NewzIntel.com

Category: Law and Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: CISA Releases Anonymous Threat Response Guidance and Toolkit for K-12 Schools

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    New Resources Will Help K-12 Schools and Law Enforcement Entities Create Tailored Approaches to Addressing Anonymous Threats of Violence

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, a new resource to help kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools and their law enforcement and community partners create tailored approaches to addressing anonymous threats of violence, including those received on social media. The toolkit outlines steps school leaders can take to assess and respond to anonymous threats, better prepare for and prevent future threats, and work in coordination with law enforcement and other local partners when these threats arise. It is co-sealed with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which provided expert feedback on the toolkit’s key principles and strategies.

    Social media-based and other types of anonymous threats of violence against K-12 institutions are common. These threats can erode trust that schools are safe places, contribute to losses in learning and instruction time, overwhelm school and law enforcement resources and have lasting psychological impacts on school communities.

    “K-12 schools across the country are experiencing a scourge of anonymous threats of violence. School leaders need scalable solutions to navigate these ever-evolving and burdensome threats,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “The K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance provides step-by-step approaches to help schools better assess and respond to these threats, as well as take action to mitigate future risks in coordination with their law enforcement and other community partners.”

    “Families, students and educators should not have to question whether they’re safe when they walk into a classroom,” said FBI Office of Partner Engagement Assistant Director, Robert Contee. “In the face of these ongoing school threats, the strategies the FBI and our partners at CISA put together will hopefully prepare our educators and administrators to maneuver through difficult challenges. The more parents, teachers and administrators know, the more likely we are to keep our kids safe. The FBI is dedicated to safeguarding schools and communities who are impacted by anonymous threats, but we also want to urge parents to talk with their children about the consequences that come with making these threats. We all need to work together.”

    The K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance was developed to provide K-12 stakeholders with information to both protect school communities and limit the disruption and trauma that can be caused by anonymous threats of violence. By providing guidance to inform decision-making about the urgency and credibility of individual threats, school and public safety leaders may be able to more effectively balance the full range of risks faced by K-12 organizations.

    The toolkit emphasizes six key strategies for schools to consider when addressing anonymous threats:

    • Build awareness about reporting to detect threats early and deter future threats.
    • Develop a partnership structure that will help address threats. This includes school administrators, law enforcement personnel and mental health professionals.
    • Engage law enforcement to manage threat situations and decide when to scale response actions up or down.
    • Balance initial response steps to ensure the campus is safe. Most critically, treat each threat as credible, and from there, work with necessary partners to determine how to approach an immediate response.
    • When appropriate, tap into multidisciplinary threat assessment teams to support interventions and expedite response if the subject who made the threat becomes known.
    • Take steps throughout the school year to prepare for threats. Establish a response protocol and practice other types of emergency management activities, such as training exercises for staff.

    Today’s release also includes a supplemental reference guide that provides streamlined information for K-12 stakeholders to understand and utilize some of the best practices from the full toolkit. Both products were developed to support the diverse range of K-12 school settings across the United States and are based on current practices of K-12 organizations and law enforcement agencies.

    The new toolkit and guide were announced at CISA’s 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, an annual event that brings together K-12 school leaders and practitioners to discuss and share actionable recommendations that enhance safe and supportive learning environments.

    To learn more and access the K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance, please click here. 

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    About CISA 

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shamattawa — Update 2- Shamattawa RCMP searching for missing child

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    It is with great sadness that we share the following information on the search for Johnson Redhead.

    Earlier this evening, at 7:45pm, searchers located 6-year-old Johnson deceased. His body was found in a marshy area, approximately 3.5km from the school where he was last seen.

    We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the community of Shamattawa First Nation, and to everyone grieving his loss.

    The search for Johnson Redhead, 6, continues.

    RCMP Police Service Dog Phlex has arrived in the community with his handler and is involved in the search. Two drones are now in the community and being used and a helicopter will be en route as soon as the weather allows. In addition, more officers out of Thompson are also on their way to join the search.

    “This search has not stopped in intensity from the moment we received the report up to the present,” said Sergeant Mark Svaren, Shamattawa RCMP Detachment Commander. “Within minutes of the report, Shamattawa RCMP officers were engaged with the community in the search, and I cannot stress enough how community involvement has been strong and steady from the moment it was realized that Johnson was missing.”

    On September 18, 2024, at approximately 12:30 pm, Shamattawa RCMP received a report that a six-year-old boy was missing. Johnson Redhead had attended the local school and attended the breakfast program until 9:00 am, but did not arrive in class after the program ended.

    A large-scale search was immediately initiated by community members and RCMP. Searchers combed through wooded areas, trails, roads, sheds, and construction equipment looking for the child. RCMP officers obtained video footage from the school in an attempt to ascertain which direction Johnson went or the circumstances surrounding him leaving school property.

    ATVs and vehicles are being used to search as well as searchers covering areas on foot.

    The RCMP Search and Rescue Team as well as the Office of the Fire Commissioner, with several volunteers from Winnipeg Volunteer Search and Rescue (WinSar) are en route to the community via air to assist with the search. The Canadian Rangers have also been engaged and will attend the community to assist with the search.

    If you have information, please call Shamattawa RCMP at 204-565-2351, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: E Ink Wins Manufacturer of the Year at the 9th Annual Massachusetts Manufacturing Awards Ceremony

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BILLERICA, Mass., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E Ink (8069.TW) the originator, pioneer, and global commercial leader in ePaper technology, today announced that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognized E Ink as a leading manufacturer in the state at the 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards. Companies across the Commonwealth, including E Ink, were honored by the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus and accepted their awards on September 25 at Gillette Stadium. 

    The award recognizes E Ink in part because of its ongoing manufacturing and production of ePaper displays in Massachusetts. E Ink’s Billerica and South Hadley facility has been actively producing the Company’s proprietary ink and film products since 2009. E Ink has since acquired both sites and plans further expansion in the future. The Company is also looking to invest in automation within the factories to stay competitive in a challenging manufacturing environment.

    The most notable product manufactured in Massachusetts is E Ink’s black and white ink and film, which is used in millions of eReaders and electronic shelf labels, in transportation signs throughout the world, including at the MBTA, and in the world’s first color-changing car, produced with BMW. E Ink’s innovative and rugged ePaper enables a variety of applications that value a low power display that is easy on the eyes.

    “Massachusetts stands at the forefront of advanced manufacturing in the United States, thanks to the collaborative efforts of government and industry,” said Paul Apen, E Ink’s US Chief Operating Officer. “Under the leadership of Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, and Governor Healey, the Legislature has made strategic investments in this critical sector. At E Ink, we are committed to driving innovation, enhancing production, and creating jobs for residents in the Commonwealth.”

    Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 70 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees, encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.  To celebrate October’s Manufacturing Month, the Commonwealth’s Legislative Manufacturing Caucus teamed up with The Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), along with MassMEP, MassRobotics, Forge, WPI, and the MassHire boards, who hosted the “Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up” at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

    As a global leader in ePaper technology, E Ink is not only committed to delivering innovative technology via advanced manufacturing processes but is also prioritizing sustainability. The company is actively focused on reducing carbon emissions throughout the product design and manufacturing processes by conducting carbon footprint verification and providing customers with a sustainable framework for the design and integration of ePaper products.

    E Ink has also set the ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040 and RE100 by 2030, which means sourcing the company’s entire energy utilization from renewable sources. As of December 2023, E Ink’s global operations and sales sites have already achieved RE35 with factories and offices in Billerica, Fremont, and South Hadley (United States), and sales offices in Tokyo (Japan) and Seoul (South Korea), successfully reaching RE100 by using 100 percent renewable energy. In September 2023, E Ink’s science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets were validated and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). For years, E Ink was identified as having 99.9 percent of Green Revenue according to the FTSE Russell Green Revenue 2.0 Data Model, underscoring the positive environmental impact of ePaper products.

    About E Ink

    E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT’s Media Lab, provides an ideal display medium for applications spanning eReaders and eNotes, retail, home, hospital, transportation, logistics, and more, enabling customers to put displays in locations previously impossible. E Ink’s electrophoretic display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its low power displays enable customers to reach their sustainability goals, and E Ink has pledged using 100% renewable energy in 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. E Ink has been recognized for their efforts by receiving, validation from Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and is listed in both the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Indexes. Listed in Taiwan’s Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world’s largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information please visit www.eink.com. E Ink. We Make Surfaces Smart and Green.

    Contact:
    V2 Communications on behalf of E Ink
    eink@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Falls-Windsor — Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP investigates break, enter and theft at Glen’s Ultramar in Bishop’s Falls, seeks public’s assistance identifying suspect

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP is investigating a break, enter and theft that occurred during the early morning hours of September 24, 2024, at Glen’s Ultramar and Convenience on Main Street in Bishop’s Falls.

    At approximately 3:45 a.m. on Monday, a lone suspect arrived on the parking lot of the business, operating what appears to be a moped motorbike. The suspect obtained a fire extinguisher from the outside property and used it to smash a window of the business. The suspect stole two boxes of Jack Link’s pepperoni product that were located inside the store, within reach of the broken window, and departed the property.

    The suspect was wearing a sweater with two colors, black or a darker color on the top portion and grey or a lighter color on the bottom portion. The suspect was wearing a helmet, possibly blue in color.

    The investigation is continuing. Residents are asked to check all available surveillance footage around the time of the crime for a matching vehicle or other suspicious activities.

    Anyone having information about this crime or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP at 709-489-2121. 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: Defense News: Remarks by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti at the Inter-American Naval Conference

    Source: United States Navy

    Buenos días.  Good morning.  Hello, heads of Navy.  It is so wonderful to be here and an honor to be back here in beautiful Rio de Janeiro.

    Obrigada, Admiral Olsen and his team – your entire team – for hosting this extraordinary gathering, the 31st Inter-American Naval Conference.  This has been so crucial to strengthening our bonds of friendship, collaboration, and partnership for more than half a century.

    You know, it is really great to be here among friends who are all united by our shared values, our shared geography, and our shared stake in the continued stability, security, and prosperity of the Western Hemisphere and our world.

    This year’s theme could not be more relevant or more important to the United States, this hemisphere, and the global community.  I know that all of the navies represented here understand well that these are very turbulent times, and we’ve been talking about that through your presentations today.  We understand that the international system that has provided security and stability for over three-quarters of a century is under threat in every ocean.

    We’ve all scanned the horizon, and we see the forces that are making our world and our hemisphere more unstable and more dangerous.  We’ve all experienced the devastation of natural disasters, which have been intensified by a changing climate:  flooding, fires, droughts, cyclones, landslides, and rising seas.  And we’ve all witnessed the impact of illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing, and transnational crime – drugs, weapons, human trafficking – and the impact this has on our societies and on our populations.

    And as I take in this changing environment, I know that my Navy must take action to get ahead of the changing character of the work and the additional challenges we are all facing in ship construction, maintenance, challenges we’re facing in recruiting and maintaining our infrastructure, all while acknowledging – in my case – the industrial and budgetary constraints that complicate my Navy’s ability to get after these challenges.

    We see advancements in battlefield innovation; like we were just talking about, the profound implications for the changing character of war.  We see cheaper, more accessible technology is pushing asymmetric capabilities at a lower cost to state and nonstate actors alike.

    Over the past two years, as we’ve all seen, the Ukrainian navy has used a combination of missiles, robotic service vessels, and agile digital capabilities to deny the Russian navy the use of the western Black Sea and to threaten Russia’s supply lines to its occupying forces in Crimea. And Houthi forces, equipped by Iran and emboldened by Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel nearly a year ago, have repeatedly targeted innocent merchant shipping along a key maritime chokepoint and created (vast/mass effects ?) through a mix of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones against the United States Navy and all of the partner navies that are serving in that part of the world today.

    We’ve all learned a lot about the future of war at sea, including the role – as we were just talking about – of robotic platforms, of proliferated weapons, and disaggregated forces in gaining and exploiting the sea.

    In this increasingly turbulent and unpredictable world, security through partnership is critical because no one navy, no single nation can handle all of these challenges alone, and because all of our safety, security, and prosperity are tied to the seas. And as I’ve seen in the briefings we’ve had here already this week, all of our navies are right there on the front lines – right there on the maritime front lines every single day with more tasks than resources that we often have available.

    So I think it’s really important that we, the global maritime community, work together to align our efforts in a way that can benefit us all.  And we need to do this thoughtfully, deliberately, and collectively.

    So whether you are charged by your nation with countering drug trafficking, human smuggling, illicit weapons transfers, IUU fishing, piracy, policing your territorial waters, delivering humanitarian aid and assistance to people in need, assisting mariners at sea, escorting cargo transports/tankers, or you’re deploying your forces all around the world, I believe that each nation here is the vital link in the chain of our maritime security network.

    You will have no stronger partner in this endeavor than the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps team, who will work with you tirelessly to find common ground and common cause to address our common challenges.  And you will have no more committed teammate than me, because I strongly believe that friendship is strength; and that allies and partners collectively, we are each other’s true strategic weapon.  Together, we can collaborate and build a unifying framework where there is no south, no north, no east, no west, but really just a coalition of countries who participate in and engage on matters of common interest to promote continued stability in this hemisphere and beyond.

    As I look ahead, I really see us doing this as part of what I call a warfighting ecosystem.  It’s a concept that I introduced last week when I talked about my Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy.  It’s my overarching strategic guidance that will make my Navy more ready for potential conflict across all time horizons, across the spectrum of operations both today and in the future.

    As the Chief of Naval Operations, I’m compelled to do more and to do more faster to ensure that our Navy is more ready despite all these challenges, despite the changing security environment, the changing character of war, and our own industrial base challenges.  I can’t stand still as we work to secure the long-term investments we need for our Navy to grow our work.

    My Navigation Plan will raise America’s Navy’s baseline level of readiness and put more players on the field.  Players are things like platforms that are ready with their requisite capabilities, weapons, and sustainment; and the people that are ready with the right mindset, the right tools, skills, training, and the relationships.

    We will be doing that by, first, implementing Project 33, seven key areas that my Navy needs to accelerate.  And they’re areas where I will put my personal time, my personal attention, and my resources, and really put my thumb on the scale to urgently move the needle.  It is a reference to my place as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations in a continuum of naval leaders past, present, and future.

    Second, by expanding my Navy’s contribution to the warfighting ecosystem.  Where every country has a seat at the table and a role to play no matter the size of their forces or the extent of their capabilities, we can come together to counter our share of the challenges.

    So I’ll talk to you just a little bit about this ecosystem.  I think it’s probably better explained as a global security ecosystem.  We saw a little preview of this as we were just talking about – in the presentation on Orion (ph).  It’s another version of an ecosystem.  It’s where participants can plug in and contribute their capabilities, their information, their logistics, their people, their maritime domain awareness; and create compounding, outsized effects in service of an open, safe, and stable maritime domain.  It is a system in which the layered capabilities of each of our navies, coast guards, marine corps, marine maritime police forces, and interagency partners enable and then are enabled by each other.

    And in this area of operations, in the Western Hemisphere and its adjacent seas – an area that is critical to global security and stability – I believe there are some key opportunities where we can collaborate and cooperate to expand our collective contribution to this ecosystem.  And this is a great place to have these conversations, at this kind of conference.

    So let me just highlight a few of them today.

    I think the first opportunity is about building interoperability and accelerating our naval integration to work more seamlessly together.  In order to support our mutual requirements, we can work together coherently, effectively, and efficiently to achieve our tactical, then our operational, and then our strategic objectives.  We can do this through education, exchanges, through our officers and our enlisted leaders, whether it’s in the United States – maybe at the Naval Academy, the War College, Navy Postgraduate School – or in the many programs that you offer to us and to each other across the hemisphere.  Through these exchanges, we can plant the seeds to grow our long-term relationships, create long-term shared understanding, and develop approaches to address the common challenges we face.

    And we can build that interoperability through exercises.  We’re coming off a great year of many, many exercises.  And earlier this year we conducted the 29th Rim of the Pacific exercise with 29 nations, 25,000 people from across the Pacific Ocean, Europe and all around.

    In August, our Navy supported the 10th Southern Seas deployment, and the third with the Aircraft Carrier Strike Group George Washington, conducting at-sea operations and building our collective operational planning capability.  One of the ways we did that this year was through the deployment’s first-ever embarked international staff made up of 29 maritime officers from your navies and your coast guards.  And I want to thank you for that support.  Together, our staffs briefed, planned, and executed 35 bilateral and multinational exercises, further strengthening our interoperability and our enduring partnerships.

    In August, as well, our navies conducted the latest iteration of Continuing Promise, 2024, growing our collective capability to provide health and veterinary care, execute professional military exchanges, conduct construction projects, and enhance our collective disaster relief preparedness and ability to cooperate in the face of a crisis.

    Two weeks ago, our navies wrapped up – and thank you to all of you for participating in a highly successful UNITAS, the most recent in the longest-running multinational maritime exercise in the entire world.  It was at a meeting like this, at the first Inter-American Naval Conference in 1959, that UNITAS which conceptualized, agreed upon, and brought to life.

    This year, for the first time ever, our navies conducted that exercise at the operational level, executing full maritime operation center processes to synchronize efforts across all domains, including cyber.  And as you may have seen better resourced in my NAVPLAN, I talk a little bit about the importance of a maritime operation center.  Resourcing our MOCs is a critical part of my plan and a critical part of integrating with each of you, linking our commanders to the wide range of sensors and platforms that are distributed across the seas.

    You know, if you step back and you think about everything that has happened in our world since that Inter-American Naval Conference back in 1959, each of us here has remained committed to our UNITAS exercise, knowing well it is part of our maritime heritage.  It is part of our critical, sharing partnership.  And so, as the United States look forward to hosting UNITAS in 2025 in Mayport and participating in future exercises, I know we will continue to build our collective interoperability.

    I think our second opportunity is continuing to deepen our cooperation with maritime law enforcement and by aligning our authorities to help counter transnational organized crime.  Everyone today, as – (inaudible) – just talked about, is challenged.  And I think by synchronizing our efforts with our authorities, we can accelerate our progress against the forces that are working hard to destabilize our region.

    We’ve seen success in this with the Joint Interagency Task Force South, where the United States, alongside many allies and partners, as well as interagency partners, has been able to interdict vessels carrying drugs and other contraband.  And right now, as part of Campaign Martillo, our navies are working together to deny transnational criminal organizations the ability to use regional sea lines of communication for the movement of these illicit goods.

    And then, finally, I’ll pick up where I left off in our previous discussion.  I think the third opportunity is to enhance our collaboration on robotic and autonomous systems to help especially improve our maritime domain awareness.  As I said earlier, we can use these technologies to do things that are dirty.  We can free up our sailors to do the things that only they can do.

    So whether it’s tasks that are dirty – I think about, many of you who have been at sea, cleaning a bilge.  That would be great to have technology to do that and not our sailors.

    To do the things that are dangerous.  Many of us have worked with technologies to defuse mines and destroy mines.  Where else can we have autonomous robotic technology do the things that are dangerous?

    And things that are dull.  This is going on a patrol for weeks on end and maybe never even seeing one of the things that we’re looking for.  But can we do that through a robotic and autonomous platform on the sea, above the sea, under the sea, and then free up our people to go and see what is that anomalous behavior that an autonomous platform has detected in a pattern of life?

    Again, we can free up our people to use their talents and use their creativity for the things that only they can do.  And I think that we could partner together to leverage our respective innovation bases and invest in some of those advanced technologies and prototypes to ensure that our – we have this advantage today and we have it in the future.

    Integrating robotic autonomous systems into our daily business of operations is a key part of my Navigation Plan.  I think it is an area of great opportunity.  And I’m going to invest my time and resources to help, again, raise that baseline level of integration and the baseline level of readiness of our fleet by expanding, extending, and bolstering the reach and resilience, as well as potentially the lethality, of our conventionally manned fleet by integrating unmanned technologies.

    We’re already seeing the positive effects of these systems across our force and with allies and partners through the Fleet Experimentation series – or called FLEX series – that’s been sponsored by NAVSOUTH for the last several years.  In fact, today, in the Hybrid Fleet Campaign Event in Key West, Florida, there are sailors in companies from across our navies.  They are working together to operationalize new capabilities, to enhance maritime domain awareness, and to detect and monitor illicit trafficking – again, working towards a more stable future for our hemisphere.

    So, fellow leaders, this week we have an opportunity to discuss our shared challenges and chart our course to increase the resilience of our forces, to strengthen security, and promote prosperity as partners, building on our already very sound foundation.  Each of you here has an important role and provides valued expertise in this ecosystem that I believe is critical to tackling our common values.  Together, we can ensure the security and stability of our region while working to ensure that our shared values, our cultures, and our way of life can be shared by generations to come.

    So I thank you all very much for the opportunity and the honor to be with you today, and I hope we can do this next year at Mayport for UNITAS.  I also invite you to come to our International Seapower Symposium, which will be next October in Newport, Rhode Island, and then help me celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.  I know that’s young for some of the other navies here, but 250 for us.  We’ll be celebrating that birthday also in October, in Philadelphia.  And I look forward to seeing you at those events if I don’t see you before.  Thanks very much.  Again, it’s an honor to be with all of you today.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rhode Island to Receive $500,000 to Improve DNA Evidence Processing & Bring Justice to Victims of Cold Cases

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

    WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help Rhode Island’s law enforcement community close cases on violent crimes that, in many cases, have been left unsolved for decades, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that the Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha will receive a $500,000 federal grant for the office’s cold case unit of investigators and prosecutors.

    The federal funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program. The Attorney General’s Office will utilize the funds for its “Closure Project” to strengthen the state’s DNA analysis capabilities and search capacity, better inventory cold cases, and review and select cases that have developed DNA suspect profiles to assist investigators in prosecuting suspects. The Rhode Island Department of Health will also receive funding from the grant, which will help provide additional capacity for DNA analysis in cold cases.

    “This federal funding for Attorney General Neronha and his skilled team of prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement personnel will help make Rhode Island safer and will bring justice to victims of violent crimes and their families who have gone too long without answers and deserve closure,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  “Modern technology is constantly adding new tools that are incredibly useful to investigators. By strengthening Rhode Island’s ability to efficiently process and inventory DNA evidence, we’re making a smart investment in public safety, reducing violent crime, and bolstering our ability to pursue justice.”

    “No victim of a violent crime should have to wait decades for justice to be served,” said Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former U.S. Attorney and Rhode Island Attorney General.  “This federal investment will strengthen the state’s ability to process DNA evidence and prosecute violent cold cases, bringing justice and closure to victims and their families – a high priority of Attorney General Neronha’s.”

    “We must always remain dogged in the pursuit of justice for victims of violent crime and their loved ones,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “This federal funding will be used to help identify suspects through modern forensic analysis, make Rhode Island safer by holding offenders accountable, and bring closure to families who have been waiting for answers.” 

    “Justice delayed should never be justice denied for victims of violent crime and their loved ones,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “As technology advances and techniques improve to help identify perpetrators, I support investing in our state’s forensic capabilities to pursue cold cases and protect public safety. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in announcing that this grant will support the tireless efforts of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s ‘Closure Project’ initiative.”

    “Cold cases tend to be unique in their complexity, and yet they all have at least one thing in common: delayed justice for victims and their loved ones,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “New scientific and investigatory advancements have reignited hope in the hearts of those waiting years, sometimes decades, for answers. Since the creation of our Cold Case Unit, a talented team of investigators, prosecutors, and analysts has been working diligently to solve these cases, and already seeing results. I want to thank Senators Reed and Whitehouse and Representatives Amo and Magaziner for their support, and to Rhode Island House Speaker Shekarchi and Senate President Ruggerio for helping to fund this important work on behalf of Rhode Islanders.”

    The DOJ Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program provides resources and support for the prosecution of violent cold cases where a suspect of the crime, known or unknown, has been identified through DNA evidence and analysis. Funding from this program can also be used to support investigations and crime and forensic analyses when a DNA profile has been attributed to a known or unknown suspect.

    Last year, Rhode Island Attorney General Neronha launched a new Cold Case Unit within the Office to advance investigations that could benefit from the application of modern DNA analysis. The Unit is comprised of two prosecutors, four investigators, an intelligence analyst, and a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) employee currently in training at the University of New Haven for Forensic Genealogy.  Since its inception, the Unit has worked with more than 12 municipalities in actively investigating 18 cold cases. These federal funds announced today will assist the unit in strategically improving its ability to identify potential cases ready for prosecution, and when DNA profiles of suspects have been established, can also help to advance investigations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Magaziner, Frankel, Miller, Morelle, Bilirakis Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Fall Prevention Awareness Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

    Washington, DC – Today, Reps. Seth Magaziner (D-RI-2), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Carol Miller (R-WV-1), Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 22 – 28, 2024 as National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. The resolution seeks to raise awareness, encourage the prevention of falls among older adults, and highlight evidence-based programs that help reduce fall risks and save the lives of seniors. 

    “Falls can be serious—and even deadly—for older Americans, and Congress must consider this issue as seriously as we would for any other medical condition,” said Rep. Magaziner. “Designating a National Fall Prevention Awareness Week will help bring attention to this critical issue and support programs that protect seniors, reduce falls and save lives.”

    “With over 365,000 seniors in Palm Beach County, this issue is near and dear to my heart,” said Rep. Frankel. “Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 65. They can be debilitating, heartbreaking, and expensive, but the good news is they are preventable! This year, we’re marking National Fall Prevention Awareness Week to spread the word that tools and resources are available to help prevent falls before they happen, ensuring our seniors can live with the safety and dignity they deserve.”

    “It’s no secret the U.S. population is aging, and it’s important to ensure there are enough resources and education for seniors as they are more at risk of falling. By designating a National Fall Prevention Awareness Week, we are bringing awareness to this important issue that affects many of our constituents. I’m glad to join my colleagues in sponsoring this resolution to help prevent falls and protect seniors as they age,” said Rep. Miller.

    “As our loved ones get older, we must ensure they have the resources and support to age in place safely, independently, and with dignity,” said Rep. Morelle. “Falls can be scary and have serious health consequences for older individuals. It’s critical we do everything we can to promote fall prevention to help save lives and give seniors and their loved ones some well-deserved piece of mind. I’m proud to join my colleagues in support of this resolution, and I look forward to working with them to secure resources and support for older Americans.”

    “As someone who has experienced a fall that resulted in broken ribs, I am very familiar with the pain that often comes from a fall,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “The risks associated with falling are especially high for seniors over the age of 65.  According to the CDC, 36 million seniors fall each year. Tragically, these falls result in 34,000 deaths and three million serious injuries that require an emergency room visit. The good news is that falls are preventable and do not need to be an inevitable part of aging. I encourage all seniors and their loved ones to learn more about how to stay safe and active by taking advantage of the fall prevention programs offered in their community.  Local Area Agency on Aging organizations have wonderful resources that can help save lives.”

    “The cost of falls among older adults is staggering: $80 billion/year, and untold suffering and pain,” said Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging. “We welcome this Congressional resolution to draw attention to the fact that falls can be prevented. There are proven, cost-effective ways to reduce fall risk. We are grateful to Rep. Frankel for championing this issue and her steadfast leadership throughout the Capitol and across party lines.”

    Each year, 14 million older Americans experience falls, resulting in 3 million emergency room visits and 39,000 tragic deaths. Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults aged 65 and older, with non-fatal falls costing our health care system $80 billion annually. Seniors can reduce their risk of falling through basic home modifications, daily exercises, and other simple precautions.

    The Members were joined by 24 original cosponsors: Reps. Colin Allred (D-TX-32), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Ami Bera (D-CA-6), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-5), Don Davis (D-NC-1), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-7), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA-4), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Doris Matsui (D-CA-7), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Mark Pocan (D-WI-2), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Darren Soto (D-FL-9), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).

    The resolution is supported by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and AARP.

    For full text of the resolution, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Billings Man Admits Arranging for Commercial Sex with Minor Girl in Undercover Investigation

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

    BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of texting with undercover law enforcement to arrange for sex with a minor girl and showing up at an agreed-upon location admitted to a racketeering crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Christopher Lynn Cliburn, 60, pleaded guilty to use of facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering as charged in a superseding information. Cliburn faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Cliburn was detained pending further proceedings.

    In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 16, 2023, law enforcement placed an ad on a website depicting a fictious 14-year-old girl. The ad suggested that the “girl” was willing to engage in sexual conduct for money. On Nov. 19, 2023, a phone number, later connected to Cliburn, responded to the ad. Cliburn and an undercover officer then engaged in a series of text communications in which the parties discussed meeting for commercial sex, potential sexual acts that the “girl” would perform and how much money Cliburn had. On Nov. 20, 2023, Cliburn indicated he was at the agreed-upon location in Billings and confirmed his presence by sending law enforcement a photograph.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Browning Man Admits Assaulting Woman with Belt on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

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

    GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of beating and then using a belt to assault a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Briar Joseph Crawford, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Crawford faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

    Chief U.S District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 29, 2025. Crawford was detained pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 6, 2023, Crawford went to Twin Lakes go fishing with the victim, identified as Jane Doe. They got into an argument, and Crawford began to severely beat Doe over several hours as they traveled from Twin Lakes to the East Glacier Cut Across Road. At one point, Crawford removed his belt, wrapped it around Doe’s neck, grabbed it and lifted her weight off the ground until she blacked out. Doe suffered numerous injuries from the prolonged assault.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oakhill — Lunenburg District RCMP charge a man with multiple offences, including impaired operation and assault

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lunenburg District RCMP has charged a man with multiple offences after he struck several vehicles attempting to flee police. There were no injuries reported from this incident.

    On September 23 at approximately 12:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver who was observed hitting a parked tractor in Mader’s Cove.

    Officers located the vehicle, a beige Lincoln Town Car, in Blockhouse, and attempted a traffic stop but the driver refused to stop for police and fled the area.

    At approximately 12:50 p.m., officers again located the vehicle, now pulled over on the side of Hwy. 103 near Oakhill. Officers took steps to prevent the driver from attempting to flee again and putting the public at risk. The driver struck and damaged two of the police cars involved, and continued to resist arrest after exiting his vehicle. He was safely arrested and later refused to provide a breath sample.

    Adam Vanderzwaag, 40, of Conquerall Mills, has been charged with the following:

    • Impaired Operation of a Conveyance
    • Flight from Police
    • Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
    • Assault Peace Officer With a Weapon (2 counts)
    • Resist Arrest
    • Obstruct Justice
    • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
    • Disarming a Peace Officer

    Vanderzwaag appeared at Bridgewater Provincial Court on September 24. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 23.

    Highway 103 was closed between Exits 12 and 11 following this incident, but was reopened after approximately one hour.

    Police appreciated calls from the public that assisted in identifying and locating this vehicle. Road safety is a shared responsibility. If you suspect an impaired driver, it’s an emergency; call 911.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Waimakariri

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can now advise one person has died following a crash on Depot Road, View Hill in Waimakariri.

    The single-vehicle crash was reported to Police at 8pm yesterday (25 September).

    The driver and sole occupant of the car died at the scene.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Port Man Sentenced to 70 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Videos

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

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Raul Colon-Ocasio (32, North Port) to 70 years in federal prison for production and possession of videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Colon-Ocasio was also sentenced to a term of supervised release for life and ordered to register as a sex offender. A federal jury found Colon-Ocasio guilty on June 5, 2024.

    According to court documents, between December 2021 and May 5, 2022, Colon-Ocasio used two minors to produce numerous videos of sexual abuse. 

    In 2022, a parent of Minor Victim 1 reported her daughter missing to law enforcement in Charlotte County. While investigating, law enforcement uncovered communications on social media between Colon-Ocasio and the child that were sexual in nature. In October 2022, an FBI Task Force Officer assumed the social media account of Minor Victim 1 and began communicating with Colon-Ocasio. On October 18, 2022, instead of Colon-Ocasio meeting Minor Victim 1, he encountered law enforcement. Colon-Ocasio’s cellphone was seized. Subsequent to a search warrant for his cellphone, law enforcement located sexually explicit videos that Colon-Ocasio had produced of Minor Victim 1.

    Additionally, law enforcement located numerous videos that Colon-Ocasio had produced of another child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Subsequent to further investigation, Minor Victim 2 was located by law enforcement. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office that assisted with this investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Armed Robbery of a Check-Cashing Business

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

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two men have been sentenced to prison for the armed robbery of a check-cashing business in Chantilly.

    According to court documents, on Nov. 18, 2023, Antonio Chester Lewis, 49, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Al Gibran Taylor, 42, of Reston, entered the store intending to rob it of its cash. Lewis had entered the store previously to survey it. Lewis was armed with a .223/5.56 mm caliber semi-automatic rifle, which he pointed at customers and ordered them to put their hands in the air. Taylor attempted to open a cashier booth, which contained the store’s register and safe. When Taylor found the booth locked, Lewis identified the store’s cashier, grabbed her by the neck, and brought her to the cashier booth. The cashier opened the booth, and Taylor removed a large amount of cash from the store’s safe.

    Lewis was arrested on March 26. That day, law enforcement conducted a search of Lewis’ residence and recovered the rifle used during the robbery as well as a privately made firearm with no serial number, a shotgun, and ammunition. On April 4, law enforcement also searched Lewis’ vehicle and recovered a handgun and additional ammunition.

    On June 13, Lewis pled guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Lewis was sentenced on Sept. 3 to 15 years and eight months in prison.

    On June 21, Taylor pled guilty to use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Taylor was sentenced today to 25 years in prison.

    Both Lewis and Taylor have multiple prior convictions. On Aug. 9, 1994, Lewis was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On May 30, 1997, he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine while armed. On Oct. 20, 2005, Lewis was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base. As a previously convicted felon, Lewis cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

    Taylor previously was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on Dec. 21, 2006, of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence during which the firearm was discharged. On June 30, 2006, Taylor was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia of possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.

    Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David E. Geist, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel K. Amzallag prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Cases No. 1:24-cr-139 and 1:24-cr-130.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Independence Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal Firearm

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

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and for illegally possessing a firearm.

    Wiser Key, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 25 years in federal prison without parole.

    On March 27, 2024, Key pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

    Key admitted that he engaged in drug transactions with an undercover law enforcement officer. In one transaction, for example, the undercover officer paid Key $8,500 in exchange for 1,000 counterfeit oxycodone tablets, which contained fentanyl. In another transaction, an undercover officer paid Key $6,000 in exchange for 750 counterfeit oxycodone pills, which contained fentanyl.

    On April 30, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Key’s residence. Officers found multiple plastic bags that contained tablets, approximately 8 kilograms of suspected THC wax, approximately 39 grams of suspected cocaine, multiple bags of suspected marijuana, an FN handgun, a loaded Glock .40-caliber handgun, a loaded Springfield 9mm handgun, a loaded Sig Sauer .40-caliber handgun, a Harrington and Richardson 20-gauge shotgun, and $24,676 in cash.

    According to court documents, Key distributed at least 120,000 counterfeit pills, which contained fentanyl, during the conspiracy. He and a co-defendant purchased 4,000 to 5,000 pills at a time from sources in Mexico.

    Key is the first defendant to be sentenced in this case. Co-defendants Nilolas Albright, 30, of Cameron, Mo., and Demasjiay Cruse, 25, of St. Joseph, Mo., have pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and await sentencing.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen A. Brackett, Stephanie C. Bradshaw and John C. Constance. It was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the FBI; IRS-Criminal Investigation; the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department; the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department; the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department; and the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department.

    Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

    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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  • MIL-OSI Security: Champaign, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to 324 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

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

    URBANA, Ill. – A Champaign, Illinois, woman, Malaia A. Turner, 36, was sentenced on September 23, 2024, to 324 months in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

    At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Turner was a leader in a conspiracy responsible for obtaining large quantities of ice methamphetamine and other drugs from suppliers in California, Texas, and Illinois and transporting those drugs to the Central District of Illinois. After hearing that evidence, U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce concluded Turner was a leader of the conspiracy and faced heightened penalties due to her leadership role.

    Turner was convicted following a four-day jury trial in May 2024. She has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since her arrest in August 2022.

    At sentencing, Turner faced statutory penalties of ten years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $10 million, and not less than a five-year term of supervised release upon her release from custody.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Illinois State Police East Central Illinois Task Force; and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel E. Ritzer and Timothy J. Sullivan represented the government in the prosecution.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fayette County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

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

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – John Gray, 39, of Oak Hill, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2023, Gray sold approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Oak Hill. Gray admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling approximately 848 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Oak Hill on May 1, 2023.

    Gray also admitted to selling 3 grams of fentanyl on May 3, 2024, and another 3 grams of fentanyl on May 6, 2024, each time to a confidential informant in Oak Hill. During a March 1, 2024, interview with law enforcement officers, Gray admitted that he had been distributing approximately 3 grams of fentanyl three times per week from April 2023 until his arrest in March 2024.

    Gray is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

    United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-31.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Receipt of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

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

    PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of the Western District of Pennsylvania has been sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by ten years of supervised release on his federal felony conviction pertaining to his receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

    United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Shawn Michael Hoffman, age 41, following his guilty plea to this violation of federal law. In imposing the sentence, Judge Hardy emphasized the extremely serious nature of this federal offense and the harm the defendant caused to the minor victim.

    The one-count Information named Shawn Michael Hoffman, age 41, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

    According to the information presented to the court, in September 2019, Hoffman initiated online communications and solicited sexually explicit visual depictions of the minor. Hoffman also received visual depictions of the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct using the internet and cellular phone.

    Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Offender Imprisoned for Having Over 6,000 Child Pornography Images

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

    McALLEN, Texas – A 43-year-old McAllen resident has been sent back to prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    Rene Javier Sarmienta pleaded guilty March 20, 2023.

    U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Sarmienta to serve 120 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court noted it was unfortunate Sarmienta relapsed and needs therapy. Sarmienta was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to each of 12 victims and will serve five years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. The court also noted his previous conviction of possessing child pornography in 2002 and that he would be spending another significant amount of his life in prison.

    The investigation began when law enforcement discovered Sarmienta had been purchasing child pornography using a PayPal account. He also failed to report having several social media accounts to local authorities as required due to status as a sex offender.

    A forensic examination of Sarmienta’s cell phone revealed 6,300 images of child pornography. Several of the images included prepubescent minors and sadomasochistic conduct.

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

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the McAllen Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Alexis Garcia and Tyler Foster prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thompson — Update – Thompson RCMP respond to shooting

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP have identified one of the suspects involved in the shooting and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.

    Tyrell Malique Porter, 21, from the Waterloo, Ontario area is described as 5’6′ tall and 132 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

    Porter is wanted on a warrant for multiple firearms offences and is considered armed and dangerous.

    Police believe that the female suspect also involved in the incident is still in the company of Porter.

    If you have information, please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    On September 15, 2024, at approximately 10:15 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle motor vehicle collision that occurred on Perch Avenue in Thompson. While en route to the call, police were informed that a possible gun shot was heard.

    When officers arrived on scene, a 47-year-old male was found injured. Officers immediately provided emergency care. The male was transported to local hospital, where he was treated and has since been released.

    Investigation determined that the male had been driving a pickup truck that was in a collision with a SUV. The SUV followed the victim to a residence and a male suspect exited the SUV, produced a firearm, and shot at the victim. A neighbouring residence was also struck by projectiles from the firearm, but nobody inside was physically injured.

    After the shooting, the SUV fled the scene and was located soon after by police on Pike Crescent. The male suspect and a female suspect were seen by witnesses going into the residence. The residence was surrounded, and three individuals were taken into custody. However, none of the three individuals were determined to have been involved in the incident and were released. The two suspects were not located inside the residence.

    Thompson RCMP continue to look for the two suspects involved in the shooting. At this time, police do not have confirmed descriptions to provide.

    If you have information, please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis and Division of Criminal Justice Announce $3 Million in Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention Grants Awarded to 15 Colorado Organizations

    Source: US State of Colorado

    LAKEWOOD — Governor Polis and the Division of Criminal Justice announced the 15 Colorado organizations across ten counties who are the recipients of the State Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention funding (CPCI), a total of $3 million. 

    From Boulder to La Plata County, these grants will support agencies over a 21-month funding period and contribute to implementing community-based programs focused on crime prevention and crisis intervention strategies. 

    “We are committed to making Colorado communities safer for everyone, and that includes investing in the organizations on the ground who are doing effective work to prevent crime. Congratulations to all the recipients and keep up the great work,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    The CPCI Grant Program aims at improving public safety and creating one of the safest states in the country by investing in crime prevention and crisis intervention programs. Recipients of the grant are based in rural counties and urban areas. 

    “Grants play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of our communities by providing essential resources for crime prevention and intervention programs,” said Matthew M. Lunn, Colorado Division of Criminal Justice director. “They empower local communities to address public safety challenges through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. By investing in these initiatives, we strengthen the foundation of a safer, more resilient Colorado for everyone.” 

    Here are a few examples of how grant recipients are working to prevent crime. 

    Axis Health System received a CPCI grant in collaboration with the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office to expand its co-responder program. The program dispatches a deputy and a clinician to address mental health and behavioral health crises, and connects individuals to wrap-around services to meet their needs for food, clothing, shelter, and other resources. 

    Similarly, the Public Health Department in Rio Grande County received funding to implement two programs, Botvin’s Life Skills Training and Strengthening Families, in the San Luis Valley. These evidence-based programs are proven to prevent or reduce youth delinquency by targeting known risk and protective factors. This rural, multidisciplinary project involves public health, behavioral health, public schools, Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, CSU prevention researchers, youth and family service providers, and local families, among other stakeholders. 

    The Latino Coalition for Community Leadership (LCCL), a CPCI grant recipient, is known for building collaborative partnerships among some of Metro Denver’s Black and Latino-led grassroots groups that serve communities hardest hit by violence. Through their Violence Interruption and Healing Collaborative project, targeting Denver, Adams, and Arapahoe Counties in areas with high rates of violent crime, LCCL will provide training and technical assistance, as well as subgrants, to violence interruption organizations to build their capacity to implement Community Violence Intervention Strategies, an approach that uses evidence-informed strategies to reduce violence through tailored community-centered initiatives. LCCL will also facilitate working relationships between the organizations and local government agencies, with a focus on public health organizations and local law enforcement. 

    The full list of 2024 grant recipients are listed below. 

    The Colorado Division of Criminal Justice’s 2024 CPCI awards are based on the State’s FY 2025 appropriation for HB24-1421, Modifying Public Safety Program Funding. The Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention (CPCI) Advisory Committee, whose membership is representative of the communities where crime is disproportionately high, reviews applications and makes recommendations based on communities with greatest need, the applicant’s level of cultural and population specific competency, and level of collaboration. 

    The CPCI Advisory Committee approved the awards announced below: 

    Arapahoe County 
    Agency: Second Chance Center, Inc. 
    Project Title: Safe Homes, Safe Communities 
    Grant Amount: $81,468 

    Agency: Collaborative Healing Initiative Within Communities 
    Project Title: Re-Enter, Re-Build, Re-Start (R3) 
    Grant Amount: $200,000 

    Boulder County 
    Agency: Bridge House 
    Project Title: Work and Housing First in Mitigating Recidivism 
    Grant Amount: $148,694 

    Denver County 
    Agency: Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization 
    Project Title: AOPYO Youth Center for Behavioral Health 
    Grant Amount: $81,468 

    Agency: Denver Healing Generations 
    Project Title: Denver Healing Generations Calmecac Program 
    Grant Amount: $81,468 

    Metro Denver (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Gilpin) 
    Agency: Fully Liberated Youth 
    Project Title: Violence Interruption Through School-Based Prevention Services for High-Risk Young People 
    Grant Amount: $200,000 

    Agency: Latino Coalition for Community Leadership
     Project Title: Violence Interruption and Healing Collaborative 
    Grant Amount: $700,000 

    Agency: Tribe Recovery Homes 
    Project Title: Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention through Peer Support Services 
    Grant Amount: $240,498 El Paso County 

    Agency: Educating Children of Color, Inc. 
    Project Title: A year-round program to reduce juvenile delinquency, achieve educational equity, empower youth, and dismantle the cradle-to-prison pipeline 
    Grant Amount: $120,000 

    Agency: Inside Out Youth Services 
    Project Title: ALLY Up for LGBTQIA2+ Violence Prevention 
    Grant Amount: $150,000 

    Agency: Relevant Word Ministries 
    Project Title: Pursuing Academic & Cultural Excellence (PACE) Mentoring Program for Crime Prevention and Community Resilience 
    Grant Amount: $110,000 

    La Plata County 
    Agency: Axis Health Partners 
    Project Title: Axis + La Plata County Sheriff’s Office Co-responder Program 
    Grant Amount: $300,000 

    Pueblo County 
    Agency: Southern Colorado Harm Reduction Association
    Project Title: SoCo Harm Reduction: Pathways to Multidisciplinary Services 
    Grant Amount: $200,000 

    Agency: Servicios de La Raza, Inc. 
    Project Title: Just and Equitable Approaches to Crime Prevention and Intervention Services for Latinos and other Indigenous Communities 
    Grant Amount: $300,000 

    Rio Grande County 
    Agency: Rio Grande County Public Health Department 
    Project Title: Rio Grande County San Luis Valley: Partnership Strengthening Juvenile Delinquency Prevention 
    Grant Amount: $88,500 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During National Hazing Awareness Week, Klobuchar, Cassidy Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Hazing on College Campuses Passes House

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced their Stop Campus Hazing Act to improve the reporting and prevention of hazing on college campuses has passed the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation would require colleges to include hazing incidents in their annual campus safety report and establish a campus-wide, research-based program to educate students about the dangers of hazing. In addition, the bill would increase transparency and accountability by providing parents and students with better information about a student organization’s history of hazing incidents. The bill is championed by Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA) and Jeff Duncan (R-SC) in the House of Representatives.

    House passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act comes as the Senate passed Klobuchar and Cassidy’s bipartisan resolution to recognize National Hazing Awareness Week. The resolution designates this week, September 23 through 27, 2024, as “National Hazing Awareness Week,” recognizes the hundreds of students who have died or suffered severe, life-altering injuries as a result of collegiate hazing, and promotes efforts to prevent hazing. McBath and Duncan lead the companion resolution in the House of Representatives. 

    “When parents send their kids away to college, they expect they will get a good education and make new friends. Unfortunately, too many are also exposed to hazing, a dangerous—and at times deadly—problem,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will improve hazing prevention efforts on college campuses to make sure we have the information we need to stop this abuse and keep students safe.”

    “Students and families should feel safe no matter what college they choose,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By increasing transparency, the Stop Campus Hazing Act will ensure that hazing is never ignored. We must get this bill across the finish line and passed into law.” 

    This Stop Campus Hazing Act is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Casey (D-PA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), James Lankford (R-OK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Angus King (I-ME), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

    The National Study of Student Hazing found that more than half of college students involved in extracurricular clubs, athletic teams, and organizations experience hazing. Since 2000, there have been more than 50 hazing-related deaths. 

    The Stop Campus Hazing Act would:

    • Improve hazing reporting by requiring colleges to include hazing incidents in their Annual Security Report;
    • Prevent hazing by establishing campus-wide, research-based hazing education and prevention programs; and
    • Help students and their parents make informed decisions about joining organizations on campus by requiring colleges to publish on their websites the institution’s hazing prevention policies and the organizations that have violated them. 

    This bipartisan, evidence-informed legislation is supported by the Clery Center; StopHazing; Anti-Hazing Coalition including the Hazing Prevention Network, Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values, Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, National Panhellenic Conference and its member sororities, the North American Interfraternity Conference and its member fraternities; National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.; Association of Big Ten Students; College Safety Coalition; SAFE Campuses, LLC; International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators; National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals; and the parents of hazing victims.

    Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to end hazing. 

    Last year, Klobuchar and Cassidy introduced the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act and the first ever congressional resolution designating “National Hazing Awareness Week.”

    The 2024 National Hazing Awareness Week resolution is cosponsored by Bob Casey (D-PA), James Lankford (R-OK), Senators Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Joe Manchin (I-WV).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dauphin — Dauphin RCMP make large seizure after traffic stop

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On September 22, 2024, at approximately 6:45 pm, Dauphin RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Mountain Avenue in Dauphin as part of an ongoing investigation. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle by activating the lights and sirens on the police vehicle, the suspect vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.

    The suspect vehicle ran a red light on Main Street and struck another vehicle, and then spun and struck a 26-year-old male pedestrian. The suspect vehicle then continued and struck a parked vehicle. At this time, the driver and passenger fled on foot. The passenger was taken into custody a short while later.

    An RCMP drone operator and Police Service Dog Marook were engaged to track the driver, and located him after a track that led them across the Vermillion River.

    A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a loaded shotgun, a large sum of Canadian currency, and a substance believed to be cocaine.

    An RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist attended the scene where the vehicle and the pedestrian were struck to assist with that part of the investigation.

    The pedestrian was transported to local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and the driver of the vehicle that was struck was not physically injured.

    Samuel Flatfoot, 26, of Dauphin, was the driver and is charged with charged with Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from Peace Officer, Resists/Obstructs Peace Officer, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

    Marcus George, 22, of Swan River, was the passenger. He is charged with Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Resist/Obstructs Peace Officer x2, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

    Both have been remanded.

    The investigation continues.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $3.2+ MILLION TO TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR WORKERS AT THE ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & IN CLASSROOMS IN SCHOOLS ACROSS NY VIA HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    NY Received Two Of Just 7 Awards Across America To Jumpstart The National Semiconductor Technology Center’s Workforce Partner Alliance Program Which Will Help Get Students The Hands-On Training They Need For Good-Paying Jobs At Companies Like Micron, GlobalFoundries, Corning, And Edwards Vacuum Expanding Now In Upstate NY Thanks To Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law
    Awards To The American Federation Of Teachers Program Will Provide Training So Teachers Can Help Students Get Ready For Semiconductor Careers, Expanding An Initiative That Is Being Piloted In 10 School Districts Across New York State & RIT’s Program Plans To Help Over 500 Students Get Microelectronics-Related Skills Necessary To Thrive In The Growing Semiconductor Industry
    Schumer: We’re Training The Future Of America’s Semiconductor Industry By The Next Generation Of Workers Here In NY
    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced $3,200,347 in federal funding to boost New York-based programs to prepare New York high school and college students for careers in the semiconductor industry. The awards include $1,720,400 for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to expand a program that prepares teachers in school districts across NY to help students get ready for careers in the semiconductor industry and $1,479,947 for the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to implement a new online certificate program to train students across microelectronics-related educational tracks.
    “It’s all-hands-on-deck to build the workforce of the future and awards like today’s will help classrooms across New York get students ready to be the next generation of semiconductor workers.  I am proud to have pushed for and secured this more than $3.2 million federal investment from my CHIPS & Science Law that will help students in New York and across America get the hands-on training they need to enter careers in the booming chip industry,” said Senator Schumer. “AFT’s program will provide training to teachers across New York and beyond so that hundreds of students at school districts throughout NY can develop the skills they need to thrive in the growing domestic semiconductor industry, and RIT’s program will provide training to hundreds of college students so that they can succeed in the thousands upon thousands of new jobs being created in New York in the semiconductor industry. This will prepare our students for good-paying jobs at companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, Corning, Edwards Vacuum, and more as we see the chip industry expand in Upstate NY thanks to my CHIPS & Science Law. This federal investment in high-quality training is how we can support Upstate New York’s historic growth in the semiconductor industry spurred by my CHIPS and Science Law, and attract even more investment to the region by having a high-skilled workforce.”
    The AFT and RIT are two of just seven award recipients in the nation, and the AFT is the only recipient whose project focuses on K-12 students. The federal funding comes from the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC)’s Workforce Partner Alliance Program, which is funded by Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law. Schumer personally called and wrote to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Natcast CEO Deirdre Hanford for both programs to be awarded this funding.
    Schumer explained that the AFT’s program will help expand their partnership with Micron to help students in school districts across New York, with plans to expand in Michigan and Minnesota, prepare for careers at companies that are vital to America’s semiconductor industry like Micron, which announced a historic $100 billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory megafab in Central New York. This award will boost the framework Schumer announced with AFT last year that will be piloted in 10 school districts and BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services), including Baldwinsville, Chittenango, East Syracuse Minoa, Liverpool, New York City (Brooklyn STEAM Center and Thomas Edison High School), Niagara Falls, North Syracuse, Syracuse, OCM BOCES, and Watertown. The curriculum framework rolling out now in New York classrooms aims to help thousands of high school students hone the foundational skills necessary for career success in the booming semiconductor industry, working with industry partners like Micron to equip them with the skills they need to enter these careers.
    “I crafted the CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY as my north star, because I knew that with targeted federal investments like this, the communities in Upstate NY that powered America’s industrial past could be the ones to build its future and bring critical manufacturing back from overseas to America. I’ve worked closely with the Administration to make the case for federal investment in Upstate NY’s R&D and workforce training programs, and I’m pleased that the Commerce Department and Natcast, which was created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center, recognizes New York’s premier work and leadership in boosting the nation’s semiconductor workforce,” added Schumer.
    RIT’s program will expand the domestic skilled workforce in the semiconductor industry with a focus on creating opportunities for disadvantaged and underrepresented workers to get access to the thousands of new jobs being created by new semiconductor industry investments in the U.S., including across Upstate NY, spurred by the CHIPS & Science Law. RIT’s goal is to train 555 students at both the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels through a new online certificate program to address workforce shortages in the microelectronics sector.
    “I want to thank Sen. Schumer for his vision around the CHIPS and Science Act and ensuring that investments in workforce development were part and parcel of this law, and for his tremendous advocacy for projects like ours that benefit students, educators and communities in New York. We are grateful that Natcast is recognizing, in its first ever set of grants, the promise and potential of these curriculum frameworks that educators, in partnership with industry, have authored through their union,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “What we seeded in New York will now spread as a model nationwide. These frameworks pave student pathways to the booming microchip sector and lead directly to good, middle-class jobs. They connect teacher expertise and student passions to career, college and life. And they’re anchored in our shared vision of real solutions that puts kids and educators at the center of the manufacturing renaissance happening right now across America.”
    “I want to thank Senator Schumer and the Biden-Harris Administration for providing this opportunity that RIT will use to address workforce shortages in the microelectronics industry here in the U.S.,” said RIT President David Munson. “Technology is driving unprecedented changes in the way we work. RIT is committed to fostering diversity and removing educational barriers for a new wave of highly-skilled workers, who will need to be analytical problem solvers with an ability to adapt to evolving career fields.”
    A copy of Schumer’s letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about the AFT project can be found here and about the RIT project can be found here.
    Schumer has an extensive record of championing workforce development efforts for Upstate NY, particularly to support the growth of the semiconductor industry and broader tech and manufacturing sectors. The senator recently announced a major $40 million from his CHIPS & Science Law as one of only 12 Tech Hub award winners for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region. This includes major funding for workforce training initiatives to close gaps in upskilling, hiring, and retention, especially for populations that have been historically excluded from tech and manufacturing-related job opportunities. Earlier this year, Schumer also announced that after his advocacy, a major $6 million federal investment by the U.S. Department of Labor was made for the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) to expand Registered Apprenticeships for advanced manufacturing, including the semiconductor industry, to get workers the skills they need for these highly in-demand, good-paying jobs.
    Last year, Schumer also announced $5 million in DoD funding for Syracuse University and partners to expand microelectronics workforce training and connect job seekers with defense manufacturing and tech employers, as well as $2 million in DOL funding for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties and Mohawk Valley Community College to boost technical training. Schumer also secured $2 million for MVCC to create a new state-of-the-art semiconductor-and-advanced-manufacturing training center. Additionally, Schumer brought NSF Director Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan to Syracuse to meet with key stakeholders and see with his own eyes how Central New York is primed to be a global manufacturing hub and discuss how federal STEM training investment could support this effort.
    In addition, Schumer just last week announced $30 million in Department of Defense funding for the New York-based Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH) to boost semiconductor and other cutting-edge tech research & development and workforce training at Upstate NY universities and research institutions. This funding comes from the $2 billion CHIPS for America Defense Fund which Schumer helped establish in his CHIPS & Science Law, and helped secure Upstate NY’s spot in competing for as one of the first Microelectronic Commons Hubs last year, and will put Upstate NY at the forefront of cutting-edge tech R&D for the defense industry leading the future of this technology for America’s national security.
    Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York with support of an over $6 billion preliminary CHIPS agreement. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region, with support of $1.5 billion preliminary CHIPS agreement. Wolfspeed has opened the first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world in the Mohawk Valley, with plans to further expand their operations. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand their facilities in Onondaga County, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest over $50 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants, and following Schumer’s advocacy, Edwards Vacuum has announced a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Western New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colombia: ICITAP Conducts Training Exclusively for Judicial Experts in ¨Communication of the Expert During the Criminal Proceeding”

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    On July 2, the ICITAP-Colombia mission provided an update on its assistance to the criminal justice system. With funding and support from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), ICITAP sponsored the participation of nineteen officials from the Colombian National Police (CNP) the Attorney General´s Office (AGO) and the National Institute of Legal Medicine (LM). During the training, participants prepared their expert report collaborating along with the prosecutor, to prepare for their testimony as experts during a mock hearing exercise of an oral trial. During the preparation stage, participants increased their communication skills utilizing logical reasoning and how to prepare demonstrative evidence by means of illustrations, drawings, and flowcharts to present the results of their expert opinions. During the mock oral hearing in front of a judge, participants experienced the interrogation phase, cross-examination, redirect and clarifications, from which they received feedback from judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and their colleagues. All participants were recorded during their hearing and at the end, they were presented with their recorded video for constructive feedback from their peers, attorneys, and the judge. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexico: ICITAP Holds Closing Ceremony for Forensic Leadership Workshop

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    On July 9, the ICITAP-Mexico virtually held the closing ceremony for the 4th yearly iteration of the Forensic Leadership and Management Workshop. In attendance was the ICITAP Director, who gave final remarks as well as ICITAP’s Senior Forensic Advisor Elizabeth Marso and ICITAP-Mexico’s Law Enforcement Assistance Attaché. This year there were approximately 40 participants including lab directors, quality managers, liaisons, and technical leaders in forensics from Mexico, Costa Rica, Panamá, Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala. The objective of the course is for participants to enhance problem-solving skills of forensic scientists in leadership roles for those having leadership positions in forensic laboratories. The workshop was held virtually once a week for 12 sessions on topics such as leadership, ethics, communication, motivation, intergenerational and intercultural conflict, improving processes, decision making and risk management. In order to maintain the culture of quality within the laboratories it is important that leadership stays up to date on their skills and abilities which in turn promotes sustainability of forensic services in Mexico, Central America and Colombia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pakistan: ICITAP Delivers Lecture at National Police Academy of New Police Officers, Undergoing Assistant Superintendents of Police Training

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    On July 29, ICITAP-Pakistan’s Mission Advisor conducted a four-hour guest lecture in money laundering for new police officers undergoing training to become Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP). While this training occurred in Islamabad, the eighteen officers who attended are highly educated men and women from many different regions of Pakistan. These officers had previously passed a rigorous, highly competitive civil service examination that qualified them as Police Services of Pakistan (PSPs). As each of them advance in their careers, they will assume executive management ranks within the police of Pakistan.  As a result of this lecture, which was well received by the attendees and NPA administrators, ICITAP was offered the full use of the National Police Academy and was petitioned to conduct multiple, full five-day versions of this training to seasoned field officers, as future in-service training. In Pakistan, ICITAP works with the support of and in coordination with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Uzbekistan: ICITAP Commences Development of Counter Terrorism Investigators and Managers Courses with Law Enforcement Academy of Uzbekistan

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    On July 22, ICITAP commenced its training development engagement with the Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) of Uzbekistan jointly with the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office of the British Government. This engagement will facilitate the long-term sustainability of counter-terrorism related teachings across agencies and institutions within Uzbekistan. The joint training development team consisting of individuals from the US, UK, and the LEA will work together for a three-week period reviewing existing materials, course structures, accreditation opportunities and incorporating human rights teachings to support an enhanced ability to investigate and manage counter-terrorism investigations and prosecutions. During the engagement the team will visit the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in Indonesia to engage with staff and representatives from the National Police Academy. They will have the opportunity to observe a course designed to support the development of female law enforcers in the field of counter-terrorism surveillance techniques. The visit to JCLEC will enable the team to witness how counter-terrorism related training is being delivered effectively within Southeast Asia and serve as a point of reference for course structure and content. At the conclusion of this initial period of development the training team will structure counter-terrorism courses for delivery to academics, prosecutors, and frontline enforcement assets. Following agreement across the team on content and structure CT-DOJ/ICITAP will work with institutions in the US and UK to seek accreditation opportunities. This process will assist with long-term capacitation in country and encourage enhanced intelligence-sharing practices due to the developed abilities to handle intelligence and information accordingly. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: ASIRT investigations concluded on four files

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    On Oct. 29, 2020, pursuant to Sec. 46.1 of the Police Act, ASIRT was directed to investigate an injury that occurred during an arrest by Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers earlier that day.

    The assistant executive director’s full report can be accessed online.

    On Nov.16, 2020, ASIRT was directed to investigate an alleged assault causing bodily harm involving RCMP officers earlier that day.

    The executive director’s full report can be accessed online.

    On Jan. 22, 2021, ASIRT was directed to investigate an RCMP officer-involved shooting near Ardmore earlier that day.

    The assistant executive director’s full report can be accessed online.

    On May 5, 2023, ASIRT was directed to investigate a fatal EPS officer-involved shooting in Edmonton.

    The executive director’s full report can be accessed online.

    ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct. 

    This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Assault on inmate at Kent Institution

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    On May 3, 2024, an inmate was assaulted at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal facility.

    May 9, 2024 – Agassiz, British Columbia – Correctional Service Canada

    On May 3, 2024, an inmate was assaulted at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal facility.

    The injured person was assessed by staff and transported to an outside hospital for treatment and has since returned to the facility.

    The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Agassiz Detachment and the institution are currently investigating the incident.

    The attackers were identified and appropriate action was taken.

    No staff or other inmates were injured in the incident.

    The safety of institutions, staff and the public remains the top priority for those responsible for federal correctional system operations.

    In order to improve practices designed to prevent this type of incident, the Correctional Service of Canada will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and take appropriate measures.

    Kim MacPhersonAssistant Director, Management ServicesKent Institution604-796-4417

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Boston arrests Mexican national charged with child sexual abuse material crime in Massachusetts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended an unlawfully present 40-year-old Mexican citizen charged with disorderly conduct, child pornography, and photographing, videotaping or electronically surveilling a partially nude or nude person. Officers with ERO Boston arrested Abraham Malpica Sept. 13 in Roxbury.

    “Abraham Malpica will have his day in court, but he stands accused of some deviant an disturbing behavior,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd. M. Lyons. “We cannot tolerate such a threat to the children of our Massachusetts neighborhoods. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from New England.”

    U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Malpica Aug. 8, 2002, after he unlawfully entered the United States near Benson, Arizona. USBP voluntarily returned him to Mexico.

    On Aug. 19, 2002 and Aug. 22, 2002, USBP arrested Malpica after he unlawfully reentered the United States near Calexico, California. USBP voluntarily returned Malpica to Mexico on both occasions.

    Malpica unlawfully reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    The Boston Police Department arrested Malpica Sept. 12. The next day, the Roxbury District Court arraigned Malpica on charges of disorderly conduct, child pornography, and photographing, videotaping or electronically surveilling a partially nude or nude person.

    On Sept. 13, ERO Boston lodged an immigration detainer against Malpica with the Boston Police Department. Later that day, officers from ERO Boston took custody of Malpica at the Roxbury District Court and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

    Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Because detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –