NewzIntel.com

Category: Law Enforcement

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former postal manager who stole drugs from the mail sentenced on drug and gun charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ralph Minni, 55, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who handled the case, stated that on multiple occasions between May 2018, and May 2, 2022, Minni used his position as the Greece Post Office station manager to take parcels containing controlled substances, such as marijuana, out of the mail stream and into his private office, remove the contents, and then return the empty packages back into the mail stream. Minni then transported the controlled substances to his residence, where he would store and redistribute the narcotics to other individuals. On three occasions in March and April of 2022, Minni distributed quantities of cocaine to a coworker, who then proceeded to snort the cocaine off Minni’s office desk in his presence. On May 2, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Minni’s residence during which investigators recovered quantities of marijuana, approximately 700 grams of cocaine, approximately 40 firearms, and over 19,000 rounds of ammunition. Minni was arrested that same day after leaving the Greece Post Office. Officers recovered a quantity of marijuana from inside his vehicle, which he had removed from a mailed package and planned to take back to his residence for subsequent sale and distribution.

    The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi; and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. Additional assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Troop Commander Kevin Sucher.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Houston removes Honduran fugitive wanted for murder

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston, with assistance from ERO Honduras and the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement in Honduras, removed Fredy Rufino Aguilar-Hernandez, a 38-year-old unlawfully present Honduran national, from the United States Oct. 25. Aguilar-Hernandez is wanted in Honduras for murder.

    Aguilar-Hernandez was flown aboard a flight coordinated by ICE’s Air Operations Unit from the Alexandria Staging Facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, to the Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Upon arrival, he was transferred into the custody of Honduran authorities.

    On Sept. 12, 2018, Aguilar-Hernandez entered the United States as a nonimmigrant in Atlanta, Georgia. He was authorized to remain in the country until March 11, 2019, but failed to depart.

    On Jan. 29, 2019, ERO Houston was notified by the ICE National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center that Aguilar-Hernandez was wanted in Honduras for murder. Based on that alert, ERO Houston fugitive operations officers immediately began actively working leads to locate him.

    On May 23, 2024, ERO Houston fugitive operations officers successfully located Aguilar-Hernandez at a residence in Galveston, Texas, and he was taken into custody. On July 31, an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Aguilar-Hernandez removed from the United States to Honduras. ICE officers carried out that order and he was removed to Honduras Oct. 25.

    “For more than five years, ERO Houston fugitive operations officers tirelessly pursued this foreign fugitive to eradicate any threat he might pose to public safety,” said ERO Houston Field Office Director Bret A. Bradford. “In May, they successfully tracked him down and safely took him into custody. As someone who knows first-hand the challenges that they face to execute our increasingly complex mission, it is humbling to watch the passion and dedication that they bring every day to their jobs. Without their unyielding commitment to uphold the integrity of our nation’s immigration system, this dangerous fugitive would still be free in the community and his alleged victims in Honduras would be deprived of the justice they deserve.”

    The SAFE Program is a fugitive enforcement and information sharing partnership that was created in 2012 to better use subject information derived from local in-country investigative resources and leads to locate, apprehend, detain and remove individuals residing in the United States illegally who were subject to foreign arrest warrants. The SAFE Program operates under the respective host nation’s AAR, which constructs a SAFE task force composed of relevant foreign law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, attorneys general, and national identification repositories — as well as other regional, national, state and local government agencies. The managing AAR ensures that each task force member complies with SAFE policies and standards consistent with the program’s standard operating procedures. Once established, the AAR-led SAFE task force generates new leads and vets existing SAFE fugitive referrals for ERO action.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives should contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how the ERO Houston field office carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Southeast Texas follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Assaults at Marion and Mitchell Park

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are investigating after a woman was assaulted in her Mitchell Park home overnight.

    Police were called to a disturbance in Maldon Avenue, Mitchell Park at 3am on Saturday 26 October.

    Patrols arrived to find a front window had been smashed and the occupant, a 68-year-old woman, had been assaulted with a stick.

    She was taken to hospital for medical treatment.  Her injuries are not considered life-threatening.

    Police searched the area for the three suspects; however, they have not been located at this time.

    Detectives are investigating whether the same group of people were involved in an incident at a Marion service station a short time earlier.

    Police had been called to the services station on Marion Road, Marion just before 2am by reports that four people had been assaulted by two suspects.

    Two of the victims, and 18-year-old man and a 24-year-old man, were taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

    Crime scene investigators attended and examined the scenes and investigations are continuing to try to identify and locate the suspects.

    They are described as young men of Aboriginal appearance, wearing hoodies and dark clothing.

    Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearms Crimes

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

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Uqoeon Lawrence, age 28, of Syracuse pled guilty today to four federal felony offenses that included possession and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm and ammunition  by a convicted felon, and interstate firearms trafficking, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    As part of his plea of guilty today, Uqoeon Lawrence admitted that he sold fentanyl and methamphetamine during two undercover law enforcement operations in June of 2023. He further admitted that he possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and a loaded 20-gauge pump shotgun and ammunition recovered during the execution of a federal search warrant at his Syracuse apartment on June 26, 2023.  Lawrence also admitted he illegally possessed the shotgun and ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony.

    Uqoeon Lawrence also pled guilty today to separately trafficking handguns sourced in Maine to Syracuse, where he sold them on the street in July 2023.

    Sentencing is scheduled for February 25, 2025, at which time Lawrence faces a mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and up to life imprisonment for his conviction for distribution and possession with intent to distribute of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, as well as a fine of up to $10 million. He faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of 5 years and up to life in federal prison for his conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Lawrence also faces up to 15 years in federal prison for his convictions for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and interstate firearms trafficking as well as a term of at least 5 years of post-incarceration supervised release, and fines of up to $250,000.00.

    A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Syracuse Police Department-Intelligence Unit (SPD-INTEL) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coldbrook — Missing youth: Help the RCMP find Emma Goudie

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 25, 2024, Coldbrook, Nova Scotia… New Minas RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Emma Goudie, who was last seen on October 23 at approximately 7:00 p.m. in Coldbrook.

    Goudie is described as 5-foot-7, approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and blonde hair with red roots. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black tights.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Goudie is asked to contact New Minas RCMP at 902-679-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

    File #: 2024-1572628

    Note to media: A photo of Goudie is attached.

    -30-

    Sgt. Deepak Prasad

    Public Information Officer
    Nova Scotia RCMP
    rcmpns-grcne@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coldbrook — UPDATE: Missing youth found safe

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The 15-year-old female who was reported missing earlier today from Coldbrook has been found safe.

    The RCMP thanks Nova Scotians for assisting with missing persons files through social media shares and offering tips.

    File: 2024-1572628

    -30-

    Sgt. Deepak Prasad

    Public Information Officer
    Nova Scotia RCMP
    rcmpns-grcne@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PNG bus shooting: ‘This sort of revenge killing is unheard of’

    By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist

    Papua New Guinea police say 10 people have been tragically killed after a series of violent “revenge killings” along the Laiagam-Sirunki Highway in the Highlands province of Enga.

    The attacks, which occured last Friday and Monday, are believed to be connected to an unresolved death that took place in March earlier this year.

    Police said that gunmen from the Mulapin tribe ambushed a vehicle packed with passengers from the Sakare clan near Tambitanis Health Centre in Sirunki on October 11 at 8am.

    The vehicle, carrying a body, was fired upon in a surprise attack. A woman lost her life, several others sustained serious injuries, and the gunmen escaped.

    An hour later on the same day, the Sakare clan retaliated by shooting the driver and his passenger from close range. They reached a nearby hospital but succumbed to their injuries on arrival.

    The leadership of the Kunalin and Lyain tribes is urging restraint and for the clans not to resort to violence, police said.

    They have also called for the immediate surrender of suspects from both the Mulapin and Sakare tribes to law enforcement.

    Investigation into ‘root causes’
    Assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Tondop, who is responsible for the state of emergency in Enga, is calling for an investigation into the root causes of the recent conflict.

    “This sort of revenge killing is unheard of in the history of tribal conflicts in Enga Province where innocent people unrelated to the conflicts where killed,” he said.

    “All tribal clans taking part in the conflicts (Sakars, Mulapian, Kunalins, Myom and people form Kulapi 4 in Porgera) are all under the scope and ordered to refrain from further escalating the situation.”

    The investigative teams will start their work immediately, and individuals or groups found to be involved will be apprehended, he said.

    “This task force is given strict orders to carry out a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned.”

    RNZ Pacific’s correspondent in PNG, Scott Waide, said the public was frustrated that police were yet to make arrests.

    He said police found it difficult to deal with the clans and arrest people who were armed.

    Waide said people were reluctant to give up weapons because it gave them a sense of security in tribal conflicts.

    “It is a difficult situation that both lawmakers, citizens and police are in. The longer this drags on and guns are in the hands of ordinary people, killing will continue.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cardin, Van Hollen, Mfume React to Federal Government’s Initial $102 Million Settlement with Dali Owner, Operator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.), released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) $101,980,000 settlement with the owner and operator of the Dali, the vessel that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The settlement, according to DOJ, will cover federal costs incurred to restore access to the Port of Baltimore.
    “The catastrophic loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge required a massive and coordinated response from all levels of government and the private sector. Those efforts removed about 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River and cleared the shipping channel faster than anyone predicted. The initial settlement that the U.S. Justice Department reached for cleanup costs is an important step in holding accountable the owner and operator of the Dali, the ship that caused this disaster,” said the lawmakers. “The federal government has properly stepped up to underwrite urgent and essential needs with an expectation that the appropriate parties will be held financially responsible for their actions. Congress should now act quickly to pass the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, which will ensure full federal backing of the bridge replacement costs, while the Justice Department, State of Maryland and other stakeholders keep up their work to reimburse the taxpayers to the fullest extent possible and provide justice for the families of those we lost.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamestown man pleads guilty to meth charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Willie C. Graham, 43, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of imprisonment of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that on September 6, 2023, Jamestown Police officers initiated a traffic stop on a car that Graham was a passenger in. Officers located numerous items of drug paraphernalia in the car, as well as a quantity of fentanyl on Graham’s person.

    On March 2, 2024, Graham was a passenger in a car that fled from law enforcement officers trying to conduct a traffic stop. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 11.6 grams of methamphetamine drug paraphernalia, and $1,134.00 cash.

    On April 30, 2024, Jamestown Police officers located and arrested Graham. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of 10 assorted bank and benefit cards, some of which were issued to individuals other than Graham, a quantity of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and $185.

    The plea is a result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    Sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Ross appoints 2024 District Election Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Bonanno has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of New York, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    U.S. Attorney Ross said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

    U.S. Attorney Ross stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Bonanno will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 716-843-5700.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 716-856-7800.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    U.S. Attorney Ross said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Monroe, Washington, man sentenced to 10 years in prison for role as “right hand man” in deadly drug distribution ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Seattle – A 42-year-old Monroe, Washington resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Humberto Garcia was convicted in April 2024 following a week-long trial. Garcia was arrested in December 2020 with seven other defendants tied to a drug trafficking ring distributing heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl throughout the Puget Sound region. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said, “Despite the fact that you had addiction you were involved in distributing very dangerous drugs.” Judge Jones also noted that Garcia was willing to provide a gun to the drug ring boss who sought to use violence to settle scores. “You were a willing and capable participant with loyalty to the drug ring leader,” Judge Jones said.

    “Mr. Garcia played an important role in the conspiracy, acting as a drug redistributor, local guide, interpreter, and link to other drug dealers,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “He continued to distribute fentanyl even after learning of a customer overdose death. His conduct contributed to the huge spike of fentanyl overdoses in our community.”

    According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Garcia’s car was searched on October 3, 2020, after drug ringleader Jose Luis Ibarra-Valle, 40, asked Garcia to get him a firearm to kill another drug distributor who owed him money. A few weeks later, Ibarra-Valle was stopped returning from a drug run to California. In the car authorities found approximately 10,000 pills that contained fentanyl, more than eight kilograms of methamphetamine, and more than a kilogram of heroin. These drug amounts count towards Garcia’s conviction as part of the conspiracy.

    When Garcia was arrested a few weeks later, he was found to have a firearm that matched the one he agreed to provide to Ibarra-Valle during the intercepted phone call mentioned above.

    Ibarra-Valle and the other coconspirators entered guilty pleas. Last year, Ibarra-Valle was sentenced to nine years in prison. The remaining coconspirators have been sentenced, with a range of sentences from time served, to over six years in prison. Garcia is the final defendant in this case and the only one who went to trial.

    Over the course of the investigation law enforcement seized 16,000 suspected fentanyl pills, 30 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and six pounds of suspected heroin.

    In asking for a lengthy prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court, “The wiretap revealed that Ibarra-Valle had excellent connections to sources of supply in California and/or Mexico for drugs, but little to no local knowledge of the drug market or customers here in Western Washington and no English skills. Garcia, by contrast, knew the area, knew the local drug market, and speaks both English and Spanish. As such, he was ideally placed to help Ibarra-Valle sell his product here in this District… Garcia’s possession of a firearm of course increased the danger he posed to the community.”

    Following prison, Garcia will be on five years of supervised release.

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

    The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, Washington State Patrol, Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, United States Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Stevens Police Department and Tulalip Police Department.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Michael Harder.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: East Bay Man Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For Fraud And Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – Freddie Lee Davis III, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to 24 months and a day in federal prison.  The sentence was handed down on Oct. 24, 2024, by the Hon. Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, United States District Judge.  Davis’ co-defendant, Sene Malepeai, also pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, and has yet to be sentenced.

    Davis and Malepeai, both 27, were charged by criminal complaint on June 30, 2023.  Davis was remanded to federal custody on Aug. 31, 2023, and has remained in custody since then.  Both defendants were charged by superseding information on July 19, 2024, with one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    The criminal complaint describes that on June 17, 2021, officers responded to a report of a robbery in the parking lot of a Costco in San Leandro. The victim of the robbery was an Asian female (identified in the complaint as “Q.D.”). The robbery took place in the store’s parking lot after the victim exited Costco. As she was walking to her vehicle, a car drove alongside Q.D. and an individual reached out of a window and grabbed hold of her purse from the moving car.  Q.D. held onto her purse and was dragged the width of several cars.  The car then sped away and Q.D. let go of her purse and fell to the ground, resulting in bodily injuries, including abrasions to her leg and swelling on her hand.  Several witnesses heard Q.D. scream, heard her body hit the asphalt, and saw a black Honda speed away from the incident.  Surveillance cameras revealed that the car had a license plate number registered to Davis.

    On Aug. 1, 2024, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  In Davis’ plea agreement, he acknowledged this robbery and admitted that he received some of the stolen items, including Q.D.’s MasterCard credit card.  Davis further admitted that days after the robbery, he knowingly and unlawfully possessed the credit card knowing it belonged to Q.D., and possessed it in relation to a violation of wire fraud.  In particular, he and co-defendant Malepeai used Q.D.’s credit card, while misrepresenting Malepeai as the lawful user of the credit card, to fraudulently purchase merchandise at a shoe store in San Leandro and make a number of other fraudulent purchases.

    In addition to sentencing Davis to 24 months and a day in federal prison, Judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered him to pay restitution in an amount to be determined and to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.  

    “Community members should be able to live their lives without fear of being robbed and having items stolen from them used fraudulently,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.  “We will vigorously prosecute these crimes and make sure that defendants like Mr. Davis face serious consequences for their misconduct.”

    On Sept. 17, 2024, Davis’ co-defendant Malepeai also pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Malepeai admitted that, on the day of the robbery, she was a passenger in a vehicle with three other individuals.  As detailed in Malepeai’s plea agreement, earlier that day, the three other occupants of the vehicle had discussed “going to Chinatown to rob Asian women with purses or jewelry.”  They first drove to Chinatown to look for Asians with purses, then went to the parking lot of a retail store, and eventually ended up at a Costco in San Leandro.  Two of the occupants in the vehicle had previously stated that they “preferred robbing Asians because they thought they have more money, and because Asians are ‘easy targets’ who don’t fight back,” according to Malepeai’s plea agreement.  After the robbery, the three other occupants of the vehicle divided up the stolen goods from Q.D.’s purse, including cash, credit cards, a checkbook, and two cell phones, as Malepeai admitted.  Malepeai further admitted to using Q.D.’s credit card, while misrepresenting herself as the lawful user of the credit card, to fraudulently purchase merchandise at a shoe store in San Leandro and make a number of other fraudulent purchases.

    Malepeai’s next hearing before Judge Gonzalez Rogers is set for Nov. 7, 2024.  

    The mandatory minimum penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years in prison, and the maximum statutory penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison.  However, any sentence following a conviction is imposed by a court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Cheng and Molly Priedeman are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Mimi Lam. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the San Leandro Police Department.  
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mfume, Cardin, Van Hollen React to Federal Government’s Initial $101.9 Million Settlement with Dali Owner, Operator

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Ben Cardinand Chris Van Hollen (all D-Md.), released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) $101,980,000 settlement with the owner and operator of the Dali, the vessel that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The settlement, according to DOJ, will cover federal costs incurred to restore access to the Port of Baltimore.

    “The catastrophic loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge required a massive and coordinated response from all levels of government and the private sector. Those efforts removed about 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River and cleared the shipping channel faster than anyone predicted. The initial settlement that the U.S. Justice Department reached for cleanup costs is an important step in holding accountable the owner and operator of the Dali, the ship that caused this disaster,” said the lawmakers. “The federal government has properly stepped up to underwrite urgent and essential needs with an expectation that the appropriate parties will be held financially responsible for their actions. Congress should now act quickly to pass the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, which will ensure full federal backing of the bridge replacement costs, while the Justice Department, State of Maryland and other stakeholders keep up their work to reimburse the taxpayers to the fullest extent possible and provide justice for the families of those we lost.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multiple Massachusetts Fugitives Arrested in Maine

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Maine, announce the arrest of multiple Massachusetts fugitives in the towns of Madison and Skowhegan, Maine.

    On October 24, 2024, the USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) located and apprehended a fugitive following a vehicle stop in Madison, Maine. The fugitive, identified as a juvenile, had warrants issued out of Bristol County, Massachusetts Superior Court for carrying a loaded firearm without license, carrying a firearm without license, assault & battery with a firearm, discharging a firearm within 500ft of a building, vandalizing property, and malicious damage to a motor vehicle. A firearm and an alleged
    quantity of drugs were also recovered.

    Today, Oct 25th, Kvon Brooks, 18, was located and apprehended in Skowhegan, Maine, on warrants issued out of Fall River, Massachusetts District Court for attempted murder, strangulation or suffocation, assault & battery on a family/household member, assault & battery on a pregnant victim, and vandalizing property. Brooks was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by U.S. Marshal Task Force members earlier this morning.

    Concurrent to Brooks’ arrest, another passenger, identified as a juvenile, was found to have outstanding warrants out of Bristol County, Massachusetts Superior Court for carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without license, possession of ammunition without FID card, possession of large capacity firearm, and trespass.

    The Massachusetts, the USMS New England HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Fugitive Task Force, Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), and the New Bedford, Massachusetts Police Department, worked collaboratively and provided information to the U.S. Marshals, Maine Violent Offender Task Force. All three subjects were arrested without incident and charged as fugitives from justice.

    The USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Maine National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

    If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any state or federal fugitive, please contact the United States Marshals Service at MED.TIPLINE@usdoj.gov, or submit a web tip.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 2, Eskdale closed

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 2, Eskdale is closed following a crash.

    The single vehicle crash was reported just after 2:40pm.

    Three people have been seriously injured.

    There are currently no detours available. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beatty Hails $169 Million from EPA As A Win for Equitable Clean Water Access

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  Earlier this week, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) announced over $169 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for upgrades to Ohio’s water infrastructure. 

    This funding is part of $3.6 billion in new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Combined with the $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, this $6.2 billion in investments for Fiscal Year 2025 will help communities across the country safely manage wastewater, protect local freshwater resources, and deliver safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses.  

       

    These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure.  The announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds for Ohio ($140,084,000), Emerging Contaminant funds ($12,092,000) and $17,253,000 under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.

    The new funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that a majority of the funding announced must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid. 

     

    “I’m proud to announce this $169 million investment in Ohio’s water infrastructure, particularly for communities long marginalized by poor water systems and pollution,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty.“This funding not only improves quality but also promotes justice and equity. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law remains a transformative force, and I’m honored to have helped secure this critical support for those who need it most.”

    “Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”

     

     

    EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

     

    For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.

    The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs. 

    For media inquiries, please contact Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW support for the Commonwealth community safety order scheme

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: NSW support for the Commonwealth community safety order scheme

    Published: 25 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Corrections

    The Australian Government and New South Wales Government have signed an agreement to support the Commonwealth’s implementation of its Community Safety Order (CSO) Scheme.

    As a result of the High Court’s decision in NZYQ v. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs & Anor, NZYQ and other similarly affected people were required to be released from immigration detention.

    The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for the CSO scheme, which seeks to ensure that individuals who pose an unacceptable risk to the community, who have no real prospect of being removed from Australia in the reasonably foreseeable future, are subject to either a community safety detention order or a community safety supervision order.

    New South Wales has agreed to support the Commonwealth’s delivery of services under the CSO Scheme, including the Community Safety Detention Order scheme (CSDO) and the Community Safety Supervision Order (CSSO) scheme.

    This will include – where it is ordered by a court – accommodation of CSDO offenders within Corrective Services NSW facilities, and assistance to the Australian Government with CSSO supervision case management.

    Corrective Services NSW support for therapeutic case management will be limited to development of case plans, assessments and the referral or provision of therapeutic programs.

    The Commonwealth will continue to be responsible for the monitoring of NZYQ affected people, including those on the CSSO scheme, and responding to any breaches of conditions.

    This support is in addition to the ongoing support provided to the Commonwealth by the NSW Police Force since the High Court’s decision in November 2023.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police to increase presence on Auckland public transport

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Aucklanders will see a greater Police presence on public transport services to boost safety and reassure public transport workers and passengers, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. 

    “Minister Brown and I are working together, alongside Police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific attack that took place in Onehunga,” Mr Mitchell says.

    “I want to acknowledge the outstanding Police work in identifying, locating and arresting the alleged offender.

    “This attack has shaken Aucklanders, and particularly public transport users. The Government utterly condemns this senseless and horrific loss of life, and is taking action to make public transport safer for workers and passengers alike,” Mr Mitchell says. 

    To increase safety and provide reassurance to public transport workers and users, Police have increased staff presence and visibility across public transport modes in the city.  

    “Kiwis deserve to be able to get on a bus, train or ferry and be safe doing so. That is why the Government is determined to create a safer environment for everyone on public transport.” 

    Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says he will be asking the Justice Select Committee to explore if changes are needed to the Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill for an expansion of aggravating factors to include offences to all public transport users 

    “An expansion could include making offences against all public transport users an aggravating factor, ensuring greater protection for those who rely on buses, trains, and ferries. The Bill already provides for a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers. 

    “This is about making sure that public transport remains safe for everyone, whether you are a worker or a passenger. It sends a clear message that violence and abuse in these spaces will not be tolerated,” Mr Brown says.

    In addition, the Government will ensure that the $15 million in Budget 2024 funding for bus driver safety and work conditions is provided to Public Transport Authorities by the end of 2024. This funding will be used for safety improvements, including retrofitted safety screens and real-time CCTV monitoring.

    “Our Government is committed to delivering practical, long-term improvements to ensure safer and more secure conditions for public transport workers and passengers. Whether it’s tougher sentencing or immediate safety upgrades, we are working to ensure that everyone who uses or works in public transport can do so with confidence,” Mr Brown says. 

    The Ministry of Transport and NZTA are also working together to ensure there is a consistent policy across New Zealand for how public transport workers can address anti-social or violent behaviour aboard public transport services. 

    Discussions will continue with Police and Public Transport Authorities about other measures may be needed for Kiwis to have greater assurance to use public transport.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Investigation under way following stabbing in Dagenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    An investigation continues following a stabbing in Dagenham.

    Police were called at approximately 17:35hrs on Friday, 25 October to reports of three people injured in First Avenue, Dagenham.

    Officers, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.

    A woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, and two children, a girl believed aged eight and a boy believed aged two, were found suffering stab injuries – they were all taken to hospital for treatment where they remain.

    None of their injuries are thought to be life threatening.

    A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He was also taken to hospital after being taken unwell. After being assessed he has been discharged into police custody.

    Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, responsible for policing in Barking and Dagenham, said:

    “This is a truly shocking attack and I want to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we deal with this incident.

    “At this early stage, we believe those involved were known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

    “A crime scene will remain in place for some time while our officers carry out vital work and you will see an increased policing presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns or information that could assist police then please speak to an officer or call police on 101.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD5931/25Oct. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission welcomes the consensus reached by G7 partners to collectively provide €45 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine

    Source: European Commission – Justice

    European Commission Press release Washington, DC, 26 Oct 2024 The Commission welcomes the consensus reached by the EU and G7 partners to collectively provide loans for €45 billion to support Ukraine’s urgent needs, facilitated by the EU’s creation of the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tabletop drill for sports park held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Police have staged the first inter-departmental tabletop exercise for the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), aimed at ensuring the park’s smooth operation when it is officially commissioned in the first quarter of 2025.

     

    Over 150 representatives from various government departments and related organisations participated in the exercise. Codenamed WINGEDTIGER, it was held yesterday at the force’s Kowloon East Regional Headquarters.

     

    The exercise simulated a series of potential incidents during concerts and international football matches, seeking to ensure that all stakeholders can respond to emergencies within the park effectively.

     

    Stakeholders were required to allocate manpower, adopt contingency measures, and co-ordinate actions with other units in response to different emergencies in real-time. Experts were invited to share their professional knowledge after the exercise.

     

    Police said the exercise not only strengthened communication and co-operation among various organisations, but also improved overall crowd management, collaboration, and responsiveness when handling large-scale incidents.

     

    It served as a rehearsal for various test events and on-site drills scheduled that will be carried out between now the first quarter of next year, the force added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ to visit Singapore

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SJ to visit Singapore
    SJ to visit Singapore
    *********************

         The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for Singapore tomorrow (October 27) afternoon to attend the 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference and related events.      Mr Lam will speak at a plenary session of the conference. As a member of the Chinese delegation, he will attend bilateral meetings between the delegation and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).      Accompanying Mr Lam on the visit will include the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Maggie Yang, and government counsel.      Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on October 30. During Mr Lam’s absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

     
    Ends/Saturday, October 26, 2024Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Statement on Federal Judge Ordering Youngkin Administration to Reinstate more than 1,600 Voters to Virginia’s Voter Rolls

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Scott Statement on Federal Judge Ordering Youngkin Administration to Reinstate more than 1,600 Voters to Virginia’s Voter Rolls

    NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus and Dean of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement on U.S. District Court Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles’ order requiring the Youngkin Administration to reinstate more than 1,600 voters who may have been illegally purged from Virginia’s voter rolls in violation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993:

    “I am pleased that a federal court has reinstated more than 1,600 voters to Virginia’s voter rolls. For the last three election cycles, I have been concerned that Governor Youngkin and his administration have arbitrarily removed eligible voters from the Commonwealth’s voter rolls, and I have been especially concerned that these purges have occurred so close to Election Day.

    “In the two weeks before the 2023 Virginia General Assembly elections, the Youngkin Administration improperly removed 3,400 qualified voters, possibly in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. In his August 7, 2024 executive order, the Governor ordered daily systematic purges of voters resulting in the potential illegal purge of more eligible voters. The National Voter Registration Act requires all states to complete any systematic removal of ineligible voters no later than 90 days prior to a federal election for voters to have adequate time to remedy any improper removal. In its review of these 1,600 voters, the U.S. Department of Justice found multiple instances of incorrect removals due to bureaucratic errors or mistakes made by the individual when filling out forms. Judge Tolliver Giles’ order recognizes that the Plaintiffs in this case are likely to succeed on the merits and would have suffered irreparable harm by denying their ability to exercise their right to vote at the ballot box on November 5th.

    “These efforts by Governor Youngkin and Republicans across the country are squarely within former President Trump’s playbook to undermine confidence in our elections and call into question the results of this November’s election if he does not win. There is no evidence that non-citizens are voting in any meaningful numbers, and to suggest otherwise is dishonest and only serves to undermine faith in our elections. These efforts only disenfranchise actual citizens from being able to exercise their right to vote. I expect the Governor and his administration to immediately reinstate these voters and notify them per the U.S. District Court’s order. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice must vigorously investigate these matters to protect the right to vote for all who are eligible and hold accountable all who violate the law.”

     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Worth Couple Tied to Two Overdose Deaths Sentenced to Combined 51 Years in Prison

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

    A Fort Worth couple linked to at least two overdose deaths was sentenced today to a combined 51 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

    Edward Taylor, 42, Tierrah “TT” Andrews, 29, were charged in March. Both pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. On Friday, Mr. Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman to 27 years in federal prison; Ms. Andrews was sentenced to just over 24 years in federal prison.

    “These drug traffickers callously disregarded the risks of the drugs they were selling, and as a result, two people died,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Traffickers know that fentanyl does not discriminate. It takes the lives of first-time users and long-term addicts alike. These round blue pills are fueling a crisis that is ripping apart families across America. The Justice Department—including this U.S. Attorney’s Office—will not relent until we see each and every fentanyl trafficker held accountable for the lives they destroyed.”

    “Although today’s sentencings will provide little solace to the families of those lost to the fentanyl scourge, it is a promising triumph in law enforcement’s fight against its vile spread. As we witness in this case, while investigating Federal firearms violations, ATF will occasionally uncover other illicit acts, such as the sale of illegal narcotics. Unbeknownst to the bad guys, law enforcement communicates better than they do. Making these crimes sentenced here today even more monstrous is the fact that Ms. Andrews was carrying a firearm to protect her venture while dealing her filth.  Together with our local partners and the DEA, we are committed to putting the bad actors poisoning our streets with fentanyl and carrying firearms in prison through any means necessary,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.   

    According to court documents, Mr. Taylor and Ms. Andrews admitted to trafficking cocaine and fentanyl pills out of a motel room and an apartment in Fort Worth’s Las Vegas Trail neighborhood.

    On Nov. 2, 2023, a 45-year-old man identified by the initials T.M. took a rideshare to the motel to purchase drugs from Mr. Taylor. Surveillance video showed the man briefly enter and exit Mr. Taylor’s room. Hours later, the victim’s mother found his body in his bedroom next to a crushed M-30 pill containing fentanyl.  Four additional M-30 pills were found in a nicotine box inside the victim’s room.

    Less than three months later, on Jan. 26, 2024, a 21-year-old man identified by the initials K.S. texted Ms. Andrews requesting “rocks n blues” (slag for crack cocaine and fentanyl pills). Cell phone data showed he took a rideshare to a gas station near her apartment, walked to her place, and paid her $77 via CashApp. Later that day, his sister found his body, where blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl, white powder, and a glass pipe were later found.

    That same month, a source of information reported to police he had purchased crack cocaine and fentanyl pills from a couple trafficking out of Fort Worth. He provided Ms. Andrews’ phone number and Mr. Taylor’s CashApp account. Another source of information confirmed that he too had purchased crack cocaine and “percs” (another slang term for pills) from Mr. Taylor and Ms. Andrews for several months. He reported that the couple generally had a “k-pack” of 1,000 blue M-30 pills in plain view.

    On Jan. 27,  law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ms. Andrews’ apartment,  where they found 270 blue M-30 pills, 2.8 grams of cocaine, 6.6 grams of methamphetamine, a drug ledger (also known as a “pay owe” book), and 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. On Ms. Andrews’ person, agents found a privately manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun,” loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. She explained to officers that she dealt drugs provided by Mr. Taylor and carried the pistol ”so no one does anything to me.”

    On Feb. 29, 2024, an ATF undercover agent and a confidential informant purchased approximately 6.28 grams of blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl from Ms. Andrews at her apartment for $275. They observed Mr. Taylor asking Ms. Andrews about the transaction while she bagged up the blue M-30 pills inside the apartment. The transaction was completed outside, in the undercover agent’s vehicle. The defendants were arrested a week later in possession of additional blue M-30 pills and firearms, despite both being convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms.

    When confronted with photos of the victims, Mr. Taylor admitted to selling to T.M. and Ms. Andrews admitted to selling to K.S. Autopsies later confirmed both men suffered fatal drug overdoses.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives Dallas Field Division – Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation as part of a Fort Worth Violent Crime Initiative, with the assistance of the Fort Worth Police Department and the Parker County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Capture Memphis Murder Suspect in Minneapolis

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Memphis, TN – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in the Western District of Tennessee and the District of Minnesota coordinated to capture a fugitive, Jaylon Remus, 25, of Memphis. Remus was wanted for first degree murder, aggravated assault, especially aggravated robbery, and reckless endangerment out of Shelby County, Tennessee.

    On September 4, 2024, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Remus out of Shelby County. The USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Memphis adopted the case the same day. The TRVFTF developed information that Remus had fled to the Minneapolis area and requested the USMS in Minnesota for help in locating him.

    On October 21st, deputy marshals from the North Star Fugitive Task Force in Minneapolis tracked Remus to a family member’s house in the City of Medina outside the Minneapolis area. Remus surrendered to deputies at the front door of the residence and is pending extradition back to Tennessee.

    The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 2,600 violent offenders and sexual predators.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dundurn — Saskatoon RCMP: woman charged after fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 19, 2024 at approximately 9:45 p.m., Saskatoon RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway #11, one kilometre north of Dundurn.

    Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined a truck and an SUV collided in the southbound lanes. The truck was driving northbound in the southbound lanes.

    The driver and passenger of the SUV were declared deceased by EMS at the scene. They have been identified as a 50-year-old female and 20-year-old female from Lake Isle, AB. Their families have been notified.

    Two occupants of the truck, both children, were taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

    The adult female driver of the truck did not report injuries to police. She was arrested at the scene of the collision.

    As a result of continued investigation, 32-year-old Brittany Barry from the RM of Blucher is charged with:

    • two counts, operate a conveyance while impaired over 80 mg causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, operate a conveyance while impaired over 80 mg causing bodily harm, Section 320.14(s), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, criminal negligence causing death, Section 220(b), Criminal Code; and
    • two counts, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, Section 221, Criminal Code.

    Brittany Barry is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on October 21, 2024.

    The highway was closed for approximately six hours during initial investigation.

    The investigation continues. Saskatoon RCMP believes there are witnesses to this collision who they have not spoken to. If you witnessed the collision or stopped at the scene and have not yet spoken with police, contact Saskatoon RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Involving Drug and Firearms Trafficking

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

    BOSTON – A Boston area man pleaded guilty today to his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang.

    Jose Afonseca, 32, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 30, 2025.   

    During the investigation, Afonseca was identified as member of the Cameron Street gang, who worked with other Cameron Street members to distribute hundreds of grams of cocaine and cocaine base, more commonly referred to as “crack” cocaine, from a stash house in Somerville. Afonseca was recorded discussing his ability to acquire illegal firearms and was recorded selling two firearms and over 30 rounds of ammunition to a cooperating witness. On Aril 15, 2022, agents executed a series of arrest and search warrants in this case. Three hundred ninety-eight grams of cocaine, along with packaging materials, two hydraulic presses, a digital scale, a cell phone, and $14,986 in U.S. currency were seized from the stash house.

    According to court documents, Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect, and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear, and enhance its reputation.

    The charge of RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years, a $5 million fine, and a minimum four years supervised release up to life. The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force 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 to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage man charged with firearm crime connected to September encounter with Anchorage Police

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

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging an Anchorage man with being a felon in possession of a firearm during an encounter with the police.

    According to court documents and a press release from the Anchorage Police Department (APD), on Sept. 23, 2024, Jalen Baker, 23, possessed a firearm during an encounter with police.

    The release alleges APD officers responded to a shooting in Anchorage where two victims were shot. Officers located the shooting suspect in a nearby trailer home park. The suspect fired at responding officers, striking one in the lower body, and barricaded himself inside a trailer home.

    The investigation identified the suspect as Baker and he was taken into custody at the scene. At the time of the event, Baker had a prior felony conviction for assault in the State of Alaska in 2022.

    Baker is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm at a school zone. The defendant will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge from the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais and Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Anchorage Police Department, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wetzel County Man Admits to Firearms Charge

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

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Talon D. Feucht, age 30, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, pled guilty to the unlawful possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Moundsville Police arrested Feucht on an outstanding warrant on an entering without breaking charge in Marshall County. During the arrest, Feucht admitted to having a firearm in his bag. A search of the bag resulted in the seizure of a .38 caliber firearm and ammunition. Feucht is prohibited from having firearms because of two prior felony theft convictions.

    Feucht faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Moundsville Police Department investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laredo resident sent to prison for second felon in possession of firearm conviction

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

    HOUSTON – A 41-year-old man has been sentenced for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    Fernando Perez pleaded guilty July 9. 

    U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Perez to serve 71 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. 

    The case began June 12, 2019, when authorities conducted an investigation into illegal firearms trafficking in Webb County.

    Law enforcement identified Perez as the individual who was illegally selling semi-automatic rifles on the streets of Laredo. The investigation revealed Perez illegally sold a Stag Arms, model Stag 15, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle for $2,000 in broad daylight. 

    At the time of the illegal sale, Perez already had a prior 2012 felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

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

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from the Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Andrew Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –