NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Last Two Defendants in the Violent Kennedy Street Crew Case Plead Guilty to Narcotics and Firearms Counts

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

    The KDY Crew Operated Open-Air Drug Markets in Northwest Washington D.C.

               WASHINGTON – Khali Ahmed Brown, 23, Keion Michael Brown, 21, members of the violent Kennedy Street Crew (KDY), pleaded guilty today to narcotics and firearms charges for their roles in a massive drug trafficking organization that operated open-air markets in Northwest Washington D.C. 

               Khali Brown, aka “Migo Lee,” of Washington D.C., who many view as the face of KDY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, fentanyl, and oxycodone. He also pleaded guilty to charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and assault with a dangerous weapon for his role in a November 18, 2022, shooting just outside Jackson-Reed High School.

               His brother, Keion Michael Brown, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and oxycodone and a charge of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell scheduled sentencing on December 12, 2024, for both men. 

               The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, ATF Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Washington Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office.

                “The prosecution targeted leaders and key members of the KDY street crew–one of the largest, oldest, and most violent street crews in our city,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “With these guilty pleas, every defendant charged in connection with this investigation has now pled guilty to charges that will ensure that they will be removed from, and no longer driving violence in, our community.”

                “DEA’s top operational priority is combatting the current fentanyl crisis and the drug-related violence that is devastating the very foundation of our community and family structures,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division.  Today’s guilty plea clearly shows that Mr. Brown, aka “Migo Lee,” and his associations with violent criminal drug trafficking networks like the Kennedy Street Crew showed little respect for the wellbeing of the community.  We are taking a strong stance and implementing strict measures to protect every city neighborhood.”

               According to court documents, KDY members operated open-air drug markets on an 11-block stretch of Kennedy Street in Northwest Washington, D.C., as well as surrounding streets. Like many drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), KDY armed itself with fire power to facilitate its drug trade and defend its territory from rival crews. During the charged conspiracy, from June 2019 to June 2023, on KDY territory there were five homicides, resulting in the deaths of seven and the wounding of six additional individuals, one assault with intent to kill with three wounded, and 19 assaults with a deadly weapon.

               Khali Brown was among the charged defendants who played a key role in smuggling bulk quantities of marijuana from the West Coast to the DMV area, which allowed the crew to sell at significant profits and thereby fuel its operations.

               Both defendants maintained stash houses of KDY’s controlled substances and fire power.  By way of illustration, on January 26, 2023, law enforcement conducted an interdiction at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) in anticipation of several KDY members, including Khali Brown, smuggling marijuana back to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area through BWI via an overnight flight from LAX. During the interdiction, law enforcement seized five of the checked bags containing 39.2 kilograms of marijuana, but Khali Brown and his co-defendant Herman Signou evaded law enforcement with some of their luggage and  traveled to a stash house at the 1700 block of D Street NE.

               Hours later, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence, where officers found Khali Brown, Keion Brown, and co-defendants Tristan Ware, Jovan Williams, and Herman Signou, among other KDY associates. Inside, law enforcement seized ten firearms (including two machine guns), assorted ammunition, 21 kilograms of marijuana, 39.5 grams of fentanyl-laced pills, and oxycodone pills in suitcases consistent with those taken from the airport during the BWI interdiction. Among the firearms recovered was the Glock 17 9mm firearm that Khali Brown and his co-conspirators had used in the November 18, 2022, shooting outside Jackson-Reed High School.

               When Khali Brown and two co-defendants were arrested on June 26, 2023, at yet another stash house in the 1300 block of 5th Street NW, inside the residence were approximately 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, $2,710 in cash and five machine guns, and one firearm. 

              Keion Brown was a wanted fugitive when, on November 17, 2023, officers tracked him and his associates, including Jovan Williams, to a laundry room on the 4700 block of Benning Road NE. Law enforcement arrested Keion Brown, Jovan Williams, and an associate and found four firearms concealed within the laundry room, including Keion Brown’s machine gun.

               This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

               It was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the DEA’s Washington Division, ATF’s Washington Field Division, with assistance from FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Office.

               It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Sitara Witanachchi, of the of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by former Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Lynch.

    DEFENDANTS

    NAME

    AGE

    CHARGES
    Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga 27 Pleaded Guilty 9/15/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or more of Cocaine Base, and a Detectable Amount of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Khali Ahmed Brown, aka “Migo Lee” 23 Pleaded Guilty 9/20/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, Fentanyl, and Oxycodone; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
    Miasiah Jamal Brown, aka “Michael Jamal Crawford” 21 Sentenced 8/16/2024, to 60 Months for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Keion Michael Brown 21 Pleaded Guilty 9/20/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Cocaine Base; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Tristan Miles Ware, aka “Greedy” 23 Pleaded Guilty 7/11/2024 to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilos of Marijuana and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Jovan Williams, aka “Chewy” 19 Pleaded Guilty on 9/5/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilos of Marijuana and Armed Carjacking.
    Herman Eric-Bibmin Signou, aka “Herman Signour” 23 Sentenced 3/22/2024, to 40 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana.
    Cameron Xavier Reid 26 Sentenced 5/31/2024, to Five Years for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana.
    Aaron DeAndre Mercer, aka “Curby” 27 Sentenced 9/13/2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Marijuana, and Cocaine Base.
    David Penn, aka “Turtle” 30 Pleaded Guilty 6/27/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute 40 Grams of Fentanyl and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Ronald Lynn Dorsey, aka “Ron G” and “HBGeezy” 29 Sentenced 9/13/2024, to 30 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Antonio Reginald Bailey, aka “Boy Boy,” and “Fellow King” 22 Sentenced 2/8/2024, to 24 Months for Receiving a Firearm While Under Indictment.
    Anthony Trayon Bailey, aka “Fat Ant,” and “Bizzle” 27 Sentenced 4/26/2024, to 15 months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base.
    Angel Enrique Suncar, aka “Coqui” 29 Pleaded Guilty 6/12/2024, to Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Warren Lawrence Fields, III, aka B-Dub 26 Sentenced 5/16/2024, to 90 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense and for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Juwan Demetrius Clark, aka “Juan” and “Squirrel” 28 Pleaded Guilty 9/17/2024, to Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments.
    Adebayo Adediji Green 30 Sentenced 8/16/2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense.

    Defendant Cameron Reid is from Falmouth, VA. Green is from Hyattsville, MD. All remaining defendants are from Washington, D.C.

    23cr0202

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — RCMP NL is looking to establish a Diversity Advisory Committee

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador is working to establish a diversity advisory committee. Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill is seeking community-based volunteers to join him on the Commanding Officer’s Diversity Advisory Committee (CODAC). Promoting and ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the RCMP is important for both the employees and the communities we serve in and live in.

    Our collective work on the committee will be guided by the goals of promoting fairness, increasing understanding, reducing barriers, and driving meaningful change.

    The committee is being established to:

    • Provide a safe space for members of the committee to discuss barriers and the impacts of implicit bias and discrimination.
    • Engage and collaborate with external partners and subject matter experts who can assist in the achievement of these goals.
    • Promote and support effective communication between diverse communities and the RCMP.
    • Strengthen the understating of diverse groups and create stronger working relationships between the RCMP and our communities.
    • Help identify learning opportunities for all.

    If you have lived experience in diverse communities and would like to help drive meaningful change, please indicate your interest by Tuesday, October 8th in an email to BDiv_Community_Policing@rcmp-grc.gc.ca .

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mount Pleasant — Mount Pleasant man arrested on child pornography charges

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Nova Scotia RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has arrested a Mount Pleasant man for child pornography offences.

    On September 11, ICE and RCMP Digital Forensic Services, assisted by Cumberland County District RCMP and the Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit, executed a search warrant at a home in Mount Pleasant.

    Investigators were directed to the residence after an electronic service provider notified law enforcement that child pornography was being shared using their service.

    As a result of the search and subsequent investigation, Winston Kechego, 31, has been charged with two counts of Transmitting Child Pornography and three counts of Possessing Child Pornography.

    Kechego was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Amherst Provincial Court on November 4.

    In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography. This means that anyone who encounters child pornography material or recordings must report it to police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to failure to report child abuse under the Child and Family Services Act. The RCMP encourages citizens to be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to their local police or by using Canada’s national tip line: www.cybertip.ca.

    File #: 2023-1855956

    Note: The Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit includes members of the Cumberland County District RCMP and the Amherst Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Announces $279.9 million in Grant Funding for the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Announces $279.9 million in Grant Funding for the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

    DHS Announces $279.9 million in Grant Funding for the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced the availability of $279.9 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Now in its third year, this program provides funding to state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments to help reduce cyber risk and build resilience against evolving cybersecurity threats. Established by the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, and part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the SLCGP provides approximately $1 billion in funding over four years to support SLT governments as they develop capabilities to detect, protect against, and respond to cyber threats.  

    “In the modern threat landscape, every community can — and too often does — face sophisticated cyberattacks on vital systems like hospitals, schools, and electrical grids,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The Department of Homeland Security’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program empowers key intergovernmental partners with the tools and support necessary to increase resilience and better secure critical infrastructure. Our message to communities everywhere is simple: do not underestimate the reach or ruthlessness of nefarious cyber actors — apply for State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program funding today.” 

    The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) jointly administer this program. CISA provides expertise and guidance on cybersecurity issues while FEMA manages the grant award and allocation process. Award recipients may use funding for a wide range of cybersecurity improvements and capabilities, including cybersecurity planning and exercising, hiring cyber personnel, and improving the services that citizens rely on daily. 

    “These cyber grants are an investment in the security of our nation’s infrastructure, helping to ensure that communities across the country have the tools they need to defend against cyberattacks,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “CISA is proud to offer the SLCGP, helping governments lay a solid foundation for building a sustainable and resilient cybersecurity program for the future.”  

    “FEMA is committed to helping our partners address and withstand cybersecurity threats to both infrastructure and systems,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, state, local, tribal and territorial governments will be able to build their capacity to better protect themselves from evolving cyber threats.” 

    Eligible entities have from Sept. 23 until Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET to apply for funds, via FEMA GO. For more information and helpful resources on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, visit CISA’s webpage: cisa.gov/cybergrants.  

    erika.suzuki

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: President  Biden Commemorates Historic Climate Legacy during Climate Week  NYC

    Source: The White House

    President Biden will deliver remarks tomorrow highlighting his climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda, which is lowering costs, creating good-paying and union jobs, and reducing harmful emissions

    Meanwhile, House Republicans continue reckless attempts to roll back climate, conservation, and clean energy investments

    When President Biden took office, he pledged to restore America’s climate leadership at home and abroad. Every day since, the Biden-Harris Administration has led and delivered on the most ambitious climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda in history, including securing the largest ever climate investment and unleashing a clean energy manufacturing boom that has attracted hundreds of billions of dollars in private sector investment; created hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs; and lowered energy costs for families while delivering cleaner air and water for communities across the country.

    As business leaders, government officials, young people, and other advocates from around the world gather in New York City to participate in Climate Week, tomorrow President Biden will deliver remarks in New York City highlighting his Administration’s unprecedented progress in tackling the climate crisis, cutting energy costs for everyday Americans, and creating good-paying union jobs.

    Meanwhile, as President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to implement their Investing in America agenda, many Congressional Republicans continue to deny the impacts of climate change and are actively working to roll back this Administration’s historic and urgent climate investments – in fact, House Republicans have voted more than 50 times to repeal parts of President Biden’s climate investments. The contrast couldn’t be clearer.

    From replacing toxic lead pipes and modernizing our electric grid to reducing air pollution and conserving our nation’s lands and waters, President Biden and Vice President Harris have positioned America to lead the global effort against climate change and protect the health, safety, and economic vitality of our communities and our environment for generations to come. 

    Biden-Harris Administration’s Top Climate Accomplishments

    Deploying Clean, Affordable Electricity and Strengthening America’s Power Grid
    Through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden has secured unprecedented investments in a clean power sector, unleashing a boom in American solar, wind, battery storage, nuclear, and other clean energy technologies that are creating good-paying jobs and saving families money on utility bills. President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is supporting the U.S. offshore wind industry, transmission buildout and other power grid upgrades, residential solar for low-income households, investments in clean electricity across rural America, efficient permitting to get new projects built, and American manufacturing of clean energy technologies. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the US has added more than 100 gigawatts of new clean energy – enough to power more than 25 million homes. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, clean energy project developers get access to expanded tax incentives if they pay workers prevailing wages and employ registered apprentices,  build their projects with domestic content, or locate projects in historic energy communities—provisions that are helping make more clean energy jobs good-paying and union jobs, supporting American manufacturing, and driving clean energy investment to the places that can benefit the most.

     
    Bolstering Climate Resilience and Adaptation

    The Biden-Harris Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to addressing climate impacts, including through Federal climate adaptation planning and integrating consideration of climate impacts into Federal policies, programs, and funding. The Administration released a National Climate Resilience Framework and President Biden secured more than $50 billion for climate resilience and adaptation investments that are upgrading aging roads and bridges, including critical evacuation routes; restoring critical waterways, forests, and urban greenspaces; building forest health and reducing wildfire risk; bolstering water infrastructure and drought resilience across the American West; reducing the risk to federal assets from future floods; and modernizing our electric grid. Through portals like Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) and Heat.gov, the Administration is equipping communities with the information and resources they need to assess climate risks and implement adaptation actions in their communities. With historic investments from the President’s Investing in America agenda, the Administration stabilized the short-term security of the Colorado River and is making investments to ensure the long-term stability of the Colorado River Basin.
     
    Accelerating a Clean Transportation Future

    Last year, the Biden-Harris Administration released the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, a landmark strategy for eliminating nearly all greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. transportation sector by 2050. The Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act invest tens of billions to decarbonize maritime,  trucking, transit, rail, and aviation, all while making communities more walkable, bikeable, and connected. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also investing $7.5 billion to build a nationwide network of convenient, reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along corridors and within communities, and $5 billion to put clean school buses on our roads. In addition, the President rallied automakers and autoworkers around a historic goal of having electric vehicles account for at least 50% of new passenger vehicles sold by 2030. To support this goal while driving down consumer costs, the Administration secured tax credits that reduce the cost of new or used clean vehicles by thousands of dollars directly at the dealership as well as tax credits to deploy EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure to support clean vehicle deployment needs for individuals and businesses within rural and low income communities. The Administration is also leading by example to electrify the federal vehicle fleet, including 66,000 U.S. Postal Service delivery vehicles over five years.

     
    Cutting Energy Costs and Pollution at Homes, Schools, and in Communities

    Last year, 3.4 million American families saved $8.4 billion from IRA home energy tax credits for heat pumps, insulation, solar, and other clean energy technologies, and today states across the US are rolling out IRA rebates of up to $14,000 per household to help low- and middle-income families afford cost-saving electric appliances and energy efficiency improvements. The President established a $20 billion national clean energy financing network that will support tens of thousands of clean energy projects and cost-saving retrofits, reducing or avoiding up to 40 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually over the next seven years. The Biden-Harris Administration has also strengthened energy efficiency standards to save households and businesses money, with standards updated by DOE for dozens of appliances expected to provide nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years, saving the average household more than $100 a year while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 billion metric tons. Schools across the country are using IRA clean energy tax credits and elective pay to install solar, energy storage, and ground source heat pumps.

    Revitalizing American Manufacturing for the Clean Economy

    President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has helped catalyze historic manufacturing growth, with factories opening across the nation. The private sector has committed over $910 billion in investments in American manufacturing and clean energy, including sectors central to our industrial strength. The President’s agenda is helping to make U.S. manufacturing the cleanest and most competitive in the world. The Inflation Reduction Act is investing more than $6 billion to slash climate pollution and support workers and community health at U.S. factories producing the steel, aluminum, cement, and other materials that form the backbone of our economy, nearly $2 billion to support shuttered or at-risk auto facilities retain or re-hire workers to support manufacturing in the electric vehicle supply chain, over $3 billion to bolster battery manufacturing, and over $4 billion through the Federal Buy Clean Initiative to bolster markets to buy cleaner materials. The Biden-Harris Administration’s historic steps to reduce super-polluting methane and hydrofluorocarbons are also harnessing American innovation and creating good-paying union jobs. 
     
    Advancing Environmental Justice

    Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized a whole-of-government approach to environmental justice. The President signed a historic Executive Order that mobilizes the federal government to bring clean energy and healthy environments to all and mitigate harm to those who have suffered from pollution and environmental burdens like climate change. Through the Justice40 Initiative, over 500 programs across 19 federal agencies are being reimagined and transformed to maximize the benefits of President Biden’s unprecedented investments – from clean energy projects to floodwater protections to wastewater infrastructure – to communities that need them most. At the same time, the Administration is taking unprecedented action to protect communities from PFAS pollution, accelerate Superfund and brownfield cleanups, tighten standards for hazardous air pollutants, and enhance air quality enforcement. To ensure the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of communities with environmental justice concerns are heard in the White House and reflected in federal priorities, policies, investments, and decision-making, President Biden also created the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
     
    Delivering Clean Water and Replacing Lead Pipes

    President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting to ensure a future where every American has access to clean, safe water. The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests over $50 billion in upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure – the largest investment in clean water in American history. The Administration has already launched over 1,700 projects to expand access to clean drinking water, replace lead pipes, improve wastewater and sanitation infrastructure, and remove PFAS pollution in water. The Biden-Harris Administration invested over $1 billion from the President’s Investing in America agenda to specifically accelerate the delivery of drinking water and community sanitation infrastructure projects in Indian Country, where almost 50% of communities are lacking this basic human right. President Biden has also made a commitment to replace every toxic lead pipe in the country within a decade, protecting families from lead poisoning that can irreversibly harm brain development in children.


    Empowering Every Community to Advance Climate Solutions

    The historic set of federal actions that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken are supporting communities across the country in seizing opportunities in the clean energy economy. The Administration has mobilized billions of dollars in investment in the energy communities and workers that have powered our nation for generations. To help young people access skills-based training for good-paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy, the Administration launched the American Climate Corps, which will mobilize a new, diverse generation of more than 20,000 Americans. And with direct support from the Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, more than 45 states and more than 200 Tribes, territories, and metro areas have now developed their own Climate Action Plans. All of these foundational efforts will support climate solutions in the near-term and for years to come, helping the nation achieve the goal of reducing climate pollution by 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030 and reaching a net-zero economy by no later than 2050.

    Conserving our Lands and Waters

    President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative is supporting and accelerating voluntary, locally led conservation and restoration efforts across the country, and with 42 million acres already protected under President Biden, the U.S. is on track to meet the first-ever national goal to conserve at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. The Biden-Harris Administration has established or expanded eight national monuments and restored protections for three more; created five new national wildlife refuges and significantly expanded five more; established two new national marine sanctuaries and begun the process to designate or expand protections for five more; created one new national estuarine research reserve; protected the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, the nation’s most visited wilderness area; safeguarded Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska from the impacts of mining; protected the Arctic Ocean from oil and gas development; and withdrawn Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and Thompson Divide in Colorado from further oil and gas leasing which will protect pristine lands and thousands of sacred sites. The Administration also directed the conservation of old-growth and mature forests, put conservation on equal footing with development in managing our public lands, launched the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge to protect, restore, and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of our nation’s river and streams, protected vast areas of caribou habitat in the Western Arctic for future generations, and is advancing the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California.
     
    Rallying Leaders of the World’s Largest Economies to Raise Global Climate Ambition

    President Biden has restored America’s climate leadership at home and abroad. Under his leadership, the Administration is securing commitments from more than 155 countries to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030; successfully galvanizing other countries at COP28 to commit, for the first time, to transition away from unabated fossil fuels, stop building new unabated coal capacity globally, and triple renewable energy globally by 2030 and nuclear energy by 2050; launching a new Clean Energy Supply Chain Collaborative to work with international partners to diversify supply chains that are critical to a clean and secure energy transition; mobilizing other governments to follow the U.S. lead and commit to achieve net-zero government emissions by 2050 through a new Net-Zero Government Initiative; and becoming a world leader in innovative debt-for-nature swaps that have helped countries restructure over $2 billion in debt and unlock hundreds of millions of new financing for nature and climate.

    Accelerating Federal Permitting to Deliver Clean Energy and Infrastructure More Quickly

    The Biden-Harris Administration has taken action to accelerate clean energy infrastructure and deliver other critical projects by securing and directing long overdue resources to improve and accelerate permitting and environmental reviews. The Administration also finalized the Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule to address climate change, protect public health, encourage better environmental outcomes, and promote meaningful public input on Federal decisions and projects.

    House Republicans Continue Attempting to Roll Back Climate Protections

    As President Biden and Vice President Harris implement the most ambitious and impactful climate and conservation agenda in history, House Republicans are taking action right now that would roll back investments in climate, clean energy, and public health. House Republicans’ efforts to gut climate protections through a variety of avenues – including appropriations bills, Congressional Review Act resolutions, and other legislative actions – would raise consumer energy costs, undermine public health protections, worsen the impacts of extreme weather events, and destroy environmental safeguards for our lands and waters.

    Ongoing attempts by Congressional Republicans to roll back climate and environmental protections would:

    Raise Consumer Energy Costs, including by:

    Gut Public Health Protections, including by:

    • Trying to overturn Biden-Harris Administration rules that protect communities from coal plants’ water pollution, air pollution, and waste disposal.
    • Trying to overturn a Biden-Harris Administration rule that will reduce by 96% the number of people with elevated cancer risk near certain chemical plants, by reducing emissions of toxic chloroprene and ethylene oxide from those facilities.
    • Rolling back the Clean School Bus program that will reduce climate pollution and provide cleaner air for our nation’s children.
    • Undermining clean air progress by trying to overturn rules that reduce pollution from power plants, cars and trucks , and industrial sources.
    • Taking steps to block new Biden-Harris Administration rules to protect coal and other miners from toxic silica dust.

    Destroy Protections for Our Lands and Waters, including by:

    • Trying to eliminate Presidential authority to establish national monuments altogether.
    • Working to dismantle President Biden’s America the Beautiful Initiative.
    • Threatening to expose cherished landscapes to new drilling, including 13 million acres of special areas in the Western Arctic.
    • Planning to reduce accountability for oil and gas companies.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Kaine Announce Nearly $2 Million in Federal Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects in Southwest Virginia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $1,945,692 in federal funding for Lee and Wise counties and the Town of Clintwood to support infrastructure projects that will improve and extend waterline and sewer systems to additional homes. The funding is awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership that invests in building community and strengthening local economies.
    “High-quality water infrastructure is crucial to the health and well-being of any community,” said the Senators. “We’re glad to have helped bring nearly $2 million in funding to Clintwood and Lee and Wise counties to expand waterlines to dozens of homes and improve our wastewater systems.”
    The funding is allocated as follows:
    $700,000 for Lee County to connect 12 households to the county public water system and ensure safe, reliable drinking water to residents in the county.
    $700,000 for the Town of Clintwood to support ongoing water and sewer renovations in Dickenson County. The funding will ensure that 45 households receive potable water along Backbone Ridge Road.
    $545,692 for Wise County to connect 22 households to the county wastewater system and address the lack of public wastewater service to underserved areas. This funding will ensure the community has access to a safe, reliable wastewater treatment system.  
    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to expand and improve infrastructure across the Commonwealth, including voting to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which has brought over $8.4 billion in funding to Virginia so far. Last November, the senators announced $62.4 million in federal funding to make clean water infrastructure upgrades across the Commonwealth. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Millville — 25-year-old woman dies following two-vehicle collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 25-year-old woman from Nackawic, N.B., has died following a collision between two side-by-sides in Millville.

    On September 14, 2024, at approximately 10:53 p.m., members of the Keswick RCMP detachment, the Millville Fire Department, and Ambulance New Brunswick responded to a report of a collision between two side-by-sides on Route 104, in Millville.

    The collision is believed to have occurred when the first side-by-side, carrying two individuals was attempting to cross Route 104, when a second side-by-side travelling Southbound on Route 104 collided with it.

    A 25-year-old woman, travelling in the first side-by-side, was transported to hospital with what were believed to be serious, life-threatening injuries, and has since passed away. The second occupant of the same side-by-side was also transported to hospital with what were to be non-life-threatening injuries.

    The driver of the second side-by-side, believed to be the sole occupant, fled the scene before police arrived.

    An RCMP Collision Reconstructionist attended the scene and is assisting to determine the cause of the crash.

    Police are seeking the public’s assistance in relation to this collision. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could help further the investigation, is asked to contact the Keswick RCMP at 506-357-4300. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Upper Sackville — RCMP arrests impaired driver travelling at a high rate of speed

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment arrested an impaired driver travelling at a high rate of speed in Upper Sackville.

    On September 12, at approximately 7:15 p.m., an officer with RCMP Southeast Traffic Services was conducting traffic enforcement on Hwy. 101 when an Acura TLX was observed on radar travelling at 144 km/h. A traffic stop was completed on the vehicle.

    The driver, a 25-year-old Lower Sackville man, exhibited signs of impairment and provided roadside breath samples into an approved screening device, which resulted in a “fail”. He was arrested and transported to the Lower Sackville RCMP Detachment where he subsequently provided breath samples that registered at 140 mg% and 120 mg%.

    The man was later released. He’s scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on October 30, at 9:30 a.m., to face charges of Operation while Impaired, Operation of a Conveyance 80mg% or over, Driving a Motor Vehicle with Obstruction on Window and Driving at a Speed that Exceeds the Posted Speed Limit by 31 km/h or More.

    Road safety is a shared responsibility. If you suspect an impaired driver, it’s an emergency; call 911.

    File # 24-125153

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Identities to Fraudulently Obtain Public Assistance Funds

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

    SANTA ANA, California – A one-time Orange County man who is one of Romania’s most notorious criminals was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for stealing victims’ identities to withdraw money from their public-assistance accounts without their permission.

    Florin Duduianu, 39, whose last known residence was in Mission Viejo, was sentenced by United States District Judge John W. Holcomb, who also ordered him to pay $1,850 in restitution.

    Duduianu pleaded guilty on January 5 to three counts of bank fraud and unlawful use of unauthorized access devices. After a two-day bench trial, Judge Holcomb on January 23 found Duduianu guilty of two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    “This defendant came to our country to victimize the neediest members of our society,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our nation is not a piggy bank for foreign criminals, and those who think they can take advantage of our liberties to harm our people are sorely mistaken.” 

    “Duduianu stole money which was meant to serve as a critical lifeline to those most in need,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “It was a serious offense, and the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners across the globe to identify fraudsters like this defendant and hold them fully accountable for their crimes.”

    In August 2023, law enforcement was conducting an operation to combat Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) fraud at various banks and ATMs in Placentia. Police saw Duduianu, accompanied by a passenger, drive up to a Wells Fargo ATM and make multiple withdrawals on different cards. Based on this information, officers pulled Duduianu over. Duduianu lied to the officers, telling them he was depositing, not withdrawing, money from the ATM.

    During a search of Duduianu’s passenger, officers found four Visa gift cards, three Wells Fargo ATM receipts, and $1,850 in cash. The Visa gift cards were encoded with EBT card numbers. Those numbers were run through an EBT database, which showed that they belonged to four different people. Based on the Wells Fargo receipts, Duduianu used two of the cards to make three withdrawals totaling $1,850 from the ATM.

    The FBI contacted the accountholders for the two EBT accounts from which Duduianu made withdrawals. The accountholders said that they did not know Duduianu or his car passenger and did not give permission to anyone to withdraw funds from their accounts.

    During a search of Duduianu’s cellphone, law enforcement found dozens of photos and videos related to ATM skimming as well as tools and techniques used to skim EBT information. Law enforcement also found photos of large sums of cash and hundreds of EBT numbers from multiple states. In the chat history of Duduianu’s phone, the government found an article about EBT fraud that was sent from his phone to four other phone numbers.

    On another smartphone law enforcement recovered during Duduianu’s arrest, law enforcement found additional videos related to ATM skimming. Phone records and EBT records showed that this phone was used to check the balance of the EBT accounts of the victims in this case, five days before Duduianu withdrew $1,850 from those same accounts.

    “Until his arrest in this case…Duduianu was one of Romania’s ‘Most Wanted’ criminals and an INTERPOL fugitive,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “He leads the ‘Duduianu Clan,’ an exceptionally violent and influential

    organized crime group and was previously convicted of attempted murder. In 2020, [Duduianu] fled Romanian prosecution following charges of robbery and blackmail.”

    The FBI and the Placentia Police Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys David Y. Pi of the Major Frauds Section and Diane B. Roldán of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Springdale  — Arrest warrant issued for Andy Morey

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Springdale RCMP is looking to arrest 39-year-old Andy Morey.

    Morey is currently wanted on charges of Assault and Criminal Negligence. Please see the attached image of Morey.

    Anyone having information on the current location of Andy Morey is asked to contact Springdale RCMP at 709-673-3864. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Soldier Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Posting Video of Himself Threatening to Kill Personnel at Fort Irwin Army Base

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

    RIVERSIDE, California – A Northern California man and former soldier was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for posting online videos of himself threatening to kill multiple military personnel at the Fort Irwin army base in San Bernardino County.

    Christian Ernest Beyer, 42, of Petaluma, was sentenced by United States District Judge Suzanne S. Sykes.

    Beyer pleaded guilty on June 28 to one count of sending threats by interstate communication.

    “Mr. Beyer’s desire to carry out violence against members of our military and their families led to a federal prison sentence,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our military servicemembers deserve better and we will continue to prosecute those who seek to harm public servants.”

    “Today’s sentence is a stern reminder that anyone who harms innocent military members and their families will serve jail time,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to investigate all threats against those who bravely serve their country.”

    According to court documents, in October 2023, Beyer published a video on his personal YouTube page. The video is approximately three minutes in length and contains multiple threats directed at four victims and their families. The victims were specific military personnel at Fort Irwin.

    Beyer is an army veteran formerly stationed at Fort Irwin who was court martialed in 2021 for assault.

    He has been in federal custody since November 2023.

    The FBI investigated this matter as part of its Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force.

    Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Davenport Man Indicted for Armed Carjacking and Possessing Ammunition as a Convicted Felon

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

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Armoni Moody (23, Davenport) with carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Moody faces a minimum mandatory penalty of seven years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Moody that the United States intends to forfeit a SCCY firearm and assorted rounds of ammunition, which are alleged to have been used in the commission of the offense. 

    According to the indictment, on June 12, 2024, Moody used a firearm to commit a carjacking during which he took a vehicle from the victim with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. Prior to the offense, Moody had previously been convicted of robbery with a weapon on May 13, 2021. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

    This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Assault with a Deadly Weapon

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

    MIAMI – On September 16, a tribal member pleaded guilty in federal court to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to bodily harm, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

    According to court records, on April 26, Sutanga Rex Cypress, 42, was arguing with the victim when Cypress brandished a firearm. Cypress then pointed the gun at the victim and shot the victim in the abdomen. The victim was airlifted to the hospital due to the severity of the injuries sustained by the gunshot.  

    Sentencing is set for December 9, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra. Cypress faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for one count and up to 10 years in federal prison for each of the remaining counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other mitigating, aggravating and statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Chief Roland Pandolfi of the Miccosukee Police Department made the announcement.

    FBI Safe Trails, Miami and Miccosukee Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Latoya C. Brown and Vanessa E. Bonhomme are prosecuting the case.  

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20195-JB.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Summit Road, Christchurch

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person has died following a crash in Christchurch early this morning.

    Police were notified of the single vehicle crash on Summit Road at 1.25am today.

    One person died and one person was critically injured.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays expected following Redoubt Road crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a crash on Redoubt Road earlier this morning.

    At about 2.15am, emergency services responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into a power pole on Redoubt Road, Totara Park.

    The driver was uninjured, however power lines were brought down which caused a small fire.

    The road has been closed while the scene is cleared.

    Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to seek an alternative route or expect delays.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Delivers Over $750,000 For Waukesha Police Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    Published: 09.23.2024
    Funding comes through the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve roadway safety

    WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced she helped deliver over $750,000 for the City of Waukesha Police Department to invest in personnel to keep drivers safe on the road. The funding from the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will invest in personnel dedicated to keeping commercial vehicles safe in high-risk crash corridors.
    “Wisconsin’s roads do more than connect families to school and work. They are essential corridors that keep our local economies moving forward. I’m proud to deliver this funding that will keep more drivers safe as they travel and ensure Made in Wisconsin goods get to where they are going on time,” said Senator Baldwin.    
    The federal funding will increase the amount of personnel dedicated to the Waukesha Police Commercial Motor Vehicle and Crash Reduction Program to improve roadway safety in the area for commercial vehicles. The award comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) program, which aims to support and enhance commercial motor vehicle safety initiatives, including the safe transport of hazardous materials, improving the safety of goods and passenger transportation in international trade and demonstrating new technologies to enhance commercial vehicle safety.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor issues executive order expanding and investing in climate-ready and infrastructure workforce for New Mexico

    Source: US State of New Mexico

    SANTA FE – Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced an Executive Order to expedite New Mexico’s transition to a clean energy economy and address the critical need for infrastructure development across the state.

    The Executive Order reflects pressing needs of New Mexico communities such as Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Nation, which suffered extensive fire and flooding damage which the governor discussed with residents during town halls last week.

    Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order will enable the state to leverage billions of federal and state dollars to ensure that New Mexico’s workforce is prepared for the work of modernizing transportation, telecommunications, water, and energy systems. The Executive Order also dovetails with Lujan Grisham’s role as co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance and her leadership of the organization’s upcoming Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative.

    “Communities that have been devastated by natural disasters are wisely demanding that we sustainably manage the forests, build bridges that withstand flooding, and harden our telecommunications infrastructure against the threat of fire,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “In short, they are demanding climate-ready infrastructure.”

    Lujan Grisham said record investments in public infrastructure and the clean energy transition have spiked demand for labor, necessitating a coordinated approach to training workers from all backgrounds to fill these high-quality jobs.

    “New Mexico is ready to get to work on implementation of the U.S. Climate Alliance Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, and this Executive Order provides the blueprint for doing so,” the governor said.

    So far, New Mexico is investing nearly $2.5 billion through the American Rescue Plan, $5.3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and over $217 million from the Inflation Reduction Act. These historic investments, combined with $2.5 billion allocated by the state in the 2024 legislative session, will help the state strengthen infrastructure and climate resilience.

    Federal initiatives, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act, are expected to create nearly 3 million jobs nationwide, with approximately 70% of these jobs accessible to workers without a college degree. In addition, the state’s new Office of Housing is tackling the statewide housing shortage of 40,000 units, while working across sectors to ensure we meet the range of public infrastructure needs associated with new housing. 

    The increasing risks of heat, fire, floods, and other severe weather also demand investments in infrastructure that is designed, built and maintained to withstand climate impacts and meet the needs of communities for decades to come. For example, the Ruidoso wastewater treatment plant is investing in solar power to provide more resilient services when disaster occurs.

    As New Mexico embarks on large-scale infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, water systems, broadband, and affordable housing, the collaborative work outlined in the Executive Order will help mitigate rising construction costs and address workforce shortages in many high-demand sectors.

    “Achieving the ambitious goals that Gov. Lujan Grisham has set out in this Executive Order will require participating agencies to establish innovative new partnerships with industry, trade unions, apprenticeship programs, educational institutions and other partners,” said Department of Workforce Solutions Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “Recent natural disasters in New Mexico demonstrate the need to build an energy sector that can help prevent and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Together, we can overcome gaps in New Mexico’s workforce and fulfill the promise of federal and state climate-ready infrastructure investments.

    The Executive Order sets the framework for a strategic and unified approach to enhance infrastructure and clean energy workforce training, including: 

    • Collaborative Effort Across 11 State Agencies and Offices: Key state agencies—including the Departments of Workforce Solutions, Transportation, Environment, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, Public Education, and Higher Education—will coordinate efforts to plan, develop, and track infrastructure and climate-ready workforce training.  
    • Equity and Inclusion:  Workforce policies and programs will prioritize equity and expand opportunities for workers from rural, underrepresented, and underserved communities.  
    • Infrastructure and Climate-Ready Workforce Goals: New Mexico will train 2,000 workers in climate-ready professions by 2026. 
    • Support for Workers and Communities: Innovative strategies, including wraparound services such as childcare and transportation, will help ensure that workers can successfully enter and advance in clean energy careers. The order also calls for strong collaboration with Tribes, pueblos, nations, and other local communities. 

    In coordination with federal, state, and private entities, the state has already embarked on the following climate-ready and infrastructure workforce development initiatives: 

    • Industry Credential Pipeline Program: Led by the New Mexico Department of Transportation in coordination with the Department of Workforce Solutions, this program addresses worker shortages in the transportation sector through targeted credentialing. 
    • Workforce Training & Apprenticeship Fund: A $30 million state investment to support registered apprenticeship programs in key sectors, ensuring pathways to high-paying jobs. 
    • Higher Education Programs: The New Mexico Higher Education Department has secured $20 million per year for the next three years to fund students pursuing non-credit certifications and industry-recognized credentials, with additional funding for expanding Integrated Education & Training programs. 
    • Residential and Commercial Electrification and Energy Efficiency: The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is managing over $2 million across three grant programs to train workers on the newest building codes, train and certify contractors for residential energy projects, and train workers to conduct energy audits of commercial and residential buildings. 
    • Technical Assistance: The Department of Workforce Solutions recently received a $1.5 million technical assistance grant from the Families and Workers Fund to develop plans and convene key partners to expand the state’s qualified infrastructure and clean energy workforce capacity.  

    The Executive Order connects to several Lujan Grisham administration initiatives that direct climate readiness into all aspects of infrastructure development. For example, the 2024-2027 Statewide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Plan identified infrastructure, climate resilience, and clean energy as priority sectors for the state.

    The order also directs state agencies to appoint a liaison to work with the Department of Workforce Solutions to track progress and ensure alignment with the state’s broader workforce, infrastructure, and climate goals. Additionally, the order encourages collaboration across sectors to foster climate-ready skills and credentials that support economic mobility.

    The Department of Workforce Solutions will publish an annual Infrastructure and Climate-Ready Workforce Report starting in 2025, providing comprehensive data on workforce outcomes, investments, and areas for improvement.

    The Governor’s Executive Order is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Possible non-compliance of public broadcaster STVR’s new administrative structure with the European Media Freedom Act – E-001374/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)[1] which entered into force on 7 May 2024 sets out safeguards for journalists and media service providers.

    The EMFA will start to apply progressively as of November 2024. Most of the provisions of the EMFA will apply as of August 2025, including those related to public service media.

    The Commission is in touch with authorities of Member States, including Slovakia, in order to discuss preparations for the implementation of the EMFA at national level.

    As guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will monitor the application of the EMFA. The Commission makes full use of the tools available to it under the Treaties to ensure compliance with EU law, including launching infringement proceedings against relevant Member States.

    Meanwhile, prior to the start of application of the new rules, Member States are bound by a duty of sincere cooperation, in line with Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union[2].

    Finally, regarding the situation of media freedom and pluralism in Slovakia, the Commission notes, in its 2024 Rule of Law Report[3], that ‘there has been no progress to enhance the autonomy of public service media as the new Act regulating public service media dissolved the current broadcaster and established a new entity leading to concerns on the future independence of the broadcaster’.

    On this basis, the Commission recommended Slovakia to ‘strengthen the rules and mechanisms to restore and further safeguard the independent governance and editorial independence of public service media taking into account European standards on public service media’.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202401083
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:2bf140bf-a3f8-4ab2-b506-fd71826e6da6.0023.02/DOC_1&format=PDF
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2024-rule-law-report-communication-and-country-chapters_en
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Announces 3,000 Illegal Guns Off Our Streets – A Direct Result Of Her Anti-Gun Trafficking Provision In The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    In Just Over Two Years, Gillibrand’s Statute Has Allowed Law Enforcement To Seize More Than 3K Guns Nationwide And 250 In New York

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a video press conference to announce a major new milestone in the seizure of illegal guns under the anti-gun trafficking statute in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was shaped by Gillibrand’s Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act. As of this month, the anti-gun trafficking statute has gotten more than 3,000 illegal guns off our streets, including 1,000 confirmed within the last 6 months alone.  

    The seized weapons included: 

    • 317 AR-15s and AR-style weapons;
    • 478 machine gun conversion devices, which can convert semi-automatic pistols and rifles into fully automatic weapons in under a minute;
    • 206 ghost guns, homemade firearms that are completely untraceable – and a favorite of criminals.

    The statute has also been used to charge 423 defendants in 33 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, and to secure at least 118 convictions nationwide. 

    “While we still have a lot of work to do to fight the scourge of gun violence, we’ve made incredible progress prosecuting criminals and getting dangerous and deadly weapons off our streets in the two years my anti-gun trafficking statute has been in effect,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I anticipate many more gun seizures, arrests, and convictions as a result of this statute in the years to come, and I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle to pass commonsense gun safety legislation.”

    Senator Gillibrand’s Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act formed the centerpiece of BSCA’s anti-gun trafficking provision. Gillibrand first introduced the bill in 2009 after meeting with the family of Nyasia Pryear-Yard, who tragically lost her life at 17 years old when she was shot by a perpetrator using an illegally trafficked gun. Gillibrand worked with Nyasia’s mother, Jennifer Pryear, to pass the bill into law, and they attended the bill signing together in 2022.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Report on press and media freedom in Italy – E-001455/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to safeguarding pluralistic and independent media, essential for democracy and the rule of law, and to the functioning of the internal market for media.

    As part of its annual Rule of Law Report, the Commission assesses the situation on media freedom and pluralism in the Member States[1].

    The EU support for the action entitled ‘Defending media freedom and pluralism — Rapid response mechanism’ is up to EUR 3 100 000 for the 24-month period between 16 July 2023 and 15 July 2025[2].

    It is financed through the Creative Europe programme[3] and encompasses fact-finding, advocacy, monitoring, awareness raising and providing practical help to journalists under threat in Member States and candidate countries, without specific budget allocation per country.

    The action is carried out in an independent manner, without the Commission intervening in operational aspects, such as earmarking funds for the preparation of a particular report or selection of contributors to a particular report.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/annual-rule-law-cycle_en
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/org-details/999999999/project/101112154/program/43251814/details
    • [3] https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Maui Man Arrested in Connection with IED

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

    HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Jess Kiesel Lee, age 43, of Kula, Maui, was arrested on September 18, 2024 pursuant to a criminal complaint for possessing explosives as a felon and damaging property by means of explosives. An initial appearance in federal court is set for September 23, 2024.

    The complaint and affidavit allege that on August 7, 2024, Maui Police Department (“MPD”) officers encountered multiple improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”) near Kaamana Street in Kula. One of the IEDs, which had been exploded before MPD arrived, contained a mixture of compounds consistent with the remnants of explosive powder. 

    If indicted and convicted of the charged offenses, the defendant would face up to ten years in prison on the felon in possession of explosives charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years in prison, but no more than and up to 20 years in prison, on the property damage charge. The charges and information contained in the federal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until indicted and proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Lee is not charged for the IED located near Lono Avenue in Kahului on July 23, 2024 or the explosion damaging a car in Pukalani on August 8, 2024, both mentioned in the complaint filed on August 13, 2024 charging another man for the IED located on July 23, 2024.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and MPD conducted the investigation resulting in the complaint and arrest, and the investigation into this matter remains ongoing. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Turkey – an unreliable acceding country – E-001429/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Türkiye is a candidate country, a key regional player and a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted Türkiye’s relevance as a regional actor, especially in the Black Sea.

    Türkiye has supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, voting in favour of the relevant resolutions at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, engaged politically, economically and diplomatically, facilitating the export of Ukrainian grain and prisoner exchanges.

    In August 2024, Türkiye ratified the free trade agreement with Ukraine[1]. While a strategic partner for Ukraine in the defence sector, Türkiye maintains strong trade, economic and political relations with Russia.

    Türkiye has refrained from aligning with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia, keeping its position of not supporting those adopted outside the UN framework.

    As the EU and Türkiye share a customs union, the EU has called consistently on Türkiye to implement additional measures to effectively prevent the circumvention of EU restrictive measures and this has led to some progress.

    Türkiye took some measures throughout 2023 to prevent the transit and re-export of sanctioned goods to Russia notably what concerns the items in the common high priority (CHP/battlefield) list of 50 harmonised system (HS) codes.

    The Commission continues to actively monitor the trade data and exchanging with Türkiye. The EU Sanctions Envoy leads the cooperation efforts, latest discussed with Türkiye at the High-Level Dialogue on Trade (8 July 2024)[2].

    In its 2023 enlargement report[3], the EU called on Türkiye, as a candidate country, to align with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia.

    • [1] https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2024/08/20240802.pdf (Türkiye’s Official Gazette, Law no. 7523).
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_24_3684
    • [3] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/eb90aefd-897b-43e9-8373-bf59c239217f_en?filename=SWD_2023_696%20T%C3%BCrkiye%20report.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illinois Bank President Sentenced to Jail for Falsifying Records

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

    BENTON, Ill. – The former president of a bank in southern Illinois was sentenced Thursday for his role in falsifying bank records to facilitate real estate loans.

    Steven Cook was fined $6,000 and sentenced to 50 hours of community service and two weekends in the Jackson County jail. 

    He will also likely be banned from the banking industry for life.

    Cook fraudulently facilitated three different sales of commercial real estate to Lawler and Maze Properties LLC in 2022. Cook was the president of SouthernTrust Bank at the time, and was also on the bank’s board of trustees and was a member of its loan committee. The bank has branches in Marion, Vienna and Goreville, Illinois.

    Cook approved one loan that funded the sale of seven commercial rental properties in Williamson and Franklin counties from Results Home Buyers 2 to Lawler and Maze. The transaction was a new purchase of real estate, not a refinance, and the buyers were not using any cash to fund the purchase.  But during an April 6, 2022, meeting with the seller and buyer, Cook and the others agreed to fraudulently make it appear as if the loan was a refinancing. Cook also agreed that the bank would supply the cash for the purchase. They agreed to backdate documents to falsely indicate the buyer purchased the properties on Feb. 1, 2022, for a falsely inflated price of $545,152. The documents also falsely indicated that the bank was refinancing 80% of that loan, with the buyers bringing 20% in cash to the sale. The bank’s loan to the buyers was approved by the bank’s loan committee based upon the false information.

    Results Home Buyers 2 is partially owned by former Williamson County State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti.

    In August of 2022, Cook facilitated a second real estate transaction for the purchase of four properties by Lawler and Maze. Cook, the seller and Lawler and Maze agreed that the real estate contract would falsely list a sales price of $413,000 instead of the actual price of $330,400, and falsely state that the buyer would supply $82,600 in cash.

    In November of 2022, Cook facilitated an additional loan to Lawler and Maze for the purchase of a property in Marion. Bank documents falsely stated that the borrowers would supply $21,500 cash.

    Cook pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Benton in June to three felony counts of aiding and abetting the making of a false bank entry. Zanotti pleaded guilty in March to one count of the same crime. He was sentenced in May to two years of probation, a $5,000 fine and 20 hours of community service.  His conduct we reported to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

    Lawler and Maze, LLC is owned by Justin Maze and David Lawler, who each entered into a pretrial diversion program in which they acknowledged their involvement in the criminal conduct by aiding and abetting Zanotti and Cook. As a condition of pretrial diversion, Maze was required to resign from his position as Williamson County Circuit Clerk and agreed not to seek re-election to any public office. Lawler’s conduct was reported to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

    “The FBI works daily to disrupt fraudulent activity and we recognize the impact it has on banking institutions,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “FBI Springfield will continue to dedicate investigative resources for targeting fraud in its many forms to protect the integrity of the banking process.”

    “FHFA-OIG will continue to relentlessly investigate and pursue the prosecution of mortgage-related fraud, no matter who commits the crimes. Officers of financial institutions who have a duty to conduct honest business must be held accountable. We are proud to have partnered with our FBI colleagues and with Special Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith,” said Korey Brinkman, Special-Agent-in-Charge of FHFA OIG’s Midwest Regional Office.

    The FBI Springfield Field Office and the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The prosecution was handled by Special Attorney Hal Goldsmith from the Eastern District of Missouri. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois was recused from the case.

    Anyone with information about mortgage-related fraud can report it by contacting the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General Hotline at 800-793-7724 or via the web at https://www.fhfaoig.gov/ReportFraud#hotlineform

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by Principals of the IASC on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – These atrocities must end

    Source: World Food Programme

    NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME/WASHINGTON – As world leaders gather in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, and as the threat of a wider regional escalation looms, we renew our demand for an end to the appalling human suffering and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

    We mourn the loss of innocent life everywhere, including those killed on October 7 and during the 11 months of conflict since then. 

    We urgently call for a sustained, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This is the only way to end the suffering of civilians and save lives.

    All hostages and all those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. 

    Humanitarians must have safe and unimpeded access to those in need.

    We cannot do our jobs in the face of overwhelming need and ongoing violence. More than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza – the majority of them civilians, including women, children, older persons and at times entire families – have reportedly been killed, and more than 95,500 have been injured, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. It is estimated that a quarter of the injured in Gaza, or around 22,500 people, will require lifelong specialized rehabilitation and assistive care including individuals with severe limb injuries, amputations, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and major burns.

    More than 2 million Palestinians are without protection, food, water, sanitation, shelter, health care, education, electricity and fuel – the basic necessities to survive. Families have been forcibly displaced, time and time again, from one unsafe place to the next, with no way out. 

    Women and girls’ dignity, safety, health and rights have been severely compromised. 

    The risk of famine persists with all 2.1 million residents still in urgent need of food and livelihood assistance as humanitarian access remains restricted.

    Healthcare has been decimated. More than 500 attacks on health care have been recorded in Gaza.

    Aid hubs have been forced to relocate and re-build many times over; convoys carrying life-saving aid have been shot at, delayed and denied access; and relief workers have been killed in unprecedented numbers. The number of aid workers killed in Gaza in the past year is the highest ever in a single crisis.

    Unnecessary and disproportionate force unleashed in the West Bank, combined with escalating settler violence, house demolitions, forced displacement and discriminatory movement restrictions, have caused increased fatalities and casualties.

    The war is also jeopardizing the future for all Palestinians and rendering eventual recovery far from reach.

    Meanwhile, close to 100 hostages remain in Gaza, while freed hostages have reported ill treatment, including sexual violence.

    The parties’ conduct over the last year makes a mockery of their claim to adhere to international humanitarian law and the minimum standards of humanity that it demands. 

    Civilians must be protected and their essential needs must be met. There must be accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

    Humanitarian and aid organizations have been doing their utmost to provide relief in Gaza and the West Bank, often at great personal risk, and with many aid workers paying the ultimate price. 

    Our capacity to deliver is indisputable if we are granted the access we need. The first round of the polio vaccination campaign, reaching more than 560,000 children under the age of 10, is but one example. The second round of vaccinations must be carried out safely and reach all children in Gaza.

    We urge world leaders, once again, to wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice – through diplomatic pressure and cooperation in ending impunity. 

    Let us be clear: The protection of civilians is a bedrock principle for the global community and in all countries’ interest. Allowing the abhorrent, downward spiral caused by this war in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to continue will have unimaginable, global consequences. 

    These atrocities must end.

    Signatories:

    • Ms. Joyce Msuya, Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
    • Ms. Sofia Sprechmann Sineiro, Secretary General, CARE International 
    • Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 
    • Ms. Amy E. Pope, Director General, International Organization for Migration (IOM) 
    • Mr. Tom Hart, President and Chief Executive Officer, InterAction
    • Ms. Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps
    • Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 
    • Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancur, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (SR on HR of IDPs)  
    • Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
    • Ms. Janti Soeripto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children US 
    • Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) 
    • Mr. Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  
    • Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 
    • Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF)  
    • Ms. Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women 
    • Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP)  
    • Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)

    [1] The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) fully supports the statement and the call by Principals of the IASC, for a sustained, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces appointments to the Quebec judiciary

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French

    September 23, 2024– Ottawa (Ontario) – Department of Justice Canada

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    Mathieu Piché-Messier, partner and national leader in commercial litigation at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Montreal, is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. Justice Piché-Messier replaces Justice PH Bélanger (Montreal), who resigned effective May 24, 2024.

    Lysane Cree, an administrative judge at the Tribunal administratif de déontologie policière in Montreal, is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. Justice Cree replaces Justice M. Lachance (Montreal), who was appointed to the Court of Appeal effective June 17, 2024.

    Horia Bundaru, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP in Montreal, is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. Justice Bundaru replaces Justice K. Kear-Jodoin (Montreal), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective July 16, 2024.

    Quote

    “I wish Judges Piché-Messier, Cree and Bundaru every success in their new roles. I am confident that they will serve the people of Quebec well as members of the Superior Court of Quebec.”

    – The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biographies

    Judge Mathieu Piché-Messier was born and raised in Montreal. He received his Bachelor of Civil Law from the Faculty of Law of the University of Sherbrooke in 1997. He was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1998.

    Since 2000, Justice Piché-Messier has practiced commercial litigation at Borden Ladner Gervais where, after being named partner in 2006, he held the position of Head of the Commercial Litigation Group in Montreal for seven years and was then appointed National Business Leader – Commercial Litigation. His practice focused on the areas of extraordinary remedies and commercial litigation in the areas of anti-fraud, high technology, industrial espionage, privacy and identity theft, international arbitration, aeronautics, defamation and intellectual property. A litigator, author and speaker, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2018, a Fellow of Litigation Counsels of America in 2021, and was named Advocatus Emeritus (Ad. E.) of the Barreau du Québec in 2022. He has also been recognized by his peers to appear in the editions of Chambers, The Best Lawyers and Benchmark Litigation as one of the 50 best litigators in Canada.

    Justice Piché-Messier has been a member of the boards of the Barreau du Québec, the Barreau de Montréal and the Canadian Bar, Québec Division. He has also been president of the Centre d’accès à l’Information juridique du Québec (CAIJ) and the Young Bar Association of Montreal. Involved in the Montreal community, he has sat on the boards of Cirque Éloize, Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Enfants-retour and Make-a-Wish.

    Judge Piché-Messier and his partner, Me Natacha Lavoie, are the happy parents of Vincent and Victoria.

    Justice Lysane Cree is originally from the Kanien’kéhaka (Mohawk) Nation and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Northern Studies from McGill University in 1996, before earning a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Bachelor of Common Law from McGill University in 2000. She was called to the Quebec Bar in 2003, the New York State Bar in 2012 and the Ontario Bar in 2020.

    Justice Cree began her practice with Hutchins Legal Inc. and focused on Indigenous law issues and working with First Nations governments in several provinces and occasionally in New York State for sixteen years. While still in private practice, she began working part-time in the area of police ethics with the Police Ethics Committee (now the Tribunal), hearing cases involving Indigenous police services in the province of Quebec. She then worked as a decision-maker with the Discipline Committee of the Chambre de la sécurité financière from 2019 to 2021 before becoming a full-time administrative judge with the Tribunal administratif de déontologie policière. During this time, she was involved with the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals, serving as a member of the Tribunal’s Excellence Committee and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

    Judge Cree is an avid equestrian and enjoys spending time with her horses.

    Justice Horia Bundaru immigrated to Canada at the age of eleven with his parents and younger sister. He received a BCL/LL.B. from McGill University’s Faculty of Law in 2005 and was called to the Quebec Bar in 2006.

    Justice Bundaru spent his entire career at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, where he became a partner in 2016 and where, at the time of his appointment, he was a director of the Litigation Group in Montreal. A well-known litigator, his practice focused on commercial litigation, construction law and energy law. Since 2016, he has taught civil procedure and drafting at the École du Barreau.

    Justice Bundaru has chaired the Quebec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, the Liaison Committee of the Montreal Bar with the Superior Court (Civil Division) and the Salon VISEZ DROIT. At the time of his appointment, he was chair of the Liaison Committee with the Court of Appeal and a member of the Conseil de la magistrature du Québec. He is listed in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Benchmark Litigation Canada as a “litigation star”, Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyers, The Legal 500 Canada and Best Lawyers in Canada. In 2022, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers.

    Judge Bundaru is passionate about literature and is an avid cross-country skier and tennis player. With his partner Maya, also a lawyer, he has two daughters, Ariane and Éloïse.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces appointment to the Federal Court

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French

    September 23, 2024 – Ottawa (Ontario) – Department of Justice Canada

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    Benoit Duchesne, an associate judge of the Federal Court in Ottawa, is appointed a judge of the Federal Court. Justice Duchesne replaces Justice P. Pamel, who was appointed a judge of the Federal Court of Appeal effective September 20, 2024.

    Quote

    “I wish Justice Duchesne every success in his new role. I am confident that he will serve the people of Canada well as a member of the Federal Court.”

    – The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biography

    Justice Benoit Duchesne was born in Montreal and raised in Ottawa. He received a Bachelor of Social Sciences (with minors in Economics and Music) in 1993, a Licence in Civil Law and a Bachelor of Laws in 2000, all from the University of Ottawa. He was called to the Quebec Bar in 1998 and to the Ontario Bar in 2001.

    Justice Duchesne is fully bilingual. He was appointed a Deputy Justice of the Federal Court in 2022. He has presided over case management conferences, motions, mediations, pre-trial conferences and trial management conferences, as well as trials in proceedings within the jurisdiction of the Court. Prior to his appointment as a Deputy Justice, he was a partner at the law firm of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP in Ottawa. Justice Duchesne has had an extensive bilingual and bijural practice in the areas of civil, corporate and commercial, administrative and municipal litigation. He has also appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, Quebec, and the federal courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. His expertise in corporate and commercial litigation has been recognized by the publications Best Lawyers in Canada and Lexpert. He was a part-time professor of civil procedure at the University of Ottawa from 2012 to 2022.

    Judge Duchesne is grateful for the love and support of his wife Jennifer and his daughter, Alexandra.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 23/09/2024 Meeting of the Legal Advisory Committee with the participation of Deputy Minister Mościcka-Dendys

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Meeting of the Advisory Legal Committee with the participation of Deputy Minister Mościcka-Dendys23/09/2024The subject of today’s meeting of the Committee were selected issues from this year’s Report of the International Law Commission and practical aspects of the application of the Act on International Agreements.

    The participants of the meeting discussed in particular the issues of: immunity of state representatives from foreign criminal jurisdiction, sea level rise and auxiliary measures for defining the rules of international law. Secondly, the members of the Committee discussed the issues concerning the application of the Act on International Agreements.***The Advisory Legal Committee was established in 1999. It consists of outstanding theoreticians and practitioners of law. It deals with important issues of international law, EU law and domestic law.

    Photos (2)

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nine Individuals Indicted in $28 Million Illegal Opioid Distribution Conspiracy Three Doctors and a Clinic Owner Among Those Indicted

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

    An indictment was unsealed today charging nine individuals with conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

    U.S. Attorney Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
    Charged in the indictment are:
    Dr. Charles Wasson, 70, Orchard Lake, MI Dr. Maurice Potts, 65, Detroit, MI
    Dr. Bruce Kaplan, 83, Commerce Township, MI
    Sharlene Dawson (aka Sharlene Crawford), 55, Detroit, MI Desiree King, 41, Sterling Heights, MI
    Lanise Gortman, 53, Warren, MI Aaron Thomas, 42, Southfield, MI Valecia Logan, 33, Detroit, MI and Antoine Arnold, 38, Mt. Clemens, MI

    The indictment alleges that from June 2021 through September 2024, Sharlene Dawson (aka Sharlene Crawford), owner of P&A Aftercare, located in Southfield, Michigan, hired Drs. Charles Wasson, Maurice Potts, and Bruce Kaplan to issue controlled substance prescriptions for a cadre of “fake” patients, without medical necessity and outside the usual course of professional medical practice, in exchange for cash payments. According to the indictment, the “fake” patients were recruited by Lanise Gortman, Aaron Thomas, Valecia Logan, and Antoine Arnold. These recruiters would fill the prescription at area pharmacies and sell the controlled substances on the street. The indictment further alleges that Desiree King ran the front office at P&A Aftercare and worked closely with the recruiters to facilitate the issuance of the controlled substance prescriptions.
    The primary prescription controlled substances illegally prescribed by the doctors named in the indictment included Schedule II controlled substances Oxycodone, Oxycodone-Acetaminophen (Percocet), and Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Norco). While most of the unlawful controlled substance prescriptions were paid for in cash, both controlled and non-controlled

    “maintenance” medications were billed to health care benefit programs by pharmacies. It is also alleged that billings to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary prescription drug medications and maintenance medications during this conspiracy exceeded
    $20 million.

    The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisandra Fernandez-Silber and Regina R. McCullough. The Eastern District of Michigan is one of the twelve districts included in the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative to combat the opioid epidemic.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Farmington Hills Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Stealing Cars From Silverdome

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

    DETROIT – A Farmington Hills man was sentence to 8 years in prison for conspiring to steal Volkswagen and Audi vehicles from a lot in Pontiac yesterday, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. The charges stem from an investigation initiated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Unit.

    Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Sheriff Michael Bouchard of Oakland County.

    In April, after a 13-day trial, a jury convicted Romane Porter, 47, of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and transportation of stolen vehicles. The evidence presented during trial showed that for approximately six months in 2017, Porter and co-defendant Daniel Onorati conspired with each other and others to steal approximately 61 recalled Volkswagen and Audi cars that were parked at the site of the former Pontiac Silverdome.

    “This defendant orchestrated a large-scale conspiracy to brazenly steal recalled vehicles and sell them across state lines,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “This sentence reflects the seriousness with which we address fraud, and the work done to achieve the result in this case further demonstrates the strong collaboration and coordination between our local and federal law enforcement partners.”

    In addition to the 97-month sentence, U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood ordered Porter to pay

    $683,080 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release upon release from prison.

    “The sentencing of Romane Porter sends a stark reminder that those individuals who conspire to commit fraud and theft, will face the highest penalties under the law,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The joint investigative work of the FBI’s Detroit Fraud & Financial Crimes Task Force, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft unit, and the diligent prosecution from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan, disrupted an elaborate theft scheme orchestrated by this bad actor. The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate and arrest individuals who engage in criminal acts.”

    “I am grateful for the partnership between our Auto Theft Unit, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office who brought this organized auto theft activity to a close,” said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. “These individuals were bold in their behavior in stealing such a large volume of vehicles from a well-known location. These criminals deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

    The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Unit. The team was also assisted by the Special Investigations Section, Office of Investigative Services of the Michigan Department of State, as well as the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Trevor Broad and Louis Meizlish

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  • MIL-OSI Security: One of the Largest Methamphetamine Distributors in New England Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

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

    Defendant believed to be responsible for distributing more than 660 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of six months

    BOSTON – The leader of a nationwide drug trafficking ring has been sentenced in federal court in Boston. During the investigation over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized. An illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled.

    Reshat Alkayisi, 63, a Turkish national residing in Covington, R.I., was sentenced on Sept. 17, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 23 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Alkayisi pleaded guilty to five counts of a second superseding indictment, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; money laundering conspiracy; and two counts of money laundering. 

    “This defendant was one of the largest methamphetamine distributors in New England, whose massive drug operation fueled addiction and devastation across our communities. He is now going to pay a very heavy price for the havoc he wreaked across Massachusetts. This sentencing sends a powerful message to anyone engaged in pumping deadly narcotics onto our streets,” Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As demonstrated by this prosecution, the dedicated prosecutors and law enforcement partners will be relentless in our efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking operations and ensure that individuals like Mr. Alkayisi are held accountable.”

    “Reshat Alkayisi was the leader of a nationwide drug trafficking organization that pushed massive amounts of methamphetamine onto New England streets, and profited from the pain and misery of others,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Thankfully, this 23-year sentence officially puts his 24/7 operation, protected in part by illegal firearms, including an AK-47, out of business. Operation Ice Cats is an example of how the FBI and our partners are hard at work dismantling dangerous trafficking operations as we work to make our communities safer.”

    “DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of Massachusetts,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “This substantial sentence not only holds Mr. Alkayisi accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and throughout America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

    In late 2020, Alkayisi was identified as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who distributed multi-pound quantities to distributor customers throughout the New England area. Between October 2020 and April 2021, 12 controlled purchases of methamphetamine were made from the drug trafficking organization—two of which were delivered personally by Alkayisi and one that was negotiated with Alkayisi and delivered by a co-conspirator. 

    Intercepted communications revealed that Alkayisi supplied multiple distributor customers with supplier quantities of pure methamphetamine. Alkayisi also regularly bragged to these distributors about quality of his methamphetamine, saying, “You’re gonna get nice, big crystals,” and “Ur contacts should b happy with the size of product.” Alkayisi also operated a large-scale marijuana grow out of his Rhode Island residence, including while on probation for a state conviction for unlawful marijuana distribution.

    Alkayisi typically charged his distributor customers $5,000 to $6,000 per pound of methamphetamine and utilized multiple methods to conceal the nature of these proceeds. These included paying the bail of his distributors, structuring cash deposits to avoid reporting requirements, utilizing peer-to-peer transfers and purchasing vehicles with cash. Alkayisi also created and utilized a shell company to launder his proceeds and recruited and directed others, including his wife, to launder his drug proceeds for him.

    On June 1, 2021, four packages were seized containing a total of approximately 100 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine that were picked up on behalf of Alkayisi from a UPS store in Rhode Island. Each of the boxes were addressed to Alkayisi’s shell company, which he used to launder his drug proceeds. 

    On June 25, 2021, another package was seized, destined for Alkayisi that contained approximately 30 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine. In total, approximately 160 pounds of methamphetamine was seized throughout the investigation from controlled purchases, motor vehicle stops and package seizures.

    During a search of Alkayisi’s residence in Rhode Island, an AK-47 assault rifle, a Glock handgun with no serial number, over 4,200 rounds ammunition and over $23,000 cash were also seized. Additionally, numerous electronics, including a computer that contained a ledger documenting Alkayisi’s methamphetamine sales for January through June of 2021 was seized. Based on the ledger, as well as the seizures, Alkayisi was responsible for over 660 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of six months. Law enforcement also located his large unlawful marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants in all stages of production for distribution. 

    Alkayisi is the seventh defendant to be sentenced in the case. All remaining defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and DEA Acting SAC Belleau made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Katherine Ferguson of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

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

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