NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai attends 4th No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference, in Munich, Germany

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai attends 4th No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference, in Munich, Germany

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India stands steadfast with the global community in the fight against the scourge of Terrorism

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai headed the Indian Delegation to the 4th No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference held at Munich, Germany on 13th February 2025. The conference had four sub-verticals i.e. Multilateral cooperation, Financing methods for terrorism, Financial inclusion & Risk-based approach and Terrorist Financing & Organized Crime.

    Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai raised concerns that terror financing increasingly has cross border linkages in terms of a flow of funds and due to the development of new digital technologies, the sources, methods and channels used for flow of assets by terrorists are becoming increasingly more complex and pose a significant challenge to global security.

    Union Minister of State for Home Affairs said that unity amongst nations is essential in the fight against Terrorism, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi India stands steadfast with the global community in this fight against the scourge of Terrorism.

    Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai expressed gratitude to the German Government for hosting the conference on the crucial issue of Countering terror financing and effective multilateral cooperation to develop a shared understanding of the risks and take forward the discussions from NMFT Conference 2022 held in New Delhi.

    Shri Nityanand Rai lauded the initiative of NMFT Conference and expressed the need for permanency for this unique initiative of NMFT by setting up of a NMFT Secretariat in India, the idea of which was also mooted in the NMFT conference 2022 held in New Delhi, to sustain the continued global focus on countering the financing of Terrorism.

                 

    Union Minister of State for Home Affairs also held Bilateral meetings with Dignitaries from Singapore and Turkey.

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    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2103343) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHRC India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three construction workers due to drowning after inhaling toxic gases in Kolkata Leather Complex

    Source: Government of India (2)

    NHRC India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three construction workers due to drowning after inhaling toxic gases in Kolkata Leather Complex

    Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner, West Bengal calling for a detailed report within two weeks

    The report expected to include the status of the investigation

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 6:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that three construction workers died due to drowning reportedly after inhaling toxic gases while entering a 10-foot deep manhole to repair a sewer joint at Kolkata Leather Complex on 2nd February, 2025. According to the media report, carried on 3rd February, 2025, they were deployed by a contractor to renovate a portion of a drainage network under the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA).

    The Commission has observed that the contents, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victims. The Apex Court, in its judgement passed in the case, Dr Balram Singh vs Union of India (WP(C) No. 324 of 2020) dated 20.10.2023, has held that it is the duty of the local authorities and other agencies to use modern technology for cleaning of sewers etc.

    The Commission has also been consistently advocating a total ban on activities of hazardous cleaning without adequate and proper protective/ safety gears or equipment and also has advocated suitable use of work-friendly and technology-based robotic machines. It issued an Advisory on 24thSeptember, 2021 for the Protection of Human Rights of the Persons Engaged in Hazardous Cleaning to the Union, State Governments and local authorities with an object to ensure complete eradication of such practice.

    Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police, West Bengal calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. It is expected to include the status of the investigation.

    ***

    NSK

    (Release ID: 2103295) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cincinnati Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati, Ohio, man, Gene Primus, 32, was sentenced on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 400 months, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and heroin.  

    According to his plea agreement, law enforcement used a cooperating source to conduct a controlled buy of fentanyl from Fred Hardin, Primus’s co-defendant.  Law enforcement began conducting surveillance of Hardin at a Lexington residence and observed Primus leaving the residence carrying a bucket and a bag and placing the items in a vehicle. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and found 2,987 grams of methamphetamine. A search of the residence revealed large amounts of additional methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as digital scales, blenders with residue, plastic bags, cutting agents, and a loaded handgun.

    Hardin, Primus’ co-defendant, was previously sentenced to 312 months in December 2024.

    Under federal law, Primus and Hardin must both serve 85 percent of their prison sentences.  Upon their release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the DEA.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Medical Device Company To Pay $1 Million To Resolve Federal Fraud Investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago medical device company has agreed to pay a $1 million fine to resolve a federal criminal investigation into the alleged selling of misbranded products imported from overseas.

    Mokena, Ill.-based ADVANCED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT, INC. admitted in a Statement of Facts filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago that the company imported medical products from international distributors at cheaper prices than what it would have paid to U.S. distributors.  Once the products arrived in the U.S., company employees – under the direction of its sole owner and Chief Executive Officer, ANTHONY IADEROSA, 52, of Mokena, Ill. – used a hair dryer to remove labels that had cautioned the products were only available for resale in a specified country and not in the United States. The company then re-sold the products to customers in the U.S. at a substantial markup, resulting in profit margins of 35% to 50%.  In total, AIM admitted that it made profits of approximately $500,000 by employing this tactic.

    The investigation of AIM and Iaderosa is being resolved with deferred prosecution agreements, under which the company and Iaderosa admitted that the tactic rendered the products misbranded under the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.  The company and Iaderosa further admitted that they deliberately concealed the tactic from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and caused false statements to be submitted to customs agents.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a one-count criminal information charging AIM and Iaderosa with misbranding of a medical device with the intent to defraud.  Under the agreements, the government will defer prosecution on the charge against AIM for three years and the charge against Iaderosa for one year, and then seek to dismiss the charges if the company and Iaderosa abide by certain conditions.  Among other things, the company agreed to pay a $1 million fine to the Department of Justice and implement a new compliance and ethics program designed to prevent violations of federal food and drug laws, as well as provide annual reports to the government regarding remediation and implementation of the program.  If AIM or Iaderosa fail to completely fulfill each of their obligations during the terms of the agreements, the U.S. Attorney’s Office can initiate prosecution of the charged offenses.

    The charges and the deferred prosecution agreements were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ronne Malham, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FDA, Office of Criminal Investigations.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A Los Angeles, California, man was sentenced yesterday to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Cincinnati Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison, of the USPIS Pittsburgh Division, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, Sheriff John E. Aubrey of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Chief Josh Grimes of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority Department of Public Safety made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Teyrin Johnson, 30, was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Johnson had been charged following a multi-agency investigation that identified him as part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Louisville, Kentucky between June 16, 2020, and March 4, 2021. The investigation also revealed that Johnson laundered drug proceeds on August 10, 2020, when he was stopped at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport carrying $80,160 in cash.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    The case was investigated by the DEA Louisville Field Division, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Kentucky State Police, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisville Regional Airport Authority Department of Public Safety.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Bonar prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Undocumented Immigrant Indicted on Child Pornography Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A undocumented immigrant living in St. Charles County, Missouri was indicted Thursday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis and accused of receiving images containing child sexual abuse material.

    Francisco J. Ocana-Talamantes, 46, was indicted on one count of receiving child pornography. The indictment accuses him of receiving those images via the internet between Feb. 11, 2020, and March 14, 2024.

    Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Ocana-Talamantes is already in custody.

    A motion seeking to have him held in jail until trial says that Ocana-Talamantes is in the country illegally.

    “The FBI and our local law enforcement partners had been investigating Franscisco Ocana-Talamantes for his alleged crimes against children,” said Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Because this defendant had entered the country illegally, the FBI was able to expedite his federal indictment and arrest by leveraging our assistance to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement action.”

    The charge carries a potential penalty of at least five years in prison, with a maximum of 20 years.

    The FBI, the St. Charles Police Department and the St. Charles County Cyber Crime Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case. 

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Former International Antitrust Fugitive Discusses His Experiences

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Yeh Fei “Jim” Chu discusses his experience being charged with an antitrust crime by the Department of Justice Antitrust Division and living as a fugitive for approximately five years before pleading guilty to resolve his case. 

    Note: This video contains excerpts from an interview Mr. Chu recorded as part of his community service obligations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Acquire Michigan Creek Property in Conservation Victory

    Source: US State of Colorado

    PARK COUNTY, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife has acquired 120 acres in Park County, including a quarter-mile along Michigan Creek, for wildlife conservation and increased opportunities for hunters and anglers in a contract finalized today. Located about six miles southeast of Jefferson and abutted by Michigan Creek and County Road 77, the property will become Michigan Creek State Wildlife Area managed by CPW. The land contributes to critical wildlife habitat continuity with neighboring Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service lands in Park Co. 

    “Protecting our iconic great outdoors for future generations to enjoy is one of my administration’s top priorities. Colorado is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the nation, and I am thrilled to continue our state’s legacy to preserve land and protect our great outdoors. This new State Wildlife Area protects our natural resources while offering Colorado hunters and anglers more recreational opportunities,” said Governor Polis. 

    In 2023, a private landowner approached Western Rivers Conservancy to donate the land towards conservation efforts. Working with Colorado Open Lands, WRC placed a conservation easement on the property in late 2024 and held title to the land until conveying the land as a donation to CPW. 

    Michigan Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River and Tarryall Creek. The stream sustains a naturally-reproducing population of brook and brown trout, and the land offers increased hunting access for deer and elk in Game Management Unit 50. 

    “The donation of Michigan Creek State Wildlife Area is a win for conservation,” said Mark Lamb, Area Wildlife Manager for CPW. “We are grateful for partners like Western Rivers Conservancy and Colorado Open Lands in the continued effort to preserve habitat and increase public lands for hunting and fishing. We will work to try to have Michigan Creek SWA open to the public by the end of the year.” 

    “We are looking forward to the increased angling opportunities along Michigan Creek that come as a result of this partnership,” said CPW Senior Aquatic Biologist Kyle Battige. 

    This is the second land acquisition partnership in Park County between CPW and WRC, in addition to nearby Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area last spring, totaling 1,980 acres of scenic habitat conserved. Collaboration between stewardship partners and private landowners remains a high priority for CPW in the effort to preserve wildlife and land access for future generations. 

    “Conserving such a scenic and healthy stretch of Michigan Creek in an area so many Coloradans treasure is something to celebrate,” said Allen Law, WRC Interior West Project Manager. “Western Rivers Conservancy is thrilled we could expand our efforts in the South Platte Basin to help fish and wildlife thrive and to create better access to South Park’s rivers and open spaces.” 

    “Protecting this land means that Coloradans will be able to access excellent fishing for generations into the future, helping them connect to the outdoors and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty,” said Kelsey Kirkwood, Colorado Open Lands Conservation Project Associate. “We are grateful for our partnerships with Western Rivers Conservancy and Colorado Parks and Wildlife which allow us to create robust and meaningful conservation outcomes for the good of all Coloradans.” 

    State Wildlife Areas offer hunting, angling and wildlife viewing opportunities with the purchase of an SWA pass. Revenue from pass purchases fund hunting and fishing conservation efforts and continued habitat health. Funding for this project was provided by the Park County Land and Water Trust Fund. 

    Photo courtesies: Christi Bode/Western Rivers Conservancy 

    Western Rivers Conservancy Media Contact: Danny Palmerlee, (503)-241-0151, dpalmerlee@westernrivers.org

     Western Rivers Conservancy 

    Western Rivers Conservancy’s motto is “Sometimes to save a river, you have to buy it.” WRC purchases land along the West’s finest rivers and streams to conserve habitat for fish and wildlife, protect key sources of cold water and create public access for all to enjoy. 

    To ensure the lands it acquires are protected in perpetuity, WRC transfers them to long-term stewards including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state parks and Tribal nations. WRC has created sanctuaries for fish and wildlife and secured recreational access along 250 rivers and streams around the West. It has protected more than 440 river miles and over 220,000 acres of land in nine western states. Its approach to river conservation is effective, tangible and permanent. More information at Western Rivers.org. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Felons Indicted for Roles in Brockton Shootout

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against four Brockton men in connection with their alleged participation in a shootout that left a female victim with a gunshot wound to her chest. The following individuals have been charged in U.S. District Court in Boston:

    1.    Natalio Miranda, 33, charged with one count each of possession of a machinegun and being a felon in possession of ammunition; 
    2.    Jonathan Alves, 28, charged with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition; 
    3.    Romeo Miller, 26, charged with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and; 
    4.    Jahleil Monteiro, 25, charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to Miller’s felon in possession charge.

    Alves and Monteiro were arrested this morning and will make initial appearances in federal court in Boston later today. Miranda was previously convicted in February 2023 of federal fentanyl distribution conspiracy charges as a member of “Head Shot Mafia,” a violent drug crew operating in Brockton and elsewhere in southeastern Massachusetts. He was arrested in November 2024 for violating his federal supervised release conditions in relation to the Brockton shootout and is in federal custody. Miller remains at large.

    According to court filings, on June 2, 2024, at approximately 1:45 a.m., law enforcement responded to a “shots fired” call at a home in Brockton. Upon arrival, officers observed a large crowd outside the home and a 31-year-old female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and survived.

    It is alleged that numerous bullet casings were found scattered throughout the front yard and driveway of the residence. Video footage obtained from the home’s surveillance system determined that a house party led to a physical altercation in the driveway and, allegedly, an exchange of gunfire between the victim and Miranda, Miller and Alves.

    Specifically, surveillance video allegedly captured Miranda as he discharged several bursts of ammunition from an automatic weapon in the front yard of the residence before leaving the scene. Miller and Alves are also allegedly shown firing towards the victim from the driveway. According to court documents, Miller is later seen on the footage crossing the street to hide behind a parked car, where he allegedly shot the victim in the chest. Surveillance video then allegedly captured Miller returning to the driveway, where he passed his firearm off to Monteiro, before the two drove away in separate parked cars.

    According to court records, at the time of the shooting, Miranda was on federal supervised release for a fentanyl distribution conspiracy conviction and has a prior state conviction for cocaine distribution. Additionally, at the time of the shooting, Miller and Monteiro were on probation for prior state convictions for unlawfully possessing a firearm, possessing a high capacity feeding device, assault and battery on a police officer and fentanyl distribution. Alves has a prior state conviction of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

    The charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition each provide for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being an accessory after the fact to a felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to half the maximum punishment for the underlying offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Division; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda I. Perez made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Extradited to Face Drug and Money Laundering Criminal Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FLORENCE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence has returned a two-count indictment charging Rafael Contreras, 38, of Mexico, with distributing cocaine and heroin and money laundering. Contreras was extradited from Mexico and arraigned in federal court in Florence this morning.

    The indictment alleges that Contreras directed the sale and distribution of large quantities of heroin and cocaine from Mexico, with the narcotics largely being sold in Horry County.

    “The extradition of this defendant marks a victory in our fight against transnational criminal organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful for the close cooperation with our law enforcement partners in Mexico and here in the United States. This extradition demonstrates our unwavering commitment to prosecuting those bringing illegal narcostics into our communities.”

    “This indictment and extradition send a clear message: the FBI is relentless in its pursuit of the criminals behind large-scale drug operations,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “The defendant, as alleged, caused significant harm to Horry County by directing the distribution of lethal amounts of heroin and cocaine. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to expose and root out international drug trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our communities.”

    Contreras faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. He is currently detained pending trial.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Contreras. The U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Contreras from Mexico to the District of South Carolina. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn is prosecuting the case.

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Sanchaze Roberts, 28, was sentenced on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 151 months, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a mixture containing fentanyl.

    According to his plea agreement, on August 14, 2024, law enforcement, using a confidential source, arranged the purchase of one pound of methamphetamine from Roberts.  Roberts agreed to deliver the methamphetamine to the confidential source at a series of locations dictated by Roberts.  Roberts traveled to the location, and when law enforcement surrounded his vehicle, he attempted to flee.  Law enforcement ultimately apprehended Roberts and located 401.4 grams of methamphetamine and 12.5 grams of fentanyl in his vehicle.

    Under federal law, Roberts must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release from prison, Roberts will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the DEA.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    — END —

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Staten Island Residents and a Florida Man Charged With Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy and Illegal Possession of Machine Guns

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendants 3D-Printed More Than 25 Untraceable “Ghost Guns,” Including at Least 10 Machine Gun Conversion Devices

    Earlier today, a nine-count superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Justin Nudelman, his brother Brandon Nudelman, Ronnie Mershon and Michael Daddea with conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to obstruct justice, possession of machine guns and related firearms counts.  Three defendants were arrested this morning. Brandon Nudelman and Mershon are being arraigned this afternoon in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho, and Daddea is making his initial appearance in federal court in Tampa, Florida for removal proceedings to Brooklyn.  Justin Nudelman had previously been charged with possession of machine guns and unregistered firearms in the underlying indictment and will be arraigned at a later date.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.

    “The defendants’ use of 3D printers to make untraceable, fully automatic weapons poses an extremely serious threat to public safety,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “My Office and our federal and local partners are working tirelessly to protect our communities by preventing these guns from making their way into the hands of violent criminals.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the United States Secret Service and the NYPD Intelligence Division’s Major Case Team and Intelligence Analytical Team for their work on the case.

    “Illegally manufacturing and distributing privately made firearms and machine gun conversion devices is a direct threat to public safety,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Miller.  “This indictment underscores our unwavering commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the flow of illegal firearms that fuels violence in our communities. Through strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are taking proactive action against those who endanger public safety. We commend the work of ATF New York, NYPD Ghost Gun Team, ATF Tampa, United States Secret Service, N.Y. State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Richmond County DA’s office and EDNY. Every illegal firearm taken off the streets is a step toward protecting innocent lives and ensuring safer neighborhoods. We remain steadfast in our mission to combat gun violence.”

    “These individuals thought they could evade law enforcement by using 3D printers to churn out illegal ghost guns and endanger our streets — but they were wrong” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “The NYPD, along with the ATF, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and all our partners, will not tolerate criminals wreaking havoc in New York City with untraceable, deadly weapons — and we will bring down anyone brazen enough to try.”

    As alleged in the superseding indictment and in court filings, between approximately January 2023 and September 2023, the defendants conspired to illegally manufacture and traffic firearms. Mershon and Justin Nudelman used 3D printers and parts sourced from online retailers to assemble privately made firearms, commonly called “ghost guns.”  These 3D-printed firearms included at least 10 devices called “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons and are considered machine guns under federal law.  The defendants made the unserialized, unregistered ghost guns that they assembled available for sale without obtaining a license or otherwise notifying government authorities.  To date, 23 firearms have already been seized and the investigation has revealed that the defendants made numerous others.     

    Justin Nudelman and Brandon Nudelman are also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice.  As alleged, on September 7, 2023, law enforcement officers sought to seize Justin Nudelman’s phone pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant. Both Justin and Brandon Nudelman took steps to conceal the phone and render its contents inaccessible to law enforcement.

    The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.

    Trial Attorney Arun Bodapati is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist David Harrison.

    The Defendants:

    JUSTIN NUDELMAN
    Age: 30
    Staten Island, New York

    BRANDON NUDELMAN
    Age: 32
    Staten Island, New York

    RONNIE MERSHON
    Age: 27
    Staten Island, New York

    MICHAEL DADDEA
    Age: 29
    Tampa, Florida

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-437(S-1) (AMD)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Adam Pursifull, 40, was sentenced on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 124 months, for possession of a firearm as a prohibited person.  

    According to his plea agreement, on April 23, 2024, law enforcement received information leading to the arrest of Adam Pursifull on an outstanding parole warrant.  During the arrest and a search, officers located a loaded firearm in Pursifull’s possession.  Pursifull had previously been convicted by the Fayette Circuit Court of trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, in May 2014, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Under federal law, Pursifull must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release from prison, Pursifull will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; AJ Gibes, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Jeremy Honaker, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Commissioner Cookie Crews, Kentucky Department of Corrections, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by ATF, U.S Marshal’s Service, and the Kentucky Department of Corrections.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.  In the Eastern District of Kentucky, Acting U.S. Attorney McCaffrey coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

    — END —

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crime Spree at CVS Stores in Northwest Results in Prison Term

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Craig Wilson, 64, of Washington DC, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison, for aggregated first-degree theft, for a string of retail thefts over the course of 11 days, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Wilson pleaded guilty on November 5, 2024, in D.C. Superior Court to one count of first-degree theft and one count of misdemeanor bail reform act violation. The Honorable Judge Carmen McLean ordered Wilson to serve 20 months in prison on the first-degree theft charge and 90 days incarceration on the bail reform act charge. Both counts were ordered to run consecutive to one another and Mr. Wilson’s prison sentence is to be followed by three years of supervised release.

                According to the government’s evidence, between June 19, 2024 and September 9, 2024, Wilson committed a string of thefts, mostly at the same CVS store located in the 1000 block of 16th Street, N.W. During that period, Wilson committed 13 retail thefts over the course of 11 days. In each instance, Wilson was seen on surveillance camera entering the stores, taking merchandise from the shelves, and leaving the stores without paying for the merchandise. Wilson stole over $3,000 in merchandise during his crime spree.

                Wilson was arrested on September 26, 2024, and he has been in custody since.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Cook, who prosecuted the case, and paralegal Sabrina Hudgens. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Georgia Poll Worker Pleads Guilty to Bomb Threat of Voting Location

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Wrote Threatening Letter Following Altercation with Voter; Posed as Voter in Letter

    MACON, Ga. – A former Georgia poll worker pleaded guilty to mailing a letter that threatened to bomb a Jones County precinct and harm poll workers and admitted to lying to the FBI during the investigation.

    Nicholas Wimbish, 25, of Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to conveying false information about a bomb threat and making hoaxes before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 14. Wimbish faces a maximum of five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 13. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Bomb hoaxes and similar threats create grave and unnecessary disruptions in our communities, pulling vital law enforcement resources and terrifying people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office and law enforcement partners take these types of threats seriously and will pursue federal prosecution when warranted.”

    “The FBI takes all threat-to-life matters very seriously,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “This arrest demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to hold accountable anyone who tries to intimidate a public official or interfere with the elections process.”

    According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Wimbish was employed as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office in Gray, Georgia, on Oct. 16, 2024, when he had a verbal altercation with a voter. Later that evening and into the early hours of Oct. 17, 2024, Wimbish conducted relevant online research and then drafted a letter posing as the voter threatening to bomb the polling place. Wimbish mailed the threatening letter to the Jones County Elections Superintendent from a “Jones County Voter” on Oct. 17, 2024. It arrived at the election office on Oct. 22, 2024.

    Wimbish admitted he intended the letter to appear as if it came from the voter and added details to make it seem like the voter was targeting Wimbish and other poll workers. For example, it said, “Yesterday I had your young liberal woke idiot Nicholas Wimbish give me hell,” that “he tries to influence peoples votes in line,” and that “I researched a newspaper article about Nicholas Wimbish and other woke liberal fraudsters impostering to be patriots.” The letter threatened that Wimbish and others “should look over their shoulder,” that “I know where they all go,” that “I know where they all live because I found home voting addresses for all them,” that “the liberal young men will get beatdown if they fight me,” that “they will get the treason punishment by firing squad if they fight back,” and that “they should watch every move they make looking over their shoulder.” Further, the letter threatened to “rage rape” the “ladies” and warned them to “watch every move they make and look over their shoulder.” Below the typewritten letter, Wimbish wrote a note by hand, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe.” Wimbish admitted he knew that a “boom toy” was a term for an explosive device. Wimbish also acknowledged that he lied to FBI agents investigating the mailed threat and falsely stated that he believed the Jones County voter sent the letter and that he had not conducted online research on himself. The letter was found on Wimbish’s computer.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case.

    Deputy Criminal Chief William R. “Will” Keyes and Trial Attorney Madison Mumma of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) are prosecuting the case for the Government with assistance from Senior Counsel Ryan Dickey of the DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: PC dismissed with immediate effect for racially discriminatory behaviour

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A Met officer has been dismissed without notice for racial abuse and assaulting a fellow officer.

    PC Shaun Davies, based on the Central North Command Unit, appeared before a misconduct hearing which concluded on Thursday, 13 February.

    The panel considered all of the evidence and established that PC Shaun Davies had made racially offensive and discriminatory comments to an officer. He also pulled her hair without consent. In a separate incident, Davies was found to have made a racially prejudiced gesture towards another officer.

    The events took place in December 2009 and June 2010 respectively.

    Chief Superintendent Andrew Carter, responsible for policing for the Central North Command Unit, said: “The behaviour displayed by PC Shaun Davies is wholly unacceptable. We are committed to ensuring that actions do have consequences and anyone who displays such views is not fit to serve in our organisation. It’s right that he has been dismissed with immediate effect.”

    PC Davies was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for equality and diversity.

    He will be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Harbour Grace RCMP investigates mischief at cabin, seeks public assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Harbour Grace RCMP is investigating damage to a cabin on Swamps Road in Perry’s Cove suspected to be caused by a firearm.

    On February 4, 2025, the owner of the cabin discovered the extensive damage, which police suspect to have been completed with the use of a firearm. The crime occurred sometime between January 31, 2025, and February 3, 2025.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Harbour Grace RCMP at 709-596-5014 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Admits To Defrauding COVID-19 Programs While On Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty yesterday to carrying out a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $137,000 from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL).

    Kelly Ann Mogavero, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2025, before United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva.

    “Kelly Mogavero, a convicted felon recently released from prison, fraudulently collected unemployment insurance (UI) benefits intended for American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Yesterday’s guilty plea highlights our strong collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of the UI system and secure justice for the American taxpayer.”

    According to court documents and admissions made in court by Mogavero, from June 3, 2020, to June 23, 2001, she devised and carried out a scheme to defraud Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR), the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), and the Small Business Administration (SBA) in an attempt to fraudulently obtain $137,600 in relief benefits from the PUA, PPP, and EIDL programs.

    As part of the scheme, while she was under United States Probation’s supervision, Mogavero fraudulently filed for unemployment insurance in both Nevada and Arizona and submitted at least two fraudulent applications for EIDLs and one fraudulent application for a PPP loan. Mogavero submitted materially false and fraudulent information, including that she was the sole proprietor of several companies which did not in fact exist, for which she stated false revenue amounts, and—for one of the EIDL applications—a false number of employees. Mogavero also submitted falsified tax documents in support of each application. As a result of her scheme, Mogavero successfully obtained more than $44,000 in relief benefits to which she was not entitled.

    In October 2016, Mogavero was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the District of Nevada and she was sentenced to 46-months in custody followed by five years of supervision.

    At sentencing, Mogavero faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence of each defendant after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami, Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division, and Special Agent-in-Charge Quentin Heiden, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI, DOL-OIG, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations – COVID Fraud Unit, Office of Inspector General U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Office of Inspector General Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is prosecuting the case.

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

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest 2nd Suspect in Shooting Incident That Left One Man Dead and Another Seriously Injured

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Cleveland, OH – Today, members of the U.S. Marshals led, Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Shashawn Atkinson, 23, Atkinson was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder.

    According to the Cleveland Division of Police, on August 3, 2024, officers of the 5th District responded to a radio assignment for a fight in progress at an address in the 1000 block of E. 72nd Street in Cleveland. When officers arrived, they located 22-year-old Anthony Williams, who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds and 24-year-old Antwoine Sandford, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.

    Jamelle Swanson, 24, was identified as a suspect in this fatal shooting incident and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On January 3, 2025, members of the NOVFTF arrested Swanson outside of an apartment located in the 10300 block of Miles Ave, Cleveland, Ohio. Shashawn Atkinson, 23, was also later identified as being involved in the shooting and a warrant for aggravated murder was issued for his arrest. Today, members of the NOVFTF arrested Atkinson at an address in the 2800 block of E. 124th Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

    U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Outstanding work was done by the Cleveland Division of Police homicide unit on this investigation. Their investigation led to the identification of these suspects and then our fugitive task force worked relentlessly to track down and arrest the second suspect today.”

    Anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.

    The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Introduces Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Buy Assault Weapons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the seventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming over 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history. Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds. More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles. Furthermore, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in more than 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms.

    “Seven years after a 19-year-old gunman tragically took the lives of 17 students and faculty in Parkland, we’re still seeing far too many preventable mass shootings at the hands of deadly assault rifles,” said Senator Padilla. “If you can’t legally buy a handgun, there’s no reason you should be able to buy a military-grade weapon. This commonsense legislation would raise the minimum age to purchase or carry an assault weapon or high-capacity ammunition from 18 to 21 — the same standard already in place for purchasing handguns — helping to curb the gun violence epidemic that continues to devastate communities in California and across the nation.”

    The bill’s restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers. Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

    The Age 21 Act is cosponsored by 18 Senators, including Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    “Too many innocent lives lost, too many individuals facing relentless grief—we must take action to stop the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our nation. By raising the minimum age requirement for purchasing assault weapons, the Age 21 Act keeps guns out of the hands of young people, combatting gun violence hurting our communities. This legislation takes meaningful action to prevent senseless, unnecessary tragedies,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “Congress cannot sit by and do nothing while gun violence remains the number one killer of children in America,” said Senator Duckworth. “As we remember the 17 lives cut short at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we must honor their memory with action. The Age 21 Act is commonsense gun safety legislation that would help prevent mass shootings and do more to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who would seek to harm themselves or others. If Republicans were truly ‘pro-life,’ they would support our bill and help us save lives.”

    “Gun violence continues to shatter families and communities throughout America. Our existing laws allow far too many guns to fall into the wrong hands. That is why I’m signing onto the Age 21 Act, which prohibits the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21,” said Senator Durbin. “This legislation is one of many steps we must take to address the gun violence epidemic across the United States.”

    “Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America today. Year after year, deadly assault weapons inflict devastating and avoidable harm on our families, schools, and communities, causing children, parents, and teachers to live with the fear that the next school shooting may happen in their community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Age 21 Act offers a critical safeguard to prevent such tragedies, decreasing the threat of gun violence against our kids. I am proud to support this legislation, and I will fight hard for its passage this Congress.”

    “The gun violence epidemic in our country is rampant, devastating communities and taking innocent lives,” said Senator Hirono. “This commonsense legislation is a step in the right direction and will help to keep our communities safer by keeping these deadly weapons out of the hands of those under the age of 21. As we continue working to prevent gun violence across the country, our introduction of this bill will move us closer to putting an end to the thousands of preventable gun-violence related deaths every year.”

    “Everyone in America should be able to live free from the fear of injury or death caused by a firearm,” said Senator Kaine. “One of many commonsense steps we can take to reduce that risk is limiting young people’s access to assault weapons—just like we already limit their access to handguns. I’m proud to help introduce this bill to raise the legal purchasing age for assault weapons to 21, and will keep pushing for additional legislation to make our communities safer from gun violence.”

    “Our children deserve safe environments to grow and learn in, and that means taking on gun violence—the leading cause of death for children and teens,” said Senator Klobuchar. “It’s common sense that young people who cannot buy a handgun should not be able to buy an assault weapon.”

    “From Uvalde to Parkland, it’s just a fact the profile of these shooters are often teenagers who were able to legally get their hands on a deadly weapon like an AR-15. A majority of Americans support raising the age to purchase assault weapons or handguns to 21. Congress should do it,” said Senator Murphy.

    “It’s really simple: Teenagers and assault rifles don’t mix. This bill would make it harder for anyone under 21 to get their hands on the types of military-style assault weapons and ammunition that have been repeatedly used in school shootings and other mass-casualty attacks,” said Senator Reed.

    “This bill helps address the epidemic of gun violence by restricting access to weapons capable of inflicting the most grievous loss of life to those of appropriate age,” said Senator Schiff. “It is not too much to ask that someone wait until the age of 21 to purchase a military style assault weapon for civilian use. Gun violence takes the lives of too many people each year, including many children, and we must do everything in our power to find solutions that keep our communities and our children safe.”

    “No good comes from an unsupervised teenager having an assault rifle,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our commonsense legislation would help keep kids and communities safe by preventing young people who are not even of legal drinking age from being able to buy weapons of war.”

    “If you’re not old enough to purchase alcohol, you shouldn’t be allowed to buy a gun either,” said Senator Wyden. “We need to be doing everything we can to stop America’s gun violence epidemic, including raising the legal age of purchase to 21. I am proud to support this bill that will help keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of teenagers.”

    The Age 21 Act is endorsed by organizations including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

    “Six of the deadliest mass shootings since 2018 were committed by individuals 21 and under. The Age 21 Act could have saved lives then, and will continue to do so if passed into law,” said Alexa Browning, Policy Manager at March For Our Lives. “Firearms are still the leading cause of death for young people, yet we continue to allow access to deadly weapons while restricting substances like alcohol and tobacco. We are deeply grateful to Senator Padilla for taking decisive action in this fight to prevent further tragedies and protect our future.” 

    “People ages 18 to 20 are responsible for perpetrating a disproportionate share of school shootings, public mass shootings, and gun homicides overall. Raising the minimum age of purchase not only protects communities, but kids as well, as states with minimum age laws have seen significant declines in firearm suicides and other types of gun violence among young adults and children. Senator Padilla’s bill sets a national standard for something that has already proven effective at the state level, and we urge Congress to implement this common sense legislation,” said Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government & Political Affairs at GIFFORDS.

    Senator Padilla is a strong advocate for commonsense, life-saving gun safety reforms. In June 2022, Padilla voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in almost 30 years. Last year, Padilla introduced bicameral legislation to prevent the federal government from contracting with federally licensed firearms dealers that have a documented history of selling a disproportionate number of guns that end up being used to commit violent crimes. In 2023, Padilla joined 27 of his Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Keep Americans Safe Act, renewing efforts to ban the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, or possession of gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. He also joined Senator Blumenthal in introducing Ethan’s Law, which would require gun owners to safely and securely store their firearms, and he cosponsored Senator Edward J. Markey’s (D-Mass.) Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act, which would direct the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules that prohibit the marketing of firearms to children.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Permanently Repeal the Death Tax

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and 44 senators in reintroducing legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, commonly known as the death tax. The Death Tax Repeal Act would end this purely punitive tax that can hit family-run farms, ranches and businesses as the result of the owner’s death.

     Sens. Johnson and Thune were joined by Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Receives 60+ Years After Committing Series of Armed Robberies of Houston-Area Fast-Food Restaurants

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

    HOUSTON –A 25-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei.

    The jury deliberated for less than three hours before finding Caleb Pickens guilty Nov. 8, 2024, following a four-day trial.

    U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Pickens to serve 722 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the sentencing hearing, the court heard evidence of Pickens’ conduct while in jail and immediately after trial. Following the verdict, Pickens exhibited obstructive behavior by grabbing a full water bottle and slinging it at the prosecution table. He then threw the water bottle at the lead case agent. Pickens also fought with officers in the courtroom.

    In handing down the sentence, the court noted Pickens’ abhorrent behavior, his lack of remorse, the court’s need to protect the public from him and his propensity for violence, as well as his violence towards officers while performing their duties. Judge Hittner said he believes Pickens to be a true danger to the public and recommended he be placed in a maximum security prison.

    “Today’s sentence appropriately accounts for defendant’s violent nature and the seriousness of his offense,” said Ganjei. “Day after day, case by case, the southern District of Texas and its law enforcements partners are striving to make Houston a safer place to live and work.”

    In early January 2024, law enforcement began investigating a series of armed robberies at McDonalds and other fast-food restaurants and convenience stores which occurred during the month of January. This eventually led them to Pickens.  

    At trial, the jury heard Pickens had worn either a red Nike sweatshirt or a black hooded jacket while committing a series of armed robberies at McDonald’s locations. He also brandished a pistol. Occasionally, he had held the gun to victims’ heads, backs or stomachs and demanded money from the safe. In one incident at a local McDonald’s, he fired his pistol into a microwave oven.

    During the robberies, Pickens would order the manager to hand over the money from the safe before exiting through the restaurant’s back door. He then fled the locations in a stolen black Chevrolet Tahoe that had a broken left rear window, used scissors to start the ignition and drove away.

    Law enforcement located the vehicle and began conducting surveillance. On Jan. 23, 2024, the Chevy Tahoe arrived at a McDonald’s in Houston where Pickens again committed another armed robbery. Authorities arrested him on scene. At that time, he was wearing the same Nike sweatshirt and hooded jacket from previous robberies and was in possession of a pistol.

    At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury the government had not proved a robbery of McDonald’s affected interstate commerce. They did not believe those claims and found Pickens guilty as charged.

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

    The Houston Police Department’s Violent Crime Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Stotts and Brian Hrach are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Leader Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine Pills and Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Cambodian man living in Lowell, Mass. was sentenced yesterday for trafficking large quantities of deadly substances, methamphetamine pills and fentanyl.

    Sary Rath, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 135 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Rath is subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In October 2024, Rath pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl.

    The investigation of Rath and the criminal street gang, the Asian Boyz, was intended to disrupt the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine pills, branded as the pharmaceutical product, Adderall, that was impacting Greater Lowell communities. The Asian Boyz were supplying a sprawling drug distribution network with these homemade counterfeit “Adderall” pills.  

    On Nov. 11, 2021, Rath was recorded selling over 2,000 counterfeit “Adderall” pills for the price of $2.00 per pill, or $4,000 total. The pills were seized by investigators, who confirmed that the pills were pressed with methamphetamine and caffeine, and were nearly identical to genuine Adderall pills in shape, size, color and markings.      

    Rath also brokered a half-kilogram fentanyl deal with Asian Boyz gang associate and co-defendant, Anel Reyes. In early December 2021, Rath was introduced to undercover agents posing as music industry insiders. Rath used the brand “Money Affiliated” to publish music and sell apparel that promoted his allegiance to the Asian Boyz. The undercover agents expressed interest in helping Rath produce rap music and the need for a source of wholesale quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. On Dec. 20, 2021, Rath coordinated a meeting at his music studio in Chelmsford, Mass., between the undercover agent, Reyes, and himself, for the sale of 500 grams of fentanyl for $10,000. Reyes was only able to obtain approximately 400 grams of fentanyl, so the undercover agent paid $8,000. For brokering the deal, Rath received $800 of the cash proceeds of the illicit sale. Approximately three weeks later, on Jan. 14, 2022, Reyes conducted a second transaction with the same undercover agent, this time for a half kilogram of fentanyl for $10,000.

    In May 2024, Reyes pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2025.  

    U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division and Superintendent Greg Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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.

    This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
    of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Woman Pleads Guilty to Using a Stolen Identity to Rent Apartments Allegedly Used by Co-Defendant for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Boston woman has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to a conspiracy to fraudulently rent two apartments under another individual’s identity.

    Ashley Roostaie, a/k/a “Lola,” a/k/a “dropdeadlola,” 38, pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2025. Roostaie was charged in April 2023, along with alleged co-conspirator Terrence Pyrtle.

    According to court documents Roostaie, and allegedly Pyrtle, utilized the personal identification information (including name, date of birth and Social Security number) of another individual to apply for and enter into lease agreements for two apartments in Braintree and Somerville, respectively. As part of their conspiracy Roostaie, and allegedly Pyrtle, created an email account under the name of the individual’s identity that they had submitted in connection with the apartments and transmitted a purported driver’s license containing the individual’s name and some of that individual’s personal identification information but depicting a different person’s photograph. By placing the apartment leases under another individual’s personal identification information Roostaie, and allegedly Pyrtle, were able to conceal any connection to and use of the apartments. According to court documents, Pyrtle allegedly then used those locations to participate in a drug conspiracy involving distribution quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and methamphetamine.

    Roostaie, and allegedly Pyrtle, also used that individual’s personal identification information to obtain and use a Green Dot debit card to make payments associated with each of the apartments, each of which had a monthly rent that exceeded $1,000.    

    Pyrtle has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of access device fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Fall River, and Quincy Police Departments and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Woman Pleads Guilty To Fraudulently Seeking Nearly $100M In COVID-19 Employment Tax Credits

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Nevada woman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to defraud the United States by making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Candies Goode-McCoy, of Las Vegas, conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and paid sick and family leave credit. From around June 2022 through September 2023, McCoy filed approximately 1,227 false tax returns for her businesses and others claiming these refundable credits.

    In total, these claims sought refunds of over $98 million, of which the IRS paid approximately $33 million. McCoy personally received over $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds and was paid about $800,000 from those on whose behalf she filed fraudulent returns. McCoy knew that these returns were fraudulent. Neither she nor the others for whom she filed them were eligible to receive the refundable credits in the amounts claimed. McCoy used the proceeds for her personal benefit, including the purchase of luxury cars, gambling at casinos, vacations and other luxury goods.

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, Congress authorized the ERC for small businesses to reduce the employment tax owed to the IRS. Congress also authorized the IRS to give a credit against employment taxes to reimburse businesses for the wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. This credit was equal to the wages the business paid the employees during the sick or family leave, subject to a maximum amount.

    McCoy is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 23, 2026. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sexual Assault Aboard Metro Train Yields Prison Term

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Anthony Garner, 37, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 45 months in prison for sexual assault of a woman aboard a Metro train, traveling from Maryland to D.C., in April 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr.

               Garner pleaded guilty on July 10, 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of third-degree sexual abuse. In addition to the sentence, the Honorable Errol Arthur also ordered that Garner will be required to register for 10 years as a sex offender and complete three years of supervised release. 

               According to the government’s evidence, at approximately, 9:30 a.m., on April 16, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to the Gallery Place Metro station for a report of a sexual assault on a female passenger. Officers spoke with the victim, who stated she had boarded the green line train at Suitland station and sat down. At that time, the defendant also boarded the train and sat directly across from her. Garner then sat next to the victim, when she noticed that his penis was exposed. When the victim motioned to other passengers that the defendant was masturbating, he got up and moved away claiming he was just fixing his pants. As the train continued and approached L’Enfant Plaza Metro station, Garner again sat next to the victim and masturbated, at which time the victim tried to get the attention of another passenger on the train. When the victim and a female passenger attempted to walk past the defendant, he blocked their path and stated “You can get off, but she isn’t going anywhere. You’re not going anywhere until I bust a nut”.  The defendant let the unknown female passenger go but held on to the victim, grabbed her butt, and refused to let her leave the train.  The victim continued to try to get off the train, but the defendant forced her to stay on board while he continued to assault her.

                At one point, when other passengers observed what was happening Garner lied and stated that the victim was his lady. As the train pulled into the Fort Totten metro station, again Garner refused to let the victim leave and, with his penis exposed, ultimately ejaculated on her. When the train pulled into the next station, both the victim and Garner exited the train. The victim immediately reported the assault to the station manager, who called the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD). The defendant boarded a train on the other platform going in the opposite direction. MTPD officers were able to locate Garner on a train at Gallery Place Metro, where he was identified by the victim and placed under arrest, and he has been in custody ever since.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Transit Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department. He acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim Advocate Tracey Hawkins and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Kelley and Sarah Folse, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminal Defense Attorney Indicted For Bribery Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging DAVID MACEY, a criminal defense attorney based in Florida, with bribery of a public official, conspiracy to bribe a public official, honest services wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, for a scheme in which MACEY paid tens of thousands of dollars to a senior Special Agent (“Agent-1”) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), in exchange for Agent-1 providing sensitive law enforcement information to MACEY to assist MACEY in recruiting and representing clients.  MACEY will be presented before Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron later today.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Reardon.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said:  “As alleged, David Macey provided secret payments to a senior DEA special agent in exchange for access to sensitive information that Macey could use to enrich himself, including information regarding sealed indictments and impending arrests.  This prosecution underscores this Office’s commitment to combatting bribery – especially bribery that compromises law enforcement’s duty to protect and serve the public.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “David Macey, a criminal defense attorney, allegedly bribed a senior federal agent with tens of thousands of dollars for confidential information from law enforcement databases. Macey allegedly breached an expectation of privacy and received unlawful advantageous details to unjustly benefit his practice. The FBI will never tolerate those who engage in corrupt practices with public officials and cheat the investigative nature of our criminal justice system.”

    According to the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

    MACEY is a criminal defense attorney based in Coral Gables, Florida.  From in or about October 2018 through in or about January 2020, MACEY and a private investigator that worked with MACEY (“Investigator-1”) paid bribes to Agent-1 with the DEA in return for Agent-1 providing non-public, confidential DEA information in breach of Agent-1’s official duties.  MACEY and Investigator-1 paid the bribes to Agent-1 using methods designed to conceal MACEY’s own connection to the bribe payments, including by using EDWIN PAGAN III, a former DEA Task Force Officer, as an intermediary.  In return for the bribe payments, Agent-1 provided nonpublic, confidential DEA information to MACEY and Investigator-1 so that MACEY and Investigator-1 could use that information in furtherance of MACEY’s legal practice, including to recruit and represent criminal defendants.

    Among the benefits paid by MACEY and Investigator-1 to Agent-1 were a $2,500 payment made in November 2018, shortly after Investigator-1’s retirement from the DEA, which was funneled to Agent-1 through a company owned by a close family member of Agent-1. At the same time that this payment was made, MACEY and Investigator-1 began asking Agent-1 to run searches in the DEA’s Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Information System (“NADDIS”), a database that contains confidential information about individuals who are or have been under investigation by the DEA.  Following that initial payment, MACEY and Investigator-1 continued to provide benefits to Agent-1, including $50,000 that was paid to Agent-1 for Agent-1’s purchase of a condominium in January 2019 and tens of thousands of dollars that were funneled from Investigator-1 through a company created by PAGAN.

    In return, Agent-1 continued to provide nonpublic DEA information to MACEY and Investigator-1, including information about the timing of forthcoming indictments, information about DEA arrest plans of particular targets, and non-public information about arrests of criminal defendants.  Agent-1 also continued to search NADDIS for names of particular individuals requested by MACEY and Investigator-1, doing so on dozens of occasions during the scheme. In addition, during the scheme, MACEY and Agent-1 discussed Agent-1’s efforts to influence subjects of DEA investigations to retain MACEY as their attorney.  

    *                *                *

    MACEY, 54, of Coral Gables, Florida, and PAGAN, 52, of Miami, Florida, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison, and one count of receiving or paying a bribe, respectively, which carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison. MACEY and PAGAN are also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and one count of honest services wire fraud, each of which counts carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.  PAGAN is also charged with four counts of perjury in connection with false testimony that he provided in a related criminal trial in November 2023.  The charges against PAGAN were unsealed in November 2024.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, and thanked the DEA’s Office of Professional Responsibility for its support in this matter.

    The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Deininger and Mat Andrews are in charge of the prosecution. 

    [1] The entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Nearly 50K Tickets Issued During Super Bowl Crackdown

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 49,948 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,021 tickets for impaired driving, during a statewide mobilization surrounding Super Bowl celebrations. The campaign ran from Monday, February 3, 2025 through Sunday, February 9, 2025.

    “New York has zero tolerance for impaired or reckless drivers who put themselves and others sharing the road in danger,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank our law enforcement officers for their vigilance in removing these individuals from our roadways.”

    Sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers were conducted throughout the campaign by State and local law enforcement officers.

    As part of the enforcement, law enforcement officers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a breakdown of the total tickets that were issued.  

    Violation  Number of Tickets 
    Impaired Driving 1,021
    Distracted Driving  1,914
    Move Over 227
    Speeding 8,536
    Seatbelt 1,083
    Other Violations  37,167
    Grand Total  49,948

    Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “The results of this campaign show the need for these enforcement campaigns that encourage safe celebrations. Making the right decision is an easy decision. Plan for a sober ride home. It’s not worth the risk of an arrest, injury or death.”

    New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The injuries and deaths caused by impaired and drunk drivers are completely preventable. Through continued education and enforcement, the New York State Police remains committed to keeping New York’s roads safe, by discouraging, detecting, and arresting impaired motorists. I thank our law enforcement partners at the Department of Motor Vehicles for their partnership in combating drunk and impaired driving.”

    During the 2024 Super Bowl weekend campaign, law enforcement officers arrested 262 people for impaired driving and issued 8,388 total tickets.

    Chautauqua County Sheriff and NYS Sheriffs’ Association President James Quattrone said, “Hopefully everyone enjoyed the Super Bowl weekend. Millions of people watched the big game and made the smart decision to not drive impaired. Unfortunately, some people put themselves, their passengers, and other road users in danger by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement ticketed and arrested many of these dangerous drivers. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy the off season and thank all of you that chose to not drive impaired.” 

    This impaired driving enforcement campaign is one of the several coordinated initiatives sponsored by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. These targeted mobilizations provide resources to law enforcement statewide to target underage drinking and increase DWI patrols and sobriety check points during the campaign period. Other impaired driving campaigns occur around St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and periods of time from August to September and December to January.

    New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

    Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

    For more information about GTSC, visit trafficsafety.ny.gov/, or follow the GTSC conversation at Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Darknet Drug Trafficking Couple From Las Vegas Sentenced in D.C. to Federal Prison Terms

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

    WASHINGTON—Rushan Lavar Reed, 47, and Celeste Nicole Reed, 28, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 51 months and 37 months in federal prison, respectively, for participating in a long-term sophisticated drug trafficking conspiracy that illegally distributed “pharmacy grade- not homemade pressed pills” nationwide across seven online darknet markets.

    The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Glen Henderson of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Phoenix Division, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Schwartz of the Las Vegas Field Office, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

    Rushan Reed, aka “Double R,” and Celeste Reed, aka “Calileone,” each pleaded guilty October 22, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine. In addition to the prison terms, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered the couple to serve three years of supervised release.

    According to court documents, for six years the married couple operated an online storefront called “MrsFeelGood” to illegally distribute a variety of narcotics across the United States, including the District of Columbia. They used darknet markets that included Monopoly, Versus, ASAP, AlphaBay, Wall Street, Archetyp, Bohemia, Empire, Dream, and White House. In addition to oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamines, they also sold and distributed MDMA, codeine, Vyvanse, Dilaudid, and marijuana. Operating on the darkweb made it possible for the Reeds to hide their identities, hide the location of their computers, and hide their illegal sales. In addition, they used cryptocurrency to launder their money so that the illegal proceeds of their drug trafficking would be difficult to trace.

    On October 11, 2023, law enforcement executed arrest warrants at the couple’s Las Vegas home and arrested them both. Officers recovered, among other things: multiple pills in prescription bottles, packaging materials; gloves; black Ziploc bags; and empty prescription pill bottles with the names of the defendants and other uncharged coconspirators. Officers also recovered an assortment of electronic devices and an AR-15 firearm. The laptop was set up to use an operating system designed to access the darknet and protect against surveillance.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, the USPIS Washington Division, and USPIS Phoenix Division.

    The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter V. Roman with valuable assistance provided by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Isabelle Sun, former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Crosby, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Wang.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgetown Woman Sentenced to 18 Years for Lying to FBI During Brittanee Drexel Investigation

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

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Angel Cooper Vause, 57, of Georgetown, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to lying to federal investigators about her role in the 2009 kidnapping and murder of Brittanee Drexel.

    According to evidence presented in court, Vause concealed the truth of what happened to Brittanee and her involvement for more than 13 years. Vause told investigators that Brittanee willingly joined her and Raymond Moody, that she left Moody and Brittanee at the Pole Yard Boat Landing near Georgetown, and that she did not take Brittanee’s cell phone with her, when in reality, she participated in Brittanee’s abduction and was complicit in her rape and murder. On the night of Brittanee’s disappearance in April 2009, Vause assisted Moody in luring the 17-year-old into their vehicle, promising her a ride to her hotel. Vause left Brittanee alone with Moody at the site of her rape and murder taking her cellphone, her only chance of survival, with her. The judge noted during the sentencing hearing that Vause was a “key participant in this tragedy, facilitating the kidnapping of a child.”

    “For more than a decade, Brittanee’s loved ones were left to imagine the worst possible scenario in Brittanee’s disappearance while Vause withheld the truth,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We hope Brittanee’s loved ones can now have both the closure and a measure of justice that comes with this sentence. May she rest in peace knowing that her mother Dawn was relentless in her pursuit of justice.”

    “The FBI is committed to following the evidence to uncover the truth,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “This sentence underscores the gravity of lying during an investigation. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will always investigate the facts and hold accountable anyone who distorts the truth to obstruct justice.”

    United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Vause to 216 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case.

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