NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight Defendants Arrested on Federal Grand Jury Indictment Alleging Large-Scale Smuggling Scheme from China through L.A.-Area Ports

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Federal law enforcement has arrested eight defendants charged in an indictment alleging a conspiracy among logistic companies’ executives, warehouse owners and truck drivers to smuggle hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of counterfeit and other illegal goods from China into the United States via the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Justice Department announced today.

    The 15-count indictment, returned last month and unsealed Friday, charges nine defendants with conspiracy, smuggling and breaking customs seals. The defendants allegedly took containers flagged for off-site secondary inspection, unloaded the contraband, then stuffed the targeted containers with filler cargo to deceive customs officials and evade law enforcement.

    During the investigation into this group, investigators seized more than $130 million in contraband, and the organization is believed to be responsible for smuggling at least $200 million worth of goods. According to the indictment, a search of one warehouse used by the group led to the seizure in June 2024 of $20 million worth of counterfeit items including shoes, perfume, luxury handbags, apparel and watches.

    Seven defendants were arrested Friday, an eighth was taken into custody Saturday evening, and one defendant is a fugitive. The seven arrested last week were arraigned Friday in United States District Court, where each pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. A trial date was scheduled for March 18. The eighth defendant, who was arrested on unrelated state charges, is expected to be arraigned in federal court in the coming days.

    “Secure seaports and borders are critical to our national security,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “The smuggling of huge amounts of contraband from China through our nation’s largest port hurts American businesses and consumers. The charges and arrests here demonstrate our commitment to enforce our customs laws and keep the American public safe.”     

    “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles and its partners are committed to enforcing customs laws and practices, facilitating legitimate trade, and protecting the integrity of the nation’s supply chain,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “The $1.3 billion dollars’ worth of contraband seized during the investigation into this type of scheme illuminates how complex smuggling schemes try to exploit our legitimate trade practices and the American consumer.”

    The 15-count indictment details a conspiracy to coordinate the shipment of large quantities of contraband from China to the United States through the Port of Los Angeles from at least August 2023 to June 2024. The defendants charged are:

    • Weijun Zheng, 57, a.k.a. “Sonic,” of Diamond Bar, the lone fugitive in the case, who controls several logistics companies operating in the Los Angeles area;
    • Hexi Wang, 32, of El Monte, who manages K&P International Logistics LLC, a City of Industry-based company that hires commercial truckers to transport shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles;
    • Jin “Mark” Liu, 42, of Irvine, the owner of K&P International Logistics LLC and who managed the finances of one of the warehouses where contraband was unloaded and issued payments to truck drivers who transported smuggled goods;
    • Dong “Liam” Lin, 31, of Hacienda Heights, who – along with Zheng – controlled and operated one of the contraband warehouses;
    • Marck Anthony Gomez, 49, of West Covina, the owner and operator of Fannum Trucks LLC, a West Covina-based company that coordinated the movement of shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles, including large shipments of contraband smuggled into the United States from China;
    • Andy Estuardo Castillo Perez, 32, of Apple Valley, a driver for M4 Transportation Inc., a Carson-based company that transports shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles;
    • Jesse James Rosales, 41, of Apple Valley, who coordinated truckers from the ports to warehouses;
    • Daniel Acosta Hoffman, 41, of Hacienda Heights, worked with Rosales to bring cargo containers from the Port of Los Angeles to warehouses; and
    • Galvin Biao Liufu, 33, of Ontario, directed and managed truck drivers to bring the contraband into the warehouses.

    According to the indictment, Zheng, Wang, Liu and others maintained and operated warehouses to store, conceal and sell large amounts of contraband goods that were illegally imported into the United States from China. When the contraband containers were selected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for inspection, the defendants hired commercial truck drivers to transport the containers from the Port of Los Angeles to locations that the conspirators controlled, including warehouses in the City of Industry that were controlled or managed by Zheng, Wang and others.

    At these locations, co-conspirators broke the security seals on the shipping containers and removed the contraband from inside. Then, they affixed counterfeit security seals onto the containers to conceal that cargo had been removed from them. Zheng, Wang and others then directed co-conspirators to transport the containers – after they had been emptied of much of their original cargo and re-secured with counterfeit seals – to CBP-authorized locations for the remaining cargo to be presented to customs officials for inspection.

    Zheng, Wang, Liu and others paid fees to co-conspirators, including Gomez and Castillo Perez, that were substantially above normal trucking fees to transport the contraband shipping containers.

    To date, law enforcement has seized more than $1.3 billion worth of counterfeit goods associated with this and similar seal-swapping schemes.

    “It was a team of CBP agriculture specialists assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport who in 2023, during a routine examination of a container made the initial discovery,” said Cheryl Davies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “This case attests to their unwavering vigilance, upmost professionalism, and keen focus in protecting the integrity of lawful trade, a key component of our critical national security mission.”

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

    If convicted of all charges, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each conspiracy count, up to 10 years in federal prison for each count of breaking customs seals, and up to 20 years in prison for each smuggling count.

    Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Coast Guard Investigative Services are investigating this matter.

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

    Assistant United States Attorneys Colin S. Scott and Amanda B. Elbogen of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the United Nations Memorial Ceremony marking the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    t is an honour to be here with you.

     
    I am humbled to have Holocaust survivors and their families with us today.
     
    Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas.
     
    We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
     
    The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief.
     
    We will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages.  Since the beginning, we have asked for the unconditional immediate release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Every year on this day, we come together to mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
     
    We mourn the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as they sought to destroy an entire people.
     
    We grieve the Roma and Sinti also targeted for genocide, the people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ people, and all those enslaved, persecuted, tortured, and killed. 
     
    We stand alongside victims, survivors and their families. 
     
    And we renew our resolve never to forget:
     
    Never to forget the atrocities that so “outraged the conscience” of humankind.
     
    And never to forget their putrid foundations: millennia of antisemitic hate – manifest in marginalisation, discrimination, expulsions, and murder.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    This year, our commemoration marks a milestone.
     
    80 years ago, the Holocaust ended.
     
    And our efforts began to keep the terrible truth alive; building on the work of those who chronicled Nazi atrocities as they were perpetrated around them – and against them.
     
    The courage of survivors in telling their stories has played an enormous role.
     
    We are deeply grateful to them all. 
     
    But the responsibility belongs to every one of us.
     
    Remembrance is not only a moral act. Remembrance is a call to action.
     
    To allow the Holocaust to fade from memory would dishonour the past and betray the future.
     
    The extraordinary Auschwitz survivor, Primo Levi – who bore witness to all he had seen and endured – urged us to carve the knowledge into our hearts.
     
    And we must.
     
    To know the history of the Holocaust is to know the depths to which humanity can sink.
     
    It is to understand how the Nazis were able to commit their heinous crimes, with the complicity of others.
     
    And it is to comprehend our solemn duty to speak-up against hate, to stand-up for the human rights of all, and to make those rights a reality.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Following the hell of the Holocaust, countries came together:
     
    They created the United Nations and our Charter 80 years ago – affirming the worth of every human person…
     
    They adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – for which we owe a debt of gratitude to the Polish Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin…
     
    And they established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the foundation of all international human rights law.
     
    As one of the drafters, Lebanese diplomat and intellectual, Charles Malik, said, the Declaration was:
     
    “…Inspired by opposition to the barbarous doctrines of Nazism and fascism.”
     
    The dignity of every member of our human family is enshrined in that document, which draws from traditions around the world.
     
    It is a pure expression of our shared humanity.
     
    And in dark times it remains a shining light.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Today, our world is fractured and dangerous.
     
    Eighty years since the Holocaust’s end, antisemitism is still with us – fuelled by the same lies and loathing that made the Nazi genocide possible.
     
    And it is rising.
     
    Discrimination is rife.
     
    Hatred is being stirred-up across the globe.
     
    One of the clearest and most troubling examples is the spreading cancer of Holocaust denial.
     
    Indisputable historical facts are being distorted, diminished, and dismissed.
     
    Efforts are being made to recast and rehabilitate Nazis and their collaborators. 
     
    We must stand up to these outrages.
     
    We must promote education, combat lies, and speak the truth.
     
    And we must condemn antisemitism wherever and whenever it appears – as we must condemn all forms of racism, prejudice and religious bigotry which we see proliferating today.
     
    Because we know these evils wither our morality, corrode our compassion, and seek to blind us to suffering – opening the door to atrocities.
     
    The United Nations has long worked to combat antisemitism, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach programs.
     
    And we recently launched our Action Plan on antisemitism, recommending the ways the United Nations System can further enhance those efforts.  
     
    In these days of division it is all the more important – that we hold fast to our common humanity… 
     
    And renew our resolve to defend the dignity and human rights of all.
     
    Every one of us has a duty.
     
    The history of the Holocaust shows us what can happen when people choose not to see and not to act.
     
    And the Universal Declaration of Human Rights prescribes that:
     
    “…every individual and every organ of society… shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms…”
     
    Each of us must answer that call: denounce lies; resist hate; and ensure our common humanity overcomes division.  
     
    These causes are at the very core of the United Nations.
     
    We will never forget. And we will never waver in that fight.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Five Arrests During Operation “To Catch a Predator” in Madera County

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, January 27, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    FRESNO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, together with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol, today announced the results of operation “To Catch a Predator” which targeted sexual predators who use the internet to seek out potential underage victims. Over the course of the three-day operation, five suspects were arrested and charged with contacting and meeting with minors for sexual purposes. The California Department of Justice’s Fresno Human Trafficking Sexual Predator Apprehension (HT-SPAT), the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) joined forces in a three-day multi-jurisdictional operation, which was completed on January 18, 2025.
     
    “The exploitation of children will not be tolerated in California,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The National Center of Missing and Exploited Children and the FBI estimate there are 500,000 online predators active each day. One child exploited is one too many. I would like to thank the efforts of our partners who helped conduct this operation. When we work together, we get results.” 
     
    “We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the CA DOJ Human Trafficking Team in Fresno and CA Highway Patrol, and our shared commitment to protecting one of our most vulnerable populations, said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue. “May this operation and subsequent arrests be a reminder to all that we will not tolerate predators in Madera County.”
     
    “The safety and well-being of our children is our top priority,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting California’s most vulnerable residents and holding those who prey on them accountable. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to ensure that no child is ever subjected to such harm.”
     
    Agents and officers identified subjects looking to exploit minors for the purpose of committing sexual acts.  During the operation, undercover agents and detectives posed as minors on various social media platforms and websites commonly used by child sex predators. After being identified, the suspects were located and arrested. All suspects were booked into the Madera County Jail and were charged with Penal Code Section 288.3 – contacting a minor for sexual purposes and Penal Code Section 288.4 – meeting with a minor for sexual purposes. The Madera County District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting the cases.
     
    The CA DOJ Victims’ Services Unit (VSU) works in conjunction with victim service providers and all across the state to provide victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally-sensitive support services to all crime victims, including underserved, at-risk, underrepresented, and vulnerable populations. More information about VSU is available at oag.ca.gov/victimservices or by calling (877) 433-9069 or emailing VSU atVictimServices@doj.ca.gov. 

    If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Additional information and resources to support survivors of human trafficking is available here.
     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illinois Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Enticing a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activities

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DES MOINES, Iowa – An Illinois man was sentenced on Friday, January 17, 2025, to 35 years in federal prison for enticement and attempted enticement of a minor and for committing an offense while a registered sex offender.

    According to public court documents, in 2020, Anthony Alan Anderson, 40, while serving in the United States Air Force, was convicted via general court martial of two counts of attempting to commit a lewd act with a person he believed to be a child who had not attained the age of 16 years old. As a result of that conviction, Anderson was required to register as a sex offender in his state of residence. Anderson moved to Illinois in 2022.

    From May to November 2023, Anderson, from his residence in Illinois, used text messaging and social-media applications to communicate with a 14-year-old child from Ottumwa, Iowa. During their communications, Anderson convinced the child to produce and send him child pornography. In September 2023, Anderson traveled from his home in Illinois to Ottumwa, where he picked the child up from her residence and took her to a hotel. There, he and the child engaged in sex acts. Anderson also captured child sexual abuse material of the child while in the hotel.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Anderson will be required to serve a ten‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Ottumwa Police Department with assistance from the Illinois State Police.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong resident rescued from detention in Southeast Asian country returns to Hong Kong smoothly

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong resident rescued from detention in Southeast Asian country returns to Hong Kong smoothly
    Hong Kong resident rescued from detention in Southeast Asian country returns to Hong Kong smoothly
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Security Bureau (SB) today (January 28) said that a Hong Kong resident, who had been detained for illegal work in Myanmar and was recently rescued, has smoothly returned to Hong Kong from Thailand last night (January 27) with members of the SB’s dedicated task force.     The dedicated task force set off for Bangkok on January 21 to follow-up promptly on the case upon confirmation that a Hong Kong resident had been rescued in Myanmar and arrived in Thailand. With the co-ordination and liaison with different units by the task force over the past few days and concerted efforts by various parties, the individual was able to return to Hong Kong in a short period of time and reunite with his family before the Chinese New Year.      The dedicated task force expressed gratitude to the Thai authorities for their humane way of handling the case with the approach of special arrangements for special circumstances by compressing the procedures to within a few days, allowing the Hong Kong resident to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. While meeting the rescued Hong Kong resident in the detention centre in Bangkok, members of the task force were moved to be able to bring the individual back to Hong Kong and return home together. The Hong Kong resident expressed gratitude for the visit to Thailand by the task force members to follow up on his case. He was also very pleased to learn that he would be able to return to Hong Kong to reunite with his family before the Chinese New Year.      The SB thanked various parties, including the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chiang Mai, the Consulate-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, and the relevant Thai authorities for their support and assistance.     The dedicated task force has all along been following up proactively on the remaining 10 request-for-assistance cases in which the relevant people have not yet returned to Hong Kong, including maintaining communication, exchanging intelligence and sparing no efforts in following up on each case with the Director of Special Investigation and the Director of Human Trafficking under the Ministry of Justice of Thailand during the team’s stay in Thailand. A member of the dedicated task force will stay in Bangkok to strive to do his utmost for the early return of the remaining 10 people to Hong Kong.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, January 28, 2025Issued at HKT 1:29

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the United Nations Memorial Ceremony marking the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    It is an honour to be here with you.

     
    I am humbled to have Holocaust survivors and their families with us today.
     
    Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas.
     
    We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
     
    The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief.
     
    We will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages.  Since the beginning, we have asked for the unconditional immediate release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Every year on this day, we come together to mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
     
    We mourn the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as they sought to destroy an entire people.
     
    We grieve the Roma and Sinti also targeted for genocide, the people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ people, and all those enslaved, persecuted, tortured, and killed. 
     
    We stand alongside victims, survivors and their families. 
     
    And we renew our resolve never to forget:
     
    Never to forget the atrocities that so “outraged the conscience” of humankind.
     
    And never to forget their putrid foundations: millennia of antisemitic hate – manifest in marginalisation, discrimination, expulsions, and murder.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    This year, our commemoration marks a milestone.
     
    80 years ago, the Holocaust ended.
     
    And our efforts began to keep the terrible truth alive; building on the work of those who chronicled Nazi atrocities as they were perpetrated around them – and against them.
     
    The courage of survivors in telling their stories has played an enormous role.
     
    We are deeply grateful to them all. 
     
    But the responsibility belongs to every one of us.
     
    Remembrance is not only a moral act. Remembrance is a call to action.
     
    To allow the Holocaust to fade from memory would dishonour the past and betray the future.
     
    The extraordinary Auschwitz survivor, Primo Levi – who bore witness to all he had seen and endured – urged us to carve the knowledge into our hearts.
     
    And we must.
     
    To know the history of the Holocaust is to know the depths to which humanity can sink.
     
    It is to understand how the Nazis were able to commit their heinous crimes, with the complicity of others.
     
    And it is to comprehend our solemn duty to speak-up against hate, to stand-up for the human rights of all, and to make those rights a reality.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Following the hell of the Holocaust, countries came together:
     
    They created the United Nations and our Charter 80 years ago – affirming the worth of every human person…
     
    They adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – for which we owe a debt of gratitude to the Polish Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin…
     
    And they established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the foundation of all international human rights law.
     
    As one of the drafters, Lebanese diplomat and intellectual, Charles Malik, said, the Declaration was:
     
    “…Inspired by opposition to the barbarous doctrines of Nazism and fascism.”
     
    The dignity of every member of our human family is enshrined in that document, which draws from traditions around the world.
     
    It is a pure expression of our shared humanity.
     
    And in dark times it remains a shining light.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Today, our world is fractured and dangerous.
     
    Eighty years since the Holocaust’s end, antisemitism is still with us – fuelled by the same lies and loathing that made the Nazi genocide possible.
     
    And it is rising.
     
    Discrimination is rife.
     
    Hatred is being stirred-up across the globe.
     
    One of the clearest and most troubling examples is the spreading cancer of Holocaust denial.
     
    Indisputable historical facts are being distorted, diminished, and dismissed.
     
    Efforts are being made to recast and rehabilitate Nazis and their collaborators. 
     
    We must stand up to these outrages.
     
    We must promote education, combat lies, and speak the truth.
     
    And we must condemn antisemitism wherever and whenever it appears – as we must condemn all forms of racism, prejudice and religious bigotry which we see proliferating today.
     
    Because we know these evils wither our morality, corrode our compassion, and seek to blind us to suffering – opening the door to atrocities.
     
    The United Nations has long worked to combat antisemitism, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach programs.
     
    And we recently launched our Action Plan on antisemitism, recommending the ways the United Nations System can further enhance those efforts.  
     
    In these days of division it is all the more important – that we hold fast to our common humanity… 
     
    And renew our resolve to defend the dignity and human rights of all.
     
    Every one of us has a duty.
     
    The history of the Holocaust shows us what can happen when people choose not to see and not to act.
     
    And the Universal Declaration of Human Rights prescribes that:
     
    “…every individual and every organ of society… shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms…”
     
    Each of us must answer that call: denounce lies; resist hate; and ensure our common humanity overcomes division.  
     
    These causes are at the very core of the United Nations.
     
    We will never forget. And we will never waver in that fight.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Webster County Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Taylor Morrow, 34, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty January 24, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

    At the plea hearing, Morrow admitted that between March and April 2024, he and others distributed more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge, Iowa area.  

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

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.  

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

    The case file number is 24-3034.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harford County Man Sentenced for Aggravated Identity Theft and Bank Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant also participated in scheme to illegally obtain $28,350 in unemployment insurance benefits from the State of California during COVID-19 Pandemic.

    Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Victor Ojo, 30, of Belcamp, Maryland, to 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    Victor Ojo received the sentence for aggravated identity theft and his role in an attempted bank-fraud scheme that had an intended loss amount of $1.5 million. Additionally, Victor Ojo admitted to participating in a fraudulent scheme to obtain $28,350 in unemployment insurance benefits. So, Judge Rubin ordered Victor Ojo to forfeit $20,014.03 and to pay $78,350 in restitution.

    Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Andrew McKay, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s (TIGTA) Mid-Atlantic Field Division, and Scott Moffit, Special Agent in Charge of TIGTA’s Cybercrime Investigations Division.

    According to his guilty plea, from April 2016 through at least August 2019, Victor Ojo conspired with Damilola Ojo, Jamelia Thompson, Raissa Kaossele, and others, to commit bank fraud using the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Modernized Internet Employer Identification Number (MODIEIN) system. The MODIEIN is the IRS system that allows users to register for a unique Employer Identification Number (EIN). It requires users to enter the valid name and Social Security Number of a real living person to obtain an EIN for a business.

    The defendant and his co-conspirators created and used various EINs to carry out the scheme. They obtained many of the EINs from the IRS using stolen Personally Identifiable Information. These EINs, in conjunction with fraudulently obtained state business certificates, allowed the co-conspirators to open bank accounts at various financial institutions to deposit stolen and/or altered checks and to receive fraudulently obtained wire transfers and other funds. Many of the wire transfers were the result of Business Email Compromises. Once obtained, the co-conspirators rapidly withdrew the proceeds, transferring them to other bank accounts.

    Victor Ojo and his co-conspirators victimized individuals through identity theft, businesses through financial account compromise, and banks through misdirecting wire transfers and making fraudulent transactions. After Victor Ojo’s arrest, law enforcement discovered evidence linking him to fraudulent activity. Law enforcement found numerous financial documents; a jacket, shirt, and hat that they saw Victor Ojo wearing in bank-surveillance footage while interacting with the fraudulent accounts; and a $14,000 check with someone else’s name on it. They also found passports in other people’s names and a Colorado ID with authentication features in someone else’s name.

    In the plea agreement, Victor Ojo admitted that he engaged in additional fraudulent activities prior to his arrest for bank-fraud conspiracy. Specifically, Victor Ojo and co-conspirators fraudulently obtained $28,350 in unemployment insurance benefits from the State of California using a victim’s identification.

    Around August 1, 2021, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) issued a Bank of America debit card in that victim’s name to an address in Lanham, Maryland. The card was linked to a Bank of America account that the EDD deposited a total of $28,350 in unemployment insurance benefits into. 
     

    The EDD made the first deposit on August 8, 2021. On August 10, 11, 24, and 25, Victor Ojo used the card to withdraw thousands of dollars from various ATMs in Harford County, Maryland. Victor Ojo was also captured on surveillance cameras making the withdrawals on August 10, 11, and 25.

    U.S. Attorney Barron commended the TIGTA for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph L. Wenner, Paul Riley, and John D’Amico who prosecuted the federal case. He also recognized Joanna B.N. Huber, Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist, for her assistance.

    The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors.  The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Nominates Judge William Bright to the Supreme Court, Judge Robin Wilson to the Appellate Court, and 13 Other Jurists to the Superior Court

    Source: US State of Connecticut

     

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is forwarding to the Connecticut General Assembly the nominations of several jurists to serve in positions on Connecticut’s courts, including the Honorable William H. Bright, Jr. as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, the Honorable Robin L. Wilson as a judge of the Appellate Court, and 13 other jurists as judges of the Superior Court.

    Additionally, the governor is nominating two jurists to serve as family support magistrates and three as administrative law judges on the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

    “Nominating judges to serve on our courts is one of the most important responsibilities of a governor, especially because judges are the final authority on the interpretation of the law and the constitution, and for ensuring that justice is administered fairly and without prejudice,” Governor Lamont said. “Judge Bright has been an excellent leader of our Appellate Court over these last four and a half years, and he has had an impressive career handling all types of cases both on the trial and appellate levels. Likewise, Judge Wilson is an incredibly well-respected member of Connecticut’s legal community, having served in the Superior Court for more than two decades. I am confident that these nominees each have the high standards and qualifications the people of Connecticut deserve to have serving for them on the bench.”

    Judge Bright, 62, of Columbia, is currently the chief judge of the Appellate Court. He is being nominated to fill the associate justice seat on the Supreme Court that was most recently held by the Honorable Raheem L. Mullins, who was recently nominated by Governor Lamont to become chief justice.

    Judge Bright has served on the Appellate Court since 2017 and as chief judge since 2020. In the role of chief judge, he has been responsible for managing the operations of the Appellate Court, in addition to sitting on a full docket of cases, assigning cases to authoring judges, reviewing all opinions of the court before publication, overseeing clerks for judge trial referees, and addressing personnel and building management issues.

    Immediately prior to his nomination to the Appellate Court, Judge Bright served as a judge of the Superior Court from 2008 to 2017, presiding over criminal, civil, habeas corpus, and juvenile trials. While on the Superior Court, he served as the presiding judge of the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s statewide mediation program in 2017, chief administrative judge for civil matters from 2015 to 2017, administrative and presiding judge for the Tolland Judicial District from 2013 to 2017, and presiding judge of a civil complex litigation docket from 2011 to 2013.

    Before being nominated to the bench, he was a partner with the law firm of McCarter and English from 2003 to 2008, and with Cummings and Lockwood from 1987 to 2003. With both firms, he worked as a trial attorney, handling cases in both state and federal courts and representing individuals, government entities, and small and large businesses in environmental, property, and commercial matters.

    Judge Bright graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, summa cum laude, and earned a Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from the University of Chicago Law School. He is a James W. Cooper Fellow of the Connecticut Bar Foundation and a member emeritus of the Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Court.

    “I want to thank Governor Lamont for his faith and confidence in me,” Judge Bright said. “It is truly an honor to be nominated and considered for a position on our state’s highest court. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve the people of Connecticut as a judge of the Superior Court and the Appellate Court over the past 17 years. If confirmed, I promise to bring to my job as an associate justice of our Supreme Court the same work ethic, fidelity to the law, and respect for the parties and attorneys who appear before us that I have strived to demonstrate every day since becoming a judge.”

    Judge Wilson, 64, of New Haven, is currently a judge of the Superior Court, where she has served since 2003. She is being nominated to fill the seat on the Appellate Court that will become vacant following the confirmation of Judge Bright to serve on the Supreme Court.

    Judge Wilson is presently assigned to the Waterbury Complex Litigation Docket, presiding over complex civil cases. Prior to this, she served in the Civil Division of the New Haven Judicial District for 15 years, also presiding over complex civil cases, including medical and legal malpractice cases, motor vehicle accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, and commercial contract disputes.

    Immediately prior to her nomination to the Superior Court, she served as an administrative law judge on the Workers’ Compensation Commission from 1994 to 2003. She also worked from 1986 to 1994 as an assistant attorney general in the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, serving in both the Child Support Department and the Workers’ Compensation Department.

    In recognition of her influence and leadership, Judge Wilson has been honored as one of the NAACP’s 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut and as one of the 100 Women of Color Leadership in the State of Connecticut.

    Judge Wilson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government, with honors, from Connecticut College, a Juris Doctor degree from Northeastern University School of Law, and a Master of Laws degree in labor relations from New York University School of Law.

    “I am deeply honored and humbled by Governor Lamont’s nomination to serve as an Appellate Judge for the State of Connecticut,” Judge Wilson said. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to have this opportunity. If confirmed by the legislature, I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness, justice, and integrity as I take on this important responsibility and will work hard every day to prove myself worthy of the governor’s trust. Thank you, Governor Lamont, for entrusting me with this opportunity to serve our great state.”

    There are currently 22 judicial vacancies in the Superior Court. The 13 nominations Governor Lamont is making to fill those positions include:

    • David G. Bothwell, 55, of Fairfield: Bothwell graduated from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law. He currently serves as legal counsel and legislative liaison to the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles. Prior to that, he spent his entire career as a criminal defense attorney in both his own private practice, as well as many years with the Connecticut Division of Public Defenders.
    • Tracie C. Brown, 53, of Windsor: Brown graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is currently the chief operating officer for the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Previously, she was the assistant legal director for the Connecticut Department of Correction, where she focused on constitutional and employment law. Prior to that, she served as a principal attorney and commission counsel for the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission. In that capacity, she presided over contested cases as a hearing officer and represented the commission at the Connecticut Superior Court, Appellate Court, and Supreme Court.
    • Michael C. D’Agostino, 53, of Hamden: D’Agostino graduated from the University of Virginia and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is currently a partner at Morgan Lewis and Bockius, residing in its Hartford office, where he handles a wide range of commercial litigation matters for clients in Connecticut’s courts, as well as courts across the country. From 2013 to 2025, he served the 91st Assembly District of Hamden in the Connecticut House of Representatives, and in this capacity severed for several years as the House chair of the General Law Committee.
    • Jesse Giddings, 43, of North Haven: Giddings graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Roger Williams University School of Law. He is currently a supervisory assistant state’s attorney in the Hartford State’s Attorney Office. Prior to that, he served as an assistant state’s attorney in Hartford, focusing primarily on the prosecution of serious felony cases.
    • Diana M. Gomez, 42, of Easton: Gomez graduated from Central Connecticut State University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is currently an assistant public defender in the Ansonia-Milford Judicial District, specializing in criminal defense of indigent defendants. She has worked in the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services for the past eleven years. Prior to serving as a public defender, she worked in private practice. Additionally, she serves on many boards, committees and commissions.
    • Donald R. Green, 58, of Meriden: Magistrate Green graduated from Trinity College and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He is currently a family support magistrate and has served in this capacity for six years. He presides over cases involving adjudication of parentage, child support, modifications, and contempt petitions. He was formerly an assistant attorney general at the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, where he served primarily in the Child Protection Department.
    • Kaitlin A. Halloran, 41, of West Hartford: Halloran graduated from New York University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.  In 2010, she co-founded Halloran & Halloran, where her practice focused on personal injury, wrongful death claims, medical malpractice and business litigation. Halloran & Halloran merged with BBB Attorneys in 2021, where she litigated complex cases.  Halloran also maintains a very active pro bono special education law practice and has helped many families navigate the system and access services for their children.
    • Angeline Ioannou, 55, of West Hartford: Ioannou is a graduate of Sacred Heart University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law (now Widener University Commonwealth Law School) in Wilmington, Delaware. She is currently the managing partner of the Hartford office of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard and Smith, LLP.  Ioannou has more than 25 years litigating complex tort and medical malpractice matters involving wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
    • Kevin C. Kelly, 65, of Stratford: Kelly obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, a Master of Arts degree from Fairfield University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He is currently an attorney and owner of Kevin Kelly and Associates, a practice that is focused on elder law, estate planning, probate administration and litigation, and municipal law. Prior to his legal career, he worked for the Connecticut Department of Social Services. From 2011 to 2025, he served the 21st Senatorial District of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, and Stratford in the Connecticut State Senate, and in this capacity represented his caucus for several years as minority leader.
    • Daniel Shapiro, 58, of Westbrook: Shapiro graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and obtained his Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, where he also obtained a Master of Studies in environmental law. He is currently a deputy associate attorney general and chief of health and education for the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. He has practiced law for more than 30 years with a primary focus on health and education matters. Prior to his current role, Shapiro worked as an attorney for the Connecticut Department of Public Health and as an attorney for the Connecticut Legislative Commissioners’ Office.
    • Kevin Shea, 58, of Madison: Shea graduated from the University of Connecticut and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He is a partner with Clendenen and Shea, LLC in New Haven, where he has practiced for the past 24 years representing individuals, companies, institutions, and municipalities as both plaintiffs and defendants in a broad range of civil litigation. He was previously an associate with Delaney, Zemetis, Donahue, Durham, and Noonan, P.C., and Wiggin and Dana, LLP, and worked as an in-house litigation attorney with United States Surgical Corporation in Norwalk.
    • Latonia C. Williams, 41, of West Hartford: Williams graduated from Howard University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is currently a partner at Shipman and Goodwin LLP, where her practice focuses on a range of commercial litigation matters in both state and federal courts, including commercial bankruptcies, landlord-tenant disputes, and commercial foreclosures. Additionally, she serves on the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Client Security Fund Committee, the board of directors for Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut, Inc., and as her firm’s hiring chair.
    • Yonatan Zamir, 48, of Woodbridge: Zamir graduated from University of Illinois and received his Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law. He is currently a staff attorney at New Haven Legal Assistance Association, where his focus is on housing law and eviction prevention. He also co-teaches the Reentry Clinic at Yale Law School, through which he supervises students in serving clients facing barriers to reentry in areas such as housing and employment, as well as in assisting those clients’ seeking pardons or criminal conviction erasure. Prior to coming to Connecticut, he served as counsel to a member of Congress and a Congressional committee. He started his legal career at the Legal Aid Society of New York.

    The two family support magistrate nominees include:

    • Benedict R. Daigle, 43, of Cromwell: Daigle obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Connecticut, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He currently serves as an assistant public defender, legislative/family magistrate for the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services. Prior to that, he held roles with the City of Hartford, the Connecticut Association for Community Action, and other government and nonprofit entities. He serves in several roles within the Connecticut Bar Association, including as a member of the House of Delegates and Board of Governors and co-chair of the Legal Aid and Public Defense Committee. He has served as a board member of various nonprofit organizations.
    • LeeAnn Neal, 39, of Waterbury: Neal graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is currently an assistant attorney general in the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, serving in the child protection section. In this role, she represents the Connecticut Department of Children and Families in state court proceedings. Prior to her current position, she worked as a staff attorney at the Center for Children’s Advocacy, where she advocated for youth in education and delinquency cases. She also previously served as an assistant state’s attorney with the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, representing the state in both adult criminal and juvenile delinquency matters in the New Britain and Waterbury Judicial Districts.

    The three workers’ compensation administrative law judge nominees include:

    • Michael L. Anderson, 54, of North Stonington: Anderson graduated from the University of New Hampshire and the University of Connecticut, and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Vermont Law School. He is currently a trial lawyer with Anderson Trial Lawyers in Norwich, where he represents injured workers in the Workers’ Compensation Commission and those seriously injured due to the negligence of others. He currently serves as chairman of the Town of North Stonington Board of Finance. He has been practicing law for more than 20 years.
    • Christine Conley, 42, of Groton: Conley graduated from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is currently an attorney with McGann, Bartlett and Brown, LLC, where she represents employers and municipalities in defending work-related injuries. She has experience in worker’s compensation and personal injury, representing both plaintiffs and defendants.  She is a Connecticut board certified workers’ compensation specialist. She formerly worked for Embry, Neusner and Arscott, and the Law Offices of Lori M. Comforti, representing individuals with workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. Prior to representing individuals, she was an associate at Murphy and Beane. From 2017 to 2025, she served the 40th Assembly District of Groton and New London in the Connecticut House of Representatives.
    • Colette Griffin, 66, of Newtown: Griffin graduated from the University of Bridgeport and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac School of Law. She is currently a partner with Strunk Dodge Aiken Zovas and has served as the chair of both the workers’ compensation and animal law sections of the Connecticut Bar Association. She was previously a partner with Howd and Ludorf, LLC, where she began and ran their workers’ compensation practice. She serves on the workers’ compensation legal advisory and medical advisory committees.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James and Pine Barrens Commission File Lawsuit Against Roberts Premier Development for Violations in Protected Conservation Area

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission (Pine Barrens Commission) today filed a lawsuit against Long Island developer David Roberts and his company, Roberts Premier Development, LLC (Roberts Premier), for removing trees and vegetation to construct a commercial cabinetry and woodworking business on protected Pine Barrens land without proper approval. The Pine Barrens are located on top of Long Island’s largest source of drinking water, and their preservation is necessary to ensure residents’ access to clean water. Roberts damaged 13,000 square feet of this land by clearing natural vegetation and grading soil to build a 5,500 square foot commercial barn without authorization from the Pine Barrens Commission, harming the Pine Barrens’ delicate ecosystem. With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the Pine Barrens Commission seek to require Roberts to remove the barn and associated infrastructure, restore the property to its previous state, and pay civil penalties for the destruction he caused.

    “Long Island’s Pine Barrens are one of New York’s most precious environmental treasures, and we are committed to protecting it,” said Attorney General James. “Preserving this land is critical to the health of Long Island’s drinking water. Any bad actor that takes action to harm our protected lands must be held accountable. I am grateful to the Commission for their partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to ensure the Pine Barrens are preserved for generations to come.”

    “We’re happy to partner with Attorney General James in this action against Roberts Premier Development. There’s a reason the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act included a Comprehensive Land Use Plan that has for three decades guided land use in this spectacular region,” said Central Pine Barrens Commission Executive Director Judith Jakobsen. “It’s because there’s a place for development in the Central Pine Barrens and a place for ecological preservation. When someone breaks the rules, they should suffer the consequences.”

    The Long Island Central Pine Barrens is a 106,000-acre natural area in Suffolk County that is home to some of New York’s greatest ecological diversity, including many endangered or threatened animal and plant species. In 1993, New York adopted the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act, which established the Pine Barrens Commission to safeguard the Pine Barrens and develop and oversee a comprehensive land use plan for the area. The Act designated 55,000 acres of the Pine Barrens as a core preservation area and specified that any entity seeking to engage in development activities such as clearing, excavation, or construction in the area must apply for and receive a waiver from the Pine Barrens Commission.

    Roberts Premier acquired a four-acre Pine Barrens property in Brookhaven, Suffolk County in July 2022. The property falls within a residential zoning district that strictly prohibits any non-residential use of land. In August 2022, Roberts applied for a permit from the town to build a new 5,500 square foot barn but did not apply for any waiver from the Pine Barrens Commission for its planned clearing, excavation, and construction on protected Pine Barrens land. Before hearing back from the town on his building permit application, Roberts moved forward with the project, clearing vegetation, grading the land, and fully constructing a new barn. Roberts was issued a building permit on November 28, 2022.

    In March 2023, the town alerted the Pine Barrens Commission that approximately 13,000 square feet of natural vegetation had been removed from Roberts’ property and that a new barn had been constructed in its place. By this time, Roberts Premier had added storage containers, which are not permitted in residential districts, and set up parking areas and paved roadways on the protected land. The Commission discovered in June 2023 that a custom cabinetry and millwork business, Green Leaf Cabinet Corp., had set up a website citing the Pine Barrens property as its business address and included a map directing potential customers to the newly constructed barn.

    The compound built by Roberts Premier on protected Pine Barrens land.

    In April 2023, the Pine Barrens Commission issued a Notice of Violation to Roberts and Roberts Premier, stating that the company had engaged in prohibited conduct by building the new barn for non-residential use and clearing Pine Barrens land without authorization. In June 2023, the Commission inspected the property and found extensive evidence that Roberts was conducting a commercial carpentry business on the property, including industrial-grade manufacturing woodworking equipment and machinery, commercial-grade power supply, construction equipment, and industrial-grade HVAC equipment.

    The lawsuit filed today seeks to mandate the removal of the unauthorized structure and associated infrastructure and require the development and implementation of a restoration plan for the affected land under the Commission’s supervision. Attorney General James is also seeking civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation and $1,000 for each day the violations persist. The lawsuit follows unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a resolution with Roberts Premier and Roberts.

    This matter was handled for the Pine Barrens Commission by Executive Director Judith Jakobsen, Pine Barrens Manager Julie Hargrave, Enforcement Officer Frank Carbone, and Counsel John C. Milazzo. 

    This matter was handled for OAG by Assistant Attorney General Abigail Katowitz-Liu and Section Chief Elizabeth Morgan of the Environmental Protection Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Monica Wagner. The Environmental Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Lemuel M. Srolovic and 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.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan RCMP SERT Year in Review: 230 firearms and more that 17,000 grams of illicit drugs seized in 2024

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    In 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT) continued to work diligently with frontline RCMP officers from detachments across the province to remove harms from communities and help keep Saskatchewan residents safe.

    Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT – which includes Crime Reduction Teams (CRT), the Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit (HTCEU), Offender Management Unit (OMU), Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams (STRT) and Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams (WEST) – helps protect community well-being by tackling serious and gang-related crimes, and take dangerous drugs and weapons off the streets.

    Removing harms from Saskatchewan communities

    Illicit drugs continue to harm people across the province. In 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT teams seized:
    – 6,572 grams of cocaine;
    – 4,732 grams of methamphetamine;
    – 130 grams fentanyl;
    – 6,349 grams of other illicit drugs; and
    – 86 tablets.

    From 2014 to 2023, violent firearms offences in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction increased 271 per cent – rising from 126 in 2014 to 467 in 2023.

    Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT removed 230 firearms from the hands of criminals across the province in 2024.

    Investigational highlights

    In July 2024, Yorkton STRT seized approximately 161 grams of methamphetamine and 14 firearms, along with other items, from a business, a rural property and a vehicle in the Yorkton area. During a subsequent search of the rural property, RCMP officers located a severely injured, forcibly confined adult male inside a barn. Investigation determined the man had been kidnapped. Two adult males faced kidnapping, drug and firearms charges, among others.

    • Swift Current STRT laid charges against two individuals after seizing 31 firearms from a residence in Lafleche, SK and a rural yard site south of the town in November 2024.
    • In October 2024, North Battleford Crime Reduction Team – Gang Task Force (CRT-GTF) executed search warrants at two residences in North Battleford. At the residences, officers located and seized a loaded handgun, a rifle, approximately 81 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 58 grams of crack cocaine, ammunition, a sum of cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia. As a result of investigation, two adult males and an adult female were arrested.
    • While executing a search warrant at an apartment building in La Ronge in February 2024, La Ronge CRT seized a loaded handgun, 60 grams of cocaine, 31 grams of methamphetamine, a sum of cash and other drug paraphernalia. Two adults were arrested and charged.
    • In August 2024, Swift Current STRT executed two search warrants in Swift Current as part of an ongoing investigation. Officers located and seized 503 grams of methamphetamine, 52 grams of fentanyl and 105 grams of cocaine, among other evidence. An adult male was arrested at the business and charged.

    What is SERT?

    Saskatchewan RCMP SERT is made up of 108 RCMP officers and 31 civilian support staff. With different teams located in 10 Saskatchewan communities, SERT is readily mobile and able to quickly deploy to surrounding areas. Teams are also assisted every single day by over 1,500 RCMP employees, including more than 1,000 sworn officers at 80 plus detachments across the province.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Charges Mountainair Man Charged with Domestic Assault

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury has indicted a Mountainair man for domestic violence offenses committed in Indian Country.

    According to court records, on or about September 18, 2023, Aiden Richesin, 20, allegedly assaulted the victim, resulting in substantial bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that on the same date and location, Richesin strangled and attempted to strangle the victim.

    Richesin will remain in the third-party custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Richesin faces up to ten years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

    The Pueblo of Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is 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.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Windsor County Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on January 16, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Kyle Pickett, 30, of Windsor County, Vermont, with being a felon in possession of two firearms.

    Pickett entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on January 23, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Jerome J. Niedermeier. Judge Niedermeier ordered that Pickett be detained during the pendency of this matter.

    According to court records, on November 25, 2023, Pickett possessed two loaded firearms, a Winchester Model 62 .22 rifle and a Winchester Model 42 410 shotgun, in a Ford Ranger pick-up truck, which had been stolen from a residence in Orange County, Vermont. Pickett had multiple prior felony convictions, and thus was prohibited from possessing those firearms.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Pickett is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Pickett faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Pickett is represented by Sara M. Puls, Assistant Federal Public Defender.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ahoskie Gang Member “Woo” Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison After Conviction for Firearm and Drug Trafficking Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – An Ahoskie gang member was sentenced to 100 months in prison and five years of supervised release, after authorities found drugs and a firearm in his home.  On September 30, 2024, Rodney Lamont Evans, a.k.a. “Woo,” pled guilty to the charges.

    “This case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners,” said Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes. “Their relentless efforts to investigate, prosecute, and bring to justice those who threaten the safety of our citizens reflect our shared commitment to a safer community.”

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, authorities in Ahoskie received information on August 8, 2022, that Evans, 47, a member of the Bloods gang, was distributing narcotics out of his home on McGlohon Street. On that date, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Evans’s residence.  Upon their arrival, Evans fled through a window and attempted to hide on the roof but was soon found.  Inside Evans’s home, authorities discovered nearly 360 grams of cocaine, over 5 grams of crack, over 1,700 grams of marijuana, a firearm, ammunition, multiple digital scales, and drug packaging materials.  The investigation also revealed that Evans had previously participated in the sale of homemade machinegun conversion devices, or “switches,” with a fellow member of the Bloods.

    Evans was previously convicted of indecent liberties with a child and multiple charges of possession with intent to sell cocaine in North Carolina. 

    Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF); the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force; and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Lori Warlick and Sarah Nokes prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-CR-23-BO-RN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child and Destruction of Evidence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who attempted to solicit a minor to engage in prostitution was sentenced on January 24, 2025, to 292 months in federal prison.

    Joshua Johnson, age 50, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after an August 7, 2024, jury verdict finding him guilty of attempted sex trafficking of a child and destruction of evidence.  The evidence at trial showed that, in December 2023, Johnson responded to an ad on a website for prostitution.  He exchanged text messages with a person who stated that she was 13 years old; she actually was an undercover law enforcement officer.  Johnson sent messages describing sex acts he could perform with the minor, and he traveled to Hiawatha, Iowa, to meet with her.  After meeting with officers, Johnson wiped his cell phone.

    Johnson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Johnson was sentenced to 292 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Hiawatha Police Department.

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

    Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is CR 24-38.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Apology issued over loss of tapes

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Official Receiver’s Office (ORO) today expressed its sincere apologies over the loss of seven magnetic backup tapes on December 23 last year, and the delay in reporting the incident.

    The ORO received a report on January 22 that the magnetic backup tapes were lost in transit from the Immigration Tower to Queensway Government Offices by ORO staff.

    The tapes contain personal data of about 76,000 individuals. The ORO said it is notifying the affected parties by batch.

    The tapes were stored in a locked protective case and the data therein is encrypted with AES-256, a highly secure encryption algorithm. Having consulted the Digital Policy Office, the ORO considers that the risk of personal data leakage is extremely low.

    Based on the current investigation, the ORO said there is no evidence that the data contained on the tapes has been read or compromised.

    The incident has been reported to the Police Force, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the Security Bureau and the Digital Policy Office.

    In addition to stressing that it is extremely concerned about the incident and has taken immediate action to review all transit procedures and data protection practices, the ORO made it clear that it has refined such procedures with immediate effect.

    It is also conducting a thorough investigation into the staff concerned and the details of the case, including the delay in reporting the loss to senior management.

    Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken, the ORO noted.

    It added that it has reminded its staff to comply with departmental guidelines and exercise due care in handling personal data. Furthermore, the ORO will review all guidelines on data security and examine the adoption of safer and more effective backup methods and procedures.

    For enquiries, call 2867 2448 or write to oroadmin@oro.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Airdrie — Airdrie RCMP make arrest in aggravated assaults

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Dec. 28, 2024, at approximately 12: 55 a.m., Airdrie RCMP was dispatched to the north west area of Airdrie, near Williamstown, for a report of multiple stabbings. With the assistance of Calgary Police Service Hawks helicopter, Airdrie RCMP successfully located one male suspect. The suspect was arrested near the scene without incident.

    As a result of the incident, three victims were identified, two of which are young persons. All victims were immediately transported via Alberta Health Services ground ambulance to the hospital. Two victims are in serious, but stable condition. The third victim remains in hospital and is being treated for none life-threatening injuries related to the incident.

    The lone individual arrested remains in police custody, and is facing charges of:

    • Aggravated assault x3
    • Assault with a weapon x3
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose x1
    • Carrying concealed weapon x1

    This is an isolated incident, and there is no fear for public safety at this time. This is an active and ongoing investigation, any further information pertaining to the investigation will be updated accordingly.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Enoch — Enoch RCMP and EPS arrest male following a dog track

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    In the early hours of Jan. 12, 2025, the Enoch RCMP received a call to the River Cree Casino for a female reporting an assault by a male suspect who was known to her. Members arrived on scene, and while conducting their investigation, learned that the male suspect had fled the area on foot.

    In cooperation with Edmonton Police K9 Unit, a dog track led to the location and arrest of the male suspect. During the course of the arrest, the male was treated for injuries sustained from the police dog. The suspect was later medically cleared at a hospital and released into police custody.

    Consequently, a 61-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, was charged with the following offences:

    • Assault with a weapon;
    • Theft under $5,000;
    • Possession of methamphetamine.

    The individual was also found to be on a Canada-wide warrant for a parole violation at the time of his arrest.

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. Their next court date is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, Alta.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brockett — Piikani Nation partner with Alberta RCMP to establish first Citizen on Patrol chapter

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Piikani Nation has made history by launching Alberta’s first-ever Citizens on Patrol (ACOPA) chapter on a First Nation in partnership with the Alberta RCMP. The Piikani ACOPA chapter officially began in October of 2024, with its first patrol taking place on Halloween night.

    Citizens on Patrol is a volunteer-based initiative that mobilizes local residents to work in cooperation with law enforcement, serving as the eyes and ears of their community to enhance safety and reduce crime.

    The Alberta RCMP has long valued community partnerships like Citizens on Patrol, whose efforts bring community members together to support frontline officers by providing local knowledge and fostering a united approach to public safety.

    “This is a big deal for us and a major step forward in crime prevention,” S/Sgt. Vince Bacon of the Piikani RCMP Detachment says. “Citizens on Patrol has been wonderful in making this happen, even allowing us to adjust the ACOPA logo to reflect First Nations representation. This milestone represents a step in the right direction for collaboration and communication between the Piikani Nation and our detachment.”

    Citizens on Patrol members are trained volunteers who conduct community patrols in pairs, using their own vehicles, to observe and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. These volunteers possess a deep knowledge of their community, which allows them to identify unusual or criminal activity more effectively. Currently, there are 44 ACOPA chapters across Alberta, with Piikani being the latest addition. “When Staff Sgt. Bacon and I first discussed this initiative, I knew it would be a challenge,” says Kimberly Hurst, ACOPA President “But when like-minded people work toward a common goal, they can achieve amazing things.”

    With seven members already trained and operational, the Piikani ACOPA chapter is looking to expand its roster and increase the frequency of patrols.

    “We received a grant to cover brochures, jackets, and shirts, but funding is needed to sustain and grow the program,” says Hurst. “We’re hoping to secure support to cover fuel costs for patrols and a cell phone for the group to stay connected during operations. Data and fuel costs shouldn’t be barriers to keeping a community safe, especially when you have motivated people willing to step up.”

    Hurst and S/Sgt. Bacon believe that the Piikani ACOPA chapter stands as an inspiring example for other communities on the power of communication and community spirit in breaking down barriers and creating lasting change.

    “If you care about your community, you can make a difference,” says Hurst. “ACOPA isn’t just about patrolling; it’s about empowering individuals to take their community back and create a safer future. I truly do believe one person can make a difference.”

    For more information about Citizens on Patrol or to get involved, visit www.acopa.ca or visit the Alberta RCMP on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met launch investigation into fatal collision in Northolt

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a collision in Northolt.

    An investigation has been launched and officers are appealing for witnesses and information.

    At around 04:40hrs a BMW came to the notice of a patrolling police car due to the alleged speed at which it was traveling.

    A short time later the BMW was involved in a collision with another vehicle, a Ford Focus, being driven by a member of the public in Ruislip Road.

    London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade were called and attended.

    Sadly the driver of the Ford Focus, a man aged 47, died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported.

    Two men in the BMW, a driver and a passenger, both aged 25, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They were taken to hospital, and their conditions are not life-threatening. The passenger has since been released with no further action.

    The investigation is being led by detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit who are working to establish what happened.

    They would like to hear from anyone in the area who might have caught dash cam footage of the incident, or in the time leading up to it.

    Please call 101 or post @MetCC quoting reference ref CAD 777/27Jan,

    To remain 100 per cent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kidnapper of Alexandria, Virginia, Couple Sentenced to 108 Months in Federal Prison

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

               WASHINGTON – Robbie Terrell Clark, 27, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 108 months in federal prison for his role in the September 2022 kidnapping and robbery of a pair of victims in Alexandria, Virginia. 

               The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division. 

               Clark pleaded guilty on May 21, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson, to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. In addition to the 108-month prison-term, Judge Berman Jackson ordered Clark to serve four years of supervised release. 

               According to court documents, Clark and his co-conspirators stalked their intended victims before kidnapping and robbing them at gunpoint inside their Alexandria, Virginia apartment building. On September 2, 2022, the co-conspirators planted a GPS tracking device on one of the victim’s Mercedes, which they used to monitor the victims’ locations.  

               On September 3, 2022, the victims attended a family gathering in Maryland. Seizing the opportunity to catch their victims unaware, Clark and his co-conspirators traveled from Washington, D.C. to Virginia in a stolen white Kia and to the victim’s home, where they laid in wait, armed with guns and carrying zip ties. Clark and his co-conspirators were wearing dark clothing, masks, and latex gloves.

               When the victims returned home later that night, Clark and his co-conspirators ambushed them in their parking garage at gunpoint, stealing two Audemars Piguet watches worth $120,000, another $63,500 worth of jewelry, other clothing, and the keys to a victim’s Mercedes.

               After robbing them, and pistol-whipping them with their guns, Clark and the co-conspirators led the victim couple to one of the victim’s apartments. Inside, the co-conspirators continued to hold the victims at gunpoint and ransacked the residence, demanding money. The co-conspirators were unable to locate any money before a security alarm was triggered and the co-conspirators fled, leaving behind several plastic zip ties. 

               Clark and his co-conspirators fled the apartment building shortly before 2 a.m. on September 4, 2022, in the stolen white Kia and the victims’ Mercedes and returned to the District. Law enforcement found the stolen Mercedes hours later in Maryland with the GPS tracking device still attached. Following a lengthy investigation, Clark was identified as a participant and arrested on August 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C. He has been held since.

               At the time of the incident, Clark had a felony conviction in Maryland for possessing a handgun in a vehicle. 

               Clark’s co-conspirator, Tyree McCombs, pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024, to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery in connection with this offense as well as to a separate kidnapping committed two months later. McCombs is awaiting sentencing.

               This case was investigated by FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. The Fairfax County Police Department assisted with the investigation. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Jones for the District of Columbia.

    22cr377

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Machine Guns

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

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Kansas, man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

    Alonso Alfredo Nunez, also known as “Bullet,” 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Thursday, Jan. 23, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

    On April 10, 2024, Nunez pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Nunez admitted that he and co-defendant Jaloany Garcia-Medina, also known as “J. Lo,” 22, of Kansas City, Kan., working together, sold fentanyl on multiple occasions to a confidential informant working for the Jackson County Drug Task Force.

    Nunez and Garcia-Medina sold approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills to a confidential informant on each of six separate occasions during the six months of the conspiracy from July 25 to Dec. 18, 2022. A different FBI confidential source reported that Nunez was supplied 200 to 500 fentanyl-laced pills weekly from July 2022 through December 2022.

    Garcia-Medina has pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives investigating a shooting in Edmonton appeal for public’s help to trace suspect

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a shooting in Edmonton are appealing for the public’s help to trace a suspect.

    Police need to trace a 33-year-old man who is sought in connection with several serious offences including attempted murder and supplying drugs.

    Callum Street-Porter is wanted after a firearm was discharged several times outside a bakery in Craig Park Road, Edmonton, at 14:55hrs on Wednesday, 28 September 2022.

    There were no reported injuries.

    Detective Constable Donna Deweltz, who is leading the investigation, said:

    “We have followed up all existing lines of enquiry to trace Street-Porter and so are now asking for the public’s help.

    “Street-Porter is described as around 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build, with dark hair.

    “He has links to north London, particularly Edmonton and Romford, as well as Essex.

    “We advise the public not to approach him – he is aware he is wanted.

    “If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please contact police on 101 as soon as you can, quoting ref 4160/28Sept22.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Morrisville, Vermont Man Sentenced to 18 Months of Incarceration in Firearm Possession Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on January 23, 2025, Jordan Phelps, 36, of Morrisville, Vermont was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Phelps previously pleaded guilty to being an unlawful user of controlled substances, specifically cocaine base, in possession of a firearm.

    According to court records, on March 11, 2024, Jordan Phelps called the Morristown Police Department on four occasions and threatened to go to the home of a sworn member of law enforcement. The threatening phone calls were recorded, and law enforcement investigated Phelps. The investigation demonstrated that Phelps sought to go to the officer’s home in response to what Phelps considered was unlawful surveillance of his activities. On March 13, 2024, law enforcement executed a state search warrant at Phelps’ residence that led to the seizure of a loaded Marlin Model 336 .30-30 Caliber Rifle from Phelps’ bedroom. Further investigation into Phelps revealed that he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Morristown Police Department, the Stowe Police Department, the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, and the Vermont State Police.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig. Phelps was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Apology issued over backup tape loss

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Official Receiver’s Office (ORO) today expressed its sincere apologies over the loss of seven magnetic backup tapes on December 23 last year, and the delay in reporting the incident.

    The ORO received a report on January 22 that the magnetic backup tapes were lost in transit from the Immigration Tower to Queensway Government Offices by ORO staff.

    The tapes contain personal data of about 76,000 individuals. The ORO said it is notifying the affected parties by batch.

    The tapes were stored in a locked protective case and the data therein is encrypted with AES-256, a highly secure encryption algorithm. Having consulted the Digital Policy Office, the ORO considers that the risk of personal data leakage is extremely low.

    Based on the current investigation, the ORO said there is no evidence that the data contained on the tapes has been read or compromised.

    The incident has been reported to the Police Force, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the Security Bureau and the Digital Policy Office.

    In addition to stressing that it is extremely concerned about the incident and has taken immediate action to review all transit procedures and data protection practices, the ORO made it clear that it has refined such procedures with immediate effect.

    It is also conducting a thorough investigation into the staff concerned and the details of the case, including the delay in reporting the loss to senior management.

    Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken, the ORO noted.

    It added that it has reminded its staff to comply with departmental guidelines and exercise due care in handling personal data. Furthermore, the ORO will review all guidelines on data security and examine the adoption of safer and more effective backup methods and procedures.

    For enquiries, call 2867 2448 or write to oroadmin@oro.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newark Man Charged With Firearm And Narcotics Offenses

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man has been charged with firearm and narcotics offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Khalif Irving, 25, of Newark, New Jersey, was charged in a three-count complaint with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  He had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court on January 24, 2025, and was ordered detained.

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

    Irving, a/k/a “Kah Kah,” has been advertising narcotics for sale on social media and posting photos depicting firearms.  On January 23, 2025, Irving stowed a loaded firearm in a utility box affixed to the side of a building at the Janice Kromer Village apartments.  Minutes later, law enforcement recovered the firearm, arrested Irving, and recovered suspected narcotics from Irving’s person.

    The offense of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon charged in Count One of the Complaint carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The offense of possession with intent to distribute narcotics charged in Count Two of the Complaint carries a maximum penalty of 20 year’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1 million.  The offense of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charged in Count Thee of the Complaint carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.   

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, and the North Bergen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Farley with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

    The investigation was conducted as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The Newark VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. 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 DEA, the DHS/HSI, the USMS, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, Union County Jail, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, New Jersey Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Thompson of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.

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

                                                     ###

    Defense counsel: Michael Thomas, Assistant Federal Public Defender

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Officials celebrate with the grassroots

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and other principal officials of the Government met different families on the third day of their year-end caring visits across Hong Kong’s 18 districts in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year.
     
    While visiting elderly singleton and doubleton grassroots families living in Po Lam Estate, Mr Chan chatted with them and celebrated the festive joy together.
     
    Over in Kennedy Town, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam visited seniors living there to learn about their daily lives and needs and presented them with Chinese New Year blessing bags.
     
    Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong visited elderly couples, grassroots and ethnic-minority households living in Lei Muk Shue Estate.
     
    Meantime, other principal officials toured Kwun Tong, Yuen Long, Sham Shui Po, Eastern, North, Wan Chai and Tai Po districts to meet grassroots families, seniors and people with disabilities.
     
    Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law and Acting Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming also joined the event.
     
    They were accompanied by the district council members and representatives from the District Services & Community Care Team.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: ARRAY Technologies Names Gina Gunning as Chief Legal Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) (“ARRAY” or the “Company”), a leading provider of tracker solutions and services for utility-scale solar energy projects, today announced the appointment of Gina Gunning as its new chief legal officer and corporate secretary, effective immediately. Gunning will report directly to ARRAY’s chief executive officer, Kevin G. Hostetler, and will relocate to Chandler, Arizona. 

    Gunning joins ARRAY with more than 25 years of legal and compliance experience across global organizations. She is a recognized leader in corporate law, governance, compliance, and risk management, with expertise in structuring complex transactions, navigating regulatory landscapes, and leading diverse legal teams. Most recently, she served as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at GrafTech International Ltd., where she led the legal department, developed strategic legal frameworks, and managed global litigation and arbitrations. 

    “Gina’s wealth of experience in corporate law, governance, compliance and strategy makes her uniquely qualified to navigate the regulatory landscape and support ARRAY’s ambitious growth plans,” said Hostetler. “Her ability to align legal strategies with business objectives will be instrumental as we continue to lead in renewable energy innovation.”  

    Prior to her tenure at GrafTech, Gunning held senior legal roles at FirstEnergy Corp. and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., where she demonstrated expertise in mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and capital markets transactions. Earlier in her career, she was a capital markets partner at the global law firm Jones Day, advising Fortune 500 clients on corporate finance and governance. 

    “I am excited to join ARRAY Technologies and contribute to its mission of driving the global transition to sustainable energy,” said Gunning. “ARRAY’s innovative spirit and dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions resonate deeply with me, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to support its continued success.”  

    As chief legal officer, Gunning will lead ARRAY’s legal, compliance, and risk management teams, supporting business objectives and adherence to legal and ethical standards worldwide. Her responsibilities will also include providing strategic counsel on corporate governance, contracts, intellectual property, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. 

    Gunning earned her Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School, where she served on the Notre Dame Law Review, and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame. 

    About ARRAY 
    ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) is a leading global renewable energy company and provider of utility-scale solar tracking technology. Engineered to withstand the harshest conditions on the planet, ARRAY’s high-quality solar trackers and sophisticated software maximize energy production, accelerating the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable energy. Founded and headquartered in the United States, ARRAY relies on its diversified global supply chain and customer-centric approach to deliver, commission, and support solar energy developments around the world, lighting the way to a brighter, smarter future for clean energy. For more news and information on ARRAY, please visit arraytechinc.com. 

    Forward Looking Statement 
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections regarding its business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the risks and uncertainties that affect our business and operations, particularly those described in more detail in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents on file with the SEC, each of which can be found on our website www.arraytechinc.com. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. 

    Media Contact 
    Nicole Stewart 
    505.589.8257 
    nicole.stewart@arraytechinc.com  

    Investor Relations Contact 
    Array Technologies, Inc. 
    Investor Relations 
    investors@arraytechinc.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province Reaches Deal with Crown Attorneys

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province has reached a new four-year agreement with the Nova Scotia Crown Attorneys’ Association, which represents 126 Crown attorneys working in the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service.

    “I thank the association, the negotiating teams and all Crown attorneys for the important work they do every day on behalf of Nova Scotians,” said Justice Minister Becky Druhan. “We came to the table in good faith, and I am pleased that we were able to reach an agreement.”

    The contract includes:

    • economic increases of three per cent on April 1, 2023; 0.5 per cent on March 31, 2024; three per cent on April 1, 2024, two per cent on April 1, 2025, and two per cent on April 1, 2026
    • a classification adjustment for all Crown attorneys
    • an on-call compensation adjustment
    • removing the restricted senior Crown counsel classification
    • enhancements to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility language and efficiencies in the hiring process.

    The contract runs from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2027.

    Quotes:

    “The Nova Scotia Crown Attorneys’ Association welcomes this new employment agreement as an important investment in the province’s justice system. On behalf of all Nova Scotia’s Crown attorneys, who work every day to ensure justice for vulnerable victims of crime, I want to extend our appreciation to the Province for its commitment to recruiting and retaining the dedicated professionals Nova Scotians deserve.”
    — Brian Cox, President, Nova Scotia Crown Attorneys’ Association

    Quick Facts:

    • including the Crown attorneys agreement, more than 300 settlements have been reached through the collective bargaining process since 2021
    • the agreement was reached with the support of a conciliator

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Dangerous driver stopped by Harbour Grace RCMP using spike belt, man arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    After fleeing from Harbour Grace RCMP in a dangerous manner a number of times on January 24, 2025, 38-year-old Shawn Clarke was arrested. Police used a spike belt to successfully bring the vehicle he was operating to a stop.

    Shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, in recognizing a Transit van that fled from police earlier in the week, Harbour Grace RCMP attempted to stop what officers believed to be the same van on High Road South in Carbonear. The van failed to stop for police and fled in a dangerous manner. In the interests of public safety, police did not pursue the vehicle.

    A short time later, the van was located by police on Cathedral Street in Harbour Grace. Police again attempted to stop the van. The driver fled from police in a dangerous manner and officers did not pursue.

    After this, the vehicle was further located by police on Barrack’s Road in Bay Roberts and on Main Road in Shearstown. The driver continued to flee from police and drive dangerously.

    A short time later, a spike belt was successfully deployed by Harbour Grace RCMP on Picketts Road in Shearstown, which brought the vehicle to a stop. Clarke exited the van and was arrested without further incident.

    Clarke is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Flight from police – multiple counts
    • Dangerous operation – multiple counts
    • Failure to comply with a probation order

    He attended court on Friday, was remanded into custody and will appear in court again today.

    MIL Security OSI –