Category: Law Enforcement

MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 16, 2025, JONAS RICHARD (“RICHARD”), age 43, pled guilty to three counts of a superseding indictment charging him with distribution of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

As to each count, RICHARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. RICHARD is set for sentencing on April 24, 2025.

According to court documents, on August 24, 2023, as part of operation Big Easy, undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) while walking through the French Quarter in New Orleans, were approached by RICHARD about purchasing narcotics. After agreeing to a price for heroin, RICHARD contacted his supplier/ co-defendant. Later, RICHARD’s supplier arrived and gave the narcotics to RICHARD, who then gave the narcotics to the undercover agents. After testing, the narcotics were identified as fentanyl and weighed 3.36 grams.

Following the August 24, 2023 sale, RICHARD maintained telephone contact with the undercover agent and on August 28, 2023, met the agents in a New Orleans parking lot. On this occasion, RICHARD sold them 16.26 grams of fentanyl.

On September 15, 2023, RICHARD sold the agents a half ounce of fentanyl laced heroin in two packages. Each package weighed 12.10 and 4.02 grams, respectively.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.

MIL-OSI Security: Former Colorado Springs Man Sentenced For Defrauding Taxpayer Funded COVID-19 Relief Program

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Charles Lacona, Jr., 67, formerly of Colorado Springs, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $549,274.14 in restitution after being found guilty by a federal jury on two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering related to fraudulent COVID-19 related funds he received through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

According to the facts established at trial, between April 2020 and April 2021, Lacona devised and participated in a scheme to defraud a lender of $513,732.50 in PPP loans. Lacona inflated payroll costs and gross receipts, made false statements and certifications, and submitted fabricated tax documents and payroll reports. During that same period, Lacona unsuccessfully applied for additional emergency government assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Lacona used some of the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase a Cadillac CT6 for $67,704.13.

“Theft of taxpayer dollars will not be tolerated,” said Acting United States Attorney J. Bishop Grewell. “This sentence sends a message that people who defrauded the United States Government will be held accountable for their actions.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to holding accountable those who exploited the COVID-19 pandemic relief programs,” said Amanda Prestegard, Special Agent In Charge, Denver Field Office. “Investigating those who defrauded programs meant for hard working Americans will remain a top priority for our agency.”

United States District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico presided over the trial. IRS Criminal Investigation handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Craig Fansler and Nicole Cassidy handled the prosecution.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

On July 11, 2023, the Attorney General selected the District of Colorado’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of five national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-results-nationwide-covid-19-fraud-enforcement-action.

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

MIL-OSI Security: Gangster Disciples Member Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A validated member of the Gangster Disciples with a violent criminal past in the Columbus community was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm resulting from a Project Safe Neighborhoods case.

Christopher Gilliam, 36, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 162 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Jan. 28. Gilliam pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Oct. 29, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Violent convicted felons caught illegally with firearms in the Middle District of Georgia will find their cases in federal court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker. “This case is another example of the kind of effective law enforcement partnerships helping us track down and hold the most dangerous repeat offenders accountable.”

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just a program; it is a powerful, unyielding effort to dismantle violent criminal networks and rid our communities of those who bring harm. Through strategic enforcement and collaboration, we will ensure that violent offenders, like Gilliam, face justice in federal court,” said ATF Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.

“If you are bold enough to commit a crime involving a gun coupled with gang involvement, we will be courageous enough to arrest you for your crimes against others,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to promote safer neighborhoods and communities.”

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Gilliam was wanted for an active outstanding arrest warrant for aggravated assault when law enforcement tracked him to his girlfriend’s residence in Columbus on July 21, 2023. Gilliam was taken into custody and officers found a stolen 9mm semiautomatic pistol with a laser and a loaded 15-round magazine in plain view. Gilliam has a lengthy criminal history, to include prior convictions for aggravated assault. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.

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 of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals Chief prosecuted the case for the Government.

MIL-OSI Security: Sanford Man Sentenced to 10 Years After Officer Sees Drugs Protruding from His Shirt Pocket

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PORTLAND, Maine: A Sanford man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Nicholas Delahunt, 39, to 120 months in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release.

According to court records, in October 2023, an officer from the Sanford Police Department noted a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road. The officer queried the vehicle and learned that the registered owner, Delahunt, had a suspended license. Police confirmed Delahunt was operating the vehicle. While speaking with him on the side of the road, the officer noted a large plastic baggie protruding from his sweatshirt front pocket that appeared to contain narcotics. Delahunt removed the bag, which was found to contain approximately 166 grams of fentanyl. A further search of Delahunt’s person revealed three additional grams of fentanyl. Just 2 grams of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose. Delahunt was previously convicted in Maine in 2021 for unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Sanford Police Department.

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MIL-OSI Security: Boynton Beach Man Sentenced To 5 Years For Distributing Videos Depicting The Sexual Abuse Of Children

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Timothy Burch Morris (46, Boynton Beach) to five years in federal prison for distributing over the internet two videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. Morris was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release, pay $10,000 in assessments for child victims, and register as a sex offender.

According to court documents, on November 20, 2023, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was working in an undercover capacity on a particular social media application (app) to identify individuals who were attempting to sexually exploit children using the internet. The UC joined an online public chatroom on the app posing as an adult with access to a child. App user “timkw37138,” who was later identified as Morris, posted within this public group – “Hi all. 44 very well hung male in Florida. My PM is open.” Later that day, the UC and Morris began texting using the private messaging feature of the app. Morris typed, “I just love stroking to guys [sic] daughters,” and stated that his favorite age is “prob 13-15 give or take a couple years neither side.”

On November 22, 2023, when asked to verify if he was “legit,” Morris sent the UC a sexually explicit photo of himself. Five minutes later, Morris distributed two videos to the UC depicting minors being sexually abused. During another online conversation on November 27, 2023, Morris sent the UC another sexually explicit photo of himself taken at his residence.

After further investigation, FBI agents arrested Morris. During a search incident to his arrest, agents seized Morris’s cellphone which contained several sexually explicit photos of Morris that he had taken while at his home that were consistent with those sent to the UC. During an interview with law enforcement, Morris admitted having the “timkw37138” user account on the app for over five years.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and West Palm Beach, with assistance from the Boynton Beach Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

MIL-OSI: Columbia Financial, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FAIR LAWN, N.J., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Columbia Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CLBK), the mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank (“Columbia”), reported a net loss of $21.2 million, or $0.21 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, as compared to net income of $6.6 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The net loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 reflected lower non-interest income mainly due to the previously disclosed balance sheet repositioning transaction. As part of the Company’s strategy to improve future earnings and expand its net interest margin, the Company sold $352.3 million of debt securities available for sale during the fourth quarter of 2024, and the proceeds from the sale were used to fund loan growth of $72.9 million, purchase $78.1 million of higher yielding debt securities and prepay $170.0 million of higher cost borrowings. This balance sheet repositioning transaction resulted in a pre-tax loss on the sale of securities and extinguishment of debt of $37.9 million. The quarter ended December 31, 2024 results also reflected a higher provision for credit losses, partially offset by higher net interest income, mainly due to an increase in interest income, lower non-interest expense and lower income tax expense. For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported core net income of $11.4 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 12.4%, compared to core net income of $10.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The benefit of the balance sheet repositioning transaction was modest during the fourth quarter, as the settlement of the transaction occurred late in the quarter. (Refer to “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of GAAP net income to core net income.)

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a net loss of $11.7 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income of $36.1 million, or $0.35 per basic and diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The year ended December 31, 2024 reflected lower net interest income, mainly due to an increase in interest expense, higher provision for credit losses and lower non-interest income due to loss on securities transactions resulting from the balance sheet repositioning transaction described above, partially offset by lower non-interest expense and lower income tax expense. Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 included a $34.6 million loss on the sale of securities and non-interest expense included a $3.4 million loss on extinguishment of debt.

Thomas J. Kemly, President and Chief Executive Officer commented: “The Company maintained a strong balance sheet and capital position, which will allow us to benefit from an improving operating environment. Additionally, our fourth quarter repositioning strategy should result in improved future earnings and net interest margin. We will continue to examine and implement prudent strategies that we believe will build a foundation for the future success of the Company and increased profitability.”

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023

A net loss of $21.2 million was recorded for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $27.8 million, compared to net income of $6.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net income was primarily attributable to a $35.0 million decrease in non-interest income, and a $1.7 million increase in provision for credit losses, partially offset by a $1.1 million increase in net interest income, a $1.4 million decrease in non-interest expense, and a $6.4 million decrease in income tax expense.

Net interest income was $46.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $1.1 million, or 2.4%, from $45.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to a $6.1 million increase in interest income partially offset by a $5.0 million increase in interest expense on deposits and borrowings. The increase in interest income was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of total interest-earning assets coupled with an increase in average yields. Market interest rates increased 100 basis points throughout the 2023 period and were subsequently reduced 100 basis points during the last four months of 2024. The increase in interest expense on deposits was driven by the higher rate environment coupled with intense competition for deposits in the market and the repricing of existing deposits into higher cost products throughout the majority of the 2024 fiscal year. However, during the fourth quarter, competitive pressures eased, and deposits became easier to attract, resulting in a reduced cost of deposits. The decrease in interest expense on borrowings was also impacted by the lower interest rates for new borrowings, along with a decrease in the average balance of borrowings. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income on loans, totaled $84,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $419,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

The average yield on loans for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 increased 22 basis points to 4.88%, as compared to 4.66% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, as interest income was influenced by the interest rate increases that occurred in 2023 and loan growth. The average yield on securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 increased 41 basis points to 2.99%, as compared to 2.58% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, as new securities purchased during 2024 were at higher interest rates. The average yield on other interest-earning assets for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 increased 36 basis points to 6.00%, as compared to 5.64% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, due to an increase in the average balance of higher yielding Federal Home Loan Bank stock, as compared to average cash balances, which decreased in the 2024 period.

Total interest expense was $67.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $5.0 million, or 8.0%, from $62.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to a 37 basis point increase in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits, coupled with an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a 31 basis point decrease in the average cost of borrowings, coupled with a decrease in the average balance of borrowings. Interest expense on deposits increased $8.5 million or 19.6%, and interest expense on borrowings decreased $3.5 million, or 18.8%.

The Company’s net interest margin for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 increased 3 basis points to 1.88%, when compared to 1.85% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets increased 22 basis points to 4.61% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 4.39% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 20 basis points to 3.38% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 3.18% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The net interest margin increased for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, as the increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets slightly outweighed the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

The provision for credit losses for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was $2.9 million, an increase of $1.7 million, from $1.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans was primarily due to net charge-offs totaling $1.4 million and an increase in loan performance qualitative factors.

Non-interest income was $(23.7) million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $35.0 million, or 310.8%, from $11.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to the loss on securities transactions of $34.6 million resulting from the balance sheet repositioning transaction and a decrease in bank-owned life insurance income of $2.4 million, attributable to death benefits in 2023, partially offset by a $1.7 million increase in the fair value of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and Federal National Mortgage Association preferred stock included in equity securities.

Non-interest expense was $46.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $1.4 million, or 2.9%, from $48.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense of $1.9 million and a decrease in federal deposit insurance premiums of $3.2 million, partially offset by an increase in loss on the extinguishment of debt of $3.1 million. The decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense was the result of lower incentive compensation and a workforce reduction related to cost cutting strategies implemented during 2023 and 2024. The decrease in federal deposit insurance premiums was due to the 2023 quarter including a one-time Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation special assessment recorded in December 2023. During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company prepaid $200.0 million in FHLB borrowings, inclusive of the $170.0 million as part of a balance sheet repositioning transaction which resulted in a $3.4 million loss on the extinguishment of debt.

Income tax benefit was $5.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $6.4 million, as compared to income tax expense of $865,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, mainly due to a decrease in pre-tax income. The Company’s effective tax rate was 20.7% and 11.6% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023

A net loss of $11.7 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $47.7 million, compared to net income of $36.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net income was primarily attributable to a $27.9 million decrease in net interest income, a $9.7 million increase in provision for credit losses and a $25.5 million decrease in non-interest income, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in non-interest expense, and a $14.2 million decrease in income tax expense.

Net interest income was $178.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $27.9 million, or 13.5%, from $205.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net interest income was primarily attributable to an $84.3 million increase in interest expense on deposits and borrowings, partially offset by a $56.4 million increase in interest income. The increase in interest income was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of total interest-earning assets coupled with an increase in average yields due to market interest rate increases in 2023. The increase in interest expense on deposits and borrowings was driven by these same rate increases coupled with intense competition for deposits in the market and the repricing of existing deposits into higher cost products along with higher balances. The increase in interest expense on borrowings was also impacted by the increase in interest rates for new borrowings along with an increase in the average balance of borrowings. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income on loans, totaled $960,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $817,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The average yield on loans for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 46 basis points to 4.90%, as compared to 4.44% for the year ended December 31, 2023, as interest income increased due to rising rates and loan growth. The average yield on securities for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 40 basis points to 2.86%, as compared to 2.46% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as $124.6 million of higher yielding securities were purchased, and a number of adjustable rate securities tied to various indexes continued to reprice higher during the year. The average yield on other interest-earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 73 basis points to 6.27%, as compared to 5.54% for the year ended December 31, 2023, due to the rise in interest rates, as noted above.

Total interest expense was $273.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $84.3 million, or 44.6%, from $189.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to a 109 basis point increase in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits and an increase in the average balance of deposits, coupled with an increase in interest on borrowings of $7.1 million due to an 11 basis point increase in the cost of total borrowings and an increase in the average balance of borrowings.

The Company’s net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased 34 basis points to 1.82%, when compared to 2.16% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 47 basis points to 4.61%, as compared to 4.14% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 92 basis points to 3.44% for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2.52% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in yields for the year ended December 31, 2024 was due to the impact of market rate increases between periods, with rates decreasing just prior to the fourth quarter of 2024. The net interest margin decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024, as the increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities outweighed the increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets.

The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $14.5 million, an increase of $9.7 million, from $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in provision for credit losses during the year was primarily due to net charge-offs totaling $9.6 million and an increase in loan performance qualitative factors.

Non-interest income was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $25.5 million, or 93.1%, from $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in the loss on securities transactions of $25.0 million, and a decrease in bank-owned life insurance income of $2.8 million, attributable to death benefits in 2023, partially offset by a $1.9 million increase in the fair value of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and Federal National Mortgage Association preferred stock included in equity securities.

Non-interest expense was $181.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 0.6%, from $182.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense of $11.4 million, partially offset by an increase in professional fee of $4.3 million, an increase in merger-related expenses of $1.1 million and an increase in loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.1 million, resulting primarily from the repositioning transaction, and an increase in other non-interest expense of $2.0 million. The decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense was the result of lower incentive compensation and a workforce reduction related to cost cutting strategies implemented during 2023 and 2024. The increase in professional fees was primarily related to an increase in legal, regulatory and compliance-related costs while the increase in other non-interest expense related to swap transactions. During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company prepaid $170.0 million of FHLB borrowings as part of the previously discussed balance sheet repositioning transaction which resulted in a $3.3 million loss on the extinguishment of debt.

Income tax benefit was $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $14.2 million, as compared to income tax expense of $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, mainly due to a decrease in pre-tax income. The Company’s effective tax rate was 26.8% and 21.6% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Balance Sheet Summary

Total assets decreased $170.1 million, or 1.6%, to $10.5 billion at December 31, 2024 as compared to $10.6 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in total assets was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $134.0 million, a decrease in debt securities available for sale of $67.6 million, and a decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank stock of $20.6 million, partially offset by an increase in loans receivable, net, of $37.5 million and an increase in other assets of $15.6 million.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $134.0 million, or 31.7%, to $289.2 million at December 31, 2024 from $423.2 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to purchases of securities of $446.2 million, a decrease in borrowings of $448.1 million, and repurchases of common stock under our stock repurchase program of $5.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of securities of $321.2 million, principal repayments on securities of $185.6 million, and repayments on loans receivable, and an increase in total deposits of $249.6 million.

Debt securities available for sale decreased $67.6 million, or 6.2%, to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2024 from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease was attributable to sales of securities with an amortized cost of $357.1 million which resulted in a realized loss of $35.9 million, and repayments on securities of $140.5 million, which was partially offset by purchases of securities of $404.7 million and a decrease in the gross unrealized loss on securities of $34.9 million. The Company sold predominantly fixed rate, low-yielding debt securities and used the proceeds to repay high costing borrowings and purchase higher-yielding debt securities to improve future net interest rate margin.

Loans receivable, net, increased $37.5 million, or 0.5%, to $7.9 billion at December 31, 2024 from $7.8 billion at December 31, 2023. Multifamily loans, construction loans, and commercial business loans increased $51.5 million, $30.5 million, and $89.0 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in one-to-four family real estate loans, commercial real estate loans and home equity loans and advances of $81.9 million, $37.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively. The allowance for credit losses for loans increased $4.9 million to $60.0 million at December 31, 2024 from $55.1 million at December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans was primarily due to net charge-offs of $9.6 million and an increase in loan performance qualitative factors.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock decreased $20.6 million, or 25.5%, to $60.4 million at December 31, 2024 from $81.0 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease was due to the redemption of stock required upon repaying FHLB borrowings.

Other assets increased $15.6 million, or 5.1%, to $324.0 million at December 31, 2024 from $308.4 million at December 31, 2023, primarily due to a $14.3 million increase in the Company’s pension plan balance, as the return on plan assets outpaced the growth in the plan’s obligations.

Total liabilities decreased $210.1 million, or 2.2%, to $9.4 billion at December 31, 2024 from $9.6 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in borrowings of $448.1 million, or 29.3%, partially offset by an increase in total deposits of $249.6 million, or 3.2%. The $448.1 million decrease in borrowings was primarily driven by a net decrease in long-term borrowings of $170.0 million, coupled with a decrease in short-term borrowings of $237.8 million. The decrease in long-term borrowings was mainly attributable to the prepayment of $170.0 million of long-term borrowings as part of the balance sheet repositioning transaction as described above. The increase in total deposits primarily consisted of increases in non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits and certificates of deposit of $669,000, $54.8 million, and $255.8 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in money market and savings and club accounts of $13.8 million and $47.8 million, respectively.

Total stockholders’ equity increased $40.0 million, or 3.8%, to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2024 from $1.0 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in total stockholders’ equity was primarily attributable to the recognition of $8.0 million in stock based compensation expense and an increase of $48.2 million in other comprehensive income, which includes changes in unrealized losses on debt securities available for sale and unrealized gains on swap contracts, net of taxes. These increases were partially offset by a net loss of $11.7 million, and the repurchase of 365,116 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $5.9 million, or $16.14 per share, under our stock repurchase program. Repurchases have been paused in order to retain capital.

Asset Quality

The Company’s non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 totaled $21.7 million, or 0.28% of total gross loans, as compared to $12.6 million, or 0.16% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2023. The $9.1 million increase in non-performing loans was primarily attributable to an increase in non-performing commercial business loans of $3.3 million and an increase in non-performing one-to-four family real estate loans of $5.6 million. The increase in non-performing commercial business loans primarily consists of two loans totaling $6.4 million at December 31, 2024, partially offset by the charge-off of a $3.7 million loan to a technology company during 2024. The increase in non-performing one-to-four family real estate loans was due to an increase in the number of loans from 17 non-performing loans at December 31, 2023 to 32 loans at December 31, 2024. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets totaled 0.22% at December 31, 2024 as compared to 0.12% at December 31, 2023.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $1.4 million, as compared to $173,000 in net charge-offs recorded for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $9.6 million, as compared to $2.5 million in net charge-offs recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2024 included charge-offs related to 17 commercial business loans totaling $9.2 million. Recoveries on previously charged-off loans for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2024, totaled approximately $88,000 and $1.4 million, respectively.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $60.0 million, or 0.76% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2024, compared to $55.1 million, or 0.70% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2023. The increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans was primarily due to net charge-offs of $9.6 million and an increase in loan performance qualitative factors.

Additional Liquidity, Loan, and Deposit Information

The Company services a diverse retail and commercial deposit base through its 69 branches. With over 215,000 accounts, the average deposit account balance was approximately $38,000 at December 31, 2024.

Deposit balances are summarized as follows:

	At December 31, 2024				At September 30, 2024
	Balance		Weighted Average Rate		Balance		Weighted Average Rate
	(Dollars in thousands)

Non-interest-bearing demand	$	1,438,030	—	%	$	1,406,152	—	%
Interest-bearing demand		2,021,312	2.19			1,980,298	2.41
Money market accounts		1,241,691	2.82			1,239,204	2.92
Savings and club deposits		652,501	0.75			649,858	0.79
Certificates of deposit		2,742,615	4.24			2,682,547	4.45
Total deposits	$	8,096,149	2.47	%	$	7,958,059	2.62	%

The Company continues to maintain strong liquidity and capital positions. The Company had no outstanding borrowings from the Federal Reserve Discount Window at December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had immediate access to approximately $2.7 billion of funding, with additional unpledged loan collateral available to pledge is approximately $2.1 billion.

At December 31, 2024, the Company’s non-performing commercial real estate loans totaled $2.9 million, or 0.04%, of the total loans receivable loan portfolio balance.

The following table presents multifamily real estate, owner occupied commercial real estate, and the components of investor owned commercial real estate loans included in the real estate loan portfolio.

	At December 31, 2024
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance		% of Gross Loans		Weighted Average Loan to Value Ratio		Weighted Average Debt Service Coverage
Multifamily Real Estate	$	1,460,641	18.4	%	58.0	%	1.59	x

Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate	$	688,341	8.7	%	53.3	%	2.22	x

Investor Owned Commercial Real Estate:
Retail / Shopping centers	$	506,544	6.4	%	51.6	%	1.50	x
Mixed Use		214,148	2.7		57.3		1.58
Industrial / Warehouse		383,585	4.8		54.7		1.69
Non-Medical Office		193,569	2.4		50.8		1.65
Medical Office		120,381	1.5		58.5		1.46
Single Purpose		96,907	1.2		52.3		3.13
Other		136,408	1.7		47.8		1.76
Total	$	1,651,542	20.9	%	53.2	%	1.69

Total Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Loans	$	3,800,524	48.0	%	55.1	%	1.75	x

At December 31, 2024, the Company had less than $1.0 million in loan exposure to office or rent stabilized multifamily loans in New York City.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

On January 28, 2025, the Company also announced that its annual meeting of stockholders will be held on June 5, 2025.

About Columbia Financial, Inc.

The consolidated financial results include the accounts of Columbia Financial, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary Columbia Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized as Columbia Bank’s mid-tier stock holding company. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of Columbia Bank, MHC. Columbia Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey that operates 69 full-service banking offices and offers traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in its market area.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements herein constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “will,” “would,” “expects,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” “developments,” “strategic,” “launching,” “opportunities,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets” and similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause such differences to exist include, but are not limited to, adverse conditions in the capital and debt markets and the impact of such conditions on the Company’s business activities; changes in interest rates, higher inflation and their impact on national and local economic conditions; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other governmental entities; the impact of legal, judicial and regulatory proceedings or investigations, competitive pressures from other financial institutions; the effects of general economic conditions on a national basis or in the local markets in which the Company operates, including changes that adversely affect a borrowers’ ability to service and repay the Company’s loans; the effect of acts of terrorism, war or pandemics,, including on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions; changes in the value of securities in the Company’s portfolio; changes in loan default and charge-off rates; fluctuations in real estate values; the adequacy of loan loss reserves; decreases in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and securities; legislative changes and changes in government regulation; changes in accounting standards and practices; the risk that goodwill and intangibles recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements will become impaired; cyber-attacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our systems and allow unauthorized access to confidential information; the inability of third party service providers to perform; demand for loans in the Company’s market area; the Company’s ability to attract and maintain deposits and effectively manage liquidity; risks related to the implementation of acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings; the successful implementation of our December 2024 balance sheet repositioning transaction; the risk that the Company may not be successful in the implementation of its business strategy, or its integration of acquired financial institutions and businesses, and changes in assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and those set forth in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, all as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks materialize or should underlying beliefs or assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes, except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reported amounts are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This press release also contains certain supplemental non-GAAP information that the Company’s management uses in its analysis of the Company’s financial results. Specifically, the Company provides measures based on what it believes are its operating earnings on a consistent basis and excludes material non-routine operating items which affect the GAAP reporting of results of operations. The Company’s management believes that providing this information to analysts and investors allows them to better understand and evaluate the Company’s core financial results for the periods presented. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

The Company also provides measurements and ratios based on tangible stockholders’ equity. These measures are commonly utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and, therefore, the Company’s management believes that such information is useful to investors.

A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are included at the end of this press release. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.


COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(In thousands)

	December 31,
		2024		2023
Assets	(Unaudited)
Cash and due from banks	$	289,113	$	423,140
Short-term investments		110		109
Total cash and cash equivalents		289,223		423,249

Debt securities available for sale, at fair value		1,025,946		1,093,557
Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $350,153, and $357,177 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)		392,840		401,154
Equity securities, at fair value		6,673		4,079
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		60,387		81,022

Loans receivable		7,916,928		7,874,537
Less: allowance for credit losses		59,958		55,096
Loans receivable, net		7,856,970		7,819,441

Accrued interest receivable		40,383		39,345
Office properties and equipment, net		81,772		83,577
Bank-owned life insurance		274,908		268,362
Goodwill and intangible assets		121,008		123,350
Other real estate owned		1,334		—
Other assets		324,049		308,432
Total assets	$	10,475,493	$	10,645,568

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	8,096,149	$	7,846,556
Borrowings		1,080,600		1,528,695
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance		45,453		43,509
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		172,915		186,473
Total liabilities		9,395,117		9,605,233

Stockholders’ equity:
Total stockholders’ equity		1,080,376		1,040,335
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	10,475,493	$	10,645,568

COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended December 31,					Year Ended December 31,
		2024			2023		2024			2023
Interest income:	(Unaudited)					(Unaudited)
Loans receivable	$	96,202		$	91,744	$	382,266		$	343,770
Debt securities available for sale and equity securities		9,793			7,077		36,411			28,120
Debt securities held to maturity		2,479			2,370		9,966			9,708
Federal funds and interest-earning deposits		3,309			4,828		15,181			8,188
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends		1,843			1,531		7,602			5,192
Total interest income		113,626			107,550		451,426			394,978
Interest expense:
Deposits		51,943			43,429		202,383			125,162
Borrowings		15,256			18,782		71,061			63,940
Total interest expense		67,199			62,211		273,444			189,102

Net interest income		46,427			45,339		177,982			205,876

Provision for credit losses		2,876			1,155		14,451			4,787

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		43,551			44,184		163,531			201,089

Non-interest income:
Demand deposit account fees		1,809			1,330		6,507			5,145
Bank-owned life insurance		2,066			4,456		7,319			10,126
Title insurance fees		570			560		2,505			2,400
Loan fees and service charges		1,193			1,144		4,483			4,510
Loss on securities transactions		(34,595	)		—		(35,851	)		(10,847	)
Change in fair value of equity securities		2,169			446		2,594			695
Gain on sale of loans		81			154		906			1,214
Other non-interest income		2,991			3,159		13,431			14,136
Total non-interest income		(23,716	)		11,249		1,894			27,379

Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits		26,579			28,463		109,489			120,846
Occupancy		5,861			5,590		23,482			22,927
Federal deposit insurance premiums		1,829			5,015		7,581			8,639
Advertising		457			498		2,510			2,805
Professional fees		2,567			3,083		14,164			9,824
Data processing and software expenses		3,572			4,154		15,578			15,039
Merger-related expenses		928			326		1,665			606
Loss on extinguishment of debt		3,447			300		3,447			300
Other non-interest expense		1,356			570		3,419			1,431
Total non-interest expense		46,596			47,999		181,335			182,417

(Loss) income before income tax (benefit) expense		(26,761	)		7,434		(15,910	)		46,051

Income tax (benefit) expense		(5,538	)		865		(4,257	)		9,965

Net (loss) income	$	(21,223	)	$	6,569	$	(11,653	)	$	36,086

(Loss) earnings per share-basic	$	(0.21	)	$	0.06	$	(0.11	)	$	0.35
(Loss) earnings per share-diluted	$	(0.21	)	$	0.06	$	(0.11	)	$	0.35
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic		101,686,108			101,656,890		101,676,758			102,656,388
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		101,945,750			101,817,194		101,839,507			102,894,969

COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Average Balances/Yields

	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
		2024							2023
	Average Balance			Interest and Dividends		Yield / Cost		Average Balance			Interest and Dividends		Yield / Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earnings assets:
Loans	$	7,839,416		$	96,202	4.88	%	$	7,816,272		$	91,744	4.66	%
Securities		1,635,028			12,272	2.99	%		1,453,863			9,447	2.58	%
Other interest-earning assets		341,393			5,152	6.00	%		447,369			6,359	5.64	%
Total interest-earning assets		9,815,837			113,626	4.61	%		9,717,504			107,550	4.39	%
Non-interest-earning assets		874,522							854,857
Total assets	$	10,690,359						$	10,572,361

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand	$	2,027,003		$	13,686	2.69	%	$	2,000,406		$	12,308	2.44	%
Money market accounts		1,235,421			7,630	2.46	%		1,119,290			8,962	3.18	%
Savings and club deposits		649,686			1,209	0.74	%		714,664			846	0.47	%
Certificates of deposit		2,696,740			29,418	4.34	%		2,416,773			21,313	3.50	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		6,608,850			51,943	3.13	%		6,251,133			43,429	2.76	%
FHLB advances		1,298,686			15,102	4.63	%		1,494,794			18,592	4.93	%
Notes payable		—			—	—	%		916			23	9.96	%
Junior subordinated debentures		7,036			154	8.71	%		7,013			167	9.45	%
Total borrowings		1,305,722			15,256	4.65	%		1,502,723			18,782	4.96	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		7,914,572		$	67,199	3.38	%		7,753,856		$	62,211	3.18	%

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits		1,460,125							1,441,005
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		241,582							247,545
Total liabilities		9,616,279							9,442,406
Total stockholders’ equity		1,074,080							1,129,955
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	10,690,359						$	10,572,361

Net interest income				$	46,427						$	45,339
Interest rate spread						1.23	%						1.21	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	1,901,265						$	1,963,648
Net interest margin						1.88	%						1.85	%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		124.02	%						125.32	%

COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Average Balances/Yields

	For the Years Ended December 31,
		2024							2023
	Average Balance			Interest and Dividends		Yield / Cost		Average Balance			Interest and Dividends		Yield / Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earnings assets:
Loans	$	7,801,939		$	382,266	4.90	%	$	7,748,096		$	343,770	4.44	%
Securities		1,622,519			46,377	2.86	%		1,540,726			37,828	2.46	%
Other interest-earning assets		363,370			22,783	6.27	%		241,520			13,380	5.54	%
Total interest-earning assets		9,787,828		$	451,426	4.61	%		9,530,342		$	394,978	4.14	%
Non-interest-earning assets		865,684							840,215
Total assets	$	10,653,512						$	10,370,557

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand	$	1,986,215		$	55,360	2.79	%	$	2,183,333		$	37,774	1.73	%
Money market accounts		1,235,495			32,977	2.67	%		951,174			24,296	2.55	%
Savings and club deposits		667,836			5,130	0.77	%		793,303			2,231	0.28	%
Certificates of deposit		2,587,360			108,916	4.21	%		2,229,042			60,861	2.73	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		6,476,906			202,383	3.12	%		6,156,852			125,162	2.03	%
FHLB advances		1,454,674			70,418	4.84	%		1,315,401			62,398	4.74	%
Notes payable		—			—	—	%		22,780			918	4.03	%
Junior subordinated debentures		7,023			640	9.11	%		7,054			624	8.85	%
Other borrowings		55			3	5.45	%		—			—	—	%
Total borrowings		1,461,752			71,061	4.86	%		1,345,235			63,940	4.75	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		7,938,658		$	273,444	3.44	%		7,502,087		$	189,102	2.52	%

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits		1,420,104							1,539,354
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		242,290							231,018
Total liabilities		9,601,052							9,272,459
Total stockholders’ equity		1,052,460							1,098,098
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	10,653,512						$	10,370,557

Net interest income				$	177,982						$	205,876
Interest rate spread						1.17	%						1.62	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	1,849,170						$	2,028,255
Net interest margin						1.82	%						2.16	%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		123.29	%						127.04	%

COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Components of Net Interest Rate Spread and Margin

	Average Yields/Costs by Quarter
	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Yield on interest-earning assets:
Loans	4.88	%	5.00	%	4.93	%	4.79	%	4.66	%
Securities	2.99		2.90		2.89		2.65		2.58
Other interest-earning assets	6.00		6.72		6.30		6.06		5.64
Total interest-earning assets	4.61	%	4.70	%	4.64	%	4.50	%	4.39	%

Cost of interest-bearing liabilities:
Total interest-bearing deposits	3.13	%	3.21	%	3.14	%	3.02	%	2.76	%
Total borrowings	4.65		4.87		4.92		4.98		4.96
Total interest-earning liabilities	3.38	%	3.52	%	3.49	%	3.38	%	3.18	%

Interest rate spread	1.23	%	1.18	%	1.15	%	1.12	%	1.21	%
Net interest margin	1.88	%	1.84	%	1.81	%	1.75	%	1.85	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities	124.02	%	123.06	%	123.03	%	123.06	%	125.32	%

COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Financial Highlights

	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023

SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS⁽¹⁾:
Return on average assets	(0.79	)%	0.23	%	0.17	%	(0.04	)%	0.25	%
Core return on average assets	0.42	%	0.23	%	0.20	%	0.02	%	0.38	%
Return on average equity	(7.86	)%	2.32	%	1.77	%	(0.45	)%	2.31	%
Core return on average equity	4.09	%	2.29	%	2.06	%	0.18	%	3.56	%
Core return on average tangible equity	4.74	%	2.58	%	2.34	%	0.20	%	3.99	%
Interest rate spread	1.23	%	1.18	%	1.15	%	1.12	%	1.21	%
Net interest margin	1.88	%	1.84	%	1.81	%	1.75	%	1.85	%
Non-interest income to average assets	(0.88	)%	0.33	%	0.35	%	0.28	%	0.42	%
Non-interest expense to average assets	1.73	%	1.60	%	1.74	%	1.74	%	1.80	%
Efficiency ratio	205.17	%	78.95	%	86.83	%	91.96	%	84.82	%
Core efficiency ratio	73.68	%	79.14	%	85.34	%	88.39	%	76.93	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities	124.02	%	123.06	%	123.03	%	123.06	%	125.32	%
Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans	0.07	%	0.14	%	0.03	%	0.26	%	0.01	%

^{(1) Ratios are annualized when appropriate.}

ASSET QUALITY:
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
	(Dollars in thousands)

Non-accrual loans	$	21,701		$	28,014		$	25,281		$	22,935		$	12,618
90+ and still accruing		—			—			—			—			—
Non-performing loans		21,701			28,014			25,281			22,935			12,618
Real estate owned		1,334			1,974			1,974			—			—
Total non-performing assets	$	23,035		$	29,988		$	27,255		$	22,935		$	12,618

Non-performing loans to total gross loans		0.28	%		0.36	%		0.33	%		0.30	%		0.16	%
Non-performing assets to total assets		0.22	%		0.28	%		0.25	%		0.22	%		0.12	%
Allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACL”)	$	59,958		$	58,495		$	57,062		$	55,401		$	55,096
ACL to total non-performing loans		276.29	%		208.81	%		225.71	%		241.56	%		436.65	%
ACL to gross loans		0.76	%		0.75	%		0.73	%		0.71	%		0.70	%

LOAN DATA:
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
Real estate loans:
One-to-four family	$	2,710,937		$	2,737,190		$	2,764,177		$	2,778,932		$	2,792,833
Multifamily		1,460,641			1,399,000			1,409,316			1,429,369			1,409,187
Commercial real estate		2,339,883			2,312,759			2,316,252			2,318,178			2,377,077
Construction		473,573			510,439			462,880			437,566			443,094
Commercial business loans		622,000			586,447			554,768			538,260			533,041
Consumer loans:
Home equity loans and advances		259,009			261,041			260,427			260,786			266,632
Other consumer loans		3,404			2,877			2,689			2,601			2,801
Total gross loans		7,869,447			7,809,753			7,770,509			7,765,692			7,824,665
Purchased credit deteriorated loans		11,686			11,795			12,150			14,945			15,089
Net deferred loan costs, fees and purchased premiums and discounts		35,795			35,642			36,352			34,992			34,783
Allowance for credit losses		(59,958	)		(58,495	)		(57,062	)		(55,401	)		(55,096	)
Loans receivable, net	$	7,856,970		$	7,798,695		$	7,761,949		$	7,760,228		$	7,819,441

CAPITAL RATIOS:
	December 31,
	2024⁽¹⁾		2023
Company:
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	14.20	%	14.08	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	13.40	%	13.32	%
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	13.31	%	13.23	%
Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)	10.02	%	10.04	%

Columbia Bank:
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	14.41	%	14.02	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	13.56	%	13.22	%
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	13.56	%	13.22	%
Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)	9.64	%	9.48	%

^{(1) Estimated ratios at December 31, 2024.}

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Book and Tangible Book Value per Share
	December 31,
		2024			2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Total stockholders’ equity	$	1,080,376		$	1,040,335
Less: goodwill		(110,715	)		(110,715	)
Less: core deposit intangible		(8,964	)		(11,155	)
Total tangible stockholders’ equity	$	960,697		$	918,465

Shares outstanding		104,759,185			104,918,905

Book value per share	$	10.31		$	9.92
Tangible book value per share	$	9.17		$	8.75

Reconciliation of Core Net Income
	Three Months Ended December 31,					Years Ended December 31,
		2024			2023		2024			2023
	(In thousands)
Net (loss) income	$	(21,223	)	$	6,569	$	(11,653	)	$	36,086
Add: loss on securities transactions, net of tax		28,952			—		30,082			9,249
Add: FDIC special assessment, net of tax		—			3,009		385			3,009
Add: severance expense from reduction in workforce, net of tax		—			—		67			1,390
Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax		777			288		1,468			529
Add: loss on extinguishment of debt, net of tax		2,885			265		2,885			265
Add: litigation expenses, net of tax		—			—		—			262
Core net income	$	11,391		$	10,131	$	23,234		$	50,790

Return on Average Assets
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Years Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net (loss) income	$	(21,223	)	$	6,569		$	(11,653	)	$	36,086

Average assets	$	10,690,359		$	10,572,361		$	10,653,512		$	10,370,557

Return on average assets		(0.79	)%		0.25	%		(0.11	)%		0.35	%

Core net income	$	11,391		$	10,131		$	23,234		$	50,790

Core return on average assets		0.42	%		0.38	%		0.22	%		0.49	%

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)

Return on Average Equity
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Years Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Total average stockholders’ equity	$	1,074,080		$	1,129,955		$	1,052,460		$	1,098,098
Add: loss on securities transactions, net of tax		28,952			—			30,082			9,249
Add: FDIC special assessment, net of tax		—			3,009			385			3,009
Add: severance expense from reduction in workforce, net of tax		—			—			67			1,390
Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax		777			288			1,468			529
Add: loss on extinguishment of debt, net of tax		2,885			265			2,885			265
Add: litigation expenses, net of tax		—			—			—			262
Core average stockholders’ equity	$	1,106,694		$	1,133,517		$	1,087,347		$	1,112,802

Return on average equity		(7.86	)%		2.31	%		(1.11	)%		3.29	%

Core return on core average equity		4.09	%		3.56	%		2.14	%		4.56	%

Return on Average Tangible Equity
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Years Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Total average stockholders’ equity	$	1,074,080		$	1,129,955		$	1,052,460		$	1,098,098
Less: average goodwill		(110,715	)		(110,715	)		(110,715	)		(110,715	)
Less: average core deposit intangible		(9,311	)		(11,524	)		(10,119	)		(12,398	)
Total average tangible stockholders’ equity	$	954,054		$	1,007,716		$	931,626		$	974,985

Core return on average tangible equity		4.74	%		3.99	%		2.49	%		5.21	%

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)

Efficiency Ratios
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Years Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income	$	46,427		$	45,339		$	177,982		$	205,876
Non-interest income		(23,716	)		11,249			1,894			27,379
Total income	$	22,711		$	56,588		$	179,876		$	233,255

Non-interest expense	$	46,596		$	47,999		$	181,335		$	182,417

Efficiency ratio		205.17	%		84.82	%		100.81	%		78.20	%

Non-interest income	$	(23,716	)	$	11,249		$	1,894		$	27,379
Add: loss on securities transactions		34,595			—			35,851			10,847
Core non-interest income	$	10,879		$	11,249		$	37,745		$	38,226

Non-interest expense	$	46,596		$	47,999		$	181,335		$	182,417
Less: FDIC special assessment		—			(3,840	)		(439	)		(3,840	)
Less: severance expense from reduction in workforce		—			—			(74	)		(1,605	)
Less: merger-related expenses		(928	)		(326	)		(1,665	)		(606	)
Less: loss on extinguishment of debt		(3,447	)		(300	)		(3,447	)		(300	)
Less: litigation expenses		—			—			—			(317	)
Core non-interest expense	$	42,221		$	43,533		$	175,710		$	175,749

Core efficiency ratio		73.68	%		76.93	%		81.45	%		72.00	%

Columbia Financial, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
(833) 550-0717

The MIL Network –

MIL-OSI: Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Filed by Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.
pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933
and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Subject Company: Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.
SEC File No.: 001-33912
Date: January 28, 2025

LOWELL, Mass., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (“Enterprise”) (NASDAQ: EBTC), parent of Enterprise Bank, announced its financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Net income amounted to $10.7 million, or $0.86 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $10.0 million, or $0.80 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $7.9 million, or $0.64 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

On December 9, 2024, Enterprise and Enterprise Bank announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement with Independent Bank Corp. (“Independent”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Rockland Trust Company (“Rockland Trust”), pursuant to which Enterprise will merge with and into Independent and Enterprise Bank will merge into Rockland Trust. The proposed merger is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval of Enterprise shareholders. No vote of Independent Bank Corp. shareholders is required.

Selected financial results at or for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to September 30, 2024, were as follows:

The returns on average assets and average equity were 0.89% and 11.82%, respectively.
Tax-equivalent net interest margin (non-GAAP) (“net interest margin”) was 3.29%, an increase of 7 basis points.
Total loans amounted to $3.98 billion, an increase of 3.2%.
Total deposits were relatively unchanged and amounted to $4.19 billion.
Wealth assets under management and administration amounted to $1.54 billion, an increase of 1.4%.

Chief Executive Officer Steven Larochelle commented, “As we continue to work toward the upcoming completion of the proposed merger with Rockland Trust, I am pleased to announce that our team continued to deliver strong results in the fourth quarter. Loan growth was once again robust at 3.2% for the quarter while operating results were positively impacted by margin expansion as we benefited from the impact of Federal Reserve Bank interest rate cuts coupled with the flattening of the yield curve.”

Executive Chairman & Founder George Duncan stated, “The news of our anticipated merger with Rockland Trust has been well received by our shareholders, customers and communities. The planning of our integration with them is going well and the anticipated synergies and cultural alignment of our two banks are being confirmed.”

Mr. Duncan added, “I congratulate Steve, and the whole team, for another very successful quarter and year. This was our third straight year of 12% loan growth, and I believe this is a testament to our relationship-based sales and service culture partnered with our strong commitment to community outreach and involvement.”

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $38.5 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 5%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase was due primarily to an increase in loan interest income of $7.8 million, partially offset by an increase in deposit interest expense of $3.7 million and a decrease in income on other interest-earning assets of $1.5 million.

The increase in interest income during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the prior year quarter, was due primarily to loan growth and higher loan yields, while the increase in interest expense during the period was attributed primarily to an increase in certificates of deposit balances and higher market rates on deposits.

Net Interest Margin

Net interest margin for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, amounted to 3.29%, 3.22% and 3.29%, respectively.

Three months ended – December 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023

Net interest margin was positively impacted by loan growth and an increase in loan yields, offset by increases in average funding liabilities and funding costs as well as a decrease in the average balance of other interest-earning assets.

The increase in interest-earning asset yields of 27 basis points was due primarily to loan repricing and originations at higher interest rates while the increase in funding costs of 29 basis points was driven by higher market rates and growth in certificate of deposit balances.

Three months ended – December 31, 2024, compared to September 30, 2024

The increase in net interest margin was due primarily to loan growth and a decrease in funding costs, partially offset by decreases in interest-earning asset yields and the average balance of other interest-earning assets.

The decreases in funding costs of 10 basis points and interest-earning asset yields of 3 basis points were driven primarily by the 100 basis point reduction in the federal funds rate from September 2024 through December 2024. In addition, the decrease in other interest-earning assets resulted mainly from funding loan growth during the period.

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, are presented below:

	Three months ended						Increase / (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			Increase / (Decrease)
Provision for credit losses on loans – collectively evaluated	$	1,939		$	1,132		$	807
Provision for credit losses on loans – individually evaluated		(1,874	)		(27	)		(1,847	)
Provision for credit losses on loans		65			1,105			(1,040	)

Provision for unfunded commitments		(171	)		1,388			(1,559	)

Provision for credit losses	$	(106	)	$	2,493		$	(2,599	)

The decrease in the provision for credit losses of $2.6 million was due to net decreases in reserves on individually evaluated loans of $1.8 million and unfunded commitments of $1.6 million, partially offset by an increase in reserves on collectively evaluated loans of $807 thousand which was due primarily to loan growth.

The decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans was due primarily to two commercial relationships that experienced improvement in their collateral valuation during the period and the decrease in reserves for unfunded commitments resulted primarily by a decrease in off-balance sheet commitments that required a reserve.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $5.6 million, an increase of $69 thousand, or 1%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase was due primarily to increases in wealth management fees, income on bank-owned life insurance and other income, partially offset by a decrease in gains on equity securities.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $29.8 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 6%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase was due primarily to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense of $808 thousand and merger-related expenses of $1.1 million.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2024, amounted to 25.4%, compared to 30.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was due primarily to annual book to tax return adjustments in the prior year quarter.

Balance Sheet

Total assets amounted to $4.83 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $4.47 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of 8%.

Total investment securities at fair value amounted to $593.6 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $668.2 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease of 11% during the year ended December 31, 2024, was largely attributable to principal pay-downs, calls and maturities. In addition, unrealized losses on debt securities amounted to $101.8 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $102.9 million at December 31, 2023, a decrease of 1%.

Total loans amounted to $3.98 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $3.57 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase of 12% during the year ended December 31, 2024, was due primarily to increases in commercial real estate and construction loans of $203.1 million and $94.9 million, respectively.

Total deposits amounted to $4.19 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $3.98 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase of 5% during the year ended December 31, 2024, was due primarily to increases in money market and certificate of deposit balances of $51.5 million and $164.1 million, respectively.

Total borrowed funds amounted to $153.1 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $25.8 million at December 31, 2023. The increase of $127.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, the majority of which occurred at the end of December, resulted primarily from an increase in short-term advances used to support strong loan growth. Average borrowed funds during the fourth quarter of 2024 amounted to $37.8 million.

Total shareholders’ equity amounted to $360.7 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $329.1 million at December 31, 2023. The increase of 10% during the year ended December 31, 2024, was due primarily to an increase in retained earnings of $26.9 million.

Credit Quality

Selected credit quality metrics at December 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, were as follows:

The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for loans amounted to $63.5 million, or 1.59% of total loans, compared to $59.0 million, or 1.65% of total loans. The decrease in the ACL for loans to total loan ratio was due primarily to a decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans and a decrease in qualitative factors within our ACL model.
The reserve for unfunded commitments (included in other liabilities) amounted to $4.4 million, compared to $7.1 million. The decrease was driven primarily by a decrease in off-balance sheet commitments that required a reserve.
Non-performing loans amounted to $26.7 million, or 0.67% of total loans, compared to $11.4 million, or 0.32% of total loans. The increase resulted primarily from two individually evaluated commercial construction loans which were placed on non-accrual.

Net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $206 thousand, or 0.01% of average total loans, compared to $105 thousand, or 0.00% of average total loans, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Wealth Management

Wealth assets under management and administration, which are not carried as assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, amounted to $1.54 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $215.8 million, or 16%, compared to December 31, 2023, and resulted primarily from an increase in market values.

About Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.

Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation that conducts substantially all its operations through Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, commonly referred to as Enterprise Bank, and has reported 141 consecutive profitable quarters. Enterprise Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and investing in commercial loans and investment securities. Through Enterprise Bank and its subsidiaries, the Company offers a range of commercial, residential and consumer loan products, deposit products and cash management services, electronic and digital banking options, as well as wealth management, and trust services. The Company’s headquarters and Enterprise Bank’s main office are located at 222 Merrimack Street in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Company’s primary market area is the Northern Middlesex, Northern Essex, and Northern Worcester counties of Massachusetts and the Southern Hillsborough and Southern Rockingham counties in New Hampshire. Enterprise Bank has 27 full-service branches located in the Massachusetts communities of Acton, Andover, Billerica (2), Chelmsford (2), Dracut, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell (2), Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury (2), Tyngsborough and Westford and in the New Hampshire communities of Derry, Hudson, Londonderry, Nashua (2), Pelham, Salem and Windham.

Forward-Looking Statements

This earnings release contains statements about future events that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by references to a future period or periods or by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “upcoming,” “estimate,” “assume,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” and other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements should not be relied on because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, (i) disruption from the proposed merger with Independent; (ii) the risk that the proposed merger with Independent may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed merger with Independent, including under circumstances that would require Enterprise to pay a termination fee; (iv) the failure to obtain necessary shareholder or regulatory approvals for the proposed merger with Independent; (v) the ability to successfully integrate the combined business; (vi) the possibility that the amount of the costs, fees, expenses, and charges related to the proposed merger with Independent may be greater than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected or unknown factors, events, or liabilities; (vii) the failure of the conditions to the proposed merger with Independent to be satisfied; (viii) reputational risk and the reaction of the parties’ customers to the proposed merger with Independent; (xi) the risk of potential litigation or regulatory action related to the proposed merger with Independent; (x) the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; (xi) potential recession in the United States and our market areas; (xii) the impacts related to or resulting from uncertainty in the banking industry as a whole; (xiii) increased competition for deposits and related changes in deposit customer behavior; (xiv) the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to a continuation of the elevated interest rate environment or further reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; (xv) the lingering inflationary pressures, and the risk of the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation, in the United States and our market areas; (xvi) the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; (xvii) increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; (xviii) declines in commercial real estate values and prices; (xix) uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; (xx) cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks; (xxi) severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events, including as a result of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress, including potential changes in U.S. and international trade policies and the resulting impact on the Company and its customers; (xxii) competition and market expansion opportunities; (xxiii) changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; (xxiv) changes in tax laws; (xxv) the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; (xxvi) potential increased costs related to the impacts of climate change; and (xxvii) current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For more information about these factors, please see our reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty, and specifically disclaim any duty, to update or revise any such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks	$	42,689		$	37,443
Interest-earning deposits with banks		41,152			19,149
Total cash and cash equivalents		83,841			56,592
Investments:
Debt securities at fair value (amortized cost of $685,766 and $763,981, respectively)		583,930			661,113
Equity securities at fair value		9,665			7,058
Total investment securities at fair value		593,595			668,171
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		7,093			2,402
Loans held for sale		520			200
Loans:
Total loans		3,982,898			3,567,631
Allowance for credit losses		(63,498	)		(58,995	)
Net loans		3,919,400			3,508,636
Premises and equipment, net		42,444			44,931
Lease right-of-use asset		24,126			24,820
Accrued interest receivable		20,553			19,233
Deferred income taxes, net		49,096			49,166
Bank-owned life insurance		67,421			65,455
Prepaid income taxes		2,583			1,589
Prepaid expenses and other assets		11,398			19,183
Goodwill		5,656			5,656
Total assets	$	4,827,726		$	4,466,034
Liabilities and Shareholders‘Equity
Liabilities
Deposits	$	4,187,698		$	3,977,521
Borrowed funds		153,136			25,768
Subordinated debt		59,815			59,498
Lease liability		23,849			24,441
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		33,425			45,011
Accrued interest payable		9,055			4,678
Total liabilities		4,466,978			4,136,917
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders‘Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued		—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 12,447,308 and 12,272,674 shares issued and outstanding, respectively.		124			123
Additional paid-in capital		111,295			107,377
Retained earnings		328,243			301,380
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(78,914	)		(79,763	)
Total shareholders’ equity		360,748			329,117
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,827,726		$	4,466,034

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)

	Three months ended								Year ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023		December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Interest and dividend income:
Other interest-earning assets	$	833		$	2,497		$	2,350	$	6,199		$	9,943
Investment securities		3,881			3,835			4,219		15,693			18,575
Loans and loans held for sale		54,528			53,809			46,680		208,378			172,535
Total interest and dividend income		59,242			60,141			53,249		230,270			201,053
Interest expense:
Deposits		19,488			20,581			15,821		76,513			44,389
Borrowed funds		394			674			43		2,426			113
Subordinated debt		867			866			867		3,467			3,467
Total interest expense		20,749			22,121			16,731		82,406			47,969
Net interest income		38,493			38,020			36,518		147,864			153,084
Provision for credit losses		(106	)		1,332			2,493		1,985			9,249
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		38,599			36,688			34,025		145,879			143,835
Non-interest income:
Wealth management fees		2,043			2,025			1,797		7,888			6,730
Deposit and interchange fees		2,240			2,282			2,145		8,875			8,475
Income on bank-owned life insurance, net		522			518			314		2,001			1,264
Net losses on sales of debt securities		—			(2	)		—		(2	)		(2,419	)
Net gains on sales of loans		33			57			—		156			34
Net (losses) gains on equity securities		(30	)		604			674		1,140			666
Other income		808			656			617		2,821			2,859
Total non-interest income		5,616			6,140			5,547		22,879			17,609
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		19,276			20,097			18,468		78,224			72,283
Occupancy and equipment expenses		2,364			2,438			2,283		9,667			9,722
Technology and telecommunications expenses		2,687			2,618			2,719		10,708			10,656
Advertising and public relations expenses		609			559			709		2,585			2,786
Audit, legal and other professional fees		460			569			788		2,474			2,945
Deposit insurance premiums		950			900			768		3,571			2,712
Supplies and postage expenses		242			261			245		980			998
Merger-related expenses		1,137			—			—		1,137			—
Other operating expenses		2,117			1,911			2,244		7,786			8,097
Total non-interest expense		29,842			29,353			28,224		117,132			110,199
Income before income taxes		14,373			13,475			11,348		51,626			51,245
Provision for income taxes		3,646			3,488			3,441		12,893			13,187
Net income	$	10,727		$	9,987		$	7,907	$	38,733		$	38,058

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.86		$	0.80		$	0.64	$	3.13		$	3.11
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.86		$	0.80		$	0.64	$	3.12		$	3.11

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		12,433,895			12,428,543			12,261,918		12,386,669			12,223,626
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		12,460,063			12,438,160			12,276,769		12,398,062			12,244,036

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Ratios
(unaudited)

	At or for the three months ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Balance Sheet Data
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	83,841		$	88,632		$	199,719		$	147,834		$	56,592
Total investment securities at fair value		593,595			631,975			636,838			652,026			668,171
Total loans		3,982,898			3,858,940			3,768,649			3,654,322			3,567,631
Allowance for credit losses		(63,498	)		(63,654	)		(61,999	)		(60,741	)		(58,995	)
Total assets		4,827,726			4,742,809			4,773,681			4,624,015			4,466,034
Total deposits		4,187,698			4,189,461			4,248,801			4,106,119			3,977,521
Borrowed funds		153,136			59,949			61,785			63,246			25,768
Subordinated debt		59,815			59,736			59,657			59,577			59,498
Total shareholders’ equity		360,748			368,109			340,441			333,439			329,117
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		4,827,726			4,742,809			4,773,681			4,624,015			4,466,034

Wealth Management
Wealth assets under management	$	1,230,014		$	1,212,076		$	1,129,147		$	1,105,036		$	1,077,761
Wealth assets under administration	$	305,930		$	302,891		$	267,529		$	268,074		$	242,338

Shareholders’ Equity Ratios
Book value per common share	$	28.98		$	29.62		$	27.40		$	26.94		$	26.82
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.23

Regulatory Capital Ratios
Total capital to risk weighted assets		13.06	%		13.07	%		13.07	%		13.20	%		13.12	%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets⁽¹⁾		10.38	%		10.36	%		10.34	%		10.43	%		10.34	%
Tier 1 capital to average assets		8.94	%		8.68	%		8.76	%		8.85	%		8.74	%

Credit Quality Data
Non-performing loans	$	26,687		$	25,946		$	17,731		$	18,527		$	11,414
Non-performing loans to total loans		0.67	%		0.67	%		0.47	%		0.51	%		0.32	%
Non-performing assets to total assets		0.55	%		0.55	%		0.37	%		0.40	%		0.26	%
ACL for loans to total loans		1.59	%		1.65	%		1.65	%		1.66	%		1.65	%
Net charge-offs (recoveries)	$	221		$	(7	)	$	(130	)	$	122		$	15

Income Statement Data
Net interest income	$	38,493		$	38,020		$	36,161		$	35,190		$	36,518
Provision for credit losses		(106	)		1,332			137			622			2,493
Total non-interest income		5,616			6,140			5,628			5,495			5,547
Total non-interest expense		29,842			29,353			29,029			28,908			28,224
Income before income taxes		14,373			13,475			12,623			11,155			11,348
Provision for income taxes		3,646			3,488			3,111			2,648			3,441
Net income	$	10,727		$	9,987		$	9,512		$	8,507		$	7,907

Income Statement Ratios
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.86		$	0.80		$	0.77		$	0.69		$	0.64
Return on average total assets		0.89	%		0.82	%		0.82	%		0.75	%		0.69	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity		11.82	%		11.20	%		11.55	%		10.47	%		10.21	%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)⁽²⁾		3.29	%		3.22	%		3.19	%		3.20	%		3.29	%

(1) Ratio also represents common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets as of the periods presented.
(2) Tax-equivalent net interest margin is net interest income adjusted for the tax-equivalent effect associated with tax-exempt loan and investment income, expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Loan and Deposit Data
(unaudited)

Major classifications of loans at the dates indicated were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Commercial real estate owner-occupied	$	704,634		$	660,063		$	660,478		$	635,420		$	619,302
Commercial real estate non owner-occupied		1,563,201			1,579,827			1,544,386			1,524,174			1,445,435
Commercial and industrial		479,821			415,642			426,976			417,604			430,749
Commercial construction		679,969			674,434			622,094			583,711			585,113
Total commercial loans		3,427,625			3,329,966			3,253,934			3,160,909			3,080,599

Residential mortgages		443,096			424,030			413,323			400,093			393,142
Home equity loans and lines		103,858			95,982			93,220			85,144			85,375
Consumer		8,319			8,962			8,172			8,176			8,515
Total retail loans		555,273			528,974			514,715			493,413			487,032
Total loans		3,982,898			3,858,940			3,768,649			3,654,322			3,567,631

ACL for loans		(63,498	)		(63,654	)		(61,999	)		(60,741	)		(58,995	)
Net loans	$	3,919,400		$	3,795,286		$	3,706,650		$	3,593,581		$	3,508,636

Deposits are summarized at the periods indicated were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Non-interest checking	$	1,077,998	$	1,064,424	$	1,041,771	$	1,038,887	$	1,061,009
Interest-bearing checking		699,671		682,050		788,822		730,819		697,632
Savings		270,367		279,824		294,566		285,090		294,865
Money market		1,454,443		1,488,437		1,504,551		1,469,181		1,402,939
CDs $250,000 or less		377,958		375,055		358,149		337,367		295,789
CDs greater than $250,000		307,261		299,671		260,942		244,775		225,287
Deposits	$	4,187,698	$	4,189,461	$	4,248,801	$	4,106,119	$	3,977,521

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Yields (tax-equivalent basis)
(unaudited)

The following table presents the Company’s average balance sheets, net interest income and average rates for the periods indicated:

	Three months ended December 31, 2024						Three months ended September 30, 2024						Three months ended December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)	Average Balance		Interest⁽¹⁾		Average Yield⁽¹⁾		Average Balance		Interest⁽¹⁾		Average Yield⁽¹⁾		Average Balance		Interest⁽¹⁾		Average Yield⁽¹⁾
Assets:
Other interest-earning assets⁽²⁾	$	68,224	$	833	4.85	%	$	181,465	$	2,497	5.48	%	$	172,167	$	2,350	5.42	%
Investment securities⁽³⁾(tax-equivalent)		704,629		3,985	2.26	%		731,815		3,945	2.16	%		799,093		4,345	2.17	%
Loans and loans held for sale⁽⁴⁾(tax-equivalent)		3,911,386		54,673	5.56	%		3,813,800		53,956	5.63	%		3,467,945		46,824	5.36	%
Total interest-earnings assets (tax-equivalent)		4,684,239		59,491	5.06	%		4,727,080		60,398	5.09	%		4,439,205		53,519	4.79	%
Other assets		101,952						104,284						78,102
Total assets	$	4,786,191					$	4,831,364					$	4,517,307

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Non-interest checking	$	1,106,823		—			$	1,069,130		—			$	1,145,254	$	—
Interest checking, savings and money market		2,471,854		11,728	1.89	%		2,574,439		13,017	2.01	%		2,437,142		10,786	1.76	%
CDs		683,248		7,760	4.52	%		651,614		7,564	4.62	%		500,286		5,035	3.99	%
Total deposits		4,261,925		19,488	1.82	%		4,295,183		20,581	1.91	%		4,082,682		15,821	1.54	%
Borrowed funds		37,812		394	4.15	%		61,232		674	4.38	%		7,572		43	2.24	%
Subordinated debt⁽⁵⁾		59,768		867	5.80	%		59,689		866	5.81	%		59,451		867	5.83	%
Total funding liabilities		4,359,505		20,749	1.89	%		4,416,104		22,121	1.99	%		4,149,705		16,731	1.60	%
Other liabilities		65,720						60,524						60,376
Total liabilities		4,425,225						4,476,628						4,210,081
Stockholders’ equity		360,966						354,736						307,226
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,786,191					$	4,831,364					$	4,517,307

Net interest-rate spread (tax-equivalent)					3.17	%					3.10	%					3.19	%
Net interest income (tax-equivalent)				38,742						38,277						36,788
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)					3.29	%					3.22	%					3.29	%
Less tax-equivalent adjustment				249						257						270
Net interest income			$	38,493					$	38,020					$	36,518
Net interest margin					3.27	%					3.20	%					3.27	%

(1) Average yields and interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis, calculated using a U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for each period presented, based on tax-equivalent adjustments associated with tax-exempt loans and investments interest income.
(2) Average other interest-earning assets include interest-earning deposits with banks, federal funds sold and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
(3) Average investment securities are presented at average amortized cost.
(4) Average loans and loans held for sale are presented at average amortized cost and include non-accrual loans.
(5) Subordinated debt is net of average deferred debt issuance costs.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, certain plans, expectations, goals, projections, and statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, the plans, objectives, expectations and intentions of Independent and Enterprise, the expected timing of completion of the proposed transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements reflect the current views of Independent Bank Corp. (“Independent”) and Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (“Enterprise”) with respect to future events and financial performance, and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Statements that do not describe historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs, expectations, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements often, but not always, may be identified by words such as expect, anticipate, believe, intend, potential, estimate, plan, target, goal, or similar words or expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, may, might, should, would, could, or similar variations. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Independent and Enterprise caution that the forward-looking statements in this communication are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess and are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond Independent’s and Enterprise’s control. While there is no assurance that any list of risks and uncertainties or risk factors is complete, below are certain factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in the forward-looking statements: (1) changes in general economic, political, or industry conditions; (2) uncertainty in U.S. fiscal and monetary policy, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; (3) volatility and disruptions in global capital and credit markets; (4) movements in interest rates; (5) the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation or inflationary pressures in the United States and the Enterprise and Independent market areas; (6) increased competition in the markets of Independent and Enterprise; (7) success, impact, and timing of business strategies of Independent and Enterprise; (8) the nature, extent, timing, and results of governmental actions, examinations, reviews, reforms, regulations, and interpretations; (9) the expected impact of the proposed transaction between Enterprise and Independent on the combined entities’ operations, financial condition, and financial results; (10) the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction); (11) the failure to obtain Enterprise shareholder approval or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all or other delays in completing the proposed transaction; (12) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement; (13) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Independent or Enterprise; (14) the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies or as a result of the strength of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where Independent and Enterprise do business; (15) the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (16) diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; (17) potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; (18) the dilution caused by Independent’s issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the proposed transaction; (19) cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks; and (20) other factors that may affect the future results of Independent and Enterprise.

Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Independent’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including in the respective “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of such reports, as well as in subsequent SEC filings, each of which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available in the “Investor Relations” section of Independent’s website, www.rocklandtrust.com, under the heading “SEC Filings” and in other documents Independent files with the SEC, and in Enterprise’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including in the respective “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of such reports, as well as in subsequent SEC filings, each of which is on file with and available in the “Investor Relations” section of Enterprise’s website, enterprisebancorp.q4ir.com, under the heading “SEC Filings” and in other documents Enterprise files with the SEC.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. Neither Independent nor Enterprise assumes any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by applicable law. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in the document are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

This communication is being made with respect to the proposed transaction involving Independent and Enterprise. This material is not a solicitation of any vote or approval of the Enterprise shareholders and is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other documents that Independent and Enterprise may send to their respective shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

In connection with the proposed transaction between Independent and Enterprise, Independent has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that includes a proxy statement for a special meeting of Enterprise’s shareholders to approve the proposed transaction and that also constitutes a prospectus for the Independent common stock that will be issued in the proposed transaction, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISIONS, INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF INDEPENDENT AND ENTERPRISE ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Enterprise will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders. Shareholders are also urged to carefully review and consider Independent’s and Enterprise’s public filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, their respective proxy statements, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of the Registration Statement and of the proxy statement/prospectus and other filings incorporated by reference therein, as well as other filings containing information about Independent and Enterprise, can be obtained, free of charge, as they become available at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Independent Investor Relations, 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370, telephone (774) 363-9872 or to Enterprise Bancorp, Inc., 222 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, Attention: Corporate Secretary, telephone (978) 656-5578.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

Independent, Enterprise, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may, under the SEC’s rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Enterprise in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding Independent’s directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2024, and other documents filed by Independent with the SEC. Information regarding Enterprise’s directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 3, 2024, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on March 8, 2024 and other documents filed by Enterprise with the SEC. Other information regarding the persons who may, under the SEC’s rules, be deemed to be participants in the proxy solicitation of Enterprise’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction, and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available, which may be obtained free of charge as described in the preceding paragraph.

Contact Info: Joseph R. Lussier, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (978) 656-5578

The MIL Network –

MIL-OSI USA: MEMO: How Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze Affects Colorado

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Head Start programs, Meals on Wheels, Veterans’ suicide prevention programs, COPS grants to police departments all affected
In a chaotic late-night, two-page memo, President Trump immediately froze federal grants and loans. While the order is blatantly illegal, below is a memo outlining what programs are being affected by this sudden, ill-thought out freeze of funding.
“What does this mean for Colorado? Funding to our police departments, our hospitals, programs for homeless veterans. Nearly 9,000 kids in Colorado Head Start programs may be locked out. Trump is sacrificing working Americans,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper.
TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Office of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper
SUBJECT: Effects of Trump Executive Order Freezing Federal Funds
DATE: January 28, 2025
OMB Memo to Pause Spending: On Monday night, the acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget sent a two-page memorandum to all federal agency heads directing them to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligations or disbursement of Federal financial assistance.” The order is set to take effect at 3pm MT today. The memo also requires that agencies review all financial assistance programs to ensure activities are “consistent with the President’s policies and requirements,” citing several executive orders directed to pause all spending on foreign aid, the green new deal, “woke gender ideology,” and DEI programs. Agencies must provide OMB detailed information on program spending by February 10th, and assign “responsibility and oversight” to a senior political appointee. Below you can find priority programs and projects in Colorado that may be impacted by this pause.
COLORADO IMPACTS
The order is expected to impact tens of billions of dollars in payments for Colorado. Federal funds make up approximately 25 percent of Colorado’s total budget.
The latest Biden administration data lists total IRA/BIL/CHIPS public investment in Colorado at $10.586 billion
IRA/BIL climate-focused programs: Estimated $600M-$900M
Halts programs at Colorado’s rural hospitals: Pauses funding to increase health care access, support community health centers, treat substance abuse issues, and improve care quality for small rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals across the state.
For example, some of the programs and areas that will be affected:
$1,420,601 for rural hospital improvements and Medicare flexibility in Arapahoe County
$1,250,000 to battle the opioid crisis and increase access to substance abuse programs in Moffat County
$784,031 to help screen patients suffering from black lung disease Denver County
$499,847 to battle the opioid crisis and increase access to substance abuse programs in Adams County
$200,000 to improve access to health care providers in San Miguel County
$100,000 to expand rural health care development in Archuleta County
$100,000 to expand rural health care development in Mesa County
Additional programs paused include cancer research, rural telehealth options, and infectious disease preparation.
Medicaid portal down nationwide: Our office has heard from Colorado hospitals that the Medicaid payment system has been turned off. With Medicaid portals down, doctors and hospitals in Colorado are unable to receive funds through the system. Reports have circulated that other states are running into the same issue and have been shut off from Medicaid.
Takes food away from 40 percent of Colorado school kids: Halts federal payments for school breakfast and lunch programs. 40% of Colorado kids rely on these programs to stay fed and healthy.
Cuts off 83,000+ low-income families from heating their homes in the dead of winter: Halts funding disbursements for low-income Colorado families who rely on LIHEAP funding to keep their home warm this winter. In FY24, 83,800+ households depended on LIHEAP.
25,000+ Colorado seniors will be unsure where their next meal will come from: Local Meals on Wheels providers are unsure whether they will be able to serve meals. 25,000+ Colorado seniors utilize Meals on Wheels to access food.
Strips $182 million from the budgets of our local public schools: Will strip Colorado public schools of $182 million in federal funding, straining the budget of our local public schools even further.
19,000+ kids unable to attend child care or Head Start programs: Facilities will not be able to access reimbursements that help provide low-income kids with the early childhood education, health, and nutrition that they need. In FY23, nearly 9,000 kids were enrolled in Head Start in Colorado. Head Start programs around the country are already reporting being locked out of the portal to access reimbursements.
Federal funding to provide child care assistance to low-income families will also be paused, with over 10,000 kids in Colorado between the ages of 0-5 were supported by Child Care and Development Block Grant funding last year.
Hits our farmers and producers where it hurts when food prices are already too high for working families: This threatens funding to programs that benefit producers and consumers alike, including the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). Since 2022, LFPA has contributed over $2M to local ag in Colorado, and enabled food banks to distribute over 1.2 million pounds of nutritious food to Coloradans in need. The order also pauses funding to agriculture research and meat, poultry, and egg product inspection.
Pauses critical loans for thousands of Colorado small businesses: All SBA loans, including disaster relief, will be paused. This will cripple local small businesses as they will be unable to make payroll, their leasing payment, or more. Over 5,000 Colorado small businesses have been approved for SBA loans in the past three years.
Deny Colorado communities funding to fight opioid misuse: Last year, Colorado received $20.8 million to fund addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the state.
Weakens our public safety and undermines our law enforcement: Pauses crucial funding used to prevent terrorism, hire more police officers, prevent school violence, and crack down on drug trafficking.
For example, some of grants that boost public safety in Colorado that will be impacted include:
$12.2 million to the Colorado Department of Public Safety to prevent terrorism
$9 million in Office of Violence Against Women grants in FY24 for Colorado organizations for victims assistance as well as state and local police
$680,798 awarded to Colorado Springs to reduce drug trafficking and drug production
$336,629 for the Colorado Department of Public Safety to crack down on drug trafficking
Strips Colorado’s 365,000+ veterans of the support and resources they’ve earned: Halts funding for community-based suicide prevention efforts, organizations that provide care for veterans experiencing homelessness, and services for veterans living with disabilities or struggling with mental health crises. Health care programs that support family members of disabled veterans as well as educational programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill and post-9/11 education benefits, will be paused. Funds will also be frozen for the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, which supports surviving family members. Federal funding that helps veterans secure good-paying jobs through job training and support services is also threatened.
For example, organizations, such as the Colorado Coalition for Homeless, won’t be able to access their regular funding to help support veterans pay their monthly rent.
Cuts off 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Pauses funding for the suicide and life crisis hotline that offers real-time support for those struggling with a mental health crisis, emotional distress, and alcohol or durg use.
After our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already invested $5.3 billion in Colorado, all DOT grant programs will be paused and reviewed. Many Colorado projects are at risk, including all major programs impacting highways, aviation, safety, rail, and more.
Appeases China by allowing them to continue having a hold in our rural communication networks: Hickenlooper successfully secured $3.08 billion for the Federal Communications’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, or the Rip and Replace program for short. Colorado was awarded the highest outstanding amount. That funding is now paused, leaving our rural small businesses in the dust and our telecommunications networks at risk.

MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Whitehouse Announce EPW Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, announced the EPW subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress.
“Each of these subcommittees play an important role in developing solutions that tackle the infrastructure, energy, and environment challenges within EPW’s jurisdiction. I’m confident in the ability of our chairs to lead these panels effectively, and continue EPW’s track record of getting things done. I look forward to working with our subcommittee leaders and members to address the issues most important to the American people,” Chairman Capito said.
“Our subcommittees cover many issues that are essential to ensuring clean air, clean water, a healthy climate, and modern infrastructure,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse. “I look forward to working together on these important topics.”
Subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress are as follows:
Transportation and Infrastructure
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chairman
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)
Senator John Curtis (R-Utah)
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ranking Member
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)
Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chairman
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)
Senator John Curtis (R-Utah)
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio)
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ranking Member
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)
Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight
Senator John Curtis (R-Utah), Chairman
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio)
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)
Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chairman
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)
Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio)
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.)

MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Backs Permanent Small Business Tax Cut

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) has cosponsored the Main Street Tax Certainty Act , legislation introduced by Senator Steve Daines (R-SD) and Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to make the 20 percent pass-through business tax deduction permanent. The expiration of this tax cut would require small businesses to face an immediate and insurmountable tax hike.
“From main street storefronts to manufacturers, agriculture producers and more – small business is the backbone of our economy,” said Boozman. “I am proud to support policies that help Natural State small businesses thrive and stimulate growth and investment into our local communities.”
“As the son of a contractor, I’ve seen firsthand the hard work it takes to keep a small business flourishing- especially as Americans are still grappling with the effects of Joe Biden’s inflation. It’s absolutely crucial that we pass this legislation to prevent a 20 percent tax increase for hardworking Montanans and I’ll keep fighting for ways to support Montana small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs in our state,” said Daines.
“Small businesses are the economic engine that drive growth and jobs in South Dakota and across our country. This legislation is critical to permanently extending a key provision from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and ensuring our small businesses and farms and ranches are not hit with a crippling tax hike at the end of 2025,” said Thune.
The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tim Scott (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Hoeven (R-ND), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Todd Young (R-IN), John Kennedy (R-LA) and Jim Banks (R-IN).
The Main Street Tax Certainty Act is endorsed by multiple small businesses and advocacy groups. Here’s what they are saying about the bill.
“Congress must preserve the pass-through deduction to protect the small and medium manufacturers that are the backbone of the American supply chain. Manufacturers strongly support the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which will make permanent this crucial provision and ensure that our tax code supports manufacturers in America as they invest in their businesses, create jobs, and drive the economy,” said National Association of Manufacturers Managing Vice President of Policy Chris Netram.
“If Congress fails to act, more than 30 million small businesses will face a massive tax hike at the end of this year. The 20 percent Small Business Deduction allows nine out of 10 Main Street job creators to compete, grow their business, hire new employees, raise wages, and give back to their communities,” said National Federation of Independent Businesses President Brad Close.
Over 230 trade associations also signed a letter in support of the Main Street Tax Certainty Act.
Click here to read the text of the legislation.

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Serious crash closes State Highway 59 to southbound traffic near Porirua (one SB lane now OPEN)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

10 pm:

One southbound lane on State Highway 59 has been reopened to traffic following the crash earlier this evening.

The highway was closed to southbound traffic for approximately three and a half hours.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and understanding this evening while the crash scene was investigated and cleared.

Drivers are asked to take care driving through the area until both southbound lanes have reopened

6:50 pm:

State Highway 59 is currently closed to southbound traffic from Mungavin Interchange to State Highway 1.

It follows a serious crash on the highway which occurred shortly before six o’clock this evening.

Southbound traffic heading to Wellington on State Highway 59 should avoid the area and use an alternative route.

The highway’s northbound lanes remain open.

Emergency services and contractors are attending the incident, and the southbound lanes are expected to remain closed until a Police Serious Crash Unit investigation is completed and the crash site is cleared.

Drivers are encouraged to check the highway’s status before they travel. Updates can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

MIL-OSI USA: IAM Membership Elects Incumbent Executive Council, Law Committee and AFL-CIO, CLC Delegates in Strong Showing of Union Democracy

Source: US GOIAM Union

In an overwhelming show of support, IAM Union members have nominated and elected the incumbent Executive Council members and international officers to a new four-year term, beginning July 1, 2025. For the first time in nearly two decades, there will be no need for runoffs for international officer elections.

“On behalf of myself and the entire IAM Executive Council, we would like to thank all IAM members for again upholding our longstanding tradition of union democracy,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We continue to be proud of the IAM’s ‘one member, one vote’ electoral system that gives all members a voice in our union’s future.”

Nominations were held on Jan. 18, 2025 at every IAM Local throughout the United States and Canada. No candidates other than those elected below received enough nominations to hold a full election. A full nomination listing by Local is being finalized and will be released in the coming weeks.

International President
Brian Bryant (Local S6)

General Secretary-Treasurer
Dora Cervantes (Local 2198)

Canadian General Vice President
David Chartrand, Canadian General Vice President (Local 712)*

U.S. General Vice Presidents
David Sullivan, General Vice President (Local S6)
Richie Johnsen, General Vice President (Local 1781)
Craig Martin, General Vice President (Local 470)
Jody Bennett, General Vice President (Local 2771)
Sam Cicinelli, General Vice President (Local 701)
Robert “Bobby” Martinez, General Vice President (Local 933)

Law Committee
Eric Johnston (Local 235)
Ryan Haehnlein (Local 701)
Teressa Peart (Local 774)
Olu Ajetomobi (Local 1781)
Sal Vasquez (Local 311)

Delegates to the AFL-CIO
E. Michael Vartabedian (Local 264)
Sharon Sugiyama (Local 2339G)
Richard Jackson (Local 751A)

Delegate to the Canadian Labour Congress
Christy Slauenwhite (Local 764)*

*Elected solely by IAM members in Canada.

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MIL-OSI Security: Nigerian Man Extradited to the U.S. After Being Indicted for Sextortion Scheme That Caused Death of South Carolina Teen

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

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal (luh-wall), 24, of Osun State, Nigeria, has been extradited to the United States from Nigeria to face prosecution in a partially unsealed indictment for the sextortion of a South Carolina minor, which led to the victim’s death.

This investigation was launched after Gavin Guffey, a 17-year-old from Rock Hill, died by suicide in July 2022 after being victimized by Lawal’s scheme. Lawal allegedly posed as a young woman on social media and coerced the teen into sending compromising photos. He then extorted and sent harassing messages to the teen threatening to leak the photos and ruin his reputation unless the teen sent him money. Lawal later did the same to members of his family.

The five-count federal indictment charges Lawal with child exploitation resulting in death, the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, cyberstalking resulting in death, interstate threats with intent to extort, and aiding/abetting. In addition to victimizing the teen in every count, the indictment alleges Lawal targeted the minor victim’s family in the stalking and extortion charges.

Lawal faces up to life in prison, and mandatory minimum prison sentences on multiple counts. The child exploitation resulting in death count carries a mandatory 30-year sentence. He also faces mandatory restitution, where the court may order Lawal to pay for losses incurred by the family as a result of his scheme.

The indictment was returned by a federal Grand Jury in South Carolina in October 2023. On Jan. 24, following extradition proceedings in Nigeria, agents with the FBI Columbia Field Office took custody of Lawal in Lagos, Nigeria and executed the removal with assistance from Nigerian law enforcement.

“We will not allow predators who target our children to hide behind a keyboard or across the ocean. Today we honor Gavin’s life and continue our fight against sextortion by holding this defendant accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “This investigation and extradition are the result of tremendous law enforcement coordination both in the United States and Nigeria. We’re grateful to the many agencies who helped make this day possible.”

“This indictment represents the culmination of countless hours of dedicated work done by our investigators both here and abroad,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The defendant’s alleged actions are reprehensible resulting in the tragic loss of a young man’s life. We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding criminals accountable, especially those who target our children and endanger their lives, no matter where they are.”

U.S. Attorney Boroughs and SAC Jensen thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), and U.S. State Department for their help in facilitating the arrest and extradition of Lawal.

Nigerian law enforcement provided critical assistance in the identification, investigation, arrest, and extradition of Lawal. U.S. Attorney Boroughs and SAC Jensen extend their appreciation and thanks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Attorney General’s Office – Ministry of Justice, and all other involved Nigerian authorities for their important partnership in this case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following website: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.

If someone you know is being victimized by sextortion, please report to local law enforcement and to the FBI. Learn more about sextortion and find resources for parents, caregivers, and teachers.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Section and International Operations Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the York County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels, Lothrop Morris, and Michael Shedd are prosecuting the case.

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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MIL-OSI USA: January 28th, 2025 Heinrich: Trump’s Blockade on Federal Funding Pummels New Mexicans and American Economy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
Published: January 28th, 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is condemning President Trump’s unlawful direction to unilaterally blockade all federal grant funding.
“Our economy, our healthcare system, our schools, our law enforcement and fire departments, our newborns, our elders, our veterans – everyone, everywhere in New Mexico. President Trump is attempting to shove all of this over a cliff,” said Heinrich. “In New Mexico alone, Trump’s blockade on federal funding will make it impossible for thousands to pay rent on February 1st, force tens of thousands of New Mexico students to drop out of college without Pell Grant funding, close hundreds of preschool programs across the state, deprive 7 out of 10 New Mexico children their daily lunch, and cut off federal Medicaid reimbursement – impacting 7 out of 10 nursing home residents, 55% of newborn births, and all health care providers in our state.”
Heinrich continued, “Trump is clearly willing to pummel New Mexicans and the American economy for his twisted and deranged agenda and fragile ego. But the Constitution is clear: the president cannot override, delay, or rescind Congress’s funding laws. We passed these laws to help working families get ahead and put food on the table and create jobs New Mexicans can build their families around. I will fight like hell to undo this brazen, barbaric blockade from this wannabe dictator and his weird billionaire lackeys.”
The Constitution explicitly gives Congress, not the president, the power of the purse. The president does not have the power to override spending laws that Congress has passed and the president has signed into law. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution says: “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” Fact sheets from the Senate and House Appropriations Committees detailing how presidents lack power to unilaterally override congressional spending laws and deny enacted funding to communities can be found here and here.
Examples of the impacts of this funding blockade:
PUBLIC SAFETY: Grants for law enforcement and homeland security activities will cease to go out the door, undermining public safety in every state and territory.
DISASTER RELIEF: Public assistance and hazard mitigation grants from the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments and non-profits to help communities quickly respond to, recover from, and prepare for major disasters will be halted—right as so many communities are struggling after severe natural disasters, including Roswell flooding and Ruidoso fires and severe storms and wildfires in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and California.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: All federally-funded transportation projects across the country—roads, bridges, public transit, and more—will be halted, including projects already under construction.
COMBATTING THE FENTANYL CRISIS: Funding for communities to address the substance use disorder crisis and combat the fentanyl crisis will be cut off.
988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE: Funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, as well as grants for mental health services, will be cut off.
MEDICAL RESEARCH: There will be immediate pauses on all funding for critical health research, including research on cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes, as well as clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center and all across the country—disrupting lifesaving and often time-sensitive research.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Critical preparedness and response capability funding used to prepare for disasters, public health emergencies, and chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear events will be frozen.
FIREFIGHTING: Grants to support firefighters across the country will be halted—this includes grants that help states and localities purchase essential firefighting equipment.
HEAD START: Funding for Head Start programs that provide comprehensive early childhood education for more than 800,000 kids and their families will be cut off. Teachers and staff would not get paid and programs may not be able to stay open.
CHILD CARE: Child care programs across the country will not be able to access the funding they rely on to keep their doors open.
K-12 SCHOOLS: Federal funding for our K-12 schools will be halted. School districts may not be able to access key formula grant funding including Title I, IDEA, Impact Aid, and Career and Technical Education, which would pose tremendous financial burdens on schools in the middle of the school year.
HIGHER EDUCATION AND JOB TRAINING: Millions of students relying on Pell grants, federal student loans, and federal work study will have their plans to pursue postsecondary education and further their careers thrown into chaos as federal financial aid disbursements are paused.
HEALTH SERVICES: Federal funding for community health centers that provide health care for over 30 million Americans will be immediately frozen, creating chaos for patients trying get their prescriptions, a regular checkup, and more.
SMALL BUSINESSES: The Small Business Administration will have to halt loans to small businesses—including those in disaster ravaged communities in North Carolina, Texas, and Florida.
VETERANS CARE: Federal grants to help veterans in rural areas access health care and grants to help veterans get other critical services, including suicide prevention resources, transition assistance, and housing for homeless veterans, will be cut off.
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE: Millions of American families and children who rely on nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and school lunch programs will be left hungry as funding is cut off and non-profits who provide additional assistance lose federal funding.
TRIBES: Funding to Tribes for basic government services like health care, public safety, law enforcement, Tribal schools, housing, and food assistance will be halted.
PREVENTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: All Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants, as well as funding for victims assistance and state and local police, will be cut off.
U.S. COMPETITIVENESS: Existing grants to support research for AI and quantum computing will be halted and any new grant funding would be paused—undermining U.S. innovation and competitiveness with China and putting American jobs at risk.
ENERGY JOBS: Grants for critical energy projects nationwide will be cut off—halting billions of dollars in investment nationwide and jeopardizing good-paying American jobs. The Department of Energy Loan Program Office will halt loans in 28 states, impacting hundreds of thousands construction and operations jobs.
FOOD INSPECTIONS: Some states will have to take on the full financial burden of ensuring the nation’s meat supply is safe if federal cooperative agreements for meat inspection are halted.
SUPPORT FOR SERVICE MEMBERS: Support for a host of Department of Defense financial assistance and grant programs supporting service members and their families will be halted, including the Fisher House, Impact Aid, community noise mitigation, ROTC language training, STEM programs, and the USO.
WEAKENS MILITARY READINESS: Grants and other assistance appropriated to strengthen military effectiveness and defense capacity will be halted, including Defense Production Act support for the defense industrial base, basic research grants necessary to advance key technologies, and small business support to strengthen supply chains.
AMERICANS OVERSEAS: Programs that track and combat the spread of infectious diseases, create business opportunities for American companies in emerging markets, combat terrorism, and counter the influence of China, Russia, and Iran—and efforts to ensure the safety and security of Americans implementing these programs—are all suspended and could be terminated.
An extensive list of potentially impacted federal programs can be found here.

MIL-OSI Security: FBI Springfield Advises Caution in Online Relationships

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

As Valentine’s Day approaches, FBI Springfield takes the opportunity to remind the public that online relationships are not always as they appear. While many people find authentic rewarding relationships online, far too many fall prey to romance scams. In this type of scam, a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust with the illusion of a romantic or close relationship in order to steal the victim’s money, personal or financial information, or even items of value.

Scammers use well-rehearsed scripts that have been used repeatedly and successfully, typically targeting victims via dating websites or apps, with the intention of establishing a relationship as quickly as possible. Some even keep journals on their victims to better understand how to manipulate and exploit them.

In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that Illinoisians lost almost $19 million in romance scams, a slight increase from the previous year. Nationwide, the dollar loss has declined slightly every year from 2021 to 2023; however, victims still lost $652.5 million in 2023.

“If someone has already sent money, the FBI will make every effort to see that the funds are returned to the victim by working with other law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, but oftentimes it can be difficult to investigate. That’s why the FBI relies on education and awareness to deter individuals from falling victim to these scams,” said Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “Proceed carefully and stay alert to warning signs from the very beginning to avoid the emotional and financial fall-out that accompanies romance scams.”

Romance scammers actively search dating websites, apps, chat rooms, and social networking sites in their efforts to build a relationship with an unwitting victim. Here are some red flags that might indicate you are headed for heartbreak.

You are asked to leave the dating website where you met to communicate solely through email or instant messaging.
The individual sends you a photo that looks like a glamour shot out of a magazine.
The individual professes love quickly.
The individual tries to isolate you from friends and family.
The individual claims to be working and living far away.
Plans made to visit you always cancel because of an emergency.
You are asked to send money, personal and financial information, items of value, or to launder money.
The individual uses stories of severe life circumstances, tragedies, deaths in the family, injuries to themselves, or other hardships to keep their victims concerned and involved.
A claim they have knowledge of cryptocurrency investments or trading opportunities that will result in substantial profits.

FBI Springfield offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim.

Go slow and ask questions.
If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately.
Never send money to someone you met online and have not met in person.
Never share your Social Security number or other personally identifiable information.
Research the individual’s picture and profile using other online search tools.
If you are planning to meet someone in person, proceed with caution, especially if you plan to travel to a foreign country.
Be careful what you post and make public online as scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
If you haven’t met the individual in person after a few months, you have good reason to be suspicious.

Many times, victims may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated and be reluctant to share their victimization with anyone, let alone report it to law enforcement. However, the FBI encourages anyone who has been victimized by this fraud or unsuccessfully targeted to contact FBI Springfield at 217-522-9675 and file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3. Coming forward will provide law enforcement with the necessary information to ensure online imposters are stopped and brought to justice.

MIL-OSI Security: Career Felon Caught with Fentanyl, Firearm Sentenced to 17 Years

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

Ryan Partridge had a pending arrest warrant when pulled over by Augusta police officers

BANGOR, Maine: An Augusta man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Ryan Partridge, 35, to 204 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release.

According to court records, in July 2023, Partridge was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by officers from the Augusta Police Department. During a search of the vehicle, investigators recovered a backpack with approximately 125 grams of fentanyl and a 9mm pistol inside, and Partridge admitted to investigators that the backpack and its contents belonged to him. At the time of the stop, Partridge, a career criminal with 12 prior convictions including two drug felonies, was on probation for a 2019 conviction for aggravated trafficking of fentanyl. He also had a pending arrest warrant for failing to report a change of address.

The FBI and U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case with assistance from the Augusta Police Department.

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MIL-OSI Security: Pierceland — Pierceland RCMP seize firearms while arresting wanted man

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On January 21, 2025, Pierceland RCMP were working to locate 23-year-old David Waskahat.

He was wanted for failing to appear in court on charges laid after a firearms discharge that took place in Pierceland, SK on October 27, 2024.

RCMP officers located Waskahat in a vehicle in Mudie Lake, SK. As a result of investigation, Pierceland RCMP located and seized a sawed-off riffle, a sawed-off shotgun, and a machete. A photo of the seized items is attached.

David Waskahat has been charged with:

1 count, possession of restricted weapon without license, Section 95(1), Criminal Code;
1 count, possession of firearm with tampered serial number, Section 108(1)(b), Criminal Code;
1 count, possession of firearm while unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
2 counts, possession of firearm in a motor vehicle, Section 94(1), Criminal Code;
2 counts, careless use of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
3 counts, possession of weapon contrary to court order, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code;
3 counts, fail to comply with probation order, Section 733.1(1), Criminal Code; and
1 count, fail to comply with release order, Section 1454(5)(a), Criminal Code.

Waskahat appeared in Meadow Lake Provincial Court on January 23, 2025 where he was remanded into custody until his next scheduled appearance on February 5, 2025.

MIL-OSI Security: St. Augustine Man Sentenced To More Than Five Years In Federal Prison For Illegally Possessing A Firearm

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy D. Berger has sentenced Derrick Walden (42, St. Augustine) to five years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Walden pleaded guilty on August 2, 2024.

According to the court documents, on January 18, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Walden’s residence as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Inside Walden’s bedroom, resting against his nightstand, was a loaded semi-automatic rifle with an extended magazine. When Walden was questioned about the rifle, he admitted that he had purchased it on the “street.” Law enforcement also seized multiple rounds of ammunition, a Kevlar bullet resistant vest, and drug paraphrenia from inside the residence. Walden is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his extensive criminal record, including at least seven felony convictions.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

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.

MIL-OSI USA: Graham Reacts to Extradition in ‘Sextortion’ Scheme Resulting in the Death of a South Carolina Teen

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina announced that a Nigerian man has been extradited to the United States after he was charged in a sextortion scheme that resulted in the suicide of 17-year-old Gavin Guffey from Rock Hill.
“I am very pleased that the Nigerian man charged with ‘sextorting’ Gavin Guffey has been extradited back to the United States to stand trial. Gavin tragically committed suicide as a result of this sextortion scheme, and I’m grateful to the federal and state law enforcement agencies who tracked down the perpetrator of this terrible crime.
“I met with Gavin’s dad, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, last year when the Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Big Tech CEOs on what they are doing to protect children online. I know Brandon and his entire family are equally pleased that the alleged perpetrator will face justice.
“Cases like this where young people are lured into taking explicit photos, only to be extorted later, have to be dealt with. That is why I am adamant that social media companies that allow this behavior to exist be subject to liability. Right now, they aren’t.
“The number of suicides related to this issue is heartbreaking.
“It is long past time for Congress to stand up to these social media companies and insist they do better. I will not relent.”
Background:
Graham met with Gavin’s dad, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, in January 2024. Graham questioned the CEOs of four social media companies at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that day about Gavin’s case.
The Nigerian man, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, was indicted by a federal grand jury in South Carolina on the following charges:
Child exploitation resulting in death
Production and distribution of child sexual abuse material
Coercion and enticement of a minor
Cyberstalking resulting in death
Interstate threats with intent to extort
Press release from the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina’s office

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unexplained death in Otaika

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Whangārei CIB are investigating an unexplained death in Otaika overnight.

Just before 5.30am, a motorcyclist was located deceased in a creek adjacent to Otaika Valley Road, State Highway 15.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says the man’s motorbike was located on the side of the road.

“Our enquiries remain in the early stages,” he says.

“At this stage the circumstances are being treated as unexplained and require further investigation.”

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says a scene examination will be carried out.

A post mortem examination will also be carried out in due course.

“As part of the scene examination, a section of State Highway 15 will be closed to allow this to be carried out,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

State Highway 15 will be closed this morning between the intersections with State Highway 1 at Otaika, and State Highway 14 at Maungatapere.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says: “Locals who need to access their properties along the stretch of State Highway 15 should approach uniformed staff at the cordon.

“There will be an inner cordon around the scene itself.

“Anyone who is travelling through this section of state highway is advised there will be diversions put in place.”

Police ask anyone travelling through State Highway 15 (Otaika Valley Road) early this morning, and who saw anything is asked to contact Police.

Please call 105 using the reference number P061439912.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Releases Statement on Trump Administration’s Abrupt Federal Funding Freeze

Source: US State of Colorado

Colorado Will Join Other States in a Lawsuit to Block the Freeze

DENVER – Governor Polis released a statement announcing Colorado will sign on to a multi-state lawsuit challenge to the Administration’s freeze of federal funding:

“Governing is about delivering real results for the people we serve, not sowing chaos. This indefinite pause in Congressionally appropriated federal funding hurts children and hardworking families, jeopardizes American jobs and businesses, harms hospitals and safety net health providers, threatens road and bridge repairs, and impacts countless other programs. These federal investments help people and support good-paying jobs and our economy, and this sloppy action creates confusion that distracts from Americans’ real challenges. Since day one I’ve been focused on saving Coloradans money, expanding education access, reducing health care costs, and improving affordability for everyone in our state. I’m always open to ideas from anyone about how we can make government more efficient and better deliver for fellow Coloradans. Still, chaotic actions like this do not make our country better off. We hope that this senseless action is reversed urgently before too much damage is done to people and businesses.”

Colorado will join various other states in suing to challenge the funding freeze.

###

MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont and Comptroller Scanlon Applaud Approval of Legislation Providing Enhanced Survivor Benefits for Families of State Employees Killed in the Line of Duty

Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and the leadership of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Transportation are applauding the Connecticut General Assembly for voting today to ratify an agreement reached between the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Comptroller, and the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) that makes the surviving families of state employees who are killed in the line of duty eligible to receive enhanced survivor benefits, regardless of whether that state employee was eligible to receive a pension at the time of their death.

The legislation was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances. Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.

Governor Lamont, Comptroller Scanlon, Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins, Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman, and Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto worked with legislative leaders to advocate for a solution that would make surviving families in these situations eligible for these benefits.

“Many state employees have job responsibilities that often put their lives at risk, and the state must be there for their families whenever we may be faced with an unfortunate tragedy,” Governor Lamont said. “With the change approved today, these families can now begin receiving survivor benefits. I appreciate lawmakers from both sides of the aisle for working with our administration on this solution to the state’s pension rules.”

“Every day, thousands of state employees go to work and, in some cases, put themselves in harm’s way on behalf of all of us,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “As a state, we have a profound responsibility to support our employees and their families – especially in the tragic event of a line-of-duty death. I’m honored to have worked with Governor Lamont and labor leaders to close this loophole and ensure that the families of employees who pay the ultimate sacrifice while serving our state receive the benefits they deserve and are entitled to.”

“State employees do the jobs that make Connecticut a safer place to live and work. They patrol the highways, work along dangerous roadways, and perform numerous hazardous duties to ensure our well being,” Commissioner Higgins said. “At DESPP, we are deeply appreciative of this agreement and the message that it sends to Connecticut and all state employees. Thank you, Governor Lamont and everyone who worked hard to make this a reality.”

“This agreement serves as a symbol of our deep gratitude and respect for the employees of the State of Connecticut,” Colonel Loughman said. “In recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by a Connecticut State Trooper, this commitment to providing financial security for his family is a top priority. I would like to thank Governor Lamont and his team for their swift action that has made this a reality.”

“Our workers are often in harm’s way maintaining and improving our state’s transportation infrastructure, with 39 CTDOT employees killed in the line of duty since our agency’s founding,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “While nothing we do can bring our colleagues back, this legislation is an important step forward that recognizes the dangers our roadside workers face. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for supporting and approving this important legislation.”

“We would like to recognize and thank Governor Lamont, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, the legislature, Undersecretary David Krayeski, and Attorney Dan Livingston for their leadership and commitment to ensuring that the surviving children, spouses, and families are cared for in the absences of those who gave their lives protecting the State of Connecticut,” Connecticut State Police Union President Todd Fedigan said. “Our troopers appreciate that we are valued by the state’s leadership and can rest assured that if they are killed in the line of duty, their families will be supported and able to focus on making sure the trauma of such loss is minimized for those left behind.”

The Senate approved the agreement by a vote of 34 to 0 (Senate Resolution 10), and the House of Representatives approved it by a vote of 143 to 0 (House Resolution 12).

In addition to this reform, the state recently established the Fallen Officer Fund, which provides financial assistance to the families of local and state police officers who are killed in the line of duty or who sustained injuries that are the cause of an officer’s death.

MIL-OSI Security: Crime spree sends young carjacker to prison

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 19-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for stealing a car that was later used in an alien smuggling scheme, announced acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez pleaded guilty to carjacking Sept. 23, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Rodriguez to serve 42 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard that Rodriguez stole the car in order to use it in an alien smuggling attempt. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ramos noted the seriousness of the offense.

On May 19, 2024, Rodriguez and Christian Hardy arranged to steal a Ford Fiesta in order to carry out an alien smuggling scheme. Outside a convenience store in Edinburg, they approached the driver of the car, and while Rodriguez spoke to the driver, Hardy climbed into the car. Rodriguez brandished a gun and threatened the owner of the car and both men drove away in the Ford.

The following day, Rodriguez and Hardy approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint driving the Ford. Authorities had discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen and referred them to secondary inspection. There, they found two illegal aliens in the trunk. Law enforcement also found a firearm on Rodriguez upon his arrest.

Hardy, 18, Richmond, also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

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

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Edinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.

MIL-OSI Security: Jamontay Brister Imprisoned for Drug Conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Jamontay Brister, 29, of Queens, New York, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 54 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to charges that he conspired to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered that Brister serve a three-year term of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence. Brister has been detained without bail since his arrest last July.

According to court records, in June 2024, Burlington Police Department drug investigators and DEA Task Force officers made three controlled purchases of fentanyl from Brister utilizing a confidential source. In July, officers obtained a state court warrant to search the Burlington apartment within which Brister had rented a room. They executed the warrant on the morning of July 17 and arrested Brister, who was alone in a locked bedroom. During the search of Brister’s bedroom, officers recovered more than 950 grams of cocaine, more than 150 grams of fentanyl, about $10,000 in cash and a handgun. Brister is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has a prior attempted robbery conviction in New York state.

This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and the DEA Task Force.

Brister is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

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

MIL-OSI Security: West Mifflin Felon Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Firearms and Drug Trafficking Violations

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 200 months of imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal firearms and narcotics trafficking laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Giante Hilliard, 32, on January 27, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, Hilliard—who previously had been convicted of a number of felony offenses in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, including aggravated assault, possession of unlicensed firearms, and terroristic threats—was involved in an exchange of gunfire outside of a McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, bar on March 28, 2023. Video of the incident shows that, moments after Hilliard and another individual left the bar and started to drive off, a third person shot at the car they occupied. Hilliard returned fire from the vehicle’s passenger seat, with several muzzle flashes visible in the video. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

In a second incident, Hilliard was the passenger in a vehicle that law enforcement attempted to stop on May 8, 2023. Rather than complying, the driver rammed three law enforcement vehicles—allowing one of the officers to observe Hilliard with a black firearm—and sped off. Shortly after, law enforcement located the disabled vehicle abandoned near a convenience store. Nearby surveillance video showed the driver and Hilliard leaving the disabled vehicle together, and then splitting up, with Hilliard holding a black bag that he attempted to conceal under a dumpster. The black bag was recovered by law enforcement and found to contain a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun and approximately 300 doses of what laboratory results later confirmed was a heroin and fentanyl mixture. Ballistic testing of the handgun against nearly a dozen 40 caliber casings from the March 28 shooting determined the firearm to be a match with the one used by Hilliard in that earlier incident. Hilliard’s fingerprints were found both on the firearm ’s magazine and on some of the paper in which the narcotics were wrapped. The gun previously had been reported stolen. Based on evidence recovered in connection with this May 8 incident, including analysis of cell phones seized from within the disabled vehicle, the government obtained an arrest warrant for Hilliard.

In a third incident, on May 31, 2023, Hilliard posted on social media a video of himself with another firearm. Based on information from that video and other evidence gathered during the investigation, the government obtained a search warrant for a residence where Hilliard was hiding out and the vehicle that he had been seen driving. Law enforcement surrounded the house, but Hilliard refused to come out until several hours after officers fired multiple rounds of tear gas into the home. A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of controlled substances that laboratory testing later confirmed to be a heroin and fentanyl mixture. In the vehicle, investigators also discovered another loaded firearm—a “ghost gun” without a serial number.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and numerous other police department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hilliard.

MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Frontline delivering 5G connectivity to New York State Police cruisers

Source: Verizon

Headline: Verizon Frontline delivering 5G connectivity to New York State Police cruisers

ALBANY, N.Y. – Verizon Frontline today announced it will provide 5G connectivity across the New York State Police’s fleet of vehicles through the activation of more than 1,800 lines of service.

The applications and capabilities enabled by the high-speed, low latency and massive capacity provided by mobile broadband will help the troopers of the New York State Police more safely and efficiently perform their duties while deployed across the state.

Mobile broadband in New York State Police cruisers will provide 5G connectivity and speed to:

Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) and associated law enforcement applications
Global Positioning System (GPS) applications
Radios
Wireless Printers/Scanners
License Plate Readers
Mobile and Fixed Camera Systems
Sensors

These are just some examples of how the New York State Police will leverage mobile broadband in their “connected cruisers” to help improve operational efficiency as they work to achieve their mission of “ensuring the safety of the state’s roadways, preventing and investigating crime, preparing for and responding to emergencies and disasters and providing support to other law enforcement agencies.”

Connecting their cruiser fleet with 5G speed and reliability is just one of the many ways in which the New York State Police are demonstrating their continued commitment to innovation and modernization in effectively solving and preventing crime.

Verizon Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over more than three decades of partnership with public safety agencies on the front lines – to meet their unique and evolving needs.

MIL OSI Economics –

MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Cuba Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

Source: United Nations – Geneva

Rodolfo Benítez Verson, the new Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. Benítez Verson had been serving as Director-General for Multilateral Affairs and International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba since 2021. He served as Cuba’s Ambassador to South Africa from 2017 to 2021. He was also Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations in New York from 2009 to 2012, where he was also posted from 2006 to 2009 and from 1997 to 2003.

Mr. Benítez Verson has also held various positions within Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, including as Head of the Department of Multilateral Political Affairs (2012-2017), and Advisor to the Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs (2004-2006). In 2017, he was awarded the Order of San Carlos, degree of the Grand Cross, by the President and Government of Colombia for his contribution as Chief Cuban Guarantor to the successful mediation of the Colombian peace process.

Mr. Benítez Verson carried out Master studies in international relations at the Higher Institute of International Relations Raúl Roa García (2006), and has a degree in international political relations from the same Institute (1991). He also graduated from various higher studies programmes on disarmament and conflict resolution, including the United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Programme (1995).

Born in Havana, Cuba, on 3 November 1968, he is married and has two daughters.

__________

CR.24.049E

Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

MIL-OSI USA: Message on Recent Executive Orders and Federal Actions

Source: US State of Connecticut

Dear Colleagues and Students,

Like every college and university, UConn is contending with directives and new information arriving from the federal government at a rapid pace, which we need time to evaluate and react to. We are best served by thoroughly and methodically determining the facts and then what steps we must take going forward so that we can give our faculty, staff, and students clear and accurate information, guidance, and support.

To that end, the university is actively reviewing the various executive orders and other actions being taken by the new administration in Washington and assessing their potential impact on higher education and UConn specifically. Some of these actions are straightforward, while others are not and require more intensive analysis, at times aided by external guidance, before their potential meaning and impact can be fully understood.

Leadership offices around the university are understandably receiving questions about this from members of our community, particularly around immigration and related issues. In response to the most frequent questions being asked on this subject, the university can share the following:

The effort to end birthright citizenship (which is protected by the U.S. Constitution) has been stalled in the courts. However, even if it were enforced, it would not impact or in any way apply to individuals who currently have U.S. citizenship even if such citizenship was pursuant to birthright citizenship.

The Department of Homeland Security revoked its “sensitive locations” protocol, which had meant that immigration authorities were not prioritizing college and university campuses or hospitals for immigration enforcement. Homeland Security has not yet issued new protocols. It is unknown how future protocols may impact higher education or healthcare institutions.

Please refer to the guidance previously issued by the university and the protocols in effect at UConn around this issue, which note, in part:

UConn Police will not ask individuals about immigration status.
UConn Police will not detain a person solely on the belief they are in the country illegally.
UConn Police will not detain or make arrests solely pursuant to an ICE detainer.
UConn, including the UConn PD, is legally required to adhere to arrest warrants or other orders authorized by a judge.

The university has also received questions and requests for guidance with respect to potential immigration enforcement on our campuses, such as authorities coming to a classroom seeking a specific student. While this is not likely to happen, in part because pursuant to federal law UConn is prohibited from and would not provide information about a student’s class schedule or classroom location, in the event it does, we encourage faculty or staff to contact the UConn Police Department and/or the Office of the General Counsel.

UConn is a federal contractor and a recipient of Title IV funding. Therefore, while the executive orders around DEI/DEIA initiatives certainly will have some impact on us, the extent of this is not yet fully understood. For example, the executive order text directs an end to “discriminatory and illegal” preferences and policies or practices and to enforce federal civil rights laws, such as Title VII, Title IX, and Title VI – all of which prohibit discrimination. However, compliance with these civil rights laws is not a new obligation because the university has always been required to comply with these laws. The executive orders contain other language that require further analysis before any potential impact on UConn can be determined. As we move forward, UConn will continue to support and value every member of our community.

With respect to research, university leaders, including the Vice President for Research, are analyzing the executive orders and other federal directives that will or may impact research and expect more guidance from the federal government in the coming days.

It is also important to remember that we are a public institution with a clear mission and values that are unchanging. We know what our priorities are and continue to be, including the success of our students, the impact of our research, providing exceptional patient care, and bringing value to our state and the world at large.

We are a university with more than 140 years of history behind us and unlimited time ahead of us. We will address the challenges and changing circumstances of today with an eye on both the present and the future.

The university will continually work to answer or address the frequently asked questions from our community regarding executive orders or other federal actions whenever possible.

Please note there will almost always be a lag in between a directive or action being issued by the federal government and any communication from the university administration about it. This is because the university must take the time to ensure information is thoroughly analyzed and understood before any communications about it are shared with the community.

As always, we appreciate your understanding and patience.

President Radenka Maric

Provost Anne D’Alleva

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MIL-OSI Security: Olathe Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Olathe, Kansas man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in an overdose death.

Jacob A. Block, 27, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, Jan. 27, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Block to forfeit to the government $10,000, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

On Feb. 1, 2024, Block pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and to one count of distributing fentanyl. Block admitted that he delivered 10 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) to a confidential informant. Block possessed an additional 150 to 300 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) at the time of this transaction. Block also admitted he sold a co-defendant approximately seven grams of powder fentanyl and 50 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) five to seven days a week, for six or seven months.

All 13 defendants in this case have pleaded guilty. Block is the ninth defendant to be sentenced.

Co-defendant Dmitry Cattell, 25, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to 21 years in federal prison without parole for leading the drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing a firearm. Evidence was presented at Cattell’s sentencing hearing related to the delivery of fentanyl, the use of which caused the death of another person on May 18, 2020. The victim of the fatal overdose is not identified in court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett and Stephanie Bradshaw. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Platte County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Clay County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Kearney, Mo., Police Department, the Olathe, Kan., Police Department, Lenexa, Kan., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Riverside, Mo., Police Department.

KC Metro Strike Force

This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.