NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI China: Thailand cracks down on mobile, internet signal misuse

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Thai authorities are taking steps to crack down on the misuse of mobile and internet signals along the border as part of their ongoing efforts to combat transnational scam operations.

    The crackdown operation launched in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province at the border with Cambodia on Monday aims to cut off critical communication channels exploited by scam syndicates operating in three locations across the border, said Yingyot Thepchamnong, commander of Provincial Police Region 2.

    In a statement, Yingyot said investigations revealed that scam syndicates rely heavily on Thailand’s mobile and internet infrastructure to conduct fraudulent activities targeting Thai citizens.

    These operations concealed their activities by using Thai SIM cards and internet connections, making calls and messages appear to be from within Thailand, he added.

    He noted that the Thai telecom regulator has directed mobile operators to curtail signal ranges in critical border areas and dismantle unauthorized infrastructure in order to limit scammers’ access to Thai telecommunications networks from across the border.

    Last week, Thailand’s National Security Council decided to suspend electricity, internet signals and fuel supply to five areas along the border with Myanmar, suspected to be used as bases for cyber scam operations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and 10 other Western Democratic Senators to sound the alarm over threats to the removal of hazardous fuels on U.S. public lands. The Bureau of Land Management recently issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America carrying out critical hazardous fuel removal projects on high-risk federal lands. Delaying these treatments risks missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels.

    The letter follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds needed to mitigate and fight wildfires, despite the devastating fires that ravaged Southern California communities last month. The Senators demanded that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington rescind the order to stop work on essential hazardous fuels reduction efforts and any other wildland fire management and risk-reduction programs.

    “Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis — and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the Senators.

    “As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” continued the Senators. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.

    The hazardous fuel reduction projects are a core component of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, to which Congress appropriated over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments in fuels reduction treatments for high-risk firesheds were recommended in the nonpartisan Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report.

    In addition to Senators Padilla, Schiff, Merkley, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Senator Padilla has long been a leader in strengthening the federal and state response to wildfires. Last week, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act, the last of which is co-led by Senator Schiff. Padilla’s legislation to strengthen FEMA’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts, the FIRE Act, became law in 2022.

    Padilla previously questioned Secretary Burgum on his support for wildfire aid, securing his commitment to responding to wildfires regardless of which state they impact with all necessary resources and support possible.

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

    Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Secretary Washington, 

    We are writing with great concern about reports from our constituents that the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders for hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are further concerned that fuels projects overseen by the U.S. Forest Service will be next. These projects are integral to increased safety and resiliency and any delay in implementation puts those communities at greater risk. We urge you to immediately rescind these stop work orders, halt any further stop work orders or funding freezes, and instead work with the tools and funds Congress has provided to better safeguard our communities from the serious risk of catastrophic wildfire.

    These projects are part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, funded by the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Investing in fuels reduction treatments is a primary recommendation in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report, a nonpartisan strategy document to tackle the myriad challenges associated with wildfire across the country. We also note with alarm that this report was removed from federal websites this week. 

    In 2022, the Forest Service identified high-risk firesheds across the country to be prioritized for hazardous fuels reduction work through the Wildlife Crisis Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Forest Service chose 10 high-priority landscapes with the enactment of IIJA and an additional 11 landscapes with the enactment of IRA – each of these landscapes require significant investment to reduce wildfire risk. These 21 landscapes were awarded a total of $1.73 billion to protect at-risk communities, critical infrastructure, public water sources, and adjacent Tribal lands in 10 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, States, Tribes, local stakeholders, and small businesses have been working together over the last three years to implement fuels reduction on these landscapes. 

    Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels.  

    In addition to endangering communities, the President’s Executive Orders freezing funding are flagrantly illegal. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis. 

    Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance. 

    As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.   

    By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire. 

    We hope to work with you to combat the scourge of catastrophic wildfire. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Operations Ludlow and Oxley Deliver Significant Results in Alice Springs and Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Following the success of Operation Ludlow, Operation Oxley is continuing in Katherine with support from the Fugitive Task Force.

    Operation Ludlow launched on 14 November 2024 to focus on addressing crime and anti-social behaviour in Alice Springs. By deploying additional officers and collaborating with external resources, including the South Australian Police and the Australian Federal Police, The NT Police Force significantly strengthened its operational presence in the region, greatly enhancing community safety. This operation concluded on 3 February 2025, resulting in 301 arrests. 

    Operation Oxley commenced on 2 December 2024 in Katherine, is set to wrap up in March. Nine weeks into the operation, police can report 324 arrests made, and 58 summons issued.

    Additionally, the Fugitive Task Force (FTF), established on 12 December 2024, has been making significant strides. This task force was created following a series of serious incidents involving high-risk offenders and is focused on locating and apprehending known fugitives.

    Based in Darwin, the FTF has deployed officers to assist both Alice Springs and Katherine.  As of this morning, the task force has successfully apprehended 116 individuals, 37 of whom (32%) were wanted on outstanding warrants.

    Commissioner of the Northern Territory Police Force, Michael Murphy APM, said, “The results of our two recent operations, Ludlow and Oxley, reflect our ongoing commitment to a safer Northern Territory.

    “I would like to commend all the officers involved in Operation Ludlow, Operation Oxley and the Fugitive Task Force, for their dedication, sacrifice and service.

    “Many officers deployed to the locations across the festive season to support their colleagues and communities.

    “I extend thanks to all our hardworking officers across the Territory who continue to achieve massive impacts for community safety.

    “Thank you Territorians for your support. Policing operations will continue with intensity to keep Territorians safe.

    “The NT Police Force will continue to work tirelessly to take action, reduce crime and maintain community security.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police urge parents and young people to be alert when online on Safer Internet Day

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    New Zealand Police is urging parents to be alert to the potential risks facing children and young people online.

    Today is Safter Internet Day – a global event to promote safe and positive online experiences.

    To ensure a collaborative approach to internet safety, Police works closely with our partner agencies, including the Department of Internal Affairs, Netsafe, and New Zealand Customs.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards, officer in charge of New Zealand Police Online Child Exploitation Across New Zealand Team (OCEANZ), says supervising children and young people online is the best way to keep them safe.

    “The internet opens up a world of opportunity but there are offenders online looking to exploit people, and they target the most vulnerable.

    “In the worst-case scenario, we see online extortion groups trying to persuade children and young people to record self-harm and sexually explicit acts, alongside other violent crimes.

    “The footage is then circulated among members of the extortion group to gain notoriety and further extort victims.

    “Offenders may also threaten to share these videos or images online or with the victim’s family and friends.

    “While we’re not seeing a large number of this type of offending here in New Zealand at this time, we know this is having a significant impact overseas.

    “We want parents to be alert to the possible risks, but not alarmed.”

    Police urge parents and caregivers to educate themselves on this topic and have conversations with their young people about the dangers of having an online presence.

    “Having open and regular conversations is the most important tip we can give any parent or caregiver,” Detective Senior Sergeant Richards says.

    “This ensures their young children feel comfortable to come forward about any online issues that may arise.”

    For parents and caregivers: 

    • Supervision is essential. This means knowing what your children are doing online, who they are interacting with, and what platforms, apps, or games they are using.
    • Check privacy settings. We recommend parents and caregivers research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. This can include turning off location settings, setting profiles to private, or turning off chat functions.
    • Long term impact. Offenders will often use tactics such as fear or shame to manipulate young people, and make them feel alienated or trapped, like they cannot escape the situation. These situations can be very distressing and can have long term impacts and need to be addressed appropriately.
    • Report suspicious behaviour. Make a report and seek help and support.

    For victims:

    • Stop talking to the offender and avoid sending any more images or videos – even if they are threatening you. Once you have complied with their demands, there is nothing preventing them from targeting you again.
    • Save all the online chat, immediately take screenshots. This is important for making a report to the Police, we need all the evidence that you can gather.
    • Report the content and person’s profile to the platform and request the content is removed.
    • Block the profile.

    Where to report offending:

    To report any offending to Police, please call 111 in an emergency, and for non-emergencies, online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.

    If you have seen content online that you wish to report, make a report to the Department of Internal Affairs HERE.

    If you would like advice and support from Netsafe, text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282 or call for free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723). You can also report online at netsafe.org.nz/report or by email at help@netsafe.org.nz.

    Click HERE to read the Virtual Global Taskforce Safer Internet Day’s media release issued by the Australian Federal Police.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — RCMP investigate Whistle Bend incidents

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Whitehorse RCMP are investigating a number of reported thefts from vehicles in the Whistle Bend subdivision area overnight.

    During the early morning hours of February 9, a thief (or thieves) committed a spree of criminal acts in the Whistle Bend area of Whitehorse. Police have received several reports of vehicles being rifled through and items being taken.

    If you are a witness to a crime or have been a victim of theft, or attempted theft over the weekend, please call 867-667-555 and report it to the police.

    Police are also asking residents in the area to review any security camera footage for suspicious activity between the hours of 1 am and 5 am and to contact police should they locate some evidence on their footage.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee, Hageman Introduce Legislation to Protect Firearm Manufacturers and Dealers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Jurisdiction Act, which protects law-abiding American firearm manufacturers and sellers by creating an independent basis for removing frivolous lawsuits against them to federal court, especially those predicated on illegal use of their products by unrelated third parties. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the House version of the bill. It is co-sponsored by Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ted Budd (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).   

    “We cannot allow law-abiding Americans to lose their Second Amendment rights through unjust attacks on those who legally make and sell firearms,” said Senator Lee. “This legislation will save businesses from frivolous lawsuits and forum-shopping by amending the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, defending the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms.”

    “Anti-Second Amendment activists have long used lawfare as a weapon to attack our constitutional rights,” said Rep. Hageman. “Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve consistently defended law-abiding gunowners. This legislation reinforces my commitment by ensuring radical gun-control advocates cannot hurt firearm manufactures by filing politically motivated cases in state courts.”

    BACKGROUND

    Enacted in 2005, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act provides a defense for gun manufacturers and dealers to use against frivolous suits when their products are legally manufactured and sold, but later used to commit crimes. However, because the PLCAA does not contain an independent basis for removal to federal court, state courts must look to the federal question jurisdiction statute (28 U.S.C. 1331) triggering the “well-pled complaint rule.” The “well-pled complaint rule” requires that the statutory basis for removal under 28U.S.C. 1331 be found on the face of the complaint filed by plaintiffs. Any answer or defense raised by the defendant is an insufficient basis for removal to federal court. This contrasts with the broader requirement of only a federal ingredient in either the claim or defense for Article III jurisdiction under the Constitution. State Attorneys General and plaintiffs have become creative in ensuring that complaints filed in state court do not trigger the well-pled complaint rule’s requirements for removal to federal court under the PLCAA. This necessitates adding an independent basis for removal of lawsuits against defendants who qualify for PLCAA protections.

    The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Jurisdiction Act adds a provision to the PLCAA stating that cases filed in state court which meet the requirements for protection under the PLCAA can be removed to federal court so that gun manufacturers and dealers can qualify for the liability protections created by Congress. This legislation would further the PLCAA’s goal of ending abusive, frivolous litigation by reducing forum shopping and other attempts to weaponize our legal system against the firearms industry. 

    You can read the one-pager by clicking HERE. 

    You can read the bill text by clicking HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NTES launches new custom response vessel

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The NT Emergency Service (NTES) has enhanced its marine capability with the addition of a new purpose-built response vessel.

    Officially handed over to NTES late last year, the vessel is now operational following fit out and will serve as the primary response vessel for evacuations, cargo transport, and flood rescues in the northern region. It replaces a 25-year-old vessel, which had reached the end of its service life.

    Built by local company Custom Works, the vessel was designed as an ‘in between’ option between the 5.3-meter primary flood rescue boats and the larger 6.2-meter landing crafts. The new asset is versatile and capable of transporting cargo and small ATVs. It is lighter than the larger landing craft, offering greater manoeuvrability.

    The new vessel significantly improves NTES’ response capabilities, particularly in the evacuation of people stranded in flooded communities. Additionally, it enhances the capacity to deliver supplies and cargo compared with the old boat, which only carried four people and minimal cargo. The new vessel has the capacity to carry up to 10 people or 800 kg of vital supplies, crucial for maintaining sustainability in remote communities during emergencies.

    Commissioner of NT Fire and Emergency Services, Andrew Warton, says the new vessel, will improve operational capacity during the high-risk weather season in the Top End.

    “Our NTES volunteers respond to a wide range of incidents, from flood evacuations and rescues at river crossings to assisting NT Police with inland river or dam searches and providing marine flood rescue training,”

    “Having a purpose-built asset that is tailored to our unique Northern Territory terrain is vital for handling the severe weather we face, especially in remote areas.”

    “Our crew is very pleased with the high-quality work of Custom Works. They’ve delivered a vessel that will exceed our operational requirements during the Wet Season.”

    The recent formation of the NT Fire and Emergency Services, which combines the NT Fire and Rescue Service, NT Emergency Service, and Bushfires NT into one agency, enhances our ability to respond to emergencies while prioritising community resilience.

    Media contact:

    Rickie Abraham

    89239803

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: MIL Analysis – Five best articles in Russian for 10.02.2025

    MIL Analysis: Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis consists of five articles that are prioritized at the moment.

    Today’s analysis provides us with economic performance and engagement with different communities. There is also a trend towards respect for human rights. The economy in China is growing and prospering.

    Education is increasing computerization skills and introducing artificial intelligence.

    “Samaraneftegaz” shows the innovative activities of Rosneft. Oil reserves have grown. In addition, science is developing day by day, so NSU scientists have developed a technique for measuring ultra-low concentrations of radioactive substances.

    Below you can read one of the articles.

    1. Financial news: Rules for managing conflicts of interest for NPFs.

    Non-state pension funds (NPFs) will be required to identify and manage conflicts of interest. Funds will be able to allow conflicts to arise only if they have notified their clients and their rights are not violated. The Ministry of Justice of Russia has registered the corresponding decree of the Bank of Russia.

    2. Cultural Code of the Celestial Empire: How to Do Business in China.

    Higher School of Economics

    By 2035, China will overtake the US in terms of GDP and become the world’s largest economy. Today, there are over 108 million entrepreneurs and 50 million industrial enterprises in this country. Last year, the economy grew by 4.8%. This opens up unique opportunities for Russian companies. Vysshka experts tell us how to enter one of the most promising markets.

    3. Vyshka launches advanced training course on AI in education.

    The Computer Science Department of the National Research University Higher School of Economics is launching an advanced training course on artificial intelligence in education. The program is designed for educators, teachers, methodologists planning to integrate AI technologies into the educational process, as well as for management teams of educational institutions interested in improving educational processes through the introduction of AI.

    4. “Samaraneftegaz replenished oil reserves by 180%.

    “Samaraneftegaz (part of Rosneft’s oil production complex) added 19 million tons of commercial oil reserves by the end of 2024, which made it possible to replenish oil production 1.8 times.

    5. NSU scientists have developed a methodology for determining ultra-low concentrations of radioactive substances.

    Scientists of the Physics Department of Novosibirsk State University have developed a technique for measuring ultra-small concentrations of radioactive substances whose decay is accompanied by gamma radiation. Data collection is carried out using a detector made of ultrapure germanium, which is part of the equipment of the NSU Interdepartmental Laboratory of Atomic Physics and Spectrometry; a special hardware and software system has been created for data processing. The first project implemented with the use of this technique is research work to determine the level of radioactive substances (radon) in the soil of mines and coal mines in the Kemerovo region.

    Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Passaic County Man Charged With Threatening Flight Attendants On An Airplane

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey man was arrested for threatening flight attendants and crew members during an incident in which he refused to comply with flight attendant instructions, banged on the cockpit door, and called out and threatened the captain before being escorted off the flight by law enforcement to Newark Liberty International Airport, Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Luis A. Vaquero, 27, of Passaic County, New Jersey, was charged by complaint in Newark federal court with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation. He appeared before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark, New Jersey federal court, and was released.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On February 9, 2025, shortly after taking off on a flight from Miami, Florida, Vaquero began threatening and harassing various passengers, including making threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocking a group of Jewish passengers. Vaquero also threatened a flight crew member who declined to serve Vaquero alcohol after the beverage service window closed, telling her, “You better watch out, shit’s gonna happen to you.”  Upon landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, flight attendants alerted law enforcement.  After hearing the announcement that the airplane was awaiting the arrival of law enforcement, Vaquero forced his way to the front of the plane and began banging on the flight deck door, demanding, “I need the pilot to come outside!”  When a flight attendant attempted to intervene, Vaquero yelled, “I will really break your fuckin’ jaw n***a!”  Vaquero also yelled, “I wanna see that fuckin’ captain!  Come outside you bitch ass n***a!”  When the captain emerged, Vaquero continued to make threats to the captain while six inches from his face until law enforcement intervened. 

    “The defendant is charged with threatening flight crew members and passengers while traveling to Newark. We are committed to keeping the skies safe for flying and will prosecute those who criminally interfere with the professionals responsible for ensuring passenger safety.”

    Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna

    “Over the course of a 3-hour flight, we allege Vaquero lost his temper and physically harassed not only the crew and captain, but passengers, making threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocking a group of Jewish passenger.”  Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said. “It all culminated in a terrifying attack and attempted breach of the flight deck when witnesses say he banged on the cockpit door and confronted the pilot.  The harrowing flight and other similar incidents onboard airplanes recently are creating tension and fear for fliers and crew members. FBI Newark has a warning for those who think it may not be a big deal—they’re breaking federal law, and they will be brought to justice.”

    The charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

    Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent of Police Edward T. Cetnar, for its assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering & Recovery Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                         ###

    Defense counsel: Adalgiza A. Nunez, Esq., Newark, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Homestead Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machinegun, Trafficking Drugs, and Other Offenses While on Federal Supervised Release for Prior Conviction; Plea Agreement Calls for Sentence of 35 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws and agreed that later this year he will be sentenced to 35 years in prison, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Erik Addison, 28, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, including possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, possession of a machinegun, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on May 8, 2023, law enforcement in Pittsburgh attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Addison when he fled police and then abandoned and ran from the vehicle. Addison was pursued, detained, and arrested, with a police video camera recording the defendant in possession of a firearm later determined to be a Glock 19 9mm pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a Glock switch, intended to convert a weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Investigators also recovered from Addison two cell phones, more than $3,200 in cash, and car keys.

    A search of the vehicle registered to Addison revealed a black bag containing 28 bricks of fentanyl, a 31 round 9mm Glock magazine, and Addison’s state ID card. The suspected fentanyl was confirmed, by laboratory testing, to consist of fentanyl as well as a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Addison’s cell phone contained extensive evidence of Addison’s drug trafficking and knowledge of Glock switches, including entries in which he described having such firearms. At the time of the offenses to which Addison pleaded guilty, he was serving a term of supervised release following his conviction for a prior federal firearms offense in 2021. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    In addition to the federal charges, Addison is also facing charges in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas stemming from his conduct on May 8, 2023. On October 2, 2023, while detained at the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial on his state and federal charges, Addison was found in possession of ABD-Butanica, a synthetic cannabinoid and Schedule I controlled substance.

    “Erik Addison’s blatant disregard for the law by possessing a dangerous firearm in connection with illegal fentanyl trafficking while on federal supervised release for a prior conviction and then, possessing another controlled substance while incarcerated on those charges, demonstrates the need to have dangerous criminals like him off of our streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “Today’s plea is a testament to the good work of our law enforcement partners in helping to bring violent traffickers such as Addison to justice.”

    “Armed with fentanyl, heroin, and a pistol converted into a dangerous machinegun via an illegal ‘switch,’ this defendant was a deadly threat to his neighborhood,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Stopping criminals from endangering our communities with illegal firearms is a top ATF priority. We thank our local partners for their diligence and courage in this apprehension, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office’s support as we work to make our communities safer.”

    “We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in moving this case to a resolution,” said Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns. “These violent incidents leave a lasting impact throughout our community, and only strengthen our commitment to work with our local and federal partners to keep dangerous, illegal weapons off our streets.”

    Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025. As to the most serious offense, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of imprisonment with a maximum possible sentence of life, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Brendan T. Conway are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The investigation and prosecution of Addison was the result of a collaborative effort between the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Police Department, and Edgewood Borough Police Department.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Woman Sentenced for Money Laundering in Relation to COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Anna Marie Omar, 51, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $23,410.60 in restitution for money laundering by engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Omar admitted that she fraudulently obtained a $20,833 PPP loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 30, 2021, Omar applied for a PPP forgivable loan while living in Bluefield, West Virginia. PPP loans were available to qualifying independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace their normal income and for certain other expenses. Omar admitted that she falsely represented that she was an independent contractor, that she had earned $152,000 in gross income in that capacity during tax year 2020, that she earned that income while working for a water processing business, and that she had been in business since 2010. Omar further admitted that she obtained the COVID-19 relief money for her own personal use.

    A PPP lender approved Omar’s loan application and deposited $20,833 in loan proceeds into Omar’s personal checking account on May 17, 2021. Omar admitted that she transferred $12,216.70 of the loan proceeds from her personal checking account to her personal savings account the following day.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), Homeland Security Investigations, the Horry County South Carolina Sheriff’s Office and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

    Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted 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, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-36.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Obtains $162,500 Settlement Compensating Victim of Fair Housing Act Discrimination

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Kenneth M. Sorenson, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, announced a settlement of $162,500 resolving the United States’ lawsuit under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) against Kailua Village Condominium Association (“Kailua Village”), its Managing Agent, Associa Hawaii, the sellers of a Kailua Village condominium unit, and the sellers’ realtor.

    The lawsuit alleged that the defendants discriminated against an individual with paraplegia (the “Complainant”) who attempted to purchase a condominium unit at Kailua Village, a 54-unit condominium complex in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in or around October 2021. The Complainant was living at the condominium unit pursuant to an early occupancy agreement during the escrow period. According to the Complaint filed by the United States, the defendants unlawfully denied the Complainant’s requests for an accessible parking space, a temporary ramp to access his condominium unit, and installation of an accessible toilet at his own expense. This discrimination, as well as certain verbal harassment, allegedly caused the Complainant to withdraw from the purchase and move out of the condominium unit.

    The FHA makes it unlawful to discriminate in the terms and conditions of the sale or rental of, or to otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling based on the prospective buyer or renter’s disability. The FHA also mandates that reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, and services be provided when necessary to afford equal housing opportunities to persons with disabilities.

    The Complainant filed a discrimination complaint with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). HUD’s investigation determined that reasonable cause existed to believe that illegal discriminatory housing practices had occurred. The Complainant subsequently exercised his right to proceed to federal court with the dispute, thereby triggering the statutory requirement that the Department of Justice file suit on the Complainant’s behalf.

    The case was resolved by two Consent Decrees approved by the federal district court in October 2024 and January 2025. Pursuant to the Consent Decrees, the defendants will pay the Complainant $162,500 in damages and are required to complete FHA training. Additionally, Kailua Village is required to adopt a Department of Justice-approved reasonable accommodation and modification policy, and for a period of two years, Kailua Village and Associa Hawaii must comply with certain recordkeeping and reporting requirements to ensure FHA compliance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sydney Spector and Dana Barbata, in partnership with the Housing and Civil Enforcement Section of the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, litigated the matter.

    Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination may submit a report online at www.civilrights.justice.gov, or may contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or www.hud.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Kill Federal Judge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Kenneth J. Ward, Jr. pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with threatening to assault and murder a United States District Judge (the District Judge).  Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge John P. Cronan sitting by designation.  When sentenced, Ward faces up to 10 years in prison.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.

    “The judges and other court officials who work every day to keep our country safe and uphold the rule of law should not have to fear for their lives for doing their jobs,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Threatening judges strikes at the very heart of our system.  This Office has no tolerance for violence or threats of violence against public servants.  We will prosecute offenders like the defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding work of the United States Marshals Service on the case.

    The charge is based on Ward’s threat at a telephone status conference in his pro se civil action, which was filed in federal court in Brooklyn.  Ward’s civil case was assigned to the District Judge, who ultimately dismissed most of Ward’s claims.  On July 15, 2024, Ward participated in a telephonic conference in connection with his case.  During that conference, which was recorded, the defendant became angry and threatened to choke the District Judge “to death.”  “And that’s on the f—ing – on the record,” Ward stated. At the plea hearing, Ward admitted that he made the threat in retaliation for the judge’s ruling against him in his civil case.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Trial Attorney Leonid Sandlar is in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    KENNETH J. WARD JR.
    Age: 59
    Glendale, Queens

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-401

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: First National Bank Alaska named top ten bank in America by Forbes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Forbes selected Alaska’s largest community bank, First National Bank Alaska, as one of the top ten banks in the country for their annual list America’s Best Banks. First National ranked sixth in the nation and was the only bank in Alaska to make the list.

    The global media company evaluates 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability and stock performance.

    “We are honored to receive this recognition,” said First National Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “I want to extend my gratitude to our customers and congratulate the more than 600 local employees who provide excellent customer service every day. Being ranked as one of the top ten banks in America by Forbes is a reflection of employee dedication to helping fellow Alaskans succeed.”

    Alaska’s community bank since 1922, First National Bank Alaska proudly meets the financial needs of Alaskans with ATMs and 28 locations in 19 communities throughout the state, and by providing banking services to meet their needs across the nation and around the world.

    In 2024, Alaska Business readers voted First National “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the ninth year in a row, Best Bank/Credit Union for the fourth time running, and Best Customer Service. The bank was also voted “Best of Alaska” in 2024 in the Anchorage Daily News awards, ranking as one of the top three in the Bank/Financial category for the sixth year in a row. American Banker again recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” in 2024, for the seventh consecutive year.

    For more than a century, the bank has been committed to supporting the communities it serves. In 2024, for the eighth consecutive reporting period, over a span of twenty-four years, First National received an Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act performance rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Our dedicated team strives to provide exceptional customer service to meet the banking needs of our fellow Alaskans to help shape a brighter tomorrow.

    First National Bank Alaska is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, and recognized as a Minority Depository Institution by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as it is majority-owned by women.

    CONTACT: Marketing
    (907) 777-3409

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Western Senators Warn that Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Increase Risk of Devastating Wildfires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined group of Western U.S. Senators to sound the alarm over reports that the Bureau of Land Management issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America related to the removal of hazardous fuels on public lands. Delaying these treatments even for a short period can mean missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels and reducing the risk of devastating fires. 

    Their letter follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds to mitigate and fight wildfires and comes as communities nationwide prepare for wildfire season.

    “Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the Senators.

    “As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” the Senators stressed. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.  

    “By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire,” the Senators demanded.

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts to support Nevada firefighters and combat the wildfire crisis in the West, securing billions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to support wildfire risk reduction and new firefighting equipment. She recently visited the burn scar of the Davis Fire and discussed key resources she’s delivered for wildfires fuels reduction in Northern Nevada. She also ensured all federal wildland firefighters—including many working in Nevada — got a significant pay raise in 2023 and helped designate the Sierra and Elko Fronts as Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscapes for wildfire prevention efforts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski joins Colleagues in Calling for Quick Implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    02.06.25

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined 27 colleagues in calling for the immediate implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act to provide full Social Security benefits for thousands of Alaskan public servants impacted by Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The Social Security Fairness Act, which fully repeals the two Social Security provisions WEP and GPO, was signed into law on January 5, 2024. Senator Murkowski co-sponsored the legislation every year since 2003, praised the long overdue passage of the law. She believes that implementation of the law now needs to be a priority for the Social Security Administration. 

    “The Social Security Administration’s website currently states, ‘SSA expects that it could take more than one year to adjust benefits and pay all retroactive benefits’ owed under the Social Security Fairness Act. We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO,” wrote the senators.

    Murkowski was joined by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Warner (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

    Read the full letter here or below:

    Dear Acting Commissioner King,

    We write to you concerning the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act (Public Law No: 118-273). This legislation passed Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis on December 21st, 2024 and was signed into law on January 5th, 2025. The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

    The Social Security Administration’s website currently states, “SSA expects that it could take more than one year to adjust benefits and pay all retroactive benefits” owed under the Social Security Fairness Act. We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO. In the interim, we request monthly updates and briefings regarding the status of the Social Security Administration’s progress towards implementing the Social Security Fairness Act.

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.  We look forward to your response.

    Background

    Senator Murkowski will continue to keep Alaskans updated on this issue via her website at https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/social-security-fairness-act-information. 

    The WEP, enacted in 1983, reduces the Social Security benefits of workers who receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government for employment not covered by Social Security. The GPO, enacted in 1977, reduces Social Security spousal benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers whose spouses receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government. Together, these provisions reduce Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million Americans – including those who worked teachers, state employees, and public safety officers. Alaska is one of the most disproportionately and negatively affected states per capita by the WEP and GPO.

    The Social Security Fairness Act has been endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations Alaska (AFL-CIO Alaska), Alaska Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA), Alaska Professional Fighters Association (APFA), National Education Association – Alaska (NEA-A), National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Alaska (NARFE Alaska), Alaska State Employees Association (ASEA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Strengthen Medicare (NCPSSM), Social Security Works, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Union of Police Association (IUPA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), National Education Association (NEA), and the Senior Citizens League.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Declawing the CAT: Statement on Consolidated Audit Trail Exemptive Relief

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Data are the foundation of advancement. They sit at the heart of innovation, technology, learning, community building, and so many other values crucial to our progress. Data can also be a critical tool in preventing fraud and wrongdoing.

    But our data can also be deeply personal or subject to exploitation. That is why, when the government collects data, such collection must be done with due care and assurances that those who access our data are doing so with adequate guardrails and proper purpose. There must be processes and procedures followed to ensure responsible and appropriate use.[1] The fact that data are a powerful tool is not a reason to stop their collection altogether; rather, it is a reason to make use of data for significant and laudable goals—like protecting American business, investors, and the economy. We must weigh the law enforcement and regulatory benefits of the data collection against the potential costs.

    The Consolidated Audit Trail (“CAT”) is a seminal example of how data collection can be used for good purpose. The CAT helps make our markets safer, more efficient, and can act as a powerful tool in ferreting out wrongdoing. Yet today, by eliminating critical data collection, we undermine its use and our own effectiveness. We are wiping away the fingerprints from the scene of the crime.

    The agency adopted the CAT after the 2010 “Flash Crash” when U.S. markets collapsed and then partially rebounded in less than an hour.[2] The whiplash in prices undermined market confidence and caused significant investor losses.[3] It was clear following the crash that regulators, including this agency, were unprepared to respond to a market event of that magnitude. A complete regulatory response would have required a full and robust analysis of data we did not have.[4] It ultimately took the SEC nearly five months to determine the root causes of the crash,[5] and to this day, the Commission does not have a sense of who was harmed.

    We must be more responsive than that. For quick and effective oversight in a crisis, regulators need access to a timely and comprehensive set of data—whether we are trying to figure out a major market event like the Flash Crash, investigate fraud, or identify suspicious foreign activity that may indicate market manipulation or infiltration. The CAT was designed to address outdated regulatory infrastructure by improving the completeness, accuracy, accessibility, and timeliness of data needed to support robust regulatory oversight. [6] And, in fact, it has. [7]

    Unfortunately, today we eliminate the CAT’s collection of the most basic customer identifying information,[8] thus impairing regulators’ ability to understand suspicious activity, unwind events, or stave off market disruptions. Today’s order itself acknowledges the negative impact this will have on regulatory efficiency but fails to grapple with the consequences of these diminished capabilities. It leaves unanswered the most basic questions. For example, will it be more difficult for regulators to spot fraud? How much harder will it be to identify certain types of market manipulation? Will it be more difficult to identify and address concerns relating to certain foreign ownership? Will it be more difficult to identify and compensate the victims of swindlers? In times of market disruption and ongoing fraud or manipulation, loss of time means loss of money and loss in market confidence. There is no question that this decision is a loss for markets and investor protection.

    [1] Given that protecting the security and confidentiality of Consolidated Audit Trail data has long been a priority of the Commission, there are safeguards in place to protect this information. For example, Rule 613(e)(4)(i)(A) requires policies and procedures to ensure the security and confidentiality of all information reported to the CAT’s central repository by requiring that the Participants and their employees agree to use appropriate safeguards to ensure the confidentiality of such data and agree not to use such data for any purpose other than surveillance and regulatory purposes. In addition, Rule 613(e)(4)(i)(B) requires the Participants adopt and enforce rules that require information barriers between regulatory staff and nonregulatory staff with regard to access and use of data in the central repository and permit only persons designated by plan sponsors to have access to the data in the central repository. Moreover, Rule 613(e)(4)(i)(C) requires that the Plan Processor develop and maintain a comprehensive information security program for the central repository, with dedicated staff, that is subject to regular reviews by the Chief Compliance Officer; have a mechanism to confirm the identity of all persons permitted to access the data; and maintain a record of all instances where such persons access the data.

    [2] See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67457 (July 18, 2012), 77 FR 45722 (Aug. 1, 2012) (“Rule 613 Adopting Release”). The Commission adopted Rule 613 to require self-regulatory organizations (“SROs”) to submit a national market system plan to create, implement, and maintain a consolidated order tracking system, or consolidated audit trail, with respect to the trading of NMS securities, that would capture customer and order event information for such securities, across all markets, from the time of order inception through routing, cancellation, modification, or execution ( the “CAT Plan” or “Plan”). The SROs then developed and submitted the CAT Plan, and in 2016 the Commission voted unanimously on a bi-partisan basisto approve the Plan. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78318 (November 15, 2016), 81 FR 84696, (Nov. 23, 2016) (“CAT Plan Approval Order”); see also Final Commission Votes for Agency Proceeding, 03-Nov-16, Interim Final Temporary Rule Regarding the Consolidated Audit Trail, approved 3-0,available athttps://www.sec.gov/about/commission-votes/annual/commission-votes-ap-2016.xml.

    [3] See U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Preliminary Findings Regarding the Market Events of May 6, 2010, Report of the Staffs of the CFTC and SEC to the Joint Advisory Committee on Emerging Regulatory Issues (May 18, 2010) available at https://www.sec.gov/sec-cftc-prelimreport.pdf.

    [4] See Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45732. Although the SROs and the Commission quickly implemented a single-stock circuit breaker pilot program as an initial response, a more complete regulatory response required a full and robust analysis of additional data. SEC staff had to cobble together data from disparate sources, such as exchange order books and different SRO audit trails. SEC staff encountered major problems that hindered their ability to figure out what happened during the Flash Crash, such as not being able to accurately sequence events across the multiple data sources or identify and eliminate duplicate orders. Moreover, SEC staff had to analyze the order books for thousands of equities, and even then, the reconstruction was not fully complete. Id. at 45733.

    [5] Id. at 45733.

    [6] See CAT Plan Approval Order at 84727 (stating that the Commission believes the CAT Plan will facilitate regulators’ access to more complete, accurate and timely audit trail data, and allow for more efficient and effective surveillance and analysis, which will better enable regulators to detect misconduct, reconstruct market events, and assess potential regulatory changes). “Completeness” refers to whether a data source represents all market activity of interest to regulators, and whether the data is sufficiently detailed to provide the information regulators require. “Accuracy” refers to whether the data about a particular order or trade is correct and reliable. “Accessibility” refers to how the data is stored, how practical it is to assemble, aggregate, and process the data, and whether all appropriate regulators could acquire the data they need. “Timeliness” refers to when the data is available to regulators and how long it would take to process before it could be used for regulatory analysis. See Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45727.

    [7] See e.g., Press Release, SEC Charges Financial Services Professional and Associate in $47 Million Front-Running Scheme (Dec. 14, 2022) available at https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022-228 (stating that SEC staff analyzed trading using the CAT database to uncover defendant’s allegedly fraudulent trading and to identify how he profited by repeatedly front-running large trades by the other defendant’s employer); see also SEC v. Lawrence Billimek, and Alan Williams, Case 1:22-cv-10542 (S.D.N.Y. filed Dec. 14, 2022), available at https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/complaints/2022/comp-pr2022-228.pdf. In addition, information in the Gamestop report was also derived from staff review of data maintained in the CAT database. See Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Staff Report on Equity and Options Market Structure Conditions in Early 2021 (Oct. 14, 2021)(colloquially known as the “Gamestop Report”) available at https://www.sec.gov/files/staff-report-equity-options-market-struction-conditions-early-2021.pdf.

    [8] See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-102386 (Feb. 10, 2025). Specifically, the CAT will no longer collect, and broker-dealers will no longer report, name, address, and year of birth for natural persons with transformed security numbers (“SSNs”), or individual taxpayer identification numbers (“ITINs”). The Commission previously took exemptive action to eliminate individual social security numbers from the CAT. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88393 (Mar. 17, 2020), 85 FR 16152 (Mar. 20, 2020). Accordingly, today’s exemptive relief represents yet another reduction in the data available to regulators, further undermining the effectiveness of CAT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Carjacker Detained Pending Trial for March 2024 Carjacking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Miquel Beasley, 22, of Bryans Road, MD, was charged on February 5, 2025, and ordered detained on February 7, 2025, for an armed carjacking stemming from an offense in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                According to court records, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on March 22, 2024, the victim met up with Beasley in the 3900 block of First Street SE to purchase marijuana.  Beasley entered the victim’s car, asked if the victim wanted to purchase marijuana, and the victim handed Beasley approximately $250.  Beasley then pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the victim, and demanded that the victim get out of the car or else he would shoot the victim.  The victim got out of his car, and Beasley got into the driver’s seat of the victim’s car and drove away. 

                An arrest warrant was issued on June 20, 2024, and Beasley was arrested on that warrant on January 30, 2025. 

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).  It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Charges in Federal Court

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Phillip Plummer, 42, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty February 10, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, and another count of distributing methamphetamine.

    Evidence at the plea hearing showed that between 2022 and May 2023, Plummer and others conspired to distribute more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area.  Plummer admitted to distributing methamphetamine on seven separate occasions to an individual cooperating with law enforcement, four of said occasions occurred within 1,000 feet of schools, namely, Mater Dei Elementary School and Hunt Elementary School in Sioux City. Evidence further showed that during a search warrant at Plummer’s residence in May 2023, law enforcement seized approximately one half-pound of meth, two (2) bags of medicated Jolly Rancher Gummies containing 600mg of THC and two (2) vape pens.  Plummer intended to sell some or all of the controlled substances to others in the area. 

    Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Plumer remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Plummer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.    

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-4069.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2025.

    Arnold Dean Buck Elk Thunder, Jr., 57, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Buck Elk Thunder was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 7, 2024.

    Buck Elk Thunder was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act as a result of a state felony conviction in May 2001 for Sexual Contact with a Child Under the Age of 16. On February 15, 2024, Buck Elk Thunder updated his registered address to a residence in Eagle Butte, on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. In May 2024, Buck Elk Thunder moved from his registered address in Eagle Butte to Rapid City, South Dakota, before returning to the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and residing in Cherry Creek, South Dakota. Buck Elk Thunder knew he was required to update his registration within three business days of changing his residence but failed to do so after leaving Eagle Butte.

    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 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

    Buck Elk Thunder was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid City Man Arrested on Federal Charges for Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

    A federal grand jury indicted Jerry Lamont, age 60, in January 2025. He appeared before Daneta L. Wollmann on February 7, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

    The maximum penalty upon conviction for receiving child pornography is a mandatory minimum term of five years up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count of conviction. Restitution may also be ordered.

    Between January and December 2024, Lamont is alleged to have uploaded at least four pictures and 22 videos of child pornography into his Dropbox cloud storage account. The child pornography depicted children, some as young as toddlers, being sexually abused. 

    The charges are merely accusations, and Lamont is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    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 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case. 

    Lamont was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has been set for April 15, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Connecticut Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tip from homeowner led officers to hypothermic Yardley Davis one day after he attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the woods

    BANGOR, Maine: A Connecticut man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of ammunition.

    According to court records, in December 2021, a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office deputy on routine patrol in Greenbush noted that the license plates on a car pulled over on the side of the road did not match the vehicle. The deputy pulled the vehicle over as it started to move. The vehicle’s operator, who was arrested for operating after license suspension, stated that a passenger they identified as Yardley Davis, 39, had fled when the vehicle was pulled over. The driver further stated that Davis had two guns in his possession and before fleeing had said if he was caught with them he would go to jail.

    The following morning, law enforcement received a report from a nearby homeowner that they had found gloves, a black ski mask and a rope next to a barbed wire fence on their property. Davis was found in the woods following a search and flown to the hospital for treatment for hypothermia. A further search of the woods by a K9 unit led to the recovery of two 9mm handguns and 45 rounds of ammunition. A forensic analysis of the firearms by the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory revealed the presence of Davis’s DNA on both firearms. Davis is precluded from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a 2005 conviction in Connecticut Superior Court for robbery in the first degree. 

    Davis faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 to be followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: New laws strengthen penalties for antisemitism, boost protection for people attending places of worship

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 11 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Attorney General

    The NSW Government will today introduce two bills to protect places of worship and further criminalise Nazi symbols, as part of a crackdown on recent racial hatred and antisemitism.

    The Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025 is part of a package of reforms announced last week to give police additional powers and resources to respond to acts of racial violence and hatred.

    The latest proposed changes to the Crimes Act create two new offences to ensure people of faith can attend their place of worship in safety:

    • Intentionally blocking, impeding or hindering a person from accessing or leaving, or attempting to access or leave, a place of worship without a reasonable excuse; and
    • Harassing, intimidating or threatening a person accessing or leaving, or attempting to access or leave, a place of worship.

    The maximum penalty for the new offences is 200 penalty units and/or two years’ imprisonment.

    The Bill will also amend the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 to authorise a police officer to issue a move on direction to a person who is participating in a demonstration, protest, procession or assembly occurring in or near a place of worship. This would not apply in circumstances where the relevant action is within an authorised public assembly.

    The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill also:

    • Clarifies that graffiti is a “public act” for the purposes of the offences of threatening or inciting violence and displaying Nazi symbols;
    • Provides for tougher sentencing for displaying by public act a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, the Jewish Museum or a Jewish school; and
    • Aggravates sentences when a person’s conduct is partially or wholly driven by hate.

    These reforms provide greater protection to the community against public displays of hate and crimes that may be partially motivated by hate and prejudice.

    The Department of Communities and Justice held targeted consultation on the legislation, including with faith institutions, key legal stakeholders and relevant government agencies.

    The NSW Government is currently finalising new laws on hate speech.

    NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

    “Disgusting acts of antisemitism and intimidation have no place in NSW – acts designed to divide will not work.

    “Our package is a strong response to recent antisemitism, but will also protect any person, of any religion.

    “We are sending a clear message that these disgusting attacks have to stop.”

    Attorney General Michael Daley said:

    “People of faith have the right to attend their place of worship without fear or obstruction.

    “Blocking access to a church, mosque, synagogue or other holy building is a completely unacceptable behaviour that has no place in our society. These proposed changes provide strong penalties and expand police powers to ensure people can practice their beliefs in safety.

    “The NSW Government is also expanding the criminal law to send a clear message that inciting hatred is not just unacceptable, it will soon be criminal.

    “We believe these proposed reforms strike the right balance between protecting people of faith and the community’s right to protest.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Dominican National Sentenced for Role in Human Smuggling Event that Resulted in 11 Deaths

    Source: US State of California

    A Dominican national was sentenced today to nine years in prison for his involvement in a deadly human smuggling venture that resulted in the deaths of 11 smuggled aliens.

    According to court documents, on or about the evening of May 12, 2022, Fermin Montilla, 45, piloted a vessel carrying 48 individuals from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, with the intent of bringing those individuals to the United States illegally. At some point during the journey, the vessel took on water and capsized, and 11 people drowned.

    “The defendant attempted to illegally smuggle 48 migrants into the United States, leading to the tragic deaths of 11 people,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Human smugglers threaten our national security and exploit vulnerable people for profit with no regard for their safety. The Criminal Division is committed to eliminating these transnational criminal smuggling organizations and protecting the public and those who would fall victim to them.”

    “Human smuggling operations not only violate U.S. law and threaten our national security, but they also endanger the lives of the smuggled migrants and result in death as in this case,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to bring those who smuggle illegal aliens to justice and dismantle their criminal organizations.”

    “It is essential to send a strong message to individuals that take advantage of the vulnerable by endangering lives undermining the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan. “In this one incident we lost 11 lives, we need to protect individuals from this heinous crime. We will continue to use all resources to pursue and to bring to justice transnational criminal organizations that jeopardize the safety of others exploiting immigration laws. To those seeking to be smuggled into the United States, please remember that it’s extremely dangerous and is not worth your life, these individuals do not care.”

    On Sept. 13, 2024, Montilla pleaded guilty to one count of bringing aliens to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry resulting in death.

    HSI San Juan investigated this case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

    Trial Attorney Angela Buckner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helena Daniel for the District of Puerto Rico prosecuted the case.

    The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    Last June, the Justice Department formally transmitted to Congress a new legislative proposal to increase the recommended penalties for the most prolific and dangerous human smugglers. The proposal, titled the “Deterring Human Smuggling and Harm to Victims Act of 2024,” would amend U.S. Sentencing Guideline 2L1.1, which governs human smuggling offenses, by creating steeper penalty tiers based on the number of people smuggled by the defendant; increasing penalties when the defendant’s conduct results in injury or death to more than one person; and ensuring defendants are subject to sentencing enhancements for sexual assault and other types of prohibited sexual conduct committed during the smuggling offense, even if that conduct occurred outside U.S. jurisdiction. The Department has been working with interested Members of Congress to advance the proposal so that the Sentencing Guidelines accurately account for the full scope of violence that can result from human smuggling.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Sentenced for Role in Human Smuggling Event that Resulted in 11 Deaths

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A Dominican national was sentenced today to nine years in prison for his involvement in a deadly human smuggling venture that resulted in the deaths of 11 smuggled aliens.

    According to court documents, on or about the evening of May 12, 2022, Fermin Montilla, 45, piloted a vessel carrying 48 individuals from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, with the intent of bringing those individuals to the United States illegally. At some point during the journey, the vessel took on water and capsized, and 11 people drowned.

    “The defendant attempted to illegally smuggle 48 migrants into the United States, leading to the tragic deaths of 11 people,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Human smugglers threaten our national security and exploit vulnerable people for profit with no regard for their safety. The Criminal Division is committed to eliminating these transnational criminal smuggling organizations and protecting the public and those who would fall victim to them.”

    “Human smuggling operations not only violate U.S. law and threaten our national security, but they also endanger the lives of the smuggled migrants and result in death as in this case,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to bring those who smuggle illegal aliens to justice and dismantle their criminal organizations.”

    “It is essential to send a strong message to individuals that take advantage of the vulnerable by endangering lives undermining the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan. “In this one incident we lost 11 lives, we need to protect individuals from this heinous crime. We will continue to use all resources to pursue and to bring to justice transnational criminal organizations that jeopardize the safety of others exploiting immigration laws. To those seeking to be smuggled into the United States, please remember that it’s extremely dangerous and is not worth your life, these individuals do not care.”

    On Sept. 13, 2024, Montilla pleaded guilty to one count of bringing aliens to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry resulting in death.

    HSI San Juan investigated this case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

    Trial Attorney Angela Buckner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helena Daniel for the District of Puerto Rico prosecuted the case.

    The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    Last June, the Justice Department formally transmitted to Congress a new legislative proposal to increase the recommended penalties for the most prolific and dangerous human smugglers. The proposal, titled the “Deterring Human Smuggling and Harm to Victims Act of 2024,” would amend U.S. Sentencing Guideline 2L1.1, which governs human smuggling offenses, by creating steeper penalty tiers based on the number of people smuggled by the defendant; increasing penalties when the defendant’s conduct results in injury or death to more than one person; and ensuring defendants are subject to sentencing enhancements for sexual assault and other types of prohibited sexual conduct committed during the smuggling offense, even if that conduct occurred outside U.S. jurisdiction. The Department has been working with interested Members of Congress to advance the proposal so that the Sentencing Guidelines accurately account for the full scope of violence that can result from human smuggling.

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged with murder in relation to Ngāruawāhia death

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders:

    A 34-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Turipapa Tukere, who died following an altercation in Ngāruawāhia on 27 December.

    The man was arrested this morning, following two search warrants in Hamilton carried out with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad, and a search warrant in Tauranga. 

    He is scheduled to appear in Hamilton District Court today.

    We would like to thank the Ngāruawāhia community for their support during the investigation into Turipapa’s death. 

    The investigation is ongoing and we are not ruling out further arrests.

    If you have information which could assist the investigation team but have not yet spoken to us, please get in touch via 105, either online or over the phone.

    Please reference file number 241227/6958.
     

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Knoxville Gang Leader Sentenced To 45 Years For Drug Trafficking, Firearms, and Money Laundering Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KNOXVILLE, Tenn. On February 10, 2025, Bryan Cornelius, 34, of Knoxville, was sentenced to a total term of 45 years in prison by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.  Following his imprisonment, Cornelius will be on supervised release for five years.

    The sentencing follows Cornelius’s federal trial in April 2022, during which a jury convicted him of conspiring to distribute various controlled substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana.  The evidence presented at trial included wiretaps of multiple cellular phones, multiple search warrants at various Knoxville residences, narcotics, firearms, and cash seizures.  The evidence showed that Cornelius, a member of the Gangster Disciples street gang, was ordering narcotics from different sources of supply in California and receiving packages of methamphetamine and marijuana through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Fed-Ex, and UPS throughout 2019 and that he maintained multiple addresses across Knoxville to stash his narcotics, firearms, and cash to facilitate his narcotics distribution.  In addition, the evidence showed that, in furtherance of his drug trafficking, at approximately 2:45 p.m. on November 21, 2019, Cornelius, along with two others, drove by the Stop-n-Go on Brooks Avenue and Cornelius and fired fifteen rounds of 7.62mm into a Mercedes-Benz.  The driver sustained two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.  The jury also convicted Cornelius of conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, twenty-two other charged members of the conspiracy previously pleaded guilty.

    In determining the sentence, Judge Varlan took into account several aggravating factors, including Cornelius’s role as a leader and organizer of the crimes, his credible threats of violence made against other people in connection with his crimes, and his use of guns and violence in connection with his crimes.

    U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Tommy D. Coke of the U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, made the announcement.

    This conviction and sentence resulted from an investigation conducted by the FBI HIDTA Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).  The FBI HIDTA Task Force includes the Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and Sevier County Sheriff’s Office. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, also assisted in this investigation by conducting drug analysis on seized narcotics in the case.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Cynthia Davidson and Alan Kirk represented the United States.

    This case was part of the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the HIDTA programs.  OCDETF is the primary weapon of the United States against the highest-level drug trafficking organizations operating within the United States, importing drugs into the United States, or laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking.  The HIDTA program enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies.  The program provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Plea from Defendant Who Sexually Assaulted Senior Citizen in Her Yard

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Darnell Peoples, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Monday, February 10, 2025, to 20 years in prison for the armed oral sexual assault of a senior citizen at her home in Southeast Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On November 15, 2024, Peoples pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree sexual abuse in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

               Peoples has been in custody since his arrest on June 11, 2024. His guilty plea called for an agreed-upon 20-year prison sentence. The Honorable Anthony C. Epstein accepted the plea today and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Upon release, Peoples will be required to register as a sex offender, and be on supervised release, for the remainder of his life.

               According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, on June 11, 2024, the victim was working in her yard. Peoples approached the victim from behind, displayed a knife, and told the victim to get on her knees. When the victim informed Peoples that she could not get on her knees, Peoples grabbed her and threw her to the ground. Peoples then pulled down his pants and exposed his penis. He pulled the victim’s head toward his penis and forcefully inserted his penis into the victim’s mouth multiple times.

               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 expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section Cybercrime Lab. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Sourbeer, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Wethersfield Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and Oxycodone to Overdose Victim

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMY LASSUS, 40, of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and oxycodone to an overdose victim.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of October 6, 2023, Meriden Police responded to a residence on a report of a suspected overdose and found a 27-year-old woman unresponsive in a bedroom.  She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased.  The investigation revealed that for several months before the victim’s death, the victim engaged in numerous drug-related text message conversations with Lassus.  The text messages revealed that Lassus supplied the victim with oxycodone, and that he supplied her with fentanyl that she ingested in the hours before she died.  The victim stated in text messages and in a journal entry that it was her first time using fentanyl.

    The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s death to be caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, benzodiazepines, xylazine, and oxycodone.

    Lassus has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2024.  On September 30, 2024, he pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and oxycodone.

    This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Meriden Police Department, with the assistance of the Wethersfield Police Department.  The Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Reed Durham.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Final defendant sentenced in large-scale federal drug trafficking case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A large-scale investigation has concluded with multiple individuals being sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization operating throughout East Texas, identifying Edgar Garcia, Jr. as the primary distributor.  Law enforcement began conducting operations to identify numerous individuals receiving methamphetamine from Garcia. During the investigation, law enforcement executed residential search warrants, purchased methamphetamine and/or firearms directly from Garcia and other members of his drug trafficking organization, and directed traffic stops to intercept narcotics and firearms being transported for distribution. Ultimately, multiple kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the operation.

    Law enforcement was also able to obtain almost a dozen firearms from various individuals in the organization. The firearms were either sold as part of narcotics transactions or being used to guard the illegal drugs.

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

    The individuals sentenced to federal prison during the investigation and prosecution of the drug trafficking organization are:

    Edgar Garcia Jr., 26, of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 151 months;

    Justin Michael Sanchez, 33, of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 235 months;

    Beverly Hurst, 26, of Center, sentenced to 151 months;

    Jason Clepper, 36, of Goliad, sentenced to 150 months;

    Blake Trahan, 29, of Center, sentenced to 48 months;

    Austin Yarbrough, 32, of Timpson, sentenced to 188 months;

    Laddarus Perkins, 40, of Timpson, sentenced to 135 months;

    Jeanese Fenley, 43, of Timpson, sentenced to 70 months; and

    Koury Nowell, 49, of Gary City, sentenced to 33 months.

    This case was investigated by the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office; and Panola County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald S. Carter and Lucas Machicek.

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