NewzIntel.com

Category: Law Enforcement

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Agencies Support Super Bowl LIX Security

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Continuing a 20+ Year Partnership, More Than 690 DHS Employees Work to Protect Estimated 73,000 Fans Attending the Big Game 

    WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to New Orleans this week to observe DHS security operations for Super Bowl LIX. More than 690 employees representing 12 DHS agencies are in New Orleans, providing air security resources; venue, cyber, and infrastructure security assessments; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives detection technologies; intelligence analysis and threat assessments; intellectual property enforcement; and real-time situational awareness reporting as part of a 20-year partnership with the National Football League and state and local law enforcement.

    “Around 100,000 people will be celebrating the Super Bowl in and around the Superdome in New Orleans this weekend,” said Secretary Noem. “We will give law enforcement every resource they need to ensure a safe event. Thank you to our partners, Governor Landry, Mayor Cantrell and the New Orleans Police Department. If you see something, say something!”

    “Since day one, we have stood steadfast in our mission: to protect what matters most,” said Eric DeLaune, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Special Agent in Charge and lead federal coordinator for Super Bowl LIX. “From securing critical infrastructure to providing real-time threat analysis, we are committed to safeguarding our communities. With over 690 DHS personnel deployed, we bring cutting-edge security resources and technologies to ensure every aspect of this event is protected.” 

    DHS has assessed this year’s Super Bowl as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event. For more information, visit the SEAR Fact Sheet webpage. Although no specific, credible threats related to this year’s game have been identified, the U.S. remains in a heightened threat environment, as evidenced by the recent terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.

    DHS security efforts for Super Bowl LIX include the following:

    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP): Air and Marine Operations (AMO) will enforce temporary flight restrictions around Caesars Superdome, providing “eye in the sky” intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flight operations in and around key venues, including the Superdome, airport, Bourbon Street and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Additionally, CBP will provide video surveillance capabilities and non-intrusive inspections by scanning the cargo entering the stadium for contraband such as narcotics, weapons, and explosives. CBP will also work to intercept counterfeit NFL merchandise such as NFL jerseys, championship rings, T-shirts, caps and all sorts of souvenirs and memorabilia, which are often used to fund criminal organizations.
    • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): An HSI Special Response Team is standing by to provide interior stadium tactical support, and HSI’s special agents will support will also CBP, local law enforcement agencies, and other private partners in identifying an investigating any flea markets, retail outlets, street vendors and online marketplaces selling counterfeit goods during the week leading up to the Super Bowl to protect consumers, who are expected to spend over $16.5 billion nationwide. HSI will also oversee the coordination of DHS assets with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure essential public safety measures and resources are in the right place, at the right time. 
    • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): On Super Bowl Sunday, CISA will also deploy advisors and emergency communications coordinators to support local law enforcement, emergency responders, and private partners in New Orleans. Ahead of the event, the agency conducted physical and cybersecurity vulnerability assessments, planning exercises, and bomb safety workshops with state and local partners. 
    • Office of Intelligence &Analysis (I&A): I&A worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assess the threat landscape leading up to the Super Bowl, including sharing timely and actionable information and intelligence with their state and local partners.
    • Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD): CWMD provided surge support from its Mobile Detection Deployment Program and its BioWatch program in coordination with the City of New Orleans.
    • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): USCG Pacific Strike Team is supporting the Mobile Detection Deployment Program to bolster DHS’s ability to detect and interdict chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, and Canine Explosive Detection teams will support the safety and security of the event.
    • Transportation Security Administration (TSA): A TSA Supervisory Federal Air Marshal will staff the Fusion Watch Center during the event, and will use its National Deployment Force to increase the number of transportation security officers working at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to screen the increased number of departing passengers after the Super Bowl. TSA’s explosive detection canines and Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams will also work during Super Bowl week events at key venues.
    • Science & Technology Directorate (S&T): S&T will deploy easy-to assemble, expandable security barriers that can be installed quickly to provide critical asset protection and intrusion prevention.
    • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA will help keep fans safe by providing communication tools for state and local responders.
    • DHS Blue Campaign: This public awareness campaign is disseminating digital and out-of-home advertising in the New Orleans area to raise human trafficking awareness among visitors, local residents, and those working in industries, such as hotels, hospitality, and transportation, where frontline employees are more likely to be in a position to identify and report human trafficking. The campaign’s Blue Lightning Initiative is also partnering with Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to raise awareness and train staff to recognize and report human trafficking.

    DHS reminds the public that “If You See Something, Say Something®” is more than a slogan. It is a call to action to report suspicious terrorism-related activity. Follow DHS’s security efforts on X: @DHSgov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas of the March 3, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, straight‑line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 24-27, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Craighead, Crawford, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Izard, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Newton, Randolph, Searcy, Sharp, Stone and Washington in Arkansas as well as the counties of Barry, Dunklin, Howell, McDonald, Oregon, Ozark, Ripley and Taney in Missouri and Adair and Delaware counties in Oklahoma.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 3.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Durbin Announce Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today announced the establishment, leadership and membership of Senate Judiciary Subcommittees for the 119th Congress.

    “The Senate Judiciary Committee’s broad jurisdiction tasks us with important responsibilities, such as safeguarding Americans and our border, empowering consumers, pursuing justice against criminal offenders, vetting nominees to the federal judiciary and upholding the founding principles of our Constitution,” Grassley said. “Our work impacts nearly every aspect of Americans’ daily life. We have a strong roster of committee members, and I look forward to delivering for the American people this Congress.”

    “The Senate Judiciary Committee is arguably the workhorse of Senate committees. The list of historic hearings held before it is long and filled with memorable testimony,” Durbin said. “These are consequential times, but we have a talented group of Democratic members, and I look forward to them leading the national debate on the critical issues we face.”

    Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chair             Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                       Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                       Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                           Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)                    Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)

    Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chair    Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)               Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                        Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                      Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                    Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                          Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    Subcommittee on the Constitution

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo), Chair        Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                  Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                         Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                        Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                      Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                     Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)         

    Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Chair       Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)              Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                  Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                       Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)         Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)

    Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair          Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)               Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                         Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                      Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                    Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)

    Subcommittee on Intellectual Property

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chair         Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                          Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)          Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)                      Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                           Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chair Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)                 Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                    Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                       Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                      Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Most Aucklanders continue to rate their quality of life highly

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland’s topline results for the 2024 Rangahau te Korou o te Ora / Quality of Life Survey have been released, showing 75 per cent of Aucklanders rate their overall quality of life positively.

    The survey, which is undertaken every two years, is a collaborative local government research project that collects data on a range of current and topical issues relevant to residents’ wellbeing in urban New Zealand.

    Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee chair, Councillor Richard Hills says he is pleased to see from the latest survey results that most Aucklanders have a strong sense of connection and support in their daily lives.

    “The results show in part, that the work council does with Auckland communities makes a difference and can help people to thrive. These results are helpful in shaping how we plan for the future to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes,” Cr Hills says.  
     
    “Although the results show there is always more work to do, it is fantastic to see that 72 per cent of Aucklanders think their local area is a great place to live. Auckland is a wonderful place, and we can be proud of where we call home.”

    Although reports of quality of life remain relatively high, there has been a decrease since 2022, when 82 per cent of Auckland respondents rated their quality of life positively.

    When asked to rate their quality of life compared with one year prior, 25 per cent said it had increased and 30 per cent said it had decreased.

    Reasons for a decline in perceptions of quality of life were largely driven by economic pressures, says Alison Reid, Team Manager, Social and Economic Research and Evaluation.

    “Of those Aucklanders who said their quality of life had decreased, more than two-thirds (67 per cent) said this was due to reduced financial wellbeing,” she says.

    Other findings reflected economic pressures on Aucklanders. Almost half (49 per cent) of those surveyed disagreed that their housing costs were affordable, one in five (22 per cent) said they did not have enough money to meet their everyday needs, and more than a third (37 per cent) said they often worried about their own or their family’s financial circumstances.

    Crime is another key concern raised in the survey, with many Auckland respondents rating theft and burglary (67 per cent), dangerous driving (64 per cent) and vandalism (58 per cent) as problems in their local area in the previous 12 months.  

    It’s not all bad news though, says Alison. “One in four Aucklanders said their quality of life had increased in the last year. Of that group nearly a third (32 per cent) reported that this was related to their health care and wellbeing. Improved financial wellbeing (26 per cent), lifestyle (23 per cent) and work-related factors (23 per cent) also featured.”

    Sixty-eight per cent of Auckland respondents rated both their physical and mental health positively. Most feel they have people in their lives they can call on if they need practical or emotional support (86 per cent and 85 per cent, respectively).

    Most Aucklanders (72 per cent) also agreed that their local area is a great place to live, and more than half (57 per cent) agreed that they are happy with the way their local area looks and feels.

    The results will be used by the council to help plan for the future and to monitor economic, social and environmental outcomes, such as outlined in the Auckland Plan 2050 and Ngā Hapori Momoho, our Thriving Communities Strategy.

    Read the full Topline Report on the Quality of Life website. 

    About the survey 

    • The Quality of Life survey is a collaborative local government research project. Several councils participated in this year’s survey including Auckland Council, Hamilton, Tauranga,  Porirua, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin City Councils, as well as Waikato Regional Council.  

    Most Auckland respondents feel they have people in their lives they can call on if they need practical or emotional support.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virginia Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Kidnapping and Murder

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Hezekiah Carney, 26, of Norfolk, Virginia, and Jayquan Jones, 22, of Richmond, Virginia, were each sentenced today to 38 years in prison for federal charges relating to the kidnapping and murder of a fellow Almighty Black P. Stone gang member. A total of four defendants have now been sentenced as part of the case.

    “The defendants assaulted and kidnapped a 25-year-old mother of two, drove her to a remote location, and murdered her by shooting her eight times,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Cold-blooded, senseless gang violence like this affects entire communities. Today’s sentencings underscore that protecting our communities from violent criminals is a top Department priority. I applaud the tremendous work of all our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, who made securing these significant sentences possible.”

    “This act of wanton violence exemplifies the senseless brutality we associate with organized gangs and emphasizes the importance of eradicating them from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The investigation and prosecution that brought these defendants to justice were successful because of the vital partnerships built with our law enforcement partners working together toward our common goal of public safety.”

    “When gang members resort to kidnapping and murder, they leave behind shattered lives and communities in fear,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentencing should send a message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding dangerous criminals accountable, protecting innocent lives and ensuring our neighborhoods are safe from violence.”

    “Today’s sentencing marks another significant step towards justice for the victim, her family and the community. While no sentence can ever undo the pain caused by this tragic crime, we hope this outcome brings forth an amount of closure” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division. “The ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners as we protect our community and ensure those that commit violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents, in the early morning hours of May 6, 2023, Carney, along with co-defendants Jamica Langley, 25, of Richmond; Donnisha Goodman, 27, of Portsmouth, Virginia; and Acacia Jackson, 20, of New York, traveled to the victim’s residence in Richmond to beat her for a perceived gang infraction.

    The group left the apartment after beating the victim. About an hour later, Goodman, Jackson, Carney, and Langley returned to the victim’s apartment with fellow gang member Jones. Some of them were armed and wearing masks.

    The defendants forced the victim into a Hyundai Sonata and drove her approximately an hour east of Richmond to a remote area in York County, Virginia. After forcing the victim from the vehicle, Jones and Goodman executed her by shooting her at least eight times to the head, abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs.

    Upon returning to Portsmouth after the murder, Carney, the leader of the gang, directed Goodman, Jackson, and Langley to burn their clothing, stay together, and not to speak with law enforcement.

    The day after the murder, on May 7, 2023, the Norfolk Police Department located the Sonata with Jackson, Goodman, and Langley in the car. From the car, police recovered a 9mm cartridge that displayed the same markings as casings found at the murder scene.

    On Aug. 29, 2024, Carney, Goodman, and Jones pleaded guilty to using a firearm causing death, and Langley and Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit kidnapping. On Jan. 7, Goodman was sentenced to 35 years in prison and Langley was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13.

    The FBI, ATF, and state and local law enforcement partners investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Mack Coleman for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Folsom Man Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Marcus Taslim, 70, of Folsom, pleaded guilty today to visa fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Taslim brought Person 1 to the United States from Indonesia in December 2018 to provide caregiving services for his mother, but he obtained a nonimmigrant visa for Person 1 through lies and false statements. Taslim secured this visa by falsely representing to a consular officer that Person 1’s length of stay in the United States would only be one month, that she would be paid minimum and overtime wages under the laws of the State of California, that she would be paid bi-weekly and in full, and that he had paid Person 1’s one-month salary in advance.

    Taslim knew these statements to the consular officer were not true. For example, although Taslim paid Person 1 what looked like one month of salary in advance, as soon as the consular officer received proof of that payment, Taslim ordered Person 1 to withdraw that money and give it back to Taslim, which she did. Then, once in the United States, Person 1 worked for Taslim for about six months. She typically worked seven days a week, beginning work as early as 5 or 6 a.m. and ending at about 8 or 9 p.m. Taslim paid Person 1 far less than minimum wage, did not pay her bi-weekly and in full, and also confiscated her passport so she could not run away. Person 1 was only able to leave in June 2019, following intercession from the Folsom Police Department.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service’s San Francisco Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot C. Wong is prosecuting the case.

    Taslim is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2025, by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb. Taslim faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Willimantic Man Who Stole 38 Guns from Newington Store Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KWITZPATRICK DUFFANY, 37, formerly of Willimantic, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to firearm and drug offenses stemming from his theft of 38 firearms from a Newington gun store in 2023.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2023, during non-business hours, Duffany entered Hoffman’s Gun Store in Newington by climbing onto the balcony over the main entrance, cutting into the siding with a knife, and dropping down from the ceiling.  Surveillance footage showed Duffany walking through the store and filling duffel bags with 38 guns.  He then exited the store through the same hole.  After stealing the guns, Duffany and two other individuals traveled to Hartford where Duffany traded several of the stolen guns for cash and drugs.  In the following days, Duffany sold most of the remaining guns in exchange for cash and narcotics, or he provided guns to other individuals to sell.

    Duffany was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Ashford in the early morning of June 1, 2023.  Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station showed Duffany hiding a satchel in a soda display case shortly before his arrest.  Investigators recovered the satchel and found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun and drugs inside the bag.  The gun had been stolen from Hoffman’s Gun Store.

    Duffany pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a licensee, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 28.

    Duffany has been detained since his arrest.

    This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Newington Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Willimantic Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Britain for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Contractor Convicted Of Sexual Assault Of Co-Worker At Palo Alto VA Hospital

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JOSE – A federal jury convicted a Palo Alto man for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse by fear, and making false statements to a federal agent during an investigation.  The jury reached its verdict late in the evening on Jan. 31, 2025, following a three-week trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila.

    Onofre Salas-Lozano, 42, worked as a night supervisor for the janitorial services contractor that cleaned the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital.  According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Salas-Lozano isolated and trapped the victim in a patient exam room at the hospital late at night on July 2, 2021, and forced her to engage in sexual activity.  The victim suffered traumatic tissue injury during the assault, and DNA analysis confirmed the presence of Salas-Lozano’s sperm in the victim’s underwear.  At the time of the incident, Salas-Lozano was the victim’s direct supervisor.  

    The jury also found that Salas-Lozano lied to a VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) special agent during a subsequent investigative interview when he denied having sexual intercourse with the victim on July 2, 2021, or at any other time.  At trial, the defendant testified and claimed to have had consensual sex with the victim at some other time and denied making a false statement.  

    “Salas-Lozano used his position as a supervisor to sexually assault a fellow employee.  Federal law enforcement will do all it can to secure justice for any victim of sexual assault,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.  “This jury verdict ensures that the Salas-Lozano will now face severe consequences for his despicable acts.”

    “The verdict sends a clear message that the VA OIG remains dedicated to holding those who commit an act of violence at a VA facility accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful for the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek justice for the victim.”

    Salas-Lozano is scheduled to appear in court today to set a date for sentencing.  He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison on each count of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse by fear, and a maximum penalty of eight years in prison on the count of materially false statement in a federal investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Harris and Christoffer Lee are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Susan Kreider, Sahib Kaur, Mimi Lam, and Fernanda Gonzalez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by VA OIG, with significant assistance from the VA Police Service. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Indict Two Individuals in Human Trafficking Case Involving Minor Victims Following APD Investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – Two individuals are facing federal human trafficking charges for allegedly forcing two minor girls, ages 14 and 15, into prostitution.

    The indictment alleges that from December 29, 2024, to January 3, 2025, Roderick Bill Norseweather, 25, and Tajahnae Johnson, 21, knowingly recruited two minors for commercial sex acts, using force, threats, fraud, and coercion.

    Norseweather and Johnson are accused of transporting the minors, both under 18 years old, across state lines with the intent that they engage in prostitution. Specifically, they are charged with two counts each of sex trafficking of minors and transportation of minors for illegal sexual activity.

    Norseweather and Johnson will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Norseweather and Johnson each face no less than 15 years and up to life in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Trembley is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Group Indicted for Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property Conspiracy

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DEATHONY BLOCKER, age 38, JAMES BLOCKER, age 37, JOVAN COLLINS, age 34 (“COLLINS”), LORENZO TAYLOR, age 39 (“TAYLOR”), NEMIRAH DAVIDSON, age 38 (“DAVIDSON”), and PATRICK GARLAND, age 39 (“GARLAND”), residents of California, were charged on January 30, 2025 in a two-count indictment for conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods,  in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and interstate transportation of stolen goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2314, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

    According to the indictment, DEANTHONY BLOCKER, JAMES BLOCKER, COLLINS, TAYLOR, DAVIDSON, and GARLAND conspired to transport thousands of cartons of cigarettes interstate, that were stolen from warehousing facilities in Georgia, North Carolina, and Louisiana. The group cut through fences surrounding the facilities, using bolt cutters and crowbars to access the cigarette cartons.

    If convicted of Count 1, the defendants  face up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  As to Count 2, the defendants face up to 10 years of imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,  Firearms, and Explosives, the  Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office, the Knightdale Police Department, the Atlanta Police Department, the Rockmart Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Fort Stockton Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Kidnapping and Murder

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    Hezekiah Carney, 26, of Norfolk, Virginia, and Jayquan Jones, 22, of Richmond, Virginia, were each sentenced today to 38 years in prison for federal charges relating to the kidnapping and murder of a fellow Almighty Black P. Stone gang member. A total of four defendants have now been sentenced as part of the case.

    “The defendants assaulted and kidnapped a 25-year-old mother of two, drove her to a remote location, and murdered her by shooting her eight times,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Cold-blooded, senseless gang violence like this affects entire communities. Today’s sentencings underscore that protecting our communities from violent criminals is a top Department priority. I applaud the tremendous work of all our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, who made securing these significant sentences possible.”

    “This act of wanton violence exemplifies the senseless brutality we associate with organized gangs and emphasizes the importance of eradicating them from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The investigation and prosecution that brought these defendants to justice were successful because of the vital partnerships built with our law enforcement partners working together toward our common goal of public safety.”

    “When gang members resort to kidnapping and murder, they leave behind shattered lives and communities in fear,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentencing should send a message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding dangerous criminals accountable, protecting innocent lives and ensuring our neighborhoods are safe from violence.”

    “Today’s sentencing marks another significant step towards justice for the victim, her family and the community. While no sentence can ever undo the pain caused by this tragic crime, we hope this outcome brings forth an amount of closure” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division. “The ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners as we protect our community and ensure those that commit violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents, in the early morning hours of May 6, 2023, Carney, along with co-defendants Jamica Langley, 25, of Richmond; Donnisha Goodman, 27, of Portsmouth, Virginia; and Acacia Jackson, 20, of New York, traveled to the victim’s residence in Richmond to beat her for a perceived gang infraction.

    The group left the apartment after beating the victim. About an hour later, Goodman, Jackson, Carney, and Langley returned to the victim’s apartment with fellow gang member Jones. Some of them were armed and wearing masks.

    The defendants forced the victim into a Hyundai Sonata and drove her approximately an hour east of Richmond to a remote area in York County, Virginia. After forcing the victim from the vehicle, Jones and Goodman executed her by shooting her at least eight times to the head, abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs.

    Upon returning to Portsmouth after the murder, Carney, the leader of the gang, directed Goodman, Jackson, and Langley to burn their clothing, stay together, and not to speak with law enforcement.

    The day after the murder, on May 7, 2023, the Norfolk Police Department located the Sonata with Jackson, Goodman, and Langley in the car. From the car, police recovered a 9mm cartridge that displayed the same markings as casings found at the murder scene.

    On Aug. 29, 2024, Carney, Goodman, and Jones pleaded guilty to using a firearm causing death, and Langley and Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit kidnapping. On Jan. 7, Goodman was sentenced to 35 years in prison and Langley was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13.

    The FBI, ATF, and state and local law enforcement partners investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Mack Coleman for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17M Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17M Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACCC sweep uncovers concerning online shopping return policies and terms and conditions

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The ACCC has conducted a sweep of more than two thousand Australian retail websites and has found some businesses using terms and conditions that may contravene the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

    As part of this sweep, business’ return policies and website terms and conditions were reviewed, some of which raised concerns as being potentially misleading for consumers.

    “Our sweep has found numerous examples of practices that could potentially mislead or deceive consumers regarding their rights to exchange, refund or return a product,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “Under the Australian Consumer Law consumers have basic rights when buying products and services, known as consumer guarantees. These rights are separate from any warranties offered by a business and cannot be taken away by anything a business says or does.”

    The sweep identified several potentially misleading statements in the terms and conditions of a number of the websites reviewed, including:

    • imposing time-limits for returning a faulty product;
    • imposing blanket ‘no refund’ conditions on sales or specialised items;
    • referring to manufacturer warranties as the only avenue for consumers to claim remedies for faulty goods, and;
    • placing restrictions on consumers’ right to a remedy, including stating that delivery fees paid for faulty items were non-refundable and charging restocking fees if customers returned faulty items.

    Problematic statements found during the sweep included:

    • “Items that have been opened and used cannot be exchanged or refunded”;
    • “Made to order products cannot be returned”;
    • “Sale items cannot be returned, exchanged or refunded” and;
    • “In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged or faulty, please notify the store within 30 days of delivery to receive a replacement”.

    As a result of the sweep’s findings, the ACCC sent warning letters to several businesses whose returns policies or terms and conditions raised concerns under the ACL.

    “Our action led to the majority of businesses changing or removing concerning statements from their websites and improving consumer guarantee messages to consumers,” Ms Lowe said.

    “While we did identify some concerning practices during this sweep, we were pleased to find that many websites had information that advised consumers of their consumer guarantee rights under the Australian Consumer Law.”

    Under the ACL, businesses should not be making statements, written or verbally, to the following effect about faulty products:

    • No refunds are permitted under any circumstances;
    • No refunds are provided for sale or specialised items;
    • To be eligible for a refund, the consumer has a limited timeframe, from receipt of the good, to return the product;
    • Returns will be subject to a processing, restocking or repair fee;
    • No refunds are provided for opened or used items under any circumstances;
    • Delivery fees are non-refundable;
    • Customers must pay for delivery for returned items.

    “The ACCC is committed to improving business compliance with consumer guarantees and will continue to actively monitor this area, and where appropriate, take enforcement action,” Ms Lowe said.

    “We encourage all businesses to review their return policies and terms and conditions to ensure they comply with the law.”

    Consumers should report any potentially misleading or deceiving statements to the ACCC: Report a consumer issue

    Notes for editors:

    There are nine consumer guarantees that apply to products. They include guarantees that a product sold to a consumer must be of acceptable quality, fit for any stated purpose, and match its description.

    The three consumer guarantees that apply to services are that businesses must provide them using reasonable care and skill, they must be fit for any stated purpose, and they must be supplied within a reasonable time where the time is not otherwise agreed between the consumer and the business.

    Businesses may offer other warranties, but these are extra promises that a business can choose to make in addition to the consumer guarantees. A warranty cannot replace, change or take away a consumer’s basic legal rights.

    Depending on the nature of the problem, remedies can include a refund, a repair or replacement and/or compensation for reasonably foreseeable loss or damage caused by the failure to meet the consumer guarantee.

    Consumer guarantees do not apply if the consumer simply changed their mind, found the product cheaper somewhere else, or decided they no longer liked it or had no use for it. Consumer guarantees also do not apply if a consumer misused the product in a way that caused the problem.

    The ACCC has been advocating for law reform to the consumer guarantees provisions, and welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to work with state and territory consumer affairs ministers to design proposed civil prohibitions and penalties for breaches of the consumer guarantee and supplier indemnification provisions of the ACL. This would introduce penalties for:

    • businesses which fail to provide a remedy for consumer guarantees failures, when they are legally required to do so under the consumer guarantees, and
    • manufacturers which fail to reimburse suppliers for consumer guarantees failures for which the manufacturers are responsible.

    These amendments would significantly change business incentives to comply with their consumer guarantee obligations under the ACL, as well as more effectively supporting consumers in securing their statutory consumer guarantee rights.

    Background

    The ACCC conducted a sweep of retail websites operating in Australia. The ACCC then reviewed statements to assess whether the statement sought to restrict consumers’ consumer guarantee rights, and if so whether any further action was warranted, having regard to the size of the business, additional context on the website surrounding the statement, and consumer reports about those businesses.

    As a result, numerous website statements that raised concerns under the ACL were identified. The ACCC subsequently sent warning letters to several businesses to notify them of our concerns, educate them on their obligations under the ACL, and improve compliance with the ACL.

    Improving industry compliance with consumer guarantees is one of the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities and has been a priority for a number of years. In 2024/25, the ACCC is particularly focused on consumer guarantees relating to consumer electronics and targeting misconduct by retailers in connection with delivery timeframes.

    In November 2024, furniture and homewares retailer Koala & Tree Pty Ltd, trading as Koala Living, paid penalties of $56,340 after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for making false or misleading statements about consumers’ rights to remedies for faulty products, including for representing that a consumer’s right to seek remedies for faulty products was limited to 72 hours.

    In March 2024, the ACCC instituted Federal Court proceedings against Mosaic Brands Limited for allegedly misrepresenting consumer guarantee rights in the terms and conditions published on eight of its brands websites and making false or misleading representations to consumers about delivery times.

    In February 2024, the Federal Court ordered Mazda Australia Pty Ltd to pay $11.5 million in penalties for engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct and making false or misleading representations to nine consumers about their consumer guarantee rights.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea from Dulce Man in Domestic Violence Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man pleaded guilty to two counts of assault of an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating.

    According to court documents, Chalmers Dedios, 32, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Indian Tribe, admitted to assaulting Jane Doe twice in February 2024, including strangling her to unconsciousness.

    At sentencing, Dedios faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by three years supervised release.

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

    The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 28, 2025, CURTIS SQUIRE (“SQUIRE”), age 27, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). SQUIRE faces up to fifteen years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    On February 25, 2024, members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) were executed an arrest warrant for SQUIRE.  On February 25,2024, officers located and surrounded SQUIRE’s New Orleans  residence. After SQUIRE exited the residence, NOPD officers searched the house and recovered a Glock Model 23C, .40 caliber pistol, containing a large capacity magazine, and 20 live .40 caliber rounds.

    Prior to his possession of this firearm, SQUIRE had been convicted of crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of one year.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: After Weeks Of Paying For Knicks Games And Episodes Of Judy Justice Without Being Able To Watch, Murphy, Ryan Introduce The “Stop Sports Blackouts Act” To Force Cable Companies To Refund Customers For TV Blackouts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 03, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) introduced the Stop Sports Blackouts Act, legislation that would make cable companies refund customers who aren’t able to watch the channels they already pay for during television blackouts. For over four weeks, due to a dispute between Optimum and MSG Network, over a million customers in the Tri-State area have been unable to watch the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils, while a separate blackout left Optimum customers unable to watch Judy Justice and local news for over 10 days. Tens of millions of Americans per year are victim to blackouts – with no requirement that they receive compensation.

    “Blackouts are a slap in the face to every customer paying their hard-earned money for TV shows they can’t even watch,” said Murphy. “It’s ridiculous the rest of us get stuck in the crossfire of negotiations between cable and broadcast companies. Our bill is simple: if cable companies can’t provide the service you’re paying for, they owe you a refund.”

    “It’s outrageous that millions of folks couldn’t watch the Knicks, Judy Justice, or dozens of other programs for weeks because of blackouts. And it’s even more ridiculous that we’re all still paying for the right to stare at black screens! I don’t see why this is even a debate – cable companies simply should not be able to advertise and charge for services they are not providing,” said Ryan. “On behalf of fans across the country, we’re putting down a marker: everyone will get their money back when a blackout stops them from watching TV, no questions asked. That means dollars back in your pockets, and, equally importantly, it provides a hell of an incentive to these billion dollar corporations to make sure these blackouts don’t happen in the future. They have teams of lobbyists looking out for them – I’m introducing this legislation because I fight for YOU.”

    This type of TV blackout occurs when distributors, including cable and satellite TV companies, are unable to reach an agreement with broadcasters over the rights to distribute their content. Until an agreement is reached, subscribers are unable to view the content they had paid for as part of their cable or satellite package.

    On January 1, 2025, Optimum and MSG Network announced that they were unable to renew their distribution agreement, leaving subscribers unable to watch NBA and NHL games in the middle of the season. On January 10, Optimum subscribers were subjected to an additional blackout when the company announced it had failed to come to an agreement with Nexstar Media, which owns WTNH, the syndication rights to popular show “Judy Justice,” starring Judge Judy Sheindlin, and the NewsNation network.

    The Stop Sports Blackouts Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission to require television distributors to provide rebates to subscribers for television blackouts that occur as a result of carriage disputes.

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Grassley-Klobuchar National Stalking Awareness Month Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of their resolution designating January as “National Stalking Awareness Month.” The bipartisan and bicameral effort aims to drive awareness of the dangers of stalking and encourage victims to seek help by reporting the crime. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) will introduce companion resolution in the House of Representatives. 

    “Far too many Americans have suffered physical and psychological trauma as a result of stalking. I’m glad to join my colleagues in raising awareness of this terrible crime and highlighting the essential work of advocates, law enforcement and service workers who support victims and survivors,” Grassley said. 

    “As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the serious emotional and physical toll stalking can take on victims,” Klobuchar said. “Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness about the dangers of stalking, the need to protect victims, and the resources available to help survivors.” 

    “The severity of stalking cannot be understated – this dangerous and repugnant crime has resulted in severe physiological and physical trauma and it is imperative that we provide the necessary resources to protect victims from these heinous acts,” Fitzpatrick said. “Our bipartisan National Stalking Awareness Month resolution promotes awareness about stalking and recognizes the need to prevent this crime while continuing efforts to safeguard our communities from such threats.” 

    “Stalking is a serious crime that imparts unimaginable physical and psychological distress on its victims. No one should have to fear for their safety or for the safety of their loved ones, but it’s estimated over 13 million people are stalked in the United States every year. On top of this, we know stalking is a significant risk factor for intimate partner homicide,” Dingell said. “We recognize National Stalking Awareness Month to educate the public about the dangers of stalking, reaffirm our commitment to survivors, and continue working to identify new ways to keep communities safe.” 

    Read the resolution HERE. 

    Background:

    Approximately one in three women and one in six men in the U.S. have experienced stalking at some point in their lives. Iowans who suspect they may be victims of stalking should contact the?Crime Victims Assistance Division?of the Office of the Iowa Attorney General for resources and further assistance. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Castro Introduce Bill To Curb Firearms Trafficking From The United States To Mexican Drug Cartels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 03, 2025

    The Stop Arming Cartels Act would stem the “iron river” of firearms trafficking enabled by weak American gun laws

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, led the bicameral introduction of the Stop Arming Cartels Act.  The legislation is introduced as an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 American-made guns are trafficked into Mexico annually, largely attributable to unlicensed gun dealers, straw purchasers, and thefts from federal firearms licensees (FFLs).

    The bill would seek to stem this “iron river” of firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico, enabled by weak American gun laws and dangerous gun industry practices. The deadly stream of firearms trafficking exacerbates violence, enables cartels who smuggle migrants to our southern border, and facilitates the illicit trade of narcotics, including fentanyl, across the border back into the United States.  According to a 2021 study from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), 70 percent of crime guns recovered in Mexico from 2014-2018 and submitted for tracing were U.S.-sourced.

    “Our country’s lax gun laws have created a deadly, vicious cycle of firearms trafficking that’s riddled with violence and chaos, resulting in a consistent transfer of fentanyl across our border.  Our gun laws and gun industry practices fuel an iron river of firearms trafficking that supplies Mexican drug cartels and other criminal elements in the region, and it’s time to cut off the iron river at its source.  With the Stop Arming Cartels Act, we can disarm cartels and help prevent the violence, drug trafficking, and irregular migration associated with cartel power and violence at home and abroad,” said Durbin.

    “For years, Republicans have taken an increasingly brutal approach to immigration while refusing to address the role that U.S. guns play in fueling the violence and instability that force families to flee from their homes.  When I meet with leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean, their number one request is for the United States to stop the gun trafficking that originates within our borders.  In Mexico, in particular, high-caliber weapons smuggled from the United States have allowed cartels to shoot down police helicopters, attack military convoys, and undercut public faith in law and order.  The Stop Arming Cartels Act will make important progress to stem the deadly flow of guns from the United States and build stability across the globe.  I appreciate Senator Durbin’s leadership on this issue in the Senate, and I hope that our Republican colleagues will join us as we work to pass this lifesaving bill into law,” said Castro.

    Specifically, the Stop Arming Cartels Act would:

    • Prohibit future nongovernmental manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, or possession of .50 caliber rifles;
    • Regulate existing .50 caliber rifles under the National Firearms Act, with a fee waiver and 12-month grace period for registration on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record for those who lawfully possess them under current law;
    • Create an exception to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), allowing victims of gun violence to sue manufacturers and dealers who engage in firearm transactions prohibited under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (the “Kingpin Act”);
    • Prohibit the sale or transfer of firearms to individuals sanctioned under the Kingpin Act and add Kingpin Act designations to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); and
    • Require firearms dealers to report multiple sales of rifles to state and local law enforcement agencies, as they must currently do for handguns.

    The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The bill is endorsed by Brady United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, GIFFORDS, March for Our Lives, Global Exchange, Global Action on Gun Violence, Amnesty International, and People’s Movement for Peace and Justice.

    The introduction of the Stop Arming Cartels Act continues Durbin’s efforts to strengthen American gun laws and combat firearms trafficking from the United States abroad.  In June 2022, the Senate passed and President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence prevention reform in nearly three decades.  Among its many provisions, the law creates federal firearm straw purchasing and trafficking criminal offenses.

    In March 2022, the Senate passed the government funding bill that reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, including provisions from the NICS Denial Notification Act.  These provisions require federal law enforcement to promptly notify state law enforcement within hours when a person fails a gun background check.

    In 2019, Durbin urged the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to update its reports on efforts to combat firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala and expand the report to include El Salvador and Honduras.  The report revealed that 40 percent of firearms recovered in those countries and submitted for tracing from 2015-2019 came from the United States.  Based on the immense value of that report, Durbinjoined colleagues in 2023 to successfully press GAO to expand the study further to include the Caribbean.

    Bill text is available here. A one-page summary of the bill is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17M Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Discharging Labour’s redundant ram raid bill

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has agreed to discharge Labour’s redundant ram raid bill and instead focus on a more targeted response, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Minister for Children Karen Chhour say.

    “Ram raids dropped 60 per cent last year and we’re confident we’ll continue to see this decrease over time,” Mr Goldsmith says.

    “Our Government is more focused on creating faster, stronger, and more targeted responses to young people who repeatedly commit the most serious offences.”

    “The creation of a Young Serious Offender declaration will make available for these young people tools to address issues and help them, along with unlocking stronger powers for both the Youth Court and New Zealand Police,” Mrs Chhour says.

    “This Government is focused on restoring law and order, and that includes reducing youth crime, meaningfully. We are delivering new solutions involving intervention and rehabilitation – solutions to help these young people avoid cornering themselves into criminal life.

    “That includes the Military-Style Academy order we have established, which will focus on providing structure, addressing criminal behaviour, rehabilitation, and setting serious young offenders up for a life away from crime with education and preparation for work.

    “However, we are still progressing the elements of the Ram Raid Bill we think will make meaningful differences to respond to offending.

    “The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill will require the court to consider whether offending was livestreamed or posted online in a way that glorifies the offending when sentencing a young serious offender.”

    “Similarly, our sentencing reforms picked up the aggravating factors relating to adults encouraging or enabling young offenders to offend and the livestreaming or posting of offending online in a way which glorifies the offending,” Mr Goldsmith says.

    “This is all part of our work to ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029, alongside a 15 per cent reduction in serious repeat youth offending.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Intervenes in Lawsuit Challenging Approval of Betabel Commercial Development to Protect Tribal Cultural Resources

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today was granted intervention in a lawsuit challenging San Benito County’s approval of the Betabel Commercial Development. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General filed a petition in intervention alleging the County’s approval of the project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including CEQA’s requirement that the County consult with California Native American tribes and address impacts to tribal cultural resources that would be irreparably harmed by the project. Located on the ancestral lands of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, the proposed 108,425 square-foot commercial site would be situated within a tribal cultural landscape known as Juristac, which holds significant spiritual and historical value. The Attorney General’s petition in intervention requests the court to order the County to withdraw its existing Final EIR, reopen tribal consultation under requirements added to CEQA by Assembly Bill (AB) 52, fully analyze the project’s impacts on tribal cultural resources, and consider feasible mitigation requested by the Tribe. 

    “Ensuring that California Native American tribes are consulted about a project’s potential impacts to tribal cultural resources is crucial to support thriving tribal communities in the state,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s petition challenging the County’s decision to approve the Betabel project, without complying with its consultation obligations with the Tribe, seeks to address the potential irreparable harms to the cultural landscape and resources of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. Project development and proper tribal consultation under the law are not mutually exclusive, and we’re committed to helping local governments find a sustainable path forward. At the California Department of Justice, we’re dedicated to elevating the voices of California’s tribal communities in asserting their rights under the law concerning their ancestral lands.”

    CEQA includes important procedural requirements for public agencies to consult with tribes that are traditionally or culturally affiliated with a project site and analyze project impacts on tribal cultural resources during their environmental review process for a project. The statute recognizes the expertise and knowledge of California Native American tribes with regards to their tribal history, practices, and cultural resources, and upholds tribes’ rights to participate in and contribute their knowledge to CEQA’s environmental review process. Furthermore, CEQA requires that tribal consultation must be “meaningful and timely” so that tribal cultural resources can be identified, and culturally-appropriate mitigation and monitoring programs can be adopted by the lead agency.

    San Benito County rushed through its tribal consultation process such that it did not sufficiently consider or address impacts to tribal cultural resources.  As a result, several tribal cultural resources were not identified in the Draft EIR, and thus the impacts on those resources were not adequately analyzed or disclosed, and mitigation for those impacts was not considered by the decision-makers or the public. The County’s failure to meaningfully and timely consult with the Tribe and its failure to analyze and mitigate impacts to tribal cultural resources violated CEQA.

    The petition alleges the County violated CEQA because it failed to:

    • Analyze impacts to all tribal cultural resources in the Draft EIR and adopt mitigation specific to each of these resources in the Final EIR.
    • Begin consultation with the Tribe within 30 days of their request for consultation, as directed by the statute.
    • Consult on topics, such as recommended mitigation measures or significant impacts on tribal cultural resources, as requested by the Tribe and directed by the statute.

    The Attorney General originally sought to intervene in this lawsuit in San Benito County Superior Court in March 2023. But before the Court ruled on the Attorney General’s motion to intervene, it dismissed the lawsuit, finding that the Tribe and other petitioners in a related lawsuit had not met CEQA’s deadline for filing suit. The Tribe and other petitioners appealed that decision, and the Attorney General submitted an amicus brief in support of the appeal. The Sixth District Court of Appeal agreed with the Tribe and our Office that the lawsuit was timely. That decision sent the case back to the trial court and on December 31, 2024, the Court vacated its prior dismissal, restarting the litigation.

    California Attorney General Bonta is committed to protecting the rights of California’s tribal communities in the CEQA process. In July 2022, the Attorney General raised concerns regarding Riverside County’s analysis of a project’s tribal cultural resource impacts in a CEQA comment letter. In that comment letter, he urged the County to analyze impacts to tribal cultural resources with the same level of rigor as analyses of other environmental resources.  Also, the Attorney General filed amicus briefs in support of the Koi Nation in litigation against the City of Clearlake, first in October 2023 in the superior court and then in in July 2024 in the court of appeal. The amicus briefs argued that the City’s tribal consultation did not meet the statutory requirements. Also, the briefs argued that the City’s reliance solely on archaeological studies to identify and analyze impacts to tribal cultural resources was in error, and that the tribe’s cultural values must be considered when determining impacts and mitigation. The case is still pending before the court of appeal and oral argument has not yet been set. 

    A copy of the Attorney General’s motion to intervene, which includes the petition, is available here. The court’s minute order is available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police seek witnesses to Topuni crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are seeking witnesses to the events leading up to a crash on State Highway 1 near Topuni.

    Waitematā Road Policing is investigating after a milk tanker rolled on the busy major highway at around 10.15am on 3 February.

    Acting Inspector Warwick Stainton, acting Road Policing Manager, is calling on any witnesses to come forward.

    “Police are currently in the early stages of gathering evidence surrounding the circumstances of the crash, and what led to it happening,” he says.

    “It is very fortunate we are not dealing with a serious or fatal injury crash, and I acknowledge the public experienced significant delays while crews worked to clear the scene.”

    Police are aware some dashcam footage has been uploaded to social media since the crash occurred.

    “We would like to hear from that driver or any other witnesses to the crash, and I ask them to contact Police as soon as possible,” acting Inspector Stainton says.

    Please make contact with Police online, or call 105 using the reference number P061495687.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Congressional Budget Office’s Request for Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The Congressional Budget Office requests appropriations of $75.8 million for fiscal year 2026. Most of that amount—86.6 percent—would be for pay and benefits; 9.8 percent would be for information technology (IT); and 3.6 percent would be for training, expert consultant services, office supplies, and other items. The requested amount is an increase of $5.8 million, or 8.2 percent, above the annualized funding (at the 2024 level) under the continuing resolution currently in effect. (CBO’s request for fiscal year 2026 represents a 3 percent increase above its fiscal year 2025 request of $73.5 million.)

    Of the increase, 52 percent would primarily cover increases in current employees’ salaries and benefits and would enable CBO to expand its staff in key areas of Congressional interest. The remaining 48 percent would address increased costs to enhance the agency’s cybersecurity and IT infrastructure; such improvements are critical to protecting sensitive data and improving the agency’s computing power for analyzing complex data sets. CBO is prioritizing advancements in a security strategy called zero trust architecture, which requires verification before allowing access to any user or device.

    The requested budget is based on continued strong interest in CBO’s work from the Congressional leadership, committees, and Members. In 2024, CBO published about 1,100 cost estimates for legislation and devoted significant resources to analyzing the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159); the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-42); the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-47); and H.R. 8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. For those bills and many others, the agency also fulfilled thousands of requests for technical assistance. In addition, CBO prepared dozens of reports, many at the request of Chairs or Ranking Members of Congressional committees.

    CBO will provide many estimates and a large amount of technical assistance to the 119th Congress as lawmakers consider significant legislative initiatives. With additional resources, the agency could provide even more. Under a continuing resolution in 2025, CBO would maintain its staffing at 270 employees and focus on the highest priority current needs, including preparing cost estimates, providing technical assistance as the Congress crafts legislation, and analyzing the economic and dynamic budgetary effects of proposed policies. To take that approach, CBO would reduce expenditures elsewhere, by deferring hiring for some positions and deferring some activities, including not undertaking some longer-term improvements in its IT infrastructure.

    If CBO received its full funding request for fiscal year 2025 of $73.5 million, the agency would continue growing to meet the needs of the Congress—aiming to have a staff numbering 285 people. But because filling positions would take time, getting to that full complement might not be feasible in fiscal year 2025.

    The fiscal year 2026 request would allow CBO to grow to the 285 employees envisioned in the budget for fiscal year 2025. That number would allow the agency to better meet its responsibilities under the Congressional Budget Act. The request also would allow for IT enhancements, including some currently on hold while CBO is operating under a continuing resolution.

    Of the 15 additional staff members CBO would hire in 2026:

    • 9 would improve CBO’s capabilities to provide timely analysis of changes to health care programs, border security, credit programs (like student loans), and the U.S. population (particularly because of changes in immigration) and of dynamic policy effects (that is, determining how changes in fiscal policies would affect the economy and how those economic changes would, in turn, affect the federal budget);
    • 2 would enhance CBO’s responsiveness in producing cost estimates and providing technical assistance in the legislative process;
    • 1 would be an addition to the agency’s editing staff to enhance the readability and accessibility of CBO’s materials;
    • 1 would provide increased legal assistance;
    • 1 would enhance CBO’s IT security; and
    • 1 would boost outreach to Congressional staff and the press.

    CBO plans to use expert consultants more than it has in the past—enabling the agency to shift to the Congress’s key areas of focus more easily and to be more nimble in conducting facility management, work in IT, and financial management.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Heritage Commerce Corp and Heritage Bank of Commerce Announce Appointment of Janisha Sabnani as General Counsel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heritage Commerce Corp (NASDAQ: HTBK) (“Company”), parent company of Heritage Bank of Commerce (“Bank”), today announced the appointment of Janisha Sabnani as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company and the Bank. As General Counsel, Ms. Sabnani will report directly to Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) Robertson “Clay” Jones and will have primary responsibility for advising executive management, directors, and business unit executives on all legal and regulatory matters. With over fifteen years’ experience in financial services and private practice, Ms. Sabnani brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.

    “We are fortunate to have Janisha join us. Her diverse experience includes advising on public company reporting, capital markets activities, corporate governance, bank products, mergers and acquisitions, bank investments, regulatory matters, and compliance,” said CEO Clay Jones. “She is a great addition to our leadership team, and I believe that she will be instrumental in our future success.”

    Prior to joining Heritage Bank of Commerce, Ms. Sabnani held a progression of roles at First Republic Bank, culminating as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel & Assistant Secretary. Ms. Sabnani also spent several years in private practice as a corporate attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP. She also served in a variety of advisory and board roles in Northern California, including with The BASIC Fund and Martha Stoumen Wines. Ms. Sabnani holds a J.D. from the New York University School of Law, an M.B.A. from the New York University Leonard Stern School of Business, and a B.A. in Political Science and Mass Communications from the University of California, Berkeley.

    Heritage Commerce Corp, a bank holding company established in October 1997, is the parent company of Heritage Bank of Commerce, established in 1994 and headquartered in San Jose, CA with full-service branches in Danville, Fremont, Gilroy, Hollister, Livermore, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Oakland, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, Redwood City, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, San Rafael, and Walnut Creek. Heritage Bank of Commerce is an SBA Preferred Lender. Bay View Funding, a subsidiary of Heritage Bank of Commerce, is based in San Jose, CA and provides business-essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.heritagecommercecorp.com.

    Member FDIC

    For additional information, contact:
    Debbie Reuter
    EVP, Corporate Secretary
    Direct: (408) 494-4542
    Debbie.Reuter@herbank.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13889ac9-8482-4f87-9f86-a6a06b4dfe58

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Indicted for Distribution of Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 30, 2025, RICKEY SMITH (“SMITH”), age 46, was indicted for distribution of forty grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

    According to court records, on or about December 17, 2024, SMITH intended to distribute forty grams or more of fentanyl within the Eastern District of Louisiana.

    If convicted, SMITH faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to a maximum term of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Loaded Semi-Automatic Pistol

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  

    Tyrone Goforth, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for April 8, 2025. Goforth was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020.

    On July 31, 2020, officers responded to a call for a person with a gun at a bookstore in Roxbury, Mass. Goforth was inside the bookstore and fit the description of a man wearing a black shirt and olive pants. Goforth was found to be in possession of a Sig Sauer P938 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm ammunition. Due to a 2000 conviction in Suffolk Superior Court, Goforth is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Sentenced to Time Served for Illegal Re-Entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS – JUAN JOSE ARRIAGA-MORENO, a/k/a “Jaime Garcia Matamoros”, (“ARRIAGA-MORENO”), age 59, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  ARRIAGA-MORENO was sentenced to time served, 6 months imprisonment, and will be removed from the country by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  He has been in custody since August 29, 2024.

    According to court documents, on November 9, 2018, ARRIAGA-MORENO was removed from the country after being encountered by immigration and Customs Enforcement and determined to have no legal right to be in the United States.  On August 29, 2024, ARRIAGA-MORENO was again encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials  in Terrytown, La. without legal authorization.

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police acknowledge IPCA findings on use of force

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority over the use of force against a group of youths.

    On 26 September 2022, a fleeing driver event concluded on Murphys Road in Flat Bush.

    The stolen vehicle had earlier been detected in the Manukau area.

    The Authority were notified after footage of Police staff’s conduct emerged on social media.

    Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray says a thorough investigation was carried out into the incident.

    “One of the constables, Officer A, admitted to using excessive force to arrest one of the young people,” he says.

    “The constable was charged with common assault, pleaded guilty in court and was subsequently discharged without conviction.”

    The IPCA agreed with Police action taken around Officer A.

    Another constable, Officer B, was not charged after his actions on the day were assessed.

    The IPCA found Officer B’s actions in lifting and dragging one youth from the car to a safer location were reasonable in the circumstances.

    However, it found Officer B went on to use excessive force against the young person.

    Police acknowledge this finding.

    Superintendent Gray says: “Any situation immediately after fleeing driver incidents are very dynamic and can pose risk to all concerned.

    “Our staff make decisions every day about acting with urgency towards a situation while also keeping the safety of all top of mind.”

    An employment investigation was carried out into the matter, the outcomes of which are confidential given Police has privacy obligations to employees.

    Superintendent Gray says both constables remain members of Police.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamondback Energy, Inc. Announces Appointment to the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Travis Stice, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that effective February 3, 2025, the Company added Darin G. Holderness to the Board of Directors.

    Mr. Holderness has over 30 years of experience in various roles of increasing responsibility in the energy sector, including, among others, founder and Chief Financial Officer of P&A Exchange LLC, an oilfield services company, Chief Financial Officer of ProPetro Holding Corp., an oilfield services company, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Concho Resources, an oil and gas exploration and production company, and over nine years with KPMG LLP, where his practice focused on the energy sector. Mr. Holderness has served on the board of directors of JMR Services LLC, an oilfield services company focused on the plug and abandonment of oil and gas wells, since May 2024. Mr. Holderness also served on the board of directors of Ranger Oil Corporation from September 2016 to October 2021, including as its chairman from February 2018 to January 2021, and served on the board of directors of Rock Solid Lifestyles, Inc. from September 2016 to April 2024. Mr. Holderness graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 1986 and is a Certified Public Accountant.

    “Diamondback is excited to announce the addition of Darin to the Board of Directors as the fourth Board member from the Endeavor merger completed late last year.  Darin knows the Permian Basin and knows the Diamondback story well from his time spent in various roles throughout the Permian.  I am confident his skillset, particularly as a member of the audit committee, will complement the Board well,” stated Mr. Stice.

    About Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Adam Lawlis
    +1 432.221.7467
    alawlis@diamondbackenergy.com

    The MIL Network –