Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
The FBI is reviewing an agent-involved shooting which occurred on February 5, 2025, at approximately 4 p.m. in Caldwell, Idaho. One subject was wounded.
The FBI takes all shooting incidents involving our agents or task force members seriously. In accordance with FBI policy, the shooting incident is under review by the FBI’s Inspection Division. As this is an ongoing matter, we have no further details to provide.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON – Firoz Patel, 50, of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison today in connection with his efforts to conceal and launder 450 Bitcoin, currently valued at over $43 million, that he hid from the U.S. District Court handling his 2020 conviction and sentencing for conspiring to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and to commit money laundering.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Kai Wah Chan of Homeland Security Investigation’s Washington, D.C., Field Office.
Patel plead guilty on September 17, 2024, to one count of obstruction of an official proceeding. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered three years of supervised release, a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $24,020,699.83, and forfeiture of 450 Bitcoin plus interest currently restrained at a virtual currency exchange in the United Kingdom.
In 2020, Patel was convicted and sentenced to 36 months for operating Payza, an illegal financial payments platform that processed cryptocurrency payments.
According to court documents, in 2004 Patel began operating his payment processing company AlertPay, which evolved into Payza. The Montreal company offered its services to customers across the United States, even though the business lacked a license to operate in any state or the District of Columbia.
Throughout Payza’s existence, the company partnered with various money services businesses, such as OboPay in 2012, another online money services business. At Patel’s direction, merchants were not removed from Payza’s platform for being involved in high-risk activities such as Ponzi schemes, money laundering activities, multilevel-marketing (MLM) scams, money-cycler scams, pyramid schemes, and steroid distributors. Payza did not have a Bank Secrecy Act Officer, it did not conduct legally required Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money-laundering audits, and it operated in the United States at various times without registering with the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) or state authorities.
On July 16, 2020, Patel pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business and to launder monetary instruments, based on his operation of Payza. As a condition of his plea, he was required to identify and forfeit any property involved in the offense to which he pleaded guilty. Although Patel had control over more than 450 Bitcoin in Payza’s illicit proceeds—valued at approximately $24,000,000 at the time—he provided false information to the U.S. Probation Office and the Court in an attempt to hide his illicit Bitcoin wealth, including by claiming his only assets were $30,000 in a retirement savings account.
On November 10, 2020, then-District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson sentenced the defendant to 36 months in prison and two years of supervised release and entered an agreed-upon order requiring Patel to forfeit any property involved in his offense, as well as any property traceable to such property. Rather than comply, shortly after his sentencing but before reporting to prison, Patel began consolidating Payza’s illicit cryptocurrency proceeds and attempted to deposit them with Binance, a virtual currency exchange. On April 22, 2021, Binance informed Patel that his account was being closed for violating Binance’s terms of service and being flagged by a third-party compliance tool. Forced to withdraw 450 Bitcoin, Patel opened an offshore virtual currency account in his father’s name, listed an address in Belize linked to Payza’s operations, and transferred the same 450 Bitcoin in illicit proceeds into the account shortly before he reported to the Bureau of Prisons. This second virtual currency exchange also deemed the deposit suspicious and froze the funds.
Patel contacted the exchange in June 2021 stating “[i]f this is about me, then realize that I am not beholden to any actions by the USA or any other government authorities. I have paid my dues and I owe nothing to anybody.” Patel tasked a Payza business associate to work on providing false Know Your Customer (KYC) information to the virtual currency exchange in an effort to unfreeze the illicit funds. Had the scheme succeeded, Patel would have successfully hid and laundered the funds and been released from prison with 450 BTC in criminal proceeds awaiting him. The Department of Justice restrained Patel’s Bitcoin through a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty request to the United Kingdom during the course of the investigation.
According to the Government’s sentencing memo, Patel became aware of the investigation while serving his 36-month sentence for the 2020 conviction. As Patel neared his release date, he enlisted the assistance of C.A. to impersonate an attorney and engage in sham negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. C.A. and Patel planned to string along the assigned Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) long enough for Patel to be released on his 2020 conviction and flee the United States to Canada to avoid prosecution. The AUSA and investigators discovered the false impersonation in advance of Patel’s release date and returned an Indictment of Patel in May 2023. He has been in Bureau of Prisons custody or detained pre-trial since June 2021.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin L. Rosenberg and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher B. Brown of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Jonas Lerman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team. Valuable assistance was also provided by Scott Meisler and Josh Handell of the Criminal Division’s Appellate Section, and by Trial Attorney Erin Mikita and former Trial Attorney Roberto Iraola of the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs. The case was originally investigated by former Assistant United States Attorney Arvind K. Lal.
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Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Julie Young, Canada Research Chair in Critical Border Studies and Associate Professor of Geography and Environment, University of Lethbridge, University of Lethbridge
The return of Donald Trump as United States president has sparked new security measures along the Canada-U.S. border.
After Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Canadian imports if irregular migration and illegal drugs were not curtailed, Canadian federal and provincial governments pledged new border enforcement resources. Trump may still go ahead with his tariff threats despite a reprieve.
Research shows that tighter border policies don’t deter migration. Policing borders pushes migrants into more remote and dangerous crossing points, and difficult crossings lead migrants to rely more heavily on human smuggling operations. One outcome of heightened border security is clearly an increase in human suffering and death.
Our work documenting deaths at the Canada-U.S. border shows that irregular crossings have taken the lives of at least 38 people. The actual number of migrant fatalities is likely much higher.
We’re concerned that additional border security measures will lead to more danger and death for migrants attempting to cross between the two countries. Recent incidents lend weight to these concerns: one migrant died in a car chase with RCMP on Feb. 4, while another nine people were arrested as they tried to cross into Canada in dangerous winter conditions on Feb. 3.
People from around the world cross the Canada-U.S. border daily. Most people enter Canada and the United States formally through official ports of entry. Still, some migrants also travel across the border, in both directions, without official permission.
Because irregular border crossings are hidden by nature, we will never know how many people enter Canada or the U.S. unofficially. Agencies charged with border security track “encounters” and “apprehensions” in the U.S. and the “interception” of asylum-seekers in Canada. But there is no common measurement used to estimate irregular crossing in either country.
Irregular border crossing cases are affected by policy changes in both countries. In recent years, they appear to have been affected by migrants’ perceptions of American immigration policy and changes to the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement.
Read more:
Tragedies, not accidents: Tougher Canadian and U.S. border policies will cost more lives
Our research identified 15 deaths at the Canada-U.S. border between 2020 and 2023, and another 23 deaths going back to 1989. Given the lack of official records, the actual number is likely higher.
We filed access-to-information requests on both sides of the border. The RCMP acknowledged just one death in Canada, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) produced no results. Instead, we systematically collected media reports on border deaths and analyzed that data.
Roughly three-quarters of migrants whose deaths were covered in news reports were travelling towards the U.S. Their remains were mainly recovered on the Canadian side of the border.
Read more:
Roxham Road: Asylum seekers won’t just get turned back, they’ll get forced underground — Podcast
Migrants face a range of dangers when crossing the Canada-U.S. border irregularly, but drowning represents the most significant threat, followed by hypothermia — 23 and six of the 38 recorded deaths, respectively.
Three people died in encounters with border patrol agents, with two fatally shot on the American side and one dying in a car crash while being chased by Canadian agents.
Our requests for official data on border deaths in both the U.S. and Canada came up empty-handed. After more than a year and the conclusion of an independent complaint investigation into the RCMP’s lack of response to our Canadian request, we were provided with information on one single death. The request filed in the U.S. returned no information.
Researchers in both countries regularly report frustration with slow processes and a lack of results from such requests.
This experience led us to believe that border enforcement agencies do not track deaths along the Canada-U.S. border in either country. This is a problem. The public is left in the dark, while potential migrants are not provided with information about the dangers of irregular crossings.
It is particularly odd that American authorities don’t provide information on deaths at this border, given that deaths along the U.S.-Mexico border are tracked and publicly reported.
If there’s been a policy decision not to track deaths at the Canada-U.S. border, it reveals a lack of concern and a willingness to obscure the full picture from the public. Both the Canadian and American governments need to change their approach to documenting border deaths, detailing all known cases publicly.
Trump’s return to the American presidency might lead to an increase in irregular migration between Canada and the U.S. The Canadian government’s move to beef up border security enforcement, in turn, makes it more likely that migrants will perish after choosing dangerous crossing points.
Even when migrants die amid human smuggling operations, a lot of the responsibility lies with government decisions.
As Public Safety Canada warned in 2023, more difficult border crossings lead to increased criminality in human smuggling. Government decisions drive people away from safer crossing points and into the influence of criminal organizations.
The governments of Canada and the United States have a moral obligation to inform the public about deaths — and do everything in their power to prevent further tragedies.
Julie Young receives funding from the Canada Research Chairs Program.
Daniel E. Martinez, Dylan Simburger, and Simon Granovsky-Larsen do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. The hidden truth about migrant deaths at the Canada-U.S. border – https://theconversation.com/the-hidden-truth-about-migrant-deaths-at-the-canada-u-s-border-247782
Source: US State of California
A grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Maine man with preparing false tax returns for clients and scheming to defraud clients, among other crimes.
According to the indictment, Thierry Musese, a paid return preparer, ran a tax preparation business out of a barbershop he owned and operated in Auburn, Maine. During the 2021 and 2022 tax years, Musese allegedly prepared and filed with the IRS false tax returns on behalf of 17 taxpayers. These tax returns allegedly included false business losses, fuel tax credits and residential energy credits, resulting in tax refunds these clients were not entitled to receive. For the 2023 tax year, Musese allegedly continued to prepare false tax returns for clients even after his electronic filing identification number was revoked by the IRS. According to the indictment, Musese also falsified his own tax returns for 2021 and 2022.
Musese also allegedly defrauded some of his clients by diverting to himself a portion of their tax refunds without their permission. According to the indictment, he provided these clients with copies of their tax returns that differed from the versions he filed with the IRS.
Musese will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Maine at a later date. If convicted, Musese faces up to three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return and a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Likhitha Butchireddygari of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Perry for the District of Maine are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: US State of California
A grand jury in San Francisco returned an indictment yesterday charging a California man with filing false tax returns with the IRS.
According to the indictment, Michael M. Gilbert, of San Rafael, filed false tax returns for himself and two business entities he controlled. Gilbert, a Certified Public Accountant since 1985, allegedly underreported the total income his accounting and tax preparation business, M.M. Gilbert & Company Inc. (M.M. Gilbert), received during the years 2017 through 2020. Gilbert allegedly solicited payments from clients of M.M. Gilbert for “tax strategies” and “donations,” among other things, which the clients paid to White Mountain Properties Inc. (White Mountain), another entity Gilbert controlled. Gilbert allegedly did not report these payments as income on White Mountain’s 2017 through 2021 business tax returns. According to the indictment, in 2020 and 2021, Gilbert also transferred more than $5 million from White Mountain to himself and then did not report that income on his individual tax returns.
Gilbert is scheduled for his initial court appearance on Feb. 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler for the Northern District of California. If convicted, Gilbert faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Patrick Burns of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Buna man has been convicted of federal firearms and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Leotis Cornelius McMahon, 48, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 5, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in 2023, law enforcement was investigating McMahon for distributing narcotics within Southeast Texas. After a prolonged surveillance operation, a traffic stop was conducted on McMahon where he was found to be transporting large amounts of marijuana, cocaine, and nearly a kilogram of “actual” methamphetamine. After the traffic stop, a search warrant for McMahon’s residence in Buna was obtained and executed. Law enforcement discovered materials used in the distribution of narcotics as well as four separate firearms, one being an AR style pistol. One of the firearms seized from McMahon’s residence was stolen.
McMahon was operating what was described as a mobile illegal drug shop. The amounts of controlled substances, along with the tools used in trafficking such as scales and bags used for distribution, seized from McMahon indicated that he was dealing significant quantities of drugs for profit.
Further investigation revealed McMahon is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
McMahon was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 10, 2024. He faces up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations; Lumberton Police Department; Jasper County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Lee and John B. Ross.
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Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah gymnastics coach and owner of USA Gymnastics World pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Adam Richard Jacobs, 34, of Woods Cross, Utah, was charged by indictment in April 2023. See press release: Utah Gymnastics Coach Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges
According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, Jacobs, beginning on a date unknown and continuing until March 2023, transported a minor from Utah to other states including Florida and Texas as his gymnastics coach. During this time, he placed a hidden camera in the minor’s hotel room and bathroom to produce child sexual abuse materials. Jacobs further admitted that all electronic devices seized pursuant to a search warrant served in March 2023 were used to further participate in the production of child sexual abuse materials.
As stated in court documents, a USA Gymnastics World employee discovered a hidden camera twice in a unisex restroom at the facility and contacted police. A subsequent investigation recovered approximately 120 video files of victims in the restroom. Approximately 40 videos showed Jacobs setting up the cameras in his home and at USA Gymnastics World.
Jacobs is scheduled to be sentenced August 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Woods Cross Police Department, the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Kaysville Police Department, Clearfield Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Davis County Attorney’s Office.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Carl Hollan and Assistant United States Attorney Carol Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEWARK, N.J. – Eleven members of the Paterson based neighborhood street gang known as “100k” were indicted for their roles in a violent racketeering conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced today.
The Indictment charges Jasun Allah, a/k/a “Rackz,” 21, of Paterson (“J.Allah”); Christopher Thomas, a/k/a “CJ,” 27, of Hackensack; Michael Davis, a/k/a “Baby 3,” 27, of Paterson; Jazmeir Reyes, a/k/a “Baby Joe,” a/k/a “Joe,” 19, of Paterson; Kyzeik Robinson, a/k/a “Doo Doo,” a/k/a “King Sparks,” a/k/a “Sparks,” 19, of Paterson; Jacim Pitts, a/k/a “Jefe,” 24, of Paterson; Born Allah, a/k/a “Freedom,” 23, of Paterson (“B.Allah”); Elijah Rubio, a/k/a “Lottery,” 20, of Paterson; Trasean Short, a/k/a “Hound,” 19, of Elmwood Park; Elijah Byrd, a/k/a “CEO,” 19, of Paterson; and Quincy Franklin, a/k/a “Double O,” 27, of Paterson with one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations statute (“RICO”), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d) (“RICO conspiracy”). The Indictment also incorporates charges connected to a drug conspiracy involving Reyes, Davis, Robinson, and Pitts and the attempted armed robbery of a postal inspector by Reyes, which were previously charged on complaint.
These charges are the result of a long-running investigation coordinated between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Jersey State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, among other law enforcement agencies.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
J.Allah, Thomas, Davis, Reyes, Robinson, Pitts, B.Allah, Rubio, Short, Byrd, and Franklin are all members and associates of the neighborhood based street gang known as “100k,” which operates in the area of North Main Street and Jefferson Street in Paterson, New Jersey (the “100k Enterprise”). Since in or around January 2022, these members and associates of the 100k Enterprise have engaged in numerous criminal acts in furtherance of their gang, including murder, shootings, robberies, drug trafficking, and bank and wire fraud.
Since the gangs founding in 2016, members and associates of the 100k Enterprise have engaged in acts of violence against members of rival gangs, such as their primary rival, “the Blockboyz,” which operates out of the Presidential Tower Housing Complex in Paterson, among other rival gangs, such as “4k,” which operates in the area of Rosa Parks Boulevard near Lyon Street, Keen Street, and Mercer Street, also in Paterson.
Several of these acts of violence are charged in the Superseding Indictment. Specifically, on or about October 1, 2023, in retaliation for the death of a high ranking member of the 100k Enterprise, J.Allah, Thomas, Davis, and other members and associates of the 100k Enterprise shot and killed Victim-2, in territory controlled by the Blockboyz.
On or about May 27, 2024, Pitts and other members and associates of the 100k Enterprise shot and injured Victim-3, a member of the rival gang “4k.”
On or about October 3, 2024, Short exchanged fire with Victim-4 in territory controlled by the 100k Enterprise. Weeks later, on or about November 17, 2024, Short shot and injured Victim-5, a member of the Blockboyz, in territory controlled by the Blockboyz, and Byrd acted as the driver in that November shooting.
The defendants raised money for themselves and the 100k Enterprise by engaging in robberies, drug trafficking, and bank fraud and other financial schemes. Two such robberies are charged in the Indictment, including the armed robbery of a commercial marijuana store on or about January 13, 2022 by Reyes, B.Allah, Short, Rubio, and others; and the attempted armed robbery of Victim-1, a United States Postal Service employee, on or about July 28, 2023 by Reyes, who tried to obtain an arrow key from the victim. This arrow key would have allowed members of the 100k Enterprise to gain access to United States Postal Service mailboxes within a certain geographic area or postal route.
The gang’s drug trafficking activities were extensive, with investigators conducting 16 controlled buys with Reyes, Robinson, Davis, and Pitts by utilizing undercover officers and observing countless more drug deals committed by the defendants within and around the territory of Paterson controlled by the 100k Enterprise through physical surveillance and review of cell phone records and social media accounts controlled by the defendants.
The charge of RICO conspiracy in the Indictment carries a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison as to J.Allah, Thomas, and Davis, and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison as to Reyes, Robinson, Pitts, B.Allah, Rubio, Short, Byrd, and Franklin.
The count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances charged in the Indictment against Reyes, Robinson, Davis, and Pitts carries a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of at least $5 million. On each of the counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Reyes, Robinson, Davis, and Pitts face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million.
On each of the counts of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and assaulting or impeding certain United States officers or employees, Reyes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. On the count of brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, Reyes faces a mandatory minimum term of 7 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited law enforcement members with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; the New Jersey State Police, Gangs and Organized Crime North Unit, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen; the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas Adamo; the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Officer In Charge Patrick Murray; the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Anthony Cureton; the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Mark Musella with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
This case is part of the Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in 2020 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Paterson’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Paterson. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Paterson Department of Public Safety, the Paterson Police Department, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Bergen County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, and N.J. Department of Corrections.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake A. Nasar of the Criminal Division in Newark.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, joined Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in reintroducing the Fair Access to Banking Act to prevent banks from denying services to law-abiding businesses for political purposes.
“Banks shouldn’t stop customers from accessing accounts or services based on political affiliation or industry. I’m proud to help introduce the Fair Access to Banking Act to make sure financial institutions aren’t working as political activists against law-abiding Americans,” said Kennedy.
“When progressives failed at banning these entire industries, what they did instead is they turned to weaponizing banks as sort of a backdoor to carry out their activist goals. Financial institutions are backed by taxpayers, for crying out loud! They should be obligated to provide services in an unbiased, risk-based manner. The Fair Access to Banking Act ensures that banks provide fair access to services and enacts strict penalties for categorically discriminating against legal industries and individuals,” said Cramer.
In 2021, the Trump administration finalized its Fair Access Rule to require banks to make individual risk assessments and stop broad discrimination against customers. However, the Biden administration paused the rule’s implementation.
The Fair Access to Banking Act would penalize banks and credit unions with more than $10 billion in assets for refusing services to law-abiding companies or people. The bill also requires banks to give a written explanation for denying services to a customer.
Background:
Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also cosponsored the bill.
The full bill text is available here.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
The Home Secretary brought together law enforcement and leading tech companies to drive new action to tackle mobile phone thefts.
Yvette Cooper and Diana Johnson host phone theft summit.
Today the Home Secretary brought together policing leaders, the National Crime Agency, the Mayor of London and leading tech companies to drive new action to tackle mobile phone thefts and secure a collective effort to grip this criminality.
The summit comes as street crime has soared by 43% nationwide, driven by a significant rise in snatch theft, including of mobile phones.
For too long crimes like these have been neglected, which is why as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the Home Secretary says she will legislate where necessary to ensure police have the powers they need to treat this with the seriousness it warrants, and police are expected to agree to step up enforcement activity nationwide.
This will include better use of intelligence to drive more hotspot policing and targeted operations, particularly around high-risk periods such as Christmas and when a new phone is released.
The Home Secretary urged companies including Apple, Google and Samsung, and law enforcement to join forces to build on existing anti-theft security measures and help design out and disincentivise phone theft, by making phones effectively worthless to criminals.
She called for a much deeper dive on all available sources of data and intelligence to build a much more comprehensive diagnosis of the problems and scale of the criminal market, to drive joint solutions.
All in attendance agreed to greater collaboration between police and tech by significantly boosting intelligence sharing, on both sides, and to reconvene in 3 months’ time.
It follows the government kickstarting the recruitment of 13,000 neighbourhood police officers, police community support officers and specials with £200 million investment so that every community will have a named, contactable officer who knows their patch.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
Over the last few years, mobile phone thefts have shot up – often driven by organised crime – leaving our streets feeling less safe. That has to change.
I brought together tech companies and law enforcement today to pursue stronger action against organised criminality and to prevent phone theft on our streets. It was a significant step forward in addressing the need to come together as partners to disrupt, design-out and disincentivise these damaging crimes.
At the same time, this government is doubling new investment into neighbourhood policing to tackle theft on high streets and in our communities, to keep our streets safe.
The commitment follows the Met Police’s significant recent intensification operation, which led to 1,000 phones seized and 230 arrests.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
I’m really pleased to have joined today’s roundtable discussion with mobile phone firms, the Home Secretary, Met Police and National Crime Agency to discuss our ongoing partnership-led approach to tackle mobile phone crime.
The Met’s hard-working officers have stepped up their work in London to prevent and tackle mobile phone theft – with patrols and plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas and are increasingly using phone-tracking data and intelligence. This work is being backed up with record funding from City Hall which is boosting neighbourhood policing in our communities.
But we know that we can’t arrest our way out of mobile phone crime – which has become a national and international issue and needs innovative solutions. I welcome recent security updates by leading mobile phone companies that we supported and we spoke today about how we can build on those and work together to ‘design out’ the scourge of mobile phone crime to build a safer London for all.
Aleyne Johnson, Director of Government and External Relations, Samsung UK, said:
Samsung is deeply committed to working closely with the Home Office, Mayor’s Office, the Met Police and authorities in London on the issue of mobile phone theft and related crimes and are encouraged by collaborative discussions held at the Mobile Phone Theft Summit today, to look at existing and potential new solutions to help combat this complex issue and improve the safety of mobile phone users.
We encourage all of our customers to protect their devices by setting up existing Android security and privacy features, like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock and our recent One UI 7 update has built further on those protections with new anti-theft features such as identity check, biometric authentication and security delay, all featured in our latest Galaxy S25 series.
Alex Rawle, Safety and Security Lead, Google UK said:
Android devices offer added protection for millions around the UK. We encourage users to make use of existing security and privacy features, like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock, to improve the safety of their devices and data.
We welcome today’s summit and are committed to continue working with our partners to support efforts against mobile phone theft.
Gary Davis, Senior Director, Regulatory Legal, Apple, said:
Apple works closely with law enforcement bodies in the UK and globally to fight phone theft, and we welcome the opportunity to further collaborate at today’s event.
Apple has industry leading features that help users keep their devices and data safe. These include Activation Lock, a feature that is enabled automatically when Find My is activated and works in the background to make it more difficult for someone to use or sell your iPhone or iPad if it’s ever lost or stolen.
Stolen Device Protection adds additional security if a device is away from familiar locations. These are complemented by tools such as Recovery Key, a method to regain control if you lose access to your account and Find My, a tool that you can use to locate the device and protect your personal information.
Published 6 February 2025
Source: US State of New York
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Caesar Robinson, who died on April 13, 2023 after an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage and building security camera footage, interviews with involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ actions were justified under New York law.
On the afternoon of April 13, NYPD officers responded to a 911 call reporting a possible burglary in progress at an apartment at 330 Lewis Avenue in Brooklyn. Officers knocked on the door of the apartment where the possible burglary was reported, and Mr. Robinson answered the door with a gun in his hand. When Mr. Robinson began to raise the gun toward the officers, one officer directed Mr. Robinson to drop his weapon. Mr. Robinson did not comply, and the officers discharged their service weapons, striking him. Mr. Robinson was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, when Mr. Robinson opened the door to his apartment, he was holding a gun in his hand, raised it towards the officers, and did not comply when directed to drop it. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Mr. Robinson was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.
Source: US State of New York
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the sentencing of Imran Shams, 66, of California, to eight and one third to twenty-five years in state prison for his role in a scheme that wrongfully billed Medicaid millions of dollars for fraudulent medical testing services. On March 6, 2020, Shams pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the First and Second Degrees and agreed to pay restitution of $7 million. Shams is currently serving a 13-year federal prison sentence following convictions in the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of New York and the Central District of California for conduct related to his New York scheme, as well as other health care fraud schemes.
“When criminal organizations abuse our health care system, the most vulnerable patients suffer,” said Attorney General James. “Imram Shams and his accomplices ran a despicable scheme that used vulnerable New Yorkers to steal millions of dollars meant to provide care for low-income patients. My office will continue to go after those who try to profit by undermining the Medicaid program and bring bad actors to justice.”
Shams’ sentencing is the culmination of a multi-year investigation and prosecution of the illegal activity of Multi-Specialty, a fraudulent medical clinic secretly owned by Shams, who was banned from billing Medicaid as a provider due to a previous health care fraud conviction. Multi-Specialty illegally paid Medicaid recipients a kickback of $20 to $50 to enter the clinic and submit to unnecessary and usually fraudulent evaluations and tests. These were often administered by untrained and incompetent individuals recruited to dress like health care professionals in order to lend an appearance of legitimacy to the fraud.
Soliciting Medicaid recipients by offering to pay them to accept medical services paid for by Medicaid is unlawful under state and federal law. After bribing recipients to enter his clinic, Shams used licensed health care providers complicit in the scheme to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid and to Medicaid-funded Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) for unnecessary or nonexistent services. Shams also received millions of dollars in kickbacks for exclusively referring patients for diagnostic testing, regardless of medical need, to companies owned by other participants in the scheme, Tea Kaganovich and Ramazi Mitaishvili, both of Brooklyn.
Shams was sentenced today to eight and one third to twenty-five years in prison, to run concurrent with his federal sentence, by Judge Michele Rodney of the New York County Supreme Court, and is the last defendant to be sentenced in this scheme. His sentence follows the convictions and sentencings of Kaganovich and Mitaishvili on charges of Grand Larceny in the First Degree. Both received a sentence of one and a half to four and a half years in state prison in November 2023. In addition, a radiologist complicit in the scheme, Bernard Bentley of East Hampton, New York received a sentence of three years of probation on charges of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree for his role in fraudulently billing Medicaid over eight million dollars for fraudulent diagnostic testing services.
Kaganovich and Mitaishvili were prosecuted in a related criminal case in the Eastern District of New York, and as part of that case, were ordered to pay over $18 million of restitution to the New York Medicaid Fraud Restitution Fund, and it is expected that more than seven million dollars in assets seized from those defendants as part of the federal case will be remitted to New York.
The Attorney General would like to thank the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG), the U.S. Department of Justice Medicare Strike Force, which operates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York; the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG); the New York City Human Resources Administration, Medicaid Provider Investigations and Audit Unit, and HealthFirst for their assistance and cooperation in this investigation.
Senior Detective Stanislav Tabakov investigated the case with the assistance of Detective Supervisor Dominick DiGennaro. Senior Auditor Investigator Lisandra Defex conducted the financial analysis with the assistance of MFCU New York City Regional Chief Auditor Investigator Thomasina Smith and Deputy Regional Chief Auditor Jonathan Romano.
Special Assistant Attorney General Chase Ruddy prosecuted the criminal case under the supervision of NYC Regional Director Twan V. Bounds. Deputy Chief of MFCU’s Civil Enforcement Division, Konrad F. Payne, negotiated monetary settlements attendant to each defendant’s guilty pleas that recovered millions of dollars for the state. Alee Scott is the Chief of MFCU’s Civil Enforcement Division. Thomas O’Hanlon is MFCU’s Chief of Criminal Investigations. MFCU is led by Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul Mahoney. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado under the oversight of First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
MFCU defends the public by addressing Medicaid provider fraud and protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. If an individual believes they have information about Medicaid provider fraud or about an incident of abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident, they can file a confidential complaint online or call the MFCU hotline at (800) 771-7755. If the situation is an emergency, please call 911.
New York MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2025 is $70,502,916. Of that total, 75 percent, or $52,877,188, is funded from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,625,728 for FY 2025, is funded by New York State.
Source: US State of New York
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James, together with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, today announced a landmark settlement with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after numerous players came forward with allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct, and an independent investigation subsequently found that emotional abuse and sexual coercion were systemic across the NWSL. Following these reports, the attorneys general launched a joint investigation that found widespread violations of players’ fundamental rights. As a result of the attorneys general’s action, NWSL will create a $5 million fund to compensate players who were abused and continue implementation of comprehensive reforms to improve player safety and well-being, giving the attorneys general the ability to oversee and enforce new league protocols and protections for players.
“For too long, the hardworking and talented women of the National Women’s Soccer League were forced to endure an unacceptable culture of abuse, harassment, and retaliation,” said Attorney General James. “This settlement sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve. Every athlete should be able to compete in a safe, supportive environment, and I thank the brave individuals who came forward to share their experiences.”
In 2021, players from across the NWSL went public with allegations of misconduct and abuse at the hands of coaches and officials dating back over 10 years. Many of these complaints had been reported to the NWSL but were largely ignored. After the reports were made public, two separate investigations – one commissioned jointly by the NWSL and NWSL Players’ Association (NWSLPA) and one by the United States Soccer Federation, conducted by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates – found systemic, league-wide failures that contributed to verbal abuse, sexual assault, harassment, coercion, and discrimination by coaches, with no clear mechanisms in place for player safety. By the end of the 2021 season, in the wake of player complaints and media reports, five of the NWSL’s ten existing teams had fired their coaches.
The attorneys general launched a joint investigation into these allegations in 2022, which revealed that the NWSL was permeated by a culture of abuse and neglect. Coaches verbally abused players, sexually assaulted players, and coerced them into inappropriate relationships, retaliating against those who resisted or spoke out. The investigation further uncovered that some teams failed to conduct background checks, allowing coaches previously terminated for misconduct to be rehired by other teams.
In 2021, NWSL’s longest-tenured coach resigned after a sports psychologist found he had created a culture of fear and engaged in emotional and verbal abuse. The NWSL had been aware of this coach’s conduct since at least 2014, with players reporting that the coach repeatedly made sexualized remarks about their appearances, texted them after hours, and pressured them to attend inappropriate one-on-one meals with him. This coach also referred to Black players as “thugs,” and told another Black player that she was “acting like a gang member.” At least one player who complained was swiftly traded to another team. Despite knowledge of these issues, NWSL failed to take reasonable measures to protect its players.
In another instance, a team hired a new head coach and almost immediately received reports of this coach’s previous abusive behavior. Allegations were made publicly, and directly to NWSL, but neither the team nor the league ever investigated these reports. In his new head coach role, this individual subjected his players to constant verbal and emotional abuse. Furthermore, he created a hostile work environment on the basis of race and religion by making racist jokes, using racial epithets including the N-word, using a surgical mask to mimic religious headwear, calling a game the team was losing a “Holocaust,” and referred to a passing drill as a “Jew star.” This coach remained in his position for nearly three years.
The NWSL’s failure to adopt essential policies exacerbated these issues. For its first eight years, the NWSL conducted only two brief workplace conduct trainings and lacked an anti-fraternization policy until 2023. It had no formal process for reporting and investigating misconduct, leaving players confused about where to seek help. Medical staff were inadequate, and in some cases, coaches forced players to play against medical advice, prioritizing performance over safety.
As a result of the joint investigation conducted by the attorneys general, today’s settlement requires the NWSL to create a $5 million restitution fund for impacted players. The fund will be administered by former U.S. District Judge Barbara Jones, who will notify players eligible to receive settlement funds. Any unclaimed funds after 180 days will be donated to the NWSLPA’s emergency and charitable fund. The NWSL also faces $2 million in penalties if it defaults on any terms of the agreement.
Today’s settlement also requires the NWSL to implement league-wide policy changes to protect players. With oversight from the attorneys general, the NWSL must continue to comply with extensive changes to its protocols, including:
To safeguard players’ mental health, the attorneys general have also directed NWSL to provide unlimited free and confidential counseling services to all players via contracted clinical therapists and guarantee 80% insurance coverage for mental health services. Every NWSL team must also hire a board-certified psychiatrist or doctoral-level psychologist to serve as Team Clinician, as well as a Mental Performance Consultant. Players are all entitled to take mental health leaves as recommended by mental health professionals.
For the next three years, the NWSL must submit biannual reports to the attorneys general, detailing the implementation of the settlement terms and noting any complaints alleging misconduct involving player or staff safety. This settlement does not preclude individual players from pursuing private legal actions against the NWSL or its teams.
“Today’s settlement is only possible because of the players who courageously stepped forward to tell their stories and expose the League’s systemic failures. While NWSL has made critical improvements, the victims never received any compensation for the sexual and emotional abuse they endured on the League’s watch,” said Attorney General Schwalb. “No dollar amount could ever fully address the damage that was inflicted, but now my office, together with New York and Illinois, will have oversight authority to ensure that the League’s new safety policies are implemented and that current and future players are protected.”
“I commend the current and former players whose courage and leadership off the field was critical to reaching today’s settlement. Despite having the most to lose, these players came forward to expose abuse and a lack of accountability by those at the top of the league. Because they spoke up for themselves and their teammates, they have brought about reform that will protect future players,” said Attorney General Raoul. “I am proud to collaborate with Attorney General Schwalb and Attorney General James to hold the league accountable and put an overdue end to the unprofessional and toxic practices that have plagued the league.”
“This investigation was initiated by the NWSLPA because players refused to stay silent in the face of systemic abuse. The human rights and civil rights violations they endured were enabled by a system that failed in its most basic duty: to protect its players,” said Meghann Burke, Executive Director of the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association. “This settlement not only acknowledges those failures but, for the first time, establishes enforcement mechanisms under the law to hold NWSL accountable and to prevent future harm. We appreciate Attorneys General Brian Schwalb, Letitia James, and Kwame Raoul for their commitment to standing with players and to bringing the power of their offices to bear on enforcing the recommendations of our Joint Investigation. Accountability is not a one-time event—it is an ongoing commitment that never ends. The NWSLPA will continue to ensure that this league never again prioritizes silence over safety.”
This matter was handled for New York by Senior Counsel Sandra Pullman and Assistant Attorney General Zoe Ridolfi-Starr, both of the Civil Rights Bureau, with assistance from Bureau Chief Sandra Park and Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England. The Civil Rights Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
A grand jury in San Francisco returned an indictment yesterday charging a California man with filing false tax returns with the IRS.
According to the indictment, Michael M. Gilbert, of San Rafael, filed false tax returns for himself and two business entities he controlled. Gilbert, a Certified Public Accountant since 1985, allegedly underreported the total income his accounting and tax preparation business, M.M. Gilbert & Company Inc. (M.M. Gilbert), received during the years 2017 through 2020. Gilbert allegedly solicited payments from clients of M.M. Gilbert for “tax strategies” and “donations,” among other things, which the clients paid to White Mountain Properties Inc. (White Mountain), another entity Gilbert controlled. Gilbert allegedly did not report these payments as income on White Mountain’s 2017 through 2021 business tax returns. According to the indictment, in 2020 and 2021, Gilbert also transferred more than $5 million from White Mountain to himself and then did not report that income on his individual tax returns.
Gilbert is scheduled for his initial court appearance on Feb. 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler for the Northern District of California. If convicted, Gilbert faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Patrick Burns of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
A grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Maine man with preparing false tax returns for clients and scheming to defraud clients, among other crimes.
According to the indictment, Musese, a paid return preparer, ran a tax preparation business out of a barbershop he owned and operated in Auburn, Maine. During the 2021 and 2022 tax years, Musese allegedly prepared and filed with the IRS false tax returns on behalf of 17 taxpayers. These tax returns allegedly included false business losses, fuel tax credits and residential energy credits, resulting in tax refunds these clients were not entitled to receive. For the 2023 tax year, Musese allegedly continued to prepare false tax returns for clients even after his electronic filing identification number was revoked by the IRS. According to the indictment, Musese also falsified his own tax returns for 2021 and 2022.
Musese also allegedly defrauded some of his clients by diverting to himself a portion of their tax refunds without their permission. According to the indictment, he provided these clients with copies of their tax returns that differed from the versions he filed with the IRS.
Musese will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Maine at a later date. If convicted, Musese faces up to three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return and a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Likhitha Butchireddygari of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Perry for the District of Maine are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Graham Construction and Engineering Inc., as an employer, pleaded guilty to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code for failing to ensure that a temporary cover used to protect an opening was clearly marked to indicate the nature of the hazard. The company was sentenced on Jan. 31 in the Calgary Court of Justice. The Crown withdrew six other charges under OHS legislation. The Crown also withdrew seven charges each against two other Graham-related entities.
The charges stem from an incident at a Calgary construction site on Dec. 10, 2021. A worker was on a roof and plywood that covered an opening had been removed. The worker fell 4.5 metres through the opening, suffering serious injuries.
Graham Construction and Engineering Inc. was ordered to pay $110,000 in total penalties, including a $1,000 fine inclusive of the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge. Under a creative sentence, the company was ordered to pay $109,000 to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to subsidize safety-related construction courses.
The OHS Act provides a creative sentence option in which funds that would otherwise be paid as fines are directed to an organization or project to improve or promote workplace health and safety.
Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.
Alberta’s OHS laws set basic health and safety rules for workplaces across the province. They provide guidance for employers to help them ensure their workplaces are as healthy and safe as possible while providing rights and protections for workers. Charges under OHS laws may be laid when failing to follow the rules results in a workplace fatality or serious injury.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Motorists on Auckland’s South Western and Southern Motorway network may experience delays this morning, after two fatal incidents on the network in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services attended an incident on South Western Motorway, Mount Roskil reported at around 1am. A person had entered the motorway on foot and had been struck by a vehicle. The person died at the scene, no other injuries are reported. Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.
Emergency services attended a crash involving a single vehicle on Southern Motorway, Otara, reported at around 2.20am. One person died at the scene, two people were transported to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition and two other people were transported to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition. Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Following an investigation conducted by Harbour Breton RCMP, 46-year-old Sheldon Cribb is charged with a number of criminal offences.
The investigation began in September, 2024. In continuing with the investigation, a search warrant, obtained under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, was obtained and vehicle associated to Cribb was searched in October, 2024. Inside the vehicle, officers located a quantity of cocaine, cash, contraband tobacco and other items consistent with drug trafficking.
On February 4, 2025, in support of evidence gained during the course of this investigation, the following charges were laid against Cribb:
He is set to appear in court to answer to all of these charges on February 18, 2025.
The investigation is continuing.
Harbour Breton RCMP thanks the public for continuing to report suspected drug-trafficking and other illegal activities in the community. If you have information about illegal drug activities in your community, please contact your local police or crime stoppers to make a report.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Shakor Daniels, 26, of Charlotte, to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and transfer of a machinegun, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and court proceedings, on June 13, 2023, law enforcement stopped Daniels’s vehicle for a traffic violation. Over the course of the traffic stop, officers found two firearms inside the vehicle. Daniels admitted to possessing a firearm for protection.
Court documents show that, in the fall of 2023, law enforcement determined that Daniels was advertising Glock switches for sale on his social media account, which included the tag line “Go fed or go home.” A Glock switch is an illegal conversion device that enables a conventional semi-automatic pistol to function as a fully automatic firearm. According to court records, on several occasions, undercover ATF agents purchased multiple items from Daniels, including Glock switches for handguns and a rifle, and a 45-round drum magazine. On January 14, 2024, Daniels sent an image of a handgun to an undercover ATF agent that Daniels was selling. The undercover agent agreed to meet Daniels to purchase the firearm. On January 16, 2024, Daniels was arrested when he arrived to sell the firearm to the undercover agent. Daniels has prior criminal convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Daniels is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHNNIE HAGANS (“HAGANS”), age 32, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier, after previously pleading guilty to a multi-count indictment. Count 1 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). Count 2 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(1). Counts 3 and 4 charged him with being a felon in possession a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
HAGANS was sentenced to 157 months imprisonment as to all counts of the indictment, with Counts 1, 3, and 4 to run concurrently, and the sentence for Count 2 to run consecutively to those counts. Judge Barbier also placed HAGANS on supervised release for 3 years and ordered payment of a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on January 23, 2024, a New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officer surveilling a Valero gas station in New Orleans saw HAGANS making multiple hand-to-hand drug sales. NOPD patrol officers detected an object in HAGANS’s waistband recognizable as a firearm. HAGANS fled from the officers and discarded a Ruger Model LCPII, .380 caliber pistol, that officers later recovered, in an open lot. Officers also obtained a search warrant for a Nissan Rogue SUV located in the Valero gas station parking lot that HAGANS had previously accessed. Inside the SUV, officers found a Kahr Arms Model CW40, .40 caliber pistol, and a plastic bag containing cocaine. Officers later obtained a search warrant for HAGANS’s residence and recovered a Romarm/Cugir Model Micro Draco, 7.62-millimeter pistol and an Anderson Arms Model AM-15, .223 caliber /5.56-millimeter pistol.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Memphis, TN – Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced today the indictments of seven individuals who were charged with federal gun and violent crime offenses in West Tennessee. Acting United States Attorney Fondren emphasized that the United States’ commitment to prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms and commit violent offenses remains a top priority for her office.
The following defendants were charged with firearm or violent crime offenses:
These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force; the Project Safe Neighborhoods Gun Task Force; the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about switches or other federal gun crimes can call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law. If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
These indictments are 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 of Justice 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, using data-driven methods to set focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked the Assistant United States Attorneys prosecuting these cases, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the cases.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
INDIANAPOLIS— Three individuals have been sentenced to a combined 16 years in federal prison for their roles in a multi-year mail theft and bank fraud scheme.
According to court documents, between October 2021 and April 2022, Cortez Venable, Ephraim Aung, and Brooke Bryan conspired together to commit bank fraud using financial documents such as checks and money orders, which were stolen from U.S. Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. These collection boxes can only be opened by special “arrow keys” that belong to USPS letter carriers. In order to obtain the arrow keys, Venable and other unknown individuals robbed postal workers at gunpoint while they were on their daily routes delivering mail. Venable robbed a letter carrier on October 4, 2021. Prior to the robbery, Venable and Aung had been in contact via text message. Aung told Venable to take the letter carrier’s mail bag, in addition to their arrow keys, and to look for checks in the stolen mail.
On December 6, 2021, Bryan and Aung served as lookouts while other unknown men attempted to rob a letter carrier of her arrow key in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The letter carrier ran to Bryan and Aung’s vehicle for help, unaware that they were involved in the scheme.
Aung again served as a lookout during an armed robbery of a letter carrier that occurred on December 21, 2021.
Using the arrow keys taken during the robberies, Venable and Aung stole mail, checks and money orders from USPS blue collection boxes in the Indianapolis area. Next, they used the stolen checks and money orders to obtain real cash by either (1) creating fraudulent checks and money orders using some or all of the information found on the stolen checks and money orders; or (2) altering the payee information on the stolen checks and money orders. Venable and Aung recruited others to deposit the fraudulent checks and money orders into their personal bank accounts, a scheme that has come to be known as “card cracking.” Bryan also deposited stolen financial instruments into her personal account.
Card cracking is a form of fraud where bank account holders respond to an online solicitation for “easy money” and provide a debit card for withdrawal of fake check deposits. Criminals use social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, or Telegram to solicit account holders. Those who respond to these solicitations – now accomplices – provide their debit card, PIN, password, and other personal identifying information to give the criminal direct access to their account, as well as payment of sometimes $15,000 for the service. The fraudster deposits the worthless checks and either immediately withdraws the funds at an ATM or transfers it out of the account via money transfer applications like Zelle or CashApp. The criminal sometimes provides the customer with a cut of the money withdrawn using worthless checks – or, in other cases, takes all funds out of the customer’s account.
During a search of Venable’s car and home, U.S. Postal Service Investigators recovered 247 pieces of stolen mail, three arrow keys, $70,121.44 in stolen checks and four firearms. As a convicted felon, Venable was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Investigators also searched the apartment that Bryan and Aung shared and located several stolen checks, altered money orders, laptops, a printer, a scanner, and blank check stock, along with other items commonly used to alter checks, including razor blades and white out. Multiple firearms were also recovered in their residence.
In total, more than 150 people were victimized by this scheme, losing a total of approximately $104,747.09.
Aung, Bryan and Venable were convicted and sentenced as follows:
| Defendant | Charges | Sentence |
| Ephraim Aung, 23, Indianapolis |
|
5 years imprisonment 3 years supervised release $807 in restitution $500 fine |
| Brooke Bryan, 22, Indianapolis |
|
18 months imprisonment 2 years supervised release $807 in restitution $500 fine |
| Cortez Venable, 27, Lawrence |
|
130 months imprisonment 3 years supervised release $807 in restitution $500 fine |
“Not only did this scheme victimize and traumatize letter carriers – it also victimized ordinary citizens who rely on the United States mail to send important correspondence or pay bills,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Letter carriers should not have to live in fear of gun violence simply for doing their jobs. Americans should not have to fear that their important financial documents will be stolen and exploited by fraudsters who wreak financial havoc. The serious federal prison sentences in this case demonstrates that the Department of Justice, working with our federal partners, will ensure there will be serious consequences for violence against public servants and fraud against the public.”
“This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents, the U.S. Postal Inspectors and the Beech Grove and Lawrence Police Departments, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation. Substantial sentences such as these are a staunch reminder of the severity of stealing from the U.S. Mail,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The majority of postal employees are hard-working public servants dedicated to moving mail to its proper destination. The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
“The sentencing of these three individuals shows the utmost importance we place on the safety of U.S. Postal Service employees and the sanctity of the U.S. mail,” said Detroit Division Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George. “We will not stop pursuing those who seek to harm our employees and victimize postal customers. We will bring them to justice to account for their violent and selfish crimes. The partnerships we’ve established with our USPS OIG counterparts, local police departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office allowed us to work jointly to pursue and hold these individuals accountable. Let this serve as reminder to those who want to make a quick dollar by traumatizing our letter carriers and financially preying on the American public: We will find you and bring you to justice.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Beech Grove Police Department, and the Lawrence Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Massa and Meredith Wood and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted this case.
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Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TIERON PRICE (“PRICE”), age 22, pled guilty on February 4, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion, to two counts of possessing a machinegun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(o) and 924(a)(2); possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
According to court documents, on May 22, 2023, PRICE was driving a stolen vehicle in New Orleans. When Louisiana State Police troopers attempted to pull him over, PRICE accelerated and led troopers on a dangerous, and potentially life threatening, car chase. The chase ended when PRICE struck a vehicle stopped at a red light. PRICE, and two other occupants, fled but were caught. Inside a backpack carried by one of the other occupants was a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter caliber pistol, equipped with a Glock auto-sear, making the firearm a fully-automatic machinegun. The machinegun had a bullet in the chamber and was loaded with an extended magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition.
PRICE was arrested after the car chase but subsequently released on bond. On January 19, 2024, New Orleans Police Department detectives executed a search warrant at PRICE’s residence. During the search, officers found a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter caliber pistol, a black Glock auto-sear hidden in a baby bassinet, and a drum magazine loaded with 49 rounds. PRICE was seen the day before the search with the same gun equipped with the auto-sear and the drum magazine. During the search, officers also found over $6,000 in cash, and 95 tapentadol pills that PRICE intended to distribute.
As to each of his convictions for possession of a machinegun, PRICE faces up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. As to his drug trafficking conviction, he faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and up to a $1,000,000 fine. As to his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, and up to five years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Dazhon Darien, 32, of Houston, Texas, with five counts of sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of coercion and enticement of a child, one count of receipt of child sexual abuse material, and four counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the charges with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the indictment, between July 2023 and July 2024, the defendant persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor male to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing and transmitting child sexual abuse material. Additionally, the indictment alleges that the defendant enticed two minor males to engage in prohibited sexual conduct and Darien possessed child sexual abuse material in internet-based accounts and on one digital device.
If convicted, Darien faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each of the five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor; a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for each of the two counts of coercion and enticement of a child; a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the single count of receipt of child sexual abuse material, and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each of the four counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the Baltimore FBI Field Office and the Baltimore County Police Department, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine O. Goo and Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIAMI, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First American Bank is proud to announce that Erin Lassel has joined the bank as Associate General Counsel. With over 10 years of experience in commercial real estate law, Erin will play a pivotal role in advancing the bank’s strategic initiatives, joining the broader Legal team that supports the bank’s diverse markets across Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin, and beyond.
As the bank grows its presence in South Florida, Erin’s legal expertise will be instrumental in addressing complex challenges and ensuring the bank’s operations align with the evolving needs of its regional, national, and global customer base.
“Joining First American Bank is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the bank’s commitment to excellence and customer-focused solutions,” said Erin Lassel, Associate General Counsel. “I look forward to leveraging my legal expertise to help shape the future of the bank, support its growth, and champion the delivery of innovative financial services to our customers.”
Christine Childers, Deputy General Counsel at First American Bank, added, “Erin’s extensive experience in commercial real estate law and her leadership skills make her a strong fit for our team. Her expertise will be invaluable as we expand our South Florida operations and strengthen our market position.”
Before joining First American Bank, Erin was a partner at Katz Barron in Coral Gables and Fort Lauderdale, where she represented clients across Florida in real estate and business transactions. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) magna cum laude from Florida International University, ranking in the top 10% of her class, and served as Executive Symposium Editor for the Florida International University Law Review. Erin also holds a B.A. in Accounting, summa cum laude, from the University of Miami.
“We are pleased to welcome Erin to the team,” said Brian Hagan, Florida Market President at First American Bank. “Her distinguished legal background, combined with her leadership and knowledge of the South Florida market, makes her an invaluable addition as we continue to expand our footprint in the region and build on our reputation for excellence.”
First American Bank is a Member FDIC.
Contact:
Teresa Lee
305-631-6400
tlee@firstambank.com
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Three men were arrested on 5 February as part of an investigation into the large-scale, illegal tipping of waste at the Hoads Wood SSSI in Ashford, Kent
Three men were arrested yesterday (Wednesday 5 February) as part of an investigation into the large-scale, illegal tipping of waste at the Hoads Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Ashford, Kent.
Environment Agency Enforcement Officers, Kent Police and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime worked closely together to secure the arrests and custody of the suspects.
Two of the individuals – aged 44 and 62 – are from the Isle of Sheppey, while the third, aged 41, resides near Sittingbourne. All three have been interviewed, and evidence obtained during the arrests will support the next stages of the investigation.
The Environment Agency began a criminal investigation in 2023 after 30,000 tonnes of household and construction waste, piled 15 feet high in places, was discovered to have been dumped throughout Hoads Wood, near Ashford.
We subsequently secured a court order, banning unauthorised access to the woodland and to successfully stop more waste being dumped, and have since appointed a specialist company to remove the waste and help return the site to its former state.
Our investigation seeks to establish those responsible for co-ordinating the offending and bring them to court. These arrests mark an important next step in delivering justice for the local community.
The Environment Agency’s Director of Operations for East and South East England, Simon Hawkins, said:
The dumping of thousands of tonnes of waste at Hoads Wood in 2023 was a flagrant act of vandalism – with horrendous consequences for the local community and environment.
The Environment Agency and Kent Police have been working tirelessly to uncover the identity of those responsible and bring them to justice, and to take the fight to organised criminal networks. The arrest of three individuals yesterday is a major step forward for our investigation and should bring some comfort to residents whose lives have been upended by this crime.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force said:
Fly-tipping and environmental crime is a blight on Kent’s beautiful landscape and we are committed to supporting the Environment Agency in its ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
We do this by making arrests, gathering evidence and carrying out preventative activities including spot checks of vehicles seen in areas where such offences are common.
People who thoughtlessly dump large volumes of waste are often linked to other forms of criminal activity and their illegal acts must not be tolerated.
The Environment Agency continues to monitor the site for any effect on air or water quality, and will ensure all necessary environmental authorisations are in place while the waste is cleared.
Waste crime pollutes our environment, undercuts legitimate business and significantly affects our farmers and rural communities – which is why we’re committed to tackling it.
In 2023/24, we successfully shut down 63 illegal waste sites, bringing the total number in operation to 344 – the lowest total figure on record. Enforcement officers also prevented nearly 34,000 tonnes of waste from being illegally exported by waste criminals.
If you have any information that may assist with this investigation, please call our 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060. Or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the Crimestoppers website.
Published 6 February 2025
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has charged Alissa Kathryn MacGillivary with additional fraud offences.
Officers reviewed hundreds of documents seized during the execution of a search warrant in August 2024. This led investigators to identify a further eight organizations and individuals who had been defrauded by MacGillivary.
To date, RCMP officers have found more than 15 aliases and real identities used by MacGillivary, and the investigation indicates that she used forged documents to obtain financial benefits dating back to 1995.
On January 17, at the request of investigators, MacGillivary attended the Cole Harbour RCMP detachment where she was safely arrested. She has been charged with more than 100 other offences:
MacGillivary appeared in court and was remanded into custody. She will return to Dartmouth Provincial Court on February 7, at 9:30 a.m.
The investigation, led by RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment with assistance from the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division and the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment Street Crime Enforcement Unit, is ongoing.
Anyone who thinks they could be a victim, knows someone who could be a victim, is encouraged to contact police at 902-490-5020. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips (8477) or submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.
File#: 24-111120
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
From October, social landlords to be forced to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould in set time periods and repair all emergency hazards within 24 hours
Landmark reforms to force landlords to fix dangerous homes or face the full force of the law will be introduced for the first time later this year.
As part of the government’s mission to transform the safety and quality of social housing, Awaab’s Law will come into force from October, ensuring social landlords have to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould within a set amount of time as well as repair all emergency hazards within 24 hours. Landlords who fail to comply face being taken to court, with social tenants able to use the full powers of the law to hold them to account.
Awaab’s Law will be introduced through a phased approach to ensure it is applied as effectively as possible. This means that the protections it provides to damp and mould will be introduced quickly, which would not have been possible if the government applied the law to a wider group of hazards from the outset. This will also allow the government to test and learn so that the reforms benefit social tenants and secure the lasting legacy that Awaab Isaak’s family have fought so hard for.
The vital reforms will help drive a transformational and lasting change in the safety and quality of social housing, supporting the government’s pledge through the Plan for Change to deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation and build 1.5 million homes.
The law is a lasting legacy to two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020. In the wake of this tragedy, Awaab’s family has fought to secure justice, not only for their son but for all those who live in social housing.
“We have a moral duty to ensure tragedies like the death of Awaab Ishak never happen again.
“Landlords cannot be allowed to rent out dangerous homes and shamelessly put the lives of their tenants at risk.
“Our new laws will force them to fix problems quickly, so that people are safe in their homes and can be proud to live in social housing.”
From October, Awaab’s Law will force landlords to fix damp and mould as well as carry out emergency repairs. We will then take a step-by-step approach to make the law stronger over time so that landlords will be legally required to fix all dangerous hazards from 2027. These repairs will have to be delivered within set timescales to ensure that landlords are meeting their responsibilities.
However, social landlords must continue to fix dangerous issues in their homes before Awaab’s Law is fully implemented. They already have a duty to keep their homes fit for human habitation and to remedy disrepair, and they must also ensure that their homes meet the Decent Homes Standard. Awaab’s Law will set clearer and stronger laws to ensure that tenants are living in safe homes.
“Awaab Ishak’s family have tenaciously and courageously fought to secure justice, not only for their son but for all those who live in social housing.
“Awaab’s Law will help to drive a transformational and lasting change in the safety and quality of social housing, ensuring tenants are treated with fairness and respect”.
In the coming months we will bring forward further reforms designed to drive up standards across social housing and to build greater trust and transparency between landlords and tenants. This government will:
Our phased approach will work as follows:
Published 6 February 2025
A graduating class of 24 B.C. sheriffs will soon begin their careers keeping people safe at courthouses throughout the province.
Niki Sharma, Attorney General, welcomed the graduates from the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s winter class at a ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. They will be assigned to work in courthouses throughout the Province, including Victoria, Nanaimo, Penticton, Oliver, Quesnel, Dawson Creek, Terrace, Fort St. John and the Lower Mainland.
Without sheriffs, court matters cannot proceed. Sheriffs maintain a safe environment for everyone delivering justice services in 90 court locations throughout B.C. They are highly trained peace officers who provide protective services for the Crown, judiciary, defence, court staff, the public and all participants in the justice system. Sheriffs also protect court users, transport accused and convicted people to and from correctional institutions, and perform other duties.
The winter class will continue training until March 6, 2025. Their first day on duty will be March 7. The next sheriff-recruit training class will start in the spring.
The BC Sheriff Service (BCSS) is recognized as an international leader in providing protective and enforcement services for the justice system. The BCSS is the oldest-law enforcement agency in B.C.
The Province is collaborating with the BCSS to enhance recruitment, retention and training. The BCSS is focusing on deployment and growth opportunities, and implementing a more-competitive pay and benefits framework for sheriffs.
Learn More:
To watch a video about working as a B.C. sheriff, visit: https://youtu.be/rdhf8trOoSM
To explore career opportunities with the BCSS, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/job-seekers/featured-careers/deputy-sheriff
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today reintroduced the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act to expand support resources for law enforcement officers. The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
The bipartisan legislation would reauthorize grant funding for law enforcement family-support services and establish suicide-prevention programs and mental health services within law enforcement communities.
“Congress should have the backs of those who have ours,” said Senator Hawley. “Since it’s initial passage, the STOIC Act has delivered life-saving resources to law enforcement officers who combat not only crime, but also mental health challenges, in the line of duty. I invite my colleagues to join me in reauthorizing this critical legislation, so we can continue standing with our men and women in blue.”
“Law enforcement are often the first on the scene at the most difficult moments in people’s lives. Their service comes with a heavy emotional toll, and we must help officers deal with the stress and trauma they bear to keep their communities safe,” said Senator Whitehouse. “We first passed our bipartisan STOIC Act into law in 2019 to provide more mental health resources for law enforcement, and I’m glad to renew the effort today with Senator Hawley to reauthorize this important law.”
Senators Hawley and Whitehouse first introduced the STOIC Act in 2019, and it was signed into law later that year.
Last year, the STOIC Act unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and went on to pass a Senate-wide vote, clearing hurdles for the bill’s reauthorization. Today, the senators have reintroduced the legislation to pave the way for its updated passage in the 119th Congress.
Full text of the bill can be found here.