCE CALL

    Diamondback will host a conference call and webcast for investors and analysts to discuss its results for the fourth quarter of 2024 on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. CT. Access to the webcast, and replay which will be available following the call, may be found here. The live webcast of the earnings conference call will also be available via Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com under the “Investor Relations” section of the site.

    About Diamondback Energy, Inc.

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

    Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following: changes in supply and demand levels for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, and the resulting impact on the price for those commodities; the impact of public health crises, including epidemic or pandemic diseases and any related company or government policies or actions; actions taken by the members of OPEC and Russia affecting the production and pricing of oil, as well as other domestic and global political, economic, or diplomatic developments, including any impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war on the global energy markets and geopolitical stability; instability in the financial markets; inflationary pressures; higher interest rates and their impact on the cost of capital; regional supply and demand factors, including delays, curtailment delays or interruptions of production, or governmental orders, rules or regulations that impose production limits; federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, including the effect of existing and future laws and governmental regulations; physical and transition risks relating to climate change; those risks described in Item 1A of Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and those risks disclosed in its subsequent filings on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors.

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

     
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (unaudited, in millions, except share amounts)
           
      December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2023  
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents ($27 million and $26 million related to Viper) $ 161     $ 582  
    Restricted cash   3       3  
    Accounts receivable:      
    Joint interest and other, net   198       192  
    Oil and natural gas sales, net ($149 million and $109 million related to Viper)   1,387       654  
    Inventories   116       63  
    Derivative instruments   168       17  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   77       110  
    Total current assets   2,110       1,621  
    Property and equipment:      
    Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method of accounting ($22,666 million and $8,659 million excluded from amortization at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) ($5,713 million and $4,629 million related to Viper and $2,180 million and $1,769 million excluded from amortization related to Viper)   82,240       42,430  
    Other property, equipment and land   1,440       673  
    Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment ($1,081 million and $866 million related to Viper)   (19,208 )     (16,429 )
    Property and equipment, net   64,472       26,674  
    Funds held in escrow   1       —  
    Equity method investments   375       529  
    Derivative instruments   2       1  
    Deferred income taxes, net ($185 million and $57 million related to Viper)   173       45  
    Other assets   159       131  
    Total assets $ 67,292     $ 29,001  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable – trade $ 253     $ 261  
    Accrued capital expenditures   690       493  
    Current maturities of debt   900       —  
    Other accrued liabilities   1,020       475  
    Revenues and royalties payable   1,491       764  
    Derivative instruments   43       86  
    Income taxes payable   414       29  
    Total current liabilities   4,811       2,108  
    Long-term debt ($1,083 million and $1,083 million related to Viper)   12,075       6,641  
    Derivative instruments   106       122  
    Asset retirement obligations   573       239  
    Deferred income taxes   9,826       2,449  
    Other long-term liabilities   39       12  
    Total liabilities   27,430       11,571  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; 800,000,000 shares authorized; 290,984,373 and 178,723,871 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   3       2  
    Additional paid-in capital   33,501       14,142  
    Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)   4,238       2,489  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (6 )     (8 )
    Total Diamondback Energy, Inc. stockholders’ equity   37,736       16,625  
    Non-controlling interest   2,126       805  
    Total equity   39,862       17,430  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 67,292     $ 29,001  
     
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (unaudited, $ in millions except per share data, shares in thousands)
                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues:              
    Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquid sales $ 3,471     $ 2,165     $ 10,100     $ 8,228  
    Sales of purchased oil   225       52       923       111  
    Other operating income   15       11       43       73  
    Total revenues   3,711       2,228       11,066       8,412  
    Costs and expenses:              
    Lease operating expenses   461       254       1,286       872  
    Production and ad valorem taxes   225       104       638       525  
    Gathering, processing and transportation   95       78       356       287  
    Purchased oil expense   225       52       921       111  
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion   1,156       469       2,850       1,746  
    General and administrative expenses   72       39       213       150  
    Merger and integration expense   30       —       303       11  
    Other operating expenses   35       27       103       140  
    Total costs and expenses   2,299       1,023       6,670       3,842  
    Income (loss) from operations   1,412       1,205       4,396       4,570  
    Other income (expense):              
    Interest expense, net   (34 )     (29 )     (135 )     (159 )
    Other income (expense), net   (7 )     (9 )     80       52  
    Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net   36       99       137       (259 )
    Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt   —       —       2       (4 )
    Income (loss) from equity investments, net   (2 )     9       21       48  
    Total other income (expense), net   (7 )     70       105       (322 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes   1,405       1,275       4,501       4,248  
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   115       264       800       912  
    Net income (loss)   1,290       1,011       3,701       3,336  
    Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   216       51       363       193  
    Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. $ 1,074     $ 960     $ 3,338     $ 3,143  
                   
    Earnings (loss) per common share:              
    Basic $ 3.67     $ 5.34     $ 15.53     $ 17.34  
    Diluted $ 3.67     $ 5.34     $ 15.53     $ 17.34  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:              
    Basic   291,851       178,811       213,545       179,999  
    Diluted   291,851       178,811       213,545       179,999  
     
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (unaudited, in millions)
                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:              
    Net income (loss) $ 1,290     $ 1,011     $ 3,701     $ 3,336  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:              
    Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes   (165 )     193       15       378  
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion   1,156       469       2,850       1,746  
    (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt   —       —       (2 )     4  
    (Gain) loss on derivative instruments, net   (36 )     (99 )     (137 )     259  
    Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative instruments   (15 )     (48 )     (51 )     (110 )
    (Income) loss from equity investment, net   2       (9 )     (21 )     (48 )
    Equity-based compensation expense   16       14       65       54  
    Other   12       28       89       5  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
    Accounts receivable   (103 )     147       (42 )     (71 )
    Income tax receivable   (3 )     16       9       283  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (24 )     (94 )     54       (89 )
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   114       11       (376 )     57  
    Income taxes payable   138       (9 )     87       (5 )
    Revenues and royalties payable   59       (16 )     168       123  
    Other   (100 )     10       4       (2 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   2,341       1,624       6,413       5,920  
    Cash flows from investing activities:              
    Drilling, completions, infrastructure and midstream additions to oil and natural gas properties   (933 )     (649 )     (2,867 )     (2,701 )
    Property acquisitions   (926 )     (820 )     (8,920 )     (2,013 )
    Proceeds from sale of assets   8       7       467       1,407  
    Other   (4 )     (2 )     99       (16 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (1,855 )     (1,464 )     (11,221 )     (3,323 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:              
    Proceeds under term loan agreement   —       —       1,000       —  
    Repayments under term loan agreement   (100 )     —       (100 )     —  
    Proceeds from borrowings under credit facilities   2,190       313       3,375       4,779  
    Repayments under credit facilities   (2,044 )     (300 )     (3,377 )     (4,668 )
    Proceeds from senior notes   —       400       5,500       400  
    Repayment of senior notes   —       —       (25 )     (134 )
    Repurchased shares under buyback program   (402 )     (131 )     (959 )     (840 )
    Repurchased shares/units under Viper’s buyback program   —       (28 )     —       (95 )
    Proceeds from partial sale of investment in Viper Energy, Inc.   —       —       451       —  
    Net proceeds from Viper’s issuance of common stock   —       —       476       —  
    Dividends paid to stockholders   (262 )     (603 )     (1,578 )     (1,444 )
    Dividends/distributions to non-controlling interest   (70 )     (45 )     (227 )     (129 )
    Other   (7 )     (11 )     (149 )     (45 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (695 )     (405 )     4,387       (2,176 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (209 )     (245 )     (421 )     421  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period   373       830       585       164  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 164     $ 585     $ 164     $ 585  
     
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Selected Operating Data
    (unaudited)
                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Production Data:              
    Oil (MBbls)   43,785       25,124       123,325       96,176  
    Natural gas (MMcf)   107,249       50,497       275,680       198,117  
    Natural gas liquids (MBbls)   19,615       9,016       49,700       34,217  
    Combined volumes (MBOE)(1)   81,275       42,556       218,972       163,413  
                   
    Daily oil volumes (BO/d)   475,924       273,087       336,954       263,496  
    Daily combined volumes (BOE/d)   883,424       462,565       598,284       447,707  
                   
    Average Prices:              
    Oil ($ per Bbl) $ 69.48     $ 76.42     $ 73.52     $ 75.68  
    Natural gas ($ per Mcf) $ 0.48     $ 1.29     $ 0.32     $ 1.32  
    Natural gas liquids ($ per Bbl) $ 19.27     $ 19.96     $ 18.99     $ 20.08  
    Combined ($ per BOE) $ 42.71     $ 50.87     $ 46.12     $ 50.35  
                   
    Oil, hedged ($ per Bbl)(2) $ 68.72     $ 75.59     $ 72.68     $ 74.72  
    Natural gas, hedged ($ per Mcf)(2) $ 0.82     $ 1.31     $ 0.91     $ 1.48  
    Natural gas liquids, hedged ($ per Bbl)(2) $ 19.27     $ 19.96     $ 18.99     $ 20.08  
    Average price, hedged ($ per BOE)(2) $ 42.76     $ 50.40     $ 46.38     $ 49.98  
                   
    Average Costs per BOE:              
    Lease operating expenses $ 5.67     $ 5.97     $ 5.87     $ 5.34  
    Production and ad valorem taxes   2.77       2.44       2.91       3.21  
    Gathering, processing and transportation expense   1.17       1.83       1.63       1.76  
    General and administrative – cash component   0.69       0.59       0.68       0.59  
    Total operating expense – cash $ 10.30     $ 10.83     $ 11.09     $ 10.90  
                   
    General and administrative – non-cash component $ 0.20     $ 0.33     $ 0.30     $ 0.33  
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion $ 14.22     $ 11.02     $ 13.02     $ 10.68  
    Interest expense, net $ 0.42     $ 0.68     $ 0.62     $ 0.97  

    (1)   Bbl equivalents are calculated using a conversion rate of six Mcf per one Bbl.
    (2)   Hedged prices reflect the effect of our commodity derivative transactions on our average sales prices and include gains and losses on cash settlements for matured commodity derivatives, which we do not designate for hedge accounting. Hedged prices exclude gains or losses resulting from the early settlement of commodity derivative contracts.


    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    ADJUSTED EBITDA

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

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

    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
    (unaudited, in millions)
                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. $ 1,074     $ 960     $ 3,338     $ 3,143  
    Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   216       51       363       193  
    Net income (loss)   1,290       1,011       3,701       3,336  
    Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net   (51 )     (147 )     (188 )     149  
    Interest expense, net   34       29       135       159  
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion   1,156       469       2,850       1,746  
    Depreciation and interest expense related to equity method investments   30       18       91       70  
    (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt   —       —       (2 )     4  
    Non-cash equity-based compensation expense   24       21       95       80  
    Capitalized equity-based compensation expense   (8 )     (7 )     (30 )     (26 )
    Merger and integration expenses   30       —       303       11  
    Other non-cash transactions   2       12       (62 )     (52 )
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   115       264       800       912  
    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA   2,622       1,670       7,693       6,389  
    Less: Adjustment for non-controlling interest   118       82       411       290  
    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. $ 2,504     $ 1,588     $ 7,282     $ 6,099  

    ADJUSTED NET INCOME

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

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

    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Adjusted Net Income
    (unaudited, $ in millions except per share data, shares in thousands)
               
      Three Months Ended
    December 31, 2024    		   Year Ended
    December 31, 2024
      Amounts   Amounts Per
    Diluted
    Share    		   Amounts   Amounts Per
    Diluted
    Share
    Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1) $ 1,074     $ 3.67     $ 3,338     $ 15.53  
    Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   216       0.74       363       1.70  
    Net income (loss)(1)   1,290       4.41       3,701       17.23  
    Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net   (51 )     (0.17 )     (188 )     (0.88 )
    (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt   —       —       (2 )     (0.01 )
    Merger and integration expense   30       0.10       303       1.42  
    Other non-cash transactions   2       —       (62 )     (0.29 )
    Adjusted net income excluding above items(1)   1,271       4.34       3,752       17.47  
    Income tax adjustment for above items   2       0.01       (9 )     (0.04 )
    Adjusted net income(1)   1,273       4.35       3,743       17.43  
    Less: Adjusted net income attributable to non-controlling interest   206       0.71       183       0.86  
    Adjusted net income attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1) $ 1,067     $ 3.64     $ 3,560     $ 16.57  
                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:              
    Basic     291,851           213,545  
    Diluted     291,851           213,545  

    (1) The Company’s earnings (loss) per diluted share amount has been computed using the two-class method in accordance with GAAP. The two-class method is an earnings allocation which reflects the respective ownership among holders of common stock and participating securities. Diluted earnings per share using the two-class method is calculated as (i) net income attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc, (ii) less the reallocation of $4 million and $21 million in earnings attributable to participating securities for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2024, respectively, (iii) divided by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the respective periods.

    OPERATING CASH FLOW BEFORE WORKING CAPITAL CHANGES AND FREE CASH FLOW

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

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

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

    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Operating Cash Flow Before Working Capital Changes and Free Cash Flow
    (unaudited, in millions)
                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 2,341     $ 1,624     $ 6,413     $ 5,920  
    Less: Changes in cash due to changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
    Accounts receivable   (103 )     147       (42 )     (71 )
    Income tax receivable   (3 )     16       9       283  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (24 )     (94 )     54       (89 )
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   114       11       (376 )     57  
    Income taxes payable   138       (9 )     87       (5 )
    Revenues and royalties payable   59       (16 )     168       123  
    Other   (100 )     10       4       (2 )
    Total working capital changes   81       65       (96 )     296  
    Operating cash flow before working capital changes   2,260       1,559       6,509       5,624  
    Drilling, completions, infrastructure and midstream additions to oil and natural gas properties   (933 )     (649 )     (2,867 )     (2,701 )
    Total Cash CAPEX   (933 )     (649 )     (2,867 )     (2,701 )
    Free Cash Flow   1,327       910       3,642       2,923  
    Tax impact from divestitures(1)   —       —       —       64  
    Merger and integration expenses   30       —       303       —  
    Early termination of derivatives   —       —       37       —  
    Treasury locks   —       —       25       —  
    Adjusted Free Cash Flow $ 1,357     $ 910     $ 4,007     $ 2,987  

    (1) Includes the tax impact for the disposal of certain Midland Basin water assets and Delaware Basin oil gathering assets.

    NET DEBT

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

    Diamondback Energy, Inc.
    Net Debt
    (unaudited, in millions)
                           
      December 31,
    2024    		   Net Q4
    Principal
    Borrowings/
    (Repayments)    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
      (in millions)
    Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1) $ 12,069     $ (215 )   $ 12,284     $ 11,169     $ 5,669     $ 5,697  
    Viper Energy, Inc.(1)   1,091       261       830       1,007       1,103       1,093  
    Total debt   13,160     $ 46       13,114       12,176       6,772       6,790  
    Cash and cash equivalents   (161 )         (370 )     (6,908 )     (896 )     (582 )
    Net debt $ 12,999         $ 12,744     $ 5,268     $ 5,876     $ 6,208  

    (1)  Excludes debt issuance costs, discounts, premiums and unamortized basis adjustments.

    DERIVATIVES

    As of February 21, 2025, the Company had the following outstanding consolidated derivative contracts, including derivative contracts at Viper Energy, Inc. The Company’s derivative contracts are based upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil derivative settlements based on New York Mercantile Exchange West Texas Intermediate pricing and Crude Oil Brent pricing and with natural gas derivative settlements based on the New York Mercantile Exchange Henry Hub pricing. When aggregating multiple contracts, the weighted average contract price is disclosed.

      Crude Oil (Bbls/day, $/Bbl)
      Q1 2025     Q2 2025     Q3 2025     Q4 2025     FY2026  
    Long Puts – Crude Brent Oil 52,000     48,000     27,000     12,000     —  
    Long Put Price ($/Bbl) $60.00     $58.44     $56.85     $55.00     —  
    Deferred Premium ($/Bbl) $-1.48     $-1.50     $-1.54     $-1.56     —  
    Long Puts – WTI (Magellan East Houston) 83,000     86,000     72,000     35,000     —  
    Long Put Price ($/Bbl) $55.84     $55.12     $55.00     $55.00     —  
    Deferred Premium ($/Bbl) $-1.59     $-1.58     -1.60     $-1.62     —  
    Long Puts – WTI (Cushing) 142,000     137,000     101,000     41,000     —  
    Long Put Price ($/Bbl) $56.58     $55.58     $55.00     $55.00     —  
    Deferred Premium ($/Bbl) $-1.59     $-1.58     $-1.58     $-1.61     —  
    Costless Collars – WTI (Cushing) 13,000     —     —     —     —  
    Long Put Price ($/Bbl) $60.00     —     —     —     —  
    Short Call Price ($/Bbl) $89.55     —     —     —     —  
    Basis Swaps – WTI (Midland) 64,000     66,000     66,000     66,000     —  
    $1.09     $1.05     $1.05     $1.05     —  
    Roll Swaps – WTI 16,389     25,000     25,000     25,000     —  
    $0.93     $0.93     $0.93     $0.93     —  
      Natural Gas (Mmbtu/day, $/Mmbtu)
      Q1 2025   Q2 2025   Q3 2025   Q4 2025   FY 2026   FY 2027  
    Costless Collars – Henry Hub 750,000     690,000     690,000     690,000     500,000     —  
    Long Put Price ($/Mmbtu) $2.52     $2.49     $2.49     $2.49     $2.64     —  
    Ceiling Price ($/Mmbtu) $5.26     $5.28     $5.28     $5.28     $6.31     —  
    Natural Gas Basis Swaps – Waha Hub 670,000     610,000     610,000     610,000     230,000     200,000  
    $-0.82     $-0.84     $-0.84     $-0.84     $-1.41     $-1.42  

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Tampa, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office captures illegal alien after manhunt

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    TAMPA, Fla. – A previously deported criminal illegal alien from Honduras accused of raping a minor under 12-years-of-age was arrested following a manhunt by Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tampa.

    Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced the arrest of Yobany Gustavo Izaguierre Barahona, 24, charging him with two counts of capital sexual battery with a minor under 12-years-of-age. The victim is safe and receiving the necessary resources.

    On the evening of Feb. 20, 2025, Barahona was home with the minor when he forced himself onto the victim. Upon discovery by another individual, the subject fled. In partnership with ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa and Border Patrol, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office immediately began to search for the subject, who they located in the afternoon of Feb. 21, 2025.

    On June 25, 2021, Barahona was encountered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered in Rio Grande, Texas. He was subsequently removed by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston on Aug. 4, 2021, from the U.S. to Honduras via ICE Air Operations charter flight. Barahona reentered illegally to the U.S. at an unknown date.

    ICE HSI Tampa has lodged a Form I-247 Immigration Detainer Notice of Action with Pasco Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.

    There are no reports of additional victims at this time; however, contact the PSO Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 or report tips online at PascoSheriff.com/tips if you or a loved one believe you may be a victim. Also, you can contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or report it through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Media to Attend Alabama Space Day 2025

    Source: NASA

    Media are invited to attend the 2025 Alabama Space Day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery.
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and aerospace industry partners will host the annual public event to celebrate Alabama’s robust aerospace contributions and capabilities, which provide significant economic benefits for the entire state.
    Area middle school and high school students will have an opportunity to speak with NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and participate in activities and exhibits. The event also will include a reading of a Space Day resolution by Alabama legislators with NASA Marshall Director Joseph Pelfrey, highlighting Alabama’s contributions to space exploration.
    Media interested in interviewing NASA Marshall officials or attending NASA events should contact Hannah Maginot at hannah.l.maginot@nasa.gov or 256-932-1937.
    Space Day 2025 exhibitors include: NASA Marshall, Teledyne Brown Engineering, KBR, Special Aerospace Services (SAS), Sentar, Blue Origin, Astrion, ULA, The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Propulsion Research Center, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing.
    Media opportunities for the day include:
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Exhibits and STEM activities
    Location: South Capitol Lawn and Tunnel between Capitol Building and State House
    10:30 to 11 a.m. – Alabama Space Day 2025 Proclamation Ceremony
    Location: Capitol Auditorium
    11 to 11:30 a.m. – Alabama Space Authority Meeting
    Location: Capitol Auditorium
    1 to 2 p.m. – Resolution readings on the House and Senate Floors
    About the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is celebrating 65 years of blending legacy with innovation, advancing space exploration and scientific discovery through collaboration, engineering excellence, and technical solutions that take humanity beyond tomorrow’s horizon.
    For more information on NASA Marshall, visit https://www.nasa.gov/marshall.
    Media Contact:Hannah MaginotMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.hannah.l.maginot@nasa.gov256-932-1937

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Richmond felon pleads guilty to illegal firearm possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents, on Aug. 12, 2023, Richmond Police officers responded to a 911 call reporting that Trevon Barfield, 28, had a firearm and was pointing it at his former girlfriend at an apartment complex. Barfield had an outstanding arrest warrant at the time.

    When officers found Barfield sitting at the top of a stairwell and informed him of the warrant, Barfield reached for an object in his pocket. After a brief struggle, the officers detained Barfield and recovered a loaded handgun from Barfield’s pocket, as well as a small amount of cocaine.

    Barfield is a previously convicted felon, with two prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

    Barfield is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28 and faces up to 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police; and Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, is prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Wright assisted in the prosecution of this case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-160.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Charleroi Staffing Agency Pleads Guilty to Harboring Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain and Failing to Pay More Than $3 Million in Employment Taxes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of harboring illegal aliens for financial gain and failing to pay employment taxes, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Andy Ha, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Ha was charged by a two-count Information filed with the Court on January 28, 2025.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from September 2022 to April 2024, Ha owned a temporary staffing agency called Prosperity Services, Inc., that provided workers to companies in the Charleroi, Pennsylvania, area. As part of his business, Ha paid for more than 25 workers who were not legally authorized to be in the United States to stay in a former hotel, and his business paid for vans to transport those workers to and from their work. In addition, Ha provided Prosperity’s tax return preparer with spreadsheets listing only workers who were legally authorized to be and work in the United States. That information, in turn, was reflected on the company’s quarterly employment tax returns, representing less than 10% of the actual total number of workers employed by Prosperity. Ha then also signed those returns, knowing them to be false and causing a tax loss of at least $3.1 million.

    “The defendant broke the law by harboring and employing individuals not authorized to be in the United States,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “In addition, defendant Ha cost the U.S. government millions of dollars through his failure to pay taxes related to his business. Our office and our law enforcement partners at all levels will continue to ensure that those who seek to profit from the employment of such workers, and who fail to pay taxes, face appropriate consequences under the law.”

    “Business owners have a responsibility to file accurate quarterly employment tax returns and to timely remit withholding taxes for their employees to the Internal Revenue Service,” said Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office. “The failure to do so is a serious offense.”

    “This investigation highlights the commitment of HSI Pittsburgh to protecting our communities from those who seek to exploit undocumented workers for their personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “Andy Ha and his business sought to profit off of the immigrant community. I commend the dedicated prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and our partners at the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation division and Pennsylvania State Police. Together, we will continue to work to ensure that such illegal activities are met with the full force of the law.”

    Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain from the offense, or both on the tax charge and up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain from the offense, or both on the harboring charge. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney William B. Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ha.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Fort Campbell Soldier Sentenced to Over Five Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A former Fort Campbell soldier was sentenced last week to 5 years and 4 months in federal prison for receiving and distributing child pornography.     

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Brett Nicolas Ellison, 24, was sentenced to 5 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Between November 2019 and June 2022, Ellison received and possessed child sexual abuse material while he was a soldier stationed at the Fort Campbell Army Post, possessing over 90 images and 70 videos containing child sexual abuse material.

    Ellison was also ordered to pay $57,000 in restitution to victims.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office and Army CID.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement and EU international agreements following CJEU case C-652/22 – P-000725/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000725/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jana Nagyová (PfE), Klara Dostalova (PfE), Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Ondřej Kovařík (PfE), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR)

    Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) of 22 October 2024 issued in case C-652/22 Kolin Inşaat Turizm Sanayi ve Ticaret[1] concludes that a supplier from a third country that has not concluded an international agreement with the European Union in the field of public procurement cannot claim equal treatment in the field of public procurement in an EU Member State.

    Currently, there is no published list of such agreements on the EU level. This means that contracting authorities will have to address individually the complex question of whether a given entity is covered by any of the international agreements and whether the given agreement can be accepted or not.

    This situation can significantly prolong the procurement procedure and can be a potential source of further legal issues.

    • 1.Will the Commission prepare and publish a list of third countries with which the EU has concluded an international agreement guaranteeing reciprocal and equal access to public procurement markets, ideally with a statement of the specific agreements?
    • 2.If not, how can contracting authorities access relevant and valid information?

    Supporter[2]

    Submitted: 18.2.2025

    • [1] ECLI:EU:C:2024:910.
    • [2] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Kateřina Konečná (NI)
    Last updated: 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Correctional officers stop assault on remand person in custody

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Correctional officers stop assault on remand person in custody
    Correctional officers stop assault on remand person in custody
    **************************************************************

         Correctional officers stopped three remand persons in custody from assaulting another remand person in custody at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution today (February 24).     At 7.18am today, three male remand persons in custody aged from 36 to 41 assaulted a 36-year-old male remand person in custody inside a dayroom. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailants.     During the incident, the victim sustained injuries to his head. He was referred to a public hospital for further treatment after receiving an examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer. Two assailants sustained injuries to their hands. They did not need to be sent to a public hospital after receiving medical examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer. The remaining assailant did not sustain any injuries.     The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.     ​     The four persons in custody were respectively remanded for the offences of trafficking in a dangerous drug, burglary, taking employment after landing in Hong Kong unlawfully and remaining in Hong Kong without the authority of the Director of Immigration, etc.

     
    Ends/Monday, February 24, 2025Issued at HKT 20:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –